Thrive by Design

Karen Woller
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Running a business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground. The Thrive by Design podcast is here to help service entrepreneurs like you create more balance, build sustainable growth, and design a business that actually supports the lifestyle you want.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    8. Summer Series: Boundaries for a Real Break

    Welcome to the Thrive By Design Summer Series - quick, practical episodes to help you step into the holiday season with clarity, calm, and confidence. Whether you’re taking a full break or just slowing the pace, these episodes will help you set things up so your business keeps humming while you recharge. So today, I want to talk about the boundaries that every service entrepreneur needs going into the summer. Not the rigid, rule-based kind - but the structural, intentional ones that make your break easier, calmer, and genuinely restorative. Because you’re not building a business you need to escape from. You’re building one that sustains you. (00:00) - The Importance of Taking a Break (02:02) - Why Boundaries Matter More Than Ever (02:45) - Time Boundaries - Setting the Bookends of Your Break (03:51) - Communication Boundaries - Being Proactive, Not Reactive (04:47) - Team Boundaries - Leading By Example (05:37) - Tech Boundaries - Protecting Your Peace (06:38) - Personal Boundaries - Deciding How You Actually Want to Feel (07:36) - A Simple Reflection - Your Holiday Boundary Blueprint (09:14) - How Breaks Actually Strengthen Your Business (09:59) - Boundaries as a System, Not Willpower (10:38) - Protecting Your Re-Entry TakeawaysClarity evaporates almost instantly with a packed schedule.Protect those first few days back to work.Easing in allows for intentional check-ins with clients.Reconnect with your strategy upon returning.Decide on your actual priorities instead of defaulting to old habits.The reentry boundary is a powerful tool for mental health.Jumping back into everything can be overwhelming.Give yourself the chance to ease into work.It's crucial to protect your mental space.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    12 min

  2. DEC 15

    7. Summer Series: The 5 Things to Check Before Your Annual Shutdown

    In this summer series episode, I want to walk you through the five things to check before your annual shutdown - not as a rigid list, but more like the conversations you need to have with yourself before you step away. These are the things that stop you lying awake on Boxing Day thinking, “Did that invoice go out?” or “Is that client expecting me to reply?” or “Is my team going to be okay without me?” Let’s make this summer break feel like a real break - not just working from a different location. (00:00) - Preparing for a Restful Break (01:48) - 1: Cash Flow Coverage (04:06) - 2: Client Communication (05:50) - 3: Team Wrap-Up (06:57) - 4: Systems & Automations (07:56) - 5: A Gentle Introduction to Boundaries TakeawaysThe importance of self-reflection before taking time off.Having conversations with yourself can ease anxiety about work.Checking in on client expectations is crucial before a shutdown.Ensuring your team is prepared for your absence is essential.A well-planned shutdown can lead to a more refreshing return.Taking simple steps can prevent post-holiday anxiety.It's not just about shutting down, but preparing for it.Work-life balance is key to feeling grounded.Communication with clients should be prioritized before breaks.A smooth transition into time off enhances overall well-being.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    12 min

  3. DEC 8

    6. Unlock Financial Insights: From Numbers to Strategy

    This episode shares insight in understanding the importance of financial data in business. Karen reflects on a pivotal moment when she realized that her financial numbers were not just records of past performance but crucial indicators of what needed to change in her business strategy. This realization led her to stop viewing financials as an afterthought and instead use them as a guiding compass for her business decisions. (00:00) - The Awakening: Understanding Your Numbers (01:23) - The Shift: From Reporting to Leading (01:52) - The Thrive by Design Financial Insight Model ™ (02:20) - Stage 1 - Awareness: See It (02:43) - Stage 2 - Understanding: Read It (03:19) - Stage 3 - Action: Lead It (03:45) - Know Your Success Indicators (05:59) - Stage 4 - Optimisation: Scale It (06:39) - Bringing It To Life (07:20) - The Power of Partnership TakeawaysNumbers can reveal deeper insights beyond surface-level performance.Working harder doesn't always equate to better financial results.Financials should be treated as a strategic compass.Taking time to analyze data can lead to significant changes.Understanding financial signals can prevent future pitfalls.A shift in perspective can transform business operations.Data analysis is essential for informed decision-making.Awareness of financial health is key to sustainable success.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    9 min

  4. DEC 1

    5. Summer Series: The Summer Cashflow Checklist

    It’s early December - that time of year when everyone’s juggling end-of-year deadlines, Christmas parties, and clients trying to squeeze in “just one more project” before the break. But while you’re wrapping up the year, there’s one thing you can’t afford to leave unwrapped - your cashflow. In this bonus episode, I’m walking you through your Summer Cashflow Checklist - what you need to check off right now to make sure you glide into the new year with confidence, not cashflow chaos. (00:00) - Introduction to Summer Cashflow Planning (00:48) - A Client Summer Story (02:51) - Why Summer Cashflow Matters (03:46) - Step 1: Forecast the Next 8 Weeks (05:28) - Step 2: Collect What’s Owed – Now (06:29) - Step 3: Review and Time Your Outflows (07:41) - Step 4: Protect Your Summer Buffer (08:24) - Step 5: Plan Your January Momentum (09:22) - Actions for Quick Wins Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    11 min

  5. NOV 24

    4. Optimise Your Cashflow: Stop the Feast or Famine Cycle

    We discuss the critical importance of understanding cash flow in business.  Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that acquiring more clients is the solution to their cash flow problems. Instead, we advocate for gaining clarity on how cash moves through a business and designing a cash rhythm that allows for proactive management. This shift in mindset can transform a business from a state of chaos and survival to one of calm and thriving. (00:00) - Understanding the Feast or Famine Cycle (01:19) - Why Cash Flow Chaos Happens (02:55) - What “Optimising” Cash Flow Really Means (04:03) - The 3 Levers to Smooth The Cycle (06:03) - An Example - The Service Business Reality (07:06) - Take Action - Get In The Drivers Seat TakeawaysCash flow can fluctuate dramatically in business.Late payments and project delays can disrupt financial stability.It's crucial to have a robust system for managing money.Recognizing early signs of cash flow issues is key.Practical steps can help smooth out financial chaos.Business growth requires a solid financial foundation.Upgrading systems can aid in better cash management.Taking time off is important for business owners.Financial control leads to confidence in business decisions.Understanding expenses is vital for maintaining cash flow.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    9 min

  6. NOV 17

    3. Reset Your Foundations: Why Your Numbers Matter More Than You Think

    In this episode, Karen Woller discusses the importance of financial clarity for service entrepreneurs. She discusses how many business owners struggle with understanding their financial reports, leading to emotional decision-making rather than intentional choices. Karen outlines the three key components of resetting financial foundations: structure, systems, and standards. She debunks common myths about numbers and highlights the transformative power of understanding financial data. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for entrepreneurs to start taking control of their finances and improve their business outcomes. (00:00) - Understanding Your Financial Clarity (03:05) - Resetting Financial Foundations (06:02) - The Power of Numbers in Decision Making TakeawaysMost service entrepreneurs think they have a money problem, but it's a clarity problem.Resetting your financial foundations is about flipping the script from guessing to knowing.You need a setup that gives you visibility for decision-making, not just for tax.Good systems create consistency and take the stress out of finances.Every successful business has financial standards to track key numbers and benchmarks.You don't have to love numbers, just understand what they tell you.Your accountant reports the past; you need to plan for the future.Your bank balance is a moment in time, not a full picture.Your numbers don't limit you; they liberate you.Clarity breeds confidence, which leads to better decisions.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    8 min

  7. NOV 17

    2. The 3 Milestones to Thrive Without Sacrifice

    In this episode, Karen Woller discusses the three key milestones of her Thrive Without Sacrifice system, designed to help service entrepreneurs transition from survival mode to a state of freedom. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, alignment, and structure in achieving business success without sacrificing personal well-being. The conversation covers mastering financial numbers, building a strategic game plan, and creating a dream life through effective leadership and systems. (00:00) - Introduction to Thrive Without Sacrifice (01:58) - Master Your Numbers: Clarity Over Chaos (04:48) - Build Your Game Plan: Alignment Over Hustle (05:56) - Create Your Dream Life: Structure and Leadership TakeawaysMost service entrepreneurs never set out to feel overwhelmed.You started your business for freedom and flexibility.Over time, you became the bottleneck.Every client question loops back to you.You wake up early to get ahead and go to bed late.It's not because you're bad at business.You've been operating without a roadmap.Finding a roadmap can help regain control.Service entrepreneurs need to prioritize their time.Creating systems can alleviate overwhelm.Music from#Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    9 min

  8. NOV 13

    1. Ditch the Hustle: Why More Grind Won’t Get You More Freedom

    Hustle culture glorifies the grind, but it’s a recipe for burnout. Freedom and growth come from clarity, systems, and alignment — not from squeezing more hours out of your day. You can have a business that thrives without sacrificing your health, relationships, or creativity. (00:00) - The Hustle Culture Trap (04:57) - Shifting from Hustle to Clarity, Alignment, and Structure TakeawaysHustle culture glorifies overworking but leads to burnout.More grind does not equal more freedom.Service entrepreneurs are at risk of being trapped in hustle mode.Profit comes from smarter decisions, not longer hours.Clarity over chaos is essential for business success.Align your business with your personal values and goals.Structure and systems are crucial for scaling a business.You can design a business that fuels your life.Hustle culture is a recipe for stress and exhaustion.Thrive Without Sacrifice is about building a business that works for you.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: J9DLLHCRCIXB9NSG

    7 min

  9. EPISODE 1

    Welcome to the Podcast!

    Welcome to the Thrive by Design Podcast - This is a brief intro covering what you can expect in future!

    1 min

Trailer

About

Running a business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground. The Thrive by Design podcast is here to help service entrepreneurs like you create more balance, build sustainable growth, and design a business that actually supports the lifestyle you want.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Woller
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Thrive CA Ltd
  • Show Website
    Thrive by Design