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

In this episode, Sam and Kate explore the five different types of small businesses—a framework Kate has been developing after nearly a decade of personal experience with different types of business owners. If you've ever felt like traditional business advice doesn't quite fit what you're building… you're not alone.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why traditional business models (like those from The E-Myth by Michael Gerber) don’t work for everyone.
• The five types of small businesses—and why knowing which one you’re building changes everything.
• The danger of following blanket advice that doesn’t align with your business type.
• Why you don’t have to scale, hire a team, or build a sellable company to be successful.
• How thought leaders, consultants, and solo entrepreneurs are playing a different game altogether.

Kate shares her "aha" moment after attending a seminar steeped in Gerber-style advice—and the honest conversation she had with a fellow high-performing consultant who felt completely alienated by it also. Together, Kate and Sam unpack the assumptions behind mainstream business support and why they don't always reflect the modern business landscape.

If you don’t know what kind of business you’re running, you don’t know which game you’re playing—and every type has different rules.

Which of the five business types are you building?
➡️ Tune in now to discover the model that fits your vision—and stop trying to squeeze into a framework that doesn’t work for you.

📩 Got thoughts or questions about today’s episode?
DM us on or email us. We’d love to hear where you see yourself in this model—and how it’s helped (or hindered) your growth.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if this episode resonated with you.

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 sits down with leadership expert and global Executive Coach Kim Lancer, founder of Tall Poppies Leadership, who is on a mission to help one million leaders lead confidently and "stand tall."

Growing up in Australia, Kim experienced firsthand how the country's notorious "Tall Poppy Syndrome" encourages high achievers to downplay their success. After spending most of her career overseas in the UK and USA—where this cultural phenomenon is less prominent—Kim returned to Australia determined to flip the script. She founded her business to help leaders embrace their achievements and develop authentic, powerful leadership styles.

Now Kim empowers executives across five continents to confidently own their success rather than hide it. Her signature "Know, Trust, Be Yourself" methodology is transforming leadership development by turning a culture of cutting people down into one that lifts everyone up.

If you've ever felt pressure to downplay your wins or shrink to make others comfortable, you'll enjoy this conversation.

Key Highlights & Takeaways:

🌍 From Exchange Student to Global Leadership Expert Kim's 20-year international career journey—from Dutch exchange student to NYC executive—shaped her culturally aware, human-centric approach to leadership development.

🎯 The Confidence Crisis in Leadership

• Why confidence is the most overlooked yet critical leadership skill
• How self-doubt ("Kevin," as Kim calls it) sabotages even high performers
• Cultural differences in confidence expression between Australia/NZ and US/UK markets

💡 The "Know, Trust, Be Yourself" Framework

• Know Yourself: Build genuine self-awareness through intentional reflection
• Trust Yourself: Learn to manage (not eliminate) self-doubt effectively
• Be Yourself: Leverage your unique quirks and strengths as leadership advantages

🌺 Tall Poppy Syndrome Decoded

• Why Australia and New Zealand struggle with celebrating individual achievement
• The business cost of cultural pressure to "stay humble"
• How leaders can "stand tall" without apology

⚖️ The Gender Confidence Divide

• Women acknowledge self-doubt more openly but may underestimate their capabilities
• Men often mask internal struggles behind confident facades
• Why both genders need safe spaces for authentic leadership development

🧠 Strategic Self-Awareness

• Tasha Eurich's research: 95% think they're self-aware, but only 10-15% actually are
• Self-awareness as competitive advantage, not just emotional intelligence
• Understanding your energy patterns, values, and impact on others

🚀 Leadership as Personal Growth

• Confidence as a developable skill, not fixed trait
• Learning to sit with discomfort and use it as fuel for growth
• Why sustainable transformation beats quick coaching fixes

Ready to lead with more confidence and authenticity?

Connect with Kim Lancer at Tall Poppies Leadership: https://tallpoppies.us/

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

What happens when you combine crocodile encounters, buffalo hunting, and a submerged 4WD on a broken bridge in the middle of an outback river - with business ambition? You get Angus Dicker's incredible journey.

Sam and I had so much fun in this episode! Angus Dicker is not your typical business owner. He’s managed to carve a life for himself in which he gets to do work he loves, in places where most people don’t go. From early beginnings in the military to becoming a Masters of Business graduate, Angus Dicker, owner of Home Filtration Systems, turned his love for the extreme outdoors into a unique business model. His company doesn't just provide clean water systems – they reach the places his competitors won't go in the remote corners of Australia. Which is perfect for Angus. Because adventure is his game and for him, the more remote and adventurous the location, the better. And luckily for him, all remote locations need clean water.

If you have an adventurous spirit and a love of autonomy, you’ll love this episode! You’ll hear Angus’ stories of outback adventure combined with business ownership. Angus shared how a random concrete driveway job ended in an unexpected mentorship, leading him to build a niche business that services remote communities across Western Australia. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business that aligns with your values and thirst for adventure, this is for you.

Angus’s story is a masterclass in grit, growth, and unconventional entrepreneurship.

Highlights:

• From the Military to a Master’s Degree: Angus opens up about his unconventional academic path, overcoming educational gaps, and pushing through self-doubt to complete a Master of Business.
• Finding Business Clarity in the Mud (Literally): Discover how helping a mate pour concrete became the catalyst for launching his own company in the water filtration industry.
• Mentorship and Opportunity: The pivotal role that experienced mentors played in shaping Angus’s business approach and how one old-school entrepreneur helped unlock a new venture.
• Niche Market, Big Impact: How Angus carved a unique space by servicing remote and often overlooked communities, bringing clean water to places that desperately need it.
• Building a Business Around Adventure: Angus shares his love for the land, off-grid living, and how the ruggedness of remote work is exactly what fuels him.
• On Accountability & Autonomy: Real talk on the ups and downs of being your own boss and why Angus wouldn’t have it any other way.
• And Lots More!

👉 Like what you heard?

Subscribe to Thriving Business Podcast for more candid conversations with entrepreneurs who are doing business their way.

👉 Want to connect with Angus?

Check out Home Filtration Systems and learn more about their work in regional and remote water solutions. https://homefiltrationsystems.com/

Connect with the 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 delve into the sensitive and often tricky topic of business partnership failures. Globally, around 70% of business partnerships end up dissolving. In a candid and honest conversation, Kate and Sam explore the challenges that arise in business collaborations, acknowledging that while “failure” is possibly an unfair term (because often our biggest learnings come through these experiences), many partnerships naturally come to an end or evolve over time.

Sam and Kate offer insights based on their personal experiences and those of their clients, sharing that while business failure can feel discouraging, it often leads to valuable personal growth and important lessons. The pair discuss the key reasons behind these failures, and what you can do to prepare yourself when entering a business partnership. You’ll walk away with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of business partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

• The Reality of Business Partnership Failures: Sam and Kate discuss their personal experiences with business partnerships, both successful and unsuccessful, and explore the common reasons why partnerships fail.
• Learning Through Partnership Failures: The hosts reflect on the personal growth that comes from business partnerships, emphasising how working alongside a partner can accelerate learning and self-awareness.
• Key Reasons Why Partnerships Fail: And what you can do to prepare yourself if considering entering a partnership.
  
  

This episode offers valuable perspective for entrepreneurs navigating or considering business partnerships, emphasising that failure isn’t the end but often the beginning of valuable learning.

Thanks for tuning in!

Connect with the 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

Are you tired of losing sleep over your financial future? In this empowering episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, hosts Kate and Sam are joined by seasoned financial strategist Gayle McKew, who reveals how to transform financial stress into strategic confidence.

Gayle shares her journey from a career in banking to becoming an independent financial planner. Her journey shows us how taking control of your financial decisions, even when they're difficult—can lead to both ethical alignment and financial freedom.

After leaving the banking world twice due to values conflicts, Gayle built a practice that proves you don't have to choose between doing what's right and building wealth at the same time.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by financial decisions, confused by conflicting advice, or worried about your retirement security, this episode shares:

• How to move from financial anxiety to confident decision-making.
• Why growing up in a feast-or-famine household shaped Gayle's approach to financial security.
• The moment Gayle realised corporate banking wasn't aligned with her values—and what she did about it.
• A real-life example of choosing ethics over easy money (and why it pays off long-term).
• How to build wealth without compromising your personal values.
• Why professional financial guidance beats "BBQ advice" every time.

Sam also shares a personal update after a few episodes away, and the trio explores what it means to take control of your financial future with integrity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial confidence comes from strategic planning, not wishful thinking.
• Trust your instincts—when something feels ethically wrong, it probably is.
• Breaking the feast-or-famine cycle requires professional guidance and clear systems.
• Taking control of your financial future starts with aligning your money decisions with your values.

Guest Spotlight – Gayle McKew: Gayle is a financial strategist who specialises in helping people move from financial anxiety to financial freedom. With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial planning, she's passionate about providing the strategic guidance that transforms financial stress into confident, values-aligned wealth building.

Connect with Gayle: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylemckew-financial-strategist-retirement-agedcare-successionplanning/

Thanks for tuning in!

If this episode helped you feel more confident about your financial future, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to take control of their financial destiny.

Connect with the 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