In this engaging interview, Jo Swann, founder of Chocolate PR, shares her journey from corporate frustrations to building a playful, mission-driven PR agency. Jo discusses the importance of authentic self-leadership, the power of values, and how high achievers can avoid burnout while creating meaningful impact.

The following topics are covered in today's conversation:

• The origin story of Chocolate PR and its playful branding
• The importance of authentic self-leadership and values
• High achievers, burnout, and resilience in entrepreneurship
• The role of self-awareness in business success
• Building a mission-led business after corporate life

Resources
Chocolate PR - https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/
Celebrating You With PR (Book) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celebrating-YOU-Empowering-entrepreneurs-confident/dp/B0BB5MCBRF
PR Powerhouse Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pr-powerhouse-with-jo-swann/id1585138279

Find out how Ros Jones can support your business:
https://rosjones.co.uk/contact/

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, Ros Jones discusses the often-overlooked topic of burnout, emphasising that it doesn't arise suddenly but builds up over time. Ros shares her personal experiences with burnout and highlights the importance of self-leadership in recognising and addressing emotional load before it leads to burnout. Ros also outlines that the World health Organisation (WHO) now recognises Burnout as an official illness and delves into the subtle signs of burnout, the need for compassion in leadership, and the systemic nature of burnout in organisations. The conversation culminates in a discussion of the 12 stages of burnout, urging listeners to take ownership of their well-being and foster a culture of awareness and support.

Episode Takeaways

• Burnout often starts quietly, long before it becomes visible.
• Self-leadership is crucial in recognising emotional load.
• Noticing early signs of burnout can prevent escalation.
• Compassion in leadership is essential for well-being.
• Burnout is a systemic issue, not just a personal one.
• The journey to burnout can take years to unfold.
• High performers are often at risk for burnout.
• Awareness of personal habits can help break burnout cycles.
• Organisations must support their employees to prevent burnout.
• Taking ownership of one's career is key to avoiding burnout.
• The WHO now recognises Burnout as an official illness

Find out how Ros Jones can support your business:
https://rosjones.co.uk/contact/

Read about the 7 pillars of wellbeing from last week's episode:
https://rosjones.co.uk/the-7-pillars-of-wellbeing-a-practical-foundation-for-balanced-business-success/

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, host Ros Jones explores the correlation between wellbeing and self leadership, and why balanced wellbeing is essential for sustainable business success. Drawing on the seven pillars of wellbeing and her own lived experience, Ros challenges the traditional view that wellbeing is only about physical health or resilience.

She shares how neglecting key areas of wellbeing can lead to burnout, reduced performance, and dissatisfaction—and why self leadership is the foundation for leading others effectively.

Key takeaways:

• Wellbeing is a system, not a single habit
• Self leadership underpins long-term success
• Leaders often overlook key areas of wellbeing
• Self-care is a strategic advantage, not a luxury

Find out how Ros Jones can support your business:
https://rosjones.co.uk/contact/

Read more about the 7 pillars of wellbeing:
https://rosjones.co.uk/the-7-pillars-of-wellbeing-a-practical-foundation-for-balanced-business-success/

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, host Rose Jones discusses the critical role of customer service in business success. Ros highlights that while having a great product is important, poor customer service can lead to business struggles. She outlines nine practical ways to enhance customer service, focusing on consistency, clear communication, setting and exceeding expectations, maintaining customer relationships, and training teams. Great customer service not only retains customers but also turns them into advocates for the business.

Takeaways

• Customer service is essential for business success
• Lead generation is costly; retaining customers is easier
• Consistency creates trust and builds loyalty
• Clear communication is vital for good customer service
• Under promise and over deliver to impress customers
• Aftercare strengthens customer relationships
• Raving fans can become your best marketers
• Complaints should be welcomed as opportunities for improvement
• Training your team is crucial for consistent service
• It's okay to let go of bad customers for a healthier business
• Communicate clearly and like a human

Find out how Ros Jones can support your business: https://rosjones.co.uk/contact/

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, Ros Jones discusses the importance of self-management for business owners, emphasising that time is our most precious resource. Ros shares eight powerful tips to help listeners manage time effectively, reduce stress, and work with intention. The conversation highlights the need for awareness in how we spend our time, practical strategies for productivity, and the significance of enjoying the time we have in both business and life.

