If you constantly feel overwhelmed, short on time, and like you’re always working but rarely working on the business … you’re not alone.
And if you’re honest, you might not even be totally sure what “working on the business” is supposed to look like anymore now that you have a team.
In this episode, I walk through how I think about designing a week on purpose, to create space for everything you want and need to do as CEO, no matter what level your business is at (from side hustle to full team)
In this episode, we explore how to … Design Your Week Like a CEO:
Why overwhelm is often a design issue, not a discipline issue
How most weeks quietly become reactive without you realising
What “working on the business” actually means in practice
Why certain activities must be scheduled or they disappear
How intentional structure creates more freedom, not less
I also share personal insights around:
energy, focus, and decision fatigue
why busyness can feel productive while keeping you stuck
and how small shifts in your week can change everything
This episode is for you if:
your days feel full but unsatisfying
you’re constantly context-switching
or you know you need to change how your time works — you just haven’t stepped back to redesign it
Free resource:
For the Free CEO Schedule Template, go to https://a.anneliseworn.com/ceoschedule
Your time is your most valuable asset.
This episode will help you start treating it that way.
A x
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Most agency owners think growth comes from more leads, better funnels and great teams.
That’s true, but one of the most underestimated growth levers in business has nothing to do with marketing at all.
It’s proximity.
In this episode, I unpack why who you surround yourself with both professionally and personally shapes your decisions, your standards, and ultimately, your results as an agency owner.
In this episode, we explore:
Why agency ownership is a niche within a niche - and why that matters
The invisible weight agency owners carry (and why most people don’t see it)
How being around the wrong people can slow you down without you realising
Why “small fish in a big pond” accelerates growth
How proximity changes the level of conversations you’re having
We also talk about:
How proximity helps raise your standards, without pressure or burnout
Why timelines collapse when higher-level decisions are normalised
The difference between tactical noise and executive-level thinking
How to think about relationships through collaboration, referrals, and clients
Why proximity isn’t slimy or salesy, it’s strategic
This episode is for agency owners who:
feel like they’re carrying big responsibility alone
know they’ve outgrown some rooms but aren’t sure what’s next
want to grow faster without grinding harder
value freedom, scale, and long-term thinking
We’re in a time where human proximity matters more than ever.
Tune in for a conversation on how to best leverage this.
A x
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
I know, I know … “tech stack” is not a sexy topic.
But it is one of the biggest reasons agencies feel overwhelmed, scattered, and harder to run than they need to be.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how we think about tech inside our agency - and why we deliberately choose a boring, low-tech, low-noise stack, even as we scale.
This isn’t a list of tools you should copy.It’s a way of thinking about tech that reduces chaos instead of adding to it.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why more tools usually create more friction, not efficiency
The trade-offs we intentionally make to keep things simple
The rules we use to decide what stays and what goes
Why systems matter more than software
The hidden cost of over-engineering your agency
I also share:
How we separate communication from task execution
The non-negotiable rules we run our tools by
How we avoid double-handling work
What actually needs to be automated — and what doesn’t
Why boring tech creates more freedom, not less
This episode is for agency owners who:
feel like their tools are running them
want fewer subscriptions, fewer logins, fewer decisions
are ready to simplify without dumbing things down
If you’ve been adding tools hoping things would feel easier, this episode will help you pause, reassess, and design a tech stack that actually supports your business (and your life).
If you want to talk through simplifying your systems or tightening your operations, you can book a free consult with me and walk away with a clear next step.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Depending on who you listen to, AI is either the end of agencies as we know it… or the shortcut to infinite growth.
As with most things, the truth usually sits somewhere in the middle.
This episode is the grounded, strategic conversation you’ve probably been missing.
I’m breaking down what AI really means for marketers, freelancers, and agency owners — where it strengthens your position, where it exposes weaknesses, and how to use it without losing the thing that makes your work valuable.
To keep this practical and balanced, I’ve gone old school and used a SWOT framework to cut through the noise and give you real clarity on how to approach AI inside your agency.
We cover:
Strengths: what AI can’t replace
Weaknesses: where marketers become vulnerable
Opportunities: where smart agencies win
Threats: what’s actually at risk
I also go into:
What we’re teaching inside Agency Academy
How we’re actually using AI in our agency
When not to use AI
And my predictions on what’s coming next in the AI landscape
I can’t wait for you to listen — and I’d love to chat with you on Instagram about your thoughts and how you’re applying this in your own agency.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide:
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
2026 is around the corner, and the gap between those who grow and those who disappear is only going to widen.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the major shifts I see coming for agency owners and the clients we serve. We’re talking about four key themes: AI, content, paid ads, and community, and how each one is evolving fast.
If you want to stay relevant, grow your agency, and lead with confidence in 2026 this is the conversation to tune into.
Because mediocre is getting replaced. But leaders? We rise to the top.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide:
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Most women I talk to want a better strategy. A new funnel. A different offer. But the truth? Strategy is not step one.
In this episode, I walk you through the four Ms you actually need to scale as a freelancer or agency owner – in this order: Mindset, Magnetism, Mechanics, Momentum. We talk about why so many smart, capable women are “doing all the right things” and still not seeing the results they want, and what actually needs to shift first.
Inside the episode:
Why your mindset quietly shapes your pricing, decisions, confidence, and capacity
How your energy and presence (magnetism) matter more than perfect messaging
The simple practices that elevate your frequency so you attract, not chase
Why mechanics only work after mindset + magnetism are aligned
A real client example of reading data vs reacting to feelings
How to build momentum so your business becomes self-sustaining
What it looks like to release control of timelines and operate from relaxed confidence
If this episode resonates, come find me on Instagram and send a voice note. I’d love to hear where you’re focusing next.
A.
Want more…
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Most agency owners hit a point where growth starts to feel… heavy.
You’re busy, you’re booked, revenue’s up — but freedom? Not so much.
In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to audit, simplify, and evolve your agency so it SCALES (not just grows revenue) — and what to do once you hit your sweet spot.
Because scaling isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing less, better.
We’ll chat about
Auditing your current model — what’s heavy, what’s profitable, what’s not repeatable.
Simplify your offers so you can deliver consistent results without custom chaos.
Productise your services (I use ours as an example)
Systemise your delivery to eliminate founder bottlenecks and firefighting.
Rebuild your team structure around roles, ownership, and clear metrics.
Recognise your scalable sweet spot — the point where profit, peace, and predictability meet.
And finally, add leverage: how to transition from agency growth → leveraged growth through info products, programs, and digital assets.
The Freedom-First Framework in ActionIn this episode, I unpack four core pieces of my Freedom Framework:
1 - Mindset: Stop chasing “more” — start defining “enough.”
2- Business Design: Simplify your model around one clear offer.
3 - Systems: Build a predictable delivery engine that runs without you.
4 - Team: Empower a self-led team so you can evolve into your next level.
These are the exact levers that helped me turn a fully booked agency that sucked all my time, into a truly scalable, freedom-first business with leverage.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
If you want a business that gives you real freedom — this is where it starts.
In this episode, I walk you through my Fire + Flow Business & Life By Design Planning Process — the rhythm I use (and teach) to design a business that supports the life you actually want to live.
We’ll move past traditional “business planning” and into something far more intentional. This is how we build a business that becomes the vehicle to our dream life.
How to define your North Star — the life and business vision that sets your direction
The exact way to get clear on your numbers — income, time, client capacity, team, offers etc.
How to reverse engineer your goals into weekly actions that actually move the needle
Why your calendar should reflect your life before your workload
How to compare your current schedule with your ideal one and bridge the gap — whether slowly, quickly, or with support
The mindset shifts to take you from default to design.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Hello, hello — and welcome back to the show!
It’s been a minute.
The last time you heard from me, we’d just arrived in Greece. I was recording under those gorgeous trees, with cicadas louder than my mic. It was beautiful, but not ideal for a podcast. So, I decided to take a break.
Key word: decided.
In this episode, I’m sharing why I pressed pause on posting and podcasting, what the past six months of travel taught me, and how I’m coming back with more clarity and excitement than ever.
Because no, this wasn’t burnout. It was alignment — the strategic kind.
The difference between fire and flow — and why we need both → Fire is the structure, the systems, the strategy. → Flow is the joy, the intuition, the being.
How taking six months off to travel with my family helped me reset my goals and reconnect with what freedom actually looks like
Why I believe alignment isn’t about doing what feels good in the moment — it’s about intentional decisions backed by strategy
How I’m building and planning for 2026
The 9-part Fire + Flow Framework: strategy, systems, and support — and how each area fuels a different kind of freedom
This episode includes: Why I still believe in balance (and what it actually means when you’re running a business, raising a family, and living life on your terms)
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Most of us don’t start businesses or step into new roles dreaming of being a leader. We start because we’re great at what we do.
But here’s the kicker: being great at what you do isn’t enough to grow a business. At some point, the work shifts from doing the thing to leading the people who do the thing. And that’s a whole different skill set.
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Lincolne, leadership coach and CEO of Incredible People, to unpack what that transition really looks like.
We cover:
The critical difference between managing tasks and leading people (and why your team needs both).
The hardest (and most freeing) shift for founders: letting go of being the best technician and learning to create the environment where others can shine.
Why feedback and purpose are the two most underrated leadership superpowers.
How to approach hiring in small businesses where every choice counts.
The Momentum Framework—a simple 3-part structure to help you grow into the kind of leader people actually want to follow.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it as a leader, or you’ve realised being excellent at what you do won’t take you to the next level, this conversation will give you both clarity and practical steps to grow into the leader your business - and your team - needs.
Click here to connect with Natalie on LinkedIn.
Click here to learn more about LEAD LAB ™
Want More?
Episode Title: They Told Me I Was Crazy
Note: you can totally hear the cicadas in this episode - noted - I’ll move inside for the next one!
Yes, people told me I was crazy when I…
Let go of 75% of our revenue
Restructured my team
Shutting down a profitable branch of the business
Pulled my kids out of school
And said goodbye to winter - for good
Yes, people told me I was crazy.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Right now, I’m writing this from Greece, where I am all summer - in our rental at the beach.
In this raw and real episode, I’m sharing the story behind how I got here - and guide you through a process to start walking towards your own version of freedom too.
This is your permission slip (not that you need one!) to dream bigger, choose differently, and design a life that feels like living.
Want More?
DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn
Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: Anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult
Still doing everything yourself in your freelance business?
Want to (and know you need to) delegate but can’t afford it?
I’ve been there.
In this episode, we dive into how to delegate (even with a teeny tiny budget), why you don’t need to wait, and how buying back just a few hours a week can unlock serious business growth.
You’ll learn exactly what to outsource, how to find affordable help, and—most importantly—how to use that freed-up time to upgrade your marketing, craft high-ticket offers, and build a sales system that connects you with the right clients.
Because it’s time to stop having just a job… and start building a real business.
What You’ll Learn:
Why doing everything yourself is keeping you stuck
How to hire help for under $100 per month
10+ examples of what to delegate first (especially for social media freelancers)
How to use your free time to raise rates and attract better clients
What a “4x ROI hire” looks like—and how it fuels growth
How to shift from freelancer with a job to CEO with a business
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
(Or DM me the word CEO on IG)
Claim your free Strategy Call here: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
In this episode, Annelise sits down with Shaye Thyer, founder of Pallas, a financial consultancy helping women turn their businesses into profitable assets. Yes, ASSET.
Content like this is important, because when we know our numbers, we can reverse engineer our goals, and make better business decisions. When we do - absolutely anything is possible!
If you're ready to stop winging it with your pricing, get real about your revenue goals, and unlock a business that actually serves your life - instead of consuming it - this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why pricing based on your old job salary is keeping you stuck
How to define your Enough Number (and why it changes everything)
The real reason women undercharge - and how to shift that story
What metrics actually matter when you're scaling sustainably
How to design a business that fits your season of life
Why your business is an asset (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet)
The financial team every business owner needs—and how to make them work for you
Episode Highlights:
– What a “financial feminist” is (and why it matters)
– The biggest pricing mistake women make
– Self-worth, value, and the emotional side of money
– Group coaching, inner critics, and collective breakthroughs
– Your Enough Number and how to hit it
– What financial independence really looks like in business
– Stop letting your accountant surprise you at tax time
– Building your finance support crew with confidence
– Aligning your model to your season (yes, you can scale without burnout)
– Why working less doesn’t mean earning less
– How women can build and sell businesses on their terms
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Ever wondered if your side hustle could turn into an 8-figure national brand?
In this episode, Annelise sits down with Susan Toft, the powerhouse behind Laundry Lady - a business that started in her spare room and now spans over 300 teams across Australia and New Zealand.
From doing laundry herself as a new mum to pitching on Shark Tank, Susan shares the gritty truth about growing a purpose-led, flexible business that empowers others while juggling single motherhood, self-doubt, and scrappy start-up solutions.
This one’s a must-listen if you’re building a business on your terms and dreaming of scaling - without losing your freedom.
How Susan turned a $5K grant into a national business model
What actually prepared her for Shark Tank
Why building systems from the ground up was her secret weapon
What investors look for (and what they don’t say out loud)
The power of mission-driven marketing when you’re talking to two audiences
Highlights:
01:15 – What is Laundry Lady? (And why everyone needs it after a family trip!)
04:00 – How Susan became the “OG Laundry Lady” after leaving corporate life
07:40 – Scaling from local to national with a bootstrap budget
10:50 – The reality of juggling growth, divorce, and full-time work
15:00 – Building a team and learning to lead (while letting go)
20:30 – The myth of “balance” and the truth about flexible business models
26:15 – Behind the scenes of Shark Tank – and what came after
33:00 – Raising capital, founder self-belief, and standing strong in your values
39:45 – Marketing to two audiences with the same story
Learn More About Laundry Lady:
Website: https://www.laundrylady.com.au
Instagram: @laundryladyaus
Want more …
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Overworked and underpaid?
Here’s the brutal nutshell: You’re stuck on the Freelancer Treadmill Trap.
It looks like this… overcommitting and saying YES to everything … charging too little so you end up doing everything solo … filling your diary but still scraping by … letting delivery crush your marketing and strategy time … burning out and resenting the work … watching revenue dip when projects end … and spiraling into self-doubt when you’re too drained to fix any of it.
Without a clear Map, you’re guessing at what matters; without a solid Vehicle, you’re stuck manually chasing every lead; and without a trusted Crew, you’re carrying the entire load alone.
It feels like this … exhaustion, occasional wins, and a nagging sense that something’s fundamentally off.
In this episode, I guide you through stepping off the treadmill and into a CEO mindset. You’ll hear exactly how to draft your Map, assemble the Vehicle that runs on autopilot, and recruit the Crew that lightens your load.
Tune in to discover how to break the burnout cycle and finally get on a path where your income matches your effort!
Ever feel that sinking feeling when you see that client’s name pop up in your inbox? You’re not alone. Some clients just aren’t worth the stress—no matter how much they pay.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 5 biggest red flags that tell you it’s time to cut ties and move on. Because your business (and your sanity) deserve better.
Inside this episode, we cover:
🚩 The DM Dread – If waking up to their messages stresses you out, you’re starting the day on the wrong foot.
🚩 The Repeated Questions – Repeating yourself 10x? They’re either not listening or not respecting your time.
🚩 The Scope Creep Monster – When “just one more thing” becomes a never-ending to do list.
🚩 The Revision Spiral – Work gets approved, then changed, then changed again… and again.
🚩 The Payment Problem – Late invoices? “Forgetting” to pay? Uh no - you don’t work for free.
If you’re constantly dealing with one or more of these things - bending over backward for clients who drain your energy, it’s time to make a change.
You are not a pretzel. You deserve better.
I’ll walk you through how to spot these red flags early, set better boundaries, and confidently (and kindly) let go of clients who just aren’t the right fit.
Tune in now and let’s talk about how to protect your time, energy, and business growth.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
In this episode, I sit down with Kehla G to delve into the intriguing topics of Human Design and Gene Keys and their potential impact on business strategy.
As someone who holds an alternate belief system to human design, I asked Kehla in depth questions to understand how these concepts play into my own belief, and determine if human design could play a role in shaping your business decisions.
Kehla brought insightful perspectives and answered each challenge with clarity and depth.
Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will give you valuable takeaways on how understanding your unique design can shift or complement the way you approach your business.
Tune in to hear us discuss:
The basics of Human Design and Gene Keys
How these concepts relate to decision-making in business
The potential for using these tools to align your business with your personal strengths
And some real-world examples of how they've been applied - including Kehla speaking into my own human design and gene key charts.
If you're looking to rethink your business strategy for alignment or just curious about these alternative frameworks, this episode is for you!
More about Kehla:Based in Victoria, BC, Kehla G is a bold 6/2 Sacral Generator and a leading Human Design & Gene Keys Business Coach for entrepreneurs. She empowers business owners to elevate and expand by integrating their unique energetic blueprint into business strategies, ensuring every move aligns with their natural gifts. Known for her raw, edgy, and no-BS approach, Kehla cuts through the noise of the online world, sparking real, courageous transformations. Her work bridges spirituality with practical business strategy, helping entrepreneurs create scalable, purpose-driven businesses rooted in fair exchange. You can catch her 2.5% top-ranked podcast, Living in Fierce Alignment, where she’s released over 430+ episodes and hosted more than 120+ powerful interviews.
Connect with Kehla:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kehlag/Podcast: living in fierce alignment
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/living-in-fierce-alignment/id1456420158
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4iBwSg4GewcnyfSZyZvpO6?si=6e1234a5231b42bb
Decode Your Genius Masterclass (Live on Feb 24th 12pm PST):https://www.kehlag.com/decodeyourgenius
Actualize Your Genius with the Pearl Sequence eBook:https://www.kehlag.com/actualizewithyourpearl
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here:http://freeceo.tech
Ever feel like you need to be someone else to show up confidently online? You're not alone.
In this podcast episode, I chat with Jacqui Maloney, expert speaker coach, about stepping into confidence, building influence, and playing a strategic role both on social media and within your business.
We dive into:
How to show up with confidence—even when you don’t feel it
The difference between authenticity and performance on social media
Why influence isn’t just about visibility—it’s about owning your voice
How speakers and creators use strategic personas to connect with their audience
Practical tips to develop a magnetic online presence
If imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or fear of being too exposed is holding you back, this episode will shift your mindset and help you own your influence.
Check out the episode and let me know your biggest takeaway by DMing on Instagram.
Connect with Jacqui:
www.instagram.com/jacquimaloneycoaching/
Create your own speaker bio:
https://jacqui-maloney.mykajabi.com/speakers-template-opt-in
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
How much should you REALLY share on socials?
Personal branding can feel like a tightrope walk. You want to be authentic, but you also need to be strategic—so where's the line?
In my latest podcast episode (The Podcast with Annelise Worn), I sit down with Personal Brand Strategist, Belle Rape to tackle this and much more about personal branding.
We dive into:
The biggest mistakes people make when building their brand
How to decide what and how much to share
Why your brand isn’t just about you
How to craft a brand presence that builds trust & drives business
If you're trying to strike the perfect balance between showing up as YOU and staying intentional, this episode is a must-listen.
Then hop into my DMs and let me know what you think.
Connect with Belle: Website: www.blueprintbybelle.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellerape/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bellerape/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/belle.darden WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech
Building a self-led agency team starts with giving them the freedom to own their roles, make decisions, and drive results. It’s about creating a clear vision and setting up systems that empower your team to work independently while ensuring they hit the key metrics that matter most.
When your team knows exactly what’s expected of them—backed by training, mentoring, and accountability—it’s easier to step back and let them take the reins. But it’s not just about trust; it’s about structuring roles and KPIs to deliver results that 4x your investment. Plus, tying their success to personal goals like bonuses or flexibility adds a layer of motivation that fuels growth.
Learn how to create a team that doesn’t need constant oversight to achieve amazing outcomes, while giving you the space to scale your business with confidence.
WANT MORE?
Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn
Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult
Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software?
Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech