Hello, hello — and welcome back to the show!
It’s been a minute.
The last time you heard from me, we’d just arrived in Greece. I was recording under those gorgeous trees, with cicadas louder than my mic. It was beautiful, but not ideal for a podcast. So, I decided to take a break.
Key word: decided.
In this episode, I’m sharing why I pressed pause on posting and podcasting, what the past six months of travel taught me, and how I’m coming back with more clarity and excitement than ever.
Because no, this wasn’t burnout. It was alignment — the strategic kind.
The difference between fire and flow — and why we need both → Fire is the structure, the systems, the strategy. → Flow is the joy, the intuition, the being.
How taking six months off to travel with my family helped me reset my goals and reconnect with what freedom actually looks like
Why I believe alignment isn’t about doing what feels good in the moment — it’s about intentional decisions backed by strategy
How I’m building and planning for 2026
The 9-part Fire + Flow Framework: strategy, systems, and support — and how each area fuels a different kind of freedom
This episode includes: Why I still believe in balance (and what it actually means when you’re running a business, raising a family, and living life on your terms)
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Most of us don’t start businesses or step into new roles dreaming of being a leader. We start because we’re great at what we do.
But here’s the kicker: being great at what you do isn’t enough to grow a business. At some point, the work shifts from doing the thing to leading the people who do the thing. And that’s a whole different skill set.
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Lincolne, leadership coach and CEO of Incredible People, to unpack what that transition really looks like.
We cover:
The critical difference between managing tasks and leading people (and why your team needs both).
The hardest (and most freeing) shift for founders: letting go of being the best technician and learning to create the environment where others can shine.
Why feedback and purpose are the two most underrated leadership superpowers.
How to approach hiring in small businesses where every choice counts.
The Momentum Framework—a simple 3-part structure to help you grow into the kind of leader people actually want to follow.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it as a leader, or you’ve realised being excellent at what you do won’t take you to the next level, this conversation will give you both clarity and practical steps to grow into the leader your business - and your team - needs.
Click here to connect with Natalie on LinkedIn.
Click here to learn more about LEAD LAB ™
Want More?
Episode Title: They Told Me I Was Crazy
Note: you can totally hear the cicadas in this episode - noted - I’ll move inside for the next one!
Yes, people told me I was crazy when I…
Let go of 75% of our revenue
Restructured my team
Shutting down a profitable branch of the business
Pulled my kids out of school
And said goodbye to winter - for good
Yes, people told me I was crazy.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Right now, I’m writing this from Greece, where I am all summer - in our rental at the beach.
In this raw and real episode, I’m sharing the story behind how I got here - and guide you through a process to start walking towards your own version of freedom too.
This is your permission slip (not that you need one!) to dream bigger, choose differently, and design a life that feels like living.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: Anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Still doing everything yourself in your freelance business?
Want to (and know you need to) delegate but can’t afford it?
I’ve been there.
In this episode, we dive into how to delegate (even with a teeny tiny budget), why you don’t need to wait, and how buying back just a few hours a week can unlock serious business growth.
You’ll learn exactly what to outsource, how to find affordable help, and—most importantly—how to use that freed-up time to upgrade your marketing, craft high-ticket offers, and build a sales system that connects you with the right clients.
Because it’s time to stop having just a job… and start building a real business.
What You’ll Learn:
Why doing everything yourself is keeping you stuck
How to hire help for under $100 per month
10+ examples of what to delegate first (especially for social media freelancers)
How to use your free time to raise rates and attract better clients
What a “4x ROI hire” looks like—and how it fuels growth
How to shift from freelancer with a job to CEO with a business
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
(Or DM me the word CEO on IG)
Claim your free Strategy Call here: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
In this episode, Annelise sits down with Shaye Thyer, founder of Pallas, a financial consultancy helping women turn their businesses into profitable assets. Yes, ASSET.
Content like this is important, because when we know our numbers, we can reverse engineer our goals, and make better business decisions. When we do - absolutely anything is possible!
If you're ready to stop winging it with your pricing, get real about your revenue goals, and unlock a business that actually serves your life - instead of consuming it - this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why pricing based on your old job salary is keeping you stuck
How to define your Enough Number (and why it changes everything)
The real reason women undercharge - and how to shift that story
What metrics actually matter when you're scaling sustainably
How to design a business that fits your season of life
Why your business is an asset (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet)
The financial team every business owner needs—and how to make them work for you
Episode Highlights:
– What a “financial feminist” is (and why it matters)
– The biggest pricing mistake women make
– Self-worth, value, and the emotional side of money
– Group coaching, inner critics, and collective breakthroughs
– Your Enough Number and how to hit it
– What financial independence really looks like in business
– Stop letting your accountant surprise you at tax time
– Building your finance support crew with confidence
– Aligning your model to your season (yes, you can scale without burnout)
– Why working less doesn’t mean earning less
– How women can build and sell businesses on their terms
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Ever wondered if your side hustle could turn into an 8-figure national brand?
In this episode, Annelise sits down with Susan Toft, the powerhouse behind Laundry Lady - a business that started in her spare room and now spans over 300 teams across Australia and New Zealand.
From doing laundry herself as a new mum to pitching on Shark Tank, Susan shares the gritty truth about growing a purpose-led, flexible business that empowers others while juggling single motherhood, self-doubt, and scrappy start-up solutions.
This one’s a must-listen if you’re building a business on your terms and dreaming of scaling - without losing your freedom.
How Susan turned a $5K grant into a national business model
What actually prepared her for Shark Tank
Why building systems from the ground up was her secret weapon
What investors look for (and what they don’t say out loud)
The power of mission-driven marketing when you’re talking to two audiences
Highlights:
01:15 – What is Laundry Lady? (And why everyone needs it after a family trip!)
04:00 – How Susan became the “OG Laundry Lady” after leaving corporate life
07:40 – Scaling from local to national with a bootstrap budget
10:50 – The reality of juggling growth, divorce, and full-time work
15:00 – Building a team and learning to lead (while letting go)
20:30 – The myth of “balance” and the truth about flexible business models
26:15 – Behind the scenes of Shark Tank – and what came after
33:00 – Raising capital, founder self-belief, and standing strong in your values
39:45 – Marketing to two audiences with the same story
Learn More About Laundry Lady:
Website: https://www.laundrylady.com.au
Instagram: @laundryladyaus
Want more …
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Overworked and underpaid?
Here’s the brutal nutshell: You’re stuck on the Freelancer Treadmill Trap.
It looks like this… overcommitting and saying YES to everything … charging too little so you end up doing everything solo … filling your diary but still scraping by … letting delivery crush your marketing and strategy time … burning out and resenting the work … watching revenue dip when projects end … and spiraling into self-doubt when you’re too drained to fix any of it.
Without a clear Map, you’re guessing at what matters; without a solid Vehicle, you’re stuck manually chasing every lead; and without a trusted Crew, you’re carrying the entire load alone.
It feels like this … exhaustion, occasional wins, and a nagging sense that something’s fundamentally off.
In this episode, I guide you through stepping off the treadmill and into a CEO mindset. You’ll hear exactly how to draft your Map, assemble the Vehicle that runs on autopilot, and recruit the Crew that lightens your load.
Tune in to discover how to break the burnout cycle and finally get on a path where your income matches your effort!
Ever feel that sinking feeling when you see that client’s name pop up in your inbox? You’re not alone. Some clients just aren’t worth the stress—no matter how much they pay.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 5 biggest red flags that tell you it’s time to cut ties and move on. Because your business (and your sanity) deserve better.
Inside this episode, we cover:
🚩 The DM Dread – If waking up to their messages stresses you out, you’re starting the day on the wrong foot.
🚩 The Repeated Questions – Repeating yourself 10x? They’re either not listening or not respecting your time.
🚩 The Scope Creep Monster – When “just one more thing” becomes a never-ending to do list.
🚩 The Revision Spiral – Work gets approved, then changed, then changed again… and again.
🚩 The Payment Problem – Late invoices? “Forgetting” to pay? Uh no - you don’t work for free.
If you’re constantly dealing with one or more of these things - bending over backward for clients who drain your energy, it’s time to make a change.
You are not a pretzel. You deserve better.
I’ll walk you through how to spot these red flags early, set better boundaries, and confidently (and kindly) let go of clients who just aren’t the right fit.
Tune in now and let’s talk about how to protect your time, energy, and business growth.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
In this episode, I sit down with Kehla G to delve into the intriguing topics of Human Design and Gene Keys and their potential impact on business strategy.
As someone who holds an alternate belief system to human design, I asked Kehla in depth questions to understand how these concepts play into my own belief, and determine if human design could play a role in shaping your business decisions.
Kehla brought insightful perspectives and answered each challenge with clarity and depth.
Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will give you valuable takeaways on how understanding your unique design can shift or complement the way you approach your business.
Tune in to hear us discuss:
The basics of Human Design and Gene Keys
How these concepts relate to decision-making in business
The potential for using these tools to align your business with your personal strengths
And some real-world examples of how they've been applied - including Kehla speaking into my own human design and gene key charts.
If you're looking to rethink your business strategy for alignment or just curious about these alternative frameworks, this episode is for you!
More about Kehla:Based in Victoria, BC, Kehla G is a bold 6/2 Sacral Generator and a leading Human Design & Gene Keys Business Coach for entrepreneurs. She empowers business owners to elevate and expand by integrating their unique energetic blueprint into business strategies, ensuring every move aligns with their natural gifts. Known for her raw, edgy, and no-BS approach, Kehla cuts through the noise of the online world, sparking real, courageous transformations. Her work bridges spirituality with practical business strategy, helping entrepreneurs create scalable, purpose-driven businesses rooted in fair exchange. You can catch her 2.5% top-ranked podcast, Living in Fierce Alignment, where she’s released over 430+ episodes and hosted more than 120+ powerful interviews.
Connect with Kehla:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kehlag/Podcast: living in fierce alignment
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/living-in-fierce-alignment/id1456420158
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4iBwSg4GewcnyfSZyZvpO6?si=6e1234a5231b42bb
Decode Your Genius Masterclass (Live on Feb 24th 12pm PST):https://www.kehlag.com/decodeyourgenius
Actualize Your Genius with the Pearl Sequence eBook:https://www.kehlag.com/actualizewithyourpearl
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here:http://freeceo.tech
Ever feel like you need to be someone else to show up confidently online? You're not alone.
In this podcast episode, I chat with Jacqui Maloney, expert speaker coach, about stepping into confidence, building influence, and playing a strategic role both on social media and within your business.
We dive into:
How to show up with confidence—even when you don’t feel it
The difference between authenticity and performance on social media
Why influence isn’t just about visibility—it’s about owning your voice
How speakers and creators use strategic personas to connect with their audience
Practical tips to develop a magnetic online presence
If imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or fear of being too exposed is holding you back, this episode will shift your mindset and help you own your influence.
Check out the episode and let me know your biggest takeaway by DMing on Instagram.
Connect with Jacqui:
www.instagram.com/jacquimaloneycoaching/
Create your own speaker bio:
https://jacqui-maloney.mykajabi.com/speakers-template-opt-in
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
How much should you REALLY share on socials?
Personal branding can feel like a tightrope walk. You want to be authentic, but you also need to be strategic—so where's the line?
In my latest podcast episode (The Podcast with Annelise Worn), I sit down with Personal Brand Strategist, Belle Rape to tackle this and much more about personal branding.
We dive into:
The biggest mistakes people make when building their brand
How to decide what and how much to share
Why your brand isn’t just about you
How to craft a brand presence that builds trust & drives business
If you're trying to strike the perfect balance between showing up as YOU and staying intentional, this episode is a must-listen.
Then hop into my DMs and let me know what you think.
Connect with Belle: Website: www.blueprintbybelle.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellerape/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bellerape/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/belle.darden WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
Building a self-led agency team starts with giving them the freedom to own their roles, make decisions, and drive results. It’s about creating a clear vision and setting up systems that empower your team to work independently while ensuring they hit the key metrics that matter most.
When your team knows exactly what’s expected of them—backed by training, mentoring, and accountability—it’s easier to step back and let them take the reins. But it’s not just about trust; it’s about structuring roles and KPIs to deliver results that 4x your investment. Plus, tying their success to personal goals like bonuses or flexibility adds a layer of motivation that fuels growth.
Learn how to create a team that doesn’t need constant oversight to achieve amazing outcomes, while giving you the space to scale your business with confidence.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
I get asked a lot how I manage to run 2 successful businesses, homeschool four kids, and do it while travelling the world. So in this episode of The Podcast, I'm sharing the systems and strategies that make it all possible, allowing me to work just 3-5 hours a day, have time for exercise and with hubby, plus lots of time having fun.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of my exact daily schedule this year. I’m all about simplicity and systems. I’ll share how I’ve set up my businesses that allow me to work just 3-5 hours a day and still keep everything running smoothly.
We’ll dive into:
My Worldschooling Schedule: How I balance homeschooling with running my business while traveling.
Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Business Systems: How I’ve broken down my tasks into manageable chunks to create maximum efficiency.
Time Blocking: How I plan ahead and block time for key areas of my business: marketing, sales, service delivery, finance and legal, wellbeing, and impact.
Planning for Success: How staying organized and intentional about my time allows me to achieve big goals without overworking myself.
Tune in to learn how you can apply these systems to create more freedom and flow in your own business, so you can live life on your terms.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
We talk about marketing and sales a lot.
But the truth about running an agency - or any business is that once you crack the code - marketing and sales become the easiest part of running your business.
The harder part is maintaining excellence and delivering quality results.
The way we make this simple is to productise your service.
That is, create a consistent framework for strategy, implementation, analysis and optimisation that you can repeat for every client.
You’ll love it because it’s clear, and simple - goodbye crazy mental load!!
Your team will love it because they know what good looks like and can get on a roll with clients.
Your clients will love it because they feel supported, and get fantastic results.
And there you have it - the win win win of beautiful business.
Tune in.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
Didn’t get as much time off as you wanted this Christmas / NY break?
Then it probably feels like you can’t grow.
Like there’s never enough profit.
You need to oversee everything,
You need to check all the work.
Or … clients won’t get results.
Clients will be mad.
Clients will leave.
You won’t even have a business anymore.
If that’s where you’re at... The truth is, you’re the bottleneck that’s keeping you small.
Ouch.
The other truth is, there is a way to grow without sacrificing your profit, the quality, your clients OR your sanity.
Tune in to learn how.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
Running your business without systems is like baking a cake with no recipe—it’s gonna be a mess. (Speaking from experience on both counts - eek!)
Today, we’re talking about streamlining, automating, and building processes so you can focus on what you do best: delivering results.
No more flying by the seat of your pants fighting fires, let’s get your business working like a well oiled machine.
You’ll learn …
Why processes matter, and how they simplify your day-to-day so you’re not reinventing the wheel for every client.
A breakdown of the 7 key systems every freelance agency needs—from marketing and sales to people and finances.
Simple steps to create sub-systems that keep you organised and consistent, freeing up time for what really matters.
How focusing on wellbeing and impact ensures that growth doesn’t come at the cost of your health or your values.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
In this episode, we’re diving into the process of creating a CEO-level schedule that supports your biggest goals—both in business and life.
We’ll explore how to use your North Star vision as a guide, plan key events and sales activities throughout the year, and ensure your well-being is a top priority.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal; this is about building a flexible map that can adapt as you move forward.
You’ll learn how to:
How to solidify your North Star and use it as a compass for your entire year.
Strategies for planning your calendar with essential milestones, events, and revenue-generating activities.
The importance of integrating well-being blocks into your weekly and annual schedule.
How to map out recurring tasks, creative work time, and team calls in a way that supports sustainable growth.
Why it’s okay to pivot, adjust, and take the scenic route as your goals and circumstances evolve.
Enjoy the episode!
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
In today’s episode, we have a fantastic and very informative chat with Stacey Hanke.
Being a pioneer in influential communication strategies, with 20 years research behind her, we discuss the things that really matter and how we can communicate as a leader, including:
Building trust before we have influence
Mindful listening
Understanding our approach
External perceptions
Being authentically visible in a way that builds trust and influence.
Stacey Hanke, began her career in voice-overs, learning that every word matters and delivery is the key to being remembered. After twenty years of research, Stacey learned that titles don’t matter. Real influence requires trust and credibility—two factors determined by how we show up, communicate, and connect. Because of this, professionals at any level can influence action, motivate decisions, and drive momentum in every conversation.
Stacey empowers Fortune 500 executives to raise their awareness and see themselves through the eyes and ears of their listeners. By doing so, she helps leaders uncover distractions that keep them from achieving unparalleled success.
Stacey’s transformative, humor-filled presentations teach audiences to replace modern communication hurdles with proven strategies that capture attention, authentically connect, and move people to action. From high-stakes presentations to casual conversations, prepare to
elevate your communication skills and raise your level of influence, Monday to Monday®.
Connect with Stacey:
Website: www.staceyhankeinc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/staceyhanke
Facebook: facebook.com/StaceyHankeInc
Instagram: instagram.com/staceyhankeinc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/staceyhankeinc
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
I sat down with Anna Brambilla from Time Maximizers to talk all things virtual assistants (VAs)—why you might need one, how to find the perfect fit, and what to do once they’re on board.
We cover:
The challenges that lead coaches & solopreneurs to hire a VA
Mistakes to avoid when hiring
How to prepare your business for a VA
If you’re ready to reclaim your time and considering hiring your first team member - this one is for you!
Anna’s mission is to show coaches and consultants how they can reclaim their time, and grow their businesses by outsourcing the right support.
With 20+ years as a recruiter and job search coach, Anna has helped hundreds of professionals uncover opportunities and navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. She empowers others to see their potential and take bold steps forward.
As a business owner, Anna mastered the art of leveraging virtual assistants to scale her operations and focus on what matters most. This inspired her to launch Time Maximizers, a VA recruitment company that connects entrepreneurs with perfect-fit assistants through a simple, personalized process.
Connect with Anna:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabrambilla/
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
Ever wondered what it really takes to give a TEDx talk?
In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey from the initial idea spark to standing on that iconic red circle.
We'll explore the challenges of finding a TED-worthy idea, the refining process, the struggles with memorization, and the importance of performance.
This experience took way more from me than I’d imagined, and also gave me so much more.
Enjoy!
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
