In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, host Roberta Rechena returns with a fresh format, sharing her journey from a career in project management back to her passion for design. Roberta addresses a listener's question about transitioning back into the design field after a career break, offering personal insights and practical tips for finding clients and building a successful design business. Tune in to discover how Roberta navigated her own career shifts, the importance of networking, and strategies for showcasing your work effectively. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you thrive in the creative industry.Resources mentioned:Book Yourself Solid for Creatives - by Michael Port and Joana Galvão: https://amzn.to/4pHAmjR
✨ Let’s connect:
Instagram: @coreandformdesign
LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena
Website: coreandformdesign.com
📩 Ready to build a brand that feels like you and attracts the right clients? Explore my services here: coreandformdesign.com/services
Summary
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Aislinn Horgan shares her transformative journey from nursing to becoming a specialist in aesthetic services, focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of her work. She discusses the importance of finding purpose, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her services help restore identity and confidence in clients. Aislinn emphasises the emotional connections she builds with her clients, the challenges of balancing business and personal life, and the necessity of continuous learning in her field. She also highlights the need for recognition of her work as a vital part of recovery for individuals undergoing significant life changes.
Takeaways
Aislinn transitioned from nursing to artistry, discovering her creative side.COVID-19 prompted Aislinn to evaluate her purpose and career path.Her work focuses on restoring identity and confidence for clients.Emotional connections with clients are crucial in her practice.Balancing business and personal life is an ongoing challenge.Client stories highlight the transformative power of her services.Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in her field.Recognition of her work is vital for its acceptance in the medical community.Aislinn believes in the importance of self-love and personal transformation.She aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of her services.
Sound Bites
"Was there always an artist underneath the scrubs?""It was only when I really took a step back.""I felt there was something more I could give.""It’s not just a cosmetic thing.""I will cry with them. I will listen to them.""It’s about restoring your sense of self.""This is only the start of it."
Chapters
00:00 From Nursing to Artistry: A Journey of Transformation04:31 Finding Purpose: The Impact of COVID-1908:43 Restoring Identity: The Importance of Aesthetic Services12:03 Emotional Connections: Navigating Client Experiences18:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life25:44 The Power of Transformation: Client Stories27:56 Continuous Learning: The Need for Upskilling32:57 Future Aspirations: Recognition and Growth
Connect with Aislinn:
Website: www.byaislinn.ie
Email: byaislinnstudio@gmail.com
Instagram: @byaislinn.ie
LinkedIn: Aislinn Horgan
Stay in touch with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core and Form website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Jenny Douglas shares her journey from a structured life in the charity sector to becoming a professional organiser. She discusses the importance of having a junk drawer, how personal challenges shaped her passion for organisation, and the transition to entrepreneurship. Jenny emphasises the significance of creating a calm home environment, the challenges of starting a new business, and the value of outsourcing tasks to focus on what truly matters. In this conversation, Roberta Rechena and Jenny Douglas explore the emotional complexities of decluttering, particularly when it comes to sentimental items. Jenny shares her approach to helping clients navigate their feelings about these items, emphasising the importance of understanding the emotional weight they carry. They discuss practical tips for decluttering, the significance of involving family in the process, and the benefits of professional organising services. Jenny also highlights her passion for organizing utility rooms and her future plans for her business, A Good Moment.
Takeaways
Every home deserves a junk drawer, even for professional organisers.Creating a calm space can help bring mental clarity.Personal experiences can lead to professional passions.Transitioning careers can be daunting but rewarding.Outsourcing tasks can free up time for more important work.It's essential to regularly reassess and organize your space.Starting a business requires balancing time and family.Networking and seeking mentorship are crucial for success.Emotional experiences can redefine what matters in life.Finding a work-life balance is key to entrepreneurship. Every situation is different when it comes to sentimental items.It's important to ascertain the emotional connection clients have with their items.Decluttering can be an emotional journey that requires support.Helping clients make decisions about sentimental items is key.One person's junk is another person's treasure.It's perfectly fine to hold onto items that are meaningful.Clutter can carry stories and emotional weight.Professional organizing can improve emotional and physical well-being.Start small when decluttering to avoid overwhelm.Involving family in the decluttering process can make it fun.
Sound Bites
"Every home needs a junk drawer.""This is something I could do.""If not now, when?""That's really wise advice, Jenny.""How do you manage the sentimental items?""It's about working with you and what works for you.""One person's junk is another person's treasure.""It's perfectly fine to have those things.""Clutter can carry stories.""Start with a drawer, know, start super, super small."
Chapters
00:00 The Organised Junk Drawer06:08 From Personal Struggles to Professional Passion14:08 Transitioning from Charity Work to Entrepreneurship18:05 Challenges of Starting a New Business23:35 The Importance of Outsourcing26:13 Navigating Sentimental Clutter37:00 Emotional Aspects of Decluttering48:00 Favorite Spaces to Organize49:58 Future Plans for A Good Moment
Connect with Jenny:
Website: www.agoodmomentcompany.ieInstagram: @agoodmomentcompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-good-moment-company/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agoodmomentcompany
Summary
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Roberta Rechena speaks with Donna Reilly about her journey from HR generalist to successful business owner in the wellness sector. They discuss the importance of well-being in the workplace, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of networking and community support. Donna shares her insights on maintaining personal wellness while managing a growing business and highlights the evolving landscape of workplace wellness post-COVID. The conversation concludes with Donna's future plans for her business and how she envisions the role of well-being in organizations moving forward.
Takeaways
The importance of having a supportive team to achieve business goals.
Well-being initiatives can significantly reduce absenteeism and increase engagement.
Transitioning from employee to business owner requires adaptability and resilience.
Networking with other business owners can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Self-awareness is crucial for maintaining personal well-being.
Perseverance is key in overcoming initial business challenges.
There is a strong sense of community among entrepreneurs in similar fields.
Success is measured not just by awards but by individual impacts on clients.
Workplace wellness is becoming an integral part of business culture.
Employees need to take ownership of their own well-being.
Sound Bites
"More people, please."
"It's a full life, controlled busy."
"Naivety was probably my biggest strength."
"Perseverance, 100% was a huge challenge."
"There's enough business to go around."
"It's about the individual impact."
"It's not going anywhere, it's here to stay."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
01:42 Transitioning from HR to Business Ownership
06:20 Building a Team and Overcoming Challenges
10:22 Perseverance and Networking in Business
15:36 Maintaining Wellness as a Business Owner
19:07 Common Challenges Among Entrepreneurs
24:49 Success Stories and Impact
27:35 Future Plans and Growth
30:13 The Evolving Landscape of Workplace Wellness
34:27 Connecting with Donna Reilly
Stay connected with Donna:
https://www.donnareillywellness.ie/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnareillywellness/
https://www.instagram.com/donnareillypeoplewellness/
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core and Form website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta is joined by Johanna, a talented photographer whose journey into the world of visual storytelling began in childhood. From a background in graphic design, Johanna transitioned into photography, where she now captures authentic moments in both family and brand settings. Her passion for preserving memories and her innovative approach to portraits bring a unique perspective to the craft.
Photography has always been a part of Johanna's life.
She transitioned from graphic design to photography.
Capturing moments allows people to relive emotions.
Printing photos enhances their emotional value.
Family photography captures the magic of everyday life.
Teenagers can be challenging subjects for photography.
Authenticity is key in brand photography.
Johanna aims to create stripped-down portraits.
The essence of a person can be captured without props.
Done is better than perfect when it comes to printing.
00:00 – Introduction and Icebreaker
03:08 – Journey into Photography
06:12 – The Evolution of a Photographer
09:03 – Capturing Moments: The Power of Photography
12:11 – The Importance of Printing Photos
14:54 – Bottling Up the Magic in Family Photography
18:09 – Challenges in Capturing Teenagers
21:04 – Brand Photography: Authenticity in Business
23:52 – Exploring New Portrait Concepts
27:03 – Conclusion and Future Directions
Connect with Johanna:
Free Education Resources:
Website: www.johannakingphotography.com
Instagram: @johannakingphotography
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johannakingphoto
Stay in touch with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core and Form website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode, Roberta Rechena shares her personal journey with manifestation, detailing her experiences and the challenges she faced after moving to Dublin. She introduces the concept of the 'cosmic kitchen' as a metaphor for manifesting desires and emphasises the importance of mindset and community support in achieving personal goals. Roberta encourages listeners to identify what they want, find their supportive tribe, and take proactive steps towards their aspirations.
Takeaways
Roberta shares her spontaneous decision to record this episode.
She discusses her family's move from Portugal to Dublin for better opportunities.
The concept of 'cosmic kitchen' is introduced as a way to manifest desires.
Roberta emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving goals.
She highlights the role of community in the manifestation process.
Roberta's experience with Yvonne Traken's Manifestation Challenge is shared.
The significance of knowing what you want is stressed.
Finding a supportive community is crucial for personal growth.
Roberta encourages listeners to take action instead of complaining.
She acknowledges the challenges of being in a new country with a young family.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Manifestation Journey
03:13 The Cosmic Kitchen Concept
05:46 Building a Supportive Community
09:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Stay connected with The Core Makers and visit their shop:
Instagram and website www.thecoremakers.com
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core and Form website
Book a Free Discovery Call: Schedule Here
Connect with Yvonne Tchrakian on Instagram
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta is joined by Janette and Deirdre, the powerhouse sisters behind Kays Flower School. With decades of experience, they’ve revolutionised floristry education in Ireland, making it more accessible and empowering, particularly for women seeking flexible and fulfilling careers. From traditional family business roots to pioneering online floral education, they’ve trained award-winning florists across Ireland and beyond.
Kay’s Flower School began in 1987 as Ireland’s first accessible floristry training center, founded by Janette and Deirdre’s mother, Kay.
The sisters pivoted to online teaching during the pandemic, creating a highly personal and interactive digital learning experience.
Their online floristry training has helped hundreds start new careers, particularly empowering women returning to the workforce.
The school has gained international recognition, winning “Floral Educator of the Year” in the U.S. and partnering with global floral influencers.
Graduates of Kays Flower School have gone on to win numerous industry awards and open successful businesses across Ireland and the UK.
Their courses are not only for aspiring business owners but also cater to hobbyists and those exploring creative passions.
00:01 – Meet Janette and Deirdre of Kays Flower School
01:00 – Flower Icebreaker: What flower would you be?
04:00 – The Story Behind Kays Flower School
07:00 – Pivoting During the Pandemic: Going Online
11:00 – Creating a Personal Online Learning Experience
20:00 – Going Global: Teaching in the U.S. and Beyond
26:00 – Student Success Stories
31:00 – Shifting Careers and Creative Fulfilment
36:00 – Emotional Power of Flowers
37:00 – How to Get Started with Kays Flower School
Connect with Kays Flower School:
Website: https://www.kaysflowerschool.comInstagram: @kaysflowerschoolLinkedIn: Kay’s Flower School
Free taster course: https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/free-flower-course
Listen to Kays Flower School Podcast
Connect with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesignConnect on LinkedIn: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call: Contact Page
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta is joined by Louise Langton, founder of Social Tailor. Louise is a creative force with a background in brand and web design who has recently transitioned to focus more on social media. Known for her warm energy and genuine presence, Louise shares her journey of evolving her business, the power of staying true to your lane, pricing with confidence, and how embracing tech like AI is transforming her creative workflow.
Takeaways
Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Louise Langton and Social Tailor 01:44 – What would your billboard say? 04:12 – Staying in your lane and avoiding comparison 06:42 – Keep moving: the power of momentum 08:30 – Quick decisions and learning through trial 09:24 – How Social Tailor came to be 12:20 – Transitioning from web design to social media 19:44 – Talking on stories and showing up online 25:10 – The pricing mindset: experience, value, and clarity 37:33 – Knowing when to say no to underpriced work 45:50 – The value of honest business conversations 50:10 – Scaling vs. staying solo 57:10 – Email boundaries and workflow strategies 1:00:33 – Using AI to support creativity and business growth 1:10:38 – What’s next for Social Tailor?
Stay connected with Louise Langton:
Website: https://socialtailor.ie/ Instagram: @socialtailor.ie LinkedIn: Louise Langton
Resources mentioned:
Stay connected with Roberta:
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Roberta welcomes Marisa Soares to share her inspiring journey from being a teacher in Portugal to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the field of bilingual education. She discusses her experiences living in Dubai, the challenges of transitioning from a traditional teaching role to running her own business, and the importance of innovation in education. Marisa also offers valuable insights on raising bilingual children, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the significance of treating a passion-driven business as a legitimate enterprise. The conversation concludes with Marisa's future plans for her educational resources and publishing endeavors.
