Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice

Send us Fan MailIn the Season 4 finale of Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice, the tables are turned as Lu Swain interviews Trudy Heins about her own journey from business operator to CEO.Across more than three decades in finance, leadership and business ownership, Trudy has built businesses, led teams, navigated major change and learned firsthand that becoming a CEO is not a title you earn once. It is an ongoing decision to lead differently.Trudy shares how her early career shaped her commercial judgement, the lessons she carried from corporate leadership into business ownership, and the experiences that taught her the difference between being responsible for everything and genuinely leading.Together, Lu and Trudy explore what happens when the skills that helped you build a business begin to hold it back. They discuss delegation, decision-making, financial leadership, managing people, building resilience and learning to step away from the day-to-day without losing sight of what matters.Trudy also reflects on the importance of knowing your numbers, having difficult conversations and accepting that no employee will ever be as emotionally invested in the business as its owner. Strong leadership is not about expecting people to think exactly as you do. It is about setting clear expectations, building capable teams and giving people the structure and trust they need to perform.The conversation also looks at the personal side of leadership. Trudy shares how life experience, setbacks and previous businesses have shaped the way she leads today, and why success must be defined by more than revenue alone.This episode brings Season 4, The CEO Shift, full circle. The shift is not about doing more, controlling every detail or becoming busier. It is about creating the clarity, confidence and commercial discipline to lead a business that can grow beyond you.If you have built something successful but still feel responsible for every decision, every outcome and every problem, this conversation is a reminder that the next stage of growth may require a different version of you.About Trudy HeinsTrudy Heins is the CEO and owner of Fempire, a strategic business consultant, podcast host and former Certified Financial Planner with more than 36 years of experience across finance, leadership and business.Throughout her career, Trudy has built and sold businesses, led sales teams, worked with respected Australian financial organisations and supported business owners to create stronger, more profitable and financially sustainable businesses.Today, she works with women who are ready to stop running every part of their business and start leading it with greater clarity, confidence and commercial focus.Episode Highlights The experiences that shaped Trudy’s approach to business and leadership  Moving from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship  What previous businesses taught Trudy about becoming a CEO  The difference between being responsible for everything and leading effectively  Why knowing your numbers is a fundamental leadership responsibility  Making difficult decisions when there is no perfect answer  Why business owners become the bottleneck in their own businesses  Learning to delegate without lowering your standards  Setting clear expectations and building accountable teams  Why employees will never be as invested as the business owner  Creating a business that does not rely on you for every decision  Leading through setbacks, uncertainty and major change  Defining success beyond revenue and constant growth  The lessons Trudy would share with her younger business self  Why the CEO Shift is never truly finished  Trudy’s advice for women ready to step into stronger leadership Become a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with Trudy HeinsWebsite LinkedInConnect with FempireWebsite Facebook Instagram LinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice, Trudy Heins sits down with Moriah Riona, founder of Moriah Riona Branding, to explore what really changes when a business owner stops trying to do everything herself and starts leading like a CEO. Moriah shares her journey from wedding photographer to luxury brand strategist, and how narrowing her niche, investing in mindset work and eventually building a team helped her grow from $50K to $100K, then into a multiple six-figure business.Together, Trudy and Moriah unpack why being capable of doing everything does not mean you should, how outsourcing created the white space Moriah needed to become the visionary in her business, and why her biggest growth year also came with a shorter working week.They also explore the relationship between branding, identity and leadership. Because a premium brand is not simply about beautiful design. It is about positioning, self-concept, knowing the value you bring and being willing to step into the level of business you want to lead.The conversation also gets practical about delegation, hiring, having difficult conversations, letting go of perfectionism and building a team you can genuinely trust.If you have become the bottleneck in your own business, or you know you are spending too much time doing work someone else could be doing, this episode is a reminder that growth often begins with getting out of your own way.Connect with Moriah RionaWebsite LinkedIn Episode Highlights02:58 Moriah’s journey from wedding photography to luxury branding05:00 What changed when she finally narrowed her niche06:10 How mindset work helped Moriah grow from $50K to $100K09:02 Moving from Chief Everything Officer to CEO10:17 Creating white space to become the visionary11:09 Tripling revenue while moving to a three-day work week13:16 Why women feel pressure to do everything themselves15:16 Entrepreneurship, identity and personal development18:00 When branding becomes more than a logo or website20:42 Self-concept and attracting premium clients23:39 The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur25:20 Why business owners need other entrepreneurs around them27:43 The practical shift from busy to strategic29:19 How Moriah built a team she could genuinely trust31:13 Feedback, communication and difficult conversations33:47 Moriah’s biggest CEO Shift34:09 Tripling revenue while working less35:07 Designing a business around life, not just revenue35:49 Why women need to invest money, not only time, into growth37:00 Advice for the business owner who has become the bottleneck37:30 Stop waiting for permission to step into your next levelBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsite Facebook Instagram LinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Jenni Erbel and Nina Forbes, two highly experienced businesswomen whose careers have spanned financial services, leadership, business ownership and ultimately successful business exits.What started as a conversation on Nina's driveway became a business they would build, grow and sell within five years. From the beginning, they had a number in mind and knew what they were working towards. That clarity shaped many of the decisions that followed.Together, Trudy, Jenni and Nina explore what it takes to build a business with real value beyond its owners. They discuss exit planning, cash flow, profitability, delegation, people, processes, culture and why understanding your numbers is a responsibility that can never simply be handed to someone else.They also unpack the importance of building for where you want the business to go, rather than only solving for what it needs today, and why knowing your own strengths may mean recognising that you don't have to be the CEO simply because you own the business.If you've ever wondered whether you're building a valuable business or simply creating another job for yourself, this conversation is full of lessons from two women who have built, grown, sold and ultimately created the freedom to choose what came next.Connect with Jenni Erbel and Nina ForbesJenni Erbel LinkedInNina Forbes LinkedInEpisode Highlights03:14 Jenni's journey from teaching to financial services, business ownership and retirement03:58 How a conversation on a driveway became their first business05:11 Why they had an exit strategy from the beginning07:35 Moving from technician to CEO09:33 Building towards a number and finding the right business mentor11:48 Why doing everything yourself limits business value13:03 Cash flow, growth and the numbers you need to watch15:15 Profit as the reward for taking the risk of business ownership16:11 The mistakes and learning experiences behind the success17:58 Knowing when an opportunity will derail your strategy18:47 People, profit and process20:01 Communication, culture and leading your team21:16 Why culture can trump strategy23:05 Building systems and structure for where the business is going25:13 Why growth requires a longer-term view27:00 Building the foundations for the business you ultimately want38:17 Knowing when it was time to step away40:15 Defining the end game and working backwards40:52 From sharing one desk to taking over the entire floor42:30 Backing yourself and creating options for the future43:24 Why bigger businesses don't mean fewer mistakes43:55 Season 4 Quickfire Questions45:28 Why sustainable growth means stopping doing everything yourself46:29 Knowing your numbers and measuring return on investment47:22 What to do when you've become the bottleneck48:32 Final thoughts and takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Hannah Conkey, founder of MindPilot, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of business leadership: the brain behind the business.As business owners, we spend years learning about marketing, finance and strategy, yet very few of us ever learn how our brains influence the way we think, make decisions, respond to stress and lead our teams.Together, Trudy and Hannah discuss the neuroscience behind the CEO Shift, why so many business owners become trapped in survival mode, how stress and decision fatigue affect performance, and the practical habits that help leaders think more clearly, make better decisions and create sustainable success.They also explore emotional regulation, energy management, sleep, movement, delegation and why becoming a better CEO starts with understanding yourself before trying to improve your business.