ReWild Your Business

Grab a pen. This one's a keeper.If you've been working hard, doing ALL the things - showing up on social media, refining your messaging, tweaking your website, maybe even running ads, and the growth still isn't coming, this episode is for you.The problem usually isn't a lack of effort. It's that most business advice treats growth like a flat problem, as though everything is equally important and you just need to do everything better, all at once.It isn't. Growth is always sequential. And when you don't know what to fix first, you end up pedalling fast in first gear and getting nowhere.In this episode, Gill introduces The Natural Order of Things - a seven-layer diagnostic framework for auditing your soul-led business from the inside out. Once you hear it, you won't look at your business the same way again.The seven layers are:Vision & Mindset - The deepest foundation. This is the real infrastructure of your business. Hitting a ceiling? It's almost always here, not in your marketing.Brand - Not your logo or colour palette. Your point of view, your voice, your values brought to life. An unclear brand means that better marketing just spreads confusion more effectively.Offers - A transformation clearly defined and priced. The most common problems? Trying to serve too many people, wonky pricing, and solving a problem your clients don't know they have.Thought Leadership - The body of ideas, frameworks, and opinions that make you the person people think of for your work. This is what gives your marketing substance and makes sales feel like an invitation.Marketing - Only layer five. And yet it's where most people go first. Marketing's job is to amplify what already exists - if the foundations aren't solid, more marketing is just more noise.Sales - When the layers above are working, sales conversations become simple final invitations between two people who already know they're on the same wavelength. Friction in sales is almost always a symptom of something upstream.Client Delivery - The thing that feeds everything else. Exceptional delivery creates testimonials, referrals, and the personal conviction to keep showing up. It isn't the end of the chain, it circles back and strengthens every layer above it.The audit is simple: start at layer one and work outward, asking honestly is this solid? Not perfect, but solid. Stop at the first layer where your honest answer is not quite. That's where your energy belongs first.This episode is the start of an eight-part series - next week, Gill goes deep into Layer 1: vision and mindset, with journalling questions to help you really feel the difference between solid and looks okay-ish.Listen in if you're ready to stop fixing the wrong things and start building something that actually compounds.Want more personalised support? Book an alignment call here: https://go.oncehub.com/alignment-call This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

There's work you do that's useful. And then there's work you do that's potent - where a small amount of what you give produces a disproportionately large shift for the person on the receiving end of it.They're not always the same thing. And the potent work is often the thing you've been quietly underselling, tucking inside a bigger offer, or treating as the bit that happens before the real work begins.In this episode I share the moment I realised my most potent work wasn't the strategy piece I'd built my offers around, it was the deeper identity work I'd been doing in the last fifteen minutes of every call. And I walk you through how to notice where your potent work is hiding, why claiming it feels so exposing, and how to give it more room in your business without burning the whole thing down.In this episode:· Why potent means concentrated, not powerful, and why that distinction matters· Why the work that comes easily to you is probably the most potent thing you do· How I spent years treating my real work as the preamble· What your clients tell you months later (and why that's the clue)· Why you've been hiding it, and what it costs you· Four ways to start giving your potent work its rightful placeMentioned in this episode:The Work That Matters - a reflective workbook to help you identify your most potent work and map more of it into your business. Email [email protected] with "The Work That Matters" in the subject line for a copy. No opt-in page, no funnel, just email me.Enjoyed this episode?A five-star review on Apple Podcasts genuinely helps more women find the show. And if this one landed, send it to a friend who needs it. That's still how the podcast grows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Those two little words - what if - can stop us in our tracks. What if I've left it too late? What if I do all the work and it still never happens for me?In this episode, I'm digging into the what-ifs that seem to show up more insistently as we move into midlife and beyond, and why they're not actually messages from your soul, they're your brain's attempt to keep you safely exactly where you are.Here's what I'm exploring this week:~ Why your brain registers change as danger, and how it "future-paces the scary" to keep you from moving toward what you really want~ The two unhelpful responses most women fall into: either surrendering to the fear and giving up on the dream, or bulldozing through and dysregulating their nervous system in the process~ A third way: working with your brain and body rather than against them~ Why identity work matters more than strategy when you're reaching for something new, and how to hold the duality of loving who you are now while protecting the vision of who you're becoming~ The power of baby steps (and my two non-negotiable criteria for what actually qualifies as one)How to reframe the what ifs from contractions into expansions - what if this is the year everything starts to change for me?This one was recorded a little off-the-cuff because the topic wouldn't wait. If you've been circling a dream and wondering whether it's too late, or whether it'll ever land, this episode is for you.Mentioned in this episode:Free journaling prompts to work through your own what-ifs - email the word 'CALLING' to [email protected] and we'll send you the workbook.Come and find me:Subscribe to the ReWild with Gill Moakes Substack for more like thisFollow me on InstagramShare this episode with a woman who needs to hear itWould you consider leaving review if the show has meant something to you - it genuinely helps others find their way here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Tune into the replay of the LIVE here on Substack today with me and Deb D | The Intuitive HERoineThis is Part Two of our Legacy and Leadership Series…In part one, we talked about why NOW is the time for THIS conversation with women - catch the part one replay HERE.In this replay of part two we’re talking about permission… why we feel we need it, why we withhold it, and what it feels like to grant it to ourselves.We share stories of what this looks like for us in our businesses - no sugar coating here - you get the raw, honest take of what Deb and I have both navigated over the years to give ourselves permission to land where we are now.At the end of this video we make a genuine invitation - if you know you’re holding back from giving yourself the permission to go all in on what you want - whatever ‘legacy & leadership’ might mean for you, then we invite you to reach out to either or both of us - DM / email / via Deb’s website or my website - or simply comment on this post - whatever works for you.Also if this topic has stirred something in you, check out Deb’s The Be HER Podcast - I KNOW you’ll bloody love it like I do.Join us for the next live video in the series - part 3 will be at 1pm UK / 8am EST on Tuesday 28th April - stay tuned! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

If you've ever rolled your eyes at the idea of journalling, this one's for you. I used to be exactly the same, I resisted it for years, couldn't get into it, didn't really see the point. Until I made it work for me, and now I genuinely can't live without it.In this episode I'm unpacking why so many of us resist journalling, what it actually is when you strip away the pretty notebooks and the Pinterest prompts, and how to start writing freely, even if you swear you're not a writer. I'm also sharing what's changed for me since I embedded this as a daily ritual, including the fact that most of my podcast episodes and content ideas now spark from my journal.If you've been searching for answers about your next move, your offers, your direction, what if those answers are already inside you, and the only thing missing is a practice that lets them surface?The resistance - why "I'm not a writer," "I don't have time," and "it feels self-indulgent" are all worth questioning. And the deeper one: resistance to journalling is often resistance to hearing what you already know.The difference between journalling to something and journalling from something - prompts and gratitude lists are fine but limited. The real transformation happens when you let the writing move through you without knowing where it's going.How to actually do it - start with the hand, not the head. Keep the pen moving. Follow the thread, not the topic. Write past the surface stuff. And don't read it back straight away.What it unlocks for business owners - clarity on direction, better decision-making, more powerful content, and a release valve for the emotional weight of running a business.The five-day challenge - five minutes, five days, pen on paper, keep the pen moving. Treat it as an experiment, not a lifestyle change. Want me to keep you accountable? Email the word CHALLENGE to [email protected] Your Business is a global top 3% podcast. If this episode resonated, a review goes a long way - thank you SO much. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

I’m fresh back from the Grand Union Canal, and a few days on a barge with family. It was one of those beautifully simple trips. Board games, tiny boat-oven pizzas, no screens (at least for the adults!), just a lot of laughing. And somewhere in the middle of steering through a pitch-black, 40-minute-long canal tunnel (whilst getting drenched by freezing water because I, naturally, decided I didn’t need my waterproofs), my brother-in-law Jeremy and I got into one of those conversations. The unexpectedly deep kind where you end up talking about what it actually means to be present. And it reminded me of something my dad said towards the end of his life that has stayed with me ever since. He was completely bedbound, hadn’t been out of bed for a couple of years, and when I asked him if he was bored, he looked at me like I’d lost the plot. “Bored? Never.” He explained that he’d often pick a moment from his life, his fighter pilot training in Canada, or when he and my mum first married, or a family holiday, and he’d transport himself right back into it. He could relive every vivid detail because he’d actually been in those moments when they were happening.And that’s what got me thinking about how we live now. We’ve built an entire culture around not being present. We’re scrolling through other people’s lives, capturing everything on camera, filtering, curating, archiving, doing everything except actually being there as we create the memory. I’m not exempt from this, by the way - I’m recording this podcast in the hope that you’ll stop what you’re doing and give me your attention, so let’s not pretend I’m above it. But we do get to choose. That’s the point. We get to choose where we place our attention, and right now I think most of us are giving it away without even realising. So this episode is an invitation. Leave your phone in another room for an hour. Eat a meal without a screen. Go for a walk without your headphones in. Because at the end of our lives, it won’t be our follower count or our content archive that’s left. It’ll be what we were paying attention to. The things we loved. The people we loved. Let’s make sure we actually let ourselves know it while we have the chance.This episode is based on my full Substack essay: Check out digital home on Substack: ReWild with Gill MoakesReWild Your Business is a global top 3% podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please could you leave a review - it means the world.ReWild With Gill Moakes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

