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

Laura Sinclair
  • 5.0 (18)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Three Things You Need to Leave in 2025 to Skyrocket Your Business in 2026

    If 2026 feels like a make-or-break year for your business, this episode is for you. In this solo conversation, Laura Sinclair shares three key behaviours to leave behind in 2025 if you want to build a sustainable, profitable, and visible business in 2026. Drawing from real conversations inside the Inner Circle, Laura breaks down where so many women are leaking energy—by not asking for what they need, mistaking busyness for momentum, and hiding instead of leading. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to become someone new in 2026—you just need to stop disappearing. In this episode you will hear: 00:04 – Why 2026 feels like a “do or die” year for so many women 01:05 – Leave this in 2025: not asking for what you need 01:52 – A real example of overwhelm (and the simple solution most people avoid) 03:10 – The hidden cost of not asking: resentment, burnout, under-earning 04:43 – Leave this in 2025: confusing busyness with momentum 05:32 – The illusion of productivity and why “busy” feels safer 06:18 – Your business doesn’t need more hours—it needs fewer priorities 07:06 – Leave this in 2025: hiding instead of being seen 08:10 – The Fyre Festival story (and the audacity lesson for women in business) 09:34 – You cannot build a visible, profitable business while staying small 10:32 – Being seen is a leadership decision, not a mindset issue 11:22 – The three questions to take with you into 2026   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026  Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    14 min

  2. 5D AGO

    From Facebook Group to Global Movement: The Story of Black Moms Connection with Tanya Hayles

    In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with community-builder, advocate, and founder of Black Moms Connection, Tanya Hayles. Tanya shares how a simple Facebook group for Black moms turned into a global nonprofit serving tens of thousands of women, how she thinks about advocacy, funding, and impact, and why slow, values-led growth still matters. They dive into nonprofit vs. for-profit decisions, building a working board with intention, navigating grief and career pivots, and why collaboration, data, and niche communities are the future. If you’re a mom building something bigger than yourself—especially a community or movement—this conversation will light you up and ground you at the same time. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Meeting Tanya & why Laura “inserted herself” into her life 01:00 – Who Tanya is: Black Moms Connection, global village & nonprofit work 03:00 – “Busiest unemployed person ever” and the childcare centre application story 05:15 – The sunscreen story: how Black Moms Connection actually started 06:30 – From 400 to 4,000 members in two months & realizing she’d built a ship 07:40 – Why Tanya chose the nonprofit route over a for-profit community model 11:00 – Advocacy, government consultations, and protecting the community’s voice 14:15 – Reputation, values, and being careful about partnerships and optics 16:00 – From Facebook group to nonprofit: learning structure, boards, and funding 19:30 – Building a working board with intention (not vibes) and big-picture goals 22:30 – Tanya’s vision: 24-hour childcare, global chapters, apps, and sustainable growth 26:30 – Post-it walls, shifting priorities, and redefining “balance” as a mom in business 31:30 – Grieving job loss, starting again, and letting new business ideas emerge 36:30 – IOE Agency, Blackout Experience, and building offers from existing skills 41:30 – The power of data, niche communities, and why safety + specificity matter 44:30 – Where to find Tanya, Black Moms Connection, and why she’s divesting from Instagram   Tanya's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetanyahayles/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkoutexperience/ Website: www.theioeagency.com Website: www.blkoutexperience.com   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026  Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    50 min

  3. DEC 15

    Looking Ahead to 2026: Big Changes, News and More - A Personal Update

    In this solo episode, Laura pulls back the curtain and shares a personal update on what the last six months have really looked like behind the scenes. From unexpected pivots and major brand expansion to big shifts inside the Inner Circle and exciting news about This Mother Means Business Live 2026, Laura opens up about the wins, the challenges, and the direction the brand is moving in. If you’re building a business while navigating motherhood, these insights offer inspiration, perspective, and a real-time look at how big visions evolve. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 — Sneak peek into 2026 + why this episode is overdue 03:10 — The origin of retreats, the Inner Circle, and TMMB Live 04:36 — Planning TMMB Live 2026 + original venue choices 05:20 — Why a VIP dinner was part of the 2026 plan 06:40 — The Pearl Hotel & Spa becomes the official event sponsor 07:30 — Changing venues, dates, and navigating sponsor alignment 09:17 — What corporate sponsorship really means for TMMB 10:20 — Why mothers in business deserve sponsorship dollars 12:20 — Why the community was renamed “The Inner Circle” 13:30 — Free calls move to quarterly; Inner Circle calls become accountability 15:30 — More connection opportunities inside the community 16:20 — 50% off code for new Inner Circle members 18:50 — Laura’s gratitude + why she’s committing to more updates 19:30 — Guest applications opening in January   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026    Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    21 min

  4. DEC 11

    This Isn't Working: Why The Way We Run Businesses Is Burning Us Out with Megan French Dunbar

    In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with author and business anthropologist Meghan French Dunbar to talk about her book “This Isn’t Working” and why our current work culture is leaving so many women burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed. They unpack what’s actually at the root of modern burnout, how leaders and companies can build human-first businesses, why defining “enough” in life and business matters, and how to create success that includes mental health, joy, and quality of life—not just revenue. In this episode you will hear: 01:29 – Meghan explains who she is and what a “business anthropologist” means 03:20 – The core problem behind “This Isn’t Working” and why work feels broken 05:42 – Laura’s client story about wanting to burn it all down and run away 07:18 – What thriving leaders do differently: authenticity and sustainable performance 09:44 – The five elements of human flourishing and how we neglect them 10:24 – Laura realizes she’s been neglecting her basic needs as a founder and mum 11:58 – Human-first companies like Eileen Fisher and EO Products as real-world examples 13:50 – Meghan’s personal story: Conscious Company Magazine, hustle, and panic attacks 17:24 – Stepping down as CEO, becoming a full-time mum, and hitting burnout 18:59 – Clinical depression, starting therapy, and questioning what “normal” work is 22:35 – How Meghan researched the book and interviewed nearly 100 leaders 25:47 – Sharon Rowe, EcoBags, and building a “tiny business” around an ideal life 29:29 – Redefining success: extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation and Meghan’s Venn diagram 33:25 – Where to find “This Isn’t Working” and support local bookstores   Meghan's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbar/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MeghanFrenchDunbar   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026  Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    38 min

  5. DEC 8

    2026 Trends You Need to Know As You Grow Your Business

    2026 is coming in hot (and honestly, how?!), and the online business world is shifting in ways you can’t ignore — especially if you’re a mom running a business on an already overloaded calendar. In this episode, Laura breaks down the 5 major trends shaping 2026 and how small business owners can prepare without burning out, chasing shiny objects, or blowing up the foundations of their business.  These aren’t “cute predictions.” These shifts are already happening under the surface — and the businesses that adapt now will win.   What You’ll Learn Why AI and automation are now a baseline for small business successHow short-form video + social commerce are reshaping how people buyWhat the trust recession means for your marketing in 2026How purpose-driven brands are outperforming everyone elseWhy collaboration and partnerships will be a core growth strategy next yearThe foundational work you must have in place before chasing trends 00:00 — Intro  Why foundations matter more than trends. 02:20 — 2026 Climate Check  Economic uncertainty + trust recession. 03:45 — Trend 1: AI & Automation  Why AI is now the baseline for small business. 07:40 — Practical AI Integration  Easy ways to save time + reduce errors. 09:15 — Trend 2: Digital-First Buying  Short-form video + in-app shopping. 10:45 — Social Commerce Tips  Make buying simple and frictionless. 11:40 — Trend 3: Trust & Transparency  Why human-first marketing wins in 2026. 13:30 — Building Real Trust  Behind-the-scenes, social proof, real results. 14:55 — Trend 4: Purpose Matters  Consumers want brands that give a damn. 16:20 — Purpose in Action  Small steps for sustainability + impact. 19:40 — Trend 5: Collaboration  Partnerships as a core growth strategy. 20:45 — How to Collaborate  Shared audiences + aligned partners. 22:00 — Final Thoughts  2026 rewards the adaptable, honest, and visible.   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here:  https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    26 min

  6. DEC 4

    Pivoting at 40: Building a Profitable, Canadian-Made Apparel Brand from Scratch with Heather Bolt of Dotty

    In this episode, Laura chats with Canadian designer Heather Bolt, founder of Dotty, a Toronto-made clothing brand designing “real clothes for real bodies” for women in midlife. They cover local manufacturing, fit-first design (sleeves, tummy-friendly cuts, inclusive sizing), micro-influencer strategy, and the honest realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. If you care about made-in-Canada fashion, body-confident style, and community-first brand building, this one’s for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & guest intro (Heather Bolt, Dotty) 01:14 – Dotty: Toronto manufacturing (Scarborough & North Toronto) 02:22 – Canadian story & starting point 05:46 – The nudge that changed everything 07:20 – Early entrepreneur doubts; designing for real bodies 09:09 – Loyal customers & product thoughtfulness 12:31 – Showing up on camera; relatable founder 15:39 – Word of mouth, One of a Kind Show, micro-influencers 18:15 – Founder values, authenticity, buyer trust 25:18 – “Remember who the F you are” 27:18 – Midlife energy & the freedom of not people-pleasing 31:39 – Seasons of business & motherhood 34:36 – Presence over hustle; what matters at 80   Heather's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dottyclothing/ Website: https://www.dotty.ca/   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    42 min

  7. DEC 1

    10 Lessons for 10 Years of Entrepreneurship: Lesson 10 - You Can (Really) Do Anything You Want To

    In this empowering finale of the 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship series, Laura Sinclair closes out a decade of business and personal growth with one of her most powerful insights yet: you can do anything you want with your life. Laura reflects on how belief, community, and self-trust have shaped her entrepreneurial journey — from PR and marketing to coaching and building a platform for women in business. This episode is a must-listen for female entrepreneurs, moms in business, and anyone ready to redefine success and start believing in what’s possible. In this episode you will hear: 00:01 – Wrapping up 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship 02:18 – Lesson 10: You Can Do Anything You Want with Your Life 04:31 – The Power of Belief and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 05:27 – Becoming Your Biggest Believer 07:51 – Permission to Pivot Anytime 09:30 – No More Excuses 10:16 – Proof of Possibility 12:34 – Closing Reflections & Gratitude   Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    16 min

  8. NOV 27

    Time Magic for Moms: How to Manage Time Without Burning Out with Jill Wright

    In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Canadian time-management expert Jill Wright @energyandhours — speaker, coach, and host of Grow Like a Mother. Together they unpack why traditional time-management advice often fails for moms, how to bring more flow and flexibility into your schedule, and what it really means to become the pilot of your time. From “time confetti” to ADHD-friendly planning tools, this episode is full of realistic, compassionate strategies for building a business without burning out.   In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – If only I had more time 01:30 – Jill’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship 04:00 – Rethinking time management for moms 07:00 – The concept of time confetti 11:00 – Prioritizing with the Eisenhower Matrix 14:30 – When time blocking doesn’t work 18:00 – The tough love truth about time 21:00 – Time management for ADHD brains 25:00 – The Time Magic Planner 27:30 – Time flies, but you’re the pilot   Jill's Links:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyandhours/ Wesbite: https://jillwright.ca/ Energy + Hours Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/energy-hours-formerly-grow-like-a-mother/id1601675882 Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

    34 min
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5
out of 5
18 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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