This Mother Means Business

In this week's episode, I am joined by Suzanne Acteson to explore the power of feminine and masculine energies in life and business. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the concept of feminine and masculine energies and their dynamic interplay in the realm of motherhood, womanhood, and business.
Join us as we delve into the power of embracing both feminine and masculine qualities within ourselves to create harmony and success. Discover how tapping into your intuitive, nurturing, and collaborative feminine energy can enhance your leadership, creativity, and relationship-building skills.
Simultaneously, we explore the strength of assertiveness, logic, and goal-oriented approach associated with masculine energy. Gain practical insights and strategies to strike a balance between these energies, empowering you to navigate challenges, make strategic decisions, and thrive both personally and professionally.
In this episode you will hear:
• 2:58 - An Introduction to Suzanne’s Personal Journey
• 8:10 - Societal Expectations and Competition
• 17:00 - Coming Back to our Essence, Core, and Presence
• 27:40 - Making Space in Your day for Adventure
Tune in to this empowering episode and unleash the transformative potential of harmonizing feminine and masculine energies in your life and business.
Thank you so much for joining us, see you next time!

Join the Community: www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
Laura's Links:
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In this week's solo episode, I delve into the story of building a business that fulfilled me while raising children at home. Get ready for a real conversation about what running a business with a baby is really like.
In this episode, I open up about owning my own gym and being a new business owner upon having my daughter. I also speak on the lack of sustainability that presented itself at the time.
We talk about navigating the sense of loss that can strike upon needing to take a step back from the business. We also dive into finding your identity as a business owner and adjusting goals postpartum. I share my tips on managing the chaos of this season of life, in order to help new or expecting moms navigate a similar journey.
In this episode you will hear:
• 1:20 - An Introduction to the Topic of Building a Business While Having a Baby
• 6:05 - Working While Giving Birth: My Story
• 12:10 - The Importance of Relaxation and Enjoying the Process of Becoming a mom
• 24:01 - Carving out Time and Maintaining Presence
Thank you so much for joining us, see you next time!

Join the Community: www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode host Laura Sinclair interviews Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags and author of the new book "Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success"

Sarah shares her journey in the mom and baby products industry, starting with breast pump bags and expanding to other accessories. She founded her company thirteen years ago, driven by frustration over the lack of professional options for breastfeeding mothers. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of having a social mission in her business, her dedication to empowering mothers in the workplace, and the fulfillment she derives from her mission.

Sarah Wells is a respected voice in the realm of management, leadership, and the support of working mothers.

With a master’s degree in public policy and women’s studies from the George Washington University, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies from American University, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and advocacy to her work. Her contributions as a sought-after expert, workshop presenter, and podcast speaker in the domain of supporting working mothers’ transitions back to work have made her an invaluable resource for employers and teams.

Takeaways:

• Balancing Acts: Balancing a new business with personal responsibilities is possible. Dedication and time management are key.
• Innovative Solutions: Turn your personal frustrations into business ideas. Identify market gaps and create solutions that resonate.
• Commitment Period: Give yourself a set period, like a year, to commit to your new venture. This helps evaluate potential without long-term pressure.
• Mission-Driven Success: Building a business with a strong social mission adds depth and sustainability. Passion for your cause can drive long-term success.
• Community and Advocacy: Engage with and uplift your community. Use your platform to support causes and create a loyal, motivated customer base.

In this episode you will hear:

3:13: Challenges and frustrations as a breastfeeding working mom
5:31: Going viral and the impact of social media
7:54: Embracing and learning from business experiences
11:40: Core values and growth.
18:02: Finding ways to be of value in the media.
22:44: Advocating for moms.

