She Is Courageous Podcast with Shelley Bosworth

Ever catch yourself thinking, “It shouldn’t be this hard”? You’ve got the experience, you’re putting in the work, and yet things still feel harder than they should.In this episode, Shelley gets real about the challenges of running a business, leading others and trying to build the life you want. She shares her own experiences of questioning whether things should be easier, why comparing yourself to others makes it worse, and how being capable can sometimes mean tolerating more than you should.Because business isn’t easy. But that doesn’t mean every part of it needs to stay this hard.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Get specific about what’s actually feeling hard, rather than treating everything as one big problem.Recognise where your approach, expectations or habit of taking responsibility for everything might be adding to the pressure.Choose your hard by deciding what’s worth the effort, what needs to change and what small action you can take in the next seven days.You don’t need to figure out the next five years today. But you do need to stop assuming that trying harder with the same approach will get you somewhere different.Ready to work out what needs to change? If you want support untangling the challenges holding you back, explore working with Shelley through one-to-one coaching. The link to book a call is in the show notes.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams. Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along: InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

What happens when you know what you want to do, but you’re worried about what other people will think?In this weeks episode, Shelley shares why she’s building a second business alongside her already successful by most peoples measures, coaching business, and the mindset challenges that came with making that decision.After a challenging year, Shelley reflects on building financial choice, creating more flexibility for the future, and questioning whether the things you’ve always done are still taking you where you want to go.She also shares the reality of starting something new, challenging her own assumptions about network marketing, and learning to ask for support rather than trying to figure everything out alone.In this episode, you’ll discover how to:Challenge the assumptions and fear of judgement that might be holding you back.Reassess what you want from your business and life, even when things are going well.Give yourself permission to explore something different without needing everyone else to understand your decision.Because you don’t have to wait until something stops working to do things differently.Sometimes, the most sensible decisions are the ones you make when things are going well.Your turn: What are you holding yourself back from because you’re worried about what other people might think?Here’s that episode I recorded with Lin Sherlock last year.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along:InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

AI is moving fast, and it’s easy to feel behind. But are you using it to make life and business easier, or accidentally outsourcing your own thinking?In this re-shared conversation, Shelley speaks with AI and content expert Abha Malpani Naismith about how to use AI thoughtfully, without losing the experience, creativity and judgement that make you and your business different.If you’re a female founder wondering where to start with AI, or concerned that everything is starting to sound the same, this episode will help you cut through the noise.Explore how AI can help you work more efficiently and create space for higher-value work.Protect your voice and expertise by giving AI your knowledge, experience and perspective.Question AI’s advice and use it as a tool, not a substitute for your own judgement.Remember, courage comes before confidence. You don’t need to know everything before you start experimenting.Want to use AI more confidently in your business? Find Abha's links and explore her programmes in the show notes to discover where to start.About Abha Malpani Naismith:Abha Malpani Naismith is an AI Brand & Content Strategist based in Dubai, on a mission to help female founders, solopreneurs and coaches become widely and wildly visible online by leveraging the power of generative AI without burnout. After 19+ years in PR and digital communications, she left her corporate 9-5 to design a life that gives her time flexibility, fulfilment and the freedom to be the mum she wants to be to her two little ones.Here's what she truly believes: learning to use AI for your content to position yourself online is the gateway to integrating AI across your entire business. It's low-risk, easy to implement, has tangible ROI and can save you hours of your time. Through live workshops, group coaching and on-demand courses, Abha helps women nail their messaging, grow their visibility, and build businesses on their own terms using AI as an enabler - no tech background required. She's hosted 50+ workshops, built a community of 1,500+ women, and she's just getting started.For more info visitFollow her on InstagramLinkedinCONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along:InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

What if the opportunity in front of you isn’t the hard part? What you choose to do with it might be.In this episode, Shelley revisits her conversation with Joyce Nicole Rogers, whose life has taken her from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia, the UK, Abu Dhabi, Prague, Milan and now Cairo.Joyce shares what she’s learned about stepping into the unknown, building community in new places, changing direction and continuing to learn. From finding your people to investing in yourself, there’s plenty here that applies far beyond moving countries.You’ll hear Joyce and Shelley explore how to:Step outside your comfort zone even when the butterflies are thereBuild a support network when everything around you feels newRecognise that changing direction doesn’t mean throwing away everything you’ve builtMost importantly, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to know what the next ten years looks like. You can take the opportunity in front of you and see where it leads.If you’re a teacher considering an international move, connect with Joyce and find out more about 49 Thirty Two through the links in the show notes.Joyce Nicole RogersJoyce was born in Lebanon and grew up between the Middle East and the UK, where she completed her schooling, university education, and PGCE. She began her teaching career in London before moving overseas with her family, living and working in Abu Dhabi, Prague, and most recently, Milan.While in Milan, Joyce co-founded 49 Thirty Two, a not-for-profit agency created by teachers, for teachers. The organisation supports schools with recruitment and helps teachers find meaningful roles internationally. It now operates across Europe and the MENA region, and Joyce takes great pride in the community they are building.In summer 2023, Joyce relocated to Cairo to continue expanding 49 Thirty Two’s presence in the region. Outside of her work with schools and educators, she enjoys staying active and can often be found at a Zumba class—dancing and doing her best to keep up. She believes in people, purpose, and doing things with heart (and a little rhythm).CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along:InstagramLinkedinOr Watch episodes on Youtube

What if you’re doing everything “right” but still feel like you don’t know what you’re doing?In this episode, Shelley chats with Maya, founder and CEO of Plan B VA Services, about building a successful business from a young age and learning to trust yourself along the way.Maya shares the realities of being a young entrepreneur, from feeling like you lack credibility to navigating growth, building a team and finding your own leadership style.You’ll hear how she:Trusts her own judgement instead of getting pulled around by everyone else’s adviceCreates the capacity for growth before waiting for the business to catch upBuilds confidence through action, even when she doesn’t have all the answersWhether you’re 26 or 49, there’s a lot here about resilience, self-belief and choosing to do things your own way.Connect with Maya on LinkedIn or find Plan B VA Services at planbva.co.uk.Maya Vertigans BioMaya Vertigans is the 26-year-old founder of Planner Bee VA Services, an award-winning eco virtual assistant (VA) agency dedicated to helping purpose-led businesses thrive.After starting her business as a freelance VA in 2021, Maya has grown her agency into a collaborative team of five, which has now supported over 60 ethical entrepreneurs to find more time, reduce stress and create an even bigger impact.Named one of Scotland’s most inspiring young businesswomen, Maya empowers sustainable brands with expert executive assistant support, marketing, and carbon accounting.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along: InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

Do you understand yourself better than ever, but still feel stuck?Self-awareness can be powerful. But there’s a point where labels like procrastinator, perfectionist, ADHD brain or imposter syndrome can stop helping and start becoming reasons not to move.In this episode, Shelley explores the difference between understanding your patterns and using them to lead yourself. Because insight alone doesn’t change your life. What you do with that insight does.You’ll learn how to:Notice the labels you’re using to describe yourselfShift those labels from identity into patterns you can work withChoose one small action you can take, even when the pattern is still presentThe label might shape how you do things, but it doesn’t get to decide whether you do them.Take the Self-Leadership Style Quiz mentioned in the episode to understand your patterns and discover what you can do with that insight. The link is in the show notes.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along: InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

You know you’re capable of more. But what if the thing holding you back isn’t your strategy, your effort or your confidence?In this episode, Shelley is joined by Louise Fernando, business energy strategist, to explore the hidden beliefs, past experiences and nervous system patterns that can influence the decisions you make in business.You’ll hear why:Recognise the unconscious promises you may have made to yourself and how they can shape your behaviour.Learn how to tell the difference between your intuition warning you away from something and the discomfort of genuine growth.Practise listening to your body and intuition without abandoning logic, strategy or common sense.Louise also shares her own experience of becoming more visible, the courage it took to start her podcast, and why resistance can be worth paying attention to.Your challenge? Do the thing that scares you, and have the conversation you’ve been putting off.Because sometimes the next level is on the other side of the thing you’re resisting.Louise Fernando BioDrawing on over 25 years of experience in human behaviour, leadership and trauma informed practice, Louise Fernando helps leaders uncover the hidden patterns influencing how they think, lead and make decisions. Her work focuses on developing the person behind the Business, creating the clarity and self-trust needed for sustainable growth, stronger leadership and lasting impactLinks for LouiseLinkedinInstagramPodcast - The House Of ExpansionCONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along: InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

Have you ever looked at the business you worked so hard to build and thought, “Do I still want this?”Shelley gets honest about questioning her own business after six years. Not because she stopped loving coaching, but because she became exhausted by the way she was trying to make the business work.If you’re an ambitious woman who’s tired of pushing harder, this episode will help you step back and get curious before making any big decisions.Notice what gives you energy and what consistently drains you.Question whether you’re tired of the goal or simply the route you’re taking to get there.Explore what needs to change before you decide you need to quit.You don’t necessarily need a new business, career or life. You might need a different way of creating what you want.If you’re struggling to see what needs to shift, reach out. This is exactly the kind of conversation Shelley has with women in her coaching container.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along: InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

You know the conversation you need to have. So why haven’t you had it?Instead, I bet you're overthinking, dropping hints, changing your behaviour, talking to everyone except the person involved, or creating processes to avoid addressing the real issue.In this episode, Shelley explores why we avoid difficult conversations and challenges you to look at what you’re really afraid of: the conversation itself, or what might happen afterwards.You’ll learn how to:Recognise the respectable stories you tell yourself to justify avoidanceSeparate facts, feelings and assumptions before starting a difficult conversationTake responsibility for what you need to say without trying to control the other person’s responseBecause you cannot hold someone else accountable for a conversation you’ve only had with yourself.Your courageous challenge: identify one conversation you’ve been avoiding and ask yourself what you’re really afraid might happen if you have it.Then go have the courageous conversation.She is courageous. And she is you.CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along:InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube

Do you rehearse conversations in your head, overthink what you said, or avoid saying what you really mean?In this episode, Shelley is joined by Sophie Jane Lee, author of Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women, to explore why courageous communication starts long before the words leave your mouth.You’ll hear how the stories you tell yourself shape the way you communicate, why people-pleasing can be a nervous system response, and why courage comes before confidence.Understand how your internal stories influence the space you allow yourself to take up.Recognise when fear, people-pleasing and overthinking are keeping you stuck.Practise courageous communication in small steps, rather than waiting to feel confident first.The biggest conversation you need to have might be the one you’re having with yourself.Find Sophie on LinkedIn, Instagram @ElectricPeachStudios, or explore Beyond Palatable at beyondpalatable.com.Sophie Jane Lee is an author, journalist, and founder of Electric Peach, an award-winning brand storytelling agency working with social impact organisations and SMEs. An NCTJ-qualified journalist with bylines in The Guardian, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post, she was named one of the UK's top 100 inspiring female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain. Her debut book, Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women (Luath Press, 2026), dismantles the conditioning that teaches women to shrink and calls them to take up space without apology. She speaks internationally on power, voice, and courageous communication. CONNECT WITH SHELLEYShelley Bosworth is a Business Leadership & Mindset Expert for founders and senior leaders who look successful on the outside and feel the pressure on the inside. She helps ambitious women stop overthinking, stop second-guessing decisions they're qualified to make, and start leading from who they actually are, not who they think they should be.She works 1:1 with founders and executives, delivers keynote talks, and runs leadership development for corporate teams.Based in the UAE, working globally.Join Courageous Connections Shelley's free monthly international networking community for women in businessGot a question, or thinking about working together?Email [email protected], speaking, or podcast enquiries: [email protected] along:InstagramLinkedinShelley's TikTok Or Watch episodes on Youtube