Intentional Ambition: Building a Business Without Losing Yourself with Courtney Henderson

In this episode of the me.vibes podcast, Maria sits down with Courtney Henderson, founder of Think Folk, a boutique marketing and communications business based in Hawke’s Bay.Courtney shares her journey from working in marketing roles across New Zealand, the UK and Australia, to starting her own business after becoming a mum of three. We talk about ambition, motherhood, identity, marketing, confidence, and what it means to build a business that actually fits your life.This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that you do not need to be everywhere, do everything, or follow every trend to build something meaningful. Courtney brings such a grounded and thoughtful perspective on marketing — one that is less about noise, and more about clarity, strategy and connection.We also talk about AI, creativity and the future of business. Courtney shares her honest thoughts on using AI for the busy work, while protecting the human thinking, taste and creativity that make a brand feel real.This episode is for anyone building a business, growing a brand, navigating motherhood and ambition, or trying to do things in a way that feels more intentional.In this episode, we chat about:Courtney’s career journey and the stepping stones that led to Think FolkStarting a business after having three young childrenWhy marketing does not need to mean being everywhere at onceThe pressure of social media and vanity metricsBuilding a business with intention and commercial ambitionThe difference between personal brand and professional presenceAI, creativity and keeping business humanFinding joy, creativity and space outside of workYou can connect with Courtney and learn more about Think Folk here:Instagram: @thinkfolkLinkedIn: Courtney HendersonWebsite: thinkfolk.co.nzEmail: [email protected] warm, honest and thoughtful conversation about building something slowly, strategically and in a way that still feels like you.