It’s Family Business

What does a business really look like from different seats at the table? In this episode of It’s Family Business, we’re joined by Elise Burgess, daughter of Adrian and Cheryl. Having recently undertaken her own entrepreneurial journey, Elise brings a unique perspective on how business feels from both sides. Together, we explore how business looks completely different depending on your role as eith...

In this episode of It's Family Business, Cheryl sits down with Lizzie Renkert— founder of Lizzie Renkert Creative and former fashion magazine editor — to talk about the realities of running a business, working with family, and building a career that actually fits your life. Lizzie shares her journey from the fast-paced world of fashion publishing to co-founding successful fashion label We Are...

What does it really take to run a successful family business with your partner—without it tearing your relationship apart? In this episode of It’s Family Business, we sit down with Dale and Kirsty Neale, owners of a thriving service-based business in the funeral industry, to unpack their journey from humble beginnings to building a 40+ staff operation. They share honest insights into: Scaling a bu...

Building a strong community is one of the most powerful ways to grow a successful fitness business — yet many business owners struggle to move beyond transactional relationships with their clients. In this episode of It's Family Business, Cheryl and Kirsten share 5 practical strategies to help Pilates studios, boutique fitness businesses, and wellness brands build a loyal, engaged community th...

Following the success of a recent online webinar hosted by Pilates Reformers Australia on equipment maintenance, this episode continues the conversation — diving deeper into how to properly care for your Pilates equipment and protect your investment for the long term. In this discussion, Adrian shares practical insights from years of hands-on experience working with Pilates equipment, highlighting...

In this heartfelt episode of It’s Family Business, we sit down with Charmaine Smith, Director of Cut It Out Hair Design , to unpack the realities of building a successful business while raising a family. With over 23 years in business, multiple salon locations under her belt, and three children at very different life stages, Charmaine shares an honest look at what it really takes to juggle growth,...

Burnout doesn’t always arrive overnight — sometimes it builds slowly until one day, you simply can’t keep going. In this episode, Steph Neal opens up about her experience with burnout, the guilt of stepping back, and the hard but necessary changes she made to protect her mental and physical health. Together with Cheryl, she explores people-pleasing, boundaries, and how learning to say no can be an...

In this episode, Giants Netball star Amy Sligar joins Kirsten to unpack the high-performance habits and mindset tools that shape both her life on the court and her growth beyond it. Amy shares her journey from junior netball to the professional arena, offering valuable lessons on self-discipline, trusting the process, dealing with pressure, building resilience, and staying grounded through big tra...

In today’s competitive business landscape, industries can shift from niche to saturated almost overnight. New competitors enter the scene, prices are driven down, and the pressure to stand out intensifies. So how do you ensure your business — or your career — doesn’t get lost in the noise? In this episode, Adrian, Cheryl, and Kirsten dive into the realities of working in and around saturated indus...

Have you ever poured hours of energy into your business, content, or creative work but were met with silence? In this episode, Cheryl and Kirsten are diving into the tension between wanting affirmation and learning to create without applause. Cheryl and Kirsten will explore why silence doesn’t always mean failure, how to measure impact beyond likes and comments, and why consistency and resilience...

Hot flashes? Mood swings? Brain fog that won’t quit? If you’ve been wondering “Is this perimenopause?” you’re not alone. In this honest and empowering episode, we sit down with naturopath, women’s health expert and author of Healthy Hormones , Belinda Kirkpatrick , to demystify perimenopause and menopause — the hormonal transitions every woman will face, yet few feel truly prepared for. We unpack...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a business with your spouse? In this episode, we sit down with Jen and Anthony, the husband-and-wife duo behind Gair Legal , to explore the realities of building a successful law firm while raising a young family. Jen and Anthony share how they’ve navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, parenthood, and marriage — all while flipping traditional famil...

In this episode, we unpack the growing buzz around Reformer Pilates and share why, at Pilates Reformers Australia, we believe the machine is just one part of a much bigger picture. We explore what true Pilates means to us, the power of alignment, and the importance of staying connected to your “why” — not just as practitioners, but as business owners navigating a fast-changing industry. Whether yo...

In this heartfelt episode, Kirsten opens up about her personal journey with scoliosis — from diagnosis as a young girl to the challenges and growth that followed. She shares how living with a curved spine not only shaped her resilience but also sparked the beginnings of Pilates Reformers Australia. With honesty and warmth, Kirsten reflects on navigating body image, pain, surgery, and the emotional...

In this episode, Cheryl and Kirsten sit down with Vickie and Chloe - the powerhouse duo behind The Movement Perspective - to dive into the real stories behind studio success. From navigating the complexities of working in partnership to overcoming early challenges, they share how they built a thriving Pilates studio—and how they're now helping others do the same. It's an honest, inspiring...

So, you’ve listened to our last episode, Setting Up for Success: Opening a Pilates Studio —The Key Steps; but now it’s time to take your studio to the next level! Maybe you're struggling to grow in a competitive market, or you're losing clients to the brand-new studio that just opened down the street. How do you stand out and stay ahead? Kirsten, Adrian, and Cheryl are back to help you Master the...

What does it really take to grow a business without a physical location? How do you build relationships that actually move the needle—not just fill your inbox? Kirsten and Cheryl sit down with movement specialist and international educator Ava Rodriguez to unpack the strategies behind authentic networking, successful collaborations, and overcoming the challenges of working with others. Whether you...

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Carla Mullins—founder of Makarlu, Body Organics Studio, and Body Organics Education—to dive into the realities of running a business with family. Carla shares her journey from law to movement education, how she and her husband navigate working together, and the lessons she's learned over two decades in business. She also opens up about the importance of f...

Thinking about opening your own Pilates studio? In this episode, Cheryl, Adrian, and Kirsten break down everything you need to know before taking the leap. From choosing the right business model to navigating legalities, marketing your studio, selecting equipment, and even the benefits of an in-studio shop—this is your ultimate guide to getting started. Whether you're considering a franchise o...

In this episode, the Trio are getting honest and heartfelt about the realities of working in a family business. Listen as Kirsten and Adrian dive deep into their personal career journeys and the unique paths that led them to work in a family business. Alongside their personal stories, the trio provide great insights and tips around: Career Pitfalls: Navigating External Judgments and Criticism Bust...

In this episode of It’s Family Business , co-hosts Kirsten, Cheryl, and Adrian take you behind the scenes of their family business, Pilates Reformers Australia (PRA). Enjoy the story of how PRA began with a husband-and-wife duo housing Pilates Reformers in the family garage, and grew into the small business empire it is today. From overcoming early challenges to balancing family life and entrepren...

Welcome to It’s Family Business – The Podcast ! Join the Burgess family at our dinner table, where we explore the power of connection through stories, laughter, and lessons from life and business. Together, we’ll reform the way we think about relationships, success, and growth. Grab a seat and join the conversation!