You ever catch yourself trying to control everything? Your kids’ moods, your business growth, the damn algorithm? Same.
In this episode, I dive into Stephen Covey’s concept of the Circle of Influence and the Circle of Concern, and how it’s completely reshaped the way I show up as a mom, entrepreneur, and human.
I talk about the six areas where we think we have control but really don’t, how to stop wasting energy on things that drain you, and how focusing on what’s actually in your circle of influence can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident.
I share real stories from my own castle life, motherhood chaos, and business messiness, all to show you that control isn’t the goal. Clarity is.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, reactive, or guilty for not doing enough, this conversation will help you refocus your energy on what truly matters so you can lead your business and your life with more peace and purpose.
Tune in, breathe out, and let’s get clear on what’s really yours to influence.
🎧 Listen now and learn:
💡 Want to go deeper? Join my free 5-day Where the F**k Should I Even Start? challenge, it’s short, potent, and will get you moving again with a clear 30-day action plan.
Click here to register for the next WTF-Challenge
The prompt I’m referring to in this episode and that you can use in your own AI tool:
Can you explain to me in a short, and clear manner what Covey’s Circles of Concern and Influence are. After that, can you tell me 4 or 5 points where in my life I act as if that area is in my Circle of Influence, while in reality it’s actually in my Circle of Concern? For each area you find, can you also tell me how I can grow and improve this?
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
I’ve been thinking a lot about how nature moves through the seasons… and how we, as entrepreneurs, rarely give ourselves permission to do the same.
In this episode, I’m unpacking the idea of winter energy. That natural pull to rest, reflect, and restore before stepping into a new year. We’ll talk about what it looks like to stop chasing the next big goal, how to bring more calm into Q4, and how to build a business that honors your own rhythm instead of fighting against it.
If you’ve been caught in the frenzy of launches, holidays, and motherhood, this is your reminder that slowing down should be a part of your strategy.
Inside, I share the four practices I’m using this season:
It’s real talk for mompreneurs who are tired of running on empty and ready to create a business that feels calm, clear, and aligned.
Listen now to learn how to tap into winter energy, and step into the next season of your business fully recharged.
Join now: the priority list for my FENNE Membership is open to women who want to become a founding member.
We’ll soon start up this community of wonderful women who know what it’s like to have both a business and a busy family life. It will be a safe space to share and be seen by women who get exactly what you’re going through.Resource-wise, I want to make this the place where you can come to run your business in the smoothest and easiest way. All so you can take control back over your time and spend it where it matters most to you.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
You know that feeling when you’re doing all the things in your business, but still not really moving forward?
That’s what happens when you haven’t made a clear decision about where you’re going.
This episode will help you change that. You’ll learn why vague direction always leads to vague results, and how one simple mindset shift can unlock clarity, productivity, and momentum.
We’ll unpack what Stephen Covey says on decision-making and how that applies to every part of your business and life. You’ll also hear a story that might surprise you: what horseback riding taught about leadership, focus, and the power of commitment. And how saying yes to a big dream (before knowing how it would happen) created an instant shift in energy and results.
If you’ve been waiting for the “how” before taking action… this episode will show you why your next level starts with deciding what you want, not how to get there.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Tune in if you’re ready to move from maybe to momentum, and finally start leading your business like the Vision Driven CEO you’re meant to be.
Would love to do all this but don’t know where to start? Download my free guide “Where the f*ck should I even start?!” to instantly get a grip on where you’re leaking time and balance, and how you can improve it. GRAB IT HERE!
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
You know that voice that whispers, “I’ll start when I’m ready”? Yeah, she’s a liar.
In this episode, I’m calling out the myth that confidence has to come before action. Because it doesn’t. Confidence is built through action, not before it. I’m breaking down why so many women wait to “feel qualified enough,” how that quiet perfectionism keeps you stuck, and why messy, imperfect movement is actually your fastest path to clarity.
I also share the real research behind the so-called “confidence gap” between men and women, plus what’s really happening when we keep buying more courses instead of just starting. Spoiler: it’s not lack of skill, it’s lack of clarity.
If you’ve ever delayed launching your offer, posting online, or raising your prices because you didn’t feel ready, this episode is your wake-up call.
Let’s talk about how to stop overthinking, start moving, and build the kind of confidence that actually lasts.
Ready to stop circling the same to-do list and finally move?Join me inside the WTF Challenge and I’ll walk you through five days of short, powerful exercises to turn your chaos into clarity and momentum. You’ll walk away with a 30-day action plan that actually feels doable.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
What if the reason you feel behind… is because you’re doing it right?
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what real, lasting change actually looks like. Especially when you’re building a business while juggling motherhood, messy systems, and the reality of, you know, only having 3 kid-free hours a day.
We’re talking about why so many mompreneurs feel like failures when they’re actually in the early (and most important) stages of transformation. And why going slow isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
Whether you’re trying to switch platforms, lose weight, or completely overhaul your business model (been there), this one’s your reminder: real change isn’t fast. It’s anchored.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
💌 PS: If your brain is screaming “Where the f**k do I even start?!” — join my free challenge. 5 days, delivered via email, to help you cut through the chaos and walk away with a focused 30-day plan. Next round starts October 20th.
SIGN UP HERE for the FREE WTF Challenge.
✨ Final Note:
Your change doesn’t have to be fast to be real. And just because someone else is speeding ahead doesn’t mean you’re behind. It might just mean you’re doing it right.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
You’re juggling kids, clients, a house that never seems clean, and a business that wants your attention 24/7. No wonder “balance” feels like a mythical creature. But unfortunately for you balance isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.
In this episode of Not That Kind of CEO, I’m breaking down the five work-life balance tips that actually work when you’re an entrepreneur and a mom. These aren’t fluffy “light a candle and journal” tips. We’re talking about the real shifts that let you breathe again, enjoy your kids, and still grow a business you love.
Here’s what I cover inside:
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re failing at both motherhood and business, this episode is your permission slip to stop chasing perfection and start creating real balance.
And if you’re nodding along thinking, “Okay, but where the f*ck do I even start?” I’ve got you. Download my free toolkit “Where the F**k Should I Even Start?” and in 20 minutes you’ll know exactly where the imbalance is hiding and how to take your first step out of chaos.
I see you. I’m rooting for your vision.Keep going, mama, you’re building something beautiful.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
What if the secret to nervous system regulation for entrepreneurs isn’t another meditation app, breathwork practice, or productivity hack, but actually doing something completely useless… and fun?
In this episode, I share how one spontaneous horseback riding lesson after twenty years cracked me wide open to the truth: I’d forgotten how to have fun for fun’s sake.
And as mompreneurs, we’re guilty of the same thing: we schedule rest like it’s another task, optimize play with our kids, and convince ourselves the to-do list has to be done before we can relax. Which, let’s be honest, never happens.
We dive into why your nervous system never truly turns off when you’re stuck in “go mode,” how that constant on-state is wrecking your creativity and joy, and why silly, purposeless play — whether it’s lying in the grass, coloring with your kids, or building Legos late at night — might be the most effective form of nervous system regulation for entrepreneurs.
If you’ve been waiting for permission to drop the productivity badge and let yourself play, this is it.
Links + Resources:
Grab my free clarity starter toolkit: Where the F**k Do I Even Start?
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
You ever have one of those days where you’re in the same shirt as yesterday, the house looks like a bead factory exploded, and you’re still supposed to show up like a CEO? Yep. That was me recording this episode. Cap on, messy office, zero perfection… but still showing up.
Because here’s the thing: perfectionism is killing your momentum. You keep stalling your posts, your launches, and your dreams. Not because you don’t know what to do, but because you’re waiting for it to look perfect first. And while you wait, you lose time, confidence, and progress that could have been yours.
If you’re listening while juggling a toddler or sitting in your own messy office, I want you to know: you’re not behind, you’re not failing. You’re human. And you’re building something that matters.
🧭 Here’s what I cover:
🧰 Links & Resources:
👉 Grab my free Power Hour Planner — the fastest way to build momentum without overthinking.
🧡 From my heart to yours:
You don’t need a spotless house, the perfect reel, or another certificate to move forward. You need clarity, courage, and a little consistency. I see you showing up, even on the messy days. You’re not alone in this. Keep going, mama, you’re building something beautiful.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
💫 What if success in your business wasn’t just about strategy, but about energy?
In this episode of Not That Kind of CEO, I sit down with Julia Stapleton, a manifestation mentor and frequencies expert, to explore how aligning your energy can transform your business, your mindset, and your life.
Julia’s background is a fascinating mix of tech and spirituality, after years in telecommunications working with frequencies, she had a powerful awakening that led her to apply these same principles to manifestation and business growth. Now, she helps entrepreneurs tune into their own energy to create success on a whole new level.
✨ In this episode, we dive into:
✔️ How frequency alignment plays a role in business success and personal growth
✔️ The connection between science, manifestation, and the power of the mind
✔️ The biggest misconceptions about intuition and how to strengthen yours
✔️ How to navigate burnout and stay in high frequency. Especially as a busy mompreneur
✔️ Whether AI and tech are blocking or enhancing our ability to tap into intuition
✔️ Julia’s personal journey from a logical, analytical thinker to a deeply intuitive mentor
🔥 If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck at an income plateau, drained by daily stress, or just curious about how to tap into your own intuitive power, this episode is for you!
🎁 Resources & Freebies from Julia:
✨ Grab Julia’s free Masterclass on Frequency Alignment
✨ Connect with Julia on Instagram: @alchemyofcreation_
🔔 Enjoyed this episode?
Screenshot this episode and tag us on Instagram @ayladenhartog & @alchemyofcreation_—we’d love to hear your biggest takeaways!
💡 Ready to step into your vision-driven CEO energy? Subscribe for more episodes that help you create a business and life that truly align with YOU!
Ever tried to run your business on three hours of sleep? Same. This week, my husband was away, the full moon hit, and my toddler decided night terrors were her new thing — so I hit record in the middle of it all to talk about what it really looks like to be a mom and an entrepreneur when you’re running on fumes.
In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest mistake I see mompreneurs make when they’re sleep-deprived (and yes, I’ve done it too), plus a more compassionate, strategic way to navigate those exhausting days. I walk you through the exact plan I lean on when I’m not at my best — so you can still move forward without burning out or spiraling.
This one’s for the moms who are building something beautiful… even when they’re barely holding it together.
🧭 Here’s what I cover:
🧰 Links & Resources:
👉 Grab your Power Hour Planner — and stop wasting time on the wrong things, even when you’re low on energy.
🧡 From my heart to yours:
If you’re exhausted and trying to make sh*t happen anyway, I see you. You’re not failing — you’re human. Let’s take care of you, so you can take care of what matters most.
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
Better yet: Get your weekly love letter! 💌 Because you rock, and you deserve a love letter!
Grab your free Power Hour Planner and fuel the fire under your business with 3-5 focused hours per week.
You’ve probably heard the term Zone of Genius tossed around… but are you actually working in it? Or are you stuck doing everything else — the things that leave you drained, second-guessing, and wondering if you’re even cut out for this?
In this episode of the FENNE Podcast, I’m unpacking the Zone of Genius framework and explaining why it’s more than just a feel-good concept — it’s a game-changing strategy for mompreneurs who want to stop spinning their wheels and start building real momentum.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re juggling babies and business, or just feel like you’ve lost your spark, this episode will help you reclaim your energy and fall in love with your business again.
🔗 Resources & Links
📘 Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
✨ Join the priority list for my upcoming group program
📲 Come say hi on Instagram @ayladenhartog
Are you working harder than ever, but still not seeing the results you crave? Feeling like something’s holding you back—but you can’t quite put your finger on it?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Reana Mulcahy, a master-certified neuro coach who helps entrepreneurs—especially mompreneurs—rewire their subconscious programming so they can thrive without burning out.
We dive deep into:
• What limiting beliefs really are (and how to spot yours)
• Why mindset beats strategy every time
• The hidden story behind imposter syndrome
• How subconscious beliefs form—and why they’re so damn hard to shake
• Tools to start reprogramming your brain today
Plus, I got real and personal as Dr. Reana walked me through uncovering my own limiting belief live on the show. (Yep, it got deep.)
If you’re a female entrepreneur ready to stop sabotaging your own success, this one’s a must-listen.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Reana’s program “Rewired to Thrive” (starts April)
Free Mindset Audit: Link in her Instagram bio
📲 Share your thoughts & tag us on Instagram: @dr.reanamulcahy @ayladenhartog
💬 DM me if you want more episodes like this!
Are you constantly in survival mode, running on fumes, and putting yourself last—again?
In this raw and honest episode, I share how I broke the cycle of resentment, burnout, and overwhelm every time my husband was away. You’ll hear how I shifted from yelling and chaos to presence and peace—without changing the kids or the schedule, but by changing how I showed up for myself.
We’ll explore:
• Why so many moms stay stuck in “last place” mode
• What it really means to take care of yourself (without the guilt)
• How putting yourself first can actually make you a better mom
• Tangible ways to get your joy and energy back—even when solo parenting
✨ Plus, I share what happened the night I finally let my daughter sleep next to me, and how it opened my heart in a way I didn’t expect.
🔗 Resources mentioned:
💥 Where the F**k Do I Even Start? Free Exercise Pack – designed for overwhelmed moms who want clarity, balance, and space to breathe.
If this episode hit home, take 30 seconds to do one thing that’s just for YOU today.
And remember: you’re not selfish, you’re setting the standard.
I love hearing your takeaways from the episode, come say a quick ‘hi’ on Instagram if you listened.
Feeling overwhelmed by tech in your business? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Sabatini, a tech educator & coach with over 35 years of experience, to make technology simple, stress-free, and profitable for mompreneurs.
Betsy shares how she went from running a brick-and-mortar business to fully scaling online and how YOU can use the right tech tools to create a more flexible, automated, and efficient business—without drowning in digital overwhelm.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ The must-have tech tools every online entrepreneur should know
✅ How to simplify & automate tasks (so you can work smarter, not harder!)
✅ Why Zoom is more than a video tool—and how to use it for business growth
✅ The biggest mistakes mompreneurs make when learning new tech
✅ How to make virtual events interactive & engaging (instead of boring webinars)
✅ The best AI-powered tools to save you time and boost productivity
Betsy also shares her favorite automation hacks, learning strategies, and top tech shortcuts to help you get more done—without feeling lost or frustrated.
🎧 Press play and learn how to make tech work FOR you, not against you!
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔗 Join Betsy’s Free Tech Playground Facebook Group
📌 Download her Free Tech Checklist
🎙️ Join Me at the Simple Tech Automation Summit!
If you’re ready to ditch the tech overwhelm and wow your clients with ease, don’t miss this free 3-day online summit from March 25–27, 2025.
🌟 I’ll be sharing how to create seamless client experiences that don’t require you to be involved in every step — so you can impress, automate, and scale with ease.
💎 Want lifetime access + exclusive bonuses? Snag the VIP Backstage Pass and get my Monthly Planner Notion Template as a bonus!
💡 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow mompreneur who needs to hear this!
📲 Tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway! 💖 @ayladenhartog
As a mompreneur, it’s easy to let health slide to the bottom of the priority list. Between running a business, taking care of the kids, and managing everything in between, workouts get skipped, stress piles up, and before you know it, you’re running on fumes. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal health journey—from struggling with insulin resistance, stress, and weight gain to finally finding an approach that works for me.
I’ll take you behind the scenes on how I’ve been balancing business, motherhood, and well-being, what I’ve changed in my routine, and why prioritizing my health has made everything else easier. Whether you’re feeling stuck in survival mode or just looking for inspiration to take better care of yourself, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The biggest mistake mompreneurs make when it comes to their health
✅ Why I ditched restrictive dieting & how I eat changed everything
✅ The one shift that eliminated my cravings & balanced my blood sugar
✅ How I’m using movement & stress management to get my energy back
✅ The tech & tracking tools I’m using to stay accountable
✅ How I’m finally making health a priority—without sacrificing my business
Resources & Links:
💡 Let’s connect! Find me on Instagram @ayladenhartog
📩 Loved this episode? Send me a DM with your biggest takeaway!
🎧 Found this helpful? Share it in your Stories & tag me!
Feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the chaos of business, family, and life? You’re not alone! In this episode, I share my personal journey through feeling stuck, how I recognized it, and the exact steps I took to move forward.
From journaling breakthroughs to using AI for mindset shifts—this is my tried-and-tested formula for getting unstuck.
If you’ve been feeling paralyzed by imposter syndrome or drowning in to-dos, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation to reclaim your momentum.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How I realized I was stuck and what caused it
✔️ The power of brain dumping
✔️ How tidying up my space clears mental clutter (without turning into a 3-day cleaning binge!)
✔️ The role of meditation and quiet reflection in resetting my energy
✔️ How I use AI (ChatGPT) as my digital mindset coach
Let’s Connect!
✨ Instagram: @ayladenhartog
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot and tag me on Instagram, or leave a review—it truly means the world. 💖
Welcome back to the Female Entrepreneurs Network Podcast, and to another Fantastic Female Friday! 🎉
Today, I’m joined by Megan Nolan, a powerhouse in the world of mind-body wellness who helps highly sensitive, ambitious women over 40 overcome high-functioning anxiety holistically. Living in beautiful Hawaii (yes, I’m a little jealous! 🌴), Megan has over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and yoga instructor. She’s on a mission to empower women with proven mind-body tools so they can excel in their lives without burning out.
In this inspiring episode, Megan and I discuss:
✅ The amount ****of entrepreneurs struggling with anxiety and mental health – and how to shift the conversation.
✅ The power of nervous system regulation and how stress affects your mindset and business.
✅ The biggest mistake ambitious women make (hint: running on empty!) and how to break the cycle.
✅ Power Pauses – the game-changing micro-breaks that can recharge your energy in just two minutes.
✅ How to design a wellness plan that fuels both your business and personal life.
✅ The importance of starting your day with intention – plus Megan’s AMPLIFY morning routine method.
🚀 BONUS: Megan even guides us through a live Power Pause exercise to help you feel more grounded, present, and powerful – don’t miss it!
👉 Want to connect with Megan? Download her Power Pause Pocket Guide at giftfrommegan.com
💡 If you loved this episode, share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs a reminder to slow down and refuel!
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
Grab your free Balance Toolkit to start identifying what you can delegate and create more balance in your life.
What if the secret to a thriving business wasn’t working harder—but working smarter?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, drowning in endless to-dos, and never having enough time for the things that truly matter, this episode is for you. Too many mompreneurs believe that doing everything themselves is the only way to keep their business running smoothly. But what if that belief is holding you back?
In this episode, we dive into:
✔️ The biggest mindset blocks that keep mompreneurs stuck in the cycle of doing everything themselves
✔️ Why delegation isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your business growth
✔️ How to identify what you can outsource today to reclaim your time and energy
✔️ The power of stepping into your role as a Vision Driven CEO
Episode reference: Outsmart perfectionism: boost your business with these techniques
🔹 Grab your free Balance Toolkit to start identifying what you can delegate and create more balance in your life.
🔹 Join the Priority List for my upcoming group program, where we tackle vision, systems, and balance for sustainable success.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow mompreneur who needs to hear this message. Let’s create more freedom, more joy, and a business that supports your life—not the other way around.
✨ It’s not about doing less. It’s about living more. Let’s make it happen.
🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Your support helps us reach more mompreneurs on their journey to success!
FOLLOW AYLA: @ayladenhartog
In this episode of The Female Entrepreneurs Network Podcast, I sit down with Nikki Lindgren, founder of Pennock, a digital marketing agency specializing in paid media and SEO for emerging DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands.
Nikki shares her journey from growing up in a 400-person town in Minnesota to running a fully remote, female-led agency in San Francisco, helping brands scale from $1M to $10M in revenue. We dive into:
✅ The surprising way she transitioned from corporate marketing to launching her agency (while 6 months pregnant with her third child!)
✅ How Pennock prioritizes female leadership and mom-friendly work culture
✅ Balancing business and motherhood while working alongside her husband
✅ Why moms make the best entrepreneurs (hello, multitasking superpowers!)
✅ Scaling a team and the key mindset shifts needed to build a sustainable, successful business
Plus, Nikki gets real about the challenges of perfectionism, fun in entrepreneurship, and staying connected to her vision. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating business growth and family life, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
🔗 Connect with Nikki: Pennock.co
🎧 Listen now and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!
Better yet: Get your weekly love letter! 💌 Because you rock, and you deserve a love letter!
Think company values are just for big corporations? Think again. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a small, flexible team, having clear values can be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, I dive deep into why defining your values is crucial for decision-making, avoiding burnout, and building a business that aligns with the life you actually want.
I share my own values, real-life stories (including lessons from my time at Hilton and a sales-driven recruitment agency), and actionable steps to define your own guiding principles. Plus, I give you a simple exercise to uncover your core values today!
What You’ll Learn:
✨ Why solopreneurs need company values just as much as big businesses
✨ How values help with consistency, decision-making, and avoiding burnout
✨ Real-life examples of values in action (from my own business and past jobs)
✨ A simple exercise to define your own values in minutes
✨ How to use values to attract the right clients and make aligned business decisions
🎯 Your Challenge: Define your top three business values today! Write them down, make them visible, and start using them as your business compass.
🔗 Resources & Next Steps:
✅ Download the FREE Balance Toolkit – your first step to building a vision-driven business
✅ Connect with me on Instagram for more insights and behind-the-scenes: @ayladenhartog
💬 Let’s continue the conversation! What are your top three business values? DM me or share them in your stories and tag me!
🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs who need more clarity and alignment in their business!