The Freelancer's Teabreak

Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    From Full-Time to Fractional Freedom with Katherine Pearse (Nee Hall)

    In this episode of the Freelancer's Teabreak, Emma Cossey chats with Katherine Pearse (nee Hall), fractional CFO, systemic coach, and movement facilitator, about what it actually means to go fractional. Katherine breaks down how a fractional CFO differs from a consultant, interim, or part-time hire, and why that distinction matters. She shares the journey that led her from full-time finance leadership through a major merger to building a multi-dimensional business that blends numbers, intuition, and embodied practice. They also explore the growing trend of fractional working, the rise of the "multipotentialite" professional, and why showing up as your full self is not just good for your wellbeing, it's good for business. Whether you're thinking about going fractional, already working that way, or just trying to understand what the term actually means, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and a few Cinderella references. Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome & Introduction 3:33 Meet Katherine Pearse: Business, Finance & Beyond 3:43 Defining Fractional: What It Is (and What It's Not) 5:25 Fractional vs Consultant vs Interim: The Key Differences 16:04 How Katherine's Career Led Her to Go Fractional 17:49 Fractional in the Wild: Perceptions & Misconceptions 21:10 Selling Solutions, Not Labels 21:14 From Full-Time to Fractional: Why People Are Making the Move 22:44 The Three Pillars: Fractional CFO, Systemic Coaching & Movement 23:27 Finance, Human Behaviour & Why They're Inseparable 33:46 Key Takeaway: Show Up as Your Full Self 35:29 How to Work with Katherine & Where to Find Her Katherine's Details: At Building Balance Services Limited, they believe true growth requires looking beyond the balance sheet. They empower businesses with a unique, three-pillar approach: Fractional CFO services provide the data-backed financial strategy for sound decisions; Systemic Coaching delves into the unseen organisational dynamics and intuition; and Embodied Business uses mindful movement to reconnect you with your body's creativity. They help you make decisions that are both financially smart and deeply aligned. Name: Katherine Pearse (nee Hall) Email: katherine@buildingbalanceservices.com Website https://linktr.ee/buildingbalanceservices Instagram @building.balance.services Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572865856121 Abi Moore's (Brand Photography and Marketing) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abimooreuk/  Follow Emma on Instagram Follow Emma on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    39 min

  2. 9 APR

    Haggle Your Subscriptions (Rewind)

    Feeling overwhelmed by rising subscription costs? In this rewind episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares practical, actionable tips to help freelancers and small business owners cut down on their software expenses without sacrificing the tools that keep their businesses running. In this episode, you'll learn: How to audit your subscriptions and assess their return on investment Why some of your existing tools may already do the job of others How to haggle with software providers for better deals Where to find voucher codes and cashback opportunities How affiliate programmes can offset your subscription costs Alicia, Emma's Podcast VA's, simple system for tracking and budgeting annual subscriptions so you're never caught off guard Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome & Introduction 2:22 - Why We're Revisiting This Topic 6:30 - The Subscription Cost Problem 3:30 - Tip 1: Review What You Actually Need 4:33 - Tip 2: Consolidate Overlapping Tools 5:18 - Tip 3: Haggle for Better Deals 6:26 - Voucher Codes & Cashback 7:13 - Use Affiliate Programmes 8:31 - Bonus: Tracking Your Subscriptions Links from episode: Tools I Love Emma's Podcast Editing VA: Alicia Cornell, The Admin Den and her Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and newsletter Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    9 min

  3. 2 APR

    Your Q2 To-Do List

    In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares her essential quarter two to-do list for freelancers. In this episode, you'll learn: What Making Tax Digital means for freelancers and how to prepare for it How to set up your bookkeeping systems and stay on top of your finances for the new tax year Why now is the perfect time to reflect on your quarter one goals How to set meaningful quarter two goals that go beyond just the numbers Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:35 Making Tax Digital — What You Need to Know 3:14 Organising Your Receipts & Folders 4:12 Building Good Financial Habits 5:11 Reflecting on Your Q1 Goals 6:17 Setting Your Q2 Goals 8:12 Recap & Final Thoughts Episode Links: Harriet's Making Tax Digital advice Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    10 min

  4. 26 MAR

    My WFH Desk Essentials

    In this episode, I share my essential desk items that actually matter for freelancers, no aesthetic fluff, just practical tools that boost productivity: Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your workday Second screen: Reduce overwhelm and boost productivity with dual monitors Desk snacks: Keep trail mix, protein bars, or grapes handy to avoid blood sugar crashes Stream Deck: Game-changing productivity tool for creating shortcuts (even has a free mobile app to try first!) 💡 My Pro Tips: Prep your lunch the night before to ensure you actually stop and eat You don't need fancy expensive tech, I worked on Chromebooks for years Treat your brain like a plant: keep it fed and watered What are YOUR desk must-haves? Drop a comment below! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:18 Number 1: Water Bottle - Stay Hydrated 2:21 Number 2: Second Screen Setup 4:05 Number 3: Desk Snacks & Lunch Tips 4:49 Number 4: Stream Deck for Shortcuts 7:28 Recap: The Four Essentials 8:50 Your Desk Must-Haves? Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    9 min

  5. 19 MAR

    Why AI Can't Replace Coaching

    Can AI really replace human coaches and freelancers? In this episode, I break down why coaching, and many freelance services, require the irreplaceable human touch. Key Points Covered: Why coaches facilitate rather than prescribe solutions The importance of body language, tone, and non-verbal cues How lived experience trumps algorithmic responses The ethics and values alignment you can't get from AI Why accountability works better with humans How this applies to other freelance services (graphic design, social media management, photography) AI is a tool for information, not transformation. Real coaching, and most freelance work, requires empathy, adaptability, and genuine human connection that algorithms simply can't replicate. Work With Me: Explore coaching packages Voxer accountability packages Traditional 1-on-1 coaching (Zoom or in-person in Berkshire) The Freelance Business Lounge membership - £30/month with 2 group calls per week Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:26 - Why do we need coaches when we have AI? 2:15 - AI gives information vs coaching helps you process 4:24 - AI lacks lived experience and ethical considerations 6:29 - Human accountability and empathy matter 8:11 - Why AI can't replace creative freelance work 9:22 - Coaching packages and membership info Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    11 min

  6. 12 MAR

    Can Potential Freelance Clients Find You?

    How easy is it for potential clients to find you online? In this episode, I'm challenging you to audit your discoverability across multiple platforms and search tools. What we cover: SEO basics and why showing up in search results matters How AI tools are becoming a new discovery channel for freelancers Leveraging YouTube (both long-form and Shorts) to build connections The power of podcast SEO for attracting ideal clients Social media SEO strategies for TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn Action steps: Test your search terms on multiple search engines Check your website analytics for incoming search terms Ask AI tools how to improve your visibility in their recommendations Optimise your YouTube content with tools like VidIQ Consider guesting on podcasts or starting your own Use strategic keywords in your social media content Resources mentioned: Vid IQ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:21 - How easy is it for potential clients to find you? 0:52 - Google & search engine SEO 1:37 - AI SEO & discoverability through AI tools 2:13 - YouTube as a search platform 3:19 - Podcast SEO 4:02 - Social media SEO (TikTok, Instagram, Threads) 4:42 - Next steps for improving discoverability 5:08 - Closing & call to action Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    6 min

  7. 5 MAR

    Are You Proactive or Reactive When Finding Freelance Clients?

    The freelance landscape has changed significantly in the last two years, making client acquisition tougher than ever. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares why shifting from reactive to proactive strategies is essential for finding clients in today's market. In this episode, you'll learn: Why referrals alone aren't enough anymore The difference between looking for clients vs. finding clients Where to find quality freelance opportunities (and where to avoid) How to be more visible and tell people what you actually do Practical networking strategies that don't feel salesy Why platforms like Threads and LinkedIn are worth your time (and why Facebook groups might not be) Key takeaway: If you're struggling to find clients, ask yourself: Are you actively telling people how you can help them, or are you waiting for opportunities to appear? Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Why finding clients is harder now 1:14 - The problem with relying on referrals 2:03 - Being proactive vs reactive in client search 3:31 - Where to find clients (and where NOT to look) 5:40 - Making yourself visible on social media 6:17 - Using Threads and pitching yourself 7:55 - The power of in-person networking 9:59 - Action steps: Looking vs finding clients 10:24 - Free resources and community Free Resources Mentioned: 5 Ways to Find Your Next Client and 30+ Ways to Find Freelance Clients Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    12 min

  8. 26 FEB

    Freelance vs Fractional: What's the Difference?

    This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I dive into the debate between freelancing and the term 'fractional'. Is it just a fancy rebrand for part-time work, or does it represent a distinct role, especially in the B2B space? I explore the nuances and implications of these terms, their impact on positioning and pricing, and whether this trend is reshaping how we view flexible work roles.  Share your thoughts and join the discussion!  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:17 Freelancing vs Fractional: An Emerging Trend 01:44 Understanding Fractional Work 03:07 Freelancing and Fractional: Overlaps and Distinctions 05:34 The Future of Fractional Work 07:20 Engage with the Community Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business

    8 min
See All (284)

About

The Freelancer's Teabreak is the short and sweet podcast you can enjoy while you make a cuppa, full of tips, tricks and advice for freelancers.

Information

  • Creator
    Emma Cossey from The Freelance Lifestyle
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    284
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Freelancer's Teabreak

You Might Also Like