HerBusiness

Hosted by HerBusiness (Host: Suzi Dafnis)

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Episodes

414

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Your Business. Your Rules. You didn't start your business to work around the clock, burn out, or follow someone else's rules. This podcast is for WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS ready to step out of the grind and build businesses that deliver FREEDOM, FULFILMENT and FINANCIAL SUCCESS — ON YOUR TERMS. Welcome to the path that has already helped tens of thousands of women break free from hustle culture and create profitable, sustainable businesses THEIR way. Welcome to the HerBusiness Podcast! I'm Suzi Dafnis, CEO at HerBusiness — the most COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY for women growing SIX AND SEVEN-FIGURE BUSINESSES in ways that feel ALIGNED with what they truly want. Each week, I'll share how to stop "winging it" and ditch the traditional rulebook, so you can finally design your ideal business — one that delivers consistent income and the lifestyle you love. Every. Single. Day. You'll also hear inspiring conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors — including Amy Porterfield, Gabby Bernstein, Seth Godin, Kim Kiyosaki, Danielle LaPorte, Stu McLaren, Dan Martell, and many more. If you want sustainable strategies to grow without burnout… If you want clarity around money, mindset, marketing, and offers that truly convert… If you want a waitlist of buyers without sleazy sales tactics or endless hustle… Then, you're in the right place. Together, we'll explore both the inner game and the outer strategies of business growth, giving you the tools to create lasting success — according to what matters most to YOU. It's time to do business differently. Your Business. Your Rules. Grow a Business that Works for YOU!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 202619 min

365: What Number Do You Need to Hit to Finally Feel Free?

This is one of the most common questions women in business carry… but rarely talk about. We think: "Once I hit this point, I can finally slow down." But the goalpost will always move, there will always be a new milestone to hit, and the time for freedom keeps getting pushed. In this #AskSuzi episode, Suzi Dafnis reveals what real business success looks like — and if your financial freedom and emotional freedom are the same thing. We're discussing the habits, identities, and beliefs that women use to build their businesses, and why we don't like letting them go. Let's talk about what becomes possible when we realise freedom is not a destination we work for at all. You'll also discover in this episode: Why the pace of our lives is often driven less by circumstance and more by identity How social reward and guilt keep high-achieving women stuck in patterns they no longer need Why women can become financially successful and still feel unable to stop pushing The difference between responding and being responsible (and why collapsing the two costs you your freedom) Three questions to sit with this week that will start to shift how you think about freedom Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Follow us on Instagram

June 3, 202633 min

364: What's Your Freedom Number? Building a Business Around Your Life with Sam White

What's your freedom number? It's a simple question — but one that has the power to completely change how you build your business. In this episode, Suzi Dafnis speaks with entrepreneur and Stella Insurance founder Sam White about creating a business that supports not only financial success, but also the life you actually want to live. After building multiple businesses in the highly traditional world of insurance, Sam made a bold decision with Stella: to create a company intentionally designed around women. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, Stella focused deeply on the needs, experiences, and realities of its ideal customer — and built from there. But this conversation goes far beyond branding and positioning. One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Sam's explanation of the "freedom number" — the amount of money you would need in order to step away, create choice, or achieve long-term security. Instead of endlessly chasing growth for growth's sake, Sam encourages business owners to reverse-engineer their goals from the outcome they actually want. What profit would your business need to generate? Which products are most commercially viable? What kind of business model supports that vision sustainably? It's a refreshingly strategic and grounded approach to scaling. Suzi and Sam also explore the emotional realities of leadership and entrepreneurship. Sam candidly describes business ownership as "staring into the abyss whilst eating broken glass," while also explaining that alignment and purpose are what make difficult seasons worthwhile. You'll also hear practical insights on: How to build a business that doesn't rely entirely on the founder Why 90-day sprints help teams stay focused and accountable The importance of designing around your strengths How to stop building a business that drains you Why clarity about who your business is for matters so much Perhaps the most empowering reminder in this conversation is this: Your business is allowed to reflect your values. Whether that means a four-day workweek, a different leadership style, or redefining what success looks like, business ownership gives you the opportunity to build intentionally — not by default. If you're at an inflection point in business and wondering what the next chapter should look like, this episode will leave you thinking differently about growth, freedom, and success. Mentioned in This Episode: Get a Quick Quote from Stella Insurance Enquire about business mentoring Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

May 27, 202617 min

363: You Built the Business for Freedom — So Why Aren't You Living It?

What if the freedom you've worked so hard for is already available to you… but you've stopped allowing yourself to experience it? In this episode, Suzi Dafnis reflects on a recent trip to Mexico and the unexpected mindset shift it sparked around freedom, leadership, and the invisible rules many women business owners continue to live by. Like so many entrepreneurs, Suzi built her business with freedom in mind. But somewhere along the way, the habits that created success — being responsive, always available, deeply involved in every detail — quietly became expectations. Not just from others, but from herself. And that's where so many women get stuck. This episode explores the powerful difference between having freedom on paper and actually living it in everyday life. Suzi shares why stepping away from your business can feel uncomfortable, even when your team and systems are fully capable, and why many women still feel the need to prove their usefulness long after they've earned the right to step back. You'll Hear: Why responsiveness and responsibility are not the same thing How overwork can quietly become part of your identity What happens when you stop reacting and start trusting Small but meaningful ways to reclaim freedom now — even in a busy season The inherited beliefs many women hold about success, sacrifice and "being serious" in business One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is that freedom is not something you earn later. It's something you practise choosing now — in small moments, everyday decisions, and the boundaries you create around your time and energy. Whether you're leading a large team or still building your business solo, this episode is an invitation to question the old rules and intentionally design a business that supports your life — not one your life must constantly fit around. As Suzi says in this episode: "Stop building a business that only works if you're constantly working." If this conversation resonates, share it with another woman business owner who may need the reminder, too. Listen now and continue the conversation with us over on Instagram @HerBusiness. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Follow us on Instagram The Boardroom

May 20, 202642 min

362: AI Visibility: Why Your Business Isn't Showing Up in AI Search (And What to Fix) with Loren Bartley

There's a quiet but powerful shift happening in how people find experts. And all the SEO work in the world won't help if you aren't being discovered in AI searches. In this episode, Suzi Dafnis is joined by AI strategist Loren Bartley to discuss what this means for your visibility, your authority, and ultimately, your business growth. For years, visibility has been about ranking on Google. But today, people are increasingly turning to AI tools to get answers. And instead of a list of options, they're often given just one recommendation. Which leads to a confronting question: Are you showing up—or not at all? As Loren explains, this isn't about how good your business is. It's about whether AI can clearly understand and confidently recommend you above anyone else. To help make sense of this shift, Loren introduces her 3Cs framework: Clarity – Is it obvious who you help, what you do, and who it's for? Consistency – Does your message match across every platform? Corroboration – Are others (reviews, media, podcasts) confirming your expertise? What's surprising is how many established business owners are missing the mark because their online signals are fragmented or outdated. There's also a deeper insight here: being a generalist doesn't just dilute your message anymore — it can make you invisible to AI altogether. The good news? This is fixable. Loren shares practical ways to audit your current visibility, update your positioning, and build stronger signals that AI tools can recognise and trust. She also introduces her Vera audit tool, designed to give you a clear, personalised action plan. If you've been relying on SEO, social media, and content marketing, this episode will help you layer in what's next — without starting from scratch. Listen to the full episode to understand how to position your business so that when AI is asked for a recommendation… it chooses you. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

May 13, 202617 min

361: What Tech Does Your Small Business Actually Need? (And What's Just a Distraction?)

Technology is evolving faster than ever — especially AI — and for many business owners, it's creating more overwhelm than opportunity. In this #AskSuzi episode, Suzi Dafnis explores one of the biggest challenges women business owners are facing right now: knowing which technology actually matters for business growth… and which tools are simply distractions. Drawing on a very expensive lesson from her own business journey, Suzi shares why "more sophisticated" doesn't always mean "better". After investing around $30,000 in a highly customised website years ago, she discovered that powerful systems can quickly become operational headaches when they create complexity instead of leverage. This episode is a practical and refreshing reminder that the goal of technology is not to have the biggest or most advanced tech stack — it's to create leverage. Inside this episode, Suzi breaks down the three core areas every business owner should focus on when evaluating their technology: Visibility into your business through financial systems and CRM tools Communication, project management and sales systems that reduce chaos Marketing automation and integrations that save time and create consistency You'll also hear why shiny object syndrome is so common in the age of AI, and the three questions Suzi now asks before adopting any new platform or tool. This conversation is especially valuable if you've ever: Felt frozen by too many tech choices Started implementing systems, but abandoned them halfway through Wondered whether your current tools are helping or hindering growth Felt like technology was becoming another full-time job One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is the reminder that you do not need to become a technical expert to build a successful business. You simply need systems that support your goals, reduce friction and give you back capacity. If you're ready to simplify your systems and focus on what truly creates leverage, this episode is essential listening. Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 360 - How You Get Your Business Recommended by AI with Jenna Hannon Follow us on Instagram

May 6, 202631 min

360: How You Get Your Business Recommended by AI with Jenna Hannon

AI is changing how your customers find you—and faster than most businesses realise. In this episode, we explore the shift from traditional SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) to AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), and what it really means for your visibility in tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Our guest, Jenna Hannon of Hatter, brings deep experience scaling companies like Uber Eats and now co-founding Hatter.ai, a platform that helps businesses improve their AI visibility. What she reveals may surprise you: even businesses doing "all the right things" with SEO may be completely invisible in AI-driven search. Why? Because AI doesn't just rank—it summarises. And that changes everything. Instead of rewarding broad, keyword-heavy content, AI tools prioritise clarity, specificity, and relevance. If your messaging is vague or trying to appeal to everyone, AI struggles to understand who you serve—and simply leaves you out of the conversation. One of the biggest takeaways? We're going back to fundamentals Clear positioning. Defined ideal clients. Consistent messaging. Your website is no longer just a digital brochure—it's a training ground for AI. Every page, blog, and piece of content contributes to how these systems interpret and recommend your business. Jenna also shares why blogging is making a comeback (yes, really), and how small businesses now have a genuine opportunity to compete with bigger brands—often outranking them—by being more focused and intentional. We also explore: The overlap (and differences) between SEO and AEO Why generic AI-generated content won't get you results How to maintain your voice while using AI tools The importance of consistency over quick fixes If you've been feeling overwhelmed by AI, this conversation brings clarity—and a practical place to start. 🎁 Jenna also shares a free AI visibility audit tool to help you see where you currently stand. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Take Jenna's AI Visibility Test

April 29, 202616 min

359: How to Communicate Your Vision to Your Team (So They Actually Deliver)

You delegate something to your team, or explain a new project, and then… watch as it lands right back on your desk. Learning how to communicate your vision (for the business, a project or even a simple task) to your team (and have them take OWNERSHIP of it!) is one of the most common challenges small business owners face, no matter how long they've been in business. After years of leading teams and working closely with thousands of women business owners, Suzi Dafnis has come to understand that changes how your team responds to you: The problem doesn't lie within your vision… it lies in the translation. In this episode, Suzi shares a practical three-part framework that will help you communicate any project, task, or campaign to your team in a way that creates real ownership (instead of vacant stares and nodding). Here's What You'll Discover in the Episode: Why even capable, well-intentioned teams bring the work back to you (and what's actually causing their behaviour) The difference between explaining your vision and enrolling your team in it What actually creates real team accountability and ownership Why you should never, ever over-explain while briefing your team A three-part framework for how to communicate your vision to your team (that works for any project, campaign, or goal) Real examples of what effective team communication sounds like in practice Why a brief is one of the most underused leadership tools in small business (IF you do it right!) How to stop micromanaging by getting clear before the conversation starts What becomes possible for your business when your team is genuinely enrolled (and excited) with where the business is going Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Follow us on Instagram The Leaders' Table – A six-part leadership series Reviewer: Kim Linton, Jim's Bookkeeping, Ashburton

April 22, 202636 min

358: Your Brand Walks Into the Room Before You Do — What Is It Saying?

There's a moment in leadership that no one really prepares you for. You've grown. You've evolved. You're carrying more responsibility than ever. And yet — something feels slightly off. Your leadership presence doesn't feel as powerful as it used to. You're still capable. Still accomplished. But the woman on the outside doesn't quite match the woman you've become on the inside. That quiet mismatch — between who you are and how you show up — can erode confidence over time. And for high-achieving women, it often arrives at exactly the moments that matter most. In this episode, Suzi Dafnis and expert Lisa Raja explore what's really happening for women at inflection points — stepping into bigger leadership roles, navigating midlife, or moving through personal transition. This isn't about chasing trends or buying new clothes. It's about alignment. Between your personal brand and your presence. Between who you've become and how the world sees you. Lisa shares how many high-achieving women have been conditioned to override themselves — to push through, adapt, and perform — even as their bodies, priorities, and identities shift. And what becomes possible when a woman stops proving and starts protecting her energy instead. You'll hear why leadership presence begins before you speak. Why boundaries create authority. And why honouring yourself is strategic, rather than self-indulgent. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: Why high-achieving women experience a leadership confidence gap at inflection points — and what's really happening beneath the surface The quiet shift that changes everything: when a woman stops proving and starts protecting her energy How your personal brand communicates your leadership presence before you say a word Why boundaries, delegation, and self-care directly impact how you show up as a leader The hidden cost of not showing up — and why the world can't afford women to shrink How to own your personal brand authentically — without performing or pretending ABOUT LISA RAJA: Lisa Raja is the Founder and CEO of LisaRaja.com, where she works as a guide and mentor helping high-achieving women reclaim confidence, authority, and leadership presence at pivotal moments in their careers and lives. With a focus on personal brand, style as a wellness tool, and embodied leadership, Lisa supports women navigating midlife transitions, new leadership roles, and the quiet confidence gap that often accompanies success. Her approach is grounded in alignment — helping women close the gap between who they've become and how they show up in the world. CONNECT WITH LISA RAJA: Website: lisaraja.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-raja Instagram: @the.pausebar Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network

April 15, 202626 min

357: How to Use Podcasting to Grow Your Network, Visibility and Influence

What if your most powerful growth strategy was about having meaningful conversations and building connections? In this episode, Suzi chats with Jules Brooke, founder of She's the Boss, who shares how podcasting became her most effective tool for building influence, connection, and opportunity — without needing a massive audience. Jules didn't start with a grand strategy. What began as a love of interviewing women has evolved into a powerful platform that has connected her with hundreds of founders worldwide. Along the way, she's built not just a network — but genuine relationships that have led to collaborations, clients, friendships, and unexpected opportunities. Why Podcasting is a Powerful Networking and Growth Tool One key takeaway is that podcasting flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of awkward small talk or transactional conversations, a podcast creates space for deeper, more meaningful connections. It gives you: A reason to reach out to influential people A structure for the conversation A natural way to build rapport and trust And importantly, it removes many of the barriers that make networking feel uncomfortable—especially for introverts. How to Use Podcasting to Build Influence and Authority In this episode, you'll discover: Why a podcast can open doors that cold outreach never could The surprising reason audience size matters less than you think How to turn conversations into collaborations, clients and long-term allies The difference between "being visible" and being known for something meaningful A smarter way to approach networking (especially if you're an introvert) What to do if your podcast—or your visibility strategy—feels scattered or unfocused Meaningful Visibility vs Social Media Noise But this isn't about creating content for content's sake. Jules makes a clear distinction between "noise" and "meaningful visibility." It's not about how many people see you—it's about being seen by the right people, consistently, for what you want to be known for. She also challenges the idea that a podcast needs a huge audience to be worthwhile. In fact, she argues the real value lies in the doors it opens—the people you meet, the credibility you build, and the conversations that wouldn't otherwise happen. Start a Podcast to Grow Your Business and Network If you've ever thought about starting a podcast—or wondered how to make your existing one more strategic—this episode will give you a new lens on what's possible. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network How to Become a Woman of Influence Online Course

April 8, 202622 min

356: Is Your Marketing Strategy Flopping… Or Does It Just Need More Time?

Marketing often feels like a chaotic trial-and-error — jumping between strategies, trying everything, starting things and stopping things and wondering why nothing seems to stick. If that's how you've been feeling, this is a must-listen episode. In this #AskSuzi episode, I'm answering one of the most common questions I get from women business owners: "How long should I stay focused on one marketing strategy to actually see results?" We're breaking down why so many small business owners abandoned strategies before they work, what's really underneath the wish-washy changes, how to tell the difference between a strategy that isn't working and one that isn't working yet… and get my C.O.R.E. Marketing model to make simpler and smarter marketing decisions. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Why marketing chaos is so common right now — and why it's getting worse What healthy experimentation actually looks like (hint: it's not "try everything and hope something sticks") The most common knee-jerk reactions business owners have when a campaign flops — and why it's sabotaging your work The real reasons we keep switching strategies (it's more layered than you think) The one word that completely changes how you think about your marketing How long a marketing strategy actually needs to run before you can fairly assess it The difference between "this isn't working" and "this isn't working yet" — and why it matters The 3 foundational reasons a campaign genuinely fails (and what to do about each one) The C.O.R.E. Marketing Model — four things, done consistently, done well If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more women business owners find the show and find their community. Mentioned in This Episode: Apply to Join the HerBusiness Network Follow us on Instagram Reviewer - Rhonda Garvin, Palmtree Learning