Build Phase Burnout: What Growth Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes

This week, we’re diving into that phase of business no one talks about enough—the build phase. You know the one. The calendar’s packed, sleep’s patchy, your new hire needs everything, and your CRM suddenly decides it’s not good enough.
Hermione and Jess get brutally honest about what it really looks like behind the scenes of growth. From juggling burnout and family, to hiring while already at capacity, to rethinking financial risk and self-belief—we're pulling back the curtain.

This isn’t about hustle culture. It’s about the messy middle, the moments you question everything, and the realisation that the freedom you started your business for can feel miles away... unless you make some bold moves.

Grab your sparkling water, your stress supplements, and maybe a highlighter—because this episode is packed with lightbulb moments and permission slips you didn’t know you needed.

We talk about:
• How to spot when your ‘build phase’ is turning into burnout
• Delegating when you’re a control freak (hi 👋)
• Hiring before you’re ready (but knowing it’s the only way)
• Making scary financial investments (and why it’s sometimes necessary)
• What to do when your life doesn’t match your dream week
• Simple, low-cost growth moves when money’s tight
• The emotional toll of constant responsibility (and why breaks aren’t optional)


Chapters:
[00:00] Catch Ups, Culture Trips & Sparkling Water Vibes
[04:00] When Growth Gets Heavy: Burnout, Bottlenecks & Being Mum
[13:00] The CRM Spiral & Sunday Onboarding Sessions
[20:00] Risky Moves, Mindset Shifts & Self-Funding Growth
[29:00] Team, Time, and Triggers: What’s Really Draining You
[36:00] Guilt, Gym-Time & Letting Go of the Ideal Day
[43:00] PottyBot Question: Our Most Unhinged 3am Thoughts

If you’re in a build phase, deep in the juggle, or wondering how other business owners are doing it—this one’s for you. We’re all figuring it out together (sometimes at 3am).
🎧 Tune in. Take what you need. Share it with a biz bestie.

With your hosts:
Jessica Whatman – founder of AgentSync, the best VA company in Australia
Hermione Gardiner – real estate biz coach and founder of Sidekick, the best property management consultant in Australia

✨ Connect with us:
🎧 The Podcast: here
📱 AgentSync: www.agentsync.com.au
📱 Sidekick: www.sidekick.net.au