Episode 573: Are you self sabotaging your small business success?

Join me for an important conversation with Laura Thompson and Sarah Sheridan from Clothing the Gaps about their "Not a Date to Celebrate" campaign. This episode explores how small businesses can create meaningful social change, the power of authentic advocacy, and practical ways you can get involved - whether you're in Australia or listening internationally.This conversation covers the history behind why January 26th is problematic, how Clothing the Gaps successfully campaigned to "Free the Flag," and their current petition that's gained over 73,000 signatures. You'll learn about building effective campaigns, using your business platform for good, and why this 87-year-old conversation is more relevant than ever.If you are First Nations and need some help right now in the lead up to 26 January, check out: 13 YARNBeyond BlueSign the Not a Date to Celebrate petition hereConnect with Clothing The GapsNot a Date to Celebrate Education HubInstagram: @clothingthegapsTikTok: @clothing_the_gapsWebsite: Clothing The GapsSign Up as Brand Partner: (Scroll to bottom and fill in form)Connect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️The Subject Object Market will run 10am - 2pm AEDT THIS WEEKEND - Saturday 6th December at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, Cnr Yarra St and Mitchell Av, Warrandyte. In this quick tip episode, Fiona digs into a behaviour she sees all the time in small business — self-sabotage. From saying you want more media exposure to turning opportunities down because you “don’t feel ready,” this episode is a reality check wrapped in encouragement. Fiona shares real examples, practical questions to ask yourself and why fear might be stopping you from the growth you’re craving.What You’ll LearnWhy so many small business owners unknowingly block their own opportunitiesThe difference between saying no because something isn’t aligned and saying no because you’re scaredHow to accept PR, podcast and media opportunities before you feel “ready”Simple questions to ask yourself to stop self-sabotageWhy feeling nervous is normal (even for experienced people) and how to act anywayHow small, brave yeses create visibility, connections and growthFollow IG @subject__object for more market information  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️The Subject Object Market will run 10am - 2pm AEDT Saturday 6th December at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, Cnr Yarra St and Mitchell Av, Warrandyte. In this episode, Fiona shares why she is returning to more human, real world connection in her business and how creating a small local market has reminded her of the value of community, creativity and presence alongside AI. She talks through the stallholders, the process, the stretch, and why doing something in person can shift so much in both work and life.Listeners will learn:• Why in-person connection still matters in an AI-driven business• How community and place can shape business decisions• What Fiona discovered while organising her first collaborative market• Why stretching yourself publicly can build confidence and creativity• The value of experimenting, embracing imperfection and doing things offlineFollow IG @subject__object for more market information  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIAI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business OwnersHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️What if one simple question could transform your entire business in 2026? In this episode, Fiona is sharing the exact question she asks every potential client that reveals the three things you should focus on to create real, meaningful change.Instead of trying to fix everything at once (we've all been there!), this episode will help you identify the THREE specific things that would make the biggest impact on your business over the next 12 months. We're talking real, actionable focus - not just growth for growth's sake.You'll discover:• The magic wand question that cuts through the noise• Why focusing on just 3 things beats a 47-item to-do list• Real examples of game-changing answers from other business owners• The three-perspective framework for choosing your priorities• How to turn your answers into your 2026 business planWhether it's confidence in marketing, launching that new category, or finally systemizing your processes - this episode will help you get crystal clear on what actually matters.Perfect timing as we head into the new year. Grab a pen and get ready to focus.  Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIOrygenHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In this somewhat personal episode, Fiona chats with her brother, Professor Eóin Killackey - a clinical psychologist and researcher at Orygen who specialises in youth mental health and employment outcomes. While Eóin isn't a small business owner, his insights on managing uncertainty, the relationship between work and mental wellbeing, and learning to switch off are invaluable for entrepreneurs. They discuss the science behind why purposeful work matters for mental health, practical strategies for dealing with constant stress and uncertainty, and how to recognise when you need professional help. Eóin also shares his approach to maintaining boundaries in meaningful work and offers coping mechanisms for those feeling overwhelmed by responsibility. A conversation filled with practical wisdom for anyone juggling business pressures with mental wellbeing.Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with Professor Eóin Killackey:LinkedInOrygenConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIOrygenHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️Who do you really admire in business — and what does that reveal about the way you want to work and live?In today’s quick tip episode, Fiona shares a simple but powerful exercise to help small business owners stop comparing themselves to the wrong people, get clear on their real values, and design a business that genuinely supports their life.You’ll learn how to identify the 10 people you truly admire, uncover the patterns behind why they inspire you, and use those insights to make clearer decisions, set better boundaries, and create a more intentional, sustainable business.Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck in comparison, or unsure about their direction.Sponsored by Vanta AI: vanta.com/mydailybusinessConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Vanta AIHow to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

Get your 2026 sorted with 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. You'll Learn How To:• Recognise transformational moments when they happen in your business journey• Create genuine human connections with your customers and audience• Stop hiding your enthusiasm and show up with authentic passion• Build a business that supports a life full of meaning and purpose• Turn ordinary interactions into opportunities for real impact• Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your business communications• Find clarity and perspective during challenging times as an entrepreneur• Use everyday experiences to fuel your business growth and personal developmentConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:How to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

Get your 2026 sorted with 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. In today's quick tip episode, Fiona explores the power of committing to 100 days to build consistency and momentum in your business. If you're someone who gets excited about new ideas but struggles to follow through once the novelty wears off, this episode is for you. Fiona shares practical tips for setting up your own 100-day challenge and why this timeframe is perfect for creating lasting change.You'll learn:Why 100 days is the perfect timeframe for building habits and maintaining focusHow to choose a clear focus and define your daily actionThe importance of tracking your progress and celebrating winsHow to stack your new habit with something you already doWhy you need to plan for setbacks and be adaptableThe power of reflecting on your progress and rewarding yourselfHow to turn overwhelming tasks into manageable 10-15 minute daily actionsPerfect for business owners who want to build consistency, tackle procrastination, and create momentum in areas they've been avoiding.Connect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:How to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

⭐️⭐️ Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  ⭐️⭐️In today's interview, Fiona speaks with Meagan Morton - stylist, creative director, and founder of The School - about following your creative instincts, building authentic businesses, and finding beauty in the everyday. Meagan shares her journey from growing up on a banana farm in Queensland to creating a global community of creative women, and why being authentically yourself is your greatest business asset.Get your 2026 sorted with 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. In today's chat we talk about:Following the charm - Meagan's philosophy of trusting your instincts and doing what feels rightBuilding The School and creating meaningful travel experiences for creative womenWhy authenticity in business trumps trying to fit entrepreneurial stereotypesMaking spaces and businesses that truly reflect who you areThe power of enthusiasm and never hiding your excitement for what you doHow her unique upbringing shaped her creative approach to life and businessPerfect for creative entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to build something authentic and meaningful.Connect with Meagan Morton and The School:Instagram: @meagan_morton and @theschoolConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.com A massive thank you to our sponsor and our fave AI tool, Poppy AI. Use FIONA at checkout for a discount   Resources mentioned:How to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.  

Get your 2026 sorted with 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. In this episode, Fiona shares a powerful parenting psychology concept that applies directly to business success. Drawing from child development research, she explores how every person - including entrepreneurs - needs two fundamental things daily: attention and power, and reveals how understanding this can transform your business strategy and decision-making.You'll learn:• The two essential daily needs that drive human behavior in both children and adults• How to audit where your business attention is going and whether it's serving your goals or just feeding your ego• Why chasing the wrong kind of attention can drain your energy and keep you stuck on a comparison treadmill• How to identify when you're giving away your power through pricing, boundaries, and saying yes to everything• The difference between attention that moves the needle versus attention that just provides validation• One attention move and one power move you can implement immediately to feel more grounded and purposeful in your businessPerfect for business owners who feel pulled in every direction and want to regain control over their energy, focus, and business decisions.A massive thank you to our sponsor and our fave AI tool, Poppy AI. Use FIONA at checkout for a discount Connect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: [email protected]: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:How to Get Your Book Published course Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to our sponsor, Vanta AI. Get $1000 off at vanta.com/mydailybusiness  Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching.  Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA.  We also love Descript.  Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.