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, struggled to switch off, or wondered why you know what to do but still find yourself stuck in the day-to-day, this conversation is for you.Connect with Hannah ConkeyWebsite: MindPilotLinkedIn: Hannah ConkeyEpisode Highlights02:50 Hannah's journey from corporate leadership to neuroscience05:32 Why understanding the brain changes the way we lead10:38 Survival mode versus intentional leadership13:14 Why your brain resists change16:09 What really happens during the CEO Shift19:48 Decision fatigue and why business owners get stuck23:13 The impact of stress on leadership and performance27:50 Helping teams move beyond constant overwhelm32:48 Measuring performance through neuroscience36:03 Why wellbeing is a commercial advantage40:59 Sleep, recovery and sustainable leadership46:39 Practical habits that improve decision making48:29 Letting go and trusting others to lead52:20 Why exhaustion should never be a badge of honour52:36 Hannah's advice for women ready to make their CEO Shift54:34 Final thoughts and takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Samantha Bottegal, founder of PEKO PEKO and a Fempire Certified Business Coach, to explore one of the most difficult parts of business leadership: what happens when things don't go to plan.After building a thriving food business from the ground up, Samantha faced one of the biggest challenges many business owners experience but rarely talk about. Trusting the wrong people, navigating leadership setbacks and rebuilding both her business and her confidence.Together, Trudy and Samantha discuss why strong values create stronger businesses, the transition from operator to CEO, the importance of hiring well, setting clear expectations, and learning that leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but responding well when they happen.They also explore resilience, accountability, coaching, systems, culture and why setbacks often become the lessons that shape stronger leaders.If you've ever questioned your leadership, struggled after making the wrong hire, or wondered how to rebuild your confidence after a setback, this conversation is for you.Connect with Samantha BottegalWebsite: PEKO PEKOLinkedIn: Samantha BottegalEpisode Highlights02:47 Samantha's journey from Japan to business ownership07:19 Building a business on strong foundations and values09:24 Recognising it was time to stop doing everything10:24 The cost of trying to do it all12:22 Hiring leaders and learning to let go16:51 When leadership doesn't go to plan20:04 Difficult conversations and rebuilding confidence22:43 Trust, accountability and learning from mistakes24:36 Looking inward before pointing outward26:05 Overcoming guilt, shame and self-doubt28:43 Why every business owner needs support31:12 Building better systems and stronger teams35:18 Returning to your values as a leader40:25 Season 4 Quickfire Questions47:33 Final thoughts and takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Caroline Cavanagh, Director of Jubilee Legal, to explore one of the most overlooked responsibilities of business leadership: protecting the business you've worked so hard to build.Many business owners spend years growing profitable businesses and valuable assets, yet very few stop to consider what could happen if life takes an unexpected turn.Together, Trudy and Caroline discuss why CEOs think about risk before it becomes a crisis, the role of financial agreements, estate planning and asset protection, and why these conversations are not just legal matters, but commercial decisions.They also explore Caroline's approach to Dignified Divorce, the importance of creating strong business foundations, and why the best time to protect your business is long before you ever think you'll need to.If you've ever assumed asset protection was something to deal with later, or wondered how to build a business that's prepared for whatever life brings, this conversation is for you.Connect with Caroline CavanaghWebsite: Jubilee LegalLinkedIn: Caroline CavanaghEpisode Highlights02:42 Caroline's journey into family law04:43 Moving from practitioner to business leader07:15 Scaling through consultants instead of employees08:51 Why CEOs think about risk differently11:41 The financial consequences of relationships13:26 What every business owner should know about financial agreements18:57 Why asset protection starts from day one21:03 Financial agreements as business planning25:09 Why estate planning and asset protection go hand in hand27:16 The thinking behind Dignified Divorce31:16 Protecting the assets that matter most33:49 Caroline's own CEO Shift35:03 Letting go of doing everything yourself37:56 Designing a business around the life you want38:58 Looking five years ahead39:16 Why working with a coach changes everything40:25 Season 4 Quickfire Questions47:15 Final thoughts and takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Sam Bell, founder of Courageous Girls Club, to explore what it really takes to build a business bigger than yourself.What began with just eight girls gathered around Sam's dining room table has grown into a national organisation, licensing programs across Australia to help young girls build confidence, courage and resilience.As the business expanded, Sam faced the challenge every founder eventually encounters: how do you stop being the person who does everything and become the leader who enables others to carry your vision?Together, Trudy and Sam discuss the transition from operator to CEO, the power of licensing, protecting your intellectual property, documenting systems, building the right team, and learning to let go so your business can continue to grow without depending solely on you.If you've ever wondered how to scale a service-based business, struggled to delegate, or wanted to create a business that makes an impact beyond your own time and effort, this conversation is for you.Connect with Sam BellWebsite: Courageous Girls ClubLinkedIn: Sam BellEpisode Highlights02:35 How Courageous Girls Club began05:11 The experiences that shaped Sam's mission09:39 Building confidence instead of simply tackling bullying15:43 Why licensing became the path to growth20:36 Redefining success and building a business that fits your life23:07 Stepping into the role of CEO25:40 Letting go so your business can grow31:04 What every business owner should know about licensing33:56 Leadership, authenticity and building the right culture38:44 Giving yourself permission to lead43:22 Why you have to back yourself45:05 Season 4 Quickfire Questions47:42 Final thoughts and takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FempireWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Dionne Malush, co-owner of Realty ONE Group Gold Standard in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to explore what it really takes to build a business that can grow beyond its founder.After losing her first business following a difficult partnership, Dionne rebuilt from the ground up, combining her background in graphic design and marketing with real estate to create one of the fastest-growing brokerages in her region.What began as a bold decision to challenge the traditional real estate model has grown into a business of around 200 agents, built on authentic leadership, innovation and a willingness to do things differently.Together, Trudy and Dionne discuss disrupting an established industry, building a strong personal brand, learning to delegate, trusting others to lead, and making the mindset shift from doing everything yourself to building a business that doesn't depend on you.If you've ever struggled to let go of control, worried about whether your business could survive without you, or wondered what it really takes to become the CEO your business needs, this conversation is for you.Connect with Dionne MalushLinkedInEpisode Highlights01:02 Meet Dionne Malush02:06 Losing her first business and starting again04:54 Why real estate became the next chapter06:01 Challenging the traditional brokerage model08:27 Why disruption creates opportunity12:33 Building an authentic personal brand online17:02 Hiring a COO and learning to delegate23:15 Letting go to build a business beyond yourself24:35 Communication, trust and leadership26:13 Why women need to build their personal brand29:06 Stop worrying about what other people think31:44 Leading through personal adversity33:27 Faith, mindset and resilience35:44 Why taking action beats waiting for confidence37:24 Season 4 Quickfire Questions44:36 Legacy and final takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation.Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership?Find your coach hereJoin the Fempire AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, playbooks and a supportive community of women building stronger, more profitable businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FEMPIREWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday, Trudy Heins sits down with Di Geddes, founder of Exceptional Care For You, a values-led disability and aged care business she started at 54 after rebuilding her life following breast cancer, divorce, workplace bullying, grief and years of caring for others.What began with a desire to make a difference has grown into a business employing more than 90 people, proving it's never too late to start again.Di shares how encouragement from clients, the support of mentors and learning to believe in herself gave her the confidence to take the leap into business. She reflects on the milestones that mattered most, from securing her first office to leading a growing team, and the mindset shifts required to transition from doing everything herself to becoming the CEO her business needed.Together, Trudy and Di explore values-led leadership, compassion in business, building culture, trusting others, setting boundaries, overcoming loneliness as a business owner, and redefining success beyond revenue alone.If you've ever questioned whether it's too late to start over, struggled to let go of control, or wondered what it really takes to lead a growing business, this conversation is for you.Connect with Di GeddesDi's bookEpisode Highlights01:22 Meet Di Geddes03:07 Rebuilding after cancer, divorce and adversity05:50 Finding purpose through care06:38 The mentor who encouraged Di to start her business08:54 Strength, support and healing11:20 Letting go of resentment12:41 Starting a business at 5414:20 Why positive feedback changed everything15:40 The mindset shift from employee to business owner19:04 Moving from operator to organisation20:57 Scaling the business and thinking like a CEO23:30 Building a business led by compassion25:09 Looking beyond the NDIS headlines26:14 Can compassion and profit coexist?26:51 Hiring for values before skills29:52 Boundaries, trust and leadership32:28 Building your business tribe35:38 Lessons in loyalty and leadership38:31 What the CEO Shift really means39:14 Redefining success and leadership41:28 Designing a business that supports retirement43:22 Why it's never too late to begin again45:18 Final takeawaysBecome a Fempire Certified Business CoachIf you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, we'd love to have a conversation. Click here to learn moreFind a Fempire Certified Business CoachLooking for practical business support from a coach who understands the realities of business ownership? Find your coach hereJoin the FEMPIRE AcademyAccess practical business resources, masterclasses, templates, workbooks and a supportive community of women building commercially strong businesses.Join the AcademyConnect with FEMPIREWebsite FacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSeason 4 of Fempire Rising begins with a conversation every business owner needs to hear.In this special panel episode, Trudy Heins is joined by Laura Connarty-Duncan, Karen Evans, and Dena Piro, three Fempire Certified Business Coaches with decades of combined experience across corporate leadership, business ownership and coaching.Together, they explore what it really means to make The CEO Shift. That point where working harder is no longer the answer, and stepping into leadership becomes the key to sustainable business growth.The panel shares personal stories of career pivots, leadership lessons, imposter moments, burnout, confidence, delegation and the realities of building businesses that don't rely on the owner doing everything.This conversation is practical, honest and full of commercial insight for women who are ready to stop operating in their business and start leading it.In this episode, Trudy, Laura, Karen and Dena discuss: What The CEO Shift really means and why every business owner eventually reaches it.  The difference between being busy and being commercially effective.  Why so many women underestimate the value of their own experience.  Building confidence through action rather than waiting until you feel ready.  Delegation, systems and why they need to happen earlier than most business owners think.  The mindset shifts required to move from operator to leader.  The importance of boundaries, resilience and building a business that supports your life.  Practical advice for women who are ready to lead with more confidence and commercial clarity. Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome to Season 4: The CEO Shift02:49 Meet the panel: Laura Connarty-Duncan, Karen Evans & Dena Piro09:45 The first signs you've become the bottleneck17:36 Why the CEO Shift starts with mindset23:08 Delegation, outsourcing and letting go28:38 Systems: Why you need them earlier than you think34:33 Getting out of the day-to-day and leading strategically39:53 Redefining success as a business owner42:12 The one thing every CEO needs to stop doing47:08 Turning decades of experience into a coaching business53:12 Final advice for women making the CEO ShiftConnect with our panelLaura Connarty-DuncanFounder & CEO Champion WomenKaren Evans Founder & CEO Business By Design CoachDena Piro Founder & CEO DP Business CoachingFind all of our Certified Business Coaches hereBecome a Fempire Certified Business Coach:If you're an experienced businesswoman ready to turn your knowledge into a profitable coaching business, learn more hereJoin the FEMPIRE Academy:Access practical business resources, masterclasses, templates and a community of women building commercially strong businesses hereSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this bonus Season 3 episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins interviews Erin Daldry of A Simpler Life about public speaking, confidence, and communicating with impact. The episode opens with a welcome and acknowledgement of Te Āti Awa.Erin shares her unique and varied career journey, from banking trainer and air traffic controller to veterinarian, and explains how those experiences shaped her approach to communication. She discusses the importance of clarity and delivering messages in a way that can be easily received and understood by an audience.Together, Trudy and Erin explore why so many women fear public speaking, including the role of our fight-or-flight response, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the fear of being judged or challenged.Erin shares practical strategies to help business owners become more confident and effective communicators, including starting with the end in mind, focusing on one clear message, establishing credibility through introductions, using strong hooks and calls to action, and applying the principles of primacy and recency to make presentations more memorable.The conversation also covers audience engagement, managing interruptions, breaking longer presentations into smaller segments, improving body language and online presence, and using recording and self-review as tools for growth. Erin highlights the importance of reflecting against objectives, allowing realistic timeframes for improvement, and finding a way to do business that aligns with your strengths and values.This is an episode you won't want to miss if you have a presentation, networking event, workshop, or speaking engagement coming up and want practical tips to help you communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and conviction.01:10 Meet Erin Daldry03:29 Erin’s Unusual Career Path04:06 Banking to Speaking Confidence07:40 Why Speaking Feels Unsafe09:29 Reframing Self Criticism10:47 Clarity Makes Messages Land13:36 Stop Waffling Find The Point15:43 Quick Confidence Prep Tips17:44 Ditch The Naked Audience Myth19:47 Fear Of Being Called Out20:47 Handling Interruptions And Hecklers23:05 Presentation Formula Basics24:09 Credibility Through Introductions24:46 Start With The End25:16 Hooks And Audience Attention27:13 Confidence Changes Business28:53 Assertive Not Aggressive29:56 Zoom Engagement Tips31:46 Facial Expressions And Feedback35:39 Beating Perfectionism37:29 Sustainable Business Mindset40:36 Curse Of Knowledge Mistakes41:55 Reflection Builds Traction42:29 Doing Business Your Way44:34 Future Of Women In Business46:26 Final Thanks And Wrap UpVisit The FEMPIRE WebsiteFollow Us on Facebook Connect with Erin Daldry LinkedIn here, if you would like to check out some speaking tips click here, and if you're interested in working with Erin on your public speaking click here Click here to join the FEMPIRE Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your businessSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins sits down with Sarah Walden, Co-owner and Head of Marketing at Kumeū Media, a New Zealand-based marketing, brand and communications agency helping businesses turn visibility into measurable growth.With almost 15 years of hands-on marketing experience, Sarah has worked with brands including BurgerFuel and Yahoo, served on the board of the IAB, worked both within and alongside leading Auckland agencies, and successfully built her own profitable eCommerce business.Sarah shares her journey through traditional and digital marketing, explaining why consistent branding, clear messaging and strong calls to action are far more important than simply creating "pretty ads."Together, Trudy and Sarah explore what it really takes to turn visibility into revenue. They discuss marketing funnels, email nurture sequences, website and eCommerce analytics, A/B testing, retargeting and abandoned cart strategies, highlighting how businesses can identify and fix the gaps that are costing them customers.Sarah also shares practical advice for business owners, including why you do not need to be on every platform, how to choose the right marketing channels for your audience, the importance of owning your email database and why strategic marketing delivers better results than randomly boosting social media posts.Whether you're investing in marketing yourself or working with an agency, this episode will help you identify what's working, what's leaking and where your biggest opportunities for growth might be hiding.01:52 Sarah’s Marketing Journey05:16 Small Business Quick Wins08:01 Brand Consistency Matters11:04 Why Visibility Doesn’t Convert11:36 Funnel and Nurture Strategy16:10 Metrics and Finding Leakages19:26 Measuring ROI and Engagement22:45 AI vs Human Brand Voice24:01 Sponsor Break Vampire Academy24:45 Back to Authentic Community Marketing25:20 Stop Being Everywhere26:06 Pick the Right Channels27:18 Own Your Email List29:13 Smarter Paid Social Setup30:51 Outsource for Growth31:49 Women in Business Foundations33:40 Invest and Simplify Messaging35:57 Common Marketing Mistakes37:56 Build for the Long Game40:43 Networking and Saying Yes42:57 Optimism and Community SupportVisit The FEMPIRE WebsiteFollow Us on Facebook Connect with Sarah WaldenClick here to join the FEMPIRE Academy and use the code JUNE50 for 50% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your businessSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually take to build a business that works for your life, not against it?Trudy sits down with Joelene Edwards, health and wellness coach and gym founder, for a conversation that bridges business, health, resilience, and the real cost of building something from scratch. Joelene is also FEMPIRE Rising's first New Zealand-based guest, and her story is one worth hearing.Joelene built a gym from the ground up in a small town of 7,000 people, with two young children, working two jobs, navigating community pushback, and doing it all in a country she hadn't grown up in. She now runs a successful coaching business focused on women navigating perimenopause and menopause, and is moving her services fully online so she can work and travel with her kids.This conversation covers a lot of ground, and most of it applies whether you're talking about your health or your business.In this episode, Trudy and Joelene cover:Why Joelene built a gym and what her real definition of success looked likeThe community resistance she faced as an outsider, and how she tuned it outWhy resilience isn't about feeling strong, it's about showing up when you don'tBoundaries, the non-negotiable kind, and why setting them early protects everythingWhy women struggle to stay consistent with their health, and how simplicity is the actual solutionThe wellness noise problem: 12-step morning routines, extreme diets, and quick fixes that burn women out before they startWhat actually moves the needle for women's health, especially in their 30s, 40s, and 50sWhy "eat less, train harder" is a recipe for burnout, not resultsThe direct parallel between health foundations and business foundationsCelebrating wins, because high-achieving women are the worst at itThe shift from trading time for money to building a business that travels with youAnd the line that sums up the whole conversation: build the business around the life you want. Don't try to squeeze your life into the leftovers.01:28 Meet Jolene Edwards02:38 From Perth to Cromwell03:07 Building a Gym04:18 Why Work Life Balance06:16 Resilience and Boundaries09:01 Small Town Naysayers13:02 Health Consistency Basics15:15 Cutting Wellness Noise17:58 Common Health Mistakes19:36 Consistency Over Quick Wins20:54 Minimum Effective Dose22:36 Celebrate Your Progress24:34 Define Your Success27:04 Niche and Authenticity28:20 Do the Boring Work31:25 Freedom Through Online Pivot33:05 Women Rewriting the Rules33:56 Final TakeawaysVisit The FEMPIRE WebsiteFollow Us on Facebook Connect with Joelene EdwardsClick here to join the FEMPIRE Academy and use the code JUNE50 for 50% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf you've been avoiding your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call, and it's a kind one.Trudy sits down with Tina Kirwan, chartered accountant and founder of Running the Numbers, to cut through the overwhelm, fear, and avoidance that keeps too many business owners in the dark about their own financial position. Tina is also a proud member of the FEMPIRE Collective.Tina's path into accounting wasn't traditional, and that's exactly what makes her so good at the people side of the work. She understands that avoiding the numbers is rarely about capability. It's about confidence, clarity, and sometimes, genuine fear of what you might find.In this conversation, Trudy and Tina cover:Why so many business owners avoid their numbers, and why the reality is almost always better than the dreadThe ATO fear factor, what's negotiable, and why avoidance costs you more than it protects youThe most common and most preventable financial mistakes small business owners makeWhy you need a dedicated savings account for GST, tax, and PAYG from day oneThe 3 to 6 month buffer rule, and why the business owners who had it sailed through COVIDThe key numbers you actually need to understand: cash flow timing, breakeven, profitability, and upcoming tax liabilitiesWhy cash coming in does not mean you're making a profitUnderpricing, what it's really costing you, and how to calculate your true hourly rateFirst steps if your numbers are behind, including how the right software can take your bookkeeping from overwhelming to 10 minutes a dayWhat separates business owners who build something lasting from those who stay stuckThis is not a numbers episode for accountants. It's a clarity episode for business owners who are ready to stop guessing and start leading their business with confidence.00:00 Meet Tina Kirwan00:40 Her Unconventional Path03:30 Why We Avoid Numbers08:00 Common Money Mistakes13:00 Key Numbers To Track16:49 Pricing And Profitability19:54 First Steps To Clarity22:51 Season Three Quickfire24:54 Consistency And Adaptability26:19 Taking The Leap28:04 Optimism For Women29:54 Final Takeaways Visit The FEMPIRE WebsiteFollow Us on Facebook Connect with Tina Kirwan, or visit the FEMPIRE Collective here for a direct introduction.Resources mentioned:Click here to join the FEMPIRE Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off! Access Your Free True Hourly Rate CalculatorClick here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins sits down with Nicole Myler from Bridge Legal to unpack the critical importance of estate planning for business owners.They break down common misconceptions, including the belief that having a will is enough, and explain why powers of attorney are just as essential when it comes to protecting both your personal and business interests.Through real-life examples, this conversation highlights the serious consequences of inadequate planning and why having the right legal structures in place is non-negotiable if you want to protect your assets and ensure continuity in the event of incapacity or death.This episode goes beyond legal documents and into the broader reality of running a business. Trudy and Nicole explore the importance of clarity in relationships, effective communication, and making proactive decisions as your business grows.They also discuss the role of support networks, the mindset required to lead effectively, and the structural changes needed as you move from operator to business owner.If you’re building a business and haven’t considered what happens if you’re no longer able to run it, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore.If this episode has you thinking about the structure and protection of your business, it’s time to take action.Start with a Fempire Masterclass, join the Academy for structured support, work with a Fempire Coach for tailored advice, or explore Become a Coach if you’re ready to build a business helping others do the same.Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business 00:00 The Importance of Business Structure01:36 Understanding Estate Planning04:15 Common Misconceptions About Estate Planning07:59 Real Life Consequences of Poor Planning12:01 The Role of Powers of Attorney20:01 Key Estate Planning Documents for Business Owners24:43 Establishing Clarity Early in Relationships27:03 The Importance of Planning and Communication30:10 Protecting Your Assets and Relationships31:31 Finding Your Tribe: Support in Business35:02 Mindset and Structure in Business Growth37:28 Decisions That Shape Your Professional JourneyVisit Our Website  Follow Us on Facebook Connect with NicoleSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHost Trudy Heins welcomes award-winning insurance specialist Trish Gregory of Hayes and Co Insurance Services to discuss why women often delay personal insurance and the risks of being underinsured, especially for business owners without sick pay, holiday pay, or work cover.Trish shares how her partner’s military injury and income protection shaped her focus on insurance, and explains common misconceptions such as relying on a higher-earning partner or default cover through super.Trudy and Trish outline a streamlined remote advice process, the importance of pre-assessment, and how exclusions and benefit periods (e.g., two-year income protection) can leave people exposed.The episode distinguishes personal versus business insurance, including key person cover, business expenses insurance, and buy-sell agreements, and emphasises niching, support networks, and valuing women’s unpaid and paid contributions.Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business 00:00 Women’s Hidden Value00:46 Podcast Season Intro01:34 Meet Trish Gregory03:35 Why Insurance Matters05:09 Niching Into Insurance07:55 Why Women Delay Cover10:08 Making Insurance Simple14:24 Insurance for Business Owners16:49 Key Person and Buy Sell18:45 Super vs Business Cover21:20 When It All Goes Wrong22:16 When Benefits Run Out23:12 Two Year Cover Trap24:45 Where to Start Today27:27 Why Specialist Advice Matters28:58 Exclusions and How to Remove Them30:00 Building Sustainable Businesses31:50 Common Owner Mistakes34:03 Niching for Impact35:08 Optimism for Women Ahead37:55 Final Push to Get Insured38:57 Closing and Call to ActionVisit Our Website  Follow Us on Facebook Connect with TrishSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode on the Fempire Rising, Her Future Her Voice Podcast, Trudy speaks with Sandy Loudon, founder of Loud and Clear Digital, about treating a website as a strategic business asset rather than a “pretty brochure.”Sandy shares her path from corporate roles and running Baker’s Delight franchises and a cafe to creating and selling handbags online, which led her into website design and becoming a strategic digital partner for businesses.They discuss common website mistakes, including leaving the website idea until last, lacking strategy, overwhelming menus and too many pages, unclear messaging, outdated content, poor mobile responsiveness, and misused stock imagery.Sandy explains the difference between a site that looks good and one that converts, emphasising clarity in the first three seconds, strong calls to action above the fold, simple navigation, updated SEO-focused copy, and purposeful images, videos, and testimonials to build trust.If you have a website that needs some TLC, or want to create a converting website from the get go, this episode will give you applicable tips that will get you thinking about how important a website is for your business in contemporary times. Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business 00:29 Sandy Intro01:27 Sandy’s Career Journey02:46 From Franchises To Family Business04:53 Handbags To First Website07:25 Websites Need Strategy09:17 Looks Good Versus Works12:28 Common Website Mistakes14:24 Quick Website Fix Checklist15:34 Sponsor Break16:18 Simplify Pages And Update SEO17:08 SEO Explained 18:31 Mobile Ready Websites19:03 Simplify Your Homepage19:30 Above The Fold CTAs21:13 Trust Builders And Proof23:04 Images Video And SEO25:03 Clarity And Consistency27:05 Websites As Business Assets27:49 Innovation And Asking Help30:38 From Pretty To Strategic32:08 Optimism For Women34:36 Final Takeaways And Wrap UpVisit Our Website  Follow Us on Facebook Connect with SandySupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this Fempire Rising Season 3 episode, Trudy Heins interviews Susana Hands, a Certified Fempire Coach becoming known as “the franchise lady”, bestselling author of The Optimal Franchise System, about what it really takes to franchise successfully. Susana shares her 15-year journey from franchisee to franchisor, including early mistakes like focusing only on legal documents and manuals without building the infrastructure, systems, team, and step-by-step SOPs needed to support franchisees, culminating in being sued by a franchisee. Trudy and Susana discuss common misconceptions, especially underestimating complexity, regulation, and franchisor responsibilities, and key readiness tests like whether the business can run profitably without the owner. Susana outlines essential foundations (team, POS/CRM, scalable website, modeling fees/royalties and ROI), risks of overreliance on specialized talent, and realistic costs of roughly $50k–$100k plus expert support.If you’re  thinking of moving into franchising or wondering what goes on behind the scenes to start franchising a business. Susana pulls the curtain back on what the real deals are when franchising and doing it the right way in order to protect yourself and your business. Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!Click here to register for our next FEMPIRE Masterclass for practical strategies to gain clarity and take focused action in your business 02:09 Meet Susana Hands03:40 Franchising Lessons Learned06:04 Franchisor as Coach07:47 Personal Brand Sells08:45 Franchising Misconceptions11:45 Foundations Before Scaling13:18 Model the Franchise Numbers15:00 Avoid Overqualified Hiring16:30 Rogue Franchisee Reality17:10 Remote Island Readiness19:02 Service Licensing Workaround19:34 Franchise Duplication Systems19:52 Academy Program Pitch20:36 Expansion Mistakes Costs21:30 Franchise Setup Budgeting23:48 Build Your Expert Team24:51 CRM Automation Essentials25:30 Growth Planning Market Tests27:22 Second Location Proofing28:18 Rapid Fire Core Questions31:19 Pricing Knowledge Confidence32:06 Support Networks IntuitionVisit Our Website  Follow Us on Facebook Connect with SusanaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising: Her Voice, Trudy Heins sits down with Jodie Muller, founder of Better Finance Solutions, to unpack how women in business should be thinking about lending and using finance as a strategic growth tool.With over 20 years in banking, Jodie shares her transition into broking and what she now sees firsthand. Women don’t lack capability when it comes to finance. They often seek more clarity, ask better questions, and prioritise long-term stability. The gap isn’t ability. It’s access to the right information and support early enough.This conversation breaks down the real barriers. Feeling overwhelmed, not knowing where to start, and assuming you need years of financials before you can even have a conversation. Trudy and Jodie challenge that thinking and highlight where flexibility actually exists in the lending space, including lenders who will consider shorter ABN histories.They also get practical. What lenders are actually looking for. How tax returns, profit and loss, business structures, add-backs, and account conduct all come into play. And most importantly, how to position your business properly when you are seeking funding.Jodie outlines the different funding options available depending on your stage of business. From startup and business acquisition lending through to overdrafts, lines of credit, credit cards, and asset finance.This is not about taking on debt blindly. It is about understanding how to use finance as a tool. With the right structure, the right advice, and a clear plan, funding can support growth rather than create pressure.If you have ever thought “I’m not ready yet” when it comes to finance, this episode will challenge that. The earlier you understand your options, the better positioned you are to make smart, strategic decisions as your business grows. Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!02:07 Meet Jodie Muller02:52 From Banking to Broking05:22 How Women Approach Lending08:22 Self Employed Borrowing10:43 Startup Funding Options13:22 Buying a Business Basics14:24 Cashflow Lending Tools16:42 Prepare for Finance18:54 Business Plans and Forecasts21:01 Check Rates and Loyalty Tax21:24 Quick Fire Lessons22:49 Common Lending Mistakes25:11 Mindset and Support28:37 Optimism for Women29:54 Wrap Up and Next StepsVisit Our Website  Follow Us on Facebook Connect with JodieSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn Season 3, Episode 2, Trudy Heins welcomes Shawna Caderette Fempire’s new US mentor coach, to support women in the US time zone stepping into coaching.Shawna shares her 25-year background in disaster restoration and construction, rising from receptionist to chief administrative officer as the company expanded to multiple offices and 200+ employees, and explains leaving the role due to misalignment and a desire to mentor women.Trudy and Shawna discuss the high demand for coaching in the US alongside market confusion from under-experienced coaches, and highlight that a real coaching business requires clarity of niche and offer, confidence, systems and processes, mentorship, accountability, resilience, and openness to change (including AI).Shawna highlights redefining success beyond titles and paychecks and encourages women to take a chance on themselves after due diligence.If you’re not in the US, this episode will still be a great listen to apply some of the practical and motivating examples and tips as women in business. Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!01:17 Meet Shauna02:40 Career Background04:27 Leaving Corporate05:52 Finding Fempire07:10 Coaching Boom09:05 Real Coaching Business10:45 Mentorship Matters13:07 US Mentor Role15:23 Fempire Academy Offer16:43 Systems First18:47 Common Mistakes20:35 Resilience And Change24:12 Biggest Shift26:17 Future Of Success28:03 Advice to Take The LeapWebsite: https://fempire.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Connect with Shawna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnacaderette/Support the show