Takeaways:
Sound Bites
"I've lived a thousand lives."
"It's never too late."
"We are creators of our lives."
"It's a roller coaster."
"Treat your business as a business from day one."
"All the cliches are true."
"I work with kids so I have fun all day."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
02:30 Marisa's Journey to Dubai
06:46 Transitioning from Teacher to Entrepreneur
12:51 Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges
17:40 Innovating in Education: Resources and Publishing
20:57 Raising Bilingual Children: Insights and Advice
28:07 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
31:08 Advice for Female Entrepreneurs
36:16 Future Plans for Yay
Stay connected with Marisa and IEI:
website: https://iei.pt
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iei.pt
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-soares-iei/
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Roberta Rechena discusses the essential elements that every website needs to build trust and convert visitors into paying clients. She emphasizes the importance of clear messaging, professional design, social proof, effective calls to action, and trust signals. By focusing on these key areas, business owners can create a credible online presence that encourages engagement and sales.
Takeaways
Your website is your digital storefront.
Clear messaging is crucial for visitor engagement.
Keep content concise to cater to short attention spans.
A professional design enhances credibility.
Social proof is vital for building trust.
A clear call to action drives conversions.
Trust signals reassure visitors of your legitimacy.
Include personal elements to foster connection.
Contact information should be easily accessible.
Utilize a checklist to ensure all elements are covered.
Chapters
00:00 Building Trust Through Your Website
11:51 Key Elements for Conversion
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast our host Roberta is joined by Celine Gill shares her unique journey into interior design, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, sensory experiences, and biophilic design in creating harmonious living spaces. She offers practical tips for homeowners feeling overwhelmed by their spaces and discusses her aspirations for the future of her business.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Icebreaker
02:04Celine's Journey into Interior Design
05:04Sustainability in Interior Design
09:55Understanding Sensory and Biophilic Design
22:46Practical Tips for Overwhelmed Homeowners
27:54Future Aspirations and Inspirations
Stay connected with Celine Gill:
website: https://styleatno5.com/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styleatno5/
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celine-gill-2b96753/
Book mentioned:
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Stay connected with Roberta:
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands podcast, Emma Walker shares her inspiring career journey from PR and communications to entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running her own business, the importance of leadership coaching, and her experiences navigating gender dynamics in the workplace. Emma emphasizes that leadership is not about being born a leader but about hard work and authenticity. She also reflects on her recognition in the 30 under 30 awards and offers valuable advice to her younger self about embracing change and the concept of 'never'.
Stay Connected with Emma Walker:
Connect with Emma on Linkedin
Walker & Co website: walkerandco.ie
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenanfformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Roberta speaks with Michelle Lacey about her transformative journey from being a Montessori teacher to embracing holistic therapy. They discuss the profound impact of grief on personal growth, the healing power of Reiki, and the signs of connection that can be felt after losing loved ones. Michelle shares her experiences with grief, the lessons learned, and how she found her purpose in helping others heal emotionally and spiritually. In this conversation, Michelle and Roberta explore the themes of signs from the universe, energy healing, and the power of manifestation through vision boards. They discuss personal experiences with receiving signs, the importance of intention in energy work, and the transformative nature of group workshops. Michelle shares insights into her healing practices and upcoming plans for retreats, emphasizing the significance of self-care and personal growth.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
11:56 The Impact of Grief on Personal Growth
18:03 Finding Signs and Connection After Loss
24:38 Signs from the Universe
31:49 Workshops and Group Healing
39:59 Vision Boards and Manifestation
Stay Connected with Michelle Lacey:
Connect on Instagram
Learn more at her website: michellelacey.energy
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenanfformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Roberta takes you behind the scenes of how she launched her podcast, sharing her simple and manageable process. From planning and recording to editing and publishing, she breaks it all down so you can see how it’s possible to start your own podcast—even with a busy life as a designer, mom, and business owner.
Check the tools used and mentioned on the episode:
Recording and Magic clips: Riverside
Project Management: Dubsado
Editing episodes: Premiere Pro
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• The planning process: How to outline topics, schedule episodes, and invite guests.
• Recording tools and equipment: Roberta keeps it simple with a Blue Yeti microphone, Google Docs, and Riverside for intuitive recording and editing.
• Editing and publishing: Why templates and tools like Premiere Pro and Spotify Creators make the process easier.
• Promotion and guest collaboration: Using clips from guest episodes to boost reach and engagement on social media.
• Key takeaways for keeping your podcast low-stress, fun, and rewarding.
Takeaways:
• Start simple: Use tools and equipment that fit your budget and skills.
• Plan ahead: Create lists of topics and guests to stay organized and consistent.
• Automate when possible: Tools like Riverside’s “Magic Clips” make editing and social media sharing easier.
• Collaborate with guests: Share clips and promote episodes together for mutual growth.
• Have fun: Focus on enjoying the process and connecting with your audience.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Inspiration Behind the Podcast
02:00 - Planning Episodes and Inviting Guests
03:30 - Preparing for Guest Recordings
05:00 - Tools and Equipment for Recording and Editing
07:00 - Publishing and Distributing Episodes
08:30 - Promoting the Podcast and Engaging with Guests
Big Shoutout To: Abby from Wayfarer Design Studio for her valuable tips and inspiration.
Stay Connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesign and @thecoremakers
Subscribe to the Core Letters Newsletter for updates.
Visit the Core Brands Website.
Book a Free Discovery Call to collaborate!
Join the Conversation:
Thinking of starting your own podcast? Roberta would love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, or tips by sending her a message or tagging her on Instagram.
Tune in next week for another episode of the Core Brands Podcast!
In this episode of the Core Brands podcast, host Roberta chats with Niamh Moynihan, founder of Better Workday. They discuss Niamh's journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of tracking time for productivity. Niamh shares her insights on hustle culture, transitioning to a limited company, and building a flexible team. The conversation concludes with practical tips for creating a better workday and Niamh's future plans for her business.
Takeaways
Niamh's journey to entrepreneurship was fueled by her desire to help others succeed in their careers.
Balance in life is a dynamic process, not a fixed state.
It's important to focus on small moments that create a positive ripple effect for future generations.
Hustle culture can lead to burnout; intentional work is key.
Tracking hours can provide valuable insights into productivity and time management.
Transitioning to a limited company can simplify financial management.
Building a flexible team allows for adaptability and support in business.
Focusing on refining existing offerings can lead to greater success than constant expansion.
Practical tips can enhance daily work experiences and overall joy in work.
Embracing the good days and accepting the challenging ones is essential for a fulfilling work life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
06:09 Balancing Work and Family Life
12:03 Navigating Hustle Culture
17:47 Building a Flexible Team
24:49 Practical Tips for a Better Workday
Stay Connected with Niamh Moynihan:
Connect with Niamh on Linkedin
Follow Niamh on Instagram and TikTok: @abetterworkday
Learn more at her website:
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenanfformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this solo episode, Roberta reflects on her experiences in 2024, sharing both the highlights and challenges she faced. She discusses her personal and professional growth, including networking successes, a rebranding journey, and the importance of maintaining boundaries. Despite encountering difficulties, such as project delays and a troubling personal experience, Roberta emphasises gratitude for the positive aspects of her year and outlines her intentions for 2025, focusing on health, creativity, and connection.
Takeaways
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode, host Roberta shares her experience with a nightmare client, detailing the red flags she encountered, the communication breakdowns that led to project delays, and the emotional toll it took on her. She emphasizes the importance of having a contract, recognizing red flags, and maintaining boundaries in client relationships. Roberta also highlights the support she received from her network and offers advice on how to handle difficult clients in the future.
Takeaways
You're not alone in facing difficult clients.
Always have a signed contract before starting work.
Trust your intuition and recognize red flags early.
Communication should be clear and agreed upon.
Timely feedback is crucial for project success.
Volunteering personal time can lead to misunderstandings.
Emotional responses can cloud professional judgment.
Seek support from your network during tough times.
Set clear boundaries and stick to them.
Learn from negative experiences to improve future client relationships.
Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Nightmare Client Story
02:53 - Identifying Red Flags in Client Relationships
06:09 - Communication Breakdowns and Project Delays
08:54 - Confrontation and Emotional Impact
12:00 - Lessons Learned and Moving Forward14:57 - Support Systems and Setting Boundaries Big shout out to Network Ireland Dublin for their friendship and support 👯 Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this inspiring episode, Roberta interviews Karen McCarthy, the founder of The Simplified Social Media. Karen shares her unique journey from aspiring singer and journalist to a successful entrepreneur. She discusses overcoming her fear of being on camera, the importance of authenticity in client relationships, and her transition from one-to-one client work to group programs. Karen offers invaluable advice on balancing personal wellness with professional growth, selecting a profitable niche, and creating impactful online businesses.
Listeners will gain insights into Karen’s experiences in building her brand, fostering genuine client connections, and crafting a supportive community. The episode also highlights her proudest achievements and ambitious plans for new courses and content.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity in Business: Be genuine to attract the right clients and form meaningful connections.
Overcoming Fear: Embrace video content to connect with clients and grow your business.
Strategic Focus: Choose a niche that aligns with your passion and profitability.
Work-Life Balance: Wellness practices, like spending time with pets, are crucial.
Group Programs: Shift from one-to-one work to scalable solutions for better client impact.
Continuous Growth: Take breaks to gain clarity and focus on long-term goals.
Notable Quotes:
“Authenticity is the foundation of meaningful client relationships.”
“Being on camera scared me, but it became the gateway to real connections.”
“It’s important to align your work with your interests for lasting success.”
Chapter Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction and Icebreaker
08:31 – The Birth of Simplified Social Media
14:14 – Authenticity in Business Relationships
20:09 – Overcoming Camera Fear
27:40 – Balancing Work and Wellness
Stay Connected with Karen McCarthy:
Follow Simplified Social Media on Instagram: @simplifiedsocialmedia
Follow Small Dogs Big City on Instagram:
Visit The Simplified Social Media Website: https://www.thesimplifiedsocialmedia.com/
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenandformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
Redefining Success: Changing Careers in My Late 30s (Again!)
In this episode, host Roberta opens up about her unique career path, from her beginnings in art and design to navigating various professional roles and ultimately returning to her roots as a designer. Roberta shares pivotal experiences that taught her the value of embracing change and following her true passions. With a focus on authenticity and courage, she encourages listeners to be open to career shifts and to pursue what genuinely resonates with them, no matter where they are in life.
Key Takeaways
Pursuing multiple interests can lead to a fulfilling career.
It's okay to pivot and change directions professionally.
Aligning your career with your passions is essential for satisfaction.
Economic challenges can often be the catalyst for career transitions.
Toxic work environments may reveal the need for change.
Freelancing can help you stay engaged with your passion.
Authenticity is central to building a meaningful professional identity.
Support from loved ones can be invaluable in career transitions.
It's never too late to reconnect with your true calling.
Embracing change can unlock personal and professional fulfilment.
Chapters
00:00 - Journey of Transformation
Roberta introduces her journey, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her early career and the lessons learned along the way.
06:43 - Embracing Change and Creativity
She discusses the courage to embrace change, reconnect with creativity, and pursue meaningful work aligned with her true passions.
Stay connected with Roberta:
Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @corenanfformdesign
Connect on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates
Visit the Core Brands website
Book a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!
In this episode of Core Brands, host Roberta interviews Lyndsey, the founder of Kind Jewels, a brand that prioritizes ethical and sustainable jewelry practices. They delve into Lyndsey's inspiring journey from a corporate career to establishing her own business, driven by a life-changing trip to Africa that sparked her passion for ethical jewelry. Lyndsey shares how she built Kind Jewels, navigating challenges like finding reliable suppliers and maintaining transparency in gemstone sourcing. She also discusses her commitment to educating consumers about where their jewelry comes from and her upcoming initiatives, including recently launched ambassador program and online jewelry-making courses.
Key Takeaways
Notable Quotes
Chapter Highlights
Follow Lyndsey and Kind Jewels:
You can follow Kind Jewels on Instagram and explore everything they offer through the links provided. As a proud brand ambassador, I'm happy to share my link for any future purchases you make with Kind Jewels!
Stay connected with Roberta: