[S5, Ep5] Redefining Success: Why Natalia Hooker Built a Publishing Business Around Joy, Not Hustle

This week on Female Founder Unplugged, we’re flipping the script on success.Meet Natalia Hooker — a former banker, one-time girl band member, now a boutique publisher and devoted mom who's quietly redefining what it means to build a business with heart.In this episode, we dive into what happens when you stop chasing someone else’s definition of success—and instead create a business that aligns with your life, your values, and your joy. From the stage in Italy to the world of publishing, Natalia’s journey is anything but conventional—and it’s exactly the kind of inspiration we need.Episode Highlights: 🎤 From pop star to purpose-driven publisher: how life’s pivots shape how we show up in business. [2:30] 📖 What it really means to be a hybrid publisher — and why it matters for first-time authors. [4:47] 🏡 Why working without overhead changed everything — for her business and her clients. [8:20] 🧩 How Natalia curates the perfect freelance team to bring each author’s vision to life. [9:05]🎧 Natalia breaks down what hybrid publishing really is—and why she built her model around accessibility, not inflated fees. For her, it’s not about building wealth—it’s about building community, creating joy, and helping authors share stories that matter.This episode is for every founder ready to grow a business that reflects their values—where creativity, freedom, and purpose lead the way.Support the showThe People Side of Business is the podcast for female founders and business owners who are leading teams and growing businesses.Hosted by Lindsay White, Leadership Coach, Team Leadership Strategist, and Fractional HR Expert, this show delivers practical leadership strategies, real-world people solutions, and honest conversations about the challenges of leading a team.From employee performance issues and difficult conversations to hiring, accountability, workplace culture, and team growth, each episode is designed to help you lead, manage, and scale your team as a founder.If you're ready to become a more confident leader, make better people decisions, and build a stronger, higher-performing team, you're in the right place.Learn more at highvoltageleadership.ca, connect on Instagram @highvoltleadership, or find Lindsay White on LinkedIn.The people side of business isn't separate from growth. The people side of business is the business.