Send us Fan MailHost Trudy Heins in season three of Fempire Rising, focused on the women behind business infrastructure, and interviews Michelle O’Hara, founder of Connection Central. Michelle shares her journey from early event management losses in Darwin to a successful underwear business, discovering social media’s impact, building O Marketing for 11 years, selling it, and launching Connection Central.They discuss how AI-driven skepticism is increasing demand for real connection, clarity, and collaboration, and how marketing must be strategy-led with clear goals, targeting, consistent messaging, and strong online credibility.Michelle highlights specific examples in the power of intentional networking, meeting people where they are, avoiding silver-bullet tactics and the “rollercoaster” of stopping marketing, and remembering it can take 5–35 touch points before buying.Key sustainability lessons include outsourcing, investing early, and building processes and systems for efficiency and margins.Click here to join the Academy and use the code RISING for 25% off!00:00 Touchpoints Before Buying00:35 Podcast Season Intro01:49 Meet Michelle O'Hara02:51 From Events to Social Proof05:19 Launching Connection Central06:27 Trust Over AI Polish09:07 Visibility Fears for Women11:52 Visibility vs Real Marketing12:57 Goals Boundaries and Investment17:48 Intentional Networking That Works18:54 Meeting People Where They Are21:02 Values Trust and Fast Wins22:12 Trust Based Recommendations23:01 Marketing Without Strategy24:11 Online Presence And Alignment25:58 Clarity In Your Message27:09 Traction Focus This Week28:44 Funnels Touchpoints Database30:24 Brand Beyond Your Face31:58 Outsource And Invest Early33:30 Avoid The Marketing Rollercoaster35:33 Systems For Sustainable Scale37:23 COVID Pivot And Resilience39:08 Future Of Women Collaborating40:52 Closing Thanks And Next StepsWebsite: https://fempire.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Connect with Michelle O'Hara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleohara/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins speaks with GP and lifestyle medicine advocate Dr. Avi Charlton about perimenopause and menopause and their impact on women in business, including energy, focus, sleep, confidence, decision-making, and identity. They discuss common and overlooked symptoms such as brain fog, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, hot flushes, night sweats, and irregular periods, and clarify the real definitions  of menopause and perimenopause that can confuse women, and knowing where one can sit in the scope of it. Dr. Charlton explains diagnosis is not what we might think. Being more clinical rather than via hormone test. She explains ruling out other causes of fatigue, as well as notes gaps in medical education over the last 20 years after earlier HRT fears, contrasts older hormone therapies with newer body-identical options in contemporary times.Practical strategies include prioritising sleep, stress management, exercise, protein and healthy fats, reducing sugar/processed foods, moderating alcohol, and using symptom score charts to advocate for care, including telehealth.   If you’ve been silently wondering about peri-menopause or menopause, you’re in for a treat this episode, as we lift the lid even more on the topic of menopause and normalising this chapter of a woman's life to not only educate but empower, while running a successful business. 00:00 Mood Shifts Warning Signs00:46 Podcast Intro And Mission03:52 Why Lifestyle Medicine Matters06:14 Early Perimenopause Clues08:19 Unexpected Symptoms List10:08 Perimenopause Vs Menopause12:44 HRT Myths And Modern Options15:27 How Long It Can Last16:55 Brain Fog And Decision Fatigue19:35 Food Fixes For Focus22:46 Alcohol and Menopause24:59 Leadership Mood Shifts26:33 Advocating at the GP28:28 Telehealth Menopause SupportWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Dr. Avi Charlton contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-charlton/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins, talks with Shiv Martin, founder of Shiv Martin Consulting, about the challenges of handling conflict in the workplace.Trudy and Shiv discuss the importance of self-awareness, the role of values in conflict escalation, and provide actionable strategies for managing conflict effectively.Shiv shares her career journey from lawyer to mediator and highlights the essential skills for conflict resolution, including breaking down the CURE framework that can be applied today.They also touch upon the pressures women face in balancing professional and personal identities and the significance of setting boundaries. This episode offers practical advice for women looking to lead confidently and manage conflict with composure.01:20 Meet Shiv Martin: Conflict Resolution Expert03:36 Shiv's Career Journey07:50 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Conflict11:06 Understanding Workplace Conflict15:00 The Role of Mediation18:36 Challenges in Mediation26:22 Early Signs of Values Misalignment30:05 Navigating Workplace Conflicts30:39 The Importance of Early Conflict Resolution32:33 Setting Boundaries Effectively34:06 Introducing the CURE Framework36:56 Balancing Professional and Personal Life39:43 Advice for Women in Leadership54:39 Practical Tips for Handling Conflict56:21 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Shiv contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmartin/ Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins sits down with Dr. Audrey Harvey, a compassionate vet and entrepreneur. Audrey shares her journey of overcoming personal health challenges, including breast cancer and ADHD, while leading her business, Rainbow Bridge, with resilience.They discuss the importance of boundaries, the mental load carried by women, and the value of coaching in achieving business success. Audrey highlights the necessity of prioritising oneself to offer the best care to others and the significance of living a fulfilling life.An insightful conversation on navigating tough seasons, the philosophy of stoicism, and embracing support systems.01:28 Meet Dr. Audrey Harvey04:00 Audrey's Journey Through Health Challenges04:46 Advocacy and the Importance of Early Detection07:54 Navigating ADHD in Business10:42 The Role of Support Systems13:38 Reflections and Stoic Philosophy16:06 The Importance of Boundaries in Business19:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Women in Business22:37 Quick Fire Questions with AudreyWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Audrey contact: linkedin.com/in/audrey-harvey-889b03aSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, explores the importance of saying no and protecting one's energy in business.Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Trudy highlights how energy draining projects and relationships, termed as 'energy vampires,' can cost more than they are worth.She shares the importance of setting boundaries, trusting intuition, and leaning into a supportive community to foster a business that brings freedom, fulfillment, and financial confidence. Trudy shares key takeaways including valuing one's energy, knowing that 'No' is a complete sentence, and redefining success to align with personal well-being, ultimately reinforcing that the future is female.00:55 The Power of Saying No01:24 Personal Experience with Energy Vampires02:20 The Courage to Walk Away03:49 Imposter Syndrome and Support Systems05:50 Reassessing and Pivoting in Business07:07 Key Takeaways and Recap08:21 Final Thoughts Website - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins speaks with Justine Saunders, Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Operations and Compliance Group at the Department of Agriculture.Dive into their discussion about redefining success, the importance of mentorship, and the power of leadership through soft power.Justine shares her journey from policing to public service, highlighting key achievements, the significance of self-care, and maintaining values in high-pressure environments.This episode underscores the necessity for authenticity and building a support system for women leaders, as they navigate their paths to influence and impact.A motivational and relatable episode to give you the inspiration into the new year.01:17 Introducing Justine Saunders03:50 Justine's Career Journey15:26 Balancing Career and Motherhood19:46 The Power of Soft Leadership23:05 The Power of Soft Skills in Leadership23:43 Challenges of Leadership and Emotional Intelligence25:06 Navigating High-Pressure Environments28:46 Maintaining Authenticity in Male-Dominated Fields33:29 Supporting Women in Leadership37:13 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth42:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future LeadersWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Justine contact: linkedin.com/in/justine-saunders-97229830Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, explores the concept of reinvention not as a transformation into someone new but as an alignment with one's true self.At 55, rather than retiring, Trudy takes on the exciting challenge of leading a global women's brand, Fempire. She discusses her journey from financial planning to focusing on empowering women to understand their value and achieve financial freedom.Trudy highlights the importance of creating a ripple effect where individual growth leads to broader community impact. The episode offers actionable steps for listeners to step into their next life chapter with confidence, reconnect with their purpose, take brave steps towards their vision, and reflect with gratitude. Tune in to discover how you can start from experience and create meaningful change, no matter your stage in life.00:00 Introduction to Fempire Rising01:07 Reinvention and the Ripple Effect02:03 Shifting Focus: From Stability to Meaning02:33 Creating a Ripple Effect03:08 Reflecting on Life's Stages03:44 Aligning with Your True Self04:01 Taking Over Fempire05:53 The Power of Small Decisions06:51 Key Takeaways and Action Steps07:55 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising: Her future her voice, Trudy discusses the essentials of building a personal brand with guest Danielle Appi.They dive into topics such as the power of social media engagement, the importance of scheduling content, and the value of consistency.Danielle shares her journey starting out as a personal trainer to a VA and content creator, offering practical advice for women seeking to balance business with personal life, as well as strategies you can implement today to stay consistent with your social media routines. The conversation also touches on the impact of menopause on professional women and the significance of authenticity in personal branding. If you're ready to build a business that provides freedom, fulfilment, and financial confidence, this episode is packed with insights to help you rise and lead on your own terms.01:50 Danielle's Journey: From Personal Trainer to VA03:10 Building a Personal Brand04:50 Navigating Social Media Platforms06:38 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Authentic13:53 Consistency and Content Strategy18:12 Engagement and Interaction Tips19:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life19:18 Balancing Motherhood and Adult Children19:26 Content Strategy and Scheduling20:42 What is and the Power of B-Roll and Authenticity22:15 Dealing with Social Media Overwhelm24:09 Maintaining Consistency Without Burnout24:35 Navigating Social Media Algorithms27:24 Building a Supportive Online Community28:23 Outsourcing and AI in Content Creation30:21 Personal Reflections and Advice34:42 Empowering Women and Future GenerationsWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Danielle contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-appi/Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Episode 2 of the Two-Part series of Money mindset shifts.In this episode of Fempire Rising: Her future her voice, Trudy goes on to address common money mindset issues faced by women in business, such as undercharging, over-delivering, and cash flow avoidance. So take out a pen and paper along with your favourite beverage and make some serious notes from this episode.Trudy helps you draw out from the 'F-me' moments we all have, where businesswomen realise they need to make changes, and provides practical steps to overcome these patterns. Trudy emphasises that these challenges are tied to safety and belonging triggers as she breaks down actionable advice on setting boundaries, increasing prices, and proper cashflow management. EXCITING NEWS…If you’re in this position and would like more help, Trudy is running an upcoming Art Therapy session in Brisbane focused on rewiring money beliefs. An enjoyable way to express and change your mindset through art. Releasing old money beliefs and creating your new money mindset blueprint. Click here to register01:10 Understanding Money Mindset02:15 Identifying the Patterns09:35 Practical Actions to Change Your Money Story13:54 Art Therapy for Financial Empowerment16:50 Conclusion: Stepping into Your PowerWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Episode One of the Two-Part series of Money mindset shifts. In this episode, Trudy explores how to change a learned money mindset. Trudy goes through the concept of money mindset as an internal operating system formed by beliefs, habits, and experiences from childhood that forms one’s ‘blueprint’.Trudy explains how the financial behaviors of parents, especially fathers can have an influence on our money attitudes as children and why this can hinder financial growth. She shares a practical four-step framework: notice, name, neutralise, and create new evidence, to help listeners rewire their financial scripts. She also outlines six actionable steps you can implement this week for building a healthier money mindset and practical exercises to identify and rewrite new money scripts. Trudy highlights that with consistency and self-compassion, patterns can be changed, leading to greater financial confidence and success. 01:07 Understanding Learned Money Mindset02:46 The Blueprint of Money Beliefs05:44 Personal Story and Professional Insight07:16 Identifying and Changing Money Patterns10:52 Practical Actions to Shift Your Money Mindset12:10 Exercises to Rewire Your Money Story14:12 Conclusion and Next StepsWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season Two of Fempire Rising: Her future her voice. In this episode Trudy engages in an enlightening conversation with Suzanne Butler, owner of Harmonising Energies and a grounded Feng Shui expert.They discuss the power of Feng Shui in creating supportive environments that enhance clarity, confidence, and momentum for women in business. Suzanne explains the principles of Feng Shui, debunks common misconceptions, and shares real-life success stories from her clients.They also explore how aligning one's home and office spaces can significantly impact a woman's business performance and personal well-being. This episode is packed with practical tips for women looking to rise in their fields by optimising their environments for success.00:00 Introduction to Feng Shui and Energetic Blueprints00:20 Welcome to Fempire Rising01:10 Meet Suzanne Butler: Harmonizing Energies02:28 Understanding Feng Shui Misconceptions05:25 Classical Flying Stars: The Accurate Approach09:38 Feng Shui for Women in Business17:26 Optimizing Your Home Office19:10 Understanding Your Best Direction19:59 Boosting Confidence with Feng Shui21:58 Balancing Home for Business Success24:23 Outsourcing and Support Systems25:44 Skepticism and Feng Shui27:13 Success Stories and Testimonials30:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections34:22 Conclusion and Next StepsWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Suzanne contact: https://harmonisingenergies.com/Affiliate link (use this link to access Suzanne’s offer): https://fempirerising--suzannebutler.thrivecart.com/abundance/Referral code option: If you’re booking via Suzanne’s Blueprint page, pop Fempire Rising into the Referral code field here: https://harmonisingenergies.com/blueprintSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, discusses the distinction between vulnerability and weakness in leadership. She debunks common misconceptions, highlighting that authenticity and openness are important for building strong, relatable connections in business.Trudy shares personal stories and actionable steps for incorporating vulnerability into leadership, covering topics such as asking for help, sharing learning experiences, and leading with curiosity. This episode serves as a guide for women ready to rise, lead authentically, and create a future where the strength of vulnerability drives success.00:00 Introduction: Authenticity Over Perfection00:12 Welcome to Fempire Rising01:00 Vulnerability vs. Weakness in Business02:08 Defining Vulnerability and Weakness03:43 Vulnerability in Leadership04:58 Personal Story: Embracing Vulnerability06:32 Building a Practice of Vulnerability07:59 Empathy and Modern Leadership09:01 Conclusion: Lead with Heart10:01 Join the Fempire SisterhoodWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice, host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, has an insightful conversation with Nicole Morrell, Key Account Manager at Magellan Asset Management. They discuss Nicole's career journey in a male dominated finance industry, the importance of leading with integrity, intuition, and emotional intelligence, and redefining success on one's own terms. Nicole shares her experiences, highlighting the balance between professionalism and authenticity, the significance of vulnerability, and the value of empathy in leadership. This episode is a powerful reminder that strength and softness can coexist in the corporate world, inspiring women to lead confidently and authentically.Don’t miss the nuggets of wisdom from a heart centred leader sharing over 3 decades of lessons in an industry heavily dominated by the masculine energy. 