Today, we are thinking about systems, systems, systems and striving for a well-balanced work-life culture as entrepreneurs. In this episode, Mackenzie, the owner of Sit Studio and a seasoned studio manager for creatives and systems specialist, joins us. Mackenzie delves into the nuances of her role, focusing on project management and behind-the-scenes work for creative entrepreneurs, and
distinguishes her services from those of a typical virtual assistant. She elaborates on her process for building client relationships, highlighting the initial steps she takes to ensure a smooth collaboration. Mackenzie shares her journey, from majoring in information design to working with small businesses,
where she honed her skills in working behind the scenes. She emphasizes the transformative impact of letting go of perfectionism, offering insightful advice for small business owners looking to implement systems in their operations.

Throughout the conversation, Mackenzie provides a realistic perspective on life after systems are in place, acknowledging that while execution isn't always perfect, these systems significantly help maintain boundaries and work-life balance. Kirsti poses a thoughtful question on maintaining alignment when
striving for a “perfectly” balanced life, to which Mackenzie responds with wisdom and practical tips.

One of the highlights of the episode is Mackenzie's revelation about taking a 100-day break to enjoy the freedoms of self-employment. She also shares her preferred tool stack as a systems specialist, offering valuable insights for listeners looking to enhance their own business operations.

Tune in to gain practical advice on managing creative projects, establishing effective systems, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance from a seasoned expert in the field.

CONNECT WITH Mackenzie 🤍
On her website www.sitstudio.ca
On Instagram @sitstudio.ca

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today, we are thinking about major life changes that happen in a moments time and coming out the other side. In this episode, we become friends with Katherine Smith, a content creator from Toronto, who opens up about her profound journey of caregiving following her partner's traumatic injury while he was on vacation in London, England. Katherine shares candid insights into the relentless process and numerous setbacks they faced, emphasizing the critical importance of celebrating daily wins during his over four years of healing in the hospital. She describes how adopting a "one day at a time" mindset was essential for her survival and growth, offering a poignant reminder that time is a healer and there is no need to rush through life's challenges.

The conversation delves into the theme of resilience, highlighting that one's true reaction to adversity often remains unknown until faced with it. Katherine provides invaluable advice for those supporting caregivers, underscoring the significance of compassion and understanding. When host, Kirsti, poses a tough question about resentment, Katherine candidly discusses her struggles with a perpetual fight-or-flight response post-injury and how seeking therapy helped her achieve emotional regulation.

Katherine also reflects on life beyond the hospital walls, sharing insights into how she and her partner got to know each other anew post-injury. The discussion then shifts to her passion for content creation on Instagram, where she offers practical tips for keeping the process enjoyable and advice for those looking to start sharing their lives online. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the joy found in creative expression.

CONNECT WITH KATH 🤍
On TikTok @kathhsmithh
On Instagram @kathhsmithh

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today we are thinking about the importance of supporting the trans community and we learn simple ways to help support. In this episode, we chat with a wonderful human, Dr. Shoghi Nikoo, a Toronto-based Family Physician and Co-Founder of Park Medical Aesthetics. His kind and soulful spirit provides a safe and inclusive space while focusing on sexual and transgender care. He also fulfills his love for making people feel more comfortable in their skin with medical aesthetic treatments.

Shoghi shares his unique journey to his current position, emphasizing that everyone's path is unique and the importance of trying different things to discover one's true calling. He expresses his passion for transforming uncomfortable situations into comfortable ones for his patients, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. He also highlights the challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community in navigating societal systems and underscores the need for better resources to support them.

He explains why the term "transgender" can be an oversimplification and provides a detailed perspective on its nuances. He offers a simple yet impactful way for other practitioners to be more mindful and inclusive towards the queer community. Lastly, he speaks about the importance of being comfortable with making mistakes, acknowledging that the effort and intention behind trying can often outweigh the errors made along the way.

CONNECT WITH SHOGHI
Follow Park on Instagram @parkmedicalaesthetics
Visit Park Medical Aesthetic's website at parkmedicalaesthetics.com

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today we are thinking about perseverance, growth, and transformation. In this episode, we sit down with Devon, Owner of Pressed in Time, a flower preservation company. Reflecting on the past two years, Devon shares how she developed a powerful new motto: "You can do hard things and you can do them scared." This mindset has been crucial in navigating the challenges of scaling a business, particularly the reality of dilution – the need to stay focused amidst myriad distractions and responsibilities.

We explore the evolution of her business from a simple hobby to a side hustle, and ultimately, to a full-time endeavor. A pivotal moment in this journey was the significant transition from operating out of her home to renting a dedicated space. This move not only marked a physical shift but also a profound psychological one, reinforcing her commitment and amplifying her sense of purpose.

Balancing work and life remains an ongoing challenge, and she'll share candid reflections on how she manages this equilibrium. Even after years in the business, there are still moments that reignite her excitement, making her entrepreneurial journey feel continuously fresh and 'real.'

One of the biggest hurdles has been the fear associated with scaling up – both the financial strain and the daunting prospect of expansion. Yet, through it all, she’s learned to make her commercial space feel like a home, which in turn, nurtures her creativity and productivity.

Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, the power of facing fears, and the transformative impact of hard work and dedication. Whether you're contemplating turning your hobby into a business or seeking motivation to overcome obstacles in your own entrepreneurial path, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement.

CONNECT WITH DEVON
🌸 Follow Pressed In Time on Instagram (@pressed.in.time)
🌸 Visit Pressed In Time's Website (pressedintime.ca)
🌸 Follow Devon's Instagram (@devonsimone)

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today, we're thinking about creating joy and slowing down in this thing we call life. In this solo episode, the theme of the podcast is embraced by sharing my current life thoughts, capturing and showcasing life in real-time. My renewed sense of joy and excitement comes from the combination of sunny weather and returning to therapy, providing the necessary support system. More space has been created to fully embrace positive feelings that were missing earlier in the year. Reflecting on a recent outing to meet a favorite author, the experience filled me with inspiration and motivation to seek moderation gigs in the future. A challenge is extended to you, the listener, to fill up your cup, whatever that looks like, before tending to others. The episode wraps up with my thoughts on creativity and the power of girlhood, leaving you with a sense of empowerment and inspiration.

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today we are thinking about deep connection, creativity and community. In this episode, we sit down with Or Har-Gil who graciously takes us on a journey of the importance of self expression through art therapy through to connecting with your inner self to the freelancer feelings many of us have.

Or's passion for these themes is deeply rooted in their own life experiences. Growing up as an introverted child, they developed a profound connection to intuition, a relationship that has only strengthened over time. Or emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's relationship with oneself, highlighting how a deep intuitive connection can be a powerful guide in life.

Or shares insights on the discomfort that comes with being "bad" at something, and how growth often stems from these challenging moments. Or believes in the transformative power of creativity and how it can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Additionally, Or offers perspective on the freelancing lifestyle, addressing the common struggle of balancing financial needs with the desire to pursue a passion. Or reassures listeners that finding themselves in this tension is okay, providing valuable advice on navigating this complex dynamic. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages embracing creativity, connecting with your inner self, and finding balance in the freelance journey.

CONNECT WITH OR
On their website orhargil.com
On Instagram @orhargil
Sign up for Or's newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

Send us a Text Message.

Today, we are thinking about navigating an ADHD diagnosis later in life. In this episode, Kaley Mills steps into the hot seat to share her multifaceted life as a mother of four, a partner, a teacher, an editor, and a newly published author. Kaley opens up about her recent diagnosis of ADHD, shedding light on the concept of the "lost generation" and explaining who it encompasses. She recounts her initial phase of denial and how her therapist played a crucial role in guiding her toward acceptance. Despite the challenges of being labeled and the frequent battles with her inner critic, Kaley emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and acceptance as the threads that weave her life together.

Throughout the episode, Kaley discusses the distinct symptoms of ADHD that women often experience compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the gender-specific nuances of the condition. She delves into thought-provoking conversations with those around her about the influences of nurture versus nature in the development of her ADHD. Near the end of the episode, Kaley talks about her journey to becoming an author, detailing the process and the motivations behind her work. She candidly shares her ongoing struggle with impostor syndrome, providing listeners with an authentic glimpse into her internal world.

CONNECT WITH KALEY
On her website
On Instagram at @kaleymillsbooks
Buy Bianca the Brave (Canadian link)
Buy Bianca the Brave (America link)
Support Kaley's Merrick the Master Kickstarter (starting June 7)

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
Learn more about Katie Cross
Dear Boy book
The Push book
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD book
Mel Robbin's Episode "6 Surprising Signs of ADHD"


Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

Send us a Text Message.

Today we are thinking about nurturing creativity and the power of community through food and meaningful gatherings. In this episode, we sit down with Sonja Seiler, a talented food storyteller and freelance Chef. Sonja is the visionary behind Nurture Retreats, a creative community that she passionately describes as “medicine”. Tune in as Sonja shares the powerful story of how Nurture Retreats came to be and how her love for culinary experience started at the tender age of 3 with an easy-bake over. Throughout the episode, Sonja speaks from the heart, highlighting how gathering people around a table serves as an equalizer where ideas can grow and come alive.

Don’t miss this enriching episode filled with passion, creativity, and heartwarming stories and analogies.

CONNECT WITH SONJA
On Instagram at @nurtureretreats
On Facebook at Nurture
On X at @nurtureretreats
On Pinterest at Sonja Seiler
On her Website at https://nurtureretreats.com/

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

Send us a Text Message.