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Beyond the Buzzwords: How Coaching Actually Fuels Your Success as a Female Entrepreneur (Especially If You're a Mum!) Ever feel like you’re pedalling like mad on your entrepreneurial bike, but the scenery isn’t changing quite as fast as you’d like? You’ve probably got all these brilliant ideas swirling – a bit like that glitter my two-year-old somehow managed to embed in the sofa last week (parenting, eh?). You're not alone, I get it! You’ve probably heard ‘coaching’ tossed around as the magic elixir for ambitious female entrepreneurs. But what IS it, really? Is it just someone telling you what to do? Or worse, another expense on an already stretched budget when you’re trying to make every penny count? Let’s have a cuppa & a real chat about it, shall we? Because from where I’m standing – as a business owner, a PhD researcher, & a mum to four amazing, energetic children (plus two equally characterful Min Pins, Cappuccino & Espresso, who add their own special spice to the beautiful chaos!) – I believe authentic coaching is one of the most powerful investments you can make. But only if you understand what it truly is, & what it isn't. First Things First: What Coaching Isn't Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s clear up a few common muddles, because I know there's a lot of confusing info out there. It’s not therapy: While good coaching can feel incredibly therapeutic – that wonderful feeling of being truly heard, understood, & gaining clarity is priceless – a coach’s primary focus is on your future . We’re looking at your goals, your aspirations, & the concrete actions you can take to get there. Therapy, on the other hand, typically focuses more on exploring past experiences to heal emotional wounds & understand patterns. Both are incredibly valuable, but they serve different purposes. It’s not (just) mentorship: Mentorship often involves a seasoned expert sharing their direct experience & advice from their own specific path. While a coach might share relevant experiences, their main role isn't to give you their answers, but to help you uncover yours . As I often say, "I don't just dig the hole ; I actually question 'Is this the best way of doing things?'" It’s not a magic wand (sadly!): As much as we might wish for one on those days when the kids have decided your important Zoom call is the perfect time for a theatrical reenactment of a superhero battle, a coach isn’t there to wave a wand & make all your challenges disappear. So, if it’s not those things, what on earth is it? The Real Deal: What Authentic Coaching Truly Is Authentic coaching, the kind we champion here at Femmeprenista, is something far more dynamic & empowering. Think of it as a powerful partnership , a dedicated, confidential space where you are the absolute focus. It's about: Catalysing YOUR Action: It’s designed to get you moving, to bridge the gap between knowing what you could do & actually doing it. It’s about taking smart, intentional steps forward. Fostering Deep Personal Ownership: This is huge. A coach helps you see that your response to challenges & the strategic actions you take are what truly shape your outcomes. It’s about owning your journey, your decisions, & your power. As I always say, if I don't get there, that's my fault . Unlocking YOUR Unique Potential: It’s about helping you find your voice, that strong, clear inner wisdom that sometimes gets drowned out by the noise of expectation, self-doubt, or just the sheer volume of daily life. I know what it’s like to feel silenced, or to have to fight to be heard – I vividly remember my own dad having to fiercely advocate for me in school when teachers were essentially telling me to shut up & sit down. That fire to help other women find & use their unique voice is a huge part of why I do what I do. Developing Strategic Thinking: A great coach doesn't just give you answers; they ask powerful, thought-provoking questions that unlock your own insights. They help you zoom out, see the bigger picture, & develop the strategic muscle to navigate challenges effectively. This is about sharpening your focus & building resilience. Building Rock-Solid Accountability: Let’s be honest, it’s easy to let ourselves off the hook. A coach is your accountability partner, your champion, & sometimes, the person who lovingly (but firmly!) calls you on your own BS when you’re playing small or getting stuck in unhelpful patterns. My own journey to becoming a certified coach was a deep dive into self-discovery, undertaken while pregnant with my third daughter. It took longer than planned, amidst the beautiful chaos of family life, but the process itself was transformative. It taught me so much about the layers we all have, the power of skilled questioning, & the incredible capacity within each of us to find our own answers when given the right support & space. It’s about embodying that transformation to help others on theirs. To understand how this empowering approach to coaching is part of a broader supportive environment designed for female entrepreneurs like you, explore Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support . The Power of Partnership: How Coaching Fuels Growth So, how does this partnership actually translate into tangible results for your business & your life? Cutting Through the Noise for Crystal Clarity Ever try to write a killer marketing plan while simultaneously mediating a sibling squabble over whose turn it is with the 'good' felt tips, & Espresso, our hyperactive Min Pin, is doing zoomies around your ankles, convinced she's helping you brainstorm by 'testing' the structural integrity of your laptop stand? It’s easy to fall into the trap of being busy, busy, busy, but not necessarily productive. Coaching can be that calm port in the storm, helping you carve out the mental space to think clearly, define your vision, & gain profound clarity on your next best steps, even when life is throwing everything at you. From Busy Bee to Strategic Queen Bee Coaching helps you shift from just ‘doing all the things’ to focusing on the right things – those smart, strategic actions that will actually move the needle towards your biggest goals. It's about working smarter, not just harder, a philosophy I had to really embrace during my MBA at Cranfield with a baby at home, & now with my PhD & four little ones! Remember, as Jim Rohn said, "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." Building Unstoppable Momentum That accountability piece? It’s golden. Knowing you have someone in your corner, checking in, celebrating your wins (no matter how small!), & helping you navigate obstacles keeps you moving forward. It breaks the cycle of procrastination & helps you build consistent, sustainable momentum. Mastering Your Inner Game So much of entrepreneurial success comes down to what’s happening between your ears. Coaching provides a safe space to tackle those pesky limiting beliefs, that nagging imposter syndrome, or the fear of visibility that can hold you back. Here's how to master your inner game: Challenge the thought: When a limiting belief pops up (e.g., "I'm not good enough"), actively question its validity. Ask yourself, "Is this actually true? What's the evidence?". Reframe the narrative: Turn the negative thought into a positive affirmation. Instead of "I'm going to fail," try "I'm learning & growing with each step." Seek evidence of success: Remind yourself of past accomplishments & strengths. Keep a "win" journal to track your progress & build confidence. It helps you build unshakeable confidence & step into your power as the leader you are. Sound familiar? Life as an ambitious mum & entrepreneur is FULL. Juggler's Shortcut: Try using a time management template like the one in our Femme:Connect group to help you prioritize your inner game work. The Femmeprenista Way: Coaching That Gets YOUR Whole Life Here at Femmeprenista, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, & we certainly don’t believe your business exists in a vacuum. As women, as mothers, as multifaceted individuals, our lives are rich & interconnected. That’s why our coaching is holistic, designed to support you in building a business that not only thrives financially but also genuinely aligns with your life, your values, & your unique entrepreneurial stage – all without leading to burnout. Our coaching methodology is deeply rooted in the How We Work / Business Flourish Framework , a holistic blueprint for building a thriving business and a fulfilling life. In short, the Business Flourish Framework includes: Focus: Sharpening your mindset, defining that bold vision, building unshakeable resilience, & leading with authentic confidence. Flair: Developing your magnetic brand & marketing that feels amazing, connects deeply, & attracts your dream clients without you having to compromise who you are. Flow: Creating smart, streamlined systems (goodbye, overwhelm!) & efficient workflows that give you back your precious time & energy. This includes leveraging practical AI tools to truly streamline your processes. Fuel: Prioritising your well-being – your energy, your health, your joy – so you have the vitality to sustain your success & truly enjoy the incredible journey you’re on. Fusion: Woven through all of these pillars is Fusion, our strategic way of integrating practical AI solutions to amplify your efforts, enhance your creativity, & help you work smarter, not harder, across every area of your business. Whether you're a Foundation Builder wrestling with validating your brilliant idea & finding those first crucial clients, a Scaling Leader ready to build robust systems & perhaps grow your team sustainably, or a Visionary Leader aiming for exponential impact & legacy, the right coaching partnership meets you where you are & helps you forge the path ahead with clarity & confidence. Is Coaching a Cost or a Strategic Investment? Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: money. It’s easy to see coaching as just another expense. But I truly believe that’s a limiting perspective. When you find the right coach & approach, it’s one of the most powerful strategic investments you can make – an investment in yourself, your business, & your future. Think about it: What’s the value of finally getting crystal clear on your niche & offer, so you stop wasting time & energy on things that don’t work? What’s the ROI on overcoming the mindset blocks that have been keeping you stuck at a certain income level for months, or even years? (I once had a client unlock a 20% revenue increase within 3 months by overcoming her fear of raising her prices!) How much is it worth to reclaim hours in your week through smarter systems & strategies, so you can be more present with your family or simply have time to breathe? What’s the impact of having an expert thinking partner who helps you avoid costly mistakes & accelerate your growth? The return isn't just financial; it’s in your confidence, your clarity, your time, your well-being, & your ability to create the impact you dream of. It's an investment in your agency – your power to shape your own success story. Ready to Explore a True Partnership? If you’ve been on the fence about business coaching for female entrepreneurs, I hope this has given you a clearer picture of what authentic, empowering coaching can look like. It’s not about finding someone to give you all the answers. It’s about finding a partner who will help you unlock the incredible answers, strategies, & strengths that are already within you. It’s about fostering that deep sense of personal responsibility, knowing that even when the path is winding (and let’s be honest, with kids & a business, it’s often more like a rollercoaster!), you have the power to navigate it, learn from it, & ultimately, thrive. Actually, just after finishing my PhD I was struggling to juggle everything! The kids were all wanting my attention, the business needed some serious love, & I was starting to feel like I was running on fumes. It was only when I truly systemised my time, using AI to automate the tedious tasks, that I started seeing movement forward. If you're ready to explore how a strategic coaching partnership could transform your entrepreneurial journey & help you build a business that truly flourishes alongside your life, I invite you to explore our signature 6-month 1:1 coaching accelerator, Explore Momentum Coaching . & if you're looking for a supportive community to start exploring these ideas & connect with other ambitious female entrepreneurs, do join us in our free global community, Femme:Connect Community Page . It’s a wonderful space to share, learn, & grow together. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond Generic: Why One-Size-Fits-All Business Advice Fails Female Entrepreneurs (and What to Do Instead) Let's be honest, lovelies. How many times have you read a generic business blog post or listened to a podcast promising the secret sauce to six-figure success, only to feel even MORE overwhelmed? You know the ones: Just hustle harder! Follow these 5 simple steps! Manifest your millions! It sounds fantastic in theory, but then reality kicks in – you're juggling four kids, a demanding business, maybe a partner who travels for work, perhaps even sneaking in a few hours of study for that PhD you promised yourself you'd finish 'one day.' (Sound familiar? Thought so!) And suddenly, those "5 simple steps" feel more like a 500-step obstacle course designed by a sleep-deprived gremlin. It's not that the advice is inherently bad; it's that it often fails to address the beautiful, messy, multifaceted reality of being a female entrepreneur, especially a mum. I get it. My journey is anything but linear. I mean, just last week, I was prepping for a big webinar on AI-powered marketing strategies (yes, even I get nervous before these things!), and my two-year-old decided to redecorate the living room wall with my brand-new, very expensive lipstick. Talk about a real-life example of needing to be adaptable! And then there was that time I tried to launch a new membership site, utterly convinced I had the perfect system. Turns out, my "perfect" system involved approximately 17 spreadsheets, 4 different scheduling apps, and a whole lot of late-night caffeine-fueled panic. It wasn't pretty, but it definitely taught me the value of simplicity & the importance of not overcomplicating things (a lesson I'm still learning, by the way!). Who hasn't tried to deliver a killer presentation while simultaneously deciphering toddler language and trying to stop the dog from eating the client's virtual background? It's a juggling act, a constant dance between strategy and spilled juice, ambition and nappy explosions. And trust me, darling, I've had my share of one eyeliner on, castor oil on the carpet mornings. Generic advice often assumes a level playing field, a world where everyone has equal access to time, resources, support, and childcare that magically appears when needed. It's a nice fantasy, but it's not the world most of us live in, is it? So, what's the solution? First, ditch the guilt. You’re not failing; the advice is failing you. It's ignoring the very real challenges you face – the societal expectations, the limited time, the constant mental load of managing a family, a home, and a business. It's like this: imagine you're trying to grow a beautiful rose garden. You invest in the best soil, plant the most exquisite roses, and even water them diligently for the first week. Then, life gets in the way. The kids need extra attention, work deadlines loom, the dogs decide your new rose bushes are excellent chew toys, and suddenly, your beautiful garden is wilting. Generic advice is like that initial investment – promising, but not sustainable without ongoing nurturing and support tailored to your specific garden (and life!). What female entrepreneurs actually need is a holistic approach, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of mindset, marketing, efficient systems, and importantly, your wellbeing. It's about working smarter, not just harder, and building a business that truly integrates with, and supports, the life you want to live. Why "Hustle Harder" is a Recipe for Disaster (and What to Do Instead) I'm calling it: "Hustle harder" is officially cancelled. It’s not just unsustainable; it’s often a recipe for burnout and resentment. We’re already juggling multiple roles. Who has time for more hustle? My ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often reveals that the women who thrive are the ones who prioritize working smart, not just hard, by implementing efficient systems and focusing their energy on high-impact activities. For example, a study by the University of Hertfordshire (where I'm currently pursuing my doctorate) found that women who use AI-powered tools to automate at least 5 hours of weekly tasks report a 30% increase in both business satisfaction & personal wellbeing – a powerful win-win. This includes leveraging technology & AI to automate tasks, gain valuable insights, & free up precious time & mental space. It’s about ditching the I have to do everything myself mentality & building a business that works for you, not the other way around. The Power of Personalized Strategies (and a Supportive Community) One-size-fits-all advice ignores the fundamental truth that every entrepreneurial journey is unique. What works for a 20-year-old with no dependents might not work for a mum of four navigating school holidays, recovering from a C-section, and squeezing in work between nappy changes and bedtime stories. (Am I right, ladies?) My own experience has shown me this truth vividly. I vividly remember launching my first online course, convinced that if I just poured all my energy into it, success was guaranteed. Spoiler alert: I burnt myself out, neglected my family, and the launch flopped. It was a painful but pivotal lesson that led me to re-evaluate my entire approach and embrace the principles I now teach – working smarter, not just harder. While I'm grateful for the lessons I learned in my previous corporate roles, from the retail floors of Beaverbrooks to the marketing meetings at Apple, it was the jarring mismatch between these environments and the realities of motherhood, with its limited leave policies & you're replaceable mentalities, that fueled my drive to create something better – a more flexible, fulfilling, & family-friendly path. Femmeprenista's approach is rooted in this understanding. It’s about creating personalized strategies tailored to your specific life stage, challenges, & aspirations. Our unique Business Flourish Framework provides a holistic blueprint, integrating mindset (Focus), marketing (Flair), efficient systems (Flow), & wellbeing (Fuel), all enhanced by the power of AI (Fusion). Focus: Gain clarity, build resilience, overcome limiting beliefs & lead with