03:06 Nicole's Journey into Finance08:35 Balancing Heart and Head in Finance12:50 The Power of Empathy and Emotional Intelligence16:08 The Art of Listening and Building Trust21:37 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry22:30 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Values23:46 The Importance of Authenticity and Vulnerability29:04 Redefining Success in Career and Life33:16 Advice for Women in LeadershipWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Nicole contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-morrellSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, introduces the Five Fs from her book,  The Future is Female: Finding Your Voice and Becoming Fearless in Business, Fire, Focus, Fearlessness, Finesse, and Fabulousness. These principles serve as a compass for women seeking to lead with purpose, courage, and authenticity. Trudy shares personal stories and actionable insights on how to reignite your spark, channel your energy, embrace courage, deliver with integrity, and show up unapologetically as yourself.She emphasises that success is not just about achievements but about fulfillment and authenticity. Tune in to be inspired and empowered to build a business and life that aligns with your true self.00:00 Introduction to Fempire Rising01:03 The Five Fs: Foundation of a FPI Woman02:05 Fire: Igniting Your Passion03:33 Focus: Channeling Your Energy04:46 Fearlessness: Embracing Courage06:02 Finesse: Delivering with Grace07:02 Fabulousness: Owning Your Sparkle08:21 Takeaway Actions: Implementing the Five Fs09:12 Creating Your Own Compass10:31 Conclusion: The Future is FemaleWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice', host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, engages in a deep conversation with Kylie Hunt, founder of Inspire Associates and BiziWomen Connect. They discuss the importance of community for women in regional business areas, the challenges faced, and the empowering impact of support systems.Kylie shares her journey of overcoming isolation by creating supportive networks and highlights the benefits of networking and collaboration. This episode is a motivational call to action for regional women to be brave, seek connections, and support each other in their business endeavors.Trudy and Kylie chat more about the important role of online spaces and face-to-face events in building resilient and successful women-led businesses.01:10 Meet Kylie Hunt: Empowering Regional Women02:17 Kylie's Journey and Achievements04:17 Challenges Faced by Regional Women in Business05:48 Building a Supportive Community08:50 Networking and Collaboration14:34 Balancing Visibility and Self-Care16:58 Empowering Women in Business17:04 The Impact of Community Support19:30 Leveraging Online Platforms20:51 Networking with Intention22:53 Overcoming Isolation in Rural Areas23:57 The Importance of Local Support25:53 Future Opportunities for Regional Women29:35 Final Thoughts and EncouragementWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Connect with Kylie: https://www.biziwomenconnect.com/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire and a seasoned business coach, delves into the complex emotion of guilt that many women in business face.Trudy shares personal stories and insights on navigating guilt in various aspects of life, including motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship.She encourages women to give themselves grace and the importance of focusing on what truly matters in different seasons of life.She discusses the significance of seeking help and investing in oneself to foster personal and professional growth.Through this conversation, Trudy aims to empower women to redefine success on their own terms and to free themselves from the all-too-common guilt that can hinder their progress.00:00 Welcome to Fempire Rising00:50 Understanding the Guilt Trap01:12 Motherhood, Marriage, and Business Guilt02:35 The Importance of Focus03:29 Asking for Help and Investing in Yourself05:01 Redefining Success and Letting Go of Guilt05:37 Final Thoughts: Embrace Your JourneyWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Fempire Rising, Her Future, Her Voice,' host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, has an insightful conversation with Simone O'Hara, a certified financial planner and director of Sahara Wealth.They discuss the common challenges women in business face, such as burnout and financial vulnerability, and share insights on balancing investments between business and personal wealth.The conversation details the importance of women taking control of their financial situations and seeking the support of a coach or advisor.They explore the impact of mentorship on leadership and self-worth, while highlighting the need for women to redefine success and lead authentically.01:34 Guest Introduction: Simone O'Hara02:36 Simone's Journey and Business Philosophy04:41 Balancing Business and Personal Wealth08:30 Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Finances10:28 The Importance of Financial Education16:57 The Role of Coaching in Leadership20:39 Her Future, Her Voice: Final Thoughts26:49 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Simone contact - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneohara/  Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice,' host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, delves into the importance of finding a supportive tribe and silencing inner critics.Trudy shares insights into the power of connection and how success is achieved through collaboration rather than isolation. She gives actionable steps to identify and nurture your support network, quiet the critical internal voices, and let go of harmful comparisons. The episode also includes practical advice on protecting your energy and celebrating the success of other women. Trudy encourages listeners to make small choices to create their own success and contribute to a movement of empowered women in business.00:00 Introduction - Empowering Women to Rise01:06 The Power of Connection02:46 Silencing the Inner Critics05:09 Building Your Support Crew06:32 Being a Good Tribe Member07:31 Firing the Comparison Game09:25 Action Steps and ConclusionWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode of Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice, Trudy Heins, CEO of Femm Empire, engages in a deep conversation with Susan Blain, a strategic engagement and communications expert. With a 20 year friendship bringing a wealth of experience to the discussion, they explore the impact of aligning words and intent to turn potential into momentum.Susan shares her journey from working in major legal firms to leading in the university sector and eventually starting her own consulting business.The episode touches on themes such as authenticity in storytelling, the importance of vulnerability, and how to build authority and trust while staying true to oneself. Susan also discusses her approach to meaningful engagement, ensuring visibility transforms into impactful influence. Keep listening until the end for Susan’s powerful advice for women seeking to grow their influence and the significance of leading with both head and heart. 00:00 Introduction to Fempire Rising01:15 Meet Susan - A Journey of Engagement and Communication02:47 The Power of Experience and Connection05:16 Navigating Career Challenges and Finding Purpose09:12 Visibility vs. Influence in the Age of Social Media12:31 Storytelling and Influence: Lessons from Leadership17:03 Balancing Authority and Authenticity18:50 Leading with Head and Heart - A Pandemic Pivot22:01 Balancing Leadership Styles22:44 The Decision to Start a Consultancy23:27 Building Confidence and Success25:11 Navigating Copycats and Originality27:45 Defining the Ideal Client28:36 Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch32:17 Reflecting on Career Achievements36:29 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders37:30 Concluding Thoughts and Future VisionWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Susan Blain website: http://www.susanblain.com.au Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Fempire Rising, hosted by Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, you’re introduced to the core beliefs and personal motivations that drive her commitment to empowering women in business. Trudy shares her own journey, from personal challenges with coercive control to a successful career in finance and entrepreneurship. She highlights the importance of self-belief, resilience, and authenticity in achieving true success.Trudy also explains the ripple effect of empowering women, her leadership style, and the significance of alignment over just financial gain. This episode is an inspiring call to women to build businesses that provide freedom, fulfillment, and financial confidence, while highlighting the impact of a supportive sisterhood.01:26 A Personal Journey: Trudy Hines' Story02:08 Overcoming Coercive Control03:57 The Power of Financial Independence04:59 Professional Journey: Lessons in Leadership08:38 The Ripple Effect: Empowering Women13:02 Her Future, Her Voice: A Legacy of Empowerment14:21 Join the Sisterhood: Your Time is NowWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternationalSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn the premiere episode of 'Fempire Rising: Her Future, Her Voice,' host Trudy Heins, CEO of Fempire, welcomes Marnie LeFevre, the founder of Fempire, to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of the women-centric business movement.Marnie, a visionary entrepreneur and lifelong advocate for women's empowerment, shares her journey from a personal business coach to the creator of a global sisterhood dedicated to advancing women in leadership and business. The conversation covers the struggles and achievements faced by women in business, the importance of lifelong learning, the transformative power of a supportive community, and adapting to new technological advancements like AI. This episode highlights the essence of Fempire's mission, to support women in finding freedom, fulfilment, and financial confidence, highlighting the belief that 'the future is female.'00:00 Introduction and Lifelong Learning00:25 Welcome to Fempire Rising01:30 Meet Marnie LeFevre - The Visionary Behind Fempire03:06 The Birth of Fempire04:22 Balancing Business and Family06:30 The Evolution of Fempire14:30 The Movement of Fempire19:46 Investing in Yourself and Your Business23:24 Realising it's time to let go24:54 Why Marnie chose Trudy to take over Fempire26:35 The Transition and New Opportunities28:49 Challenges for Women in Business32:12 The Power of Sisterhood36:59 Future Vision and Personal Growth42:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWebsite - https://fempire.com.au/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fempireinternational/Marnie website - linkedin.com/in/marnielefevreSupport the show