The Business of Thinking Big

So many women will experience hard seasons while building a business — heartbreak, transitions, betrayals, burnout. What matters most isn't avoiding the tough times… it's how we move through them and into a more empowered place. In this raw and real conversation, I sit down with Nicole Farrugia — founder of Mortgage Ease and one of my A-Players — to talk about what it looks like to rebuild when everything falls apart. Nicole opens up about navigating the end of both a personal and business partnership and how she found the strength to start over and rise even stronger. This is a story about emotional resilience, reclaiming your power, and trusting yourself again after it's been shaken. Whether you're in the thick of it or emerging from the storm, Nicole's journey is a powerful reminder that you can rebuild — with more joy, more abundance, and more alignment than ever before. In this episode, you'll discover: * What Nicole did when both her personal and professional lives crumbled — and how she moved through the pain * The mindset shift that helped her stop spiraling and start rising * Why she stopped trying to "make everyone happy" and started protecting her peace * How she rebuilt a six-figure business in just two years by putting her energy first * The power of choosing aligned partnerships, supportive communities, and self-trust Timestamps: 0:34 – Meet Nicole Farrugia 3:00 – How she stumbled into the mortgage world 5:55 – When life fell apart — and how she kept going 10:30 – Her turning point moment inside A-Players 16:15 – Healing, boundaries, and hard truths 22:40 – Saying no to the wrong people and watching magic unfold 27:30 – Trusting herself and choosing joy 33:50 – Business growth rooted in energy, not hustle 41:00 – Words of encouragement for women starting over Links mentioned: * Nicole's website: https://mortgageease.ca/ [https://mortgageease.ca/] * Nicole's IG: https://www.instagram.com/mortgageease/ [https://www.instagram.com/mortgageease/] — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach] Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com] Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com]

We all have a money story — but are you aware of the beliefs that are shaping yours? In this deeply personal solo episode of The Business of Thinking Big, I'm diving into a topic that touches every entrepreneur, especially us mama CEOs: money mindset. I'm sharing how my own money beliefs were shaped growing up with two parents who saw money very differently — and how I've had to unlearn so many stories in order to grow a thriving, joyful business. From common limiting beliefs to the hidden ways our upbringing shapes our financial reality, this episode is packed with reflective prompts and practical strategies to help you shift into abundance. Whether you're making six figures or just starting out, there's always room to grow — and it starts with the way you think about money. In this episode, you'll discover: * The top four sources that shape our money beliefs (spoiler: it's not just your parents!) * How to identify and reframe limiting thoughts around wealth and success * Practical exercises and affirmations to improve your money mindset, starting today Timestamps: 0:34 – Lianne's personal money story 3:24 – What is money mindset, really? 6:00 – Where our money beliefs come from 12:00 – Common money blocks 22:30 – Empowering new money beliefs 31:00 – Tools to support your mindset shift 38:00 – Reflective questions and next steps Links mentioned: * Here are a few episodes I've recorded about money mindset: * Money Mindset, A New Take: https://www.liannekim.com/blog/333 [https://www.liannekim.com/blog/333] * The Importance of Money: https://www.liannekim.com/blog/281 [https://www.liannekim.com/blog/281] * Up-level your Money Mindset: https://www.liannekim.com/blog/180 [https://www.liannekim.com/blog/180] Mamas & Co. community: https://www.mamasandco.com/ [https://www.mamasandco.com/] — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach] Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com] Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com]

Let’s be honest… Instagram can feel like a full-time job. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending content treadmill, you are not alone! In this week’s episode of The Business of Thinking Big, I’m joined by social media expert and ManyChat consultant Lilly McCue to help you work smarter (not harder!) on Instagram. Together, we unpack what’s working right now to grow your reach and engagement, why link-in-bio isn’t cutting it anymore, and how automation tools like ManyChat can transform casual scrollers into paying clients—without you living in your DMs. In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌ * The current best practices for Instagram growth—what’s working NOW * Why relying on “link in bio” is costing you conversions * How ManyChat creates one-to-one connections that scale * Why small business owners need simple funnels (not salesy scripts!) * How to start list-building through social without burnout Timestamps:‌ ‌ 0:33 Meet Lilly McCue  3:50 Why Instagram still matters  6:25 What is ManyChat and how it works  10:05 Real-life use cases for lead magnets  13:00 Funnel writing if you hate copywriting  18:10 Reels, engagement, and video content  24:00 Strategic vs performative social media  30:50 Quality over quantity approach  33:20 Content batching tips  34:50 Simplifying and starting where you are Links mentioned: * Lilly's website: https://chatbotsocial.co/ [https://chatbotsocial.co/]  * Lilly's mom, Amber: https://ambermccue.com/ [https://ambermccue.com/]  * ManyChat: https://manychat.com/ [https://manychat.com/]  * Vanja Moves: https://www.instagram.com/vanja.moves/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/vanja.moves/?hl=en]  * Adley: https://www.instagram.com/adley/ [https://www.instagram.com/adley/]  ‌Connect with me:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach]   Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com]  Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com] — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach] Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com] Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com]

Do you set ambitious New Year's goals only to feel overwhelmed and abandon them by spring? The problem isn't your commitment—it's that annual goals are too big and abstract to maintain momentum. I break down why quarterly goal-setting is the game-changer your business has been waiting for. When we shift from 365-day marathons to focused 90-day sprints, everything changes. In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌ * Why our brains are wired for shorter goal cycles * The four types of seasonal goals that create balance: revenue, non-revenue business, personal, and family * How to choose one most important goal per category * The "finish line mindset" that helps you push through when motivation wanes * Why celebrating small progress catalyzes bigger achievements * How to set up consistent revenue during "lighter" seasons Timestamps:‌ ‌ 6:00 The problem with annual goal-setting 8:20 How quarterly goals align with natural rhythms  12:00 Why too many goals = failure  16:47 The four types of seasonal goals framework  17:48 Revenue goals year-round  21:00 Non-revenue business goals  25:10 Personal goals aren't selfish  27:36 Family goals for connection  34:24 Three tips for better goal-setting  35:18 The "finish line mindset" Links mentioned: * Check out my group coaching program, A-Players: https://www.mamasandco.com/coaching  * Episode: Finish-Line Mindset: https://www.liannekim.com/blog/228  * Episode: The Art of Receiving: https://www.liannekim.com/blog/191 [https://www.liannekim.com/blog/191] ‌Connect with me:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach]   Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com]  Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com] — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach] Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com] Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com]

What if believing in yourself was the difference between thriving and just surviving as a creative entrepreneur? In this episode, I sit down with Charlene Dinger, founder and creative director of Kinisi Kids, to explore the mindset shifts that transform creative businesses from struggling to thriving. Charlene's journey from competitive dance burnout to building a joyful, profitable business in less than a year proves that when we change our beliefs about what's possible, everything changes. In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌ * Why the "starving artist" mentality keeps creatives stuck in underearning cycles * How to leverage your warm network to land major contracts without feeling salesy * The mindset shift that transforms rejection into momentum * Why multiple revenue streams in your zone of genius create stability * How to define success on your own terms * The strategy that keeps you top-of-mind with potential clients Timestamps:‌ ‌ 1:45 From competitive dance to burnout 12:44 Breaking the "starving artist" trap  16:55 Building multiple revenue streams in your zone  25:32 The 90-day goal that changed everything  26:00 How to leverage your warm network  30:18 Dealing with discouragement  34:04 Patience and persistence for lasting success  40:00 Redefining success: harmony over hustle Links mentioned: * Charlene’s website: https://www.kinisikids.com/ [https://www.kinisikids.com/]  * Kinisikids on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kinisikids/ [https://www.instagram.com/kinisikids/]  * Charlene’s personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/charlenedinger/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/charlenedinger/?hl=en]  Learn with me: Mamapreneur Success Path - Free Audio Training [https://www.mamasandco.com/audio] ‌Connect with me:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach]   Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com]  Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com] — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach [https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach] Instagram: @liannekimcoach [https://www.instagram.com/liannekimcoach] Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com [https://www.mamasandco.com] Instagram: @mamasandco [https://www.instagram.com/mamasandco] Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com [https://theultimatecreative.com]