Takeaways

• Time is our most precious resource.
• Self-management is a powerful skill for business owners.
• Awareness of time usage is the first step to improvement.
• Avoid wasting time on emails by touching them once.
• Plan your day the night before to prioritise effectively.
• Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day.
• Protect your attention from distractions.
• Tackle difficult tasks first to gain momentum.
• Meetings should have a clear agenda to be productive.
• Enjoy your time and make it meaningful.

Invest in yourself - Find out how Ros Jones can support your business today:

https://businesswellbeing.club/contact/

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, Ros Jones interviews Amber Dickinson, a holistic counsellor and author of 'Prince Edac and the Snail' (Available from Barnes & Noble & Amazon). They discuss Amber's journey in writing the book, the challenges of self-doubt and procrastination, and the importance of self-leadership. Amber shares the moral of her story, emphasising the value of embracing uniqueness and the impact of social media on self-identity. The conversation concludes with Amber's advice on choosing love over fear and the significance of self-acceptance.

Episode Takeaways:

• Amber's book 'Prince Edac and the Snail' was inspired by a snail that her son (Edac in the book) found.
• The theme of the book revolves around self-acceptance and uniqueness.
• Amber faced many creative blocks while illustrating her book.
• Self-leadership is crucial for personal growth and overcoming challenges.
• The journey of writing the book took over 16 years due to various life events.
• Social media pressures can impact self-identity, especially for younger generations.
• Amber emphasises the importance of nurturing individuality in children.
• Choosing love over fear is a central message in Amber's philosophy.
• The conversation highlights the need for a revolution in educational systems.
• Amber encourages listeners to never give up on themselves and to recognise their unique contributions.

A perfect gift this Christmas - Pick up a copy of 'Prince Edac and the Snail' from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Does busyness equal worthiness?

Can you really take time off in your business?

In this episode of the Bold Business Podcast, Ros Jones discusses the often daunting challenge of taking time off for business owners. The conversation delves into the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from stepping away from their work, including learned behaviours, distractions, and the need for control. Ros shares personal anecdotes and insights on how constant busyness can lead to burnout and hinder personal growth. Ros emphasises the importance of building a business that supports a fulfilling life, rather than one that consumes it. Embrace the concept of taking time off as a vital aspect of effective leadership. You can even hire Ros Jones' reputable coaching service to help get you to a point where your business runs itself while you take time off.

Takeaways

• Many business owners struggle to take time off due to deep-seated beliefs.
• The idea that 'the business can't run without me' is a common myth.
• Learned behaviors from childhood can lead to a cycle of busyness.
• Distraction can mask uncomfortable emotions and doubts.
• The need for control often stems from fear.
• Constant work costs clarity, relationships, and health.
• Slowing down can reveal patterns and opportunities.
• Building a business should support personal life goals.
• Taking time off is essential for effective leadership.
• Freedom is about having time for family and personal interests.

Is your business stopping you from living your life? Being "too busy" seems to have become a badge of honour for many business owners - but it's costing us our health, our relationships and, ultimately, our joy. In this episode of Bold Business, host Ros Jones discusses the dangers of being too busy in business, illustrated through the story of her client Helen. Ros shares practical steps to start reclaiming your time and energy. The conversation emphasises the importance of working on one's business rather than just in it, and offers practical steps for reclaiming time and energy. The episode concludes with a reminder that a successful business should support personal wellbeing, not detract from it.

Takeaways

• Being too busy can cost us our health and joy
• Many business owners wear busyness as a badge of honor
• You cannot build a sustainable business from a place of exhaustion
• It's essential to work on your business, not just in it
• Scheduling time for strategy is crucial for success
• Delegating tasks can empower your team and improve efficiency
• Reconnecting with your original business purpose is vital
• Celebrating small wins can help maintain motivation
• It's okay to seek help and support in your business journey
• Designing a business that supports wellbeing is achievable