I’ve been in a seriously creative season lately. Writing, thinking, meditating, doing all the things that for me are the work, and also, if I’m honest, feeling a bit guilty about it. The newsletter that slipped. The freebie that’s been sitting waiting for an email sequence I haven’t got round to writing. You know how it goes.And then my sister-in-law asked me one simple question that stopped me in my tracks.“What would feel good today?”That’s it. Five words. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since… What this episode is really aboutWhen she said it, I realised I’d been completely disconnecting from my body’s signals between my morning and evening practices. You see, I have these lovely bookends to my day, meditation, journaling, skincare in bed, but between those mindful bookends, I’d been just cracking on, forcing myself through whatever I think I should be doing, regardless of whether it’s a match for the energy I actually have.And then I’m making myself wrong when it doesn’t go well.This episode is me unpacking why that question hit so hard, and what it’s got me thinking about in terms of how we all manage our energy, our attention, and our relationship with our own intuition - our wise inner voice.This episode covers:* Why creative seasons can feel like a double-edged sword (and why that guilt is worth examining)* The problem with “future casting” - loading so much consequence onto today’s small decisions that you’re living a year ahead instead of right now* How “shoulding yourself in the foot” gradually disconnects you from your intuition * A simple habit-stacking idea for checking in with your energy throughout the day, not just morning and evening* The difference between genuine procrastination and forcing yourself to do something that’s just not a match for today (you do know the difference, I promise)The invitationBefore you attack your to-do list today, just pause and ask it. What would feel good today? Not as a life strategy. Just today.Mentioned in this episodeThe Work That Matters - a reflective workbook I’ve created, full of prompts to help you tune back into the work you’re truly here to do. There’s no fancy opt-in page yet (see: creative season, email sequences, the irony is not lost on me), so just drop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll send you the editable PDF straight back. It’d make a lovely thing to work through over Easter if you’re taking a bit of time off.ReWild Your Business is a global top 3% podcast. If this one resonated, a review goes a long way, thank you SO much x This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This one's been gnawing at me for a while. I believe we're living through one of the most significant shifts in history for women, and against the backdrop of everything happening in the world right now, I'm convinced that women are the ones who are going to shape what comes next. But to do that, we have to stop apologising for who we are and what we're being called to do.We have to stop building lighter, safer, watered-down versions of the work we're really here to do, and start treating our soul's calling not as something indulgent, but as the most strategically intelligent business decision we can make.If you've been keeping the truest version of your work tucked away for later, waiting until you feel more ready, more established, more sure, this episode is for you...We Are Living Through a ShiftAgainst everything that's happening in the world, something is moving beneath our feet. Women are being called to lead, to create meaning, to shape what comes next. And that starts with each of us getting honest about what we're here to do, and refusing to compromise on it any longer.Your Calling Is Not IndulgentWe've been sold this idea that following your soul's calling is unrealistic... some soft, ethereal concept that doesn't belong in a business conversation. I think it's the exact opposite. Your calling is real. It's the thing that won't leave you alone. And pursuing it isn't the opposite of strategy, it is the strategy.The Reframe: Soul-Led Work Is Commercially IntelligentHere's the paradigm shift: you don't choose your calling in spite of wanting to make money. You choose your calling and making money is the side effect. When you do the work that's genuinely aligned with who you are, you bring a depth to your business that simply doesn't exist when you're running the lighter version. That depth becomes magnetic. It's what makes people seek you out, invest at higher levels, and become ambassadors for your work.Stop Keeping the Real Work for LaterSo many women are keeping the truest version of their business hidden away in a Google doc - waiting until they're more established, until the timing's better, until they feel more ready. And later never comes. Or worse, it does, and with it comes the grief for all the time spent on the diluted version.The Ceiling of Effort-Only GrowthYou can build a business on best practices and hard work alone, but there's a ceiling to it. Growth built purely on effort without alignment is innately unsustainable. Real exponential growth, the kind that creates legacy and impact, is built on resonance, on how deep you're willing to go.A Question to Sit WithIf you weren't afraid of failing, and if you weren't afraid of what people would think, what would you build?Free ResourceI’ve created a free workbook filled with prompts and questions to help you unearth what’s true for you. It’s deep work (I’m not apologising for it, but prepare to confront some demons) and it’s designed to help you take the first step towards doing the work that’s the fullest expression of what you’re here to do…If you’d like a copy just message me the word 'Workbook' on Substack or Instagram, or email me [email protected] and I’ll send you a copy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

If you know something in your life or business has run its course but for some reason you can't quite explain, you're still showing up to it like nothing's changed... this one's for you.I'm talking about the in-between: that uncomfortable space where you're no longer who you were, but not yet fully who you're becoming. And what happens when you keep pouring your energy into what you're leaving instead of redirecting it towards what's next.In this episode:~ Why the in-between is an identity shift, not a time management problem~ My story of leaving corporate and the quiet rebellion of doing less~ What "minimum viable presence" looks like in practice~ How to stop marketing offers you no longer want to deliver~ Giving yourself permission to pull back without calling it failure~ Rituals for redirecting your energy towards who you're becoming~ Three journaling prompts to sit with after you listenPlus:The Legacy & Leadership collaboration series with Deb D has kicked off. Watch the replay of the first livestream here: https://open.substack.com/pub/gillmoakes/p/legacy-and-leadership-part-one?r=1q9m3k&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webConnect with Gill:SubstackInstagramLinkedInWebsiteResouces This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

So, we just wrapped up part one of our Legacy & Leadership series - a conversation that will span the next four months via posts, notes, podcasts, and 4 livestreams where Deb D | The Intuitive HERoine and I will come together like we did this afternoon to talk about how we see legacy and what it means for us and the women in our respective worlds.Deb and I share a vision of the world where women, to use Deb’s words, “remember who the f*ck they are and reclaim their heroine status”. It matters to us deeply that women understand that they’re part of a new age where we have crucial work to step up to.I’m loving the timing of kicking off this series today, following Monday’s episode of ReWild Your Business - #201 - Who’s In Your Corner (The Truth About Successful Collaborations).Enjoy this conversation - part two to follow next month, but in the meantime let’s open the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Fresh off the 200 episode milestone and I'm still glowing from all your gorgeous messages - thank you, you wonderful humans!This week I'm talking about something that is genuinely close to my heart: collaboration. I don't mean the surface-level let's-swap-email-lists kind that gets bandied about online. I mean the kind that expands who you both are and what you're capable of doing.What I Cover in This Episode~ Why most collaboration advice misses the point~ The four collaborations I'm currently involved in: ~ Collaboration as a creative accelerant~ Where to actually find your collaborators~ The green lights to look for~ The red flags to watch for~ How to make it work in practiceMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELauren Jones: Brand By Boudica, and our joint venture, Unapologetic Retreats The Institute of Coaching Studies Rebecca Gunter: Stoned Fruit, and our upcoming joint venture, BrandtherapyDeb Driscoll, founder of the Be HER Collective, and our upcoming live series, Legacy & LeadershipAlicia Rodriguez Becky Benfield-HumberstoneThis podcast now lives on Substack - if you're not already subscribed, come and find me. All podcast episodes and long-form articles are free. If you'd like to join me live for hot seat coaching and co-working sessions a couple of times a month, The Wild Work membership is just £15/month.👉 https://gillmoakes.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Two hundred episodes… WTF! I genuinely wasn’t sure when I hit record on episode one whether there would be a second. And here we are.This isn’t a ‘best of’ clip show or a trip down memory lane for its own sake. I’m sharing the twenty things I know now that I wish I’d known at the beginning, about podcasting, about business, about showing up consistently when it feels pointless, and about what it actually takes to build something that lasts.If you’re a podcaster, thinking about starting a podcast, or you’ve got one that’s been gathering dust because you lost momentum, this one’s for you.Here’s a little tease of some of the lessons…On keeping going when it feels pointlessThere WILL be stretches, sometimes long ones, where you feel like you’re just talking into the void. Downloads are disappointing. Your inbox is silent. You hit publish and get nothing back. Keep going anyway. The people who need your show will find it, sometimes months or years after you recorded it, at exactly the moment they need it. The quiet periods aren’t a sign you’re failing. They’re part of the process.On consistency as a competitive advantagePodcasting is one of the few places where showing up, week after week, even imperfectly, is genuinely enough to stand out. MOST podcasters can’t do it. Your listeners make you part of their routine. When you disappear without warning, you break something. That trust is fragile and worth protecting.On sound quality - the one non-negotiablePeople will forgive you for fluffing your words. They will not forgive bad audio. This is not a soft suggestion. Poor sound quality creates physical resistance in your listener and they WILL click away - not because they’re not interested in what you have to say, but because they can’t stand listening to poor quality audio. Who can?! Invest in your sound. Everything else is optional. Your audio is not.On finding your LinahA proper shout-out to my podcast editor Linah Macharia, who has been with me since episode one. A great editor is a creative partner who holds the continuity of your show in a way you simply can’t when you’re too close to it. If you find someone who gets what you’re building and shows up for it consistently, treasure them.On niche, evolution, and the show telling you what it wants to beThe other sixteen lessons cover everything from why your worst episodes teach you the most, to why silence in an interview is gold, to how your backstory is your greatest asset rather than something to hide. We talk about marketing without performance, building for permanence over trending, and what it means when your audience wants to know you, not just learn from you.The One That Matters MostBegin before you’re ready. And then keep beginning.That’s it. That’s the whole thing.A Note on This ShowThis podcast started as a way to share what I know about building a business that actually fits the person running it. It has become something much bigger than that. A record of my own evolution, a community of women who are done performing their way through entrepreneurship, and proof that the quiet, consistent, relationships-first approach works.Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been with me since episode one or this is the first episode you’ve ever heard, welcome. There’s plenty more to come.Mentioned in This Episode- Linah, podcast editor and legend - https://linahmacharia.com/Work With MeIf this episode resonated and you’re ready to build a business that actually fits you, one rooted in authenticity, depth, and real relationships rather than algorithm-chasing, here’s how we can work together:Legacy: High level 1:1 coaching. Bespoke, deep, and built around you. Mastery: A DIY program for early-stage coaches ready to build the foundations properly from the start. Start by applying for a FREE Best Next Move session with me: https://form.jotform.com/Moakes/best-next-moveCONNECT WITH ME…- Substack: https://gillmoakes.substack.com/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmoakes/- Website: https://gillmoakes.com*If this episode hit home, please share it with someone who needs to hear it - another podcaster who’s losing faith, a coach who keeps putting off hitting record, or anyone who needs a reminder that beginning imperfectly is still beginning. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Big news this week, the ReWild Your Business podcast has a new home. I've moved it over to Substack, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why, what I've changed my mind about, and how I'm planning to use Substack as my central media hub going forward.If you've been curious about Substack, whether it's worth exploring, whether the SEO issues are still a thing, whether it's actually just for writers, then this episode is for you. I'm coming at it as someone who dismissed it for years and has now done a complete 180.Why I Changed My Mind About SubstackFor a long time I was repeating other people's opinions about Substack as if they were my own - the closed shop problem, the SEO limitations, the "it's only useful if your clients are writers" narrative. I hadn't done my own due diligence, and I'm calling myself out on that. Because Substack has evolved enormously, and it's time to update the story.The LinkedIn ThingI'm not deleting my account, but I'm being honest: I'm over trying to crack the LinkedIn algorithm. Six and a half thousand followers and I still can't reliably reach the people I'm connected to on purpose. I don't create content to please algorithms, and Substack feels like a breath of fresh air by comparison.What's Actually Changed on SubstackThe SEO has improved significantly, it's no longer the closed shop it once wasYou can use it as a full media hub - newsletter, podcast, video, live events, communityNotes gives you a social media-style space without being fully algorithm-dependentYou can go as simple or as complex as you likeHow I'm Using ItThe podcast now lives inside Substack (you can still listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, nothing changes for you there). I'm also experimenting with going live, including a four-part collaboration series with the brilliant Deb D. And I've opened a paid membership - the most accessible and simple way to work with me, with resources and monthly Zoom calls, without the over-engineered complexity that's put me off memberships in the past.Why Substack Feels Right For Me Right NowIt's where I can show up as my whole self without performing for an algorithm or shrinking to fit a platform's rules. It's where the writers I most admire are doing their most generous, accessible work. I want to create that same sense of depth and connection for you.And with my book in progress, Substack feels like the natural home for the writing side of everything I'm building.Subscribe to ReWild Your Business on Substack: https://gillmoakes.substack.com/Come and have a dig around, it's still a work in progress and I'd love your company as it evolves. Free subscribers get all the newsletters and the podcast. Paid members get a more personal layer of access, including 2 monthly Zoom calls.https://gillmoakes.substack.com/If anything on the Substack feels confusing or you think the navigation could be clearer, please do drop me a line: [email protected] - genuinely helpful feedback very welcome.Substacks Mentioned in this episode:Deb D - The Intuitive HERoine - For the women who dare to lead their lives from within. https://thebehercollective.substack.com/Claire Venus - Sparkle on Substack - If you're thinking of starting or growing a Substack, she is the resource. Down to earth, practical, zero gatekeeping. Highly recommended. https://sparkleon.substack.com/Beth Kempton - SoulStack - Beautiful, generous writing for anyone interested in developing their writing practice. https://bethkempton.substack.com/Rebecca Campbell - For the spiritual among you, Rebecca is the real deal - I love her work. https://rebeccacampbell.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

In this raw and honest episode, I'm sharing why I've been quieter than usual lately and what's really been happening behind the scenes.I've been going through a profound identity evolution over the past year - one that felt too big, too spiritual, too mystical to share while I was in the middle of it. If you've ever felt caught between who you're becoming and what you think you "should" be doing in your business, this episode is for you.Why I chose silence over diluting my experience during this profound transformationThe internal battle between strategy and soul-led work (and why it felt like a wrestling match)How trying to diminish your truth creates friction that stops you from moving forwardWhy that friction isn't a problem to solve - it's information your system is giving youWhat happens when you choose to honor the evolution of who you're becomingThe unexpected doors that open when you trust yourself more than you trust what others expectJournaling Prompts:Where in your life and business are you showing up as a diminished version of yourself?Where are you diluting your truth?What friction are you experiencing that might actually be information about what you've outgrown? Work With GillReady to explore what's next for you? Book a Next Best Move call to get clarity on what you need to be focusing on.https://www.gillmoakes.com/next-best-moveConnect with Gill:Instagram: @gillmoakesSubstack: It's A People Thing: https://gillmoakes.substack.com/Website: https://www.gillmoakes.com/About the Podcast:ReWild Your Business is the podcast for women doing the work their soul intended. It's about cutting away what doesn't belong to allow what does to thrive, finding simplicity in your work, and bringing the whole of who you are to the table. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

If you've ever felt like you're drowning in systems, strategies, and 47-step funnels while the actual work you love takes a backseat, this one's for you...The online business world has sold us a version of entrepreneurship that's unnecessarily complicated. The complex funnels, intricate launch sequences, social media strategies that require a degree in digital marketing, business models you can't explain without a flow chart. None of this is an accident.The complexity isn't a bug in the system. It's an entire business model. Someone sells you a complicated system, it doesn't work (or it kind of works but feels exhausting), so you think you're doing it wrong. You must need the advanced training, the next level, the missing piece. And they've got you for another course, another certification, another mastermind.Building a coaching business comes down to one sentence: Be visible where your people are, talk about what you do in a way that makes sense, have conversations with potential clients, make offers, deliver excellent work, and ask for testimonials and referrals.That's it. Everything else is optimization for a business that's already working.The EssentialsClarity on who you serve and the transformation you createA simple way to reach those people (ideally your own platform)Consistent visibility and content that adds valueActual conversations with potential clients (we're in a trust desert thanks to AI)A clear offer that solves a real problem, priced appropriately for the value you createBrilliant delivery so you can ask for referrals and testimonialsEverything outside of these six things is optional.This connects to identity work. Complexity sells because most people are operating from an identity that doesn't trust the simple path. If you fundamentally don't believe you're the kind of person who can build a successful business through straightforward means, through your actual talent, real relationships, and genuine value, then complexity feels necessary. It becomes armour, proof that you're a serious business person.But the minute you step into the identity of someone who creates value, builds relationships, and makes offers from genuine authority, that complexity starts feeling like a chain around your neck.Everyone who's built a successful coaching business did it through relationships first and systems later. Not the other way around.Your Rewilding Move This Week:Look at your business. All of it. The tools, systems, strategies, platforms, frameworks, social media channels. Ask yourself: what here is actually serving me versus what am I serving?If you're spending more time managing your business infrastructure than actually building relationships, having conversations, making offers, and creating value, you've probably been sold complexity and now you're hiding behind it.The antidote isn't another solution. It's subtraction.Ready to Strip Back the Complexity?If you're ready to build your business from a place of genuine authority and do the identity work around becoming the coach who trusts that it can be this simple, apply for a Next Best Move call with me. It's an hour of one-to-one time where we'll figure out what you actually need and what the simple version of your business could look like.Apply Now: https://www.gillmoakes.com/next-best-move This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

There's panic in the coaching industry. Will AI replace us? Are we all about to become obsolete?Here's the reframe: AI hasn't made coaching obsolete. It's made it absolutely essential.The Truth About AIAI is extraordinary. You can get a complete business strategy in 30 seconds, a marketing plan, step-by-step frameworks for anything. Information that used to take years to access is now free and infinite.But people aren't flying... they're drowning in information, strategies, and plans they're not executing.It's No Longer an Information Gap, It's a Transformation GapPeople don't hire coaches because they don't know what to do. They hire coaches because they're struggling to become the person who actually does it.AI can give you the blueprint. But it cannot hold space for the messy stuff in the middle, that deeply human process of becoming someone different.AI can't sit with you in discomfort, mirror back your stories, or call out your excuses with loving directness. It doesn't witness your transformation in the same way.You Don't Change Because You Got Better InformationYou change because another human believed in your potential before you did. Because someone created space where it was safe to let go of who you've been. Because someone asked that one question that cracked you open.That's coaching. No algorithm will ever replicate the power of human witness and intuition.AI Has Made Information Free - Transformation Is EverythingMediocre coaching, repackaged information and generic cheerleading, is absolutely replaceable by AI.Deep transformational coaching that sees the person behind the pattern? More valuable than ever.The world doesn't need more information. We need brilliant coaches who can guide people through the transformation they need to use the information.AI isn't coming for your coaching business. It's raising the bar for what coaching needs to be.~~~Apply for a FREE 60-minute strategic session with me where we'll cut through the noise and identify the single most important action for your coaching business right now. This isn't about more information - it's about the right action at the right time: https://www.gillmoakes.com/next-best-move  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week I'm calling out something I'm seeing everywhere right now in the online business world, and honestly, it's feeling like an epidemic. Coaches are hearing they should differentiate themselves by being vulnerable, so they're sharing their struggles, their breakdowns, their trauma in real time. And look, it works at first - engagement goes through the roof, people respond, you feel seen. But here's the problem: they end up building their entire brand around their worst moments.Every post becomes a wound on display. And then they can't figure out why they're attracting clients who are drowning, not clients who are ready to actually do the work and move forward.When your brand is built on unprocessed trauma, you're positioning yourself as a peer in struggle rather than a guide through it, and that fundamentally undermines your authority.There's a massive difference between real vulnerability and performance vulnerability. Real vulnerability is when you're sharing something you've processed and metabolised. You're offering wisdom, not an open wound. It feels clean because you're not searching for validation, you're genuinely serving your audience's transformation.Performance vulnerability? That's when you're sharing trauma because it gets clicks and comments, when you're still in it and you need people to tell you you're brave. It's extractive, not generous.So here's my invitation: stop sharing trauma in real time, audit your content to see how much centres on pain rather than insight, and reposition your brand around transformation instead of empathy. The people who truly value you don't need you to perform your pain, they value your wisdom, your authority, your frameworks because you're on the other side and can show them the way.Mentioned in this episode:This is the LinkedIn post I mention about my late husband: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gillmoakes_its-7-years-ago-today-that-my-husband-phill-activity-7143208724856270849-BFL-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACuEtlUBCBw8uMiKIFcrgf3Kt-Gpw6nq80oIf you'd like to explore working together, book a call with me here: https://go.oncehub.com/alignment-call This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Your modesty isn't making you more likeable - it's making you invisible to the people who desperately need what you offer...While you're busy staying humble and worrying about looking like a dick, someone out there who needs you, can't find you. Or they find you but don't believe you can help them because you're playing small.What This Episode CoversWe're tackling imposter syndrome, the resistance to "bragging," tall poppy syndrome, and all the cultural conditioning that keeps you making yourself smaller.The Big IdeasConfidence vs Arrogance:A. Owning your expertise: "I've spent 10 years learning how to solve this exact problem. I've worked with dozens of clients who've got results. I know what I'm doing and I can help you."B. Being a dick: "I'm the only person that can solve your problem. Everyone else is s**t."One invites people in. The other pushes them away.Imposter Syndrome ReframedImposter syndrome is a refusal to integrate your experience into who you are. Your clients didn't pay you for luck - they paid you for your expertise. When you refuse to own that, you could say you're not being humble, you're being slightly dishonest.What Your Future Clients NeedThey're scared, uncertain, investing money that feels like a stretch. They need confidence in you. Your confidence gives them permission to trust you. Your belief that you can help them creates space for them to believe in their own transformation.Four Ways to Own Your ExpertiseTalk About Results - Show what happens because of what you doBe Confident in Your Messaging - Stop using "I think" or "maybe" or "it's just my opinion"Be Specific - Specific truths sound like expertise; vague claims sound like b******tOwn Your Perspective - Say "Here's what I've learned" not "I think this might work"Key TakeawaysYour modesty is not a virtue if it's keeping people from finding youYour imposter syndrome is a refusal to integrate your experienceYour fear of being "too much" robs your future clients of the confidence they needThe people who need you are looking for someone confident and certainReady to Do This Work?If you're ready to do the identity work around becoming the woman who has the business you want, let's explore working together. I've been doing this for a long time. I'm good at it.Book a call: https://go.oncehub.com/gillmoakeschat00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 This Week's Topic: Owning Your Expertise04:39 Understanding Imposter Syndrome08:41 Overcoming Tall Poppy Syndrome10:47 Steps to Own Your Expertise15:06 The Identity Shift: Becoming Your True Self18:16 Conclusion and Call to Action  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