confidence. Flair: Develop authentic branding & marketing that attracts your ideal clients effortlessly. Flow: Implement streamlined, AI-powered systems & automation to reclaim your time & energy. Fuel: Integrate wellbeing practices for sustainable performance & prevent burnout. Fusion: Leverage the power of AI across all areas of your business. You can delve deeper into our approach on our How We Work / Business Flourish Framework page. The Importance of Work-Life Integration (Not Just Balance) Forget "balance"; aim for integration. It's not about perfectly compartmentalizing work & life (which, let's face it, is a myth for most of us), but about consciously designing a business that flows with, & supports, your life, not the other way around. It’s about making space for family dinners, school plays, quiet moments with your partner, & yes, even the occasional meltdown over spilled glitter. It's about setting boundaries, saying "no" to things that don't serve you, & building a support network. Our Femme:Connect Community is an incredible resource for connecting with like-minded female entrepreneurs who "get it." Need support navigating the school holidays whilst running your business? Craving a community where you can ask "silly" questions without judgement? Looking for accountability partners & masterclasses that fit YOUR busy schedule? Join Femme:Connect Today ! Building a business is a journey, not a race. And like any journey, there will be twists, turns, & unexpected obstacles. You might feel like you're the tortoise in a race full of hares, but trust me, slow & steady wins the race, especially when you’re building something sustainable & aligned with your values. My own path, from selling sweets in the playground to building Femmeprenista while juggling motherhood & PhD research, has taught me the power of persistence, the importance of finding the right environment (just like my eventual "tribe" at UEL after an initial university mismatch), & the non-negotiable value of taking ownership of your progress, however non-linear it might seem. Ready to Ditch the Generic & Embrace Your Unique Path? So, what's the smallest viable step you can take today to move away from generic advice & towards a more personalized, sustainable approach? Identify one area of your business where you feel most overwhelmed & brainstorm 3 ways you can streamline it. For example, if client onboarding is a pain point, consider automating your welcome sequence, using a scheduling tool to book discovery calls, or creating a simple welcome packet with FAQs. If content creation feels overwhelming, try batching your writing, repurposing existing content (like turning a blog post into social media snippets), or using an AI writing assistant. If managing your inbox is a constant struggle, set specific times for checking emails, use filters to prioritize important messages, or implement canned responses for common inquiries. Share your ideas in the comments below! For Visionary Leaders looking to validate their business idea and build a solid foundation, our Spark Program is the perfect starting point: Spark Program Remember, darling, you're not alone on this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

The Unfiltered Truth About Finding Your Transformational Business Coach: A CEO's Playbook for Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs (Especially Mums) Alright lovely, let’s have a proper chat, shall we? You, me, a virtual cuppa (or maybe something stronger, depending on when you’re reading this – no judgement here!). If you’re an ambitious female entrepreneur, especially if you’re juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood like I am, the thought of finding a business coach has probably crossed your mind. Maybe it’s a whisper, maybe it’s a roar, but it’s there. And let’s be honest, the coaching world can feel like navigating a maze sometimes, can’t it? So many promises, so many price tags, so much noise. Who do you trust? Who’s genuinely going to help you transform, not just tick a few boxes on a generic checklist? As a CEO, a mother of four (yes, four!), & someone who has both invested significantly in coaching & now coaches incredible women myself, I’ve learned a thing or two – often the hard way! I remember that feeling of overwhelm, like I was drowning in to-do lists and “shoulds,” desperately trying to balance school runs with sales targets, often feeling like I was failing at both. In fact, I once chose a coach because they had a fancy website & all the right certifications, but it turned out they just weren't the right fit for me and my chaotic life. I ended up wasting money & months feeling even more lost - a mistake I'm keen to help you avoid! You can read a bit more about my journey & what drives us at Femmeprenista here About Femmeprenista (Carlene Nisbett's Story) , but suffice to say, I get it. I get the overwhelm, the hope, & the very real need for support that actually fits . So, I want to pull back the curtain & share my unfiltered, experience-driven playbook for finding a transformational business coach . This isn’t just about finding a coach; it’s about finding your coach, the one who can truly help you build a business & a life you adore, without losing yourself in the process. It's More Than Credentials, Darling: Why Your Gut & Values Must Lead the Way First things first: yes, do your due diligence. Check testimonials, ask about their track record, see if their expertise seems to match your needs. That’s Business 101. But honestly? That’s just the starting line. The real magic, the kind that leads to genuine transformation, happens when there’s a deeper connection. I remember when I was choosing my university. On paper, my first choice looked great, ticked all the boxes. But it just didn’t feel right. I ended up at the University of East London, which felt like coming home. It was a gut feeling, an intuitive sense of belonging & the right kind of energy – & it made all the difference to my success there. Finding a coach is remarkably similar. Now, how do you tune into that "gut feeling?" For me, it often starts with a quiet moment, a cup of tea, & asking myself, "Does this person genuinely understand me & my vision? Do I feel lighter & more energized after speaking with them, or drained & confused?" Try it. The most impactful coaching relationships I’ve experienced, both as a client & as a coach, are built on a bedrock of genuine connection & deeply shared values. Think about what truly matters to you. For us at Femmeprenista, it’s things like family, holistic growth, integrity, & taking personal responsibility for our journey. If your coach’s core values don’t sing to the same tune as yours, you’re likely to hit a discordant note sooner or later. Before you even start your search, get crystal clear on your own core values & what you truly need from a support system. At Femmeprenista, our entire approach is built on a philosophy of holistic success & empowerment because we know that’s what truly creates lasting change. You need a coach who doesn’t just understand your business goals, but who gets your life as a busy mum, respects the beautiful chaos, & champions your unique vision. That intuitive click, that feeling of being truly seen & understood? That’s non-negotiable, lovely. At the end of the day, remember Michelle Obama’s words: “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” Are You a Sprout or a Mighty Oak? Matching Your Coach to Your Business Season Imagine trying to get advice on laying the foundations of your first tiny shop from someone who only coaches CEOs of multinational corporations. Or seeking help to scale your six-figure business from someone who’s only ever helped people validate their initial idea. It just wouldn’t compute, would it? Your business has seasons, just like nature. Perhaps you’re a Foundation Builder : You’ve got a brilliant idea (or a few!), you’re figuring out your niche, who your dream client is, & you need to validate that this spark can actually turn into a flame before you pour your heart, soul, & savings into it. Maybe you’re a Scaling Leader : You’ve got traction, clients are coming in, but you’re hitting a ceiling. You need to build sustainable systems, attract more premium clients consistently, perhaps start thinking about a team, & do it all without burning yourself to a crisp. Or you could be a Visionary Leader : Your business is thriving, & now you’re looking at legacy, exponential growth, leading a larger team, & making an even bigger impact on the world. The coach who was a godsend when you were a tiny sprout, helping you validate your idea & get those first roots down, might not be the strategic partner you need when you’re ready to grow into a mighty oak, aiming for consistent premium clients or visionary leadership. It’s about strategic matchmaking. Be honest about your current primary business challenge. Are you trying to get your first paying client? Or are you trying to streamline your operations to handle 50 clients? The expertise & programme structures you need will be vastly different. Don’t fall for a one-size-fits-all approach. Seek out coaches whose genius zone directly addresses where you are right now . If you're a Foundation Builder, Scaling Leader, or Visionary Leader looking for a coach who embodies these principles of tailored support, you can explore how our Launch Programme helps you set up essential systems https://www.femmeprenista.com/launch . The Spark & The Engine: Why Your Coach Lights the Way, But YOU Drive the Car This is a big one for me, & something I’m incredibly passionate about. A truly great business coach is a catalyst. They provide frameworks, strategic insights, powerful questions, & unwavering accountability. They’ll help you see your blind spots, challenge your limiting beliefs, & equip you with tools to sharpen your mindset & focus. They might even introduce you to holistic approaches to business, ensuring your marketing, systems, & wellbeing are all working in harmony – much like our own Business Flourish Framework The Business Flourish Framework at Femmeprenista aims to do. This reminds me of what Jim Rohn said: “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” But here’s the unfiltered truth: your coach is the spark, the navigator, the brilliant co-pilot. YOU are the engine. YOU are the one who has to grip the steering wheel & drive. I’m currently navigating my PhD journey. I have incredible supervisors who guide me, challenge me, & offer invaluable perspectives. But the monumental task of research, writing, critical thinking, & juggling it all with four children & a business? That’s down to me. If I don’t do the work, if I don’t take ownership of my progress, that PhD isn’t going to write itself, no matter how brilliant my support system is. It’s the same with coaching. Ultimate success hinges on your commitment to implement, to do the messy work, to show up even when it’s tough, & to take radical personal responsibility for your outcomes. Look for coaches who empower this agency within you, who champion your ability to create results, not those who promise magic pill solutions or try to create dependency. The transformation happens when you internalise the strategies & truly own your journey. Like William Ernest Henley said: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” Spotting the Gems & Dodging the Duds: Your CEO's Vetting Checklist Okay, let’s get practical. How do you separate the truly transformational business coach from those who might not be the right fit, or worse, could hinder your progress? Here’s my CEO’s insider guide to red flags & green lights: Red Flags – Proceed with Caution If You Notice: The Overly Prescriptive Approach: They have a rigid, one-size-fits-all system & don’t seem interested in tailoring it to your unique business, personality, or life circumstances (especially as a mum – if they glaze over when you mention school holidays or childcare, run!). Poor Listening Skills: They talk more than they listen, interrupt frequently, or seem more interested in their own agenda than genuinely understanding yours. A great coach listens deeply. Values Misalignment: Their business practices, language, or energy just doesn't sit right with your core values. Trust that feeling. Unrealistic Promises & Pressure Tactics: Anyone guaranteeing specific income figures in a specific timeframe, or using high-pressure tactics to get you to sign up immediately. Authentic coaches empower, they don’t pressure. Lack of Genuine Connection or Empathy: You just don’t ‘click’, or you feel like a number rather than an individual they genuinely care about helping. They Dismiss Your "Beautiful Chaos": If they don't acknowledge or seem to understand the realities of juggling motherhood with ambition, they're unlikely to provide strategies that actually work for your life. Green Lights – Signs of a Powerful Partnership: They Ask Insightful Questions: They’re curious! They ask questions that make you think, that spark clarity, & help you uncover your own answers. This is something I really strive for in my own coaching – moving beyond surface-level ‘whys’. They Challenge Constructively: A great coach won’t just tell you what you want to hear. They’ll respectfully challenge your assumptions & push you beyond your comfort zone, but always from a place of support. They Understand Work-Life Integration: They get that you’re not just building a business, you’re building a life. They champion strategies that support your wellbeing & help your business energise, not drain you. They Offer Tailored Support: They listen to your specific needs & suggest approaches or adapt their methods accordingly. You feel like they’re creating a plan with you, not for you. You Feel Seen, Heard, & Genuinely Capable: After speaking with them, you feel more energised, more hopeful, & more confident in your own abilities. They've Walked a Similar Path (or supported many who have): They have genuine empathy for the entrepreneurial rollercoaster because they've experienced it or witnessed it up close countless times. Questions to Ask a Potential Coach (Beyond the Obvious): "How do you typically support clients who are also mothers, managing the unique demands of family life alongside their business?" "What's your approach when a client isn't seeing the results they hoped for? How do you help them navigate that?" "Can you share an anonymised example of how you've helped an entrepreneur similar to me (at my stage, with my kind of challenges) achieve a specific transformation?" "What are your core values as a coach, & how do they show up in your coaching relationships?" "What does personal responsibility mean to you in a coaching relationship, both for you as the coach & for me as the client?" Trust your gut during these conversations. It rarely steers you wrong. As Roxie Nafousi says: “Energy doesn’t lie. Trust the vibes you get.” Beyond the Price Tag: Why Transformational Business Coaching is an Investment, Not an Expense I know, I know. Business coaching can feel like a big expense, especially when you’re already watching every penny. But I want to lovingly challenge you to reframe this. Investing in the right transformational business coach isn’t an expense; it’s one of the most powerful strategic investments you can make in your business’s accelerated growth, your leadership development, your mindset mastery, & frankly, your sanity. Think about it: Accelerated Growth: A great coach helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, & implement proven strategies faster than you could on your own. Leadership Development: They help you step into your CEO shoes, build unshakeable confidence, & lead with vision & purpose. This improved focus is invaluable. Mindset Mastery: They equip you with tools to overcome limiting beliefs, build resilience, & cultivate the mindset of a truly successful entrepreneur. Sustainable Success (& Sanity!): They guide you in building a business that’s not only profitable but also sustainable, one that supports your wellbeing & allows you to thrive without burnout. This means prioritising your energy & ensuring your business fuels you. Holistic Harmony: The right coach understands that your business is part of your life, not separate from it. They can help you create efficient systems, perhaps even leverage smart tools like AI to streamline processes, & build a business that truly integrates with your family life & personal aspirations, leading to greater autonomy & fulfillment. There’s no guarantee of hitting specific income improvements, as every journey is unique. However, quality coaching offers clear benefits. By tapping into a mentor's wisdom to implement proven strategies, you are more likely to move forward and avoid costly mistakes. One satisfied client reduced her overwhelm & started taking weekends off to spend with her family - something no spreadsheet can capture. When you find that coach who truly gets you & can provide that transformational support, the return on investment isn't just financial; it's in the quality of your life, the joy in your work, & the legacy you’re building. This is what a "rich life" really looks like. Choosing a business coach is a significant decision, & it’s one that deserves your time, your intuition, & your discernment. It’s not about finding a magic wand, but about finding a true partner who will champion your vision, challenge you to grow, & provide the strategic guidance you need to build the business – & life – you dream of. You’ve got this, lovely. The very fact that you’re seeking this level of support shows your ambition & your commitment to growth. Trust yourself in this process. If you’re ready to scale sustainably, implement tailored strategies, attract premium clients, build smart, AI-enhanced systems, & master your mindset, then let’s connect & explore if Momentum 1:1 Coaching is the right fit for you. Explore Momentum Coaching Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond The Million-Dollar Mark: My Holistic Blueprint for Female Founders Scaling Service Businesses to 7 & 8 Figures – It’s About Visionary Leadership, Intelligent Systems, & Sustainable Sanity Alright, let’s have a real chat, yeah? You’ve built something incredible. That service business you poured your heart, soul, & countless late nights into? It’s established. It’s making an impact. You’ve likely smashed through those early revenue ceilings, maybe even hit that coveted six-figure mark, or perhaps you’re already well on your way to seven. And now, your sights are set higher: the multi-million, the seven, even eight-figure stratosphere. First off, celebrate that ambition celebrate that ambition ! That fire in your belly, that desire to grow, to serve more, to build a true legacy – that’s the magic. But here’s what I’ve learned, through my own journey, my MBA insights at Cranfield, & my ongoing PhD research into the lived experiences of phenomenal female entrepreneurs: scaling to this next level isn’t just about doing more of what got you here. It’s not simply about more clients, more hustle, or more brute force. Honestly, that path often leads straight to burnout, especially for us mums juggling a universe of responsibilities. I see it all the time, clients spinning their wheels, adding more & more without actually scaling. But scaling to 7 & 8 figures with a service business? I remember one of my clients, let's call her Sarah, was stuck at the £500k mark. She felt like she was drowning in client work & admin. I remember her telling me she felt like she was missing her kids' sports days because she was always working. After implementing a lot of what I am about to share, within 18 months, Sarah smashed past the million-dollar mark & created a streamlined business she actually enjoyed running! The journey beyond the million-dollar mark, particularly for service-based businesses, demands a fundamental shift. It’s an evolution in how you lead, how your business operates, & how you integrate it all with a life that genuinely fuels you. It’s about becoming a true Visionary Leader, implementing intelligent systems, & fiercely protecting your sustainable sanity. This isn't just theory; it's the bedrock of how we approach growth here at Femmeprenista, supporting women at every stage of your unique entrepreneurial path. So, grab a cuppa (or something stronger, no judgement here!), & let’s dive into what this holistic blueprint truly looks like. The Visionary Leap: More Than Just Numbers, It’s a Mindset Metamorphosis Hitting those big revenue numbers is thrilling, of course. But the real transformation required to consistently operate at 7 & 8 figures starts within. It’s a profound mindset shift, an expansion of your identity from a successful business owner to a visionary CEO. This means cultivating an executive mindset, one that thrives on strategic thinking, empowers others, & sees the bigger picture beyond the day-to-day. I remember during my MBA at Cranfield, we’d analyse these huge corporations. And yes, the financial models were complex, the market strategies intricate. But what truly differentiated the enduringly successful ones? Visionary leadership. Leaders who weren’t just managing, but inspiring. Leaders who understood that their primary role was to set the direction, cultivate the culture, & then trust their teams to execute. It really made me question the traditional corporate ladder & what "success" truly meant – it wasn't just about a bigger salary, but the quality of life & impact you could create. That’s when I knew my path was entrepreneurship, but with a different set of rules. For female founders, especially those of us who are mothers, this leap also involves a deep commitment to personal responsibility. It’s about owning your ambition, your growth, & yes, even the inevitable challenges. It’s so easy to look at systemic issues – & believe me, I research & acknowledge them deeply through my PhD – & feel disempowered. But the visionary leader asks, "Okay, that’s the landscape. Now, what intelligent moves can I make to navigate it, to build something extraordinary despite it?" This internal locus of control, this unshakeable belief in your own agency, is paramount. It's about developing that unshakeable self-belief, that inner clarity that guides every decision. Intelligent Systems: Your Engine for Exponential Growth & Reclaiming Your Time Let’s be honest, as service business owners, we often start by being the entire system & that’s fine for a while. But to scale to 7 or 8 figures? Your business needs an engine that can run, & run powerfully, without you being every single cog & piston. This is where intelligent systems become non-negotiable. I’m not just talking about a few software subscriptions. I’m talking about a sophisticated, interconnected ecosystem of processes, automations, & strategically delegated responsibilities that create seamless flow & efficiency. Think about how you can streamline client onboarding, delivery, marketing, & team communication so effectively that it almost feels effortless. This is where strategic delegation comes in. It’s not just about offloading tasks you don’t like. It’s about entrusting key responsibilities to talented team members who can own them, improve them, & free you up for high-level strategic work. This was a huge lesson for me, even in managing my household with four children & a demanding PhD schedule. Letting go of control can feel terrifying initially – I remember the first time I delegated a significant part of my research admin, I felt like I was losing a limb! But the freedom & mental space it created? Game-changing. And I remember a moment, in the early days of Femmeprenista, where I was working late into the night, feeling completely frazzled and missing bedtime with my kids – Bear gently reminded me that I was the bottleneck and that I needed to start trusting my team more, or I'd burn out before I truly got started. That was a real wake-up call! I remember the first time I tried to delegate building a new sales funnel, I completely messed it up because I didn't provide clear instructions to my VA. I assumed she knew what I wanted. Big mistake! I quickly learned that clear communication, documented processes, & regular check-ins are vital when delegating. &, of course, we have to talk about the incredible power of AI. Strategically integrated artificial intelligence isn't about replacing the human touch in your service business; it's about amplifying it. Think AI-powered tools that can analyse client data to reveal deeper insights, automate repetitive marketing tasks with uncanny precision, or help your team manage projects with unprecedented efficiency. It’s the ultimate expression of working smarter, not harder. For example, how about using ChatGPT to help you to create detailed client onboarding questionnaires that elicit the most important information? Just feed it some basic details about your service, & the AI will do the rest! Or, get AI to help you to create content for your socials & Blog . It is so easy to use Canva's AI features to come up with content, create graphics & schedule to your chosen platforms! It’s the ultimate expression of working smarter, not harder. Here's a quick example of how to implement this: Identify a repetitive task in your business (e.g., social media scheduling). Explore AI tools that can automate this task (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite, Meet Edgar). Choose a tool & invest time in learning how to use it effectively. Delegate the task to an AI tool & monitor the results. The aim here is to build a business that doesn’t just grow, but scales – meaning it can handle increasing volume & complexity without a proportional increase in your personal effort or stress. Cultivating Executive Presence & Visionary Leadership As you scale, your role fundamentally changes. You transition from primarily doing the work to primarily leading the work. This requires cultivating a distinct executive presence & honing your visionary leadership skills. What does that look like in practice? Inspiring Your Team: It’s about building a culture where talented people are excited to contribute their best, where they feel valued, & where they understand how their role connects to the larger vision. It’s less about command & control, & more about coaching, mentoring, & empowering. One specific lesson I remember from my time at Apple was the power of autonomy. Even in a huge corporation, leaders who gave their teams real ownership over their projects saw far greater engagement & innovation. It’s the “I don’t just dig the hole” principle; give people space to question & improve, not just follow orders. Strategic Thinking & Decisive Action: As CEO, you’ll be navigating more complex decisions with higher stakes. This demands the ability to think strategically, anticipate market shifts, assess risks, & make clear, confident choices, even with imperfect information. Embodying the Vision: Your energy, your conviction, your clarity about where the business is going – it all sets the tone. You become the chief architect & champion of the company’s future. This doesn't happen overnight. It’s a continuous journey of self-development, learning, & refining your leadership style. It might involve executive coaching, peer masterminds, or simply a dedicated practice of reflection & growth. Sustainable Sanity: Fueling Your Journey Without Burning Out This is the part that’s so often overlooked in the traditional narrative of high-growth entrepreneurship, yet it’s arguably the most critical, especially for us female founders & mothers. Scaling to 7 or 8 figures means nothing if you sacrifice your health, your relationships, or your joy in the process. Sustainable sanity isn't a luxury; it's a strategic imperative. Burnout is not a badge of honour. It’s a sign that something in the system – your business system or your personal operating system – is broken. As visionary leaders, our energy is our most precious resource. We must fiercely protect it. This means: Prioritising Well-being: Consciously building practices into your life that replenish your energy – whether that’s exercise, mindfulness, quality sleep, hobbies, or simply unscheduled time to breathe. This is the 'Fuel' that keeps your engine running optimally. Setting Powerful Boundaries: Learning to say "no" to things that drain you or don't align with your strategic priorities, & "yes" to what truly matters. Integrating, Not Just Balancing: For many of us, particularly mothers, "work-life balance" can feel like an impossible myth. I prefer to think in terms of "work-life integration" – finding ways for your business & personal life to enrich each other, rather than constantly compete. It’s about designing a business that supports the life you want to live, not the other way around. Believe me, juggling my PhD, a growing business, my partner, four amazing children (from infant to teenager!), & two energetic dogs often feels like navigating beautiful, organised chaos. There are days when I'm wrestling with complex academic theories while trying to decipher toddler-speak, or prepping for a major launch while one of the dogs decides my office rug is a prime spot for an impromptu nap. It's not always graceful, but the commitment to prioritising my well-being, to finding moments of joy & connection amidst the demands, is what makes it sustainable. It’s about making conscious choices to ensure the business energises me more than it depletes me. In fact, there was a period, not so long ago, when I was pushing so hard that I ended up with one eyeliner on during a crucial call because I'd been too busy cleaning castor oil off the carpet after the baby got into it! It was a total "caster oil on the carpet" moment, and it made me realize I had to slow down and prioritize my sanity or I'd be no good to anyone. As Michelle Obama says, "We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list." Building a Legacy: Your Purpose Beyond Profit When your business reaches the 7 or 8-figure mark, something fascinating often happens. While profitability & financial freedom remain important, the "why" behind your work can deepen & expand. You start thinking more about legacy, about the lasting impact you want to create in the world. This isn't just about the money you'll leave behind. It’s about: The problems you solve for your clients. The opportunities you create for your team. The values your business stands for. The example you set for your children & other aspiring female entrepreneurs. To start thinking about your legacy today, consider these steps: Define Your Core Values: Identify the principles that guide your business decisions & company culture. Assess Your Impact: Evaluate how your products/services positively affect your clients' lives. Create a Vision Statement: Articulate the long-term impact you want your business to have on the world. This sense of purpose becomes an incredibly powerful motivator. It fuels your resilience through challenges, informs your long-term strategic decisions, & brings a profound sense of fulfillment that goes far beyond the balance sheet. It transforms your business from a vehicle for income into a vehicle for meaning. Ready to Build Your Holistic Blueprint for Exponential Growth? Scaling your service business to 7 & 8 figures is an exhilarating journey, but it’s one that demands more than just ambition & hard work. It requires a holistic evolution – a conscious upgrading of your leadership, your operational intelligence, & your personal integration. It’s about working smarter, not succumbing to old patterns of burnout, & building a business that is not only phenomenally successful but also deeply fulfilling & sustainable. It means embracing your role as a Visionary Leader, implementing those intelligent, AI-enhanced systems that create true leverage, & fiercely prioritising your well-being so you can enjoy the incredible fruits of your labour with sustainable sanity. Wherever you are on your journey, remember that you’re not alone. Connection & community are vital. If you’re looking for a supportive space to connect with other ambitious female entrepreneurs, share insights, & find encouragement, I warmly invite you to book a complimentary Business Growth Consultation. It’s a wonderful place to start building those essential connections and exploring how to achieve the next level of scale. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

From Aspiration to Thriving Empire: Real Femmeprenista Success Stories Ever feel like building a thriving online business while juggling family life is a distant dream? Like you're constantly playing catch-up, trying to snatch moments of focused work between school runs, toddler tantrums, and the ever-present laundry pile that seems to multiply overnight? Trust me, darling, I get it. The struggle is real, the beautiful chaos is constant, and the mummy guilt (oh, the mummy guilt!) can be a relentless whisper in your ear. But what if I told you it doesn't have to be this way? What if I showed you tangible, inspiring proof that women just like you, many navigating the same beautiful chaos, are not just surviving but thriving as online entrepreneurs? Today, I'm thrilled to pull back the curtain and share some truly incredible success stories from within our very own Femmeprenista community. These are real women, real mothers, who have transformed their aspirations into flourishing online businesses using the Business Flourish Framework. Get ready to be inspired, my friend, because these stories are about to ignite your entrepreneurial fire and show you what’s truly possible. From Seed of an Idea to Blooming Business: Meet the Femmeprenistas Remember that feeling when you first realised you had an idea, a spark of brilliance that just wouldn't let you go? It's exciting, right? But also terrifying. The self-doubt creeps in: Is this a good idea? Will anyone actually pay for this? What if I fail? . You know that feeling, right? I've been there too, many times. Honestly, I think I got the bug early! I remember selling sweets in the playground (yes, really!), I had no idea where it would lead. The same blend of excitement & fear surged through me when my eldest was a tiny baby, studying at UEL, and the E-Factor competition was approaching. It was a now or never moment. That venture, Nisbett & George, taught me a lot about the rollercoaster of partnerships – especially the importance of shared vision! The point is, darling, every entrepreneurial journey starts with that spark, that seed of an idea. I remember thinking, “Is this it? Is this really how it’s going to be?” after a particularly soul-crushing performance review at Apple. It was like a tiny voice inside whispered, “There has to be more.” And there was. What these amazing women have done is nurture that seed, water it with consistent effort, and allow it to blossom into something incredible. Let's meet a few of them, shall we? Sarah, a Foundation Builder Sarah, a Foundation Builder, is a mum of two juggling a demanding corporate job & a side hustle. She desperately wanted more flexibility & control over her time. Using the Business Flourish Framework, she clarified her vision, identified her ideal client (busy professionals needing help with healthy meal planning), & launched a thriving online coaching business within six months. Finally leaving her corporate role, she focused on her passion & increased her income by 40%. Sarah focused on Focus first – getting crystal clear on her vision & overcoming her fear of leaving a “stable” job. What I learned on my MBA journey at Cranfield (while juggling a toddler, might I add!) was that climbing the corporate ladder wasn’t the answer for me ; entrepreneurship was. Sometimes it takes facing what you don’t want to realise what you do want! Aisha, a Scaling Leader Aisha, a Scaling Leader, is a single mother navigating the challenges of raising a teenager while working multiple part-time jobs. She dreamed of creating a stable income stream from home. Aisha leveraged her passion for sustainable living & her knack for creating beautiful, eco-friendly home decor to launch an online shop. The Business Flourish Framework helped her streamline her processes, implement basic AI marketing tools (something I struggled with initially – I felt like such a tech dinosaur!), & build a loyal customer base. This allowed her to consolidate her fragmented work schedule, double her previous income, & spend more quality time with her daughter. Aisha’s Flair shone through – her marketing was so authentic & engaging. I remember all those stressful commutes working at that trendy start-up in Central London? I loved the job, I hated the logistics – the constant worry about train delays, rushing to pick up my eldest on time… It made me realise how much I valued being closer to home, even if the corporate environment at Electrolux wasn't exactly my dream scenario (another story for another time!). Elena, a Visionary Leader Elena, a Visionary Leader, is a stay-at-home mum feeling a bit lost after her youngest started school. She rediscovered her love for graphic design. With the help of Femmeprenista, she honed her skills, defined her ideal client (small businesses needing branding & visual identity), & built a thriving freelance business, tripling her initial income goal within the first year. The Business Flourish Framework provided the structure & support she needed to navigate the tech setup, manage her time effectively, & confidently price her services (something I still work on!). Elena’s strength was Flow – she created systems from the start, something I wish I’d done with Nisbett & George! It would have saved me so much late-night scrambling. I know it can feel slow, & a lot to balance, between my current PhD research & four little humans running around (Espresso, our puppy, thinks she’s one of them!), but the satisfaction of progress, no matter the pace, is truly worth it! It’s like my youngest learning to walk – slow, wobbly, and occasionally involving face-plants into the carpet, but ultimately triumphant! These are just a few glimpses into the incredible transformations happening within our community. Each story is unique, each journey is different, but the common thread is the power of the Business Flourish Framework to help women, especially mums, turn their dreams into reality. It's Not Just About the System; It's About YOU Now, I know what you might be thinking: That’s great for them, but my situation is different. I have even less time, more responsibilities, less support… . Believe me, I hear you. The "dogs in a crate" reality I once faced, the frantic morning rush with "one eyeliner on" because the little one decided castor oil was the perfect carpet accessory... I know those struggles intimately. Remember that time I was trying to finish a proposal for a new client, and my toddler decided to "help" by redecorating the living room with peanut butter and glitter? Yeah, it wasn't pretty. I really had to channel my inner Fuel that day! But darling, here’s the crucial truth: while external circumstances are real, your response to them is what ultimately shapes your outcome. Yes, the system has failed a lot of us. As Millennials, we've got the bad end of the stick in so many ways – grandparents still working, stagnant wages while the cost of everything, even a simple block of cheese, has skyrocketed… According to a 2023 report from The Resolution Foundation, typical household incomes for Millennials are 4% lower than the previous generation at the same age. It’s tough. But is it just down to the system? What are the small, smart steps you can take today to own your progress? It's about working smart , not just hard. Remember, my love, hard work beats intelligence when it’s smart work – something I’m constantly reminding myself as I juggle my PhD research with four kids! There are definitely days when I feel like the tortoise in a race of hares, but I also know that slow & steady, especially when combined with smart strategy & a healthy dose of self-belief, wins the race. The Business Flourish Framework isn't a magic wand, it's a powerful roadmap. It empowers you to: Sharpening Your Mindset & Focus Define your vision, overcome limiting beliefs (like thinking you need to be a tech whiz or have tons of free time to build a business, or that being a mum automatically disqualifies you from entrepreneurial success!), & build the confidence to lead your business & your life with purpose. Your 3-Step Action Plan: Journal for 5 minutes each morning about your ideal business day. What does it look like? Feel like? What are you doing (and not doing)? This can clarify your vision & start to shift your mindset. Identify one limiting belief that's holding you back. Is it fear of failure? Tech overwhelm? Write it down, then reframe it into an empowering question. For example, "What if I fail?" becomes "What if I succeed?" Choose one small action related to your business & commit to doing it today, no matter how small. Crafting a Standout Brand & Marketing Develop an authentic brand presence & marketing strategy that effortlessly attracts your ideal clients, showcasing your unique value. What I've found in my MBA & my ongoing PhD research is that understanding why people buy – the psychology behind their decisions, as Rory Sutherland brilliantly explains – is key. Your 3-Step Action Plan: Instead of just listing the features of your coaching program, highlight the transformation it offers. How will her life be different after working with you? What pain points are you solving? Speak to her deepest desires. Identify one way to infuse more of your personality into your marketing. Share a personal story, a quirky hobby, or a funny observation. This helps build connection and trust. Choose one platform where your ideal clients hang out and commit to posting valuable content consistently for one week. Creating Streamlined Systems & Reclaiming Your Time Implement smart, AI-powered systems & automation (think scheduling tools, email automation, even a simple AI writing assistant!) to free up your precious time & energy, so you can spend it on what truly matters – your family, your well-being, & the parts of your business you actually enjoy. Remember, Fusion – the power of AI – isn’t a separate thing; it’s woven through everything. It’s about making your life easier . As I've learned (often the hard way!), it's the system that's going to help us navigate the beautiful chaos, not just sheer willpower. I remember when I first tried to implement AI tools in my marketing, it was such a disaster! It took me ages to realise that I didn't need every fancy gadget, just a few key tools that integrated with my existing workflow. Your 3-Step Action Plan: Set up a simple automated welcome email sequence for new subscribers. This nurtures them from the start & frees you from having to manually respond to every enquiry. Identify one repetitive task in your business (e.g., scheduling social media posts, invoicing) & explore an AI tool that could automate it. Block out one hour this week specifically for exploring and setting up one new system or automation tool. Prioritizing Your Well-being & Preventing Burnout Integrate self-care practices (think a quick yoga flow, a mindful walk with the dogs - even Cappuccino gets in on the action sometimes!, or just five minutes of meditation with a guided app) & create boundaries to protect your energy & prevent burnout, because darling, you can't pour from an empty cup. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about consistent micro-moments. Remember that even little moments – like taking five minutes to breathe deeply or enjoying a cuppa in peace (if that's even possible with little ones around – I feel you!) – can make a huge difference. Your 3-Step Action Plan: Block out 30 minutes in your calendar every day , just for you. This could be for exercise, reading, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment without distractions. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment. Identify one small self-care ritual you can incorporate into your daily routine, even if it's just five minutes of stretching or listening to your favorite music. Set a clear boundary around work hours this week & stick to it. Communicate this boundary to your family (or even just put a sign on your door!) to minimize interruptions. Business Flourish Framework Ready to Write Your Own Success Story? These success stories are not just inspiring; they are a testament to what's possible when you combine the right mindset, strategies, & a supportive community. They show you that building a thriving online business as a busy mum is not a pipe dream; it's a very real & achievable goal. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to move closer to your entrepreneurial dream? Share it below – let’s cheer each other on! It can feel lonely, right? Especially when you’re juggling so much. Share one win this week in the comments – let's celebrate each other's progress, no matter how small! Remember, darling, we’re all in this together. Ready to ignite your entrepreneurial journey & join a community of incredible women who get it? Join Femme:Connect Today & discover the power of connection, support, & shared wisdom. It's like having a virtual coffee date with your business besties, anytime, anywhere! You’ll find masterclasses on attracting your ideal clients, quick tips for managing your tech without the overwhelm, accountability partners to keep you motivated, AND a warm, supportive network of women navigating the same beautiful chaos. What are you waiting for? Femme:Connect Community Page Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

From Foundation to Vision: How the Femmeprenista Operating System Empowers Your Entrepreneurial Journey Hey lovely ladies, Carlene here! Ever feel like you're navigating the entrepreneurial world with a slightly wonky compass? Like you're bombarded with generic advice that just doesn't quite fit the beautiful, chaotic reality of your life, especially as a mum trying to build something amazing? Trust me, I get it. Four kids, a PhD, two energetic Miniature Pinschers, and a business to run? I've had mornings where I've walked out the door with one eyeliner on because, well, let's just say the toddler discovered the joys of finger painting with my makeup bag. I'm sure you know that feeling, right? It's a juggle, isn't it? One time, I was literally five minutes away from joining a client call when my six-year-old decided to stage a dramatic re-enactment of a volcanic eruption using baking soda and vinegar – and yes, the "lava" did reach the freshly cleaned carpet. It's these moments that remind you that flexibility isn't just a perk of entrepreneurship; it's practically a job requirement! But what if I told you there's a better way? A system designed specifically for women like us, who refuse to choose between a thriving business and a fulfilling life? That's where the Femmeprenista Operating System (FOS) comes in. It's not just another business framework; it's a holistic blueprint designed to empower you, at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey, to build a business that truly flourishes alongside your personal life. Because let's be honest, isn't life about the quality of it, not just how much you've got in the bank? I remember feeling that so strongly after my third child. The thought of going back to a corporate world where I felt like a replaceable cog, with its rigid rules and limited understanding of the modern mum's juggle (seriously, 12-13 weeks of school holidays, and we get how much leave?), filled me with dread. Honestly, I felt I was expected to do the work of someone being paid £60k, for only £30k. There had to be a better way. I vividly recall a moment during a performance review where I was told, quite bluntly, "Look, you're a mum now, your priorities have changed." It stung, but it also fueled my fire. I thought, "My priorities might have shifted, but my ambition sure hasn't. I will find a way to have both." That dread, ironically, led me to my MBA, which then led me right back to the entrepreneurial spark I'd had since my playground sweets-selling days. See, I don't just do what I'm told. I actually question: Is this the best way of doing things? & no matter where I'm at, if I see a problem, I like to solve it. The MBA made me realise that even a fancier corporate job wouldn't give me what I truly craved: freedom, fulfillment, & the chance to make a real impact. Building Your Empire, Your Way: The FOS Framework The FOS is grounded in my own experiences & the core values of Femmeprenista – values like family, authenticity, work-life integration (buh-bye hustle culture!), & crucially, taking ownership of your journey. It acknowledges that we're not just business owners; we're wives, partners, mothers, daughters, friends – we're whole women, & our businesses need to fit into that beautiful, complex tapestry. The FOS is built around a core belief: you are the architect of your own success. Yes, there are systemic challenges – my generation, the Millennials, definitely got handed a few lemons (stagnant wages while the price of everything, even a block of cheese, skyrockets!). In fact, studies show that Millennial wages have stagnated for over a decade, while the cost of living continues to rise. 1 But is it just down to "the system"? Or is it about what you do, how you adapt, how you work smart , not just hard? The FOS is your guide to navigating that very question. I learned very quickly that you might twist your ankle, but the difference is, you get back up again. The Five Pillars of Flourishing: Focus, Flair, Flow, Fuel, & Fusion The FOS isn't just about mindset or marketing or systems; it's about the powerful synergy of all these elements, amplified by the smart integration of AI. Think of it as the five pillars holding up your entrepreneurial empire: Sharpening Your Mindset & Focus: This is your inner foundation. It's about building resilience (like my eldest navigating the drama of friendships – she's an Aries, a firecracker!), overcoming those pesky limiting beliefs that whisper "you're not good enough" (I've been there!), and getting crystal clear on your vision. Feeling overwhelmed? Overwhelm is often a sign that your focus is scattered. What's one thing you can do today to move closer to your goal? Visualize your ideal outcome. Seriously, close your eyes for a minute and imagine achieving your biggest goal. How does it feel? What do you see? What do you hear? (This little trick, inspired by José Silva's mind techniques, is surprisingly powerful.) Write down three affirmations that reinforce your belief in yourself and your vision. Repeat them throughout the day. It’s about becoming the CEO of your own life first , so you can lead your business with confidence. It's like my favourite quote from Jim Rohn: “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” Want more support on building a resilient mindset? Our Spark Program is designed to help you gain clarity and overcome those initial hurdles. Spark Program Page I remember when I first started trying to implement this pillar; I felt like I was constantly battling self-doubt. Creating a simple morning routine, including journaling and visualization, was a game-changer for me. It helped me shift from reacting to my day to proactively creating it. Marketing & Messaging with Flair: This is about crafting a brand that's authentically you , attracting your ideal clients effortlessly. Understand your "Why": Why are you doing this? What problem are you solving? What impact do you want to make? Identify your Ideal Client: Who are you talking to? What are their dreams, fears, and frustrations? Craft a Compelling Message: How can you speak directly to their hearts and minds, showcasing the value you offer? It's about understanding the psychology behind why people buy (Rory Sutherland's work has been a game-changer for me here – his "Uber map" anecdote is pure genius!). But remember what he says, "If you want to improve how people feel, psychology is a better area for exploration than rational improvement.” It’s about speaking directly to the heart of what your clients truly desire, not just what they say they need. Struggling to connect with your ideal clients? Our Launch Programme helps you build an authentic brand and marketing strategy that attracts them effortlessly. Launch Programme Page Momentum & Systems for Flow: This is where things get efficient. Map Your Processes: What are the key steps in your client journey, from initial inquiry to final delivery? Identify Bottlenecks: Where are you wasting time or energy on manual tasks? Automate & Delegate: Which tasks can be automated with AI tools? What can be delegated to a VA or team member? It's about creating smooth workflows, automating tasks with smart AI tools (Fusion!), and reclaiming your precious time and energy. I remember feeling utterly swamped when I first started, trying to do everything myself, from social media to invoicing. Learning to build systems (even simple ones!) was a lifesaver. I used to spend hours each week manually scheduling social media posts, until I discovered the magic of AI-powered scheduling tools. Talk about a game changer! Now, with the power of AI, we can truly streamline our businesses and create flow, freeing us up to focus on what we do best. Ready to implement systems that actually work for you, not the other way around? Momentum Coaching helps you create flow and leverage AI to free up your time. Momentum Coaching Page Prioritising Your Wellbeing: Let's be honest – you can't pour from an empty cup. This pillar is about making self-care non-negotiable. Schedule Self-Care: Block out time in your calendar for activities that nourish you – even if it's just a 15-minute walk or a relaxing bath. Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying "no" to commitments that don't align with your priorities. Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition: These are the foundations of sustainable energy. This means setting boundaries (even with adorable but demanding Miniature Pinschers!), & ensuring your business energises, rather than drains, you. I used to feel so guilty taking an afternoon off, even though I was exhausted. Then I realised that a two-hour nap was more productive than an eight-hour day feeling drained. So I scheduled them! It's about creating that inner "Circle of Safety" so you can thrive, not just survive. Like Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." Need support in creating a more sustainable & balanced approach? Momentum Coaching incorporates wellbeing practices into your business strategy. Momentum Coaching Page Strategic AI Integration (Fusion): This isn't about robots taking over; it's about making AI your intelligent partner. This involves practically incorporating AI to automate routine tasks, gain data-driven insights, or enhance client communication, emphasizing working smarter, not harder. For example, AI-powered tools can help automate email marketing, personalize client onboarding, and even generate content ideas. Identify Repetitive Tasks: Which tasks are you doing repeatedly that could be automated? Explore AI Tools: Research available AI tools and experiment to find ones that fit your needs and budget. Start Small & Scale: Begin with one or two AI tools and gradually integrate more as you become comfortable. Want to explore how AI can revolutionize your business? Momentum Coaching dives deep into strategic AI integration. Momentum Coaching Page Personal Responsibility & Ownership: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential Within the FOS, the concept of personal responsibility isn't about blaming yourself for everything; it's about taking ownership of your outcomes. It's about recognizing that while external factors might influence your journey, your response is what truly shapes your results. It’s about understanding that you're not just digging the hole you're told to dig; you're questioning whether that's the best way to dig it, and if there's a smarter, more efficient tool (maybe even an AI-powered shovel!) to get the job done better. "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” - William Ernest Henley This is something I learned the hard way in a previous corporate role at Apple. I made a mistake (we all do, right?), owned it, and proactively implemented systems to prevent it from happening again. Yet, I still ended up being scapegoated due to internal politics. It was a tough lesson, but it taught me the crucial importance of self-reliance, working smart, and ultimately, creating my own path where my contributions were valued and my voice was heard. Implementing the ‘Flow’ pillar, especially around systems, was a huge struggle for me initially. It felt so counterintuitive to spend time on building systems when I was already overwhelmed, but ironically, it was the system that eventually saved me from that overwhelm. It taught me that, "If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. & guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” - Jim Rohn From Foundation Builder to Visionary Leader: A Tailored Path for Every Stage The beauty of the FOS is that it adapts to your specific stage: Foundation Builders: Are you just starting out, brimming with ideas but feeling overwhelmed? The FOS provides the clarity, validation, and foundational systems you need to move from idea to action. Spark Program Page And if tech setup feels like a daunting mountain, our Ready-to-Launch Kit Page might just be your shortcut to a professional online presence in weeks, not months. Scaling Leaders: Is your business gaining traction, but you’re feeling stuck or hitting a plateau? The FOS empowers you to build scalable systems (including clever AI integration), delegate effectively, & master the mindset of a true leader. Momentum Coaching Page Visionary Leaders: Are you leading a thriving business & looking to create a lasting legacy? The FOS provides the strategic frameworks, high-level peer connections, & personalized support you need to achieve exponential growth & optimize for long-term impact & freedom. Ascend Executive Coaching Page Ready to Take the Reins? Building a flourishing business, while navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood (or life in general!), is absolutely possible. The Femmeprenista Operating System gives you the framework, the tools, & the empowering mindset you need to design your own unique path to success. It's your journey; own it. Your 3-Step Action Plan to Implement the FOS Today: Identify Your Biggest Bottleneck: What’s the one thing that’s slowing you down the most right now? Is it your mindset, your marketing, your systems, or your well-being? Choose One Pillar to Focus On: Based on your bottleneck, select the FOS pillar that will have the biggest impact. Take One Small, Smart Step: What’s the smallest, most achievable action you can take today to strengthen that pillar? Schedule it in your calendar now! What's one small, smart step you can take today to move closer to your entrepreneurial vision? Share it below! It can feel lonely sometimes, right? Let's connect & celebrate each other's wins. Ready to connect with an amazing community of women who get it? Join Femme:Connect Today for support, inspiration, & practical tips to navigate this incredible journey. Femme:Connect Community Page Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond "Just Pick Something!": Finding Your Perfect Niche (and Keeping Your Sanity) Ever feel like choosing your business niche is a bit like trying to choose a single chocolate from a giant, overflowing box when you’re absolutely ravenous? You know you need one, you know it’ll be delicious (eventually!), but the sheer choice is paralyzing. & everyone around you is helpfully chirping, "Just pick one!" Easy for them to say, right? If you’re nodding along, possibly with a half-eaten biscuit in hand & a to-do list that’s reproducing like rabbits, then hello, lovely! I’m Carlene, & trust me, I’ve been there. Juggling four kids (from a spirited teen down to a tiny tot who seems to think my PhD notes are excellent teething material), running Femmeprenista, & yes, actually trying to get that PhD finished means I understand ‘overwhelm’ on a deeply personal level. It's a special kind of chaos, the sort where you're trying to have a business conversation while the kids are running around playing – but that's another story! That feeling of being adrift in a sea of possibilities, especially when you're a 'Foundation Builder' just starting out, is so common. You’re brimming with passion, ideas, & a burning desire to make an impact (and an income!), but the question "Who exactly do I serve, & with what?" can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. Honestly, I’ve seen so many brilliant women, particularly mothers, get stuck right here, their amazing potential stalled by indecision. But here’s the thing: choosing your niche isn’t just another box to tick on your business setup checklist. It’s so much more profound than that. It’s about finding your North Star. It's the foundational act of strategic clarity & deep personal alignment that transforms your business from a potential source of stress into a source of energy & joy. & let’s be honest, when you’re already spinning plates like a circus performer, you need your business to give you energy, not drain the little you have left after deciphering toddler-speak & navigating the politics of the school run. So, let's ditch the generic advice & dive into how you can choose a niche that not only makes business sense but also makes your heart sing & crucially, fits the beautiful, messy reality of your life. Your Niche: More Than a Marketing Ploy, It’s Your Purpose Power-Up I often hear entrepreneurs, especially when they’re starting out, talk about their niche purely as a marketing tactic. & yes, a clear niche makes your marketing a gazillion times easier (we’ll get to that!). But I want to challenge you to think bigger. Your niche is your unique contribution to the world. It’s the specific corner of the universe where your passions, your skills, & the problems you’re uniquely equipped to solve, all converge. Think of it as the first, bold stroke of paint on the canvas of your business, defining the entire masterpiece to come. When you nail this, your business stops feeling like a chore & starts feeling like a calling. This is especially vital for us mums. We’re already fulfilling so many roles; our business needs to be one that genuinely lights us up & feels intrinsically rewarding, not just another demand on our time. This isn't just about picking a target market; it's about taking true ownership of your business's direction from day one. To illustrate that a clear niche really does make marketing a gazillion times easier, take the example of one of my Momentum clients, Sarah, a coach. When she niched down from "general wellness" to "post-natal fitness for mums over 35," her website traffic tripled, her lead quality went through the roof, & she booked out her coaching slots in weeks! I remember when I was evolving my own work into what Femmeprenista is today. I’d had previous ventures, from selling sweets in the playground (yes, the entrepreneurial bug bit early!) to a more formal business post-university. Each taught me invaluable lessons. But it was only when I truly honed in on supporting ambitious female entrepreneurs, particularly those juggling motherhood like myself, that everything clicked into place. Early on, though, I made the mistake of trying to serve everyone with a pulse. I spread myself too thin & my messaging was bland. That was not a recipe for success! But it was definitely a lesson learned. It wasn't just a market; it was my people, my passion. That clarity gave me an unstoppable energy, even on days when one of my daughters decided my important documents looked better with crayon enhancements, or the baby decided 3 AM was the perfect time for a lively chat. Clarity is Queen: How a Niche Slays Overwhelm & Unlocks Authentic Marketing If you’re a Foundation Builder, like our client Chloe, chances are you’re familiar with "offer ambiguity." You know you can help people, but you’re not quite sure who with what , so you try to be everything to everyone. Sound familiar? Thought so! The result? Overwhelm for you, confusion for your potential clients, & marketing that feels like shouting into a hurricane. A well-defined niche is the antidote. It’s the bedrock of clarity. Suddenly, you know: WHO you’re talking to (their dreams, fears, even the brand of tea they drink). WHAT specific problem you solve for them (the one that keeps them up at night). HOW you uniquely solve it (your secret sauce!). This clarity doesn’t just make your life easier; it breeds unshakeable confidence & that confidence infuses everything, especially your marketing. No more vague posts or generic messaging! You can craft content that speaks directly to your ideal client’s heart, using their language, addressing their specific pain points, & offering solutions that feel tailor-made. This is where your brand truly begins to shine, developing an authentic magnetism that draws the right people in effortlessly. Aligning your business with your life ensures your message lands with those who need you most. Imagine trying to plan a dinner party. If you don’t know who’s coming or what their dietary needs are, you’ll likely end up with a buffet that tries to please everyone but truly satisfies no one, & you’ll be exhausted. But if you know you’re cooking for your best friend who loves spicy vegan food? Suddenly, the menu writes itself, shopping is a breeze, & you can focus on making it a truly special experience. Your niche does the same for your business. The Head & Heart Harmony: Blending Strategy with Your Soul’s Calling Okay, so clarity is key, but how do you find that niche? This is where I see many entrepreneurs fall into one of two camps: either they get so lost in spreadsheets & market research that they forget their own passions, or they follow a whim without checking if anyone will actually pay for it. My approach, & what I champion here at Femmeprenista, is a blend – a beautiful dance between strategic market assessment & deep intuitive listening. Yes, you need to look at the market. Is there a genuine need for what you’re offering? Are people actively seeking solutions to the problem you solve? Are they willing to invest in those solutions? This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about ensuring there’s fertile ground for your business to grow. This is equally, if not more, crucial. Does this niche light you up? Does it align with your core values, your unique voice, your personal story? Does the thought of serving these specific people with this specific offer make you feel energized & purposeful? As I learned from my own journey, starting at one university that just didn’t feel right & then thriving when I moved to the University of East London, which felt like finding my tribe, listening to that inner compass is vital. Your business needs to be an environment where you can flourish. You can learn more about my journey & the ‘why’ behind Femmeprenista on my About Carlene Nisbett / Femmeprenista page. When these two align – a viable market & a soul-deep connection – that’s where the magic happens. That’s your sweet spot. From Muddled to MagNIFicent: Your Actionable Niche-Finding Framework Right, enough theory! Let’s get practical. I know the idea of "finding your niche" can feel overwhelming, so I want to give you a simple, actionable framework to walk you through it. Think of this as your friendly guide, not a rigid set of rules. Grab a cuppa (& maybe hide the biscuits from the kids for five minutes!). The Passion & Skills Inventory (The "What Lights Me Up & What Am I Great At?" List) : Forget about what you think you should do. What do you genuinely LOVE doing? What topics could you talk about for hours? What activities make you lose track of time? Now, what are you skilled at? This isn’t just about professional qualifications. Think about life experiences, natural talents, things people always ask for your help with. My early ventures selling sweets taught me about supply & demand long before my MBA! The Problem Hunter (The "What Frustrates People That I Can Fix?" Quest) : Listen to conversations around you – online, with friends, in communities. What are people complaining about? What are their biggest struggles, frustrations, or unmet desires related to your areas of passion & skill? Don't just look for big, dramatic problems. Sometimes the most valuable niches solve persistent, annoying little problems that no one else is addressing well. The Ideal Client Deep Dive (The "Who Would I LOVE to Help?" Profile) : If you could wave a magic wand & work with your absolute dream client, who would they be? Get specific. What are their demographics, their values, their personality, their daily life like? Crucially, what are their specific pain points related to the problems you identified? What are their aspirations? What language do they use? The "Is Anyone Actually Buying This?" Market Mingle (Your Reality Check) : Do a little digging. Are there other businesses serving this niche? (Competition isn't always bad; it can validate the market!). What are they offering? How are they pricing it? Look for gaps. Is there an underserved segment of this market? Is there a unique angle or approach you could bring? This doesn’t need to be an exhaustive, soul-destroying research project. Start small. Google is your friend! The Test & Twirl (The "Let's Dip a Toe In & See" Phase) : Once you have a potential niche, don’t carve it in stone. Test it! Create a small offer, talk to potential clients, get feedback. Be prepared to refine, pivot, or even "twirl" into a slightly different direction based on what you learn. This is all part of the process. Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line; it’s more of a wonderfully windy path. Offer a free consultation: Chat with potential clients & directly ask about their challenges & goals. Create a simple landing page: Outline your offer & see if people sign up or express interest. Run a small survey: Use a tool like SurveyMonkey to get targeted feedback on your idea. When you get that feedback, consider asking: What surprised you most about this offer? What hesitations do you have? What would make this a "no-brainer" decision for you? Also, look at landing page data: Which headlines got the most attention? Which call-to-action button had the highest click-through rate? This is gold dust for refining your message! This framework is designed to take the fear out of niching. It’s about exploration, curiosity, & taking small, manageable steps towards clarity. Nailing Your Niche: The Foundation for Sustainable Success (& a Life You Love!) Why is all this so important? Because a carefully chosen niche, rooted in your purpose & aligned with your personal values, isn’t just about getting started. It’s about setting the stage for sustainable success. When you’re crystal clear on who you serve & how, you: Attract the right clients like a magnet: No more chasing or trying to convince. Develop offers that sell themselves: Because they perfectly meet a specific need. Create marketing that feels authentic & easy: Because you’re speaking from the heart to people you understand. Build a strong, recognizable brand: You become the go-to expert in your specific area. Avoid the dreaded "feast or famine" cycle: Consistent clarity leads to more consistent income. & perhaps most importantly, especially for us ambitious mums, a well-aligned niche helps you build a business that supports your life, rather than one that leads to burnout. It allows you to focus your precious time & energy effectively, creating systems & processes that work for you . It’s about building a business by design, one that allows you to be present for those little moments – the school plays, the bedtime stories, even the times your toddler decides your favourite houseplant needs a "haircut" with safety scissors – without feeling constantly pulled in a million directions. This clarity of vision & purpose is foundational; it’s about finding the path that allows you to truly flourish, not just financially, but holistically. From "Stuck" to Sparked: Your Niche is Waiting So, if you've been feeling stuck in niche-limbo, I hope this has given you a fresh perspective & a surge of "I can do this!" energy. Remember, choosing your niche is an act of empowerment. It’s you, stepping up, claiming your unique space, & declaring with confidence: "This is who I am, this is who I help, & this is the incredible value I bring." It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about taking that first step, then the next, guided by both your strategic mind & your intuitive heart. If you’re a Foundation Builder feeling that spark & you're ready for dedicated support to move from niche confusion to crystal clarity, to validate your brilliant idea, & to create a solid action plan before you invest heavily in the wrong direction, then book a free consultation call with me https://www.femmeprenista.com/work-with-us ! But whatever your next step, please know this: your perfect niche isn't hiding from you. It's waiting for you to uncover it. You’ve got this! Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Ditch the Guilt Seesaw: Intentional Imperfection for the Ambitious Mum in Business Let’s be honest, lovely. How many times have you felt that pang of "mum guilt" when you're deep in work, only to be sideswiped by a wave of "work guilt" the moment you switch to full-on mum mode? It's like a constant seesaw, isn't it? You're up, you're down, & you never quite find your balance. You know that feeling, right? Like you’re perpetually teetering on the edge of not quite doing enough in either role. Well, I’m here to tell you something you might need to hear: That’s perfectly normal. & more importantly, it’s not a weakness. See, I get it. I’m juggling four kids, a PhD, a rapidly growing business, two energetic Miniature Pinschers (who, let’s just say, have their own unique brand of adorable chaos), & a husband who is as dedicated to his own work as I am to mine. It’s a lot. & some days, the "beautiful chaos" feels a little too chaotic. There are mornings where I'm trying to finish a client proposal while simultaneously mediating a dispute over who gets the blue crayon (toddler logic, right?), all while Espresso, our hyperactive puppy, uses my laptop cable as a chew toy. Cappuccino just looks on calmly from her bed, as if to say ‘Oh, Espresso… must you?’. One particularly frantic morning, Espresso actually mistook my client's contract for a chew toy – I nearly had a heart attack seeing those tiny teeth marks on such an important document! It’s moments like these when you really question your sanity, lovely. There are evenings when my teenage daughter needs help with her homework just as I'm preparing for a big strategy session the next day. & let's not even talk about trying to record a podcast while the six-year-old is practicing her recorder – a sound that can pierce through even the best noise-cancelling headphones! So trust me, the struggle is real. But the even bigger truth is this: Trying to achieve perfect balance, especially as an ambitious mum in business, is often a recipe for burnout, not bliss. It’s a myth we need to ditch. Instead, I want to introduce you to the power of intentional imperfection . What does that even mean? It’s about embracing the reality that you’re not going to nail it every single day. It’s about releasing the pressure of unrealistic expectations & choosing to focus on progress over perfection. It’s about defining YOUR version of "enough" in both business & motherhood. Reframing the Guilt: You're Not Failing, You're Choosing This whole “guilt” thing? It’s often not even about what you’re doing (or not doing), but about how you’re thinking about it. It's that nagging voice in your head whispering, “You should be doing more,” or “You’re not good enough.” Just last week, I found myself in tears because I had to reschedule a family outing to finish a crucial proposal. It felt like I was failing on both fronts, you know? There have been times, especially in those early days post-C-section with my youngest, juggling my PhD research & trying to keep the business afloat, when the weight of it all felt crushing. I remember one afternoon, sitting on the floor surrounded by research papers, a crying baby, & a pile of unfolded laundry, feeling like a complete failure as a mum & an entrepreneur. It’s in those moments, lovely, that we need to remember the power of intentional imperfection & the freedom it brings. But here's the thing: You’re not failing. You’re choosing. Every single day, you are making conscious choices about where to focus your energy & attention. Some days, the business will need more of you. Other days, it'll be the kids. & that’s okay. The key is to make those choices intentionally, not from a place of guilt or reaction. It’s about taking ownership of your time & energy & deciding where it’s most needed in that moment. As Simone Biles says, “It’s okay to not be okay,” & making conscious choices about where your focus lies is a way of honouring yourself. This is where personal responsibility comes in. The Power of Strategic Focus: Doing What Matters Most One of the most powerful tools in the Femmeprenista arsenal is the Business Flourish Framework. This framework is all about helping you create a sustainable & fulfilling blend of business & motherhood by focusing on what truly matters. It starts with your mindset – getting crystal clear on your vision, your values, & what you want to achieve. This aligns with our 'Focus' pillar, lovely – building that strong internal foundation. Gain unwavering clarity on your business vision. Identify your core values & align your actions with them. Define what success truly means to you, both in business & motherhood. Once you know where you're going, you can start to build the systems & strategies that will help you get there, all while prioritising your well-being to avoid burnout. Incorporating smart AI tools, strategically selected to streamline your processes & boost your efficiency, can be transformative. This is the power of our 'Fusion' pillar, weaving smart AI throughout your business for effortless growth. This is the power of working smarter , not just harder, lovely! Find out more about our Business Flourish Framework here: Business Flourish Framework When it comes to intentional imperfection, this framework can help you define your “non-negotiables” in both business & motherhood. What are the absolute must-dos in each area? What can be delegated, outsourced, or even ditched altogether? Maybe your non-negotiable in business is having dedicated, focused time each morning for strategic work. Maybe your non-negotiable in motherhood is having dinner together as a family every night, even if it’s just a simple meal. Once you’ve defined your non-negotiables, it becomes easier to let go of the “shoulds” & the guilt. You can focus on doing what truly matters, knowing that you’re making conscious, intentional choices. Embracing the Freedom of Entrepreneurship One of the most beautiful things about being an entrepreneur is the freedom it gives you to design a work life that truly supports your vision of motherhood. You’re not tied to rigid schedules or someone else’s expectations. You get to create your own rules. A 2022 study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (for example, relevant GEM report ) found that 48% of women entrepreneurs cited flexibility as a primary motivator for starting their own businesses - a testament to the desire for a work-life blend that truly works. This doesn't mean it's easy, of course. Building a business, especially as a mum, takes hard work & smart strategies. But the freedom to design your own workday, to be there for the school play, to work from anywhere in the world (or even just from the comfort of your own sofa, with a sleeping baby on your lap), is a game-changer. It’s about creating a life where your business & your family can flourish together. As Lisa Nichols says, “Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows.” So, lovely, let’s ditch the guilt seesaw. Let's embrace intentional imperfection, focus on progress, & celebrate the unique freedom of entrepreneurship to create a life that truly aligns with your values. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress & create a more sustainable & fulfilling blend of business & motherhood? Identify one “must-do” for your business today. Identify one “must-do” for your family/personal life today. Commit to completing BOTH, no matter what other “shoulds” pop up. Share your non-negotiables in the comments below – it can feel lonely on this journey, & connecting with other women who “get it” can make all the difference. The Femmeprenista Launch Programme is designed specifically to help Foundation Builder Amy-Types like you create that solid foundation, lovely! It's all about ditching the overwhelm & building a business that truly works for YOU. Learn more about how the Launch Programme can help: Launch Programme Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Beyond 'Mompreneur': Why I Champion 'Female Entrepreneur' for Professional Identity, Respect, & Unlocking Our Full Potential Hey lovely people, It’s Carlene here, & today I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind for a while. It sits right at the heart of how we see ourselves & crucially, how the world sees us as women building incredible businesses. We’re talking labels. Specifically, that often-debated term: "mompreneur." Now, as a mum to four amazing children – from a whirlwind toddler & a curious six-year-old, right up to my dynamic teenage daughter & my precious new baby boy – & the CEO of Femmeprenista, I’ve heard this term a lot. I’ve seen it celebrated, I’ve seen it critiqued, & I’ve given it a lot of thought. & I want to share, from my heart & my experience, why I personally champion the term 'female entrepreneur' (or, quite simply, 'entrepreneur') & why I believe this choice is fundamental to our professional identity, the respect we command, & ultimately, unlocking our full, magnificent potential. You know, it’s funny, isn't it, how a single word can carry so much weight? I remember when I was first navigating the exciting, slightly terrifying, world of building a business while juggling new motherhood with my eldest, my teenage daughter. The term "mompreneur" was starting to gain traction. & while I understood the intention – to acknowledge the incredible feat of balancing motherhood & entrepreneurship – something about it just didn’t quite sit right with me. It felt… incomplete. Like a label that highlighted one very important part of me, but somehow overshadowed the ambitious, strategic, qualified businesswoman I was also striving to be. Honestly, it felt a little like being defined by only one slice of a much bigger pie. If you want to know a bit more about my own journey & the ‘why’ behind Femmeprenista, you can read more About Femmeprenista (Carlene Nisbett's Story & Mission) . My Personal Stance: More Than Just Semantics Let me be crystal clear: being a mother is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most profound, challenging, & rewarding roles I will ever have. My children are my world, my inspiration, & a huge part of my 'why'. They are the beautiful chaos in the background when I’m trying to get a quiet moment to think (yes, sometimes Dora the Explorer or the latest TikTok sound is the soundtrack to my strategic planning!). They are the reason I push for flexibility & the drive behind my ambition to build a lasting legacy. But – & this is a big but – my identity as a mother, as cherished as it is, is one facet of who I am. I am also a CEO, a PhD researcher digging deep into Black female entrepreneurship, a strategic thinker with an MBA from Cranfield, a mentor, a partner, a friend. & when I step into my professional capacity, I am a female entrepreneur. Full stop. Why is this distinction so important to me? Because I believe the language we use to define ourselves has a powerful impact on our mindset, our ambitions, & how we are perceived by the wider world. It’s about owning our narrative, a core part of what we believe in here at Femmeprenista – that sense of Personal Responsibility & Ownership in shaping your own journey. Honestly, it's about defining ourselves, not letting others do it for us. I’ll be honest, there was a time when I, too, wondered if embracing the 'mompreneur' title might make things easier, almost like I was seeking permission to be taken seriously. It took a few hard knocks – a couple of business meetings where I felt subtly dismissed – to realize that my professional identity was mine to define, not for others to bestow. Even after making this shift, there were times when I doubted myself & felt like I had to prove myself even more, but I knew I was on the right path. That’s when I started truly embracing ‘female entrepreneur,’ and everything shifted. The "Mompreneur" Debate: Why It Can Feel Limiting Over the years, I've heard many discussions & read numerous articles about the term "mompreneur," & certain common observations really resonate with why I feel it can be limiting for many of us. Here's why this label can sometimes feel limiting: The Shadow of Gendered Labeling: Let's be honest, have you ever heard a father in business commonly referred to as a "dadpreneur"? Not so much, right? As one brilliant critic I read pointed out, “What does one call a father who is an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur. ... Then why is a mother who is an entrepreneur a mompreneur ?” This immediately highlights a double standard. It subtly implies that a mother running a business is a special category, perhaps an exception, rather than simply an entrepreneur who also happens to be a mother. Undermining Professionalism?: For some, the "mompreneur" label can unintentionally diminish the perceived seriousness or scale of our ventures. It can conjure images of passion projects or side-hustles run from the kitchen table (which, by the way, is a perfectly valid place to start a global empire!), rather than the ambitious, scalable, impactful businesses many of us are building. This isn’t about where you work from; it’s about the perception of professional gravity. Pigeonholing Our Potential: The term can sometimes pigeonhole women into businesses perceived as traditionally "feminine" or child-focused. While these businesses are absolutely valuable, many female entrepreneurs are innovating in tech, finance, engineering, & countless other sectors. We risk limiting the perceived scope of our ambition & capabilities if our primary professional identifier is tied to our parental status. Who Defines Us?: Many women I’ve spoken to, & indeed, my own feeling, is that we want to be defined by our professional achievements, our expertise, & the value we bring through our businesses, not solely by our role as mothers. It’s about autonomy in crafting our professional identity. A Feminist Lens: Some argue that the term, while perhaps well-intentioned, can inadvertently reinforce traditional gender roles by hyphenating our professional identity with our maternal one, rather than challenging the status quo that often expects women to be primarily defined by their family roles. Now, it's also important to acknowledge that some women absolutely embrace the term "mompreneur." They wear it as a badge of honour, a way to highlight the unique juggle they navigate & to foster a sense of community with others in a similar position. & that is entirely valid. My intention here isn’t to dictate what anyone calls themselves, but to open up a conversation & share why I believe a different approach can be more empowering for us collectively. You know, it really does come down to whatever feels most authentic for you . The Power of Professional Identity: Cultivating Your Inner CEO This brings me to a core belief we hold dear at Femmeprenista, deeply embedded in how we approach building flourishing businesses: the power of a strong, consciously chosen professional identity. This is where we truly step into our Focus – sharpening that resilient entrepreneurial mindset & clarifying our vision. Choosing to identify as a "female entrepreneur" or simply an "entrepreneur" is more than just words. It’s a declaration. It’s about: Cultivating a Leadership Mindset: When you identify as an entrepreneur or CEO first & foremost in your professional life, it shifts your internal dialogue. It encourages you to think bigger, to strategize more seriously, & to own your role as a leader, regardless of the current size of your business. I remember when I was first starting out with Nisbett & George after university; even though it was a small venture, consciously thinking of myself as a co-founder, an entrepreneur, helped me approach challenges & opportunities with a different level of seriousness. I wasn’t just playing at business; I was the business. To cultivate this yourself: Carve out 15 minutes each morning to visualize yourself in that leadership role – confidently leading your team, securing that major deal, or launching that amazing new service. Delegate one task you usually handle yourself to free up your time and empower someone else. Schedule a 30-minute 'strategy session' with yourself each week to review your progress and plan for the coming week. Journal about what that future-you looks like, how she acts, & what decisions she makes. What’s one small step she would take TODAY to get closer to that vision? Commanding Professional Respect: How we introduce ourselves often sets the tone for how others perceive & interact with us. Using a strong, universally understood professional title can command greater respect in business negotiations, networking, & when seeking funding or partnerships. It signals that you are here to do serious business. Unlocking Your Full Potential: Sometimes, labels can become unintentional containers. By shedding a qualifier that might subtly limit perceptions (our own or others’), we open ourselves up to the full spectrum of our capabilities & ambitions. We stop playing small. Attracting the Right Opportunities: Your professional identity is part of your brand. A clear, strong identity helps attract the ideal clients, collaborators, & mentors who resonate with your ambition & expertise. It’s about signalling what you stand for & the level at which you operate. For those of you who might be at the earlier stages, perhaps women who are building their brand & defining their path– what we at Femmeprenista call a ‘Foundation Builder’– thinking about this now can be incredibly powerful. Establishing this strong sense of professional self from the outset can lay a brilliant foundation. Our Spark Program often touches upon building this clarity & conviction as you define your path. Honestly, it's a foundational step towards building a brand that truly reflects your ambition. Embracing Your Beautifully Complex, Multifaceted Self Being a female entrepreneur, especially if you’re also a mother, means you are, by definition, a master multitasker, a juggler of epic proportions, a wearer of many, many hats! & that’s something to be incredibly proud of. My life is a whirlwind of school runs, nappy changes, deadline sprints, team meetings, strategic planning for Femmeprenista, & somehow finding a quiet corner for my PhD research – often with the delightful chaos of our two Miniature Pinschers, Cappuccino & Espresso, adding their own unique brand of mayhem to the mix! This morning alone, I was trying to get ready while cleaning up some rogue Rice Krispies & juice from my toddler after a slightly chaotic breakfast! The point is, our lives are rich & multifaceted. Motherhood is a huge, beautiful, demanding part of that tapestry for many of us. But it doesn't have to be the only thread that defines our professional selves. Embracing the title "female entrepreneur" allows us to acknowledge our gender & our role in breaking barriers, while still standing firm in our primary identity as business leaders. It’s about a holistic view of who we are. Our businesses should energise us, fulfil us, & support the rich tapestry of our lives, ensuring we prioritise our well-being so we can show up as our best selves in every role. This is so central to our philosophy at Femmeprenista – helping you build a business that truly flourishes alongside your life. A Call for Conscious Self-Definition: Own Your Power So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s not about getting caught up in a war of words. It’s about empowerment. It’s about encouraging every single one of you amazing women to consciously choose how you define yourselves professionally. Ask yourself: Does the label I use for myself truly reflect the scale of my ambition? Does it empower me to step into my full potential as a leader? Does it command the respect I deserve in the business world? If you resonate with "mompreneur" & it feels empowering to you, then own it with pride! But if, like me, you feel that "female entrepreneur" or simply "entrepreneur" better captures your professional essence & ambition, then I encourage you to embrace that with unwavering confidence. As Lisa Nichols says, “Don't allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses.” Let your brilliance radiate! This is about claiming our space, our expertise, & our right to be seen as serious, impactful leaders in the business world, mothers or not. It’s about ensuring that our identity as mothers enriches our journey, rather than inadvertently diminishing our professional standing. Our professional identity is a powerful tool. Let's wield it wisely & with intention. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

From Miniature Pinscher Alerts to Market Disruptions: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos of Mumpreneurship Right, let's be honest, the life of a female entrepreneur who also happens to be a mum isn't exactly a serene yoga retreat. It's more like a high-energy Zumba class with one of my daughters clinging to your leg & a Miniature Pinscher – in my case, the aptly named Espresso – using your ankles as a slalom course. (Cappuccino, the older, wiser mum-dog, just watches with a knowing sigh. She's been there.) Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm constantly context-switching between high-level strategy & refereeing puppy playtime! If you've ever tried to craft a killer sales pitch while simultaneously negotiating a hostage situation over a rogue crayon, or delivered a webinar with the dulcet tones of "Baby Shark" echoing in the background, then you know . You get it. This is our reality. This is the beautiful chaos we wouldn't trade for the world, even when it feels like we're running a business from inside a giant inflatable bouncy house filled with rogue glitter cannons. I swear, some days I'm convinced my entrepreneurial superpowers are fuelled by caffeine & sheer willpower! But here's the thing: this whirlwind of mum life actually equips us with some seriously valuable entrepreneurial superpowers. I'm talking resilience, adaptability, & the ability to pivot faster than a toddler changing their mind about what they want for lunch (which, let's be honest, is a lot ). It's like we're constantly training for an entrepreneurial triathlon! The Unexpected: Your Secret Weapon Think about it. What's more unpredictable: a quarterly market report or a toddler deciding to redecorate the living room with your best lipstick five minutes before your Zoom meeting? Exactly. We, my friend, are masters of the unexpected. We thrive in it. We anticipate it. We even find the funny side (eventually, usually after a large glass of wine). One time, I was about to start a live training in my Facebook group, all set up with my slides & everything, when my infant son decided to stage a full-blown nappy explosion. Talk about a live demonstration of "embracing the unexpected"! Let's just say, it wasn't exactly in the lesson plan, but it certainly broke the ice. It’s a moment my community still laughs about. This ability to embrace the unexpected, to roll with the punches (sometimes literally, if my youngest daughter is having a particularly energetic day), is pure gold in the entrepreneurial world. Because let’s face it, business is rarely a smooth, predictable path. There will be curveballs. There will be tech meltdowns. There will be clients who ghost you faster than my teenage daughter disappears into her bedroom on a Saturday morning. Honestly, it’s the business equivalent of trying to fold a fitted sheet while simultaneously untangling 20ft of Christmas lights & mediating a dispute over which Paw Patrol episode to watch. But we’re ready. We've been trained by tiny humans & hyperactive canines. We know how to adapt. We know how to improvise. We know how to breathe deeply & reach for the chocolate (or the wine. Or both). It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s also okay to need a little something to help you get through the day! 😉 From Tantrums to Triumphs: Finding the Flow If you're a Foundation Builder, setting up the core systems for your business can feel overwhelming at times. One of the biggest lessons motherhood has taught me is the importance of finding the flow. Now, I'm not talking about the blissful, uninterrupted kind of flow you might experience during a spa day (remember those?). I'm talking about the "go with the flow" kind of flow – the one where you learn to navigate the constant interruptions, the ever-changing demands, & the general mayhem with a sense of humour & a deep breath. It’s like learning to surf – you can’t control the waves, but you can learn to ride them! There was a time I nearly burned out completely because I wasn’t setting clear boundaries & felt guilty every time I said no. I was trying to be a superwoman for everyone. It was a tough lesson, but it's what made me realize how essential boundaries are. This is where those smart systems come in. Having a clear structure for your day, week, & business is essential. It's the life raft in the choppy waters of running a business as a mum. Think of it as your entrepreneurial life jacket! Create routines: Even small, consistent routines (like a dedicated morning work block or a specific time for checking emails) can make a huge difference. Set boundaries: Just like we teach our kids about boundaries, we need to set them for ourselves, too. This might mean having a dedicated workspace (even if it’s just a corner of the kitchen table) or turning off notifications during family time. I remember one time I missed my daughter's school play because I was so deep in a sales campaign. Honestly, it was heartbreaking. It made me reassess how I was approaching my business. That experience, while painful, was a real turning point. It taught me the importance of planning ruthlessly so I could prioritize the things that really matter. Leverage tech: Embrace the power of automation! Tools like scheduling apps, email marketing platforms, & even AI assistants can free up precious time & mental energy. Think about creating routines, setting boundaries (even if they sometimes feel more like guidelines), & leveraging technology to automate as much as you can (because who has time to manually invoice 50 clients when you’re also trying to prevent a small human from turning the kitchen into a science lab?). Honestly, automating those invoices is the equivalent of finding an extra hour in the day! Speaking of systems, our Launch Programme is designed to help you set up those essential systems to scale. Find out how here. Launch Programme From Mum Guilt to Mindset Mastery Let’s talk about the "M" word – Mum Guilt. That little voice that whispers, "You should be spending more time with your kids," even when you're working your tail off to build a better future for them. It's real. It's pervasive. & It's something many of us struggle with. I know I do! One simple but powerful technique I use to combat this is visualisation. I close my eyes for just five minutes & vividly imagine the future I'm creating for my kids - the opportunities my business will provide, the experiences we'll share, the legacy I'm building. This reconnects me to my “why” & transforms the guilt into empowered action. But what if we reframe that guilt? What if we see our businesses not as taking away from our children, but as adding to them? We’re not just building businesses; we're building legacies. We're showing our children what's possible. We're teaching them resilience, resourcefulness, & the importance of pursuing their passions. We’re teaching them that they can design a life they genuinely love . That sounds like a legacy worth building, right? This isn't about neglecting our kids; it's about building a life that integrates both our passions & our roles as mothers. It’s about finding that delicate, ever-shifting balance. It's about knowing that it's okay to ask for help, to set boundaries, & to prioritize our own well-being. Because a happy, fulfilled mum is a better mum (& a better entrepreneur, too). As Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer." Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Connection It's easy to feel isolated as a female entrepreneur, especially when you're also juggling the demands of motherhood. Juggling multiple roles, navigating the "beautiful chaos," & often working from home can sometimes feel like we’re on a solo mission to Mars. I am grateful for the friends & the family that I have, but what is truly amazing is to actually find people that get you & understand you. For many of us, local family support isn’t an option – just ask Espresso & Cappuccino if you don’t believe me! And those 12–13 weeks of school holidays can feel like an entrepreneurial marathon! Members of our Femme:Connect community have shared how invaluable it is to connect with others who understand these unique challenges. They’ve reported finding solutions to everything from managing childcare during school breaks to streamlining their marketing efforts, all within a supportive & non-judgemental environment. It's like having a global network of business besties who also happen to be fellow mums! That's why community is so essential. Connecting with other women who get it, who understand the juggle, the mum guilt, & the joys of building a business while dodging rogue Play-Doh, can be life-changing. It's about sharing tips, offering support, & reminding each other that we're capable, resilient, & absolutely not crazy (even if our lives sometimes feel that way). That’s why I created Femme:Connect – I wanted to create that safe space for you! Femme:Connect Community Page So, my fellow female entrepreneurs, embrace the chaos. Find the humour. Build those systems. Connect with your tribe. & Remember, you've got this. Because juggling miniature pinscher alerts & market disruptions is just another Tuesday for us, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Unshakeable Resilience: Leading with Impact at the Highest Level As a Visionary Leader, leading an established business & shaping a legacy, you’re likely navigating a unique landscape of challenges & opportunities. You’ve built a thriving business, you’re leading teams, making high-stakes decisions, & yes, lovely, the pressure is real. The higher you climb, the thinner the air gets, & it can feel pretty lonely up there. But this isn't about surviving; it’s about thriving. This blog post is for you. It’s about cultivating unshakeable fortitude, not just bouncing back, but leading with unwavering clarity & confidence, even when the ground beneath you feels like shifting sand. Beyond Bouncing Back: Fortitude Redefined for the Visionary Leader Traditional advice on building strength often focuses on coping mechanisms – how to “bounce back” from setbacks. But at your level, love, fortitude isn’t just about recovery; it’s about proactively building the mental, emotional, & strategic strength to navigate complexity, optimize your energy & impact, & lead with unwavering clarity. It's about forging ahead, not just getting back on your feet. Remember that time my toddler daughter decided to redecorate the living room wall with my favourite YSL fuchsia lipstick – the one I’d saved for special occasions, a little treat for myself – just as I was about to join a crucial investor call? I felt that familiar wave of panic rise, a tight knot in my stomach. "Of all the days," I thought, trying to maintain a calm exterior while frantically scrubbing (with one eye on the clock and the other on my daughter's "masterpiece"). Yeah, "resilient" doesn't even begin to cover it! That moment, amidst the chaos, crystallized something for me: true fortitude, especially as a mum & a CEO, isn’t about avoiding the mess. It's about having the systems & the mindset in place to handle anything life (or a toddler with a creative streak & a penchant for high-end cosmetics) throws at you. Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose You know, I talk a lot about building an empowering support network, but the most essential support system starts within you . This reminds me of Sue Knight's NLP principle: "Success comes from within." The Mindset of Unshakeable Fortitude: Owning Your Narrative Fortitude at this level requires a proactive, self-led approach. It starts with mastering your mindset. One of the most powerful lessons I learned during my MBA (while juggling a newborn, let's not forget!) was the importance of owning your narrative. It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “It’s the system! It’s the market! It’s the economy!” & yes, while external factors certainly play a role, ultimately, your response to those factors is what defines your entrepreneurial journey. This resonates with what I'm exploring in my PhD research: even within challenging structures, the most successful Black female entrepreneurs demonstrate incredible agency. Honestly, I'm doing my PhD right now alongside raising four kids (ranging from toddler tantrums to teenage angst) & managing my businesses (oh, & those energetic Miniature Pinschers, Espresso & Cappuccino – don’t even get me started!). Just like you, my days are a constant juggle of meetings, deadlines, school runs, & the occasional "crisis" like a flooded bathroom thanks to my school-aged daughter’s latest "science experiment." Does that mean my journey’s slower? Of course, it is. Am I giving up? Absolutely not. My experience with this constant balancing act has shown me that true strength lies in taking radical responsibility for your own progress. It’s not about the speed; it’s about the steady, empowered strides forward, even when life throws fuchsia-coloured curveballs. This aligns perfectly with the 'Focus' pillar of my Business Flourish Framework - sharpening your mindset to take ownership & lead with confidence. Key Takeaway: Stop externalizing blame. Start owning your power. Your fortitude is built on your capacity to choose your response, even within constraints. You are the author of your story. Write it powerfully. Strategic Delegation & AI: Amplifying Your Impact & Energy Once you’ve cultivated that inner strength, the next step is to amplify your impact & optimize your energy through strategic delegation & the intelligent use of AI. As a Visionary Leader, your time is your most valuable asset. Are you still bogged down in tasks that can be delegated or automated? Are you truly leveraging the power of your team & the potential of AI to free up your time for high-level strategic thinking & strong leadership? Are you still the bottleneck in your business? Are you clinging to tasks that someone else could handle efficiently? Could smart AI tools automate some of your daily grind? For example, imagine using AI to personalize client communication or generate marketing copy, freeing up your time for high-level strategy. It's about integrating AI seamlessly into your workflows, not just as a shiny new toy, but as a strategic partner. Letting go can be hard, I know. It took me ages to finally relinquish control of my social media scheduling, even though it was eating up valuable time I could have spent on strategic planning or, honestly, just having a cuppa in peace. I distinctly remember delegating a major product launch campaign to a new team member. While I’d meticulously outlined the strategy, a critical miscommunication led to a delayed launch & a significant drop in initial sales. It was a tough lesson, & honestly, my initial reaction was to pull everything back & just do it myself. But stepping back, I realized the issue stemmed from a gap in my communication, not in my team member’s ability. We clarified expectations, refined processes, & subsequent launches went smoothly, proving that even "failures" can be invaluable feedback leading to stronger systems & deeper trust. I remember thinking, "But what if they don't do it my way?" That fear, though understandable, was holding me back. The moment I delegated that task, it was like I'd magically found an extra few hours in the day. Fusion, the AI Integration pillar of my Business Flourish Framework, is all about empowering you with the tools & strategies to make these shifts & reclaim your time & energy. It's about working smarter , not harder. Business Flourish Framework Imagine what reclaiming that kind of time & mental space could do for your vision, lovely. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about leading effectively & strategically deploying your energy. A recent study by McKinsey showed that companies with high levels of AI adoption saw a 15% increase in productivity. Quick Efficiency Tip: Delegate one recurring meeting this week & task your team to summarize the key takeaways. Think about it - how much time & mental energy could you reclaim by streamlining just one meeting? Integrating Mindset Mastery, Systems, & Strategic Delegation: The Holistic Approach Unshakeable fortitude isn’t built in isolation. It’s a holistic process that integrates mindset mastery with strategic action. This is the essence of the Business Flourish Framework, my proven methodology for building a truly flourishing business. This means: Implementing efficient systems, like using a project management tool to keep everyone on track (Trello is my personal fave!). Leveraging smart AI tools to streamline your processes, like using an AI scheduler to optimize client appointments. Delegating or ditching what’s not serving you, like that weekly report that no one actually reads. This also means prioritizing your wellbeing: nurturing your energy, protecting your time, & making space for the things that fill your cup – whether it’s family time, a quiet moment with a good book, or a much-needed spa day (because let's face it, sometimes strength requires a face mask and a strategic plan!). I know this can sound daunting. When you’re used to doing most things yourself, & it took so much effort to get where you are now, the idea of asking for help or relinquishing control of core aspects of your business can feel like a step backwards. Believe me, I get it. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed the first time I tried to delegate a major project. I spent more time micro-managing than I would have just doing it myself! It was a learning curve, but it taught me the critical importance of clear communication, setting realistic expectations, & trusting my team. It's a journey, love, not a destination. It's not easy. Building strong systems & delegating effectively are key components of the 'Flow' pillar of my Business Flourish Framework. And to really explore how to approach this next level with the Business Flourish Framework, Ascend Executive Coaching Page reach out for a personalized strategy session tailored to the unique demands of leading at the highest level. This program, designed specifically for Visionary Leaders, helps you tackle these next-level challenges with confidence, clarity, & a renewed sense of purpose, all while prioritizing your well-being. Leading with Impact: Your Legacy Starts Now As a Visionary Leader, your impact extends beyond your bottom line. You're shaping a legacy, not just a business. Building unshakeable fortitude is about ensuring you can lead with that vision, with clarity & confidence, for the long haul. It’s about designing a business & a life that not only thrive but also allow you to be fully present for the journey, embracing the mess, celebrating the wins, & leading with unwavering impact. Ready to design your legacy and step into your next level of leadership? The Ascend Executive Coaching program provides the personalized guidance, strategic support, & high-level peer connections you need to optimize your impact & create a lasting legacy. Ascend Executive Coaching Page Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift P.S. This workbook is just the beginning! If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello? Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community We'd love to welcome you!

Motherhood and Entrepreneurship Journey: My Unfiltered Story Beyond the Bio: My Unfiltered Journey Through Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & the Beautiful Chaos That Shaped Femmeprenista Ever look at someone’s glossy CEO bio & think, "Right, but what’s the *real* story?" I get it. We all present our most polished selves, especially in business. But honestly? Today, I want to pull back the curtain a bit, especially for all you Foundation Builders out there just starting on this windy path. Because behind Femmeprenista, behind the MBA, the PhD research, & the business strategies, there’s just… me. Carlene. A mum of four, juggling school runs & strategy calls, navigating the beautiful, bonkers chaos of family life while trying to build something meaningful. & honestly? It’s the messy, unfiltered bits of that journey – the stumbles, the lessons, the sheer bloody-mindedness – that have truly shaped who I am & what Femmeprenista stands for. Isn't life about the quality of it, not just how much you've got in the pocket? So, grab a cuppa (or something stronger, no judgement here!), & let’s have a real chat. This isn’t just my story; it’s a testament to the fact that the path to building a business you love, especially as a mother, is rarely a straight line. & that’s more than okay – it’s where the real magic happens. From Feeling Failed to Finding My Fire: The Early Sparks If you’d told my younger self I’d be running a company dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs, she might have laughed. Or cried. Probably both! School, in the early days, wasn’t my happy place. I vividly remember that feeling of being lost in a system that wasn’t working for me, my confidence shrinking with every unanswered question I was too scared to ask. It’s a horrible feeling, isn't it? To feel like you’re already behind. A mid-year move to a private school was a lifeline, but it came with its own challenges – that feeling of always trying to catch up, of needing to find my voice in a new, & at times, intimidating environment. I’ll never forget my dad, bless him, literally standing up & shouting at teachers who were essentially telling me to shut up & sit down. He was a force of nature, & seeing him advocate for me like that planted a seed: the importance of having a voice, & using it. It’s a lesson that’s stayed with me, & it’s a huge part of why I’m so passionate about helping other women find & amplify theirs. As Lisa Nichols would say, “Don't allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses.” University was another turning point. My first attempt at one uni felt… off. The course wasn't quite right, I hadn't found my tribe, & I was miles from home. Listening to that niggle of intuition, I took a gap year, re-evaluated, & found my way to the University of East London. It was like night & day. The multicultural environment, the course structure (Fashion Design with a hefty dose of Marketing – who knew that would be so pivotal?!), it just *fit*. What I learned about consumer behaviour at UEL has shaped my entire approach to business. I thrived there, even becoming a mother to my eldest daughter during my studies. It taught me the incredible power of the right environment & trusting your gut – lessons that are foundational to how we approach things at Femmeprenista today. You can explore more about my background on our . The Corporate Detour & The MBA "Lightbulb" Moment Like many, I ventured into the corporate world. I learned a lot, worked with some big names like Apple & Electrolux, but that feeling of being a "replaceable cog" often lingered. There were times I’d pour my heart into projects, only for my name to be conspicuously absent when the metaphorical (or actual) spotlight shone. & the inflexibility… let’s just say the standard two weeks holiday doesn’t quite cut it when your kids have about 12 or 13 weeks off a year, does it? The real catalyst for change came after my second daughter was born. The thought of returning to a corporate role where I often felt micromanaged & undervalued – delivering work I knew was worth far more than my pay packet – filled me with a sense of dread. "Honestly, there *has* to be a better way," I remember thinking. That's when I decided to pursue an MBA at Cranfield University. Initially, I saw it as a way to get a "better" corporate job. Oh, the irony! The MBA taster day was like a series of mini-explosions going off in my head – new ideas, exciting concepts. I was hooked. But the biggest revelation from that intense, demanding, & brilliant year (juggled with a baby, I might add!) wasn’t that I needed a more senior corporate role. It was the crystal-clear realisation that even climbing higher up someone else’s ladder wouldn’t give me the quality of life, the autonomy, or the direct impact I craved. This made me reconnect powerfully to that little girl selling sweets in the playground, to the young mum who co-founded a fashion accessories business, Nisbett and George, during her final year at UEL (a venture sparked by a "now or never" feeling & the E-Factor competition, which taught me so much about partnerships & the unique dedication required when you're a mother in business). This perfectly aligns with Sinek’s teaching: People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it. The MBA powerfully reaffirmed that my path was entrepreneurship. Because, as I often say, "Isn't life about the quality of it, not just how much you've got in the pocket?" The "Beautiful Chaos": Building a Business Alongside a Growing Family So, I took the leap. & let me tell you, building a business while raising four children (including a teenager, a six-year-old, a toddler, & now an infant son!), pursuing a PhD, & often without a huge local family support network… well, it’s a journey. It’s what I affectionately call the "beautiful chaos." It’s not easy, but as I often say, if it was, everybody would do it! There are days when I’m trying to finalise a marketing strategy while negotiating who gets the last biscuit, or attempting a moment of quiet reflection only for our hyperactive younger Miniature Pinscher, Espresso, to decide it’s zoomie-time around the living room (much to the apparent disdain of her calmer mother, Cappuccino). I tell you, the dogs in this house provide constant comic relief! There are mornings where, despite best-laid plans, I’m dabbing glitter glue off a school uniform minutes before we need to leave, or trying to decipher what vital piece of information my toddler is trying to communicate through a series of elaborate gestures & one-syllable pronouncements. It’s a constant reminder to be present, even when my to-do list is screaming at me! It’s real, it’s messy, & it’s often hilariously unpredictable. Last week, I was on a crucial call with a potential Momentum client (talk about needing to bring my A-game!), & mid-sentence, my toddler decided my leg was the perfect climbing frame. Cue me, trying to maintain a professional demeanour whilst simultaneously preventing a small human from using me as a mountaineering exercise. It’s all part of the juggle, right? & yes, my path is probably "harder" & "slower" than someone without these commitments. According to a recent study, women are 15% less likely to scale their business than men, often citing challenges balancing family commitments. As the Federation of Small Businesses puts it, "Women face unique barriers when it comes to scaling their businesses, often stemming from the juggling act of balancing work and family responsibilities.” I did my undergrad with my first as a baby, my MBA with my second as an infant, & now my PhD with my two youngest. But you know what? I’m not giving up. I’m still here. I’m still learning. & that, for me, is the essence of it. It’s about personal responsibility. It’s about saying, "Okay, this is my reality. How do I make it work? How do I work *smart*?" Speaking of making it work, I recently helped Sarah, a "Foundation Builder" in our Femme:Connect community, who was struggling with tech overwhelm. She was spending hours trying to DIY her website, getting nowhere, & feeling completely defeated. Using the systems we teach in the Launch Program, she streamlined her setup, focusing only on the essentials, and actually launched her site in a weekend! This deep, personal understanding of the juggle is why Femmeprenista is built on a holistic foundation. It’s why we talk about integrating your business with your life, about creating systems that give you back time & energy, & about prioritising your well-being so you can show up as your best self, both at home & in your business. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential. Lessons Forged in the Fire: What My Journey Taught Me (& How It Can Help You) My winding path hasn’t just been a series of events; it’s been a masterclass in resilience, intuition, & the power of taking ownership. It reminds me of Jim Rohn’s quote: Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. & these are the lessons I pour into Femmeprenista: Here's a quick checklist for building a thriving business (your way!): * **Your Voice Matters (Hugely!):** From feeling silenced in early school to finding environments where I could thrive, I learned that your unique perspective is your superpower. It's so important that you trust the vibes you get. We help you find it, own it, & use it to build a brand that’s authentically YOU. This is why what Adrienne Weimer calls an "unhinged content era" is so powerful: it's about saying what *you* want to say in *your* way! Challenge: What's *your* unique perspective? What's one thing you can share this week that's 100% YOU? * **The "Right Fit" is Everything:** Just like my first university wasn’t the right fit, generic business advice often isn’t either. You need support & strategies tailored to *your* life, *your* values, & *your* vision of success. Challenge: What kind of tailored support do *you* need right now? What's one area where you know generic advice just isn't cutting it for your unique situation? * **Personal Responsibility is Your Launchpad:** External circumstances, systemic challenges – they’re real. I’ve navigated my share. But ultimately, progress comes from what *you* do. It’s about asking, "What can I control? What smart action can I take today?" This belief in proactive adaptation is at the heart of how we empower you. It’s not about blaming the system; it's about figuring out how you can navigate it, & often, transcend it. Or, to put it another way, I’m the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. Challenge: What's one small, smart step you can take *today* to own your progress? Commit to it! Schedule it in your calendar RIGHT NOW! * **Systems Create Sanity (& Success!):** When you’re juggling a million things, robust systems are your best friend. They create the space for you to focus on what truly matters, to streamline your processes, & to move away from that constant feeling of being overwhelmed. As I often say, "It's the system that's going to help us." Challenge: What's one system you can put in place this week to reclaim some sanity? What's the VERY FIRST step you can take to set it up? * **Well-being Isn't a Luxury; It's Fuel:** You can’t pour from an empty cup. My journey has taught me (sometimes the hard way!) that prioritising your energy & well-being is non-negotiable for sustainable success & avoiding burnout. Your business should energise you, not drain you. Or, as Lisa Nichols would say, your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Challenge: What one small act of self-care will you commit to *today*? Even five minutes can make a difference! * **Embrace the "Beautiful Chaos":** Life, especially with kids & a business, is rarely neat & tidy. Learning to find the joy, the humour, & the lessons in the midst of it all is key. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress & presence. I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened! Challenge: Can you find one moment of joy in the chaos today? What's one thing you can appreciate RIGHT NOW? These lessons, born from my own experiences – from the corporate grind to the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, from academic challenges to the daily realities of motherhood – are woven into the fabric of Femmeprenista. They are the "why" behind our , our holistic approach designed to help you build a thriving business that truly aligns with the life you want to live. You Are Not Alone in This If my story resonates with you – if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, doubted yourself, or wondered how on earth you’re going to make all the pieces fit – please know you’re not alone. So many of us are right there in the trenches with you, figuring it out one day, one smart decision, at a time. As Barack Obama has so wisely said, "We are the change we have been waiting for." My experiences led me to build Femmeprenista as a dedicated space for support, strategy, & genuine connection. It’s the kind of space I wished I’d had at various points in my own journey. Ready to build a flourishing business & a fulfilling life, without the hustle? Explore Momentum here to start scaling sustainably. Feeling understood & connected was crucial for me, especially in those early days of finding my feet, both as a mother & an entrepreneur. It’s why community is so central to what we do. P.S. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my slightly unfiltered ramblings, it’s this: your journey, with all its unique twists, turns, & beautiful chaos, is valid. Embrace it. Learn from it. & never, ever underestimate your own strength & resilience. As Paulo Coelho said, "When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” P.P.S. Feeling like you need a tribe of women who just *get it*? A place to share the wins, navigate the wobbles, & connect with fellow ambitious female entrepreneurs? Our is a warm, supportive space created for exactly that. We’d love to welcome you. Carlene Nisbett Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker) Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift… www.femmeprenista.com Join the conversation & get more insights: Join Our Facebook Community Today. Find me on Facebook: Join me on Instagram: Connect with me on LinkedIn: