In this episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair continues her “10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship” series with a powerful reflection on the emotional side of business.

Laura opens up about what it really means when your work is personal — but how you can choose not to take it personally. From crying over canceled gym memberships to navigating client transitions in her coaching business, Laura shares what she’s learned about separating identity from feedback, finding peace in rejection, and showing up with emotional maturity as an entrepreneur.

If you’ve ever felt hurt when a client moved on, a project didn’t land, or your hard work wasn’t appreciated, this episode will give you a fresh perspective (and probably a few deep sighs of relief).

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Welcome back & Lesson 3 intro

01:00 – The emotional side of entrepreneurship

02:30 – The difference between “personal” and “taking it personally”

03:45 – When clients cancel: lessons from the early gym days

05:15 – Members vs. friends: learning boundaries in business

06:40 – Applying the lesson to her coaching business

08:00 – The mindset shift: staying objective

08:45 – Example: feedback from her team

10:30 – You can’t please everyone (and that’s okay)

11:15 – Emotional freedom in business

12:00 – Closing reflections & takeaway

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this powerful, very human episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with trauma specialist and author Dawn Taylor—aka the “ass-kicker, hope-giver” behind The Taylor Way. They unpack what trauma really is (hint: it’s not only the “big T” moments), how it shows up in entrepreneurship, motherhood, hiring, launches, and everyday reactions (yes, even the McDonald’s drive-thru). You’ll hear Dawn’s extraordinary story, why typical talk therapy isn’t the only path, and practical ways to start healing—without tying your self-worth to your business.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Welcome & why this matters

01:23 – What counts as trauma?

02:05 – Meet Dawn

03:14 – Dawn’s book

03:55 – Dawn’s backstory (content note: abuse, suicidality, medical trauma)

07:23 – The turning point

08:16 – When common modalities don’t fit

09:41 – Building a toolbox

10:58 – Doing this work full-time

12:28 – Big T vs. little t

14:00 – “It’s not nothing”

15:53 – Where to start healing

18:05 – Hyper-custom sessions (real examples)

22:30 – Trauma costs money

24:15 – Why people avoid healing

27:03 – The McDonald’s drive-thru story

33:14 – Motherhood, entrepreneurship & being chosen

35:12 – You are not your business

37:26 – Rejection vs. selection

39:25 – Self-inquiry that helps

42:53 – Parting wisdom (and humor)

Dawn's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetaylorwaynow/

Website: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/

Book: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/shop?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafD4EQouY9EIr739cWDYOMJKUkU9AM8bnbhAmtiQMDktJ12yu1SJ6bSiD_GHw_aem_VI3B33B5_ahlp9OSrYN-SA

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode, host Laura Sinclair continues her 10-part series celebrating a decade of entrepreneurship by sharing her second big lesson: the power of doing the right thing.

With honesty and reflection, Laura dives into how integrity has shaped her reputation, guided her decisions, and created opportunities she never expected. From her early gym-owner days and hard lessons with contracts, to navigating client commitments with compassion, Laura explains why reputation and relationships are everything in business.

Whether you’re building your first side hustle or scaling a six-figure brand, this conversation will inspire you to consider not just what’s profitable, but what’s right.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Introduction

01:15 – Why integrity matters

02:27 – The grocery cart metaphor

03:45 – Contracts vs. humanity

04:43 – Reputation is everything

06:10 – The cost of ignoring integrity

07:05 – Opportunities from integrity

09:29 – Owning mistakes

11:10 – Nice guys don’t finish last

12:00 – The difference between integrity and being a pushover

13:00 – Looking ahead

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with leadership coach and podcast host Heather Chauvin (Emotionally Uncomfortable) for a first-time, heart-to-heart on energy management, boundaries, and what it really takes for ambitious moms to feel alive—not just productive. Heather shares her journey from teen motherhood to cancer diagnosis and the framework she now teaches high-performing women to create time, energy, and emotional safety without burning out.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 — Welcome & why this convo matters

01:58 — Freedom vs. the business ‘cage’

03:03 — Heather’s origin story

05:52 — The “do all the things” years

08:12 — 2013 cancer diagnosis

09:05 — What does ‘alive’ feel like?

11:27 — The question that changed everything

14:02 — Framework: Energetic Time Management (ETM)

18:20 — The 4 energy types

19:48 — Redefining rest

21:49 — Real client example

26:43 — Identity has to catch up

30:17 — Stuck despite “doing it right”

32:47 — Do less, better

33:04 — Free resource: Time & Energy Audi

34:51 — Discomfort = contraction

Heather's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_/

Website: https://link.heatherchauvin.com/

The Emotionally Uncomfortable Podcast: https://www.heatherchauvin.com/podcast

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In part one of this special 10-part series, host Laura Sinclair reflects on her decade-long journey as an entrepreneur after leaving her corporate marketing job. Over the next 10 weeks, she’ll share the 10 biggest lessons that shaped her career, her mindset, and her success. This week kicks off with Lesson One: You Have to Be Willing to Grow—a raw and real look at why growth, even when uncomfortable, is the key to long-term success in business (and life).

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Stepping away from corporate life

01:45 – The surprising reaction

03:00 – 10 years in business

04:15 – Lesson One: Growth is non-negotiable

06:00 – The hard stuff no one talks about

07:45 – Personal growth fuels business growth

09:15 – Final takeaway

Entrepreneurship is as much a personal development journey as it is a professional one. If you want to succeed long-term, you must be willing to grow, evolve, and get uncomfortable—again and again.

Tune in next week for Lesson Two in this 10-part series on 10 years of entrepreneurship.

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

If you run a small town or local business and feel like “big city Instagram advice” doesn’t quite fit, this episode is your permission slip to do social differently. Laura sits down with Kat Tepylo Murphy, founder of Social Kat Media, to talk about community-driven content, setting healthy social media boundaries as a mom in business, collaborating locally, and why connection beats aesthetics every time. You’ll learn practical ways to attract nearby customers, use Instagram and Threads together, and create simple, real content that actually converts.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Name giggles & real-life vibes

00:29 – Why this topic matters now

00:58 – Meet Kat

02:37 – Entrepreneurship at 21

04:41 – Life comes fast

06:23 – The two-week “leave”

07:45 – What Kat does best

08:04 – From sports to small towns

08:39 – What counts as “small town”?

09:59 – Why local lights Kat up

11:08 – Small town ≠ “online coach” tactics

13:17 – Followers vs. Foot traffic

14:50 – Your socials are a “vibe check”

15:51 – If you’re online-only

17:39 – Be where your locals are

18:18 – Collaboration courage

19:15 – Two big marketing regrets (and what to do instead)

21:22 – Boundaries for social pros

22:58 – The smartest boundary: a business phone

24:44 – “But what about DMs?”

26:08 – Know your intent

27:11 – What to post right now

28:37 – Real > perfect

30:30 – Polished or just post?

30:43 – Do aesthetics matter?

31:49 – Favorite platforms

32:21 – Use Threads as a testing ground

33:52 – Community from unexpected posts

34:27 – You’re not doing it wrong

Kat's Links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

Website: https://socialkatmedia.com/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

Motherhood doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all definition. In this solo episode, Laura gets personal about what good motherhood looks like for her in this season of life—with an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old—and how that definition has shifted over time. She reflects on lessons learned, the pressure of social media, why imperfection is not only okay but necessary, and how ambitious moms can give themselves permission to define motherhood on their own terms. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Am I doing enough?” this is the conversation you need today.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – A new season of motherhood

01:10 – Early beliefs about “good motherhood”

02:20 – The wake-up call

03:30 – Reclaiming identity

04:44 – Redefining good motherhood today

07:06 – Seasons of motherhood evolve

09:25 – Social media pressure and mom guilt

10:40 – Presence over perfection

11:49 – Permission to be imperfect

13:30 – Motherhood and business balance

14:09 – Building your own definition

15:30 – Closing reflections

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Canadian business lawyer and strategist Andrea Henry to unpack the legal foundations that help women-owned businesses grow with confidence. From turning your know-how into intellectual property, to contracts that protect collaborations, to thinking about exit value (even if you never plan to sell)—Andrea shares practical, generous advice you can act on today. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I really have IP?” or “What contracts do I actually need?”, this one’s for you.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Meet Andrea Henry

01:30 – Why Andrea works with women founders

02:50 – Women, wealth & impact

05:09 – How Andrea got started

06:55 – Law beyond “herefores”

09:49 – What counts as intellectual property (IP)?

10:05 – Case study: From “client helper” to licenseable asset

12:22 – Another example: Virtual firm playbook

12:46 – Certification & corporate

13:54 – Think “exitable” even if you never sell

14:57 – Protecting your IP without paranoia

16:45 – Why contracts can outperform registrations

17:18 – Share the “why,” guard the “how”

18:18 – Biggest legal blind spots

20:13 – “To be clear is to be kind.”

22:15 – Which contracts do you actually need?

23:35 – Motherhood & legacy-driven business

25:27 – Exit planning (voluntary and involuntary)

26:13 – Advisors matter

31:44 – You deserve advisors who explain

34:24 – Empowered, not obedient

Andrea's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreahenry.lawyer/

Website: https://www.andreahenry.ca/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

We’re stepping into the busiest season of the year—Q4—and it can feel like a whirlwind of business goals, family commitments, and holiday chaos. In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair breaks down how to finish 2025 strong without burning yourself out. From reflecting on what worked this year to defining what a “strong finish” actually looks like for you, Laura offers simple, practical steps to help you close out the year with focus, alignment, and a little bit of magic.

If you’ve ever felt the tension of trying to hit revenue goals while also creating holiday magic at home, this episode is for you.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Welcome to Q4

02:18 – The truth about Q4 pressure

03:40 – Redefining a strong finish

04:38 – Simplify and prioritize

05:55 – Build in rest and reflection

06:58 – A Q4 challenge

08:15 – Momentum and magic

09:21 – Closing encouragement

Whether you’re aiming to push hard toward a goal or slow down to savor the season, this episode will help you approach Q4 with clarity, confidence, and alignment.

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair welcomes back a rare second-time guest: Erin Sisko, founder of The Elleiance Network and creator of the $50K Capital Elle Business Impact Award.

The Capital Elle Award was designed to support Canadian women entrepreneurs who have ever been labeled—or felt—“unfundable.” With $50,000 in funding and business services available in 2025, the award is about more than just financial support. It’s about changing the conversation around women, funding, and scaling purpose-driven businesses.

Laura and Erin dive into the challenges women face in traditional funding models, the myths around risk tolerance, and why access and networks matter as much as capital. Erin also shares how past winners have used the funds and why this program is designed to make applying simple, accessible, and impactful.

Whether you’re ready to apply or simply curious about how women are reshaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this conversation is full of insights, encouragement, and opportunities.

In this episode you will hear:

[00:00] Laura introduces Erin Sisko as a rare repeat guest and previews the Capital Elle Business Impact Award.

[01:18] Erin shares her background with the Elleiance Network and the creation of the award for “unfundable” women entrepreneurs.

[03:05] The funding gap: why many women don’t realize grants and awards are available—or think they’re for them.

[03:48] The myths: Erin breaks down why women are not more risk-averse than men, despite what funding narratives suggest.

[06:11] A closer look at three types of funding—grants, bank loans, and private investment—and where women are excluded.

[09:59] Why relationships and access to networks matter as much as capital when it comes to funding opportunities.

[11:37] How the Capital Elle Award is structured: a quick, accessible application and trust in women entrepreneurs to use the funds wisely.

[16:41] Examples of how past winners have used funding—from marketing and tech systems to hiring support.

[19:13] Why pairing services with cash makes this award unique and helps women step fully into their CEO role.

[20:40] Key dates: applications open September 2, 2025, and close October 28, 2025.

[22:58] The power of collaboration: 29 partners contributing to this year’s $50,000 prize pool.

[25:50] Erin shares her motivation for doing this work—community, impact, and being a role model for her kids.

[28:22] Where to learn more about the award and how to apply.

[30:40] Closing encouragement for listeners: why not apply? You never know—you could be the winner.

Apply for the 2025 Capital Elle Business Impact Award - https://www.elleiance.ca/impact-award-2025 

Erin's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elle.iance/

Website: https://www.elleiance.ca/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

If you’re still answering emails at 10 p.m., juggling social posts between client calls, and feeling like everything in your business depends on you… this episode is your wake-up call.

In today’s conversation, Laura dives into delegation in 2025—what it really looks like to hand off tasks to people and to AI without the guilt, fear, or control issues that hold so many entrepreneurs back. From money blocks and people-pleasing to the myth that “no one can do it like me,” Laura breaks down the real costs of not delegating and offers practical strategies you can start using this week. 

You’ll learn how to separate CEO tasks from $10 tasks, when to bring in AI as your collaborator, and why outsourcing—even a few hours a month—can unlock growth, creativity, and freedom in your business (and your life).

In this episode you will hear:

[00:03] Kicking off September with “new year energy” and the #1 topic that came up all summer: delegation.

[02:27] Laura’s personal delegation journey—adding an OBM and event manager to her team and what it taught her about trying to “do it all.”

[03:15] Why delegation feels so scary: the three blocks (money, control, guilt) that hold most entrepreneurs back.

[04:52] The real cost of not delegating—burnout, bottlenecks, and building a business that only works when you’re at 100%.

[07:11] Where to start: doing a time audit, identifying $10 vs. $1,000 tasks, and deciding what’s for humans vs. AI.

[08:45] Practical examples of delegation: bookkeeping, admin tasks, AI for first drafts, meeting summaries, checklists, and more.

[09:34] Why CEOs need to focus on visibility, relationships, creativity, and revenue—everything else can be delegated.

[11:57] How to delegate well: clear instructions, Loom videos, SOPs, and using AI as a collaborator (not a crutch).

[13:30] Delegation as an investment: buying back your time vs. multiplying your output.

[14:19] Behind the scenes of planning This Mother Means Business Live 2026—and why Laura refuses to do it alone.

[16:00] The mindset shift: no badge of honor for doing it all—you just get burned out. One thing to delegate to a person and one to AI this week.

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Stacey Marks and Kari Schroeter, the powerhouse duo behind Fly Dance Fitness. What started as a local dance studio quickly grew into a viral social media sensation and now a franchise brand expanding across the U.S. Stacey and Kari share their journeys from motherhood struggles to business ownership, how they pivoted during COVID, and the role TikTok played in skyrocketing their brand visibility. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business with a partner, scaling through franchising, or building a thriving community around fitness, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world lessons.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Meet Stacey & Kari of Fly Dance Fitness

01:12 – Kari’s Journey from Client to Co-Owner

04:00 – Stacey’s Story: From Isolation to Community

06:30 – The Power of Community in Fitness Spaces

08:06 – Taking Over the Studio (Right Before the Pandemic)

09:10 – Going Online & the Rise of TikTok

12:28 – From One Studio to a Franchise Model

15:02 – TikTok as a Game-Changer for Small Business

17:30 – Why Their Content Resonates

19:28 – Business Partnerships That Work

24:56 – Franchising with Intention

29:13 – Balancing Growth & Doing What You Love

33:36 – Where to Find Fly Dance Fitness

Kari's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaschroeter/

Website: https://www.flydancefitness.com/

Stacey's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceymarks_/

Website: https://www.flydancefitness.com/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

Ever wish you could go back in time and run your business with the wisdom you have now? In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura pulls back the curtain on her biggest lessons from owning a brick-and-mortar CrossFit gym — the wins, the mistakes, and what she’d do differently if she had the chance. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of opening a physical space or simply want to avoid common entrepreneurial pitfalls, you’ll walk away with practical, hard-earned advice on building a business that works for you (not the other way around).

In this episode you will hear:

00:01 – Hindsight as a Business Owner

00:40 – The Best and Worst Parts of Owning a Gym

02:59 – Why Time Off Matters

05:18 – The Pressure to Always Be Open

07:37 – Protecting Your Business Culture

09:54 – Hiring Help Sooner

12:13 – Three Big Lessons

13:15 – Final Reflection

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this empowering episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with powerhouse business strategist Kelly Roach—a former Fortune 500 exec turned 8-figure entrepreneur—to talk about what it really takes to scale a sustainable business, stand out in a saturated market, and grow without sacrificing what matters most. Kelly shares practical advice for moms in business, boundary-setting tips, and why success isn’t about doing more, but doing what matters.

Whether you're at the beginning stages of business or ready to scale to seven figures and beyond, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to lead like a category-of-one CEO.

In this episode you will hear:

01:19 – From Corporate to CEO

02:50 – Why Relationships Come First

04:18 – Who Kelly Serves

05:06 – What It Means to Be a Category of One

06:40 – Success is Earned Daily

07:31 – Why Big Money Doesn’t Equal Big Success

09:08 – The 3-Hour Work Window Strategy

10:33 – Want to Scale? Do Less (but Better)

11:45 – Don’t Skip the Fundamentals

12:35 – Zig When Everyone Else Zags

15:00 – Feeling Like an Impostor? You’re Probably a Visionary.

