Style and Substance

our last episode of the season before the summer break and today Fi and I are talking about how set up for the summer. What this season is about for us, how we are making the most of it and how we structure our businesses to enable us to take the break we need. If you're looking to create an intentional summer full of good things, business and otherwise, this one is for you. Enjoy lovely listeners and thank you for your support of the podcast this season, it means the world. xx

Welcome to Episode 100, wow can't quite believe we are here. In this milestone episode, Fiona and I are pulling back the curtain on our collective 50 odd years in business and sharing some of what we've learned in that time. We cover everything from managing our energy and navigating major life shifts, including loosing it all and starting again, to structuring business with inspiration (not just efficiency) at the heart and crucially, staying true to what and who matters most.It’s honest, with the odd hilarious outtake we've left in for fun, and hopefully useful. We hope you enjoy the listen as we celebrate our 100th episode.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of alignment—not as a buzzword, but as a vital force for building an inspired, creative, and authentic business. Fiona brings her branding lens, while I explore the entrepreneurial and inner landscape, and together we unpack why true alignment—both within ourselves and in how we express our business to the world—is the foundation for more ease, flow, and resonance.We explore what alignment really means, why it matters, and how it touches everything from nervous system safety to brand strategy. You'll hear how inner clarity around your values, energy, and identity fuels outer clarity in your offerings, pricing, audience, and brand expression. We also talk about why finding alignment isn't always easy, what gets in the way, and the sacred and strategic practices that help us on the journey to full alignment. If you’re craving more flow in your business, this one’s for you. Enjoy lovely listeners.

This week we're unpacking the invisible load—those subtle, internal tensions that so many of us carry as women in business. From the emotional labour we absorb without realising, to the time drain of constantly reconciling competing priorities, we reflect on how these unseen dynamics can quietly erode our energy, clarity and capacity to thrive. Its a fairly reflective, contemplative, episode (with a few joyful party plugs along the way!) which we hope will give you pause for thought. We mentioned the summer party on 2nd July, do join us! You can find out more at www.thebrand-stylist.com/soiree

How do you know if your brand is pitching you at the right level? How can you be sure not to miss the opportunities inherent in a branding process done well? Why does going deep matter? We cover all this and more in this short but takeaway-packed episode where Fi shares her unique perspective on what's required to make sure your brand pitches you at the right level.If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of winning the right kind of work, attracting the most aligned opportunities, charging what you're worth and realising your brands potential, then this is a must listen.We mention Fi's free "Creating your Brand Where to Start Course" you can find out more here https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/courses/creating-your-brand-courseIf you're curious to find out more about the work of ImNotOk that I mention at the head of the episode, or would like to know more about becoming a volunteer companion then you can email me at elizabeth@elizabethcairns.com or visit imnotok.uk. Thanks for listening and as ever if you've enjoyed the episode we'd love it if you would take a moment to drop us a review or share it with someone who might need to hear it. Thank you!

It's time we tackled the question on the lips of so many creatives in our field. Should we be using AI and what is it costing us if we do? In this juicy episode we dig deep and range far and wide as Fi and I grapple with the big question and the implications for us all. We explore why we feel so strongly about AI when it comes to Brand Strategy, whether AI can be empowering and what it might be missing, how it impacts on the work of creatives who may also be Neurodivergent and the all important consideration of the wider environmental impact of such a powerful tool. We'd love to hear your views. Are you a fan of AI? does it support your work? are you concerned about where it's headed and what do you see as the potential for the future? It's a topic I don't think any of us can avoid and we certainly aren't shying away from what we really think in this conversation. We hope you enjoy and do let us know what you think over on insta @styleandsubstance_podcast

Ever found yourself paralysed by the big decisions? Whether it's business or life in general, when big changes are afoot it can be a tricky time. Join us as we kick off the new season with an exploration of how to find the courage to make those big decisions and live into the version of yourself and your life you really want.We would also love for you to come to our fabulous Summer Soiree, details in the episode and you can find the link to book here https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/soiree. Do come we'd love to see you. x

When you have an exciting vision or dreams for your business it can be incredibly exciting..but when seeing that vision through needs a marathon not a sprint, how do you keep it alive, maintain your focus and handle the set backs with so many competing priorities? In this conversation we're walking through the steps that inspired, yet busy entrepreneurs can take to hold the vision and and keep the energy and momentum needed to make it happen when work and life is busy.

We are in a celebratory mood as this week marks the ten year anniversary of Fi's bestselling book How to Style Your Brand and in this conversation we explore what's possible when you listen to the muse. Fi talks about the importance of pursuing your passion against the odds, having the right people around you and a healthy dose of stubbornness along the way. We hope you find it inspiring and thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on what the book haas done for them, many of which we've shared at the end of the episode.