Balancing business and life
Parenthood and running a business are both demanding undertakings, but when combined, they present a unique set of challenges. On Episode 10 of the "Business Between Bells" podcast, Sarah Piper from Invisible Partners (iP) joined host Katie Maynes to discuss how she balances her professional and personal life, offering candid insights and advice for others navigating similar paths.
Building a Business with Values at Its Core
Sarah began by sharing her journey in building Invisible Partners, a company dedicated to helping businesses find and retain exceptional talent. "When I started Invisible Partners, it wasn’t just about creating a successful business," she explained. "It was about aligning my work with my values. I wanted to build something that didn’t just benefit me, but also created opportunities for others."
For Sarah, integrating personal values into her professional life has been a guiding principle. "If your business doesn’t reflect who you are and what you believe in, it’s easy to lose your way," she said. This alignment has also allowed her to be more authentic, both as a leader and a parent.
The Juggling Act: Parenting and Entrepreneurship
A recurring theme in the episode was the balancing act required to manage parenting responsibilities alongside a demanding career. Katie Maynes aptly summarised this challenge in the podcast’s introduction: "This podcast is here to support you while juggling parenthood, business, and school life." Sarah’s reflections illustrated this juggling act perfectly.
"There are days when you feel like you’re winning at work but missing out at home, or vice versa," Sarah admitted. "It’s about learning to forgive yourself and focus on what matters most at any given moment."
She emphasised the importance of flexibility, both in work and in life. "One of the best decisions I’ve made is designing my business to be adaptable. Some days, I’m fully focused on work; other days, I need to be more present for my family. Flexibility has been key."
The Power of Community Support
Another significant topic of discussion was the role of community. Sarah highlighted how vital it is to have a network of supportive individuals who understand the challenges of balancing business and family. "You can’t do it alone," she said. "Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or even a mentor, having someone to lean on makes all the difference."
Katie echoed this sentiment, noting how listeners often share their own stories of supportive communities. "It’s amasing to hear how people come together to help each other succeed," she said. "This podcast is all about amplifying those voices."
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Toward the end of the episode, Sarah offered practical advice for parents considering starting their own business. "Start small, and don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out from day one," she advised. "It’s okay to learn as you go."
She also stressed the importance of clear boundaries. "Set expectations with your family and your clients. People will respect your boundaries if you’re upfront about them," she said. “But first, you have to respect them yourself.”
Embracing Imperfection
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments came when Sarah reflected on the need to embrace imperfection. "Life isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about showing up for the things that matter," she shared. This mindset has helped her navigate the ups and downs of both business and parenthood with grace and resilience.
A Closing Note
As the conversation wrapped up, Katie and Sarah left listeners with an inspiring message: balancing business and life is never easy, but it is possible with the right mindset and support system. "It’s not about having it all; it’s about prioritising what’s truly important," Sarah concluded.
For those seeking to build a business while managing the demands of family life, this episode of "Business Between Bells" offers valuable lessons and heartfelt encouragement. As Sarah’s story demonstrates, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose, community, and the courage to embrace the journey.