For most of my life, I genuinely believed I wasn't creative. Like, hand on heart, I would tell anyone willing to listen that I didn't have a creative bone in my body. And I really believed it.Why? Because to me, creativity meant one thing: being able to draw or paint. And since I can't do that (trust me, this isn't false modesty – I literally cannot draw to save my life), I wrote myself off completely.But here's what I've finally realised: I've been using the wrong definition of creativity my entire life. And in doing so, I've been denying a fundamental part of who I am.So, here's what I'm sharing with you in this episode:The narrow definition of creativity I carried from childhood into my businessHow I finally recognised that the way I think, write, and solve problems IS creativeWhy this isn't just about creativity – it's about the identity stories we tell ourselves. The stories you might be telling yourself that are keeping you stuck ('I'm not strategic', 'I'm not good with money', 'I'm not a natural salesperson'...)How your business will only ever be as big as the identity you're willing to claimThe loop that's running your life: identity determines actions, actions determine results, results reinforce identityHere's the truth: Your business will never outperform who you are. If you're keeping yourself inside a restricted identity – some clinical, small version of you – your business will never outgrow that.This week's journal prompt:What story are you telling yourself about who you are or who you're not? And where did that story come from?I bet it came from somewhere outside you. Someone else's definition. Someone else's standards. Something you decided once, years ago, based on limited information or one bad experience or comparison to someone who does it differently.Pay attention to who you actually are when you're not trying to be who you think you should be.Let's connect:Drop me an email at [email protected] and let me know what came up for you when you listened to this episode. I absolutely love getting those messages – they honestly make my day!And if you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you'd hop onto Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) and leave a five-star rating and review. You wouldn't believe the difference it makes to the reach of the show.Mentioned in this episode:Unapologetic Retreats - we gift women the time and space to explore what’s possible for them, and be inspired to take action, unapologetically. (https://www.unapologeticretreats.com/)Girls That Get S**t Done - a roaring, global network of seriously creative female bad asses that are shaping the world of design, marketing, business and brand.  (https://www.girlsthatgetshitdone.com/)Listen now and subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your favourite podcast platform00:00 Introduction and Happy New Year!00:27 Embracing Creativity: My Personal Journey02:17 Redefining Creativity and Identity04:13 Challenging Limiting Beliefs05:45 Recognising and Owning Your Creativity09:25 The Power of Identity in Business16:16 Breaking the Loop: Identity and Actions17:08 Reflection and Journaling Prompts19:01 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

In the first episode of 2026, I'm sharing five deliberate choices I refuse to apologise for in my business. These include not being present on all social media platforms, my pricing, saying no to unaligned opportunities, not always being relatable, and working long hours.Yep an eclectic little bunch of insights this week - let's start this year as we mean to go on and get clear on what we're not going to apologise for!Tell me what that means for you: [email protected] to explore working with me this year? Schedule a call: https://go.oncehub.com/alignment-call00:00 Welcome to Rewild Your Business 2026!01:09 Unapologetically Authentic: Embracing Your Business Choices03:01 Social Media: Quality Over Quantity05:08 Valuing Your Worth: No Apologies for Pricing07:11 The Power of Saying No10:11 Relatability vs. Transformation14:28 Passion Over Balance: Embracing Long Hours16:51 Final Thoughts and Reflection This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

As we close out 2025, this episode is about the three critical decisions that will position you to make next year truly extraordinary. Whether you're listening in those strange days between Christmas and New Year, or you're one of those brilliant people who switches off completely until January 5th, these decisions are for you to make...If you have a vision for your life and business that's bigger than feels comfortable to admit out loud, this episode is going to challenge you in allllll the right ways.The Three Decisions:Decision 1: To Uplevel Your IdentityThis isn't about affirmations or visualisation... it's about who you're actually being, not just what you're thinking. Your current business - everything it is and isn't - is an exact match for who you've been being up until now.If you're not getting the clients you want, it's because the woman you've been being isn't the woman who works with those clients. If you're not charging what you're worth, it's because the woman you've been being doesn't believe she's worth it.The uncomfortable truth? You can't grow your business beyond who you are being. So who do you need to become to hold the vision you have for 2026?Decision 2: Say No to MisalignmentEvery yes to something that doesn't align with your values or vision is a no to something that does. You can't make space for what's next if you're holding on to what no longer serves you.This isn't about being ruthless, it's about being intentional. It's about honouring yourself enough to protect your energy, your time, and your focus for what actually matters. What are you tolerating that's keeping you small?Decision 3: Invest in YourselfGrowth requires investment. You know the difference between genuinely not being able to invest responsibly and using money as a comfortable excuse to avoid growth.What investment do you need to make in 2026? A mentor? A mastermind? Training that would give you the skills to deliver at the level you want? Someone to help you do the deep identity work?Write down what you need. Then write down all your reasons for not doing it yet. Read them back and ask yourself: are these the thoughts of the woman I decided to become?Your Action Steps:For each decision, make one concrete move:Identity: Write a detailed description of the woman you're becoming. Choose one action that woman would take that terrifies the woman you've been being. Then take it.Saying No: Identify one thing you're currently doing that's misaligned and start thinking about your exit strategy.Investment: Research the investment you know you need to make. Book the discovery call. Request the proposal. Look at your finances and figure out how you'll invest in yourself in 2026.Don't wait for perfect clarity. Don't wait to feel ready. Just make the decision.Want to Work With Me in 2026?If you need someone to help you become the woman who can build the legacy business you're dreaming of, let's talk. Book a call here https://go.oncehub.com/alignment-call or DM me on LinkedIn.Thank youThank you for making this podcast part of your 2025. This is the end of the third year of ReWild Your Business, and recording these episodes is still such a pleasure. I feel really lucky to have this as my platform... well, it's not luck, it's bloody hard work, but I love it!Have an amazing New Year, however you're celebrating, and I'll speak to you next time in 2026.Connect with Gill:Website: https://gillmoakes.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmoakes/BOOK A CALL NOW: https://go.oncehub.com/alignment-call00:00 Gratitude and Reflections on the Past Year00:51 Making the Most of the Year-End02:51 Understanding Ambition and Vision06:48 Decision 1: Uplevel Your Identity15:16 Decision 2: Say No to Misalignment22:17 Decision 3: Invest in Yourself29:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

In this episode of Rewild Your Business, I'm talking about the importance of mindset as we hurtle towards 2026. While it's the external factors often seem like barriers to our success, it's actually the internal mindset that plays the biggest role. With a focus on choosing courage over comfort, we're looking at the common negative thoughts that hold us back, the importance of acting despite fear, and how to build the courage muscle to achieve your business goals. Also, enrolment to my 18 week business accelerator, MASTERY, is now open: check out what's possible for you in 2026: https://gillmoakes.com/mastery00:00 Welcome to Rewild Your Business00:19 Mindset Matters: Starting 2026 Right03:31 The Power of Belief and Courage04:38 Confronting Negative Thoughts10:06 Building Your Courage Muscle17:51 Commitment Over Comfort26:30 Mastery Program: Take the Next Step28:38 Final Thoughts and Next Steps This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

What I'd do if I were starting my coaching business from scratch today...In this episode, I'm breaking down the three priorities when you're building a coaching business - no fluff, no filler, just the strategic foundations that create sustainable growth. If you're an early-stage coach or you've been spinning your wheels trying to figure out what to focus on, this episode will save you months of second-guessing.In This Episode:- The one thing that changes everything about how you show up in your business- How to develop your signature framework instead of being a set of hands for hire- Why you don't need a thousand followers to build a thriving coaching practice- What to prioritise right now if you want to build something realResources Mentioned:MASTERY:  Enrolment is now OPEN for my MASTERY, my 18-week programme for early-stage coaches who are committed to growing their coaching businesses in 2026.https://gillmoakes.com/mastery  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

We're revisiting an episode that was first published in February this year - Why? Because I've been soooo sick and didn't record this week, but also because this is a really important episode when it comes to your money mindset.If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over where the next client is coming from or feeling that gut-wrenching panic when someone says no, this episode is for you. I am talking about the biggest mindset shift that makes signing clients easier: stop chasing money and start focusing on connection, trust, and service. When you do, the money becomes a natural side effect.This isn’t about sitting back and hoping for the best. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and playing the long game. When you stop leading with desperation and start building real relationships, everything, clients, sales, opportunities, flows so much more naturally. And let’s be honest, growing your business feels a lot better when you’re not constantly stress chasing.FREE MASTERCLASSToday we kick off Unearth Your Edge - my free 3-day masterclass series for coaches, where we’ll refine your niche and messaging so start attracting and enrolling the right people.For more info and to register, click here: https://gillmoakes.com/unearth(This throwback episode mentions the March dates of our last event - this round is actually 8th / 9th / 10th December - 5pm UK / 12pm EST)  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

If you're a coach who's ready to change lives but you're struggling to stand out from all the other coaches saying the exact same things... this episode is for you.It's completely natural when you're starting out to look at what other coaches are doing. But here's what happens: you end up reading other coaches' Instagram bios, checking out their websites, and without even realising it, you start mimicking the language you're seeing everywhere. The result? Your messaging becomes beige. Safe. Generic.And when potential clients are scrolling through Instagram or reading emails, they can't tell the difference between you and any other coach out there.What Is Your Edge?Your edge is the combination of everything that makes you unmistakably you:- Your values - the hills you're willing to die on- Your lived and learned experience - all the lessons you learned the hard way- The things you believe that not everyone agrees with- The perspectives that make some people nod furiously and others hit unfollow (brilliant!)- Your authentic personality - not the professional coach version you think you should be- Your messaging - the things you can't stop talking aboutThis Can't Be OutsourcedYou can't shortcut this work. You can't copy someone else's positioning. This isn't the glamorous bit of building a business - but it's the difference between a coaching business that actually grows and makes you money versus one that constantly struggles to attract the right people.It's the difference between feeling confident in who you are and what you offer versus feeling like an imposter every time you post on social media.Join Me For Unearth Your EdgeI'm hosting a FREE three-day masterclass starting December 8th (8th, 9th, and 10th at 5pm UK time). This is the foundational work I do with clients in my MASTERY accelerator - and people have told me this masterclass alone has changed the trajectory of their business.Here's what we'll cover:Day 1: Who You Are - Getting crystal clear on your values, your story, and what you bring to the table that no one else doesDay 2: Who You Serve - Refining your niche based on genuine alignment between who you are and who you're meant to serveDay 3: How You Communicate - Creating messaging that actually converts by articulating what you believe in a way that resonates with the right people90 minutes on Zoom each day. Time for questions. Workbooks for each day. And I promise you: this is going to move you forward in your business.Numbers are capped so everyone gets space to ask questions - so grab your spot now at gillmoakes.com/unearthUnearth Your Edge - FREE Masterclass: gillmoakes.com/unearth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week, it's part 2 of our mini-series on Planning On Purpose - all about stepping confidently into next year. I'm talking about the critical identity shifts you need to make to bring your 2026 vision to life.Building on last week's foundational planning episode, I explore the importance of aligning your daily actions with the person you need to become to realise your goals. I outline five key identity shifts:moving from reactive to intentionalperfectionist to practitionerpeople-pleaser to values-led leaderscarcity to abundanceisolation to connectionIt's all about adopting a daily practice of making small, consistent decisions that align with your future self.AND, if 2026 is the year you're committing to seriously growing your coaching business, then you don't want to miss my FREE 3 day masterclass Unearth Your Edge, starting on 8th December 2025.Over 3 days, live on Zoom together, you'll learn:1. How to embrace and leverage your uniqueness2. How to refine your niche3. How to nail your messaging to consistently attract & enrol your ideal clients.Places are limited, so secure your spot here now: https://gillmoakes.com/unearthALSO MENTIONEDCheck out my 18 week business accelerator for coaches: https://gillmoakes.com/mastery  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Where the hell did this year go? If we're not careful, 2025 is going to race past us and we'll all be sleepwalking into 2026... In this first part of a two-part series, I'm sharing the exact planning process I take my private coaching, LEGACY clients through at the end of each year. This isn't about hustle culture goals or pushing harder. It's about creating a year that actually reflects what YOU want, not what Instagram tells you your year should look like, not even what I tell you it should look like...Because here's what I've learned from coaching really ambitious women: most of us don't fail because we lack strategy. We struggle because we're following strategies that weren't created by us, for us.This is planning that matters. Planning that works. Planning on purpose.What You'll Learn:Why Planning Actually MattersThe Three Essential Planning StepsThe Biggest Mistake Coaches MakeResources MentionedFree Workshop:Planning on Purpose: November 20th, 2025Hosted with the Institute of Coaching Studies(Replay available if you can't attend live)SIGN UP HERE: https://coachingstudies.org/events/coaching-business-masterclass-2026-planning/Book Recommendation:"Free to Focus" by Michael Hyatt - exceptional resource for yearly planning and productivityThe Institute of Coaching Studies:My absolute number one recommendation for coach training.Reflection Prompts:Before you start planning for next year, take time to reflect on 2025:What worked this year that you want to do more of?What didn't work that you're ready to let go of?What did you wish you'd made time for?What do you wish you'd never started?Email your reflections to [email protected] - I'd love to hear what's coming up for you.COMING NEXT WEEK...Part 2 is coming next week, where we'll dive deep into the mindset piece: Who do you need to BE to bring your vision to life? What is your business asking from you in terms of how you show up?This two-part series, combined with the free workshop on November 20th, will give you everything you need to make 2026 truly YOUR year.About This SeriesThis is the exact planning process I've refined over years of working with ambitious women coaches. It works because it's not about doing more or pushing harder, it's about intentional, purpose-driven planning that creates a business supporting your life, not consuming it.Connect With GillHave reflections to share? Questions about planning your year? Email me at [email protected] the Planning on Purpose Workshop: https://coachingstudies.org/events/coaching-business-masterclass-2026-planning/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

That permission slip you're waiting for... the one that says you're ready to charge what you're worth, claim your niche, or call yourself an expert? I'm afraid it's not coming. Not from a certification body, not from a certain number of clients, and definitely not from your follower count.In this episode, I'm diving into why we crave external permission, the three permission traps keeping brilliant coaches stuck, and what self-permission actually looks like (spoiler: it's harder than waiting for validation, but it's the only way forward).If you've been telling yourself "I'll be ready in January" or "once I have X, then I'll do Y", this one's for you.What We CoverThe Permission Paradox- Why we're trained to wait for external validation (and why it's keeping you small)- My own journey from blocking everyone on social media to hosting this podcast- The uncomfortable truth: staying small has to feel worse than the fear of being seenThe Three Permission TrapsTrap #1: The Qualification Trap- Why collecting certifications won't make you feel ready- The truth: clients buy transformations, not certificates- You're qualified the moment you can deliver resultsTrap #2: The Numbers Trap- "Once I have 10 clients, then I'll raise my prices" (and other lies we tell ourselves)- How you can build a six-figure practice with 500 engaged followers- Premium pricing attracts better clients - not the other way aroundTrap #3: The Timeline Trap- "I'll be ready in six months" (no, you won't)- Why perfect conditions will never exist- Clarity comes from action, not contemplationWhat Self-Permission Actually Looks LikeSelf-permission isn't a feeling, it's a decision. And it requires:Radical responsibility (no one else to blame if it doesn't work)Tolerance for discomfort (charging premium prices before you feel 'worth it')Redefining "ready" (willing to try ≠ perfect)The 5-Step Framework for Giving Yourself PermissionName what you're actually waiting for (get specific - it's probably imaginary)Identify the cost of waiting (what are you not building? Who are you not serving?)Make the decision as if permission has been grantedTake the first uncomfortable action (not perfect action, next action)Build your evidence bank (track every win, collect every testimonial)The Bottom LineThe permission you're waiting for isn't coming from out there. It's been inside you the whole time. You just have to be brave enough to claim it.Stop waiting. Start building.Your InvitationWhat's one green light you've been waiting for that you could give yourself today? Not in January. Not when you have more clients. Not when you feel more confident. Today.What would you do if you just... decided?Work With MeIf this episode resonated and you're ready to stop waiting for permission, let's talk about MASTERY - my 18-week signature program for coaches who are done playing small.MASTERY isn't just strategy (though you'll get a complete roadmap for building a highly profitable coaching practice). It's also the mindset work of backing yourself before you have external proof. Of embracing your unique edge. Of owning your value. Of moving forward even when it's uncomfortable.Because here's what I know: you don't need more qualifications. You don't need more followers. You don't need more time.You need clarity. You need strategy. You need someone who sees you and believes in what's possible when you bring the whole of who you are to your business... Let me help you.Find out more: https://gillmoakes.com/masteryCONNECT WITH MEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmoakes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmoakes/WORK WITH MECheck out my FREE monthly workshops: https://www.gillmoakes.com/workshopsCheck out MASTERY: https://gillmoakes.com/masteryBook a call to explore the next right move for your business: https://go.oncehub.com/gillmoakeschat This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Feeling overwhelmed by your coaching business? In this episode, I'm sharing my current obsession: simplification. I share why most coaches overcomplicate their businesses with too many offers, platforms, and tactics, and why less is actually more when it comes to building a sustainable, profitable coaching practice.You'll learn why complexity is usually a symptom of lack of clarity, hear the story of why I closed a profitable membership to choose alignment over income, and get a practical framework for figuring out what to keep and what to let go in your business.What You'll LearnWhy coaches overcomplicate everything (and why "more" doesn't actually mean better)The real reason behind business complexity: lack of clarity on who you serve and what transformation you offerMy story of closing The Collective - choosing alignment over a profitable revenue streamWhat true simplification looks like: one clear offer, one clear client, one clear messageThe three questions to help you decide what stays and what goes in your businessA practical exercise to audit everything in your business and strip back to what matters The Three Questions Framework1. Does it energise you? Not every moment, but overall, does this thing light you up? Do you look forward to it? Or is it consistently draining you before you even begin?2. Does it serve your ideal client? Not just any client, but YOUR ideal client. Does this offer, platform, or piece of content actually move them closer to the transformation they desire?3. Does it move the needle? Is this thing actually contributing to your business growth? Is it bringing in revenue, building relationships, or establishing your authority? Or is it just busy work?Practical ExerciseList EVERYTHING in your business: every offer, every platform, every content type, every marketing tactic, every systemCircle the things that light you up AND make you money (both, not just one)Question everything else - does it really need to stay?Remember: Being busy doesn't equal being effective.My Simple Business ModelThree ways to work with me (I've been doing this a while so I do have more than one offer):Mastery - my 18-week foundational accelerator program for early-stage coaches building their coaching businessEvolution - coming in 2026 - for coaches ready to scale beyond 1:1 client workLegacy - Private 1:1 coaching for ambitious women building a legacy body of workContent ecosystem:ReWild Your Business Podcast (weekly)LinkedIn & Instagram Newsletter (weekly)Substack (long-form deep dives)Everything points to the same transformation: bringing all of who you are to your work so you can grow a profitable, fulfilling business.Your First YesYour First Yes - is a simple guide for early-stage coaches struggling to find their first few paying clients. It focuses on the handful of actions that genuinely move the needle without the complexity of a massive marketing ecosystem.Download here: https://www.gillmoakes.com/your-first-yes Connect with me:Website: gillmoakes.comInstagram: @gillmoakesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmoakes/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a coach friend who needs to hear this message. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Let me be honest with you: what worked in marketing a couple of years ago really isn't working anymore. And if you're someone who's still trying to crack that algorithm, who believes your success is entirely governed by the quality of your content, this probably isn't what you want to hear. But it's true.I'm seeing genuinely brilliant coaches burning themselves out creating endless content. Posting multiple times a day. Creating daily reels. Sophisticated carousel posts. Graphics. Jumping on every trend. And they're just not seeing a return on that massive amount of effort.Here's what's really happening: the coaching industry has created this closed shop of engagement. Your amazing content is mostly being seen by other coaches who are also stuck on the same hamster wheel. Not your actual ideal clients.Content Marketing Still Matters (But It's Only One Piece)I'm not saying content doesn't matter. Of course it does. But it's ONE piece of a marketing ecosystem. Your overall marketing strategy needs to be bigger than just a content strategy if you want to build a business that's sustainable for the long haul.Think of it like this: content marketing is the lighthouse - shining out, hoping to attract your ideal clients. But there's another side to that coin, and it's the one thing that's never stopped working. The thing that cannot be hacked, gamified, or outsourced.Relationship marketing.The searchlight piece where you go out and actively build relationships that lead to clients, collaborators, and introducers.Why Everything ChangedJust a few years ago, you could post consistently, use the right hashtags, jump on trending audios, and the algorithm would reward you with visibility. More reach meant more engagement, which led to new followers, discovery calls, and sales.I'm not saying it was easy then, but it was more straightforward. More predictable. There was less noise and a hell of a lot less AI-generated crap clogging up everyone's feeds.Now? Complete opposite.The algorithms change every other week. No one knows what's getting prioritised anymore. Platforms are oversaturated. Our attention spans are tiny. And people are absolutely exhausted from posting constantly without seeing results that match their effort.The uncomfortable truth: If your entire marketing strategy is built on content creation and visibility determined by an algorithm, you're building your business on quicksand.What Actually Works: The 80/20 FlipHere's what I want you to think about: how are you spending your marketing energy right now?If you're spending 80% of your time creating content and 20% building relationships, I want you to flip it completely.Spend 20% of your time creating really good content that genuinely reflects who you are and what you believe. Then spend 80% of your time having actual conversations with people.This looks like:Showing up in DMs When someone sends a genuine connection message, reply with substance. Have an actual conversation. Don't automatically dismiss everyone as a pitch-slapper.Leaving thoughtful comments Not just a thumbs up or heart emoji. Actually show you were interested in what they shared. Ask questions. Be curious about them.Following up with people If someone told you a month ago they were working on something, check back in. Ask how it's going. Show them you remember. Show them you actually give a crap.Remembering what matters When you build real relationships, you remember what each other says. You're not just talking about business, you're connecting as humans.The Three Kinds of Relationships to BuildAs you're building these connections, think about three types of relationships:Potential clients - people who could work with youPotential collaborators - people you could create with or partner withPotential introducers - people who could refer clients to youNot everyone needs to be a direct client. Build a genuine network across all three categories.But Can This Scale?I hear you. You're thinking, "Gill, this sounds lovely, but I can't have individual conversations with everyone. I need something that works at scale."Here's the thing: as a coach selling high-ticket programs, you absolutely need to be having individual conversations with the right people.If you're in scaling mode with more leveraged offers, then yes, use paid advertising to drive enough traffic to override the algorithm. But for mid to high-ticket coaching? Conversations are non-negotiable.It might not be the magic bullet everyone wants, but I'm telling you the truth.Quality Over Quantity. Always.I'd rather have a smaller, deeply engaged audience than a massive following of people who couldn't give a crap about what I do.If you prioritise relationships over algorithms, your business will grow. Maybe not overnight. Not in a viral explosion. But steadily. Sustainably. In a way that feels good to you.That's what we're all after, isn't it? A business that actually works for us. That feels aligned. That doesn't need us to be someone we're not or do things that drain the life out of us.The answer isn't more content. It's more connection.Trust Is Built Through Connection, Not Clever ContentThis has always been true. It's just that now it's becoming undeniable.Marketing is a long game. Stop trying to shortcut relationships.Ready to Go Deeper?If this resonated with you, I'm running a workshop on exactly this topic: Relationships Over Algorithms. This is a small group session where we go deep into the foundations of how to build relationships that actually matter and how to bring the whole of who you are to those connections.We then spend seven days together in a WhatsApp group afterwards continuing the conversation, practicing, and you can keep asking me questions.Book your place now: https://www.gillmoakes.com/relationships-over-algorithmsLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeRelationships Over Algorithms Workshop: https://www.gillmoakes.com/relationships-over-algorithmsWork with Gill: gillmoakes.comConnect with GillInstagram: @gillmoakesLinkedIn: Gill MoakesWebsite: gillmoakes.comWant more episodes like this? Subscribe to ReWild Your Business wherever you listen to podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Let's be honest. Your relationship with money is probably one of the trickiest, most emotionally charged relationships you'll ever have. And I'm not talking about spreadsheets or financial planning here. I'm talking about how you feel about money, how you treat it, and how it's quietly shaping your decisions without you even realising it's happening.This week, we're going back to something I haven't talked about in a while: money mindset. Because here's the thing. Most of us didn't choose the money stories we're carrying around. We inherited them from our parents, our teachers, the culture we grew up in, and that whole toxic online abundance messaging that makes you feel like an idiot if you haven't manifested a private account in the Cayman Islands.(Thanks for nothing, The Secret.)What You'll Learn In This Episode:The money stories you inherited and how they're dictating your behaviour right now. Things like "money doesn't grow on trees" or "people like us don't have that kind of money" get wired into your nervous system, and suddenly abundance doesn't feel safe anymore.Why money isn't moral. Money isn't a reflection of how worthy or spiritual you are. It's not a moral compass. Money is neutral. It's energy. And when we treat it like it's moral, we start hustling for work we don't want, undercharging because we want to seem like good people, and over-delivering to prove our value.The two ways we try to control money and why neither one represents freedom. You're either constantly chasing money and making it the focus of everything, or you're pretending you're above caring about it at all. Both are about control. Both are ego.What it means to rewild your relationship with money. Coming back to a natural rhythm where money flows through you, supports you, and nourishes what matters, but isn't the all-or-nothing driving force of your business.Five things you can start doing today to shift your relationship with money:Name the inherited stories (whose voice are you hearing?)Track the flow (where does money move easily and where does it get stuck?)Look at your pricing (are you charging for acceptance or honouring your energy?)Practice receiving (compliments, help, opportunities, all of it)Redefine what wealth means for youThe distinction between wealth and worth. Wealth is external and movable. Worth is internal and doesn't change. You cannot let money carry your self-esteem. You cannot let money have that much power.The Big Truth:Money doesn't respond to guilt or scarcity. But it does respond to clear, aligned action. It responds to purpose. It responds to flow. When you spend money in alignment, it circulates. When you invest in what you believe in, it multiplies. When you hoard it out of fear, it stagnates.And here's the weird thing: when you stop with the proving and the grasping and the chasing, that's when money starts to flow. That's when money becomes the side effect of intentional, aligned work.That's what I want for you.This Week's Journaling Prompts:Where in my business am I still asking money for permission? (Permission to rest, to create something different, to feel successful, to feel safe?)What part of me still believes that wealth and worth are the same thing? And what could happen if I stopped believing that?If money and I were in an honest relationship, what conversation are we long overdue to have? (What needs forgiving? What needs claiming? What needs renegotiating?)Don't rush these. Sit with them. See what comes up.Links & Resources:Download the Fix Your Money Mindset Workbook - One of my oldest lead magnets and still works a treat because it's a goodie. It'll help you reframe your way of thinking about money: https://www.gillmoakes.com/fix-your-money-mindsetEmail me your reflections: [email protected] (I genuinely love hearing from you when something lands) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Ever hit 'post' and immediately wanted to delete it because it felt a bit too much... too honest... too vulnerable... too outspoken... too opinionatedYes? This episode is for you.This week, we’re talking about the courage it takes to tell the truth in your marketing - to bring all of who you are to your business, even when it feels risky, messy, or a little too raw.Because here’s the thing:Every time you water yourself down to sound more 'credible,' you lose the very thing that would make your message land.Every time you trim the edges of your truth to seem more professional, you edit out the magic that would actually connect.In this episode, I talk about:💥 Why being “too polished” is killing your connection💥 The myth that credibility comes from having it all figured out💥 The moment right before you post something real, and how to move through it💥 How to know what’s yours to share (and what’s not)💥 The difference between authentic vulnerability and performative oversharing💥 Why your truth is the most magnetic thing you haveIf you’ve ever caught yourself second-guessing a post, toning down your story, or worrying that honesty might make you look less 'together', this one’s for you.Because credibility doesn’t come from perfection.It comes from resonance. From being real, open, and honest enough that your people can actually feel you.And that? That’s what makes you unforgettable.✍️ Your Reflection Prompt:What truth are you avoiding because you’re scared it might make you look less credible?Sit with that one. Write. Don’t rush it. You might just find the next brave thing your business needs to say.🔗 Join the October Workshop: Relationships Over Algorithms📆 28th October 2025⏰ 5pm UK / 12pm EST / 9am PST📍 ZoomWe’ll dive into how real relationships, not reach, not trends, create the kind of business that lasts.Get all the details and book your spot here → https://www.gillmoakes.com/relationships-over-algorithms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week on Rewild Your Business I’m joined by the incredible Claire Schwartz – grief and trauma coach and healer. Claire brings not only decades of professional expertise, but also the lived wisdom of her own journey through loss and trauma survival. Together, we dive into a conversation most business owners avoid until life forces it upon them:👉 What happens when grief or trauma collides with running your business?👉 Why the “just soldier on” approach can actually do more harm than good.👉 Practical ways to support yourself (and your business) when life knocks you sideways.👉 The importance of honesty, boundaries, and community when navigating hard seasons.We talk about the messy, surreal early days of loss, why connection is the true antidote, and how business owners can prepare themselves now for the unexpected.This conversation isn’t just for those walking through bereavement, it’s for anyone who knows that life can change in an instant, and wants to build a business that can hold them, not just one they hold up.Claire’s approach is direct, compassionate, and rooted in deep truth. Honestly? I wish I’d had her in my corner during my own season of grief.If you’ve ever wondered how on earth you’d keep your business going when life falls apart, or you simply want to hear two women cut through the noise and talk about what really matters, this episode is for you.Connect with Claire:🌐 youcanhealyourgrief.com📖 Her book Putting Out the Fire is available via her website (buy direct from authors whenever you can 🙌)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemschwartz/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessgrieving/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.m.schwartz.5More About ClaireClaire M. Schwartz has been walking her path of Grief & Trauma survival for over 35 years. She comes from a place she calls The Dark Ugly™ and has crafted and honed her healing journey with determination, wit and tenacity. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan in Psychology, and she is a Certified Professional Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Counselor and a Member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She has been in private practice for over 18 years, as the Owner of Miriam’s Well Healing LLC, working intensively with clients and organisations alike. Claire’s authenticity, directness and compassion make her a sought-after Speaker and Consultant, having taught multiple Grief and Trauma workshops, hosted Grief Retreats, taught twice at The Global Grief Conference and have been a podcast guest across the country. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Yep, you read that right. I closed a profitable membership. And no, I haven’t lost my mind.This week on ReWild Your Business, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I shut down The Collective, even though it was making money, and what that decision taught me about alignment, sovereignty, and refusing to run my business on “shoulds.”Because here’s the truth: profitable doesn’t always mean sustainable. And if something doesn’t feel good, I’m not dragging it along out of fear of what people might think. (Spoiler: most of the time, no one’s thinking about you as much as you imagine anyway.)In this episode, I share:The real reason The Collective never worked for me (even though it looked shiny on the outside).Why ignoring your own values in favour of business “rules” will always bite you in the arse.How I handled closing it down with integrity, and turned it into an opportunity.The surprisingly liberating power of changing your mind in public.If you’ve ever felt stuck in an offer that drains you, scared of being judged for pivoting, or secretly relieved at the idea of burning something down… this episode is your permission slip. ✨ Journaling Prompts to Take This Deeper:- Where in my business am I holding onto something just because it “works,” even if it doesn’t feel good?- What old story about myself (e.g. being flaky, inconsistent, or not seeing things through) do I need to rewrite into a strength?- If I gave myself full permission to change my mind publicly, what would I stop, start, or reshape right now?If this episode gives you the nudge you need to cut loose the thing that isn’t working, I’d love it if you’d leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It means the world and helps more wild-hearted women find this show.💡 Links & Mentions:Workshops– including All of You, my unapologetic deep dive happening this week: gillmoakes.com/workshopsThe Coaching Business AcademyIf you're beyond ready to grow your coaching business, The Academy could be your perfect next step: https://gillmoakes.com/academy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram, checking out someone else’s shiny new program, their sold-out launch, or their glossy website, and suddenly, what you’ve built feels… small. Messy. Not enough.That’s comparisonitis. And here’s the truth: it’s a game you’ll never let yourself win. Because every time you get close to what once felt “enough,” your brain moves the goalposts.In this episode of ReWild Your Business, I’m breaking down why comparisonitis is such a creativity killer, how it's the theif of courage. Mimicking someone else’s highlight reel will always water down your own brilliance. More importantly, I’ll share how to flip the script, shifting from comparison into connection, so you can reclaim your energy, originality, and confidence.If you’ve been caught in the trap of measuring your work against someone else’s yardstick, this one’s for you.✨ Here are the three journaling prompts I share in this episode to help you step out of the comparison trap:Where in my business am I measuring myself against someone else’s definition of success?If I stopped comparing myself to others, what would I create differently today?What would my business look and feel like if I only played by my own rules?And don’t forget, my upcoming workshop All of You: The Unapologetic Art of Showing Up Unedited is happening on September 30th. If this episode resonated, you’ll love diving deeper with me there. Register here   WAYS TO WORK WITH MEMonthly Workshops: gillmoakes.com/workshopsThe Coaching Business Academy: gillmoakes.com/academyPrivate Coaching: gillmoakes.com/private-coaching  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

If only marketing were as simple as the shiny promises we see all over the internet, right? Post more, and the clients will come. Nail your branding, and sales will magically happen. Go viral once, and you’re set for life.I wish those things were true. But they’re not. And believing them? That’s what keeps too many brilliant women stuck, burned out, or chasing shortcuts that don’t actually build sustainable businesses.In this episode of ReWild Your Business, I’m mythbusting the biggest lies we’ve all been sold about marketing and showing you what actually works instead. We’ll dig into:- Why posting more is not a strategy (and what to do instead).- The truth about branding and why it doesn’t sell for you.- Why chasing virality is fool’s gold.- How clarity and repetition really work in your marketing.- The difference between “aligned” and “effortless” marketing.- And why there is no single magic blueprint that works for everyone.Here’s the truth: marketing isn’t a magic trick, and it isn’t effortless. It’s about building real relationships, creating resonant messaging, and choosing strategies that fit you, your values, and your people. That’s the long game.If you’re ready to stop buying into the myths and start building a marketing ecosystem that actually sustains you, this episode will set you straight.✨ Journaling prompts from this episode:1. Where am I secretly hoping marketing will be easier than it really is?2. Which of these myths have I been buying into, and what has it cost me?3. What’s one bold, uncomfortable marketing move I’m willing to try this week to actually connect with my people?Register For This Month's Workshop'All Of You' - The Unapologetic Art Of Showing Up UneditedIf you want to finally grow your business doing the work you love by attracting clients you adore... THIS is the workshop for you. It's the secret to building deeper relationships built on a level of trust that nothing but your true, unedited self can develop...📅 30th September 2025, 5pm UK / 12pm EST / 9am PSTBook Now - places are strictly limited as I open a 7 day pop up WhatsApp group for each workshop to support you in implementing what you learn...🔗 https://gillmoakes.com/all-of-you This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

In this episode of Rewild Your Business, I’m joined by the incredible Feng Shui and Space Healing Master, Danijela Saponjic. From decluttering her own home in her twenties to becoming a visionary leader and founder of the School of Spiritual Design, Danijela has spent more than 20 years helping people align their environments with the lives and businesses they truly want to create.We dive into:Why Feng Shui isn’t something you do, it’s something you embody.How your home or office can either anchor you to the past or open space for the future you’re stepping into.The surprising ways subtle environmental shifts can support your business vision and client results.How coaches can integrate space and energy alignment into their work to set themselves apart in our saturated market.The power of trusting your intuition and going all-in when opportunity calls.Whether you’re curious about Feng Shui or looking for fresh ways to support your own business growth, this conversation will open your eyes to the hidden potential all around you.Resources & Links:Connect with Danijela on Instagram: @unfolding_spaceExplore her work and free resources: unfolding-space.comCome hang out with me on Instagram: @gillmoakes✨ And don’t forget — if this episode resonates, please leave a 5* review on Apple Podcasts. It makes such a difference in helping more women rewild their businesses. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Autumn doesn’t mess about. The trees don’t cling onto leaves that are past their time, they drop them. And that’s exactly the lesson most of us need in business right now.Because let’s be honest: some of the things you’re still carrying? They’re dead weight...Offers that make your stomach sink.Clients you secretly hope will cancel.Marketing that feels like punishment.Processes and tools you hate but keep because someone told you they were 'smart.'In this episode, I’m walking you through a 'perfect for this time of year' energy audit. We're going to look at what feeds you vs. what drains you. Here are your three journaling prompts to get brutally honest about what stays, what goes, and what you’re ready to release this autumn...1.  What in my business genuinely lights me up?2.  What's draining me, and why have I been holding onto it? 3.  What is one thing that I'm ready to release this autumn to create more space and energy? SEPTEMBER WORKSHOPRegistration is now open for ALL OF YOU... the unapologetic art of showing up uneditedIn this interactive, 90 min workshop, we'll look at where you're self-editing and how that's impacting your business. We'll explore what it could mean for you to bring the whole of who you are to your work. You'll leave with a rock-solid commitment to evolving the way you show up (your future clients can thank me later!)Date: 30th September 2025Time: 5pm UK / 12pm EST / 9am PSTPlace: Zoom (followed by 7 day pop-up WhatsApp group for questions & discussion)Find out more & secure your place: https://www.gillmoakes.com/workshops This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

What if the offer your clients are waiting for isn’t the one you think you’re supposed to create?This week on ReWild Your Business, I’m calling out the way we’ve all been conditioned to package up what we do in neat, acceptable formats  - six months, twelve weeks, weekly calls, a Voxer thread on the side. All fine. All normal. But normal isn’t necessarily powerful.The truth? Your best offer isn’t normal. It’s not templated. It’s not something you cobbled together because that’s what everyone else seems to be selling.Your best offer is born from knowing your people so deeply that you can see through the noise and get to the heart of what they truly want and need. It’s the offer that makes them feel seen, supported, and transformed - not just the offer that makes you look like you’ve got your sh*t together.And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t need to be more complicated, it needs to be more true.In this episode, we dive into:Why “standard” offers can actually limit your clients’ resultsHow to strip back the noise and design an offer that’s fit for your energy and their transformationWhat it takes to build something that feels bold, fresh, and undeniable, without burning yourself outThe permission slip you’ve been waiting for to create the offer only you could bring into the worldThis is about nuance, energy, and fit, not about adding more bells and whistles.Because the most powerful offer you’ll ever create won’t be normal. It’ll be yours.THIS WEEK'S JOURNALING PROMPTS1. If I stripped away what's normal in my industry, what would my clients actually want and need from me? 2. What makes me feel most energized and most able to show up at my best, and how can I design an offer around that?3. What is one nuance that I could add or shift in my offer that would make the client experience more powerful than they ever imagined? CONNECT WITH MEJoin my email list to get the stuff I don't share anywhere else: https://www.gillmoakes.com/rybpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmoakes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmoakes/WORK WITH MECheck out my monthly workshops: https://www.gillmoakes.com/workshopsApply for a FREE Breakthrough Session to explore 1:1 business coaching:  https://www.gillmoakes.com/private-coaching  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

So many brilliant, soul-led women hold themselves back in business, not because they lack the skills or ideas, but because of one sneaky culprit: ego.In this episode, I explore how our need to appear more established than we are can keep us from forging the deep connections that actually grow our businesses.Why the image of being “further ahead” can keep you stuck.How ego-driven perfectionism slows (or stops) you from launching offers, sharing ideas, or trying new things.The liberating shift from performing success to letting people witness your growth.Why relatability often matters more than polish, and how that can be your superpower in 2025.You’ll also get three powerful journaling prompts to help you notice where ego might be holding you back, what it’s really trying to protect you from, and what you’d create if you didn’t need to look ready, only real.Don’t let your ego build a business your soul doesn’t recognise.If you’re tired of over-editing yourself, waiting until everything’s perfect, or hiding the messy middle, this episode is your invitation to stop performing and start connecting.Links & resources:Email me your journaling reflections: [email protected] with me on Instagram: @gillmoakes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Welcome back to Rewild Your Business, the podcast for women building businesses their soul intended, by being wholly themselves.In today’s episode, I'm calling out three so-called “rules” we’ve all been sold when it comes to growing our businesses, and gently but firmly showing you why they’re not only not non-negotiable, but may actually be blocking your growth as well as draining your energy.If you've ever felt pressure to be relentlessly consistent, glued to social media, or to charge high-ticket prices before you're ready, this episode is for you.In this episode, we'll explores:Why we need to redefine consistency, not as rigid output, but as integrity of your message and energyThe myth that you “must” be on social media to grow a successful business, and what actually matters moreThe pressure to charge more than feels right, and how to find your true pricing sweet spotWe'll also look at three things that actually ARE non-negotiable for building a soul-led, sustainable business (hint: they all start with C)This is a breath-of-fresh-air reminder that your business gets to be built in a way that’s rooted in truth, not performance.Your 3 Reflective Prompts for This Week:1. Where have I been forcing consistency that no longer feels true for me?2. What forms of visibility or connection feel more nourishing than social media right now?3. What pricing structure feels right and true for me, in my bones?Resources & Links:Join Gill’s email circle: https://www.gillmoakes.com/rybpodcastNeed support to grow your business? Join The Collective: https://www.gillmoakes.com/collectiveGrab the Money Mindset Workbook: https://www.gillmoakes.com/money-mindset-tcbaIf this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts - it helps more soul-led women find the show.Thanks for listening — and remember, your business is yours to build, your way. Let it be true.See you next week.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

Welcome to the very first episode under our new name - ReWild Your Business! 🎉This show began its life as Heads Together, where for 169 episodes we explored the beautiful, messy, powerful intersection of business building and inner work. ReWild Your Business isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a a conscious shift into truer territory.In this episode, I share:- Why this change felt necessary now- What “rewilding your business” really means (and no, it’s not about ditching strategy or moving to a cabin in the woods… unless you want to... actually, I DO want to...)- What you can expect from this new season of the podcast- A heartfelt invitation to do business in a way that feels soul-led, rooted, and wholeThis is a space for women doing the work their soul intended. It’s about simplifying, reconnecting, and building businesses that reflect the whole of who we are, not just the parts we think the world wants to see.✨ At the end of every episode, you’ll find three journaling prompts to help you integrate what you’ve heard, starting today:1.  Where in your business have you been holding onto a version of yourself that no longer feels true?2.  What does rewilding mean to you? 3.  If you were to build your business in complete alignment with your truth, with the whole of who you are, what is the first thing you'd change?  🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at gillmoakes.com/rybpodcast to get each new episode (and the journaling prompts) straight to your inbox every Wednesday.Thanks for being here. I’m so glad we’re finding our way back to what matters, together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This is it — the final episode of Heads Together.Before we step boldly into our new era next week, with... Drumroll...  ReWild Your Business, I’m closing this chapter with a burstingly full heart and a whole ton of gratitude. This episode is part love letter (to you), part reflection, and part rallying cry for what comes next...I’m sharing what podcasting has taught me over the past 169 episodes, about consistency, connection, finding your voice, letting go of polish, and evolving in real time. I’ll talk about the early days of talking into the void, what it means to show up without performing, and how this podcast has shaped me as a business owner, a coach, and a (hopefully pretty decent) human.And don’t worry, I'm not going anywhere. We’ll still be getting our heads together every week, just under a new name that reflects the rewilding that’s happening - not just in my business, but in the wider world of soul-led entrepreneurship.If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters or whether it’s worth starting the thing before you feel “ready”, this one’s for you.In this episode, I share:The story behind the podcast’s evolution and why it’s time to change the nameWhat Heads Together taught me about authenticity, impact, and imperfectionWhy consistency and experimentation have definitely been the secret sauceHow podcasting helped me stop performing and start showing up as the truest version of meAn invitation to ReWild Your Business with me in this next chapter - next week we'll dive deep into exactly what that means...This Week's Journal Prompts...What part of your work or business is asking to evolve?Where have you found your voice through action, not planning?What moment of connection reminds you that you’re already making an impact?📩 I’d love to hear your reflections. Email me at [email protected] — I promise I’ll reply personally.Next week:We begin again with Episode 170 and a new name, ReWild Your Business. It's time to go deeper. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This episode is a deep breath.A loosening.A letting go of the pressure to do more, be more, offer more, prove more.If you haven’t listened to episode 167 yet (The Difference Between a Business That Looks Good and One That Feels Good), I’d press pause and start there. That one sets the tone. This one brings it home.We’re talking about simplifying, not as a step back, but as a bloody bold move toward more clarity, depth, and spaciousness. Because the truth is, doing more isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that’s pulling you away from what matters most.Inside this episode:Why simplifying your business might be the most loving thing you can do (for yourself and your clients)The myth of “more”, and how it’s keeping so many brilliant women on the brink of burnoutFive areas to get honest about: your offers, your content, your marketing, your tools, and your timeThe sacredness of space, and what gets to grow when you stop trying to keep upThis isn’t about shrinking.It’s about rewilding.So you can build a business that actually feels like yours.I’m also sharing three journal prompts to help you reflect on what’s feeling cluttered, where you’re overextending, and what could open up if things were simpler.✨ Next week: A big announcement you do not want to miss. Bring snacks.If this episode resonated, please do leave a 5-star review. It helps the podcast reach more wild-hearted women, and I’m so grateful for every one of you who tunes in. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week’s episode is a heart-to-heart. It’s a moment to zoom out, breathe deeply, and ask the question so many of us avoid: Am I building the right business, in the right way?This episode is a reflection on what it means to me to build a business that feels deeply true, not just performatively successful.I share the thoughts and questions that have been circling my mind as I prepare to step into a more aligned, EVEN more authentic chapter. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your ‘why,’ if your business has started to feel like a performance, or if you’re craving a slower, more soul-led (whatever that means for you) way of working, this one’s for you.Inside this episode:Why I'm rethinking the idea of “playing bigger” and what I'm replacing it withHow we can unconsciously drift from our original intentionsThe difference between a business that looks good and one that feels goodFour powerful journal prompts to realign your vision and reconnect with your truthReimagine success on your own terms, and remember: you don’t need to burn it all down to begin again. You’re allowed to build slower. Softer. Truer.Next week, we'll explore the how - how to simplify your business so it aligns with who you are now. Don’t miss it.As always, if there's anything you'd like to know about what it could look like to work with me as you build your own feel-good business, apply for a free breakthrough session here: https://form.jotform.com/Moakes/apply-for-a-breakthrough-session This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

You didn’t start your business to feel like you’re running on fumes. And yet, too many brilliant women find themselves dreading client calls they used to love, constantly doubting themselves, and fantasizing about quitting - not because they don’t care, but because they’ve built a business that’s breaking them.Gill shares:The subtle signs of burnout that might be creeping inWhy it’s not your fault if your business feels unsustainableThe truth about performative success in the online worldSix core foundations that will help you build a business that supports you (instead of sucking the life out of you)This is a must-listen if you’re feeling stretched too thin, over-functioning but under-supported, or just plain tired of pretending everything’s fine. There’s another way, and it starts here.🔗 Links mentioned:Email Gill: [email protected] with Gill: gillmoakes.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week, I’m flipping the script on something that keeps so many brilliant coaches stuck...If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether people will pay your rates…If you’ve felt invisible in a sea of coaches who “do what you do”…If you’ve been trying to sell the process of coaching instead of the transformation...This episode is for you.Here’s the truth: coaching isn’t the offer - you are.It’s not your 6-step framework, or the number of sessions you offer, or whether you use Voxer or Zoom. Your ideal clients aren’t lying awake at night dreaming of a “12-week container.” They’re craving change. And what they’re looking for isn’t coaching - it’s you.In this episode, I’m getting into:Why positioning yourself as “just another coach” is doing you (and your clients) a massive disservice.How to stop hiding behind polished-sounding offers and start showing up as the deeply powerful guide you really are.What makes you the most magnetic part of your business, and how to own it fully.Why content that’s real always outperforms content that’s performative.What shifts when your sales conversations move from explaining to aligning.I’m also sharing something that might sting a little, but I’m saying it with love:If your offers aren’t landing, it might be because you’ve hidden yourself inside them.You don’t need to become a more professional version of yourself.You need to become a more honest one.The more of you you’re willing to bring into your work, the more your message will resonate. Your ideal clients are already looking for you... let’s make sure they can find you.Ready to build your business around who you really are?Come and join us inside The Collective, my membership for coaches who are done trying to patchwork together advice from anywhere and everywhere and are ready to build a thriving coaching practice from the inside out.Join before July 1st and lock in our founding member rate of just £45/month.This is the space where you stop doing business someone else’s way—and start doing it yours.👉 gillmoakes.com/collectiveIf you’re loving the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps more brilliant coaches like you put their Heads Together with us each week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

In this honest, behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the 7 big things I wish I’d done from day one — and why they matter so much if you're trying to build a sustainable, thriving coaching practice in today’s crowded online world.This one’s for you if you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’re a few years in but know you’re ready for a reset.I cover:The myth that being a great coach is enough to grow a successful business (spoiler: it’s not)Why "niching down" doesn't have to mean "boxing yourself in"What I wish I’d known about personal brand from the startThe mistake I made when it came to selling… and how I do it nowThe #1 thing I’d do before creating any offersWhy one great coaching offer trumps ten mediocre onesThe essential shift in mindset that helped me finally raise my pricesPlus: the truth about what I wouldn’t change, and how to give yourself permission to pivot at any time.🎧 Tune in and take what you need.And if you’re ready for support in building your coaching business your way, check out The Collective at gillmoakes.com/collective. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Gunter—brand strategist, copywriter, and my long-time business bestie—for a conversation that goes far beyond algorithms and automation. We're talking about the rise of AI in coaching businesses and how to use it in a way that’s powerful, ethical, and very human.We dig deep into:- Why using ChatGPT or other AI tools isn't cheating—and how it's really just a modern form of word processing (with echoes of the past!)- The fears coaches have around AI: being replaced, losing their originality, or damaging trust- How to flip the script and use AI as a creative partner, not a crutch- Why generosity, transparency, and trust are the real differentiators in today's crowded coaching industry- The shift from “show me what you know” to “show me what you can see”—and how this change can unlock your true thought leadership- What it really means to “be a villager” in the AI ageThis episode is for every coach who's ever felt unsure, guilty, or conflicted about using AI tools. It's also for every coach who's ready to step up and be a bold, discerning, human-first business leader.🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:Connect with Rebecca Gunter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalaytongunter/Visit Stone Fruit Rollup to check out Rebecca’s screen-share tutorials on building Custom GPTs: https://www.youtube.com/@stonedfruit🎧 Also, if you haven’t already, check out Rebecca’s previous episodes on branding and messaging brilliance. You’ll see why I keep bringing her back.#004 - The Power of Positioning#020 - Content with Intent#069 - A Renegade SerenadePlus the Bonus Series: ReWilding Stoned FruitNeed more support to grow your coaching business?Join The Collective—my membership for coaches building powerful, profitable businesses: https://gillmoakes.com/collectiveLoved this episode?If this conversation opened your mind or made you rethink the way you work with AI, please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps us get more ears, more minds, and more hearts inside the Heads Together community. 💛  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com

I'm thrilled to share another Student Spotlight with you this week...Meet Ilona Brannen who was part of the first cohort of The Coaching Business Academy last year.Ilona is on a mission to help women in tech break free from the status quo and step into bold, impactful leadership. As a leadership coach, speaker, and consultant, she specialises in guiding ambitious professionals through career transitions, helping them gain clarity, confidence, and influence in their next big move.Her career has been anything but conventional. Ilona has worked across Japan, the Netherlands, Cuba, Italy, the UK, and Argentina, experiencing firsthand what it means to navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and redefine success on your own terms. This global experience fuels her coaching philosophy: your career isn’t a straight line—it’s an adventure you get to design.Through her leadership consultancy, Ilona partners with tech companies and professionals to develop leaders for the digital age who are equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world. She’s passionate about helping women break through barriers, own their ambition, and create careers that align with their values and vision.Connect with Ilona:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonabrannen/https://www.instagram.com/ilona.f.brannen/The next cohort of The Coaching Business Academy kicks off in July  - we'd love to have you be part of it!www.gillmoakes.com/academy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com