This Mother Means Business: Strategy, Advice, and Support for Mom Entrepreneurs

Laura Sinclair | Business Mentor and Marketing Expert Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

"This Mother Means Business" is the ultimate podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, mom founders, and CEO moms juggling kids and startups. If you're a mom struggling to balance the motherload and business plans, this show is your lifeline. Host Laura Sinclair, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing guru, and mother of two, dives deep into the nitty-gritty of building a thriving business while changing diapers, getting snacks, and dealing with the latest parenting drama. Weekly Episodes Tune in for a mix of: Expert Interviews: Gain insights and hear stories from successful mom founders who've been in your shoes.Solo Deep Dives: Laura shares her personal experiences and hard-won wisdom on topics like mom guilt, imposter syndrome, finding your people, and more.Practical Advice: Get actionable tips on everything from time management to marketing strategies.  This podcast doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Instead, it offers real talk, practical solutions, and a supportive community for moms who refuse to choose between their babies and their business dreams "This Mother Means Business" is your go-to resource for navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Join Laura and a community of like-minded moms as you redefine what's possible in both motherhood and business.

  1. 14h ago

    You Started a Business for Freedom—So Why Are You More Overwhelmed Than Ever?

    This week on This Mother Means Business, Laura is having an honest conversation about the version of “freedom” so many entrepreneurs thought they were building — and why so many women still feel overwhelmed, overworked, and stretched thin inside their businesses. Laura unpacks the hidden patterns and business models that quietly steal entrepreneurs’ time, energy, and capacity, especially for women building businesses alongside motherhood and real life responsibilities. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why entrepreneurship still feels exhausting despite building something successful, this episode will challenge the way you think about freedom, growth, and sustainability in business.   In this episode you will hear: 01:12 – The moment many women decide they want something different 02:30 – “How’s freedom going?” and the reality many entrepreneurs are experiencing 03:18 – Why so many women feel exhausted despite building successful businesses 05:20 – Why hustle culture assumes unlimited capacity 06:03 – The difference between a hustle model and a design model 06:48 – Freedom thief #1: Revenue that depends entirely on your time 08:54 – Freedom thief #2: A business that cannot function without you 10:05 – Why being the “system” in your business creates burnout 11:16 – Freedom thief #3: Tying your worth to being needed 12:42 – “The measure of a well-built business is how well it serves you.” 13:40 – Identifying what is currently blocking your version of freedom 15:05 – Building a business that supports your real life and capacity Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    16 min

  2. 4d ago

    What Busy Mom Entrepreneurs Actually Need to Know About Food with Hillary Ervin

    Laura sits down with registered dietitian Hillary Ervin for a refreshingly honest conversation about nutrition, body image, motherhood, and the pressure women feel to “do it all perfectly.” Together, they reflect on their shared history in the early online fitness industry, the harmful extremes many women were taught in the name of health, and how nutrition and wellness can look very different in a busy season of motherhood and entrepreneurship. This episode is full of practical, compassionate advice for women who are tired of all-or-nothing thinking around food and movement and want a more realistic, sustainable approach to caring for themselves.   In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Laura introduces registered dietitian Hillary Ervin 01:24 – Reflecting on their early online fitness industry experiences 04:33 – Motherhood, changing priorities, and how quickly life shifts 05:44 – The harmful “thin at all costs” mentality many women experienced 07:56 – What women actually need to know about protein intake 09:48 – Looking back at restrictive dieting culture and “protein fluff” 12:19 – Why trying to recreate your old body often creates frustration 15:13 – Why nutrition can feel harder than movement in motherhood 16:33 – The mental load of feeding yourself and your family 19:34 – Realistic nutrition strategies for busy moms 20:52 – Setting lower, more achievable expectations around food 24:11 – Letting go of perfection around meals and cooking 28:46 – Why nutrition doesn’t need to be complicated 30:54 – Focus on the basics before worrying about the “perfect” diet 33:36 – Why extreme challenges rarely create lasting results 34:42 – “Doing less” and being more patient often works better   Hillary's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.hillary/ Website: https://www.nutritionunbound.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    38 min

  3. Jun 1

    You’re Great at What You Do—So Why Aren’t You Getting More Clients?