Sarah's Links:

Website: https://sarahwellsbags.com/
Book: https://goaskyourmothers.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1637745575/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/?hl=en

Join the Community: www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
Laura's Links:
• Website
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• LinkedIn
• Facebook
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• TikTok

In this episode, I dive into the delicate balancing act between motherhood and entrepreneurship, sharing the real challenges and mindset shifts that have helped me find harmony in both roles. As a mom and a business owner, I know how overwhelming it can be when work and family life collide—especially when kids interrupt important calls! But instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to embrace these interruptions and prioritize what truly matters: my family and my well-being. I share my journey of letting go of perfection, accepting the chaos, and building a more fulfilling work-life balance that serves both my family and my business. If you’ve ever struggled with the guilt of juggling these two demanding roles, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate it all with grace.

Listen in to discover how to:

• Shift your mindset to prioritize yourself and your family without guilt
• Handle interruptions with ease, rather than panic
• Create a flexible work-life structure that supports both your personal and professional life
• Embrace the dual roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship to lead by example

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out as a working mom, this episode will inspire you to embrace the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) blend of family and business life.

Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Embracing the Dual Role of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
[02:56] - Shifting Priorities: Me First, Then Business
[06:11] - Creating Ease: Integrating Family into Business Life

Key Takeaways:

• Motherhood and entrepreneurship can coexist harmoniously—embrace both roles fully.
• Prioritizing yourself is crucial to being both a better mom and a stronger business leader.
• It’s perfectly fine if your kids pop in during work calls—lean into it!
• Flexibility in your work routine is key to finding peace and success in both personal and professional realms.
• Setting a positive example for your children (and others) starts with embracing your imperfections.
• Family comes first—your business should fit around your life, not the other way around.
• Let go of the guilt, and start enjoying the benefits of work-life integration.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Motherhood and entrepreneurship can blend more easily."
• "I used to panic when my children would enter the room."

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow, rate, and review! Don’t forget to share it with fellow moms juggling entrepreneurship and family life.
Get on the waitlist for the next round of Ambition https://www.laura-sinclair.com/AMBITIONWAITLIST

Join the Community: www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
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• LinkedIn
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In this episode, I dive into a topic every entrepreneur encounters: rejection. It’s an unavoidable part of the journey, but what if we could shift our perspective to see rejection as an opportunity for growth and redirection? I share personal experiences and actionable strategies to help you reframe rejection as feedback, stay connected to your purpose, and build the resilience needed to thrive.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to overcome recent setbacks, this episode is packed with insights to help you handle rejection with curiosity, courage, and a growth mindset. Press play and learn how to turn every "no" into a stepping stone toward greater success.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction
The inevitability of rejection in entrepreneurship and why it matters.

[02:51] Rejection as Redirection
Why every "no" can guide you to better opportunities and refine your approach.

[05:45] Purpose and Resilience
How staying grounded in your "why" can help you overcome challenges and rejection.

[07:30] Rejection as Feedback
Learning to view rejection as a tool for improvement and growth.

[10:07] Building Resilience
Why successful entrepreneurs embrace rejection and how it shapes their journey.

Takeaways

• Rejection is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship—but it doesn’t define you.
• Differentiate between personal and business rejection for a healthier mindset.
• View rejection as a chance to refine your offerings and approach.
• Curiosity and openness can transform rejection into valuable insights.
• Staying connected to your purpose builds resilience and helps you navigate setbacks.
• Every "no" is one step closer to finding the right opportunity.

Memorable Quotes

• "Stay rooted in the why of what you do."
• "Reframe rejection as redirection."
• "I'm rooting for you in your journey."

Don’t Forget!

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow the podcast. Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who could use a reminder that rejection is just a stepping stone to success!

P.S. If you're looking for more support in your journey, here are three ways I can support you right now!

Join the This Mother Means Business Community. Dive into valuable resources, gain insights from other entrepreneurial moms, and access exclusive events designed to empower you with strategies to scale your business while keeping family and well-being at the forefront. Membership includes monthly networking calls, access to expert-led workshops, an engaged community forum, and supportive accountability sessions.

Apply for The Ambition Mastermind. For established entrepreneurs seeking dedicated support, the Ambition Mastermind provides personalized guidance to elevate your business strategy and leadership skills in a small group environment. You’ll connect with a community of peers for additional support while receiving the focused direction needed to build a sust

Join the Community: www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok