The Essential Shift Podcast

What if profit wasn’t about spreadsheets or sacrifice… but alignment? This week, I’m joined by Lucy Starbuck, Virtual CFO, profit coach, and Human Design guide. We talk about how to create sustainable financial success by understanding your energy first - not just your numbers. Lucy shares her journey from the corporate world to founding Designed for Profit, and how Human Design became the tool that helped her (and her clients) ditch burnout and build profitable, intuitive businesses.  If you’ve ever felt resistance around money, leadership, or traditional growth strategies - this episode is for you. ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why traditional finance advice doesn’t work for everyone How to approach profit and cash flow through your Human Design The moment Lucy burned it all down to start again Signs you’re building a business that doesn’t suit your energy How to shift money blocks and build true financial sustainability SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Lucy’s work – HERE FOLLOW Lucy on Instagram – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow Laetitia on Instagram – HERE Connect with Laetitia on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Lucy Starbuck is a Virtual CFO, profit coach, and Human Design guide helping entrepreneurs grow profitable, sustainable businesses - by mastering their numbers their way. Through her business, Designed for Profit, she blends practical finance with Human Design to help you manage money in a way that feels natural, joyful, and wildly effective. With love,Laetitia 

What if your symptoms weren’t something to suppress… but a sign that it’s time to heal? This week, I’m joined by Zoe Boyce, a holistic healing guide, who shares how her own journey with chronic illness became the catalyst for deep transformation - physically, emotionally, and energetically. We speak about how Zoe's background in naturopathy led her to discover the power of emotional clearing, nervous system regulation, and truly holistic wellness. From releasing stored trauma to rebuilding vitality through nervous system safety, Zoe invites us to view health through a new lens: one where our body is never the enemy - it’s always trying to tell us something. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, depleted, or disconnected from themselves - and is ready to feel empowered in their healing journey. ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why symptoms are messages, not problems What emotional clearing is - and how it works The connection between nervous system safety and radiant health How Zoe rebuilt her energy after chronic illness and burnout The difference between treating a body and listening to one SHOW RESOURCES Sign up for Zoe’s upcoming workshop – HERE Learn more about Zoe’s work – HERE Follow Zoe on Instagram – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow Laetitia on Instagram – HERE Connect with Laetitia on LinkedIn –  HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Zoe Boyce is a passionate holistic healing guide with a background in Naturopathy and Emotion Release Technique. Through her business Living Wholistically, she supports women and mothers to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Using emotional clearing, nervous system regulation, and deep subconscious work, Zoe empowers clients to move through discomfort and cultivate vibrant well-being - all while raising three children and homeschooling from rural New South Wales. Her work honours the cycles of life and helps women embrace change with grace, compassion, and embodied support. Bless it be.  With love, Laetitia! 

Do you feel your most radiant self? Because guess what? Working on radiance (from the inside out) can be felt by your audience.  In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I speak with Cressida Pollack, the founder of SkinGlow Alchemy - a skincare brand born from personal healing and fuelled by purpose. We explore her journey from navigating an autoimmune diagnosis to discovering the power of self-healing through energetics, ritual, and nature.  What began as a personal transformation evolved into a powerful offering for others. Cressida shares how the healing happened on all levels, physical, emotional, and energetic, and how she followed the intuitive nudge to create a business that blends ancient wisdom with modern skin science. ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What happens when your healing leads you to your purpose How energetic tools like sound healing and reiki amplify physical results Creating a skincare ritual that becomes a spiritual practice Navigating business as an “accidental entrepreneur” Why skincare is never just skin-deep SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about SkinGlow Alchemy – HERE Join the SkinGlow Codes Membership – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Cressida Pollack is the founder of SkinGlow Alchemy, a natural skincare line infused with high-vibration energy healing to transform both skin and spirit. As a skin alchemist and energy healer, she blends ancient wisdom with modalities like reiki, essential oils, BioGeometry, sound healing, and Isis Ka Activations. Her membership, SkinGlow Codes, supports women to unlock radiant skin from within through energetic clearing, skincare rituals, and feminine embodiment. Cressida believes true radiance emerges when we heal on a cellular and soul level – turning skincare into a sacred act of self-love. Bless it be.  With love, Laetitia! 

Got a business? Welcome - you are a founder!  In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, we’re joined by Kirstin Hunter - the current CEO of Birchal and former Managing Director at Techstars NSW.  From co-founding ethical investing platform Future Super to mentoring Australia’s most promising founders, Kirstin brings a unique lens to what it takes to lead and grow mission-driven businesses. We explore what makes a great founder, the mindset shifts needed to transition to startup life, and why conscious leadership matters more than ever in today’s business climate. This is an inspiring, grounded conversation for anyone navigating the evolving path of entrepreneurship. KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS The traits successful founders share - and how to cultivate them What it really means to lead a business with purpose Lessons learned from mentoring startups at Techstars What it’s like stepping into the CEO role at Birchal SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Birchal – HERE Follow Kirstin on LinkedIn – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Kirstin Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at Birchal, Australia’s leading crowdsourced funding platform. Before Birchal, Kirstin was the Managing Director (NSW) at Techstars, where she selected and mentored some of the country’s most promising startup founders. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of ethical superannuation platform Future Super, and has held executive roles at Brighte. A reformed lawyer and ex-management consultant, Kirstin brings deep expertise across fintech, impact investing, and high-growth ventures. She’s also a long-time mentor with Blackbird's Giants program and Startmate Fellowships and serves on the board of Morphic Ethical Equities (ASX:MEC). Above all, she’s passionate about helping founders build companies that combine purpose and performance. Bless it be.  With love, Laetitia! 

We often think business growth comes from adding more - more content, more tools, more strategies. But what if the real shift comes from letting go? In this episode, I’m sharing why spaciousness isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a core business strategy.  I will share with you a key principle of lean management and we’ll explore the unseen clutter that drains your time, energy and creativity. If you’re drowning in digital files, stuck in inefficient processes, or simply overwhelmed by too many ideas, let this episode help you identify what’s actually getting in your way - and how to create more room for clarity, momentum and meaningful results. ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? ⁠JOIN THE CIRCLE⁠ ✨  KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why decluttering is the first step in sustainable growth The 7 types of waste blocking your momentum (and how to spot them) What lean management has to teach even the most creative businesses How simplicity can create space for strategy, energy, and innovation SHOW RESOURCES Join the Flow in Business Accelerator – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE Bless it be.  With love, Laetitia! 

If you’ve ever set a big, bold vision… but found it hard to stay the course, this episode is for you. I want to share with you what it means to actually commit to the things you say matter. Not just once a year, but week after week, quarter after quarter.  To bring this to life, I have real stories of women who’ve used Quarterly Planning as a way to reconnect with their purpose, stay accountable to their dreams, and take tangible action. Because strategy isn’t just about structure. It’s a mirror, reflecting back the kind of leader, creative, and business owner you want to be. This isn’t a goal-setting chat. It’s a grounded, inspiring look at what’s possible when you put your vision on paper… and then follow through. ✨ Curious about Quarterly Planning? Join our next workshop HERE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why committing to your vision isn’t a one-time act  The power of gathering in community to set goals (and stick to them) 3 stories of women who turned vision into aligned action Why your business needs both structure and soul SHOW RESOURCES Join the next Quarterly Planning Workshop – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

We often talk about AI in the context of speed, automation, and productivity. But what if AI could help make the world fairer? This week’s episode is a powerful conversation about using technology to bridge one of the biggest gaps in our systems: access to justice. If you’ve ever tried to navigate a legal dispute, you’ll know it can be overwhelming, expensive, and inaccessible. Especially if you don’t have legal training or support. That’s where AI can help. In this episode, we’re joined by founder of Dispute Buddy, Jenny Rudd, who’s using AI to empower everyday people – helping them turn chaotic digital evidence into court-ready documents and reclaim their voice in a system that often silences them. ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? ⁠JOIN THE CIRCLE⁠ ✨  KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS How AI can be used to drive equity, not just efficiency How personal values can shape powerful tech solutions What it takes to lead courageously in the legal and funding space Jenny’s previous business experience + how she build this startup  SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Dispute Buddy – HERE Learn about The Gender Investment Gap NZ – HERE Follow Jenny on LinkedIn – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Jenny Rudd is the Founder & CEO of Dispute Buddy, a tech startup creating access to justice for people in legal disputes by organising complex digital evidence (texts, emails, etc.) into court-ready documents. She is also the Co-Founder of The Gender Investment Gap NZ, a national research project measuring and addressing gender disparities in venture capital. Jenny lives in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand, with her husband Mat and their five beautiful children. Her work is grounded in values of fairness, disruption, and inclusion – and she’s leading change in the tech and funding space one courageous action at a time. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

Whether you have a team or just contractors, you are creating a workplace culture.  In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m joined by Miks and Cam, co-founders of Capyble - a Techstars-backed platform that helps businesses turn respect-at-work legislation into meaningful, measurable action. We dive deep into what it really takes to build safer, smarter workplaces - from listening to lived experience, to weaving cultural safety into operations, to using AI without losing humanity. This is a big conversation on leadership, boundaries, and creating work cultures that don’t just tick the box - but transform it. If you are a leader in your business, you should listen to this. Set the foundations early and create a safe place for people to work (even if they are only doing 3 hours a week in your business).  ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? ⁠JOIN THE CIRCLE⁠ ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why safety isn’t just physical - it’s emotional, cultural, and structural What we get wrong about leadership (especially in small businesses) How to use AI in ways that protect, not perpetuate, harm The mindset shift from performative compliance to practical impact Why boundaries are leadership skills – not personality traits SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Capyble – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUESTS Miks is a serial global entrepreneur who believes business is a tool for creating positive structural change. She’s had 3 successful exits and is now full-time on Capyble, with a mission to bring expertise to 1 million workplaces by 2030. She’s a TEDx speaker and has been recognised as a finalist for the Women in Digital Rising Star of the Year 2024, Young Australian of the Year (QLD), AFR Top 100 Women of Influence, and more. Miks is a Harvard alum and Techstars Sydney 2024 participant. Cam has spent the last decade building profitable social enterprises and educational products, with a background in world-building and strategy for narrative-led companies. A master of translating complexity into clarity, he now focuses on making expert support accessible through Capyble, and creating better ways for survivors to share their stories with workplaces and communities through Impact by Design. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

You can absolutely start a business on your own - but if you want to grow and sustain it, leadership becomes the key.  In this episode, I share the leadership mindset shifts that helped me scale without burnout, build a deeply aligned team, and lead with clarity and boundaries.  If you’re doing too much alone, this episode will help you shift how you lead, so you can grow your business village with purpose and trust. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? ⁠JOIN THE CIRCLE⁠ ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why leadership is the real foundation of sustainable business growth How to identify your true zone of genius - and lead from it What “building your A Team” really means The role of boundaries in healthy leadership SHOW RESOURCES JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

What if your next big breakthrough didn’t happen in a zoom meeting or a brainstorming session - but in the stillness of nature? In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m joined by Stephanie, the visionary behind Fern Valley Retreat - a soulful, eco-glamping haven tucked in rural New Zealand. We talk about the intuitive nudge that changed her family’s entire life trajectory, what it really takes to build a retreat space from scratch, and why stepping away to rest is essential for women in business. Get ready to re-treat!  If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS How intuition guided a bold, life-changing decision The healing power of nature and the magic of glamping What it really takes to create a successful retreat space Why it’s okay not to have it all figured out at the start The difference between doing it all and doing what matters SHOW RESOURCES Explore Fern Valley Retreat – HERE Follow Fern Valley on Instagram – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Stéph is the heart and soul behind Fern Valley Retreat. Together with her husband Mike, she left behind the hustle of Auckland to follow her heart after falling in love with a rural property south of Tauranga, New Zealand. Driven by a deep belief in the power of nature to enhance well-being, she created an off-the-grid glamping escape - a place where guests can reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

What happens when a simple fruit analogy reaches millions and sparks a global conversation?  In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I reflect on the viral moment that unfolded after I shared a metaphor comparing neurodivergent minds to different fruits for my Understanding Zoe business.  Inspired by Sandhya Menon’s words: “You would never say an orange has an apple disorder”, the post struck a deep chord with parents, educators, and professionals around the world. But what happens when our business attracts more attention than we expect? I am going to talk about the reality of going viral (the good and the bad).  If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift!  ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What the viral moment taught us about the appetite for change How the marketing team put together a plan for attraction  The good and bad with viral content SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Understanding Zoe – HERE Watch the viral video – HERE  Read the full viral post: Substack Article – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

What if the biggest thing holding you back in business… wasn’t strategy or skills, but the subconscious patterns running beneath the surface? In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Berdugo, Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner, and former start-up founder, to explore how hypnotherapy can help entrepreneurs overcome common blocks like imposter syndrome, anxiety, leadership challenges, and more. We dive into the real reasons why so many driven leaders hit invisible ceilings - and how solution-oriented therapies like hypnosis and NLP can unlock clarity, confidence, and ease. Whether you’ve been curious about hypnotherapy or you’re feeling stuck in self-doubt, this conversation will open your eyes to powerful, science-backed ways to shift your mindset, reconnect with your inner resources, and grow your business without burning out. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift and Sarah @sarahypnos!✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS The most common mindset blocks entrepreneurs face (and why they show up) How hypnotherapy works - and why it’s more practical and science-based than you think Tools to overcome imposter syndrome, anxiety, and leadership challenges Why entrepreneurs need emotional and mental support as much as strategy SHOW RESOURCES Work with Sarah Berdugo - HERE Follow Sarah on Instagram - HERE Watch Sarah on YouTube - HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Sarah Berdugo is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner, coach, and former start-up founder in Paris. Now based in Sydney, she supports entrepreneurs in overcoming anxiety, imposter syndrome, and mental blocks- helping them reach their goals with clarity, creativity, and efficiency. Her unique approach blends science-based hypnosis, somatic tools, and emotional reconnection for deep, lasting transformation. Sarah also supports women through health and life transitions, including endometriosis, fertility, pregnancy, and leadership. She offers sessions in English and French, both online and in-person in Randwick. Bless it be. With love,Laetitia

What if your next big business breakthrough wasn’t in your strategy… but in your nervous system? In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m sharing the transformational power of psychodrama - the in-person, group-based modality that’s helped me access a deeper level of clarity, alignment, and leadership. As a founder, you already know how to build, plan, and execute. But if you’ve ever felt stuck - like something’s just off, even when everything “looks right” - this is the episode that might unlock what’s really going on beneath the surface. Whether you’re at a pivot point, on the edge of growth, or craving a deeper sense of self-trust and permission, this conversation will introduce you to a new way of seeing, feeling, and leading. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨ Want to experience this in person? JOIN THE NEXT RETREAT✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What psychodrama really is (and how it goes deeper than mindset work) Why this modality is so powerful for founders, leaders, and creatives How parts work and family constellations evolved from psychodrama A personal story of how psychodrama shifted my own leadership SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about psychodrama - HERE Want to join an upcoming retreat? - HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

We all say we care about customer experience. But most businesses still treat CX like a buzzword…something that sits on a Miro board, disconnected from how the customer actually moves through your brand. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Brittany Fox, Founder and CEO of Nevam, a platform transforming how teams visualise, prioritise and fix broken customer journeys. We dive into how CX often gets misunderstood, why most “customer journey” maps are missing huge blind spots, and what solopreneurs, startups, and large teams alike can do to close the gap between insight and execution.  If you’ve ever wondered how to make your customer experience more human, intuitive, and action-oriented, this conversation is for you. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What is a customer experience  The biggest myths about customer experience How Brittany went from Deloitte to launching Nevam during maternity leave What solopreneurs and small teams can do right now to improve CX without breaking the bank The mindset shift that helped Britt back herself and build a platform that’s changing the way brands operate SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Nevam – HERE Email Britt directly – HERE Connect with Britt on LinkedIn – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs – HERE Work with me 1:1 – HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Brittany Fox is the Founder and CEO of Nevam, a platform built to help teams visualise, prioritise, and fix broken customer journeys - fast. After leading marketing execution for brands like GAP and consulting at Deloitte, she kept seeing the same problem: businesses had no way to see the entire customer journey in one place. Nevam was born from that frustration - and from her kitchen table, during maternity leave. In just 12 months, Nevam was selected by Techstars, built an MVP in 12 weeks, and signed its first enterprise client before launch. Britt is now on a mission to bring clarity and action to the chaos of CX, helping brands create seamless, human-first experiences. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

You can have the best brand photos, clever copy, a funnel that converts - but if your product or service doesn’t deliver real value, it won’t last. In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m exploring a truth that doesn’t get said enough: marketing is only as good as the offer behind it.  And while many business coaches are really marketing coaches in disguise, I want to take you deeper. I want to show you how to create a product or service so good, it almost markets itself. We’re diving into the 10 Types of Innovation framework - a powerful tool I use with my clients to help them design meaningful, magnetic offers. Because when your product is innovative, useful, and designed with intention? The marketing becomes a bonus, not a lifeline. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why even the most powerful marketing can’t compensate for a poor product The difference between marketing a product and creating a product that markets itself An introduction to the 10 Types of Innovation and how to apply them to your offer How to shift your energy from “just selling” to actually solving a problem The importance of designing for sustainability, not just scalability SHOW RESOURCES Want to build a GREAT product, let’s do a 1:1 session together - HERE  JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs – HERE Work with me 1:1 – HERE Follow me on Instagram – HERE Find me on LinkedIn – HERE

What does it really take to shift systems that weren’t built for us?In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I’m joined by Jenny Rudd, founder of Dispute Buddy and co-founder of The Gender Investment Gap NZ. Jenny doesn’t just talk about the inequality in startup funding - she did something about it. With no background in data or research, she built New Zealand’s most comprehensive dataset tracking how venture capital is distributed across genders - and sparked national conversations in the process.This conversation is full of practical wisdom, big-hearted disruption, and proof that if you want to create change, you don’t need permission - you just need to begin.We also talk about how this work inspired me to launch a crowdfunding campaign to fund the first major research project into neurodivergence in entrepreneurship here in Australia. Because when data is missing, stories get ignored - and it's time for that to change.If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS How Jenny built a national database from a single spreadsheet   What the gender funding gap reveals about systemic inequality in entrepreneurship Why data transparency is critical if we want to fund diverse founders The ripple effect of courageous action (and how to start your own) SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about about Dispute Buddy – HERE Learn about The Gender Investment Gap NZ – HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs -  HERE Follow me on LinkedIn – HERE Find me on Instagram – HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Jenny Rudd is the Founder & CEO of Dispute Buddy, a tech startup creating access to justice for people in legal disputes by organising complex digital evidence (texts, emails, etc.) into court-ready documents. She is also the Co-Founder of The Gender Investment Gap NZ, a national research project measuring and addressing gender disparities in venture capital. Jenny lives in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand, with her husband Mat and their five beautiful children. Her work is grounded in values of fairness, disruption, and inclusion - and she’s leading change in the tech and funding space one courageous action at a time. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

Did you know that approximately 20% of the population is neurodivergent? Yet, most businesses are still not designed to be neuro-inclusive. In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I dive into how businesses can embrace neurodiversity - not just in supporting subcontractors, employees and when hiring, but in communication, branding, and leadership.  This conversation is packed with practical insights to help you foster an inclusive and innovative business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone who wants to create a more accessible and empowering environment for all, this episode will show you how embracing neurodiversity leads to greater innovation, creativity, and success. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Busting common myths about neurodivergent individuals in leadership and business How to create neuro-inclusive communication that empowers your brand and business Designing brands that authentically reflect neuro-affirming values SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Understanding Zoe – HERE Follow Understanding Zoe on TikTok - HERE  JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs -  HERE Follow me on LinkedIn – HERE Find me on Instagram – HERE If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! Bless it be. With love,Laetitia

Neurodiversity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a movement. And during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the world is paying attention.  But beyond awareness, what does true inclusion look like? How do we build a society where all minds can thrive? In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, Podcaster (and Content Marketer at Essential Shift) Mariah MacInnes interviews Laetitia, the founder of Understanding Zoe, to explore what it really means to create a more inclusive world for neurodivergent individuals.  Laetitia shares her personal journey that led to the creation of this impactful platform, the biggest challenges and breakthroughs along the way, and the tangible steps businesses, schools, and communities can take to move from awareness to action. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, a parent, or simply someone who wants to be part of the change, this episode will give you practical insights and real-world examples of how embracing neurodiversity makes our world stronger. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨Want to learn more about Understanding Zoe? CHECK IT OUT HERE✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why Neurodiversity Celebration Week matters and how it’s shifting global conversations The personal journey behind Understanding Zoe - and why this work is so important The biggest myths about neurodiversity that need to disappear How businesses, schools, and individuals can go beyond awareness and create real change Simple ways to take action and support neurodivergent individuals all year round SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Understanding Zoe – HERE Follow Understanding Zoe on TikTok - HERE  Follow Understanding Zoe on LinkedIn - HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs -  HERE Follow Laetitia on LinkedIn – HERE Find me on Instagram – HERE If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! Bless it be. With love, Laetitia!

What does it really mean to be a neurodivergent entrepreneur? I want to share my personal journey of navigating the business world as a neurodivergent founder. From struggling with sensory overload in corporate spaces to creating Understanding Zoe.  While some influencers online share their “superpower” I want to also give a different lens. Showing the challenges, breakthroughs, and strategies that have helped me (and can help you) build a business that truly works for your unique needs. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply looking to create a more inclusive business environment, these insights will inspire you to embrace new ways of thinking, working, and thriving. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift! ✨Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Why typical business structures often don’t support neurodivergent entrepreneurs The advantages and challenges of neurodivergence in entrepreneurship How masking, sensory overload, and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria impact neurodivergent founders Practical strategies like time-boxing, body doubling, and building a supportive network Why designing neuro-inclusive business environments benefits everyone SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about my platform Understanding Zoe - HERE FOLLOW me on Substack (I have a article all about this) - HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs -  HERE FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM → HERE Find out more about how to WORK WITH ME -  HERE Bless it be. With love, Laetitia

How do we close the gender gap and support parents in managing the overwhelming mental load of family life? In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I sit down with Claire Waring, former Executive Creative Director and award-winning leader in the advertising industry, who made the bold leap into entrepreneurship. After years of leading creative teams across Australia, Asia, and Europe, Claire founded Gether - a platform designed to help parents manage the endless notifications, schedules, and tasks that come with school life. We dive into her journey from high-level corporate leadership to launching a purpose-driven tech business, the reality of navigating the entrepreneurial “despair dip,” and how leveraging AI can help ease mental load - especially for women. If you’re balancing business, family, and a desire to create impact, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how to harness your skills, embrace uncertainty, and step into leadership. If you LOVE the episode, don’t forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift and @getherlife! ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? JOIN THE CIRCLE ✨ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Embrace the creative and entrepreneurial “despair dip” Leverage the soft skills you gain in your corporate career Close the gender gap by easing the mental load with AI SHOW RESOURCES Learn more about Gether - HERE Follow Gether on Instagram - HERE JOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs -  HERE FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM -  HERE Find out more about how to WORK WITH ME -  HERE ABOUT THE GUEST Claire Waring has 20+ years of advertising experience across Australia, Asia, and Europe, leading product and creative teams at the highest level. An award-winning Executive Creative Director, she was featured on the B&T Women in Media list 2024 and B&T’s top 10 creatives in Australia 2023. Claire has judged at Cannes Lions, spoken at global events, and is a passionate advocate for women in business—all while being a mum of two. Bless it be. With love, Laetitia!