Ep 23: Values-Driven Entrepreneurship: Finding Your Voice in Turbulent Times

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of running a business right now—how to show up authentically when the world feels heavy, complicated, and politically charged. We explore what it means to be human in your business, how to protect your energy while staying engaged, and why your wellness as a business owner matters just as much as the service you provide.

Drinks of the Episode: We're keeping it cozy with warm beverages.

Topics we discuss

• The messy reality of showing up online: When do you post about current events? When do you stay quiet? How do you navigate being "the only witch someone knows" or the face of your business when people have strong opinions about everything?
• Performative activism vs. genuine action: The difference between posting to avoid backlash and actually living your values. We discuss how social media algorithms capitalize on outrage and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is make a phone call instead of posting a hot take.
• The emotional labor of being visible: How to handle snarky emails, entitled feedback, and people who want you to change your entire business model to suit them (spoiler: mostly happens to women in business).
• Why you need your own support: Even if you're a coach who knows all the tools, you can't be your own therapist. We talk about the trap of always being the helper and why you need a space to process your own emotions without your coach hat on.
• Creating space for your clients: Sometimes the best thing you can offer isn't a brilliant coaching intervention; it's just witnessing someone's humanity and giving them permission to feel what they're feeling.
• AI as an emotional buffer: How AI tools can handle the energy-draining parts of customer service (like those snarky emails) so you don't have to take the emotional hit every time someone has an opinion about your prices.

Who This Episode Is For

Service-based business owners who are exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone. Coaches who care deeply about the world and their clients but are struggling to show up without burning out. Anyone who's ever gotten a snarky email about their prices and needed three days to recover. People who want to run a business that reflects their values without losing themselves in the process.

This conversation is heavy, but we hope it was thoughtful, and maybe even a little fun. The world is complicated, your business is complicated, and you're a human trying to figure it all out. Give yourself permission to not have all the answers, to change your mind, to take time to process, and to prioritize your own wellness so you can actually serve the people who need you.

As always, there will be someone out there telling you how you're supposed to do it. And as always, they'll be wrong. Do what feels right for you, tend to yourself first, and remember: what good is a pile of money if you're alone and exhausted when you get it?

Resources Mentioned

Erin's book Superabound - for more on Personal Filters and boundaries

The concept of the Tending Triad from the book; these are self-investment practices that sustain you

Connect With Us

Erin Aquin is a Master Certified Life Coach and co-author of the #1 bestseller "Superabound: Live the Life the Universe is Dreaming For You." She provides whole life coaching for business owners, integrating success and personal fulfillment through her unique all-in-one approach.

Learn more at besuperabound.com

Elana McKernan is a Master Certified Life and Creativity Coach who specializes in helping perfectionists create more by treating themselves better. You can check out her free content here and learn more about coaching with her here.

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