16:28 – Business & Motherhood: Not Opposites

19:07 – Let Them See You Build It

21:34 – Wanting More Isn’t Selfish

23:00 – The Boundary That Changed Everything

24:58 – There Are No Business Emergencies

27:11 – Overrated Business Advice? Most of It.

28:48 – What’s Lighting Kelly Up Right Now

Kelly's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/

The Kelly Roach Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kelly-roach-show/id1052353755

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this heartfelt solo episode, Laura shares a powerful reminder to slow down and savor the season you're in—especially if you're in the thick of motherhood and business building. Inspired by a viral poem that stopped her in her tracks, she reflects on how easily we rush through the very moments we’ll one day miss. From snuggles and spilled juice to strategy calls and scaling decisions, Laura invites you to reimagine your days through the lens of your 80-year-old self—and ask what truly matters. If you've ever felt torn between your ambition and your role as a mom, this one's for you.

In this episode you will hear:

00:01 – A Time Travel Perspective

00:20 – The Poem That Hit Hard

02:44 – Motherhood, Mental Load & the Tension We Hold

04:53 – Life > Business (But They’re Deeply Connected)

06:25 – What Price Are You Paying for Growth?

07:14 – Simplicity Can Be the Goal

08:40 – Strategy for a Life You Actually Want

09:36 – A Lens That Changes Everything

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

What if the most powerful leadership skill you could give your kids—or yourself—was happening right at the dinner table?

In this heart-filled and thought-provoking episode, Laura sits down with speaker, coach, and all-around powerhouse Leisse Wilcox to talk about the unexpected link between family dinners and leadership, the growing importance of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, and how high-achieving women can stop white-knuckling through perfection and finally feel like themselves again.

This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurial moms craving deeper connection, more grounded leadership, and permission to lead as their whole human selves—flaws and all.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Meet Leisse Wilcox

02:00 – The Power of Family Dinners

04:59 – AI, Creativity & Humanity

06:51 – A New Vision for Work-Life Balance

08:20 – Dinner Tables as Training Grounds for Leaders

10:38 – Why Conversations Matter More Than Ever

13:18 – What Kids Lost During COVID (and How to Rebuild It)

16:03 – The Simple Ritual That Creates Lasting Impact

19:05 – Bringing It Back to Business

21:29 – What Leisse Really Does as a Coach

23:59 – High-Achieving Women: You Are Not Alone

25:38 – The “Name It, De-Shame It, Reframe It” Framework

30:51 – Mojo, Momentum, and Fulfillment

33:08 – Redefining What Family Dinner Looks Like

34:37 – Where to Find Leisse Wilcox

Leisse's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leissewilcox/

To Call Myself Beloved: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1989716032?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf20vP2N3PpYMI971Nlirw4AknScEBU-81kcvf-gXJKR6A3GD9oGetWFShNIw_aem_zpKf6cE9m1it4mLw2VlXJA

Website: http://www.leissewilcox.com/

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

Are your launches falling flat? Engagement down? Feeling like you're doing everything right but nothing is landing? You're not alone — we're in the middle of a trust recession.

In this solo episode, Laura breaks down:

• What the “trust recession” is and why it matters
• Why even great business owners are being overlooked
• And how to rebuild trust with your audience using her signature 5 R’s Framework

Whether you're a coach, service provider, or small business owner trying to grow your brand authentically — this episode gives you tangible steps to reconnect with your audience and reignite momentum in your business (no dancing on Instagram required).

In this episode you will hear:

00:03 – Why It's Harder to Sell in 2025

00:23 – What Is a Trust Recession?

02:46 – Why Trust Is the New Currency

03:40 – It’s Not Just You

04:45 – Introducing the 5 R’s of Rebuilding Trust

05:06 – R1: Relevance

05:58 – R2: Repetition

06:24 – R3: Receipts

07:28 – R4: Relationships

08:12 – R5: Realness

09:53 – It Starts With Self-Trust

10:33 – Laura’s Trust-Building Strategy

10:58 – Final Takeaways + Challenge

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this inspiring episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair sits down with Chris McMartin, the National Business Banking Lead at the Scotiabank Women Initiative. Together, they dive into what it really takes to support and uplift women in business—from access to funding and mentorship to building confidence and community.

Chris shares her own journey through the world of banking and opens up about the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face—especially when it comes to financial literacy, self-belief, and showing up authentically in often male-dominated industries.

