In this episode of The Thriving Podcast, Kate and Sam sit down with special guest Maria Sandy from Bits Web Design to unpack what really makes a small business visible, trusted, and profitable online. Maria shares how she went from designing buildings in her previous career as an architect to “architecting” websites through design, local SEO, and reviews that actually work for real-world businesses.

Maria explains why a website has to be both beautiful and functional because if it doesn’t look good or doesn’t work, it’s costing you leads both ways. She dives into the “brushing and flossing” of marketing: getting consistent reviews so Google and future clients see you as a real, active, trustworthy business. Maria also demystifies local SEO, Google Business Profiles, and how AI tools like ChatGPT actually use your reviews and authority signals to decide who to recommend.

This conversation is especially helpful if you’re a local or service-based business owner who feels overwhelmed by websites, SEO, and all the noise about “AI replacing everything.” Maria shows that the basics, clear messaging, solid foundations, reviews, and an alive-looking online presence still matter more than hacks or tricks.

Episode Highlights:

• How Maria pivoted from traditional architecture to digital “business architecture” for local businesses
• Why aesthetics and functionality must work together on your website
• Reviews as the “brushing and flossing” of your marketing—and why asking 3 times matters
• How Google Business Profiles, reviews, and local SEO work together to get you found in the map pack
• Why AI recommendations (like “best X near me”) still rely on solid SEO and reviews
• The role of blogs, FAQs, and ongoing content in building real authority over time
• Why “no website needed” advice can be expensive in the long run
  
  

If this episode gave you an “aha” about your own online presence, take one small action today: choose one thing, update your Google Business Profile, ask three past clients for a review, or refresh a key page on your website so it’s clearer and more human. Then, share your win with us:

• Send us a message about what you changed and what happened next.
• If you enjoyed this conversation with Maria, follow The Thriving Podcast and leave a review so more local business owners can find these practical, no-nonsense conversations.
  
  

Connect with Your Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | Digital Systers 🌐 Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/ 📱 Instagram: @sammorris.businesscoach

In this episode, Kate and Sam welcome special guest Joanne Ross Wells, founder of JRW Bridal, an established custom couture bridal brand in Perth, WA. Joanne shares her journey as a global citizen from growing up in Rhodesia, spending time in London and the USA, being born in New Zealand and immigrating to Australia eight years ago. Jo then built her successful business from the ground up.

Joanne opens up about the significant curveballs life has thrown her way in recent years, including major health setbacks and family challenges. She reveals the crucial business shifts she was forced to make, like outsourcing production and learning to delegate, which ultimately led to unexpected freedom and growth.

This conversation is a must-listen for any entrepreneur struggling with work-life balance, the fear of outsourcing, or tying their personal identity too closely to their business success. Joanne offers powerful lessons on shifting your mindset from "sales" to "service," embracing continuous learning (especially in social media and AI), and the importance of finding your purpose beyond the bottom line.

Episode Highlights:

• The Global Citizen Entrepreneur: Joanne's fascinating heritage (Scottish, South African, born in NZ) and how it influences the global flavour in her design collections.
• From Lingerie to Couture: The evolution of Joanne’s creative journey, from making lingerie as a farmer's wife in Zimbabwe to studying fashion design at age 40.
• Learning to Dance in the Rain: How Joanne navigated multiple major life challenges (health, family struggles) and structured her business to prioritise relationships over work, thanks to being her own boss.
• The Freedom of Letting Go: The pivotal moment when Joanne realised that outsourcing production was the necessary path to gaining empty space for creative ideas and avoiding burnout.
• Identity Crisis in Business: Why entrepreneurs, especially women and personal brands, often struggle with wrapping their self-worth around their business success (and Sam and Kate share their own identity shifts).
• The Power of Purpose: Joanne's discovery that reading reviews and focusing on the positive impact she has on her brides' wedding days is enough to drive her, shifting focus from ego to service.
• The Key Mindset Shift: How Joanne overcame being a "shocking salesperson" by changing her focus from "sales" to "service", always seeking to be of service to the bride.
• Navigating AI & Innovation: How designers are embracing new tools like 3D body scans and virtual try-ons, and why expertise and wisdom remain crucial even with advancements in AI.
• Niche Networking: Joanne's advice on shifting from broad networking to focused, niche relationship-building with targeted referral partners (like photographers and venues).
• The 10,000-Hour Rule: Why founders must develop core skills (like pattern making or production) before outsourcing to maintain quality control and avoid getting burned.

Are you ready to stop wearing all the hats in your business?

Joanne’s journey proves that delegation is the key to scaling and surviving challenges. If you're ready to outsource and streamline your systems, connect with our co-host Sam!

Connect with Your Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | Digital Systers 🌐 Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/ 📱 Instagram: @sammorris.businesscoach

In this episode, Sam and Kate Morris dive deep into the fast-evolving world of AI agents, intelligent digital assistants that don’t just generate ideas, but take action on your behalf.

From their earliest experiences experimenting with ChatGPT and Claude.ai to their recent exploration of agentic platforms like Sintra AI, Kate and Sam unpack how you can integrate AI into day-to-day business operations. They discuss the hype, the practical challenges, and the genuine benefits for entrepreneurs who want to scale in an efficient and effective way. Their early trials provide some interesting insights for small business owners.

Highlights:

• From generative to agentic: Kate and Sam trace how the conversation around AI has shifted from simple copywriting tools to intelligent agents that manage workflows, marketing, and even strategic planning.
• DIY learning with AI: Sam explains her clever method for “training” GPTs using YouTube transcripts from experts , turning free online content into custom virtual mentors.
• Behind the hype of Sintra AI: Kate reviews her hands-on experience with Sintra’s virtual “AI employees”, from the business coach Buddy to the copywriter Pen, and how she’s using them to systemise her business and increase her revenue.
• Data, integrations & next steps: The duo break down what’s real, what’s still in beta, and how far these tools can (and can’t) go in automating small business success.
• Human authenticity in an AI world: They close with reflections on why personal stories, voice, and connection still matter more than ever, even as AI gets smarter.

Key Takeaway:
AI isn’t here to replace your creativity or intuition, it’s here to amplify it. With the right systems and a curious mindset, tools like Sintra, Claude, and ChatGPT can become not just assistants, but collaborators in building a truly thriving business. Tune in now!

Connect with Your Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | Digital Systers 🌐 Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/ 📱 Instagram: @sammorris.businesscoach