Navigating Mums Business Beautiful Chaos: Tips for Success

Navigating the Beautiful Chaos: When Toddler Tantrums Meet Client Crises (and AI Quirks!)

Right, let’s be honest, who amongst us hasn’t had a day where it feels like the universe is playing a cosmic game of “How Much Can We Throw at Her Before She Snaps?” I mean, *really*. This morning started with the usual delightful chaos – the two-year-old decided breakfast was optional unless served directly onto the dog (Cappuccino was NOT amused), the teenager’s world imploded because their WiFi momentarily glitched (existential crisis averted… this time!), & I discovered the joys of glitter glue art adorning my freshly cleaned office wall (courtesy of the six-year-old’s artistic endeavours). And that, my friends, was *before* 9am. It’s the beautiful, messy reality of motherhood, isn’t it?

Now, you might think, “Carlene, what does glitter glue have to do with building a business?” Well, darling, it has *everything* to do with it. Because *that’s* the reality of being a female entrepreneur, especially a mum. We’re not just CEOs in sleek offices; we’re also chief negotiators of toddler tantrums, homework helpers, glitter-glue removers, dog-walker wranglers – the list goes on. It’s a constant juggle, a beautiful chaos that even a PhD (yes, even a PhD in Black female entrepreneurship, which I’m currently pursuing, [Link to: About Page] ) doesn’t quite prepare you for. My research often highlights how women, especially those juggling multiple roles, face immense pressure to be everything to everyone. It’s a theme I keep encountering – this incredible resilience and resourcefulness of women entrepreneurs, especially mums, as they navigate these often-unspoken challenges. Finding your tribe and building a strong support network is invaluable. Studies show that entrepreneurs with strong support systems are 30% more likely to report higher levels of well-being and 20% more likely to achieve their business goals.

This morning, nestled amongst the glitter glue & the faint hum of CBeebies, I was grappling with a particularly quirky AI issue in my marketing automation (because, of course!), whilst simultaneously trying to diffuse a client crisis (because, *double* of course!). And then, as if on cue, the toddler decided that *right then* was the perfect moment to stage a full-blown meltdown because I wouldn’t let her wear her wellies to bed. Honestly, sometimes it feels like Espresso, our hyper puppy, has more chill than my toddler! Okay, maybe not *more* chill, but a different kind of chaos, for sure. Anyway, deep breaths, Carlene. Just another Tuesday! See, *this* is why prioritizing your day and sharpening your mindset is essential for navigating the beautiful chaos! Honestly, there have been times where I completely crumbled under the pressure, forgetting my own advice. There was this one week where I felt so overwhelmed I literally just hid under the duvet and ignored all my emails! It wasn’t pretty. It took some serious self-coaching (and a very large glass of wine) to get back on track. But even those “meltdown moments” teach you something, don’t they?

From PhD to Playground Politics: Adaptability is Your Superpower

You see, here’s the thing. Life, especially the entrepreneurial life intertwined with motherhood, throws curveballs. It’s not a linear progression, it’s a windy path. It’s like that old saying, “You might twist your ankle, but the difference is, is you get back up again.” It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, & frankly, it’s often exhausting. But amidst this beautiful chaos, there’s a profound lesson, & it’s not one you’ll find in any textbook (trust me, I’ve read a few!).

The real education, the one that truly empowers, is in the daily fires we navigate. The toddler tantrums, the tech glitches, the client emergencies – they’re not failures, they’re opportunities. Opportunities to hone the most invaluable skills any CEO can possess: adaptability, resilience, & strategic thinking. Instead of just reacting, we learn to respond strategically. Like when Espresso gets into the bin *again* – I don’t just yell (okay, maybe a little yell!), I also strategize: how do I puppy-proof the kitchen better? It’s the same with business – every challenge is a chance to build a better system. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit – I don’t just dig the hole, I ask, is this even the right hole? Remember Sue Knight’s NLP principle: “The meaning of communication is the response you get.” So, we refine, we adapt, we learn.

The CEO Mindset: Built Not in Boardrooms, But in the Beautiful Chaos

Remember when my eldest was learning to ride a bike? Every tumble, every wobble, brought her closer to that exhilarating moment of balance. You know that feeling, right? It’s the same in business. Each “fire” you put out, each challenge you overcome, strengthens your entrepreneurial muscles. You learn to think on your feet, to make quick, smart decisions under pressure, to prioritize effectively, & most importantly, to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re the tortoise in a race full of hares. And you know what? That’s absolutely fine. As long as you keep moving forward, you’re winning. Like my PhD journey – it’s slower with four kids, for sure, but I’m not giving up. It’s *my* race, *my* pace, and I own that.

Here’s the real truth: the skills you develop navigating the daily juggle of motherhood & business are precisely the qualities that make you a stronger, more effective leader. That ability to shift gears from soothing a crying child to strategizing with a client, to tackling a tech gremlin whilst diffusing a crisis? *That’s* the CEO mindset in action. That’s what `Focus` is all about.

Taking Ownership: Your Path to Power

Now, I’m a big believer in personal responsibility. Yes, the system may not be perfect. Yes, the juggle is real. I know it’s not always easy, especially when you’re trying to build a thriving business whilst navigating the realities of, let’s face it, often insufficient and unaffordable childcare. But what are *you* doing to navigate it? What small, smart steps can *you* take to create the change you desire? What if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can work within it – or even *around* it?

* **Juggler’s Tip

1: Time Blocking is Your Best Friend:** Don’t just write a to-do list; block out specific times in your calendar for everything – client calls (9am-10am), focused work time (10:30am-12pm, while the little one naps!), school pick-up (3pm), family time (5pm-7pm), even those precious 15 minutes for a cuppa and a quick meditation (yes, even that!). Treat your time like the precious commodity it is. Need help streamlining your schedule? Check out our blog post on leveraging AI for time management [Link to relevant blog post if exists, otherwise link to Work With Us page].

* **Juggler’s Tip

2: Delegate Like a Pro:** Even if you don’t have a team yet, think about what tasks you can outsource or automate. A virtual assistant (check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr) can handle scheduling, social media management, or even basic email responses. Can your partner (or a trusted friend) take over bath time or bedtime stories twice a week? Remember the saying, “Many hands make light work,” even if those hands are virtual! Every little bit helps. I’ve learned this firsthand – building my business while pursuing my PhD and raising four kids would be impossible without strategically delegating certain tasks.

* **Juggler’s Tip

3: Embrace Imperfect Action:** Done is better than perfect, darling. It’s like my teenage daughter’s bedroom – it’s never *truly* tidy, but as long as it’s not a biohazard zone, we’re good! Apply that principle to your business. Send that email, even if it’s not perfectly worded. Post that Instagram story, even if the lighting isn’t ideal. Launch that product, even if you’re still tweaking a few things. Progress, not perfection, is the key. I remember launching my first online course and obsessing over every tiny detail. It took me weeks longer than it should have, and honestly, the imperfections I was so worried about didn’t even matter to my clients! They were just thrilled with the value they received.

* **Juggler’s Tip

4: The Power of “No”:** This is a big one, especially for us mums. We’re often conditioned to say “yes” to everything. But learning to say “no” to things that don’t serve your core goals or drain your energy is a game-changer. Saying “no” to a last-minute coffee date, a non-essential meeting, or a project that doesn’t excite you means saying “yes” to something more important – like your business, your kids, or your sanity! I struggled with this for years – saying ‘yes’ to every request, even when I was already stretched thin. It took me a while (and a few near-burnout experiences) to realize the power of a well-placed “no.”

For me, it’s about building robust systems that allow me to work smarter, not just harder. It’s about prioritizing my well-being, because if I’m running on empty, the whole ship sinks. It’s about remembering that clear communication is key, whether I’m negotiating a contract or explaining to a toddler why wellies are not bedtime attire. After all, “Day by day, in every way, I am getting better & better.” (José Silva) This simple affirmation, combined with visualizing my ideal day, helps me stay focused & grounded, even when things get hectic. It’s a little trick I learned during my coaching certification – using the power of language and the power of visualization to reprogram our minds for success. It’s all about aligning our inner state (`Focus`) with the outer reality we want to create.

Your Invitation to Connect & Share

Sound familiar? Thought so! You’re not alone in this beautiful, chaotic journey. Share your biggest “juggle win” this week in the comments below! It’s amazing what we can learn from each other when we share our experiences & support each other’s growth. It can feel lonely, right? Especially when you’re juggling so much. Share one win this week below! What small joy or victory have you squeezed out of this beautiful chaos?

Ready to take control of the chaos & build a business that truly flourishes? Join our free global community for female entrepreneurs, Femme:Connect. [Link to: Femme:Connect Community Page (https://www.femmeprenista.com/femmeconnect)] We get it – the juggle, the overwhelm, the late-night glitter glue clean-ups. Inside Femme:Connect, you’ll find peer support for navigating the messy middle of motherhood & entrepreneurship, expert guidance on everything from AI-powered systems to authentic marketing that attracts your ideal client effortlessly, & practical strategies to help you build a business aligned with your unique life. Come find your tribe & build the business – & the life – you deserve!

P.S. I know, I know, it can be hard to even *imagine* squeezing in “one more thing” when you’re already juggling so much. But trust me, darling, community & connection are your secret weapons. You don’t have to do this alone! We get it. That’s why Femme:Connect exists!

P.P.S. That glitter glue? Still working on it. Any tips welcome!

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

(Femmeprenista Logo Placeholder)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5’0″ tall

Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift…

www.femmeprenista.com

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