If you’re a woman building your business and craving more connection, practical support, or a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Why access to capital, education, and mentorship matter for women entrepreneurs
• How authenticity can be your biggest advantage in professional settings
• The confidence gap that often holds women back—and how to bridge it
• How the Scotiabank Women Initiative is helping women thrive in business
• Why community and mentorship are game-changers for female founders
• A reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success (and that’s a good thing)

In this episode you will hear:

 00:00 – Meet Chris McMartin & Intro to Scotiabank Women Initiative

 02:54 – Real Tools & Resources for Women in Business

 05:42 – Confidence, Financial Literacy & the Power of Asking Questions

 08:38 – Why Authenticity Matters at Work

 11:26 – Thriving in Male-Dominated Spaces

 14:39 – Finding Your Voice in Leadership & Public Speaking

 17:45 – Bringing Authenticity to the Stage and Boardroom

 20:27 – Embracing What Makes You Unique

 24:03 – Why Community is a Key to Growth

 25:21 – Inside the Scotiabank Women Initiative

 28:43 – The Role of Mentorship in Business Success

 32:48 – Connection, Encouragement & Taking the Next Step

Chris's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_m_mcmartin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcmartin

Scotiabank Women Initiative: https://www.scotiabank.com/women-initiative/ca/en.html

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

Here’s the truth nobody wants to tell you: if you want real change in your business, you have to be willing to change your mindset, your pricing, your habits, your strategy, and yes… even how you show up. In this powerful solo episode, Laura pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a business (hint: it’s not luck, it’s leadership).

She shares honest reflections from the most recent cohort of the Ambition Mastermind—a group of women who’ve made bold moves, raised their standards, and had record-breaking months while parenting and running households. If you’re tired of playing small, this is your call to rise.

Expect truth bombs, tough love, and a reminder that you’re more capable than you think. Especially if you’re the one in your own way.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – The uncomfortable truth about change

01:38 – Growth comes at a cost (and it’s not always money)

03:45 – Inside Ambition: Celebrating financial wins

06:58 – Growth isn’t magic, it’s decision-making

09:40 – Bravery births financial wins

12:08 – Mentorship that mirrors your potential

14:45 – Moms doing the damn thing

17:22 – Collapsing time through strategy + boundaries

18:58 – Are you actually ready to change?

20:14 – Ambition Mastermind: What’s next

22:05 – Your invitation to rise

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind 

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this deeply moving episode, Laura Sinclair sits down with Amanda Patrick, an inspiring entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Barrie, Ontario. Amanda shares her incredible story of surviving childhood trauma, overcoming abandonment, and choosing resilience over despair. From building two successful businesses to founding "Gift a Family," Simcoe County's fastest-growing charitable initiative, Amanda’s journey is a testament to the power of doing the hard thing—"even when."

Tune in for a raw and heartfelt conversation about generational healing, the power of mindset, and how small promises to ourselves can rebuild trust, confidence, and purpose.

In this episode you will hear:

01:30 — Amanda's Background From a construction business at 30 to coaching women entrepreneurs today, Amanda shares her entrepreneurial journey.

02:00 — Founding "Gift a Family" Amanda explains the mission behind her charity: providing full Christmas experiences to kids growing up in poverty.

03:35 — The Tragedy That Sparked It All Amanda opens up about the childhood trauma that inspired her philanthropic work—the devastating loss of three young children.

06:30 — The Day That Changed Everything She recounts the horrifying moment she discovered what had happened, and how it became her life's defining fork in the road.

10:30 — Life Ambushes & Early Resilience Amanda reflects on food insecurity, abandonment, and surviving solo by the age of 13.

14:25 — The Night She Almost Gave Up Lying in the cold, Amanda made a powerful decision to change her life—starting with a handwritten resume and her first job.

18:00 — Rising Through Fear Amanda describes her rapid climb from a $7/hour job to managing million-dollar events and battling imposter syndrome.

20:30 — The Turning Point: Sobriety & Therapy Motherhood forced Amanda to confront her pain. She committed to weekly therapy for 1.5 years to heal.

22:00 — How to Build Resilience Amanda and Laura discuss intentional resilience-building, like cold showers and sticking to your word even when it’s hard.

26:30 — Why Keeping Promises to Yourself Matters Amanda breaks down how broken promises erode self-confidence and how micro-commitments rebuild it.

30:00 — Sports, Discipline, and Mental Strength Laura and Amanda talk about how youth sports taught them about commitment and grit.

32:45 — Breaking Generational Cycles Amanda shares what she’s most proud of: ending generational trauma for her son and creating a new family legacy.

35:00 — Connect with Amanda Find Amanda on Instagram @amandalepatrick to learn more about her coaching, philanthropy, and community programs.

Amanda's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalelepatrick/

Gift A Family, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gift_a_family/

LADR Coaching, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladrcoaching/

The Action Lab:

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this raw and honest episode, Laura opens up about a big behind-the-scenes decision: cancelling her 2025 retreat. Instead of brushing it under the rug, she’s sharing it all — the real story of what happened, what it taught her, and why she doesn’t actually see it as a failure. If you've ever had to pivot, cancel a launch, or walk away from something you love, this one will hit home.

This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating the messy middle, rethinking what success looks like, and learning to lead with integrity and self-trust.

In this episode you will hear:

01:34 — Welcome + Transparency in Business

03:18 — The Backstory: Two Successful Retreats & Big Plans for 2025

05:05 — When Your Gut Starts Screaming

07:22 — What Failure Actually Means in Business

09:40 — The Reality of Red Tape: Working with a TICO Agent

13:00 — A Timeline That Didn’t Work

14:53 — It Was Becoming Heavy, Not Fun

17:35 — The Sunk Cost & What She Lost (and Gained)

20:40 — This Is NOT the End

22:10 — The Trust Recession + Why Timing Matters

25:30 — The Cost vs. Reward Misalignment

28:55 — Reframing Failure as Feedback

31:14 — Checking Your Ego at the Door

33:20 — What She’s Learned (And What You Can, Too)

36:02 — Looking Ahead: Events, Community & Connection

38:09 — Final Thoughts: This Is Leadership

Looking for more support? The doors to the Ambition Mastermind are now open! Apply - https://www.laura-sinclair.com/ambition-mastermind 

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

What do you get when you mix six kids, a brilliant business idea, and a powerhouse group of mom-founders? You get Mabel’s Labels—and the unstoppable Julie Cole.

In this inspiring (and hilarious) episode, Julie sits down with Laura to talk about the early days of building a brand from her basement, navigating growth with her co-founders (who are also family), and what it really means to juggle entrepreneurship and motherhood. From the power of word-of-mouth marketing to due diligence tips for a successful exit, this one is packed with gold.

Whether you’re a startup dreamer, a scaling CEO, or a mom trying to “do it all,” Julie’s wisdom will leave you nodding your head and feeling seen.

In this episode you will hear:

00:00 – Meet Julie Cole

01:00 – From Lawyer to Label Maker

02:40 – The Power of a Mom-Driven Idea

03:35 – The Myth of Flexibility

04:48 – Building Without Support Networks

06:00 – Why E-Commerce Was Their Edge

08:00 – Daily Candy: The Big Break

10:00 – A Product That Spoke for Itself

11:28 – From Side Hustle to Full-Time Gig

12:25 – Take It Seriously from Day One

14:00 – Keep Your House in Order

16:00 – The Power of Your Network

17:41 – How Motherhood Shaped the Business

19:50 – Beyond the Buzzword: Mompreneur

21:38 – Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics

24:42 – Can You Build Big and Be Present?

26:56 – Julie’s Not-To-Do List

29:01 – Chores Build Better Humans

30:22 – Boundaries Over Burnout

Julie's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliecoleinc/

Mabel's Labels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabelslabels/

Website: https://mabelslabels.ca/

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this solo episode, Laura dives into one of the most common questions she hears from women building personal brands: “How much should I share online?” She opens up about the personal boundaries she’s created when it comes to social media—including what she doesn’t post—and how you can find what feels right for you. If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between authentic and overexposed, this episode will help you find it.

In this episode you will hear:

01:40 – It’s not just about screen time

02:34 – Personal boundary #1: Her kids’ faces

04:40 – Personal boundary #2: No crying reels

05:50 – Personal boundary #3: Family matters stay private

06:55 – The cake (or pie) analogy

08:10 – Fitness, Hashimoto’s, and changing relevance

09:15 – You can change your mind

10:00 – Final reminder: You are in control

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Laura sits down with the incredible Vera Milan Gervais—TEDx speaker, multi-time business founder, award-winning entrepreneur, and mom of two grown kids.

Together, they dive into the real and raw journey of building businesses while raising tiny humans, challenging expectations, and redefining what it means to be a woman, mother, and entrepreneur. Vera doesn’t hold back—she shares the highs, the struggles, and the deep inner work it takes to truly own who you are (labels and all).

Whether you're building your first business with toddlers underfoot or rediscovering yourself after years of motherhood, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and more empowered than ever.

In this episode:

00:00 – A warm welcome + meet today’s guest, Vera Milan Gervais

01:34 – Vera’s story: From growing up in Calgary to stepping onto the TEDx stage

02:53 – The accidental pregnancy that changed the course of her life—and career

04:34 – Starting five businesses with her husband while raising two toddlers

07:07 – What it really looked like to run a business with babies at home

08:18 – The double standard: how society views mothers vs. fathers in the workplace

10:06 – Why owning every part of yourself (even the messy parts) is key

12:20 – The power of labels—and how the way we define ourselves shapes everything

14:55 – Shifting the focus from achievement to alignment

16:08 – How giving yourself permission changes the game

18:41 – Vera’s approach to self-coaching through tough decisions

20:54 – Letting go of “good girl” programming and people-pleasing

22:19 – A heartfelt look at motherhood and what it really means

26:39 – The teeter-totter analogy that will totally shift how you view balance

28:05 – Final reflections: stop comparing, let go, and trust your own path

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no “right” way to do motherhood or business. Vera’s journey proves that you can write your own rules—and still succeed.
• Balance doesn’t mean equal. Think of life like a teeter-totter: it’s okay for things to shift, as long as you’re grounded in what matters most.
• The labels we wear matter. Challenge the ones that don’t serve you—and boldly claim the ones that do.
• Give yourself permission. Don’t wait for validation from someone else. You already have what it takes.
• You can be a mother and a leader, a nurturer and a rebel. Embracing all sides of yourself is not only allowed—it’s powerful.
• Let go of comparison. Your journey, your timing, your truth. That’s what leads to real fulfillment.

Vera's Links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vera_milan_gervais/

Website: https://www.veragervais.com/

The Wordz We Wear -

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok

What would you do differently if you had to start your business from scratch today? After a full decade in entrepreneurship, Laura’s looking back—with honesty, a little tough love, and plenty of clarity.

In this episode, she’s sharing the biggest shifts that changed the game for her: from boundaries and burnout, to authenticity and community. Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting into something new, or craving a fresh perspective, this one’s for you.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

00:35 – Why taking time to reflect actually matters—and how to tell when it’s time to pivot or realign.

01:15 – Lesson #1: Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. The kind that protect your peace and your profits.

02:36 – Letting go of scarcity mindset and trusting that the right clients won’t run away when you raise your standards.

03:35 – How your boundaries need to evolve as you do—and why it’s okay to change the rules as you grow.

04:00 – Lesson #2: Be fully yourself. Laura opens up about hiding behind “professionalism” early on and how authenticity turned everything around.

04:53 – Redefining success: What if wealth wasn’t just money—but joy, alignment, and freedom too?

06:00 – Selling without being sleazy. Yes, it’s possible—and it works better when you lead with heart.

06:40 – Lesson #3: Get into community sooner. The truth about how going it alone can stall your growth.

07:22 – Becoming a go-to person. How building genuine relationships led to referrals (and less hustling for leads).

08:35 – Embracing sales without shame. Because when you believe in your offer, selling becomes service.

09:46 – Prioritizing your human needs as a CEO. Laura gets real about what she neglected—and what she’s doing differently now.

11:15 – Her personal non-negotiables (hint: sleep, movement, and saying no).

12:02 – A powerful quote from Pauline Reid that every entrepreneur should hear.

12:45 – One final nudge: Pick a lesson from today and act on it. You don’t have to overhaul everything—just take one step.

Key Takeaways:

• Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for sustainable success.
• Let go of fear-based decision-making and trust that aligned clients will stay.
• Authenticity isn’t just feel-good—it’s profitable.
• Your version of wealth should include joy, peace, and freedom.
• Sales doesn’t have to feel gross—when you believe in what you’re offering, it shows.
• Community is everything. Relationships will grow your business faster than any algorithm.
• Your personal needs matter. Your business can’t thrive if you’re running on empty.

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok