Episodes
-
If you've ever wondered whether it's really possible to build a business that holds you through a difficult personal season rather than demanding more from you — this episode is the answer.
In this episode:
- Why I went quiet for six months, and why it wasn't an accident
- What "organic expansion" actually looks like from the inside — and what had to be built first for it to be possible
- The investment I made in my keynote speaking and what a London stage taught me
- Why I reinvested in a mastermind even as the person other women hire for strategic direction
- What this season clarified about the women I'm here to work with
Keywords: women entrepreneur podcast, life-first business, business strategy for women, keynote speaker, expert entrepreneur, business mentor, perimenopausal entrepreneur, work-life integration, business architecture, Zero Wasted Days podcast, Suzanne Acteson, women in business, sustainable business growth, business systems for women -
This episode of Zero Wasted Days is less a lesson — and more a re-introduction.
Recorded in the heart of winter, this conversation marks the beginning of what I’m calling my Expansion Era: a season of growth led by peace, discernment, and grounded clarity, not urgency or constant seeking.
In this episode, I share how I’m intentionally designing my business for another multi-six-figure year while working just three days a week, honouring long stretches of travel, family time, school holidays, and integration weeks.
This is what a life-first business looks like in practice — not as a philosophy, but as a structure and an identity. We explore why so many ambitious women feel stuck in cycles of over-effort, overthinking, and content overwhelm — and why sustainable scale requires fewer decisions, cleaner pathways, and deeper focus.
I also take you behind the scenes of how my work is evolving in 2026, including:
• Doubling down on Life First CEO as my anchor ecosystem
• Why one core offer creates stronger roots and more sustainable growth
• How messaging clarity (not more content) creates momentum
• Why tools, systems, and navigation matter as businesses scale
• The role of embodied, in-person experiences like Elevate Immersion
• What writing my book and stepping into speaking represents at this stage of leadership
This episode is for women who are ready to stop chasing the next strategy — and start standing fully inside what they’re building, with calm confidence and intention. ⸻
🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode
• Life-first business design for women entrepreneurs
• How to scale to multi-six figures without burnout
• Sustainable business models built around life and seasons
• CEO identity, discernment, and peace as a growth strategy
• Messaging clarity vs. content overload
• One core offer strategy for long-term scale
• Time leverage, systems, and smarter support
• Embodied leadership and in-person immersion experiences ⸻
🎧 This Episode Is For You If:
• You’re a woman entrepreneur building toward six or multi-six figures
• You want sustainable growth without hustle culture
• You crave calm clarity instead of constant seeking
• You feel successful but overwhelmed by content and decision fatigue
• You want a business that supports your life — not controls it ⸻Questions Explored in This Episode
How do you scale a business without burning out?
What does a life-first business actually look like in practice?
Can you work fewer days and still reach multi-six figures?
How do you stop chasing the next strategy and lead with clarity instead?
Learn more about The Life First CEO here.
Get your free Messaging Gap Finder with Maggie 🤖 -
Missing episodes?
-
This visualization is a powerful way to step into the new year and learn how to embody all that you desire in your life and business. Listen as many times as you need to and come back to it when you need to find your energetic alignment through the year.
-
If you’re trying to scale up to or past $10K months and feel like you’ve tried all the strategies — this episode is for you. I’m sharing the 5 daily habits that helped me grow to $250K in annual revenue — and spoiler: none of them are what you think. These shifts aren’t about hustle, hacks, or doing more. They’re about aligning your energy, leadership, and mindset with the woman you’re becoming. 💫 Want to dive deeper? Join my Free upcoming Masterclass: Life-Changing Income where I'll reveal the exact steps I took to Scale to Multi-6 Figures Without Sacrificing Your Schedule, Sanity, or Soul https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifechangingincome
-
Are you stuck at $10K months and wondering why your efforts aren’t taking you further?
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real difference between growing and scaling—and why understanding this is the key to hitting consistent $20K+ months without sacrificing your schedule, sanity, or soul.
