In this twenty-third solo episode of My Kind of Business, Alex dives into five of the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly how to avoid them.

Drawing on personal experiences and client stories, Alex unpacks the pitfalls that often hold business owners back. From financial blind spots to the dangers of burnout, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you build a business that works with your life and values.

Alex also shares simple strategies to stay true to yourself, grow at your own pace and avoid the pressure of chasing trends or scaling too quickly.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of running a business or found yourself second-guessing your approach, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone.

00:00 – Introduction and overview of the five common mistakes 02:30 – Not knowing your numbers and why financial clarity matters 07:15 – Trying to do everything alone and the value of support 12:00 – Ignoring your energy and capacity (and how to avoid burnout) 16:45 – Copying others instead of building authentically 21:00 – The pressure to scale fast vs. allowing your own growth pace 25:00 – Final thoughts and call to action

✦ Practical advice on how to understand and manage your numbers ✦ Why you shouldn’t try to wear all the hats in your business ✦ How to align your work with your energy and capacity ✦ The risks of following trends that don’t feel authentic ✦ Permission to grow your business sustainably and joyfully

✦ Book a free clarity call; https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/claritycall ✦ Explore one-to-one coaching options: power hours, four-session packages or six-month support ✦ Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/ ✦ Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out for support and take the next step in your business journey with confidence.

In this twenty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Amy Robinson – a Beauty Business Owner and Educator who has built her business from the ground up, starting in her mum’s kitchen and growing into a thriving beauty space and educator brand known for empowerment, confidence and connection.

Amy’s story is one of resilience, persistence and transformation. From childhood challenges and overcoming bullying, to carving out her own path in the beauty industry, her journey highlights the power of turning pain into purpose. Today, Amy isn’t just shaping brows - she’s shaping confidence, creating safe spaces and proving that boundaries are just as important as beauty in business.

In this conversation, Alex and Amy explore:

• How Amy turned early challenges into a successful beauty career

• The lessons she learned starting out from her mum’s kitchen

• Why creating a safe, welcoming space is the heart of her work

• The role of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable business

• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs about persistence and self-focus

• The empowering impact of helping clients see themselves differently

Whether you’re in the beauty industry, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration to keep going, Amy’s story is proof that small beginnings can grow into something powerful when paired with persistence, boundaries and a focus on what really matters.

Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Amy to the podcast [01:30] Childhood challenges and early influences [05:00] Starting out in the beauty industry [07:00] The decision to specialise in brows [10:00] From mum’s kitchen to opening her own salon [15:00] Creating a safe space and building client confidence [20:00] Comparison, boundaries, and lessons learned [25:00] Personal growth, coaching, and reflection [30:00] Amy’s advice for new entrepreneurs [32:00] Vision for the future and empowering through beauty

Key Highlights

• The transition from working at her mum’s kitchen table to running her own thriving salon

• Why confidence and boundaries are essential in business

• How creating safe spaces helps clients feel seen and empowered

• Amy’s advice for persistence, self-focus and growth as a new entrepreneur

Connect with Amy Instagram: @ajrglamour

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-first episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Anna Botley – a coach, yoga teacher, and space-holder who helps women stop people-pleasing, speak their truth, and rebuild their relationships from the inside out through embodied presence, nervous system work, and everyday self-respect.

Anna’s story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining success. From early jobs that didn’t quite fit, to earning a biomedical degree, to finding the emotional connection and transformation of yoga, Anna’s journey is full of trial, error, and powerful lessons. She opens up about navigating the challenges of long COVID, overcoming self-doubt and comparison, and building a business that prioritises alignment, well-being, and authenticity.

In this conversation, Alex and Anna explore:

• The real differences between coaching and therapy in personal growth

• How to create a business that works with your values and lifestyle

• Why success is about grounded truth, not just financial milestones

• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs starting their journey

• The mindset shifts that help you show up as your authentic self

Whether you’re a business owner, yoga enthusiast, aspiring coach, or someone navigating your own path of personal growth, this episode will inspire you to define success on your own terms and trust that the smallest shifts can lead to the biggest transformations.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Anna to the podcast [00:50] Early Career Exploration & realising 9–5 wasn’t for her [10:15] Discovering coaching and yoga [20:30] Coaching vs. Therapy – key differences [30:45] Overcoming self-doubt and comparison [40:00] Defining success on your own terms [50:15] Advice for new entrepreneurs [55:00] Final reflections and what’s next

Key Highlights

• Anna’s inspiring journey from uncertainty to a fulfilling career in coaching and yoga

• The emotional transformation she experienced through yoga

• Insights into coaching vs. therapy and how each supports growth

• Navigating long COVID while building a values-led business

• Redefining success to prioritise joy, alignment, and personal fulfilment

Connect with Anna Instagram: @annabotley

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com