9 to 5 Mom with a Pod - Francheska Stone

In a dynamic podcast conversation on the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod show, host Francheska Stone and Robin Waite explore the importance of moving from being a passive bystander to actively creating your own opportunities. Through personal anecdotes, business insights, and practical advice, they unpack how small, deliberate steps can lead to profound change. This conversation offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to break free from the confines of routine and embrace a more purpose-driven life.

What We Discussed on the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod Show

1. Proactivity Over Passivity: Instead of waiting for opportunities, actively participate, ask for chances, and create your own path.
2. Small Steps Drive Big Change: Start with achievable goals to build confidence and momentum, like earning your first £100 before aiming for larger targets.
3. Overcoming Fear Through Action: Break down intimidating goals, seek help, and embrace imperfection to reduce fear and encourage progress.
4. Balancing Parenthood and Ambition: Parentpreneurs should build support networks, set realistic expectations, and share responsibilities to manage family and career demands.
5. Leverage Relationships for Growth: Volunteering, networking, and forming partnerships can create unexpected opportunities and career breakthroughs.
6. Learning from Setbacks: Treat failures and unexpected events as learning moments that guide you towards future success.
7. Embrace Life’s Uncertainties: Don’t overthink the perfect moment—take action today, knowing each step brings you closer to your goals.

From Passenger to Pilot: Taking Control of Your Journey

Moving Beyond the Status Quo

Francheska and Robin highlight a common misconception: many people wander through life believing they are doing what they are “supposed” to do, when in fact they are merely passengers in their own journey. Robin emphasises:

• Proactivity Over Passivity: Instead of simply attending events or following online, take control by actively participating.
• Asking for Opportunities: Whether it’s reaching out to potential mentors or seizing a chance to speak on a podcast, the act of asking sets the wheels in motion.

The Power of Self-Initiative

Robin’s experiences demonstrate that it is not enough to wait for opportunities to appear; you must create them. Even small actions—like directing people at an event or reaching out via social media—can pivot your career in unexpected, positive directions.

The Power of Small Steps: Breaking Down Big Goals

Starting Small to Build Confidence

One of the key messages in the discussion is that monumental goals should be broken down into manageable tasks. Instead of fixating on a lofty target like earning £5,000 a month, consider:

• Making Your First £100: Begin with a small, achievable goal that builds momentum.
• Incremental Progress: Each small step is a building block towards larger successes.

Practical Tips for Goal Setting

• Outline Your Idea: Sketch your concept on a sheet of A4 with a pencil.
• Conduct Basic Market Research: Knock on a few doors or survey your target audience to validate your idea.
• Adjust Your Expectations: Like losing weight gradually, success in business comes from consistent, realistic steps rather than overnight transformations.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure

The Role of Fear in Decision-Making

Fear can be paralysing, particularly when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone. The conversation delves into how operating from a state of fear may lead to unsound decisions. Instead, embracing small risks and learning from failures can be a catalyst for growth.

Key Strategies to Overcome Fear

• Ask for Help: Whether it’s from a partner, mentor, or community, support is crucial.
• Break Down Goals: Reduce the pressure by focusing on the smallest achievable steps.
• Accept Imperfection: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey and rarely define your long-term success.
• Stay Consistent: Small, regular actions accumulate to create significant progress over time.

Parentpreneurs: Balancing Family, Career, and Ambition

Unique Challenges for Parents

Francheska and Robin discuss the challenges faced by parentpreneurs, particularly mums, who often juggle business aspirations alongside family responsibilities. Common obstacles include:

• Guilt: Feeling selfish for prioritising personal ambitions over family needs.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Struggling with the pressure of societal norms and the ‘four corners’ of prescribed roles.

Building a Support Network

• Partner and Family Support: A supportive partner can make a significant difference in enabling you to take risks.
• Community Connections: Finding friends or fellow parentpreneurs who understand your challenges can offer both practical help and emotional support.
• Flexible Arrangements: Sharing responsibilities, such as swapping childcare duties with other parents, can free up the time needed to pursue your goals.

The Importance of Partnerships, Mentorship, and Networking

Creating Opportunities Through Relationships

Robin’s experiences underscore the value of forming partnerships and seeking mentorship. His journey involved:

• Networking at Events: Volunteering to help at events not only builds goodwill but can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Leveraging Social Platforms: Even a simple DM (direct message) can open doors to valuable connections.
• Valuing Mutual Benefit: Investing time and effort in partnerships can result in long-term gains, both personally and professionally.

Practical Networking Tips

• Be Helpful: Offer assistance without expecting immediate returns.
• Follow Up: After initial contact, follow up to build and maintain relationships.
• Stay Open-Minded: Even if you face rejection, every interaction is a learning opportunity that could lead to future success.

Personal Anecdotes: Life’s Unexpected Lessons

A Journey of Transformation

Robin’s personal stories provide a relatable backdrop to the broader discussion:

• A Pivotal Career Shift: After years of running an agency, Robin’s transition to business coaching was spurred by recognising that he was no longer fulfilled. This realisation came after a moment of vulnerability—both physically and emotionally.
• Health as a Catalyst: An incidental diagnosis of a benign tumour prompted Robin to reassess his priorities, reminding him that time is limited and every moment counts.
• The Pigeon Incident: In a humorous twist, a pigeon pooping on him became a symbolic moment—a reminder that even the unexpected can be a sign of good luck and a prompt to move forward.

Embracing Life’s Uncertainties

Francheska wraps up the conversation with a reflection on life’s impermanence and the importance of taking one’s shot without overthinking the future. The underlying message is clear: if you have an idea, no matter how small, take action today.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Shot Today

In a world full of uncertainty, the podcast serves as a powerful reminder that every small step counts. Whether you’re a parent balancing work and family or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to break out of the mould, the key takeaways are:

• Take Action: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it.
• Break Down Your Goals: Tackle your ambitions one small step at a time.
• Seek Support: Leverage your network, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Embrace Imperfection: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey and that success is built on resilience.

By embracing these principles, you can transform from a passenger in your life’s journey to the pilot steering towards your dreams. Remember, life is too short to sit on the sidelines—take your shot, today.