    In this episode, Laura is unpacking a frustrating reality many entrepreneurs face: being incredibly good at what you do… while still feeling like your income doesn’t reflect it. She explains why expertise alone is not what drives revenue, the business systems many women are missing, and the key areas to focus on if you want your business to generate more consistent income. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t this working the way it should?” — this episode is for you.   In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – The disconnect between expertise and income 01:35 – Why so many talented women are under-earning 03:03 – The myth that more skill automatically means more money 04:17 – The 3 things that actually drive revenue 05:21 – Offer clarity and why communication matters 06:45 – Pricing mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck 08:01 – Why a full client roster can still lead to burnout 09:04 – Creating a repeatable client pathway 10:35 – Revenue visibility and understanding your numbers 11:46 – Why this is a systems issue, not a personal failure 12:32 – A practical exercise to identify what’s missing in your business 13:10 – Support available through the Inner Circle & Ambition Mastermind Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    15 min

  4. May 28

    How to Get Found Online in the Age of AI with Monique Bryan

    In this episode, Laura sits down with personal brand authority strategist Monique Bryan for a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about AI, visibility, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the future of online business. Together, they unpack how AI is changing the way people discover brands and businesses online, why traditional marketing strategies are evolving, and what entrepreneurs need to do now to stay visible in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Monique also shares her approach to personal branding, authority building, and positioning yourself as the obvious choice online. This episode is packed with practical insights, honest conversations about motherhood and entrepreneurship, and powerful reminders about adapting, evolving, and embracing the future instead of fearing it. In this episode you will hear: 01:13 — The pressure and judgment women face around motherhood 03:56 — Monique’s background in branding, entrepreneurship, and AI visibility 06:28 — How AI is changing search, discoverability, and online visibility 08:13 — Why blogs, podcasts, and long-form content matter again 09:13 — How to test whether AI tools can “find” you online 11:47 — Monique’s free AI authority audit and where entrepreneurs should start 13:14 — Why inconsistent messaging hurts your visibility online 14:21 — The importance of thought leadership and POV content 16:13 — How AI recommendations are changing consumer behaviour 18:03 — What a personal brand strategist actually does 20:22 — Why perception, styling, and authority matter in business 22:52 — Building a personal brand that aligns with bigger opportunities 25:24 — Why relationships, rooms, and proximity still matter 27:24 — Entrepreneurship, motherhood, and learning empathy after becoming a parent 29:46 — How AI tools can save entrepreneurs time and mental load 31:05 — Using Whisper, Claude, and AI workflows in daily business operations 34:00 — How AI design tools are changing content creation 36:17 — “Adapt or die” — why entrepreneurs need to understand AI now 38:07 — Why parents need to understand the AI tools their kids are using Use code TMMB to get your free AI Visibility Audit: https://moniquebryan.com/audit Monique's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquebryan_co/ Check Your AI Visibility: https://futureproofyourbrand.co/ Website: https://www.moniquebryan.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    42 min

  5. May 25

    From 14 Hour Days and Struggle to Multi-Six Figures and Golfing Mid-Week: Learn from This Mom Entrepreneur Success Story

    In this episode, Laura sits down with Leslie Robertson, owner of Prime Personal Training in Ottawa, Ontario. Leslie shares the evolution of her 14-year fitness business journey — from grinding through long days as a solo trainer, to navigating motherhood, COVID, burnout, staffing challenges, and ultimately rebuilding her business in a more sustainable and aligned way. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to shift from overwhelmed operator to empowered CEO, the mindset challenges that come with hiring and leadership, and how simplifying your business can completely transform your energy, capacity, and quality of life. This conversation is honest, practical, emotional, and deeply encouraging for any entrepreneur who feels exhausted by the way they’re currently running their business. In this episode you will hear: 00:03 — Introducing Leslie Robertson and Prime Personal Training 02:03 — Leslie’s background in teaching, athletics, and personal training 03:55 — The realities of running a fitness business for 14 years 06:28 — COVID, motherhood, and the hardest seasons of entrepreneurship 07:42 — Why Leslie knew her business model needed to change 08:53 — Burnout, exhaustion, and realizing something had to give 10:07 — The shift from online hustle to simplifying the business 11:26 — Losing a key team member and rebuilding after revenue loss 13:00 — Creating more simplicity, space, and CEO time 14:21 — The studio transformation that changed the business 15:31 — Hiring fears, team growth, and understanding business numbers 16:44 — The power of local marketing and community visibility 18:09 — Moving from business operator to true CEO 20:58 — How one DM led to hiring an incredible trainer 21:24 — Leslie reflects on burnout, stress, and constantly hustling online 23:49 — Why coaching felt different this time around 24:49 — Letting go of grind culture and creating alignment 25:24 — Building a business that allows for real life again 26:07 — Leadership, hard conversations, and managing a growing team 28:16 — The identity shift that happens when your business evolves 29:36 — Why investing in support changed everything 32:32 — Leslie’s philosophy on sustainable health and fitness 35:11 — Why women need support, not more extreme strategies 37:29 — How to connect with Leslie and Prime Personal Training   Leslie's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithles/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primepersonaltrainingottawa/ Website: primepersonaltraining.ca Website: https://getfitwithles.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    41 min

  6. May 21

    When Success Gets Redefined: Motherhood, Cancer & Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Lianne Cawley

    In this episode, Laura sits down with Lianne Cawley, founder of Chapter 35, a branding and graphic design studio based in Edmonton, Alberta. Lianne shares the deeply personal story of being diagnosed with leukemia while raising two young children and running a growing business — and how the experience completely transformed the way she thinks about success, motherhood, boundaries, time, and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore what it looks like to rebuild a business from a place of alignment rather than hustle, the realities of navigating entrepreneurship during a health crisis, and how redefining success can create a more meaningful and sustainable life. In this episode you will hear: 00:09 — Introducing Lianne Cawley and Chapter 35 02:58 — Why Lianne loves working with women-led businesses 04:00 — The meaning behind the Chapter 35 rebrand 06:15 — Lianne’s leukemia diagnosis and navigating chemotherapy while running a business 09:23 — How cancer changed her definition of success 12:01 — Motherhood, entrepreneurship, and learning to prioritize time differently 16:44 — Finding perspective and clarity through trauma 17:24 — How cancer impacted family dynamics, relationships, and boundaries 19:07 — Why time became more valuable after her diagnosis 20:24 — The tangible changes Lianne made in her business after cancer 22:17 — Building deeper client relationships through branding intensives 23:55 — Boundaries, productivity systems, and protecting energy 26:25 — Learning to trust and empower her team during treatment 29:34 — What’s next for Chapter 35 and the future of the business   Lianne's Links: Wesbite: www.chapter35.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapter35.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liannecharlene/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannecharlene/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chapter-35-creative/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    34 min

  7. May 18

    Why Most Business Coaching Programs Push Mindset and What You Likely Need Instead

    In this episode, Laura challenges one of the most common narratives in the online business world: that mindset work alone is enough to build a successful business. While personal growth, confidence, and belief absolutely matter, Laura explains why they can’t replace solid business infrastructure. She breaks down the difference between feeling good in your business and actually building a business that functions sustainably, profitably, and predictably. From offer clarity and pricing to client pathways and revenue visibility, this episode is a direct and honest conversation about what truly moves the needle in business growth. In this episode you will hear: 00:05 — Why mindset work alone is not a business strategy 01:32 — How the coaching industry over-focuses on internal work 03:12 — Why you may not be blocked, just under-infrastructured 04:38 — What mindset can and can’t do for your business 06:15 — What business infrastructure actually means 07:42 — The four pillars of a functioning business 10:08 — Why many coaching programs miss real strategy 12:04 — The difference between feeling better and building better 13:21 — Three practical moves to strengthen your infrastructure 15:06 — Why mindset should support strategy, not replace it 16:12 — How Ambition helps build real business structure Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    20 min

  8. May 14

    Why Women Entrepreneurs Need To Protect Themselves, Not Just Their Business with Aimee Schalles of Jointly

    In this episode, Laura sits down with Aimee Schalles, co-founder of Jointly, to talk about one of the most important — and often avoided — conversations in relationships: legal protection. From prenups to cohabitation agreements, this conversation breaks down why these discussions feel so uncomfortable, how to reframe them, and why they’re essential for protecting yourself — especially as a woman navigating modern relationships, finances, and family life.    In this episode you will hear:  01:23 — What Jointly is and why it was created   03:52 — Why this matters: real-life examples of separation and lack of protection   05:12 — Why prenup conversations feel “sticky” (and the common misconceptions)   06:27 — Power dynamics, financial protection, and women’s autonomy   07:25 — The importance of recognizing unpaid labour and sacrifices   08:48 — The mindset barrier: why women hesitate to bring this up   09:54 — How to start the conversation in a healthy, collaborative way   11:31 — Cohabitation vs. prenup: what’s the difference   12:34 — Why AI isn’t the solution for legal agreements   14:45 — What makes an agreement enforceable   16:41 — When and how you can create or update agreements   17:25 — Aimee’s life as a mom, lawyer, and founder   19:20 — Setting boundaries and building a business that fits your life   21:32 — The inspiration behind Jointly’s business model   23:15 — The future vision for Jointly  Use code TMMB to receive 20% off Jointly prenuptial and cohabitation agreements. Aimee's Links: Website: jointly.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointly.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointlysolutions/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram  • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

"This Mother Means Business" is the ultimate podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, mom founders, and CEO moms juggling kids and startups. If you're a mom struggling to balance the motherload and business plans, this show is your lifeline. Host Laura Sinclair, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing guru, and mother of two, dives deep into the nitty-gritty of building a thriving business while changing diapers, getting snacks, and dealing with the latest parenting drama. Weekly Episodes Tune in for a mix of: Expert Interviews: Gain insights and hear stories from successful mom founders who've been in your shoes.Solo Deep Dives: Laura shares her personal experiences and hard-won wisdom on topics like mom guilt, imposter syndrome, finding your people, and more.Practical Advice: Get actionable tips on everything from time management to marketing strategies.  This podcast doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Instead, it offers real talk, practical solutions, and a supportive community for moms who refuse to choose between their babies and their business dreams "This Mother Means Business" is your go-to resource for navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Join Laura and a community of like-minded moms as you redefine what's possible in both motherhood and business.

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