Faith Over Fear: Your Key to Success with Stacey Sheppard
In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, we’re joined by Stacey Sheppard, the unstoppable force behind The Tribe—a coworking space nestled in Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes in Devon, that is changing the game for women in business. Stacey doesn’t just talk about empowering women; she lives it. From her “shepherd leadership” approach to her Faith Over Fear initiative, Stacey reminds us that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about showing up, even when things get messy. Stacey’s story is more than a roadmap—it’s a rallying cry. She’s carved out a space for women to find their voice, build community, and take the leap into entrepreneurship, no matter how daunting it may seem. Hit play if you’re a coworking space owner, a woman in business, or just someone looking for a spark of real talk and inspiration. Stacey’s approach to building paths for others is raw and honest, and we need more of it today. Episode Highlights * [00:40] - Stacey’s background and her mission to build a supportive space for women in business * [01:16] - How “business shepherd” became her guiding approach to leadership * [02:39] - Exploring the roots and impact of shepherd leadership at The Tribe * [04:28] - Faith over fear: How Stacey’s community initiative helps women tackle challenges head-on * [08:54] - Facing self-doubt and starting imperfectly * [14:16] - Why consistency beats perfection in podcasting and content creation * [22:33] - Building pathways to entrepreneurship for women and young girls * [27:17] - The potential for coworking spaces to serve as hubs of support, direction, and connection Episode Breakdown Shepherd Leadership: Guiding with PurposeStacey has crafted her leadership style around “shepherd leadership.” Rather than adopting the usual labels like coach or mentor, she embraced a role rooted in guidance and connection, focusing on helping her members chart their unique paths through the business landscape. She explains that this style is about leading by example and always tuning into her community’s needs and challenges. Faith Over Fear: Creating Resilience Through CommunityStacey didn’t just talk about resilience; she lived it, primarily through hurdles like the pandemic and losing her workspace’s original location. Out of these challenges, she launched the “Faith Over Fear” club, a space for members to support each other in facing fears and pursuing big goals. For Stacey, this group embodies the idea that community can be a powerful anchor, providing support and accountability when the journey feels toughest. Empowering the Next Generation Through EntrepreneurshipStacey sees coworking as more than just a workplace—a gateway to entrepreneurship. She’s made it her mission to bridge the knowledge gap for women interested in business, providing guidance, mentorship, and practical insights that make the journey less lonely. Through Athena Magazine, she also aims to extend these lessons to young girls in Devon, helping them imagine and prepare for careers that might not exist yet, especially in a rapidly changing job landscape. Starting Imperfectly: The Value of Growth Over PerfectionWhen trying something new, Stacey believes in starting “badly”—embracing imperfection as a natural step in growth. She shares this approach with her community and her kids, encouraging them to keep going despite rough times. In her view, the absolute joy lies in the journey and the progress that comes from each small step forward, not from waiting until everything feels “just right.” Realistic Expectations as a Path to LongevityIn her experience, setting realistic expectations is vital for anyone starting something new. Stacey explains how she approached launching her coworking space by researching the market, understanding what to expect, and pacing herself accordingly. This pragmatic mindset has helped her weather the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with a commitment
