This Mother Means Business: Strategy, Advice, and Support for Mom Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Laura breaks down one of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship: that more hours equals more success.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have enough time to build your business — especially as a mom — this conversation will completely reframe how you think about your schedule, your offers, and your growth. Laura walks through how to design a business that actually fits into a 20-hour work week, without sacrificing profitability or momentum. In this episode you will hear:00:07 — The myth of needing more time to be successful  01:11 — Why “more hours = more results” isn’t true  02:43 — What actually happens when you work more (and why it backfires)  04:38 — The real issue: your business isn’t designed for your life  06:17 — The reframe that changes everything (designing around your reality)  08:30 — Pillar 1: Revenue concentration (fewer offers, more impact)  11:34 — Why low-ticket/high-volume models don’t work in limited time  12:33 — Pillar 2: Protecting and structuring your time  14:45 — Pillar 3: Using constraints to make better decisions  16:39 — The constraint audit: getting honest about your time  18:32 — Breaking down your hours + what actually generates revenue  20:15 — Practical steps to start redesigning your business this week  21:45 — Final mindset shift: your time is enough (with the right model) Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

On today’s episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Cat & Nat (Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer) — best friends, business partners, and the voices behind one of the most honest (and hilarious) takes on motherhood online.They dive into what it really looks like to build a business as a mom, let go of perfection, navigate guilt, and create success without overthinking every move. This conversation is equal parts refreshing, validating, and packed with real-life perspective on showing up, making money, and doing things your way.In this episode you will hear:00:02 — Meet Cat & Nat: from “accidental millionaires” to business owners  01:32 — Letting go of perfection in motherhood  04:54 — Coming back to yourself instead of trying to “have it all together”  05:54 — Confidence vs. overthinking: different ways of showing up  09:04 — Why you have to show up online (even when it feels cringey)  10:51 — Mom guilt, messy homes, and doing what actually matters  13:17 — Balancing ambition and motherhood (and why guilt shows up either way)  16:44 — Why “being a good mom” isn’t what you think  17:07 — Self-doubt, being self-taught, and redefining expertise  18:20 — How their business actually started (and evolved)  22:20 — Revenue streams, income realities, and how business shifts over time  24:05 — Why following trends won’t work (and what to do instead)  27:04 — Building a community vs. being an “influencer”  30:14 — What’s next for Cat & Nat (and embracing different seasons)  32:36 — Seasons of business: when to say yes vs. when to pull back  34:19 — Why older kids can need you more than babies Cat & Nat's Links:Podcast: https://catandnat.ca/podcast/Cat & Nat on Tour: https://catandnat.ca/tour/The Common Parent Website: https://www.thecommonparent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catandnatJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura pulls back the curtain on what she actually looks at when she steps into a client’s business.If you’ve ever felt stuck, like you’re working hard but not seeing the results you want, this conversation will give you a completely different lens. From time and delegation to offers, visibility, and systems, Laura walks through the eight key areas she audits — and how small gaps in these areas can quietly cost you time, energy, and money.This is the kind of episode that will have you taking notes… and seeing your business differently by the end.In this episode you will hear:00:08 – Why most business advice falls short (and when to run)02:28 – The 8 key areas Laura audits in every business03:30 – Time: where your hours are really going04:51 – The 2-week time audit (and why it matters)06:00 – Delegation & team: why you’re still doing everything07:11 – Personal fulfillment as a business strategy08:30 – Brand & vision: when it’s clear in your head but nowhere else09:34 – Offers & revenue: where most businesses are leaking money11:58 – Marketing & visibility: do you actually have a marketing problem?14:17 – Customer experience: what people remember (and what you’re missing)16:39 – Systems: the hidden chaos behind the scenes18:00 – Why generic strategies only get you so far19:03 – Laura’s “superpower” in business (and how to apply it)20:00 – Invitation to go deeper inside Ambition Mastermind21:25 – What transformation actually looks like for clientsbusiness audit, business growth strategy, time management for entrepreneurs, delegation tips, offer suite review, marketing visibility, revenue leaks, business systems, client experience, entrepreneurial mothers, small business coaching, work smarter not harder, business mentorship, mom entrepreneur, CEO mindsetJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura is joined by fellow business mentor Laura Schoenfeld for a conversation about entrepreneurship, motherhood, online business, and what it really looks like to pivot when your business no longer fits. They talk about the evolution of the online space, using AI without losing your voice, what a business actually needs to work, and why sometimes the most aligned next step is letting go of something successful to build something better.  In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Meet Laura Schoenfeld 01:10 – Laura’s background in business and nutrition 04:18 – Who she works with now 05:04 – What has changed in the online business space 08:55 – AI, content creation, and keeping your voice 11:42 – The minimum viable business model 15:58 – One offer or multiple offers? 17:54 – Where clients are actually finding her 19:58 – Why she’s pivoting her business again 22:12 – When an offer starts to feel too heavy 24:38 – Teaching clients how to think, not just what to do 28:16 – How motherhood shaped this decision 32:58 – You’re allowed to be selfish in business 35:38 – Where to find Laura and take her CEO quiz  Laura's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.schoenfeld/Website: https://www.lauraschoenfeld.com/The Nourished CEO Podcast: https://lauraschoenfeldrd.com/podcastSubstack: https://lauraschoenfeld.substack.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

This episode is a real, honest look behind the scenes of a growth season—what it actually takes, what gets stretched, and what happens when you realize you’ve pushed past your normal capacity.After coming off the high (and heaviness) of hosting This Mother Means Business Live, Laura shares what it felt like to be out of alignment with the very boundaries she teaches—and more importantly, how she’s actively resetting.If you’ve been in a season that feels overwhelming, chaotic, or just “not like you,” this episode will help you come back to yourself and rebuild in a way that actually supports you. In this episode you will hear:00:08 Feeling like a hypocrite in a season of growth 02:21 Why getting back to “normal” matters 03:08 How Laura’s theme days usually work 04:47 Fridays, grief, and what changed after losing her horse 06:15 What dropped during this busy season 07:30 The first reset: blocking off her calendar 08:30 Re-establishing boundaries around calls and theme days 09:32 Reaching out to friends and rebuilding connection 10:05 Joining Pilates and prioritizing movement again 11:56 Grief, horses, and returning to what supports her 12:50 Identifying your real basic needs 13:20 Asking for accountability from your partner 13:47 If you’re not well, none of this works 14:20 Getting back to fun, self-care, and delegation 15:10 Let busy seasons be seasons 16:07 Don’t let burnout become your permanent stateJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura is joined by Megan Golightly, founder of Go Simplified, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about decluttering, organization, and the psychology behind why we hold onto things. Together, they explore the emotional weight of clutter, the stress it creates, and how letting go can free up time, energy, and mental space in both life and business. In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Introduction to Megan Golightly and today’s conversation on decluttering, organizing, and the psychology of letting go02:26 – Why Megan took her work online04:26 – The psychology behind clutter and the stories attached to it06:31 – The inner voice that keeps people stuck06:50 – The UCLA study, cortisol, and visual clutter07:55 – “I’ll get to it eventually” and the avoidance cycle08:39 – Breaking the “elephant” into bite-sized chunks11:19 – The most common psychological excuses for keeping things13:07 – Megan’s shift from in-person organizing to online offers15:57 – The deeper psychology behind clothes, sentimentality, and identity18:15 – Why decluttering can actually work better online than in person20:08 – ADHD, overthinking, and building systems that support your brain22:52 – Megan’s platform growth, YouTube, and Pinterest25:32 – Feeling fear and doing it anyway26:59 – Starting later in life and success in a new season29:03 – Balance, burnout, and learning when enough is enough33:23 – How to work with Megan and learn more about Room Refresh35:00 – Final thoughts and closing Megan's Links:Get your FREE Decluttering Guide: Stop Overthinking & Get a Quick Win This Week: https://www.go-simplified.com/how-to-start-videoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gosimplified/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplifiedshop.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplifiedshop.us/Website: https://www.go-simplified.