Messy Business - with Libby Langley

Starting a business and being a business owner are two very different things — and today, we’re diving into the mindset shift that separates the dreamers from the doers (with a few hilarious missteps along the way!).  This episode is part storytime, part strategy, and a whole lot of honesty. I’m sharing the full circle journey of how I went from a pom-pom-selling kid to running a franchise I was c...

This one’s a little different — and a lot more personal. I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey with ADHD, autism, and the joyfully messy patterns that have shaped my life and business. From 17 house moves and 24 cars to multiple business pivots, I used to think I just couldn’t stick with anything. But what if we’ve been looking at it all the wrong way? I’m sharing how this constant reinve...

You don’t need to wake up at 5am, meditate for an hour, or drink a green smoothie to run a successful business. But you do need to commit to a few daily habits that actually make a difference. In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise around productivity hacks and getting real about what actually helps you grow a sustainable, joyful business. Spoiler alert: it’s not about ice baths or early...

Just because you own a business doesn’t mean you’re running it brilliantly — and that’s okay! We all start out with gaps in knowledge, shaky confidence, and a spreadsheet for a CRM (yep, I’ve been there). But brilliance in business is something you can build. In this episode, I’m sharing the essential traits and skills that turn a business owner into a brilliant one: understanding your numbers (ye...

Let’s talk about a thorny issue in business — whether you should work for free. If you’re early on in your business, the temptation to say yes to every opportunity is real. And sometimes, that’s okay. But long-term? You’ve got to protect your time, your energy, and your value. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest advice about when working for free makes sense (like speaking gigs or guest podcast...

Let’s be honest — we all love a quick win. The million-pound weekend. The 10K month from a £27 PDF. The Insta post that goes viral. But true success in business? It doesn’t usually happen overnight… even if it looks like it did. In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it really takes to become an “overnight success” — and it starts with clarity, consistency, and good old-fashi...

This episode is a little different — because I’ve got my very first guest on the podcast… and it’s my husband, Jon! To celebrate our wedding anniversary, I invited Jon to join me for a proper heart-to-heart about what it’s really like living with (and loving) an entrepreneur. Spoiler alert: it’s not all rainbows and Instagram reels. We talk about the emotional toll of running a business, how my ne...

You might be seeing 10K months… but where’s the money actually going ? Let’s talk about what your business really makes — and how to take control of it. In this juicy episode, I’m lifting the lid on one of the most important — but often misunderstood — parts of running a business: knowing how much money you actually make. I’m not talking about flashy 10K months or million-pound turnover stats that...

Is success a six-figure month or a quiet afternoon with nothing in your calendar? This episode helps you define success in a way that truly matters to you . In today’s episode, I’m digging into the question that catches so many of us out — what does success actually look like? We’re bombarded with messages that tell us success is fast cars, 10K months, or private islands. But is that what you real...

Sometimes the biggest growth in your business starts with a leap of faith — whether it’s outsourcing a task or investing thousands in the support you really need.  In this episode, I’m talking about something that every business owner will face at some point — the moment where you have to stop playing it safe and take a leap of faith. And not just the big, flashy ones either — the small but mighty...

Niching down feels terrifying — like you’re cutting off opportunities. But what if I told you it’s actually the simplest, most freeing way to grow your business with ease? Niching has a bit of a bad rep, doesn’t it? It can feel like saying no to perfectly good clients or opportunities. But in this episode, I’m showing you how niching can actually be the most liberating thing you ever do in your bu...

✨ Want to grow your business with more ease? It starts with doing less (really!) In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned in business: the power of one . One niche. One message. One product. It’s the simplest strategy you’ll ever use — and the most effective. Inspired by a delightfully quirky story about a horse in a house (yes, really), I’ll show you how...

Let’s be honest — running a business is a lot . If your diary is jam-packed, your brain is buzzing with 846 ideas, and you’re constantly battling that “I should be doing more” feeling… you’re not alone. Overwhelm is part of business life — but it doesn’t have to run the show. In this episode, I’m talking about what really causes overwhelm, how it shows up in your workday (hello, can’t-start-anythi...

Being a business owner means making thousands of decisions every day — from the small (do I check my emails now?) to the absolutely massive (should I end a major revenue stream?). And let’s be honest, it can be overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of the biggest business decisions I’ve made over the last 12 years — from closing down my group programme, to walking away f...

✨ Realistic goal setting for solo business owners (that you’ll actually stick to) It’s the start of a new year, and you’ve probably seen a flood of “set your biggest, boldest goals!” advice flying around. But here’s the thing — if you don’t actually know how to achieve them, those goals are just pretty words on a vision board. In this episode, I’m sharing how to set realistic, motivating goals in...

✨ A candid business review (and why it’s never too late to start fresh) In this reflective episode, I’m looking back at what worked—and what definitely didn’t—during 2023 in my business. From investing in the wrong support to finding the right community, this is a very honest look at burnout, business pivots, and getting back to feeling like me again. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes lessons fro...

Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stuck in a tough patch in your business? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing. In this episode, I’m sharing how to navigate those inevitable hard times in business with calm, clarity, and compassion. Over my 12 years in business, I’ve seen the highs and the lows. From personal burnout and financial stress to navigating divorce and starting from scratch, I...

Let’s talk about brain pickers — those well-meaning (but often frustrating) people who slide into your DMs with, “Can I just ask a quick question?” This week, I’m sharing exactly how to respond without giving everything away for free — while still being generous, strategic, and in control. In this episode, I walk you through a kind but firm approach to handling free support requests. You’ll learn:...

One whole year of Life in Business — goodness me! When I launched this podcast, I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with it. But here we are, 12 months later, and I’ve found something I absolutely love. To celebrate, I’m doing something new: answering your questions in this first ever Ask Me Anything episode! In this anniversary special, I’m reflecting on why I started the podcast, what it's brought to my...

I’m so proud to be here, talking about 12 years in business—especially on the day this podcast is released. November 30th marks my last day of employment, and December 1st was the first day I became self-employed. I remember walking away from my old job, feeling both terrified and excited, not knowing what would come next. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, and I’ve learned so much along the way. Whe...

If your business doesn’t make you happy, what’s the point? In this episode, I’m sharing the truth about designing a business that actually fits you — not the version you think you “should” have. After 12 years and countless reinventions, I know one thing for sure: it’s never too late to change your mind. Whether you’re craving more freedom, excitement, momentum, or meaning in your work, I’ll guide...

You might not think data is sexy, but trust me — getting clear on the facts and figures in your business is one of the simplest ways to feel more confident and in control. In this episode, I’m diving into the essential numbers every business owner needs to know — from the difference between turnover and profit to what your actual costs are and how that impacts your growth. I’m sharing why clarity...

Ever been remembered for something totally random – like your distant connection to a celebrity chef – rather than your actual work? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into the power (and the unpredictability!) of how we're remembered, and what that means for building real relationships in business. I've been going to lots of local networking events lately, and one question keeps poppin...

This week, we’re celebrating a big milestone — episode 50 of the Life in Business podcast! It’s so easy to start something and let it fizzle out, but consistency and reflection are key to growth. I’ve learned so much since my first few episodes, and I’m reflecting on the journey that’s led me here. Just like with writing my first blog or any new venture, we all start somewhere — and, trust me, we’...

When I first started my business, it was because I wanted freedom and flexibility — something that had been missing in my previous job. But along the way, I’ve lost sight of that and created a business that, at times, feels just as complicated as the one I left behind. It’s easy to forget these basics, especially when you're busy with day-to-day tasks. In this episode, we’ll also look at how you w...