Style and Substance

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.

We are excited to bring you this one, uncharacteristically Elizabeth is in the hot seat as Fi invites her to dig deep about her experiences with her latest creative breakthrough which will mean BIG CHANGE for her and her business. In this conversation we explore the attitudes, principles and strategies behind taking a Flow not Force approach to your business and the underlying beliefs that help make it a reality. We hope you enjoy and, as ever, if you do please like, review and share away. Thank for listening.

We are passionate about entrepreneurs and brands achieving their potential. There are so many factors that come into it, from from our attitudes and beliefs, how we show up to the way we implement design. In this wide ranging conversation we dig deep into what it takes for brands to avoid playing small (deliberately or otherwise) and realise their full potential. We explore the personal and practical factors that both get in the way and make it possible for our brands to take up the space they deserve. If you have a sense that your brand might not be quite living into its potential, that you might inadvertently be holding yourself back but aren't quite sure why, then this is for you. Importantly If you want to know what to do about it, then listen in.As ever if you enjoy it please do rate and review and if you know a fellow entrepreneur that needs to hear this then please do share away lovely listener. I mention Fi's stellar Design for Go Getters course in the episode, if you'd like to check it out you can do so here: https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/courses/design-for-go-gettersAnd if you'd like the free Show Stopping Brand Roadmap which gives you the 8 clear steps to take when building a powerful brand, you can grab your copy here: https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/pages/the-show-stopping-brand-road-map

How to keep moving forwards when the world is going mad. There's no escaping the world is bonkers right now and that's putting it a little mildly, you don't have to go very far to be confronted with immense challenge and suffering and it is likely affecting us all to varying degrees. It can be hugely challenging to maintain hope, and resilience never mind momentum in such challenging times so today we're talking about what we can do to take care of ourselves and keep moving forwards. Whether you feel like you're in the thick of it and are utterly overwhelmed by world events or what's going on for your personally or you're actually feeling in a good place and want to maintain that sense of hope and possibility, there's something for everyone. With love and solidarity and we hope you find it helpful.