SE02E27 The Art of Piloting New Ideas | Carly Buxton

Today’s Guest: Carly Buxton of ParentswarmDon’t forget! Like – Comment – SubscribeGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlybuxton/This Episode:In this conversation, Carly Buxton discusses her entrepreneurial journey with Parentswarm, a childcare coordination platform, along with her experiences as a professor and author. Carly emphasizes the importance of piloting new ideas in entrepreneurship and explains how testing concepts early can save time, energy, and unnecessary risk. She shares her perspectives on healthcare, social media, and the realities of entrepreneurship, arguing that traditional systems often make it unnecessarily difficult for people to pursue meaningful work.Carly also discusses her upcoming book on business communication in the age of AI, reflecting on how technology is reshaping the way people connect and collaborate. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of empathy, emotional resilience, and strategic thinking while balancing multiple projects, parenting, and professional responsibilities.The discussion explores the emotional complexity of entrepreneurship, the challenges of work-life balance, and the lessons that come from navigating change and uncertainty. Carly reflects on the value of diverse experiences, the importance of gratitude during chaotic seasons, and why she believes everyone should experience building a startup at least once. She closes by sharing her hopes for future creative projects and her desire to bring personal stories to life on screen.Key TakeawaysPiloting new ideas can save time and energy in entrepreneurshipHealthcare tied to employment creates barriers for entrepreneursSocial media’s negatives may outweigh its positivesBusiness communication is being reimagined in the age of AIEmpathy is a core value in leadership and entrepreneurshipManaging multiple projects can create self-doubt and identity challengesParenting adds complexity to entrepreneurship and work-life balanceThere is no wasted experience in life or businessStarting a startup can be as educational as earning an MBAStrategic thinking requires the ability to zoom out and see the bigger pictureHaving peers and community support is invaluable during entrepreneurshipOur greatest weaknesses can become our greatest strengthsGratitude matters even during chaotic seasons of lifeCreative aspirations often evolve alongside entrepreneurial journeysBut First, Principles with Colin DavisReal stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.Helpful LinksWant practical tools to build a business that actually works?Visit: https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.comReady for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?Email Colin: [email protected] ColinColin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.KeywordsCarly Buxton, Parentswarm, entrepreneurship, childcare, business communication, empathy, healthcare, social media, writing, parenting, academic research, multi-project management, work-life balance, gratitude, startups, personal growth, emotional resilience, parenting resources, business lessons, career transitions, creative writing