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If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just a small business,” this episode is your permission slip to delete that word permanently. We’re unpacking why small businesses can’t afford to treat legal documents as optional, and why properly tailored legals are a non-negotiable investment in your success, confidence and peace of mind.

I’m sharing what I learnt in my early litigation and dispute resolution days, watching businesses end up in war over contracts, or the lack of them. Big companies have in-house legal teams and financial buffers. Small businesses do not. When you are the marketing department, delivery team, HR, finance and legal all in one, your legal documents become the bedrock that holds the whole thing together.

We’ll talk about the real business upside of tailored documents; how they can help convert prospects into paying clients by signalling professionalism and how they protect your profit margins by setting clear expectations around scope, pricing and payment terms. That way invoices are not a shock and scope creep does not quietly eat your time. We’ll also cover why generic or DIY templates often create risk, including missing key clauses, outdated terms, weak payment protections and misunderstandings that cost far more than getting it done properly.

LINKS:

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/why-small-businesses-cant-afford-generic-legal-documents/

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

Burnout doesn’t usually arrive with a dramatic crash. It creeps in quietly; one extra client, one more late night, one more “I’ll rest after this deadline,” and “just one more email.” As business owners, we wear a lot of hats, carry a lot of responsibility, and it’s easy to find ourselves running on adrenaline instead of intention.

I spoke with Mia Poklepovich, who is an occupational therapist and business coach, about what burnout really looks like, why it happens to high-performing business owners, and how to build a business that’s sustainable, not just successful.

This conversation is a reminder that avoiding burnout isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about building a business that can actually last. One that supports your life, your health, and your long-term goals. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup… and you also can’t grow a business from one.

Talking with Mia was a powerful reminder that sustainable success is built on structure, boundaries, and alignment. Not constant output. I’ve already started weaving some of her strategies into my own routines, and I know many of you will hear your own story in hers.

If you’d like to explore more of Mia’s work, you can find her through The Freedom Therapist and connect with her on Instagram or via her website. And if this episode sparks something for you, whether it be a realisation, a hard truth, or a permission slip to slow down - take it seriously. Those moments of awareness are often where change begins.

LINKS:

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/burnout-conversation-with-Mia-Poklepovich

Freedom Therapist Instagram:

https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au

Mia’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/miapoko

OT Inspire Website:

https://www.otinspire.com.au/

OT Inspire Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

Today we're exploring something most business owners don't realise: your legal documents aren't just protection, they're profit tools. Properly crafted agreements don't just protect you; they convert prospects into paying clients. When your contract is on brand and aligned with your business processes, it creates a "hell yes" moment that reinforces your client's decision to work with you. If your agreements feel like generic legal documents rather than an extension of your brand experience, you're missing a real conversion opportunity.

In this episode, we're looking at how clear payment terms create predictable cash flow that allows you to plan and grow strategically, rather than chasing invoices or having awkward money conversations. I'm also tackling scope creep - one of the fastest profit killers - and how explicitly defining what's included, excluded and how variations work protects your margins and ensures you're compensated fairly for your expertise.

If you're unsure whether your legal agreements are actually contributing to your business goals or just sitting in a folder as basic protection, this episode will help you reassess. A legal upgrade can transform your documents from passive safeguards into active strategic assets that support smoother operations, better cash flow, and higher profit margins. Book a chat via the link in the show notes if you're ready to bridge the gap between basic legal protection and strategic frameworks that actually support growth.

LINKS:

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/how-to-use-your-legals-to-boost-profit

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

As we close out the year, I'm reflecting on five powerful lessons that emerged from actually living through a year of business evolution - not from theory, but from real experience. These aren't the insights I expected to gain, but they've proven invaluable. From understanding that boundaries are legitimate business assets (not just personal preferences) to trusting the messy, uncomfortable process of evolution during our brand transformation, each lesson has shaped how I approach business moving forward.

We're diving into why clarity has become my secret competitive advantage and how remarkably few businesses actually operate with clear direction about who they serve. I'm sharing why you can't be all things to all people (and shouldn't try), and how niching down and specialising transformed not just my business results, but my actual enjoyment of the work. The pressure to be a jack of all trades is real, but letting go of what doesn't serve you creates space for what does.

While we often hear that we must be constantly pushing for the next big thing, 2025 taught me that sometimes the most strategic move isn't adding something new - it's refining and repeating what already works. I'm exploring why "rinse and repeat" can beat "new and shiny," and challenging you to consider: Where do you need stronger boundaries? What evolution are you resisting? Where could more clarity give you an edge? And what's already working that just needs refinement rather than replacement?

I'd love to hear what your biggest business lesson from 2025 was, so send me a DM. What surprised you most about your own business journey this year?

LINKS:

Previous episode mentioned: #195 - My End of Year Reflection + Reset Process

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/my-key-takeaways-from-2025

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

Let's be honest - most business owners dread calling their accountant. It's surrounded by procrastination and anxiety. But it doesn't have to be that way. Today I'm sharing what it's actually like to work with an exceptional accountant, my friend John Saade, because once you experience the difference, you'll realise what you might’ve been missing all along.

Breaking the Stereotype

John isn't your stereotypical accountant. He's vibrant, approachable and has completely redefined what an accountant should be. In this episode, we're tackling the stereotypes that make accountants seem unapproachable and diving into why working with the right person goes far beyond number crunching.

The Personal Mission Behind the Numbers

John's commitment to small business owners comes from a deeply personal place - his own family's experiences with financial stress. This isn't just a job for him; it's a mission. We're exploring why that personal connection matters and how it translates into the kind of support that provides genuine peace of mind.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

If you're contemplating whether it's time to engage with an accountant, or your current situation isn't living up to expectations, this conversation will help you understand what to look for. The right accountant doesn't just manage your numbers - they provide transformative peace of mind that empowers you to focus on your business's bigger picture.

LINKS:

Connect with John:

Website: https://latitudeaccountants.com.au/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/latitudeaccountants

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-saade-3104452b/

Podcast: The Lat Chat

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/what-it-should-be-like-working-with-an-accountant-with-john-saade

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

For years, I found myself in the end-of-year scramble, crawling to the finish line with barely enough energy to enjoy the holidays. Now, after becoming intentional about how I approach the final quarter, I enjoy a spacious Q4 dedicated to reflection, planning, and gliding into the new year rather than grinding to the finish line. This year I've taken it even further with new strategies that make quarter four refreshing, motivating, and exciting.

The "No November" Strategy and Simplification

My business manager Heidi and I have declared November "No Vember". Client work continues as usual, but internally we're focused on simplicity and elimination. We're taking a good look at our internal processes, asking tough questions about what creates unnecessary complexity and having the courage to let things go. This isn't about checking out early but about being strategic with our energy and setting ourselves up for genuine success.

Building Momentum Before January Arrives

Instead of New Year's resolutions, I identified the person I want to be in 2026 and started implementing those changes in October. Whether it's fitness routines, nutrition tweaks, or scheduling workdays more effectively, I'm building three months of momentum before January even arrives. I've also incorporated whitespace into my calendar, which is something I've struggled with in the past. By building the habit now, I'm creating a sustainable rhythm rather than an aspirational one that's too hard to maintain.

Key Takeaways:

• Glide, don't grind - Approach Q4 with spaciousness for reflection and planning rather than scrambling to the finish line exhausted
• Strategic "no" creates powerful "yes" - Declining new internal projects in Q4 frees energy for meaningful work in the new year when you can execute it properly
• Simplify and eliminate now, not later - Stop accumulating "fix later" lists and do the work of streamlining processes in this season of simplification
• Build momentum before January - Start implementing your 2026 changes in October so you enter the new year with three months of progress already achieved
• Whitespace is non-negotiable - Incorporate calendar breathing room now to create sustainable rhythms rather than aspirational schedules you can't maintain
  
  
  

LINKS:

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Send us a text

Running a business can feel like hiking up a mountain alone, carrying every decision on your shoulders. For the past six years, my business strategist Michelle Broadbent has been the person who shares that load and has been with me through every pivot, challenge and evolution. Today I'm sharing how Michelle's guidance transformed my business and why having the right strategic support makes all the difference.

Michelle is a business strategist with a passion for seeing women succeed in business. What truly defines her is her whole-person approach - she's a sounding board, a voice of reason and a motivating force who shows women that it's possible to have a sustainable business that provides freedom, time and space to enjoy what matters most in both business and life.

When I first launched as "Tracey Mylecharane Solicitor," I thought I could be everything to everyone. Michelle taught me something crucial: saying no isn't something to feel guilty about. We're diving into how her guidance helped me niche strategically, balance work with being present for my daughter when she was just six months old, and stay focused on long-term vision rather than getting distracted by every shiny opportunity that comes along.

If you're making decisions in isolation or lack someone who knows your business well enough to challenge your thinking, this conversation is for you. We're exploring what sets a strategist apart from a coach, how strategic planning actually works in practice, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial to thriving in business rather than just surviving it.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic support isn't a luxury, it's essential - Having a trusted strategist who knows your business intimately can transform how you make decisions and scale sustainably
  
  
• Saying no is a superpower - You don't have to fight every battle or serve everyone; focusing your energy where you can make the most impact allows you to serve clients better and grow strategically
  
  
• Whole-person perspective matters - The best strategists don't just focus on revenue and metrics; they consider your full life, helping you build a business that provides freedom and space for what matters most
  
  
• Isolation kills momentum - Making decisions alone without someone to challenge your thinking or offer perspective when you're too close can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities
  
  
• The right support creates a ripple effect - When you surround yourself with trusted advisors, you're not just building your own business better; you're empowered to pay that support forward to others
  
  
  

LINKS:

Connect with Michelle:

Website:https://michellebroadbent.com.au

Instagram:@michbroadbent

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebroadbent

Episode Website:

https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/do-you-need-a-business-strategist-meet-mine-with-michelle-broadbent

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram

Send us a text

After six and a half years of building this business, we have evolved into TM Legal Atelier. This is so much more than a rebrand. It's a brand evolution where our brand is finally catching up to what the business has organically become: a specialised legal practice serving creative and service-based businesses with bespoke, tailored solutions in a heart led way.

The word atelier is associated with bespoke craftsmanship and that is exactly what we do. We don't do templates or one-size-fits-all contracts. Every agreement we create is custom built for the specific business it's protecting, informed by my 12 years in litigation where I've seen firsthand what happens when generic contracts fail.

Since launching Legal Atelier, so many people have reached out asking about who supported me during this evolution. Although I don't work with a business coach, it certainly hasn't been a solo journey. My business strategist, accountant, bookkeeper, and business besties have all played crucial roles in guiding me through the challenging moments, giving me the same kind of support I strive to provide my own clients.

I deliberately chose the term "brand evolution" because this wasn't about starting over. Our services haven't changed but they have become more refined and focused. The name now matches the reality of what we have been building all along. Six and a half years ago, I couldn't have predicted this path, but looking back, every step has led naturally to where we are now: a specialised legal practice serving creative businesses with the bespoke attention their work deserves.

If you're considering your own business evolution, whether it's a pivot, a rebrand, or simply refining your focus, my advice is to surround yourself with people to support you as you journey onwards. Your business will tell you when it's ready to evolve. The key is having the right people around you to help you see it clearly and move forward with confidence. Sometimes the biggest transformations come from finally acknowledging what you've already become.

LINKS:

Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings here

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Complimentary Introduction Call with me here

Join me on Instagram here