Whether you’re still in the “doing it all” phase or you’re ready to step into true CEO mode, this episode is packed with clarity, mindset shifts, and practical wisdom to help you scale smarter—not harder. ✨
We’ll cover:
✔️ The 2 phases of business growth most women entrepreneurs go through
✔️ Why scaling is NOT just about doing more
✔️ How to shift from hustle to a business model that supports your life
✔️ What it really takes to move from $10K to $20K months and beyond🔗 Ready to go deeper? Join the free masterclass: Life-Changing Income Learn the 3 steps to scale to multi-6 figures without sacrificing your schedule, sanity or your soul 👉 https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifechangingincome
Follow Suzanne on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
-
How to Scale your Business when you feel AT capacity In this episode of the Zero Wasted Days podcast, we kick off a refreshed season focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses in smarter, more sustainable ways. Suzanne discusses her personal journey of realizing the cost of overworking while building a business and introduces a 'Scale Smarter Framework.' This framework, developed for women aiming to scale past six figures, includes simplified strategic scaling, sustainable scaling, and stepping into a new CEO identity. Listeners will learn how to scale without sacrificing their personal lives or burning out. The episode also highlights the importance of personal sustainability plans and offers details on additional mentorship and support programs. 00:00 Welcome to the Refreshed Season 00:57 A Real Conversation on Capacity 02:16 The Moment Everything Changed 05:48 The Birth of a New Approach 09:14 Introducing the Scale Smarter Framework 09:41 Simplified Strategic Scaling 12:06 Sustainable Scaling for the Long Term 14:06 Stepping into Your New CEO Identity 16:56 Opportunities to Work Together 18:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
-
In this refreshed season opener of the Zero Wasted Days podcast, the focus is on helping entrepreneurs scale from six-figure businesses to multi six-figure revenue efficiently.
Suzanne outlines the 'scale smarter framework,' a three-step process to transition from overworking as a 'worker bee' to leading effectively as a 'queen bee.'
Key ideas include refining offers, optimizing the business model, and stepping into true CEO roles. Real-life examples and book recommendations such as '10 X is Easier Than 2 X' by Dan Sullivan and 'Do Less' by Kate Northrop are discussed to illustrate how focusing on high-impact activities can yield significant growth.
Listeners are invited to join a 'Scale Smarter Challenge' and can sign up for it here: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/scale-smarter-challenge
00:00 Welcome to the Refreshed Season
00:57 Scaling Without Adding More Work
01:41 The Scale Smarter Framework
03:29 Refining Your Offer for Growth
04:48 Optimizing Your Business Model
06:04 Automating and Leading Like a CEO
07:30 The Benefits of Leading Better
08:16 Join the Scale Smarter Challenge
-
This week we are joined by Amy and Stu McLaren. They delve into their journey of transforming their passions into their purpose. Amy, co-founder of Village Impact and author of the acclaimed book "Passion To Purpose," and Stu, renowned entrepreneur, who helps business owners transform their knowledge, expertise and influence into recurring revenue by launching, growing and scaling membership businesses, share their insights on how they've cultivated their passions into meaningful businesses.
Exploring the concept of living zero-wasted days, Amy and Stu reflect on their commitment to mindful living and its impact on both their personal and professional lives. They discuss how leading by example for their children has shaped their approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of instilling values of purpose-driven living.
Connect With Suzanne:
Life First CEO is open: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/offers/FhJz75BF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/Connect with Amy & Stu:
Stu’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stumclaren/
Amy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amydowmclaren/
Village Impact Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villageimpact/
Stu’s Website: https://stu.me/start
Passion to Purpose Book: https://amymclaren.com/passion-to-purpose-book/ -
This episode is all about helping you move from being stuck in lack or scarcity and into abundance!
Suzanne is going to teach you the 4 key steps to undertaking this powerful shift and has worked with clients who've turned their lives & business around by doing this work.
She also talks about how she will be teaching and women will be learning how to integrate this inside the Life First CEO, which you learn more about here:
https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirstwaiting
www.suzanneacteson.com -
In this solo episode of Zero Wasted Days after a short hiatus, Suzanne shares her passion for empowering women to pursue their dreams, make more impact, and live extraordinary lives while staying true to their core values. She talks about her journey going from anxiety & debt filled to now leading a life of purpose & enjoying being a self-made millionaire.
Suzanne introduces the Life First CEO, a unique coaching program designed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses without sacrificing their personal lives. The program focuses on strategic needs, mindset mastery, and helping women thrive both personally and professionally. She invites listeners to join the Life First CEO beta program, starting at the end of September, via the waitlist link below.
Life First Waiting List: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirstwaiting
Connect with Suzanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson
Find out about working with Suzanne: www.suzanneacteson.com -
Welcome to another episode of Zero Wasted Days! Today's episode is truly special as we delve into the inspiring journey of Darien Allen, a remarkable website designer and Kajabi specialist based in Australia. Darien, a Canadian living in Australia and a dedicated mom of two beautiful girls, shares her transformative journey from surviving to thriving.
In this candid conversation with our host, Suzanne, Darien reflects on her evolution as an entrepreneur and a single mom, navigating through the challenges of balancing work and family life. From starting a craft business to venturing into virtual assistance and eventually specializing in website design, Darien's journey is one of resilience and growth.
As Suzanne and Darien chat, they explore the pivotal moments that led to Darien's decision to prioritize her mindset and well-being. Darien shares her experiences of feeling stuck in a scarcity mindset, constantly hustling without seeing the desired results, and the burnout that followed. However, with Suzanne's guidance and support, Darien embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Through working with Suzanne, Darien delved into mindset work, uncovering limiting beliefs and shifting her perspective towards abundance and possibility. As she embraced the life-first approach advocated by Suzanne, Darien experienced a profound shift in her business and personal life which she shares inside this episode.
Connect With Suzanne:
Annuelle Vision and Planning Bundle: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/offers/7BSAmckT/checkout
Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenixrising2024
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/
Connect With Darien:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_choosing_joy_/
Website: https://www.choosingjoy.com.au/ -
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of aligning our schedules and energy with the natural rhythms of life. Suzanne explores the profound impact of honoring the cyclical nature ingrained within us as women, challenging the prevailing narrative of constant productivity.
From embracing rest to maximizing creativity, listeners will discover how intentional planning can lead to profound shifts in both personal fulfillment and professional success.
This episode is an excerpt from the Annual Vision and Planning Workshop. To access the full hour-long workshop and gain exclusive access to the Annual Almanac – the ultimate planning template – you can purchase the Annual Vision and Planning Bundle below.
Connect With Suzanne:
Annuelle Vision and Planning Bundle: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/offers/7BSAmckT/checkout
Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenixrising2024
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
In this episode, Suzanne discusses the dangers of falling into the trap of comparisonitis and the impact it can have on our mindset and strategies. She urges listeners to rediscover their true selves and embrace authenticity as the pathway to growth and expansion in business.
Throughout the episode, Suzanne shares insights on thought leadership, the value of doing the inner work to overcome fears and insecurities, acknowledging that often, the biggest barriers to success lie within ourselves.
Connect With Suzanne:
Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenixrising2024
Annuelle Almanac: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/Annuelle-Almanac
Annuelle Planning Workshop: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/offers/7BSAmckT/checkout
Energy Code: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/offers/Ha46ubSq/checkout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
In this episode, Suzanne dives deep into the topic of why quitting your dreams is not an option. Drawing from her own moments of doubt and contemplation, she reveals how she found solace and determination in her mission and purpose. Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of being intentional, staying grounded in one's values and surrounding oneself with a supportive community.
Connect With Suzanne:
Get on the waitlist for Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenix-rising-waitlist
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
This week, Suzanne is joined by Janine Rogan, to dive deep into the world of investing and wealth creation. Janine is a Certified Practising Accountant, TEDx speaker, best-selling author of “The Pink Tax” and founder of “The Wealth Building Academy.
Inside the episode, Janine discusses the barriers that often hinder people from taking the plunge into investing and sheds light on the financial disparities that exist between those who invest in the stock market and those who opt for a high-interest savings account, uncovering a staggering difference of over a million dollars.
Janine Rogan's expertise extends beyond the conventional financial landscape as she unpacks the concept of the "pink tax" and its profound implications for women managing their finances. Janine also generously shares her top three wealth creation tips, offering listeners actionable advice to kickstart their financial journey and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Connect With Suzanne:
Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenixrising2024
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/
Connect With Janine:
The Pink Tax Book: https://www.pinktaxbook.com/
Wealth Building Academy: https://www.thewealthbuildingacademy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janinerogan -
If you’re holding yourself back because you’re terrified of failing, this episode is for you. This week Suzanne explores the often-hidden challenges entrepreneurs face – the fear of failure.
Suzanne delves into the intricate ways the fear of failure and fear of success manifests in the entrepreneurial realm. From self-sabotage to procrastination, hustling, and perfectionism, she dissects these common hurdles that present when you are afraid to fail.
Inside the episode, she unravels the underlying roots of the fear of failure and shares three practical and empowering strategies to help you get over your fear of failure. By the end of the episode, you'll be armed with both the knowledge, motivation and tools to overcome your fear so you can stop holding yourself back and create the life and business you love.
Connect With Suzanne:
Get on the waitlist for Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenix-rising-waitlist
Get The Life First Growth Method:
https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
Welcome back to another empowering episode of Zero Wasted Days! In this week's conversation, we’re joined by Dr Alyssa Adams to explore the realms of human design, business strategy, and holistic health.
Alyssa, a clinical psychologist turned no-nonsense coach for business owners and executives, shares her transformative journey from the traditional mental health space to crafting a unique coaching practice. Join us as we explore what human design is, and its intricate layers, discovering its impact on decision-making, how it intertwines with entrepreneurship, and how it can help you towards a more aligned life.
Alyssa also shares her personal journey, from burnout and illness to a holistic approach to health and wellness, and shares the tools she employs to help individuals thrive in both their personal and professional spheres.
Tune in for an engaging exploration of human design, business, and the profound connection between self-awareness and holistic well-being.
Connect with Alyssa:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralyssaadams
Website: https://www.dralyssaadams.com/
Uncommon Couch Podcast: https://www.dralyssaadams.com/uncommon-couch-podcastConnect With Suzanne:
Get on the waitlist for Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenix-rising-waitlist
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
In this episode of Zero Wasted Days, Suzanne reveals the five key strategic FLEXES that are set to propel your business to new heights in the coming year.
Beginning with the foundational aspect of your business model, Suzanne explains why this is such a crucial step in ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
She deep dives into the power of thought leadership, where authenticity and confidently owning your message become the linchpin for creating lasting connections and unlocking opportunities in the crowded digital landscape.
She explores the art of visibility, passionately discusses wealth creation, and concludes with a focus on the often overlooked heroes—systems and automations.
Suzanne reveals how these 5 things are the key to a transformative year of growth, impact, and strategic success.
Connect With Suzanne:
Get on the waitlist for Phoenix Rising: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/phoenix-rising-waitlist
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
In this episode, Ashley Meadahl, a powerhouse entrepreneur joins Suzanne to share her journey from event planner to business coach, podcast host, speaker, and event host.
Inside the episode Ashley shares the story of how she booked some of the biggest and most sought-after female speakers, including Arlene Dickensin and Jenna Kutcher and opens up on how she balances prioritizing her life while successfully running her business.
This episode is a treasure trove of tangible advice for aspiring speakers. Ashley generously shares her wealth of knowledge on becoming a better speaker and attracting more speaking opportunities.
Whether you're an aspiring speaker or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your speaking game and attract the opportunities you've been dreaming of.
Connect With Ashley:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymeadahl/
Glow Getter Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-glow-getter-podcast/id1453291165?mt=2Connect With Suzanne:
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ -
In the first Zero Wasted Days episode of 2024, join Suzanne as she takes a deep dive into the lessons learned from the challenges and victories of 2023. Suzanne shares her personal journey with connection, sisterhood, and vulnerability.
Reflecting on ‘the unravelling’ and how she managed to knit back her business and life in 2023, she shares four impactful ways to elevate both your business and personal growth in 2024.
From reconnecting with your authentic self to refining your messaging, Suzanne provides practical and actionable steps that promise to set the stage for a transformative and successful 2024.
Connect With Suzanne:
Get The Life First Growth Method: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/lifefirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneacteson/
Website: https://www.suzanneacteson.com/ - Show more
