Tea with the Queen

We've all experienced the live launch rollercoaster – where carefully planned schedules dissolve into late-night strategy sessions and compulsive stat-checking. For many entrepreneurs, this intense cycle of stress and exhaustion isn't sustainable.Enter Kate McKibbin, founder of Hello Funnels and host of the "Doing It Online" podcast. Starting as a fashion blogger in 2007, Kate has evolved into a funnel specialist who helps businesses transition from chaotic live launches to systematic evergreen approaches. Her journey from MySpace-era blogging to automated business success offers some juicy insights for entrepreneurs looking for a more sustainable path.In our conversation, we talk about live launches vs the evergreen model. While live launches can create exciting sales surges, evergreen strategies offer a more controlled, consistent approach to income generation. Though not a 'set and forget' system, evergreen funnels can provide the stability and freedom many entrepreneurs crave, without the repeated emotional and energy drain of live launches.For those of us caught up in the hustle and flow of online entrepreneurship, it's easy to get swept away by shiny offers and the latest buzzwords. However, Kate encourages authentic reflection on what works for us, individually and business-wise. She also shares her wisdom on achieving consistency, stability and ultimately, freedom – the ‘f-word’ we entrepreneurs got started in the first place for!Key Takeaways:• Live launches can create unsustainable cycles of stress and burnout• Evergreen funnels offer a more controlled, consistent income approach• Success requires matching your launch strategy to your personal style and business needs• Automation isn't about eliminating effort, but reallocating it strategically• The goal is creating a business that works for you, not the other way aroundConnect with Kate:Website: https://hellofunnels.co/Instagram: @hellofunnelsPodcast: Doing It OnlineEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

There was a time in my life when I thought riding a motorbike would be a really great idea. You could call it an early midlife crisis. I had visions of myself as this leather-clad, high-heeled wonder woman, cruising through the city with perfectly windswept hair. I’d have a whole new biker wardrobe - It was going to be amazing.After spending a small fortune on the bike, the leather pants (I loved them), the helmet, the jacket and all the gear, I thought it might be a good idea to get some lessons. Only a few months later, I woke up and the truth hit me harder than a bug on my helmet: I didn't actually like being a motorbike rider. So, I sold the bike and all my gear to someone else who would enjoy it. I could have made that mean something, like I was a failure for sinking a lot of money into this silly hobby that everyone told me not to do. I could have been embarrassed that I’d quit riding after just a few short months.And was I? Not at all! Why? Because it's okay to admit when something isn't working. It's okay to try something and change your mind. It's okay to say, "Well, that was a terrible decision" and move on. It’s no big deal. What IS a big deal, is the meaning you give things.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

I was 30 and didn't have a husband. For someone who spent her teenage years dreaming about wedding dresses (the pink poofy ones were my favourite) and flipping through bridal magazines, this wasn't exactly part of the plan. My plan was to get married, have a big wedding with all the pink frills, buy a house and have heaps of kids and dogs. So you can imagine my great disappointment when I woke up at 30 and didn’t have any of those things!So on my 30th birthday, I knew it was time to find myself a husband. While my 20s had been filled with passport stamps and career wins, what I wanted now was really clear - I was ready to find my person. Not because society said I should, not because I was running out of time, but because I knew in my bones this was what I wanted. This wasn't about ticking a box or following a timeline. This was about being honest with myself about what I truly desired - a husband, a family, and yes, two dogs (though for some reason, I thought those had to come after the husband). So after throwing myself a birthday party and getting a tattoo - why not, right? - I decided to get serious about finding love with the same focus I'd brought to building my career.I knew what I wanted, I had a strategy and I was going to find him.This episode is quite vulnerable and I’ll admit, it feels a bit strange sharing on such a personal level. But the truth is, whether you're building a business, finding love, or creating your dream life, the principle remains the same: Clarity combined with consistent, inspired action is unstoppable. You don't need to see the entire path - you just need to know your next right move and be brave enough to take it.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

In today's episode, we're getting real about something that’s very close to my heart - that moment when running your business starts feeling less like an adventure and more like a never-ending to-do list of doom. Sound familiar?Running a business should feel exhilarating (and it can!). But somewhere along the way, we bought into this crazy idea that success means hustling 24/7, surviving on coffee and prayers and wearing burnout like a badge of honour.The thing is, success isn't about doing more. It's about doing what really, really matters. Today, I’m taking you through 3 power moves you can take to optimise your business and make the most of this one, gorgeous life: 1. Focus on Revenue-Generating ActivitiesDitch the endless Instagram bio tweakingGet on those client callsFollow up with leadsRun killer eventsActually sell your amazing offers 2. Delegate, Automate or Delete Stop being a control freak Hand tasks off to a VA or team memberEmbrace automation toolsHit that delete button with joy 3. Create Boundaries Like the Queen You AreSet clear office hoursStop being available 24/7Create space for what really mattersYour Power Move Challenge:Pick ONE of these moves and make it happen this week. Write it down and share your success stories with me—I’d love to cheer you on. Remember, keep optimising, keep thriving and keep wearing that beautiful crown of yours. You've got this!Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/Mentioned in this episode:Join Thriving Women Todayhttps://tea-with-the-queen.captivate.fm/thriving-women

Money talk: it triggers people and stirs up conversations. That’s because it really is important—it offers choices and freedom, letting us create lives and businesses that align with our individual paths. However, have you noticed the often toxic rhetoric around it, especially from some so-called gurus claiming that if you’re not a millionaire, you’re not working hard enough? Or if you just do this ‘one thing’, you’ll make six figures overnight?Before you know it, you're questioning your own achievements and feeling as if you’ve somehow fallen behind. Can we pause right there? Today, I want to break down what it means to truly talk about money in a way that's impactful, genuine and free from shame:1. Transparency Over Hype: instead of talking about the money goals we achieved, let’s start discussing how we got there, whether through consistent growth, stellar projects, or trial and error.2. Meeting People Where They Are: Decide what success looks like for you, rather than hinging it on hitting specific income numbers.3. Focusing on Sustainable Success: Start by setting realistic, clear goals that stretch across short, medium and long-term timelines, rather than focusing on generating quick cash. Here’s a challenge for you: reframe your money mindset by asking yourself some honest questions: Are you measuring success against someone else’s wealth? Do you feel undue pressure to hit certain financial milestones? Are your financial discussions empowering, or do they leave you feeling less than?If today’s topic resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a DM on Instagram at @emmarmcqueen and share your money mindset shift. Let’s continue this dialogue in a way that feels good, safe, challenging and sustainable.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Are you setting yourself up for retirement? Do you even want to retire? In just two years, I'll be 50, the age I always imagined I'd retire. Eight years ago, when I started my business, my goal was to pay off the mortgage and retire. When I first mentioned my retirement plans to my husband, he chuckled and said, "I cannot imagine you not working." And honestly, I couldn't either! The idea of retirement used to be synonymous with rest, relaxation, and a reward for years of hard work. But as I contemplate stepping back, I realise that the traditional notion of retirement has evolved so much since my grandparents, or even my parents generation.A few generations ago, retirement was a clearly defined phase. My parents’ and grandparents’ retirements were linear, moving seamlessly from career to comfortable leisure. But, nowadays, is it even a thing to fully retire? The world looks different now. People stay healthier longer, careers are more fulfilling, and the drive to contribute doesn't simply stop at an arbitrary age.The dynamic has shifted; with many of us living longer, we have to rethink how we spend this extended period of life. Back when I was in corporate, I managed my finances with an iron grip, always thinking ahead. But starting my own business put finances—and retirement—into a new perspective. My accountant once doubted my initial business ambitions, but reaching financial milestones faster than expected taught me to challenge the status quo and dream bigger.00:00 Retirement Goals00:47 Challenges of Running a Business01:51 Financial Planning and Superannuation04:09 The Reality of Retirement05:26 Balancing Work and Family06:48 Rethinking Retirement and Future Plans09:34 Final Thoughts and EncouragementEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

As we juggle businesses, family, and the relentless demands of everyday life, it's extraordinarily easy to overlook our well-being. This is why I was thrilled to sit down with Susan Hunter, who has helped me completely overhaul my health over the last couple of years. Susan is an expert naturopath with a wealth of knowledge on health optimisation and longevity. I initally came to her a bit of a mess. I was exhausted all the time, feeling sluggish and life just felt hard. It was through working with her, that I really started to understand how my body works and what I needed to operate at my peak.An important element to health optimisiation is not to attempt fixing everything all at once. Susan advised this is a recipe for disaster and you’ll be left feeling like you’ve achieved nothing. Instead, get the necessary medical investigations, develop a strategic plan, and set yourself up for success with professional guidance. If you're exhausted or feeling stuck, know that change is possible and help is available. Consider booking a clarity call with Susan—it's a small step that could lead to profound improvements.00:00 Introduction00:30 Susan's Health Journey00:52 Understanding the Health Edit02:35 Common Health Issues and Root Causes05:34 Health Bank Account Concept09:29 Managing Stress Effectively11:33 Susan's Upcoming Book14:19 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationLINKS:Susan Hunter WebsiteLinkedInInstagramEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Running a business, managing life, and keeping all those balls in the air—let's be honest, it can be incredibly demanding. There are days when I feel like a circus juggler, desperately trying to keep everything from crashing down.Sometimes, the only thing standing between me and utter burnout is indulging in a few guilty pleasures. In this episode, I'm letting you in on the little indulgences that help me unwind and maintain my sanity.In the hustle of achievements and deadlines, these simple pleasures keep my feet on the ground. They are more than mere distractions; they are strategic pauses in a fast-paced life. My clients, some reaching impressive high six-figure revenues, realise the importance of these moments too. Joy in small things significantly impacts our productivity and wellbeing.I’ll invite you to think about this for yourself. What are your guilty pleasures? What brings you happiness, helps you relax, reset, and come back stronger? Remember, there’s no shame in taking time for yourself. It makes us better business people, better partners, and overall, better humans. LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Ever stared at your screen, heart sinking, because your latest social media post flopped? Or maybe business has been slow, and that little voice inside is starting to whisper, 'You're just not cut out for this.'  I’ve been there many times as an entrepreneur and I’ve learned how to bring myself, and my clients out of these negative thought loops. As entrepreneurs, we pour our hearts into our businesses. When things don't go as planned—clients backing out, low engagement, tough feedback—it's easy to slip into a loop of negative thoughts. Often, we focus on one piece of negative feedback, ignoring the twenty positive ones. Once we fall into that loop, it becomes incredibly challenging to climb out. But it's important to remember that negative thoughts aren't inherently bad. They serve a purpose by alerting us to areas that need attention and inspiring us to improve.When you catch yourself spiralling, consider which of these strategies might work for you. Whether it's pausing to name your thoughts, reframing negative narratives, taking action, leaning on your community, or celebrating your wins, remember that change begins with commitment. And if you've already found effective ways to shift your mindset, I'd love to hear about them. Share your thoughts, and let's keep the conversation going.LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Working from home—it’s the dream, isn’t it? Until you catch yourself in a staring contest with the laundry pile, justifying “folding clothes” as a break, and suddenly, two hours have vanished. If the struggle to remain motivated and productive outside the office has been your battle, you’re definitely not alone. Just know that there are ways that truly make working from home work in your favour.Today, I’m sharing what’s helped me overcome all the different challenges and make sure I stay productive during my work hours. I take you through:Setting routines and firm boundariesCrafting your personal work environment Incorporating movement and proper breaksStructuring your day for successSteering clear of temptations like chores or socialisingFinding your personal rhythm Over eight years, through trial, error and a bit of persistence, I’ve nailed a rhythm that suits me. What about you? How do you stay motivated and productive at home? Let’s swap tips—I’d love to learn from you!LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/