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura takes you behind the scenes of This Mother Means Business Live—from the early fears and decisions that almost stopped it from happening, to the growth, risk, and massive expansion that brought this year’s event to life. She shares the real story of what it takes to build something at this level, the personal work required to hold it, and the moments—both chaotic and magical—that defined the experience. This is an honest reflection on leadership, support, and what it really means to step into something bigger than you thought you could handle.  In this episode you will hear:01:00 – The post-event “what now” feeling02:28 – Taking the leap in 2025 + first event experience04:00 – Hiring support + bringing in an event team04:49 – Financial realities + profitability lessons05:30 – Understanding sponsorship + building a “sponsor entity”06:30 – Early sponsorship conversations + community support08:03 – Moving from safe planning to playing bigger09:08 – The shift toward larger sponsorship + partnerships10:45 – Learning to ask boldly + “shoot your shot” mindset12:05 – Major sponsors + building the event ecosystem13:30 – Creating an experience (not just an event)16:00 – Gratitude for sponsors and partners16:45 – Personal growth + emotional challenges leading up to the event18:04 – Increasing support: therapy + trauma coaching19:27 – Defining personal success for the event19:30 – Laura’s unexpected personal goals for the day20:30 – Handling failure + staying resilient throughout the process22:36 – Behind-the-scenes logistics of event planning23:20 – The chaos of setup day24:34 – Meaningful moments with her team25:30 – Getting styled for the event + confidence boost26:30 – Last-minute challenges and problem-solving29:11 – The emotional impact of bringing the vision to life30:56 – VIP dinner experience + unexpected moments32:30 – Late-night setup + exhaustion33:30 – The night before the event + little sleep34:30 – Morning-of chaos + relatable behind-the-scenes momentsJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura sits down with content creator, maternal wellness advocate, and author Libby Ward to talk about what it really looks like to be honest about motherhood—both online and behind the scenes. They explore the pressure women feel to “get it right,” the impact of societal expectations, and why being radically honest with yourself is the starting point for everything—from parenting to business. This conversation is equal parts validating and empowering, especially for women navigating motherhood, ambition, and identity all at once.  In this episode you will hear:00:52 – Libby’s background and how she started sharing online02:14 – Life as a first responder spouse + default parenting04:03 – What life looked like in 2020 when she began creating content06:25 – Why honesty in motherhood felt “not allowed”09:51 – Growing a platform + the unexpected emotional weight10:14 – The reality of sudden visibility and being known online13:32 – Radical honesty: knowing your capacity and limits14:42 – Why there is no “arrival” in motherhood or business16:23 – The Rubik’s Cube metaphor for problem-solving19:34 – How Libby resources and supports herself daily21:53 – Returning to honesty as a daily practice24:18 – Personal responsibility vs. systemic pressures26:33 – Why self-blame is a waste of energy28:30 – “Delegate, let go, move on” mindset29:05 – Fear of showing up online as a business owner31:49 – Why not showing up costs you more than you think40:02 – Final advice: be yourself and stop overthinking Libby's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbyward/Website: https://libbyward.com/Facebook: www.facebook.com/libbywardofficialGet your copy of Honest Motherhood: https://libbyward.com/honest-motherhood-bookJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura dives into what it really takes to grow your business beyond the six-figure mark. This isn’t about mindset fluff or surface-level strategy—it’s about the practical, often uncomfortable shifts required to step into your role as a CEO. Laura breaks down why so many women stay stuck doing everything themselves, the hidden reasons behind it, and what actually needs to change to scale sustainably. If you’ve been feeling stretched, maxed out, or ready for your next level—this conversation will hit home. In this episode you will hear:01:00 – The transition from six figures to multi-six and seven figures02:27 – Why doing everything stops working03:33 – What’s actually on your plate? (time awareness)04:45 – Why you’re holding onto tasks longer than you need to05:34 – “I can do it, so I will” — the motherhood trap07:00 – The ego piece no one talks about08:39 – Why believing “you are the business” caps your growth09:35 – What a CEO actually does (real responsibilities)11:07 – Why the transition feels uncomfortable12:30 – The reality of stepping out of execution13:08 – Move 1: Audit your time13:30 – Move 2: Build your “only me” list14:13 – Move 3: Make the hire or delegation16:30 – Move 4: Redefining what a “productive day” looks like18:00 – Final thoughts: you didn’t build this to be the employee18:45 – Letting go of what no longer serves your growthJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura sits down with Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of Willful, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, motherhood, boundaries, and building a business that supports the life you actually want. They talk about how Erin and her husband built Willful together, what changed when she became a mom, and why having kids sharpened her focus instead of limiting her ambition. Erin also shares her perspective on saying no, building a business around your strengths, and redefining success in a way that includes family, freedom, and real life. It’s an honest conversation about what it looks like to grow something meaningful without making your business your entire identity. If you’ve ever wondered how motherhood changes you as a founder, or what it really looks like to build with intention, this one will land. In this episode you will hear:00:03 — Meet Erin Bury01:12 — Erin’s career path and the story behind Willful03:52 — Why Laura became an early Willful customer04:39 — The personal experience that sparked the business06:33 — Why wills matter so much for parents of young children08:04 — Starting a business before kids and what shifted after motherhood09:52 — How becoming a mom sharpened Erin’s focus11:02 — The logistics of building a business while raising young kids12:41 — How moving to Prince Edward County changed Erin’s perspective14:00 — Planning ahead for mat leave as a founder16:28 — The flexibility entrepreneurship can offer mothers17:30 — Why saying no became essential20:07 — Boundaries, self-worth, and not needing to be available to everyone22:52 — How to say no without making it a hard no26:42 — Can women in early-stage business still create space?29:46 — Why founders should double down on their strengths31:37 — Erin’s advice on focus, delegation, and working in your zone of genius35:17 — Taking six weeks in Colombia while running a remote company36:57 — The example founders set for their teams38:24 — What Erin would tell herself as a newer mom and entrepreneur40:00 — Laura’s reflection on how motherhood changes in each season41:37 — Where to learn more about Willful Special offer for TMMB listeners: Erin has generously shared promo code TMMB, which gives you 15% off any Willful plan when you sign up at https://www.willful.co/ Erin's Links:Website: https://www.willful.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbury/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura breaks down why your business can feel heavy, inconsistent, and harder than it should — even when you’re doing everything “right.”She introduces the three core pieces required for ease in business — inner work, outer work, and infrastructure — and explains why focusing on just one is often what keeps women stuck.If you’ve been wondering why things aren’t clicking yet, this episode will help you see what’s really missing — and where to focus next.In this episode you will hear:00:01 — When Did Your Business Last Feel Easy?01:30 — Why It Feels So Hard (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)03:00 — The Lie That You’re the Problem04:30 — The 3 Core Pieces: Inner Work, Outer Work, Infrastructure06:30 — Why Misalignment Keeps You Stuck08:00 — Laura’s Personal Experience with Burnout in Business09:30 — What Actually Creates Ease (and Why It’s Fixable)10:15 — Invitation to the Ease to Income Summit Register for the Ease to Income Summit: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/easetoincomeJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

This episode is a little different — and such an important one.Laura is joined by Rhowena Adolfo Patel, founder of Mama Care Coach, for a conversation that weaves together business, motherhood, postpartum realities, and what it looks like to rebuild after closing a business. While this episode includes a candid conversation about the fourth trimester and the gaps in maternal care, it’s also deeply relevant for any woman in business navigating identity shifts, reinvention, and trust after a hard season.Rhowena shares the story behind her first business, Healing Mama Co, why she had to close it, and how that experience eventually led her to create Mama Care Coach. They also talk about the lack of practical postpartum education available to new moms, why so many women go into birth unprepared for recovery, and how Rhowena is now helping fill that gap through education that is honest, tactical, and deeply needed. In this episode you will hear:00:00 — Meet Rhowena Adolfo Patel and why this conversation matters02:13 — From financial planner to world travel to unexpected business idea03:42 — The postpartum products no one tells you about06:42 — Launching Healing Mama Co08:12 — Closing the business and the emotional aftermath09:19 — The 4 a.m. idea that became Mama Care Coach10:35 — Building a business from your own lived experience14:28 — What no one tells you about postpartum recovery15:30 — Why shame still exists around these conversations17:18 — Teaching people what questions they should be asking20:38 — The missing postpartum “care guide” in maternal health25:37 — What the fourth trimester actually means27:30 — Why Healing Mama Co had to close30:51 — The hidden challenges of a product-based business33:02 — Trust, resilience, and rebuilding after a hard season38:17 — What could have broken her — and didn’t42:06 — Why this business had to be built differently44:21 — Inside the Mama Care course and free prenatal intro class Rhowena's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamacarecoach/Website: https://www.mamacarecoach.com/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

This episode is an honest, grounding conversation about what it really takes to be a successful mom entrepreneur — beyond the highlight reels and traditional business advice.Laura unpacks the pressure so many women feel to chase a version of success that was never designed for their actual lives. She walks through the invisible weight of building a business while raising kids, the trap of measuring yourself against the wrong standards, and why feeling behind might have nothing to do with your effort — and everything to do with the framework you’re using.Inside this episode, you’ll hear a powerful reframe on success, sustainability, and what “real work” actually looks like when it’s woven into the margins of your day. If you’ve ever wondered why it still feels hard even when you’re doing everything “right,” this one will land. In this episode you will hear:00:08 — What does success actually look like for you?01:35 — The business playbook most moms were handed wasn’t built for their lives03:10 — The guilt split, comparison spiral, and the “does this count?” loop05:00 — You’re not failing — the framework might be failing you06:05 — Success as a mom entrepreneur is nonlinear08:10 — Define success for your current season, not your aspirational one09:35 — Sustainability matters more than hustle11:20 — Protecting your energy is part of the strategy12:30 — You’re working more than you think13:40 — Rewrite your definition of a successful week14:35 — Build around your real life, not someone else’s version of successJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with Tara Milburn, founder and CEO of Ethical Swag, a certified B Corp helping brands connect with people through meaningful, sustainable merchandise. What starts as a conversation about promotional products quickly becomes something much bigger: a powerful discussion about values-led leadership, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building businesses that prioritize people, planet, and profit.Tara shares the winding path that led her from the sports and entertainment world to government work and eventually to founding Ethical Swag. She opens up about setting boundaries as a new mom long before flexible work was common, the influence of her parents on her values, and why she sees Ethical Swag as more than a company — it is a vehicle for demonstrating that profitable business can be built differently.In this episode you will hear: 00:00 Meeting Tara Milburn and the Mission Behind Ethical Swag 01:15 How Tara’s Career Path Took Shape 03:33 Starting Out with the Vancouver Canucks 06:20 Why Big Thinkers Change What We Believe Is Possible 07:14 Becoming a Mom and Redefining Work on Her Terms 10:28 Standing Up for Herself in Corporate Spaces 11:55 The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid Story 14:15 Moving to Cape Breton and Shifting Priorities 16:21 The Early Origins of Ethical Swag 18:41 Discovering the Real Customer for the Business 23:32 Staying Values-Led When Money Is on the Line 24:09 The Influence of Tara’s Parents on Her Leadership 28:37 What Ethical Swag Is Really Doing Differently 32:43 The Big Vision for Ethical Swag 32:57 Why Tara Believes in the Stakeholder Model 36:57 Where to Find Tara and Her Work Tara's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethicalswag/Website: https://ethicalswag.com/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethical-swag/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair explores a challenge many entrepreneurs quietly face: losing their own voice after consuming too much business advice. Inspired by a conversation with a prospective client who felt disconnected from her business after following too many “proven” formulas, Laura unpacks the difference between learning from mentors and unintentionally trying to become them.She shares why borrowing strategy can be powerful, but borrowing identity can leave you feeling out of alignment in your own business. If you’ve ever felt like your content, offers, or marketing started to sound like someone else — even if it was working — this episode will help you reconnect with what actually fits your life, voice, and values.In this episode you will hear: 00:07 When Too Much Advice Disconnects You From Your Business 01:02 The Relief of Hiring a Coach 01:40 When Your Business Stops Sounding Like You 02:26 Coaching Frameworks Are a Lens, Not a Mold 03:15 The Difference Between Strategy and Identity 04:49 Why Some Business Models Don’t Fit Your Life 05:56 Trusting Your Instincts in Business 06:30 Coaching Should Be a Conversation 07:12 Adapting Frameworks to Build Your Own Business 08:00 A Reflection for Your BusinessJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

This week on This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Dr. Amanda Tobe, an industrial-organizational psychologist and founder of Amanda Tobe & Associates, for a thoughtful conversation about the human side of entrepreneurship. Together, they explore public speaking anxiety, fear of judgment, career pivots, motherhood, mental health, and what it looks like to keep building a business while navigating life’s hardest seasons. Amanda also shares her personal journey of redesigning her career in her early 30s, building a practice rooted in career-focused psychological support, and moving through a recent breast cancer diagnosis with intention, openness, and support. In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Why mental health belongs in conversations about business00:33 – Meet Dr. Amanda Tobe and what an industrial-organizational psychologist does01:49 – The three main areas Amanda supports in her practice03:38 – Career pivots, public speaking anxiety, and entrepreneurial fears06:00 – Laura opens up about her own public speaking anxiety07:23 – The four fears underneath public speaking anxiety10:11 – Where to start when navigating fear and anxiety around visibility13:03 – Amanda’s career pivot and creating a passion-led business16:24 – How Amanda knew it was time to go all in19:36 – Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with intentional boundaries21:42 – How Amanda applies her own tools to the fears that come with business24:13 – Why no entrepreneur is immune to fear and self-doubt25:41 – Amanda shares her breast cancer diagnosis and how she is navigating it27:36 – Supporting yourself through a life ambush while running a business30:19 – Community, openness, and asking for help32:21 – Where to connect with Dr. Amanda Tobe Amanda's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amandatobe/Website: https://www.amandatobe.com/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura reflects on a powerful question that came up during a conversation with the Moms in Tech community: How do you know if you’re just going through something hard in your business—or if you’re actually on the wrong path? For many entrepreneurial moms, building a business can feel deeply aligned with family life, but it also comes with moments of doubt, exhaustion, and pressure. Laura shares a framework to help you distinguish between a temporary rough patch and a deeper misalignment in your work. Through practical reflection questions and honest insights from her own 11 years in entrepreneurship, she offers guidance for navigating these crossroads with clarity rather than reacting from emotional overwhelm. In this episode you will hear:00:08 — The question that sparked this episode02:30 — Why hard seasons in business can feel confusing03:22 — Signs you might just be in a rough patch04:54 — External challenges vs. deeper misalignment05:45 — Signs you may be on the wrong path07:14 — Why being on the wrong path doesn’t mean failure07:54 — The 90-day look-back test08:20 — The “fantasy test” for business clarity08:42 — The stripped-down question: would you still do this work if money didn’t matter?09:01 — Why clarity matters more than staying stuck in uncertainty10:03 — The question to ask yourself this week11:02 — Final thoughts on navigating the nonlinear journey of entrepreneurship Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura sits down with hypnotherapist and coach Christina Woods for a fascinating conversation about the subconscious mind, limiting beliefs, and why so many ambitious women feel stuck even when they’re doing “all the right things.” Together, they unpack what hypnotherapy actually is (and what it’s not), how subconscious patterns shape behaviour, and why inner work is often the missing link between strategy and sustainable success. This episode is part education, part mindset shift, and part permission slip to explore deeper tools for growth. In this episode you will hear:00:00 — Meet Christina Woods + Why Hypnotherapy Matters01:04 — Leaving a 30-Year Corporate Career for a New Path04:40 — What Hypnotherapy Actually Is (and Isn’t)06:45 — Conscious vs. Subconscious Mind Explained07:19 — Are You “Under” During Hypnosis?07:46 — Choosing the Right Tool for Each Client09:40 — Why Entrepreneurship Requires Inner Work10:38 — Limiting Beliefs vs. Strategy Problems12:08 — Behaviour Change vs. Subconscious Rewiring14:48 — How Childhood Moments Shape Adult Patterns17:58 — Common Blocks in High-Achieving Women20:09 — The Hidden Resentment Many Women Carry21:00 — Losing Yourself in the “Performer” Identity21:13 — What Success with Hypnotherapy Feels Like23:35 — Why Personal Growth Work Never Ends24:31 — Christina’s Own Journey Through Inner Work26:11 — When to Seek Support + What Can Change26:57 — How Hypnotherapy Impacts All Areas of Life27:21 — Where to Connect with Christina Christina's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina.lwoods/Website: https://christinalwoods.com/Christina's Reset Room: https://christinalwoods.mykajabi.com/theresetroom Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura shares six honest, practical, and sometimes “spicy” truths every mom entrepreneur needs to hear about building a business while raising a family. Drawing from recent conversations with women inside her community, she breaks down the realities of pacing, seasons, expectations, support, and mindset — offering both encouragement and tough love for moms navigating ambition alongside motherhood. This episode is a grounding reminder that success is possible, but it may look different than you expected — and that difference is not a flaw, it’s strategy. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 — Introduction + Why This Conversation Matters 02:26 — Your Business May Grow at a Different Pace 04:50 — Understanding Seasons of Motherhood and Business 06:28 — Tough Love: Treat Your Business Like a Business 11:14 — Filter Your Sources of Advice 12:09 — Ask for Help (More Than You Think) 13:02 — Find Your People and Community 14:14 — Recap: Six Things Every Mom Entrepreneur Needs to Know 15:25 — Events, Scholarships, and Closing Thoughts Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

Some conversations leave you thinking differently about how business is “supposed” to look, and this is one of them. In this episode, Laura is joined by marketing consultant and entrepreneur Kelsey Reidl for a grounded, honest conversation about building a business that supports your life instead of competing with it. We talk about seasons of motherhood, sustainable growth, and what actually moves the needle when it comes to marketing — especially when your time and energy are limited. In this episode you will hear:00:00 — Meet Kelsey Reidl + shared mission in business01:38 — From nutritionist to marketer: an unexpected path04:50 — Following nudges and embracing “happy accidents”07:10 — Business before and after motherhood09:16 — Condensing a workweek without losing revenue12:03 — Working all-in during work hours vs. being present at home13:37 — Treating your business like a business17:29 — How her marketing runs with limited time20:17 — Why SEO and long-term visibility matter23:40 — A mom-friendly marketing plan24:08 — The 3 M’s of marketing framework27:25 — The power of in-person events and community29:12 — Where to connect with Kelsey Kelsey's Links:Website: https://www.kelseyreidl.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyreidl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waveforwomen/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura breaks down a major shift happening in online business and why strategies that worked in 2020–2021 aren’t producing the same results today. She explains why more content, better mindset, or chasing algorithms won’t fix slow sales if your business foundations aren’t solid, and walks through the core systems every business needs to create consistent growth, stability, and long-term success. In this episode you will hear:00:00 — Why business feels harder now than it used to02:27 — You can’t outgrow weak foundations04:50 — Why content alone doesn’t create sales07:13 — Mindset vs systems in business growth09:40 — The missing nurture phase most businesses skip12:06 — The four foundations every business needs13:30 — Why foundations matter more than tactics Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura sits down with Natalie Perkins, founder of PAUZ Health, for an honest and much-needed conversation about perimenopause, women’s health, and what happens when your body starts changing while you’re still building big things.They unpack what perimenopause actually looks like (hint: it’s not just hot flashes), why so many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and how supporting your health is not optional if you want to sustain energy, focus, and leadership as a mom and entrepreneur.This episode is part education, part validation, and part permission slip to stop “pushing through.”In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Welcome + introducing Natalie Perkins and PAUZ Health01:00 – Laura’s “2 a.m. insomnia” moment and realizing it might be perimenopause02:00 – Why women’s health conversations belong in business and entrepreneurship spaces04:30 – The turning point: learning about hormone therapy and getting proper support07:20 – What PAUZ Health offers: virtual menopause care, hormone health, and lifestyle support08:45 – Upcoming sleep programs and why sleep is foundational11:00 – Building a healthcare company from scratch: entrepreneurship without perfection15:00 – What is perimenopause, really?16:30 – Early signs: period changes as the first red flag18:00 – The hormone rollercoaster explained19:45 – Common (and surprising) symptoms:23:30 – Why “just living with it” isn’t the answer26:30 – The quiet risks: bone loss, heart health, brain health28:30 – Why awareness is the first step to prevention30:00 – High-achieving women, burnout, and the myth of “doing it all”33:00 – How to learn more about PAUZ Health and get started35:00 – Where to find resources, education, and community Natalie's Links:Website: https://pauz.health/about-pauz-healthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauzhealth/Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this special solo episode, Laura shares a behind-the-scenes case study of a private client she’s worked with for nearly four years—someone who went from earning $39,000 in an entire year to celebrating a $52,500 cash month in January 2026.This isn’t a viral-moment success story or a one-off launch spike. It’s a realistic breakdown of how strong foundations, intentional systems, smarter pricing, delegation, and collaboration led to a business on track for a $500,000+ year—all while working full-time and becoming a new mom.If you’ve ever thought, “That kind of growth isn’t possible for me,” this episode is for you. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Why this episode is different + celebrating a $52,500 cash month01:15 – What this episode is (a realistic case study, not a one-off win)02:24 – Key nuance: selling to students who don’t have much money03:41 – The real problem: no systems, no intention, everything manual04:48 – Facebook group → email list → funnel (Kajabi)05:33 – Using segmentation to send the right offers to the right people06:50 – Delegation (VA, website expert, tutors)07:10 – Reminder: this growth happened over four years, not overnight09:33 – Major shift: moving out of 1:1 tutoring into a tutoring agency model10:56 – Year 1 results: $39K → ~$139K through systems alone12:28 – Two ways to grow: more customers or more value per customer14:23 – The biggest growth lever: selling to institutions, not individuals15:20 – The “gatekeeper” strategy: who already has trust with your audience?18:10 – Results of collaboration: bulk sales, stability, and scale22:44 – Laura’s growth framework recap25:05 – Ambition Mastermind opening soon + how to work with Laura Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In today’s episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura is joined by Dr. Amy Athey — a psychologist and leader in sports performance psychology who has worked with elite performers in sport, military, and business.If you’ve ever thought, “This doesn’t apply to me, I’m not an athlete,” think again.Dr. Amy introduces the concept of the “corporate athlete” — and reminds us that if you’re pursuing motherhood, entrepreneurship, a career, or any kind of growth, you’re already in the game. The question isn’t whether you’re a high performer… it’s how you support yourself to sustain performance over time.This episode is a powerful conversation about nervous system regulation, resilience, mindset, and what it really takes to show up in your moments that matter — without burning out. In this episode you will hear: (00:00) Meet Dr. Amy Athey + the idea of “corporate athletes”(03:34) Elite performers still struggle with self-doubt — and why that matters(05:57) Sustainable performance over time (not one perfect moment)(07:38) The five foundations of high performance(09:14) Nervous system regulation vs. willpower(13:11) What to do when things go wrong (and they will)(14:59) Two tangible tools: breathwork + “what’s important now?”(17:23) The “inner coach” exercise (and why some of us need a new one)(20:11) If your inner dialogue is harsh: how to start shifting it(23:25) Why no one succeeds alone: coaches, support, and your village(25:02) Change: when the discomfort of staying the same becomes too big(28:40) Dr. Amy’s upcoming book + where to follow her Amy's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramyathey/Website: https://www.atheyperformance.com/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura introduces the concept of Minimum Viable Marketing — a sustainable approach to marketing for mom entrepreneurs who are building businesses in real life, not ideal conditions.This conversation is about simplifying your marketing, reducing overwhelm, and focusing on the smallest set of actions that still move your business forward — especially in low-capacity seasons. In this episode you will hear: (00:00) Why Laura is returning to marketing conversations(01:15) Why daily posting and multi-platform strategies cause burnout(02:24) What “minimum viable marketing” means in low-capacity seasons(03:45) Choosing ONE primary visibility channel(04:47) Why your message needs to stay consistent (even if you’re bored of it)(06:05) Why relationships drive more clients than content(07:09) The four components of minimum viable marketing(08:30) Why repurposing content matters more than creating new content(09:31) How the free 30-day marketing plan app works Lovable App: https://tmmbmarketing.lovable.app/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026  Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Stephanie Fournier, founder + CEO of People Agency, to talk about what it really looks like to build a fast-growing agency—without trying to do everything for everyone. They dig into long-term client relationships, referrals, reputation, leadership as a woman in male-dominated rooms, and the real sacrifices that come with building something big (while still being a present mom). It’s honest, scrappy, and full of “this is what it actually takes” energy.In this episode you will hear:(01:35) Who Stephanie is (and why intros are hard)(02:03) The moment she decided to change her career path(03:07) Corporate vs owning an agency(04:55) Why staying in your lane matters(05:51) Move one: resign + set up the business(07:22) Long sales cycles in this industry(08:45) Growth through long-term clients(09:14) Full-circle relationships + peers becoming decision-makers(11:59) Laura on sponsors: you’re always talking to humans(14:01) Where Laura finds relationships (events + intentional follow-up)(15:52) Reputation + integrity as the foundation(16:35) Laura’s referral rule: protect your name(18:44) Don’t burn bridges (your network comes back around)(21:32) Women in leadership: “aggressive” double standards(24:23) Women-owned business stats + male-dominated spaces(26:52) Training women (especially moms) to sell(27:35) The routines, the grind, and not unplugging(29:22) The trade-offs (and how she stays connected to her son)(30:40) Vision: incubating women-led businesses + fractional support(34:06) Where to find Stephanie + People Agency Stephanie's Links:Website: https://peopleagency.ca/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pplagency Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura reflects on a conversation with a new client—a pregnant gym owner—and how it brought her back to her own experience of running a business while navigating early motherhood. From there, Laura explores why so many women feel a sense of heaviness in their businesses, why it’s not a mindset or motivation issue, and what that heaviness is really trying to tell you. If your business feels exhausting, overwhelming, or harder than it “should,” this episode will help you understand why—and where to start shifting things. In this episode you will hear: (00:05) Recording moment + episode intro(00:35) New client story: pregnant gym owner(01:40) Reflecting on early motherhood + business(02:45) When business feels heavy(03:35) “I just need more clients”(04:25) Why more clients don’t fix heaviness(05:25) Heaviness = over capacity(06:10) Capacity + decision overload(07:00) Cause #1: Misaligned focus(08:05) Not knowing what moves the business(08:55) Cause #2: Unsupported delivery(09:50) Boundaries, scope creep, systems(10:40) Cause #3: Decision overload(11:30) Heaviness as information(12:05) Diagnostic + closing thoughts Try the Heaviness Diagnostic: https://thismothermeansbusiness.lovable.app/Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura is joined by copywriter and brand strategist Evie Tavares for a real, grounded conversation about copywriting in the age of AI — and why the words you use still matter more than ever. Together, they explore what copywriting actually is, how to write in a way that feels human (not sleazy), where AI fits and where it falls short, and how motherhood shapes the way we show up, market, and set boundaries in our businesses. This episode is part practical, part reflective — and a reminder that clarity, integrity, and empathy are still your biggest advantages. In this episode you will hear:02:22 — What a copywriter actually does (and what “copy” really means) 03:05 — Copywriting = words that sell (websites, emails, sales pages, ads, etc.) 04:11 — Evie’s philosophy: strategy + empathy 04:58 — Laura’s AI confession: outsourcing “humanness” + creativity 07:48 — Using AI as a tool, not a takeover 09:24 — Where to start when you don’t know what to write 10:18 — Storytelling + “your life is the content” 10:45 — Create a story bank (Notes app) 11:01 — Creation over consumption (and how scrolling kills creativity) 12:57 — Anti-sleaze copy: what it is (and why it matters) 13:16 — What Evie won’t do: false urgency + fear/shame marketing 14:31 — Pain points vs. integrity: how to sell without punching people in the face 15:29 — The balance: “I see you here” + paint the bridge to what’s possible 16:19 — Choosing marketing tactics 18:08 — A “kick in the butt” can work… if it’s aligned and empathetic 20:02 — Laura on income-based marketing + why she doesn’t use it 20:58 — “Everything works” — but not everything works for you 21:10 — How Evie handles clients who want stronger marketing angles 22:55 — Messaging is the foundation: clarity, positioning, and repeating themes 23:45 — Why it’s hard to write when you’re too close to your own business 24:17 — Mom life + business boundaries: what Evie struggles with 24:54 — Practical boundaries: “phone away at 5pm” + work-life separation 25:40 — The grumpy cat/happy cat office sign (visual boundaries for kids) 27:00 — Laura’s approach: “10 minutes, then you get 100% of me” 27:30 — Being where your feet are (the real definition of balance) 28:10 — Seasons of motherhood + work: what changes as kids grow 29:34 — Choosing the season you’re in (and letting it be what it is) Evie's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evietavaresbranding/Website: https://www.evietavaresbranding.ca/Listen on Apple - The Unfiltered Tea with EvieListen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/513Km0G9Sc6znXDmLSNoF6?si=4qRLGSK_RNitz-iDROKaIwTickets for This Mother Means Business LIVEJoin This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura builds on last week’s conversation about relationships and business growth by diving into creative, strategic collaboration — not the vague “let’s support each other” kind, but collaboration that actually leads to clients.Laura breaks down why collaboration is one of the most underused growth levers for early-stage entrepreneurs, how to approach it with confidence, and the specific types of partnerships that create momentum without burnout.This episode is a practical, grounded look at borrowing trust, building relationships first, and growing your business without trying to do it all alone. In this episode you will hear:01:37 – What collaboration actually means (and what it’s not)02:40 – Borrowed trust, shared authority, and proximity to buyers03:47 – Who makes a good collaboration partner05:05 – Relationship-first vs. bad pitch energy06:12 – How Laura approaches collaboration conversations07:20 – Where to meet potential collaborators08:36 – Guesting inside paid or private spaces09:55 – Co-creating shared assets11:01 – Podcast guesting and podcast swaps12:10 – Adjacent service and referral partnerships13:21 – Why depth matters more than volume14:25 – What to avoid in collaborations15:10 – Growth comes from better rooms, not doing more16:05 – Why connection matters at TMMB Live Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

Parenting, ambition, and nervous system regulation collide in this deeply validating conversation with parenting coach Megan Lachance.After years of trying to make this conversation happen, Laura sits down with Megan to talk about the realities of modern parenting — especially for moms building businesses — and why perfection, guilt, and constant self-criticism are making parenting harder than it needs to be.This episode is permission-giving, science-backed, and incredibly grounding for any parent who has ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Meet Megan LeChance & why this episode was years in the making02:30 – What attachment really means (and what it doesn’t)04:59 – Why “perfect parenting” models don’t work for humans06:45 – What it actually means to be “a good parent”09:00 – Repair: why it matters more than getting it right11:25 – How un-repaired moments can lead to insecurity or trauma14:25 – Why even parenting coaches lose their cool17:10 – How our bodies default to old coping patterns20:54 – Breaking the shame cycle with self-compassion26:34 – The 30% rule for secure attachment29:22 – Why letting others care for your kids builds security32:26 – How to work with Megan & learn moreMegan's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan/Website: www.parentingthroughconnection.caPodcast: parentingthroughconnection.buzzsprout.comTickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Why My Business Feels Heavy | This Mother Means BusinessA quick diagnostic to help ambitious mom entrepreneurs identify the #1 reason their business feels heavy and get a focused first step.Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

At the start of a new year, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do more — more tactics, more platforms, more strategies. In this episode, Laura shares a powerful coaching conversation that reveals why that urge often isn’t about strategy at all… it’s about trust.If you’ve found yourself questioning a strategy that technically works, wanting something different even though nothing is broken, or feeling unsettled by how quiet growth can feel — this episode is for you. In this episode you will hear:00:19 – The pressure of a new year and feeling behind by January01:45 – When a business is “working” but still feels heavy02:36 – What people think they’re asking for vs. what they actually need03:45 – When time, money, or capacity start to feel tighter04:51 – The belief that growth should feel lighter by now05:50 – Why smart women blow everything up too early07:15 – What seven-figure agency owners say about referrals08:35 – The reframe: you don’t need a new strategy09:30 – When the hardest work is trusting what already works10:45 – Why this quiet phase is where real momentum is built11:48 – Doubling down on relationships in a trust-based economy Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Why My Business Feels Heavy | This Mother Means BusinessA quick diagnostic to help ambitious mom entrepreneurs identify the #1 reason their business feels heavy and get a focused first step.Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with entrepreneur and business coach Jana Boyko, creator of the Bedside Business Plan and co-founder of a guided journal company built with her brother, Brad. Jana shares how she turned her coaching work into an accessible business planning tool that prioritises the sustainability of the entrepreneur — not just the business. Together, they unpack why traditional business plans feel intimidating, why identity and self-awareness matter in entrepreneurship, and how authenticity and boundaries shape long-term success. Jana also shares the behind-the-scenes story of getting her journals into Indigo across Canada, and why “boots on the ground” entrepreneurship still works.In this episode you will hear:01:13 – From business coach to guided journal founder02:28 – Why most entrepreneurs don’t have a business plan03:15 – What makes Bedside Business Plan different from traditional templates04:10 – Making business planning human and accessible05:09 – Why advice isn’t one-size-fits-all in business07:05 – The mental health “price” of entrepreneurship09:01 – Your business as a relationship: gripping vs. losing yourself10:49 – “Your business exists to serve you”11:26 – Compromise vs. being compromised12:40 – What the journal covers: marketing, operations, finances, and structure14:00 – The shift from service-based coaching to product-based business16:54 – Employed Entrepreneur: identity-first entrepreneurship25:50 – How Jana got Bedside Business Plan into Indigo across Canada31:41 – Where to buy: Indigo and Amazon Jana's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janaboyko/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedsidebusinessplan/Website: https://www.bedsidebusinessplan.com/  Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair addresses the online buzz sparked by recent announcements from Jenna Kutcher and Amy Porterfield — and why small and mid-stage business owners need to stop using eight- and nine-figure founders as a blueprint for their own decisions. If you’ve been wondering whether courses are dead, podcasts are dying, or if you should be pivoting based on what you see online, this episode is a grounding reminder that context matters. Laura breaks down why visibility, relationships, and consistency still matter deeply for businesses under $500K, and why copying the moves of founders playing a completely different game can stall your growth instead of accelerating it.In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Why this episode was inspired by recent industry announcements01:05 – Jenna Kutcher and Amy Porterfield’s decisions spark online panic02:25 – Why courses and podcasts are not “dead”03:10 – Public decisions vs. strategic reality03:55 – The unseen context behind eight- and nine-figure businesses04:40 – Why simplification at scale looks like contraction early on05:30 – Amy Porterfield’s course pivot explained06:30 – Jenna Kutcher’s podcast decision and business maturity07:20 – Relationship capital as a growth engine under $500K08:05 – Conversations vs. campaigns in early-stage businesses09:00 – Why volume strategies require massive audiences09:50 – Lessons from Maria Wendt and low-ticket success10:45 – Why audience size changes everything11:40 – Courses and podcasts still matter in 202612:40 – Stop copying big business moves too early13:35 – Build foundations instead of reacting to trends14:30 – Final reminder: you’re not playing the same game Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with Ashley Wyatt, founder of Monarch Design Co., to talk about rebuilding a business through the intense season of early motherhood. Ashley shares her journey from corporate design and wedding stationery to branding and web design, including the pivots that came with COVID, fertility challenges, two babies 22 months apart, and becoming the primary breadwinner when her husband lost his job. Together, Laura and Ashley unpack what it really takes to regain momentum — getting into rooms, staying visible, reaching out, trusting the timing, and creating supportive routines — plus a practical conversation about the ROI of professional branding and websites.In this episode you will hear:00:20 – Making the episode work around nap schedules (mom life)01:08 – Ashley introduces Monarch Design Co. (branding + web design)03:30 – Ashley’s early career: corporate design, calligraphy, teaching, stationery04:40 – COVID pivot: losing wedding clients and shifting into branding + websites (2021)05:25 – “Scrappy” entrepreneurship and willingness to pivot07:17 – The reality of rebuilding after babies and life changes08:30 – VIP days + building a business around childcare capacity09:15 – Husband loses job + Ashley becomes primary/only breadwinner10:56 – What moved the needle: visibility, relationships, and outreach11:48 – “Plant the seeds” + trusting timing when results feel slow15:01 – Giving yourself grace + a realistic morning routine in motherhood17:32 – Why branding matters: confidence, consistency, and being top-of-mind18:33 – Laura’s rebrand story + how premium branding impacts perception22:09 – ROI of branding/web design + pricing confidence23:33 – Capacity, childcare, and creating separation to work without guilt25:10 – Household support + invisible labour + outsourcing26:15 – Final advice: get out of your own way and put yourself out there27:20 – Where to find Ashley online + her podcast Ashley's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchstationeryco/Website: https://themonarchdesign.co/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair explores why simplicity — not more effort or complexity — is often the missing ingredient for mom entrepreneurs. Drawing from real client examples, Laura breaks down how simplifying key areas of your business like marketing, delegation, offers, and systems can reduce burnout, increase clarity, and create more sustainable growth. If your business feels heavier than it needs to be, this episode offers practical ways to streamline without playing small.In this episode you will hear:00:02 – Why simplicity is essential for mom entrepreneurs01:05 – The myth that growth requires more complexity01:50 – Why complexity is expensive (time, energy, motivation)02:24 – A real client example: simplifying marketing channels03:15 – Choosing fewer platforms and repeating your message03:55 – Why repetition matters more than novelty in marketing04:25 – Using content themes to reduce decision fatigue04:45 – Repurposing long-form content instead of creating more05:45 – Simplicity through delegation (starting small)06:30 – Identifying tasks that drain your energy07:05 – Redefining support beyond just business help07:55 – Simplifying offers instead of creating new ones08:40 – The cost of having too many half-built offers09:00 – How simple systems reduce daily decision fatigue09:26 – Why simplifying your business is a strategic move forward Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with Lindsey Schmidt, founder of LS & Co-Conspirators, to unpack “the messy middle” — those in-between seasons of motherhood, entrepreneurship, identity shifts, and reinvention. Together, they explore why change feels so disorienting, what keeps us stuck, and how support systems (aka “co-conspirators”) can help you move through uncertainty with more clarity, confidence, and self-trust. Lindsey also shares her own journey from 20 years in corporate leadership to stepping into entrepreneurship — and how motherhood intensified both the clarity and the confusion.In this episode you will hear:01:46 — “Chapters of messy middles” + living in paradox02:28 — What is LS & Co-Conspirators? (spy agency energy)03:07 — Corporate success → burnout + reinvention04:23 — “Co-conspirators” and doing good work together05:28 — The business forming in real time + unlearning06:33 — Why support changes everything in messy seasons07:22 — Where to start when you feel stuck08:29 — Why change is messy: unravel before you rebuild10:37 — What keeps people stuck in the middle12:40 — The messy middle as an invitation to choose13:44 — The messy middle of motherhood: pregnancy to identity shifts15:41 — High-functioning postpartum anxiety + loneliness16:59 — “Things got clear and confusing at the same time”19:33 — Motherhood rewriting priorities + grief and recalibration20:01 — The breaking point: corporate pressure + parenting reality22:07 — Quitting corporate: the final “sign”23:10 — Reframing: it’s not wasted time — it’s fuel26:02 — Lindsey’s work: transformations in mid-size companies27:02 — Why “why” matters when leading change29:21 — Where to find Lindsey29:49 — Closing takeaway: the messy middle is where the magic happens Lindsey's Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-schmidt-founder-9497854/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this New Year–energy episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair shares how she sets herself up for a strong, sustainable year before diving into goals, plans, or productivity. This conversation is not about hustling harder or optimizing your to-do list — it’s about supporting yourself as a mom and business owner so your business stops running you. Drawing on lessons from past burnout, Laura walks through five foundational practices that help create a year that feels lighter, more intentional, and more aligned — even when life inevitably throws curveballs.In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Why a strong year starts before your to-do list01:58 – Deciding how you want your days to feel03:05 – Asking: what do I want more of — and less of — this year?03:47 – Cleaning up mental clutter before adding anything new04:12 – Closing open loops and unfinished decisions04:46 – Setting personal non-negotiables early (and communicating them)05:38 – Creating stability instead of rigidity06:41 – Why your routines must work even when life is chaotic07:10 – Committing to showing up when it feels uncomfortable08:02 – Why a strong year isn’t about doing more Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with Taylor Tieman, founder of Legalmiga, to talk about what it really looks like to build a modern law firm (and personal brand) that feels approachable—especially in a traditionally “buttoned-up” industry. They dig into why Threads has become a powerful networking platform, how Taylor balances credibility with personality online, and what changed in her business after becoming a mom. If you’re a service provider building your brand, setting boundaries with clients, or figuring out how to market in a “boring” industry—this one’s for you.In this episode you will hear:00:20 Meet Taylor Tieman, founder of Legalmiga02:43 Building a personal brand in a “buttoned-up” industry03:00 Taylor’s background: law, marketing, and business04:23 Why Taylor started Legalmiga07:12 Partnerships, brand deals, and “lawyer-as-creator”09:22 Getting comfortable on camera11:11 Credibility + personality: finding the balance13:47 The “desperate client” season (and why it’s a lesson)14:23 Motherhood: what changed in how Taylor works15:50 Boundaries with clients (and why systems matter)19:22 Mom guilt, identity, and being present25:07 Why entrepreneurship isn’t taught (and should be)30:37 What’s next for Legalmiga: law firm + template library Taylor's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legalmiga/Website: https://www.legalmigalaw.com/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

This is Laura’s third annual “What Worked, What Didn’t, and What Blew Up in My Face” episode—and as always, it’s equal parts honest, reflective, and deeply personal. In this 2025 recap, Laura walks through a year defined by high highs and low lows, sharing the business decisions that created momentum, the moments that stretched her capacity, and the lessons she’s carrying forward into 2026. From sponsorships and events to grief, delegation, and community, this episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear—and that everything can be data if you let it be.In this episode you will hear:00:14 – Why Laura both dreads and looks forward to this annual recap02:39 – Why Laura didn’t set a financial goal this year (and what she focused on instead)04:45 – Four big decisions made at the end of 2024 that shaped 202505:00 – Moving all private coaching to 12-month commitments06:20 – Deciding to run an in-person event and treat TMMB as a sponsorable property07:22 – Learning corporate sponsorship (and the irony of Laura’s past career)08:45 – Early 2025 duality: business growth alongside a family health crisis09:46 – Why corporate sponsorship timelines didn’t work for the 2025 event12:04 – Why TMMB Live 2025 worked emotionally—but not financially13:45 – The reality of running an event during an ice storm and family emergencies16:50 – Why the 2025 event became a career-defining moment19:10 – The power of simplicity, systems, and delegation in 202521:33 – The greatest gift of the year: relationships and women in Laura’s network26:19 – Other things that worked: email marketing, Threads, LinkedIn, and the podcast27:55 – What didn’t work: not hosting a retreat in 202529:55 – Launching the Accelerator beta and refining the Inner Circle positioning34:30 – What slightly blew up: working too hard and neglecting core habits Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Lindsay Housman, founder of Hettas—a Canadian performance running shoe brand designed specifically for women. Lindsay shares how her own foot pain, the lack of women-centred research in sport, and watching girls drop out of athletics sparked the idea for Hettas. They talk about what it takes to build a capital-intensive, science-backed product while still working a day job, why community activations matter so much for product-based brands, and what’s next for Hedda’s as they expand into new markets and new shoe models.In this episode you will hear:01:05 – Lindsay’s background: finance + tech, Vancouver-based founder, mom of twins04:14 – How Hettas started: the early conversations that sparked the idea06:46 – Watching girls drop out of sport and why it mattered to Lindsay08:24 – What Hettas is: performance footwear designed for women’s bodies09:45 – Why running first: the “red thread” across sports + run club community11:43 – Who the shoe is designed for (and why it works for many women beyond that)13:46 – Building Hettas while working: the “stable boat” approach18:39 – The importance of transparency, support systems, and time management20:36 – Why product businesses are different: capital intensity + inventory realities22:36 – Bringing kids along for the entrepreneurial journey (and what they learn)25:09 – Where Hettas is stocked now (Canada + San Francisco)25:45 – What’s next: two new models, different plating, lower price points26:45 – The transparent upper: why it’s polarizing and what’s changing29:10 – Supporting elite athletes + why community crews matter30:15 – Surprise channel win: e-commerce performing stronger than expected Lindsay's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wear_hettas/Website: https://hettas.ca/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

If 2026 feels like a make-or-break year for your business, this episode is for you. In this solo conversation, Laura Sinclair shares three key behaviours to leave behind in 2025 if you want to build a sustainable, profitable, and visible business in 2026. Drawing from real conversations inside the Inner Circle, Laura breaks down where so many women are leaking energy—by not asking for what they need, mistaking busyness for momentum, and hiding instead of leading. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to become someone new in 2026—you just need to stop disappearing.In this episode you will hear:00:04 – Why 2026 feels like a “do or die” year for so many women01:05 – Leave this in 2025: not asking for what you need01:52 – A real example of overwhelm (and the simple solution most people avoid)03:10 – The hidden cost of not asking: resentment, burnout, under-earning04:43 – Leave this in 2025: confusing busyness with momentum05:32 – The illusion of productivity and why “busy” feels safer06:18 – Your business doesn’t need more hours—it needs fewer priorities07:06 – Leave this in 2025: hiding instead of being seen08:10 – The Fyre Festival story (and the audacity lesson for women in business)09:34 – You cannot build a visible, profitable business while staying small10:32 – Being seen is a leadership decision, not a mindset issue11:22 – The three questions to take with you into 2026 Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with community-builder, advocate, and founder of Black Moms Connection, Tanya Hayles. Tanya shares how a simple Facebook group for Black moms turned into a global nonprofit serving tens of thousands of women, how she thinks about advocacy, funding, and impact, and why slow, values-led growth still matters. They dive into nonprofit vs. for-profit decisions, building a working board with intention, navigating grief and career pivots, and why collaboration, data, and niche communities are the future. If you’re a mom building something bigger than yourself—especially a community or movement—this conversation will light you up and ground you at the same time.In this episode you will hear:00:00 – Meeting Tanya & why Laura “inserted herself” into her life01:00 – Who Tanya is: Black Moms Connection, global village & nonprofit work03:00 – “Busiest unemployed person ever” and the childcare centre application story05:15 – The sunscreen story: how Black Moms Connection actually started06:30 – From 400 to 4,000 members in two months & realizing she’d built a ship07:40 – Why Tanya chose the nonprofit route over a for-profit community model11:00 – Advocacy, government consultations, and protecting the community’s voice14:15 – Reputation, values, and being careful about partnerships and optics16:00 – From Facebook group to nonprofit: learning structure, boards, and funding19:30 – Building a working board with intention (not vibes) and big-picture goals22:30 – Tanya’s vision: 24-hour childcare, global chapters, apps, and sustainable growth26:30 – Post-it walls, shifting priorities, and redefining “balance” as a mom in business31:30 – Grieving job loss, starting again, and letting new business ideas emerge36:30 – IOE Agency, Blackout Experience, and building offers from existing skills41:30 – The power of data, niche communities, and why safety + specificity matter44:30 – Where to find Tanya, Black Moms Connection, and why she’s divesting from Instagram Tanya's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetanyahayles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkoutexperience/Website: www.theioeagency.comWebsite: www.blkoutexperience.com Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this solo episode, Laura pulls back the curtain and shares a personal update on what the last six months have really looked like behind the scenes. From unexpected pivots and major brand expansion to big shifts inside the Inner Circle and exciting news about This Mother Means Business Live 2026, Laura opens up about the wins, the challenges, and the direction the brand is moving in. If you’re building a business while navigating motherhood, these insights offer inspiration, perspective, and a real-time look at how big visions evolve.In this episode you will hear:00:00 — Sneak peek into 2026 + why this episode is overdue03:10 — The origin of retreats, the Inner Circle, and TMMB Live04:36 — Planning TMMB Live 2026 + original venue choices05:20 — Why a VIP dinner was part of the 2026 plan06:40 — The Pearl Hotel & Spa becomes the official event sponsor07:30 — Changing venues, dates, and navigating sponsor alignment09:17 — What corporate sponsorship really means for TMMB10:20 — Why mothers in business deserve sponsorship dollars12:20 — Why the community was renamed “The Inner Circle”13:30 — Free calls move to quarterly; Inner Circle calls become accountability15:30 — More connection opportunities inside the community16:20 — 50% off code for new Inner Circle members18:50 — Laura’s gratitude + why she’s committing to more updates19:30 — Guest applications opening in January Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026  Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with author and business anthropologist Meghan French Dunbar to talk about her book “This Isn’t Working” and why our current work culture is leaving so many women burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed. They unpack what’s actually at the root of modern burnout, how leaders and companies can build human-first businesses, why defining “enough” in life and business matters, and how to create success that includes mental health, joy, and quality of life—not just revenue.In this episode you will hear:01:29 – Meghan explains who she is and what a “business anthropologist” means03:20 – The core problem behind “This Isn’t Working” and why work feels broken05:42 – Laura’s client story about wanting to burn it all down and run away07:18 – What thriving leaders do differently: authenticity and sustainable performance09:44 – The five elements of human flourishing and how we neglect them10:24 – Laura realizes she’s been neglecting her basic needs as a founder and mum11:58 – Human-first companies like Eileen Fisher and EO Products as real-world examples13:50 – Meghan’s personal story: Conscious Company Magazine, hustle, and panic attacks17:24 – Stepping down as CEO, becoming a full-time mum, and hitting burnout18:59 – Clinical depression, starting therapy, and questioning what “normal” work is22:35 – How Meghan researched the book and interviewed nearly 100 leaders25:47 – Sharon Rowe, EcoBags, and building a “tiny business” around an ideal life29:29 – Redefining success: extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation and Meghan’s Venn diagram33:25 – Where to find “This Isn’t Working” and support local bookstores Meghan's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbar/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MeghanFrenchDunbar Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

2026 is coming in hot (and honestly, how?!), and the online business world is shifting in ways you can’t ignore — especially if you’re a mom running a business on an already overloaded calendar.In this episode, Laura breaks down the 5 major trends shaping 2026 and how small business owners can prepare without burning out, chasing shiny objects, or blowing up the foundations of their business. These aren’t “cute predictions.” These shifts are already happening under the surface — and the businesses that adapt now will win. What You’ll LearnWhy AI and automation are now a baseline for small business successHow short-form video + social commerce are reshaping how people buyWhat the trust recession means for your marketing in 2026How purpose-driven brands are outperforming everyone elseWhy collaboration and partnerships will be a core growth strategy next yearThe foundational work you must have in place before chasing trends00:00 — Intro Why foundations matter more than trends.02:20 — 2026 Climate Check Economic uncertainty + trust recession.03:45 — Trend 1: AI & Automation Why AI is now the baseline for small business.07:40 — Practical AI Integration Easy ways to save time + reduce errors.09:15 — Trend 2: Digital-First Buying Short-form video + in-app shopping.10:45 — Social Commerce Tips Make buying simple and frictionless.11:40 — Trend 3: Trust & Transparency Why human-first marketing wins in 2026.13:30 — Building Real Trust Behind-the-scenes, social proof, real results.14:55 — Trend 4: Purpose Matters Consumers want brands that give a damn.16:20 — Purpose in Action Small steps for sustainability + impact.19:40 — Trend 5: Collaboration Partnerships as a core growth strategy.20:45 — How to Collaborate Shared audiences + aligned partners.22:00 — Final Thoughts 2026 rewards the adaptable, honest, and visible. Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura chats with Canadian designer Heather Bolt, founder of Dotty, a Toronto-made clothing brand designing “real clothes for real bodies” for women in midlife. They cover local manufacturing, fit-first design (sleeves, tummy-friendly cuts, inclusive sizing), micro-influencer strategy, and the honest realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. If you care about made-in-Canada fashion, body-confident style, and community-first brand building, this one’s for you.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & guest intro (Heather Bolt, Dotty)01:14 – Dotty: Toronto manufacturing (Scarborough & North Toronto)02:22 – Canadian story & starting point05:46 – The nudge that changed everything07:20 – Early entrepreneur doubts; designing for real bodies09:09 – Loyal customers & product thoughtfulness12:31 – Showing up on camera; relatable founder15:39 – Word of mouth, One of a Kind Show, micro-influencers18:15 – Founder values, authenticity, buyer trust25:18 – “Remember who the F you are”27:18 – Midlife energy & the freedom of not people-pleasing31:39 – Seasons of business & motherhood34:36 – Presence over hustle; what matters at 80 Heather's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dottyclothing/Website: https://www.dotty.ca/ Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this empowering finale of the 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship series, Laura Sinclair closes out a decade of business and personal growth with one of her most powerful insights yet: you can do anything you want with your life.Laura reflects on how belief, community, and self-trust have shaped her entrepreneurial journey — from PR and marketing to coaching and building a platform for women in business. This episode is a must-listen for female entrepreneurs, moms in business, and anyone ready to redefine success and start believing in what’s possible.In this episode you will hear:00:01 – Wrapping up 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship02:18 – Lesson 10: You Can Do Anything You Want with Your Life04:31 – The Power of Belief and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People05:27 – Becoming Your Biggest Believer07:51 – Permission to Pivot Anytime09:30 – No More Excuses10:16 – Proof of Possibility12:34 – Closing Reflections & Gratitude Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Canadian time-management expert Jill Wright @energyandhours — speaker, coach, and host of Grow Like a Mother. Together they unpack why traditional time-management advice often fails for moms, how to bring more flow and flexibility into your schedule, and what it really means to become the pilot of your time. From “time confetti” to ADHD-friendly planning tools, this episode is full of realistic, compassionate strategies for building a business without burning out. In this episode you will hear:00:00 – If only I had more time01:30 – Jill’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship04:00 – Rethinking time management for moms07:00 – The concept of time confetti11:00 – Prioritizing with the Eisenhower Matrix14:30 – When time blocking doesn’t work18:00 – The tough love truth about time21:00 – Time management for ADHD brains25:00 – The Time Magic Planner27:30 – Time flies, but you’re the pilot Jill's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyandhours/Wesbite: https://jillwright.ca/Energy + Hours Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/energy-hours-formerly-grow-like-a-mother/id1601675882Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In lesson nine of 10 Lessons in 10 Years of Entrepreneurship, Laura Sinclair shares one of the most grounding—and freeing—truths in business: everything works… it’s just going to take longer than you want it to.In this solo episode, Laura breaks down why chasing “quick wins” often leaves entrepreneurs spinning their wheels, and how sustainable success actually comes from choosing your lane, staying consistent, and committing to the long game.Drawing from her decade of experience and stories from real clients (including one who made $80K in 48 hours and another who hit $10K in a single day), Laura reveals the mindset and strategy shifts that make those wins possible—and why they never happen overnight.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to your next level, this episode will remind you to stay patient, stay focused, and trust your process. In this episode you will hear: 01:00 – What “Everything Works” Really Means02:45 – Client Wins That Took Time04:15 – The Myth of the One Right Strategy06:10 – Picking a Lane and Staying There07:25 – How to Identify What’s Actually Working09:00 – The Role of Data and Low-Hanging Fruit10:45 – Why Fast Success Isn’t Always Sustainable15:10 – The Truth About “Passive Income” and Course Creation17:30 – Every Marketing Strategy Works (With Time)21:20 – Making Peace With the Pace of Growth23:10 – How Long-Term Consistency Creates Results27:15 – Why Early Entrepreneurs Struggle Most With This29:00 – The Real Role of a Mentor31:10 – Making Peace With the TimelineTickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with psychologist, couples therapist, and author Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to talk relationships: partners, in-laws, business dynamics, and the messy middle we all navigate. From setting expectations and boundaries to “repair” and seasons of push/pause, Tracy shares practical tools you can use at home and in entrepreneurship.In this episode you will hear:00:01 – Meet Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: Psychologist, Couples Therapist, Author02:06 – What Tracy Really Does: Breaking Cycles & Building Healthy Bonds04:05 – New Book: You, Your Husband and His Mother (and Why It’s Needed)05:43 – When Family Dynamics Become “You vs. Me”07:50 – The VAULT Method: Becoming a Solid Team08:44 – You, Your Husband… and Your Business: Changing the System11:34 – The Dinner-Table Talk: Expectations, Desires, and Time13:55 – Boundaries with the Business: Phone Time, Labels, and Clarity15:03 – Values Conversation: Why Your Work Matters to You16:43 – When Your Partner Feels Fear: Checkpoints & Safety18:54 – A Season, Not Forever: Asking for Support with a Deadline21:06 – Push, Then Pause: Teamwork Through Heavy Seasons24:07 – Communication Patterns, Disconnection & Repair26:24 – Mother/MIL Expectations: Old Scripts, New Realities32:57 – Flexibility, Self-Honesty, and Burnout Checks35:25 – Scrappy and Real: Learning What They Don’t Teach in School Tracy's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/Website: https://drtracyd.com/You, Your Husband and His Mother on AmazonI Didn't Sign Up For This on AmazonIntegrated Ottawa: IntegratedottawaIntegrated Wellness | Psychological Health Services in OttawaTickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok