Advertise on podcast: THE PODCAST with Annelise Worn

I had a realisation a few years ago that stopped me in my tracks. I was spending my entire week growing my clients’ businesses. And mine was staying exactly the same. No leads. No pipeline. No sales that weren’t referrals. I was delivering my best to my clients … Pushing my own marketing block back to deliver client projects. Saying yes to inconvenient, disruptive meeting times, Pretzeling my calendar around everyone else’s priorities. I called it being professional. Having integrity. But truthfully, it was more than that. It was people-pleasing.  And if I’m honest — enjoying feeling needed. But it cost me. I was exhausted. Snappy. Constantly stressed about money, despite being “busy.” And then one day it hit me: No one was coming, and nothing was going to change if I didn’t change it. If my business was going to grow, I had to lead it. Your clients will always need you. Your team will always need you. But your agency needs you too — not just as the doer, but as the CEO. That realisation changed everything. I started implementing boundaries around my systems. I restructured our offers. Our team. Our marketing. If you’re honest, you probably know what you should be doing for your business. But client work feels louder. More urgent. More justified. So marketing gets postponed - not because it’s unimportant, but because it’s invisible… until it’s a problem. That’s exactly what I talk about in the latest episode. If this feels familiar, this one’s for you. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

It might just be simple math that’s stopping you from scaling… If your agency looks busy on paper but still feels financially tight…If money comes in and disappears just as fast…If hiring feels risky, stressful, or just not possible yet… This episode is for you. Because most problems come down to your offer, and your pricing. In this episode, I break down the simple math mistake that keeps smart, capable agency owners stuck on the treadmill: working harder, saying yes to everything, and still not getting ahead. In this episode, we talk about: Why “busy but broke” is almost always a pricing issue The treadmill trap that keeps agencies stuck in undercharging cycles Why hourly thinking quietly caps your growth (even if your rate seems “good”) The difference between revenue that looks healthy and margins that actually scale Why fear around hiring is often a math problem, and a mindset one I also unpack: How agencies accidentally price themselves into burnout Why doubling your old salary rate isn’t a strategy The shift from task-based pricing to outcome-led thinking What scalable agencies do structurally differently (it’s not talent) This episode is especially for you if: you feel stretched thin but underpaid you’re scared to hire because the numbers don’t feel safe you’ve raised prices before but still feel stuck or you know something isn’t adding up - you just haven’t sat down to look at the math properly Free resource: I’ve linked the Cost & Margin Template in the show notes - the same framework we use inside our agency and teach inside Agency Academy. DM me on Instagram with ‘266’ to get the link.  If you want to build an agency that actually scales - this is where it starts. A. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

If you constantly feel overwhelmed, short on time, and like you’re always working but rarely working on the business … you’re not alone. And if you’re honest, you might not even be totally sure what “working on the business” is supposed to look like anymore now that you have a team. In this episode, I walk through how I think about designing a week on purpose, to create space for everything you want and need to do as CEO, no matter what level your business is at (from side hustle to full team) In this episode, we explore how to … Design Your Week Like a CEO: Why overwhelm is often a design issue, not a discipline issue How most weeks quietly become reactive without you realising What “working on the business” actually means in practice Why certain activities must be scheduled or they disappear How intentional structure creates more freedom, not less I also share personal insights around: energy, focus, and decision fatigue why busyness can feel productive while keeping you stuck and how small shifts in your week can change everything This episode is for you if: your days feel full but unsatisfying you’re constantly context-switching or you know you need to change how your time works — you just haven’t stepped back to redesign it Free resource: For the Free CEO Schedule Template, go to https://a.anneliseworn.com/ceoschedule Your time is your most valuable asset. This episode will help you start treating it that way. A x Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Most agency owners think growth comes from more leads, better funnels and great teams.  That’s true, but one of the most underestimated growth levers in business has nothing to do with marketing at all. It’s proximity. In this episode, I unpack why who you surround yourself with both professionally and personally shapes your decisions, your standards, and ultimately, your results as an agency owner. In this episode, we explore: Why agency ownership is a niche within a niche - and why that matters The invisible weight agency owners carry (and why most people don’t see it) How being around the wrong people can slow you down without you realising Why “small fish in a big pond” accelerates growth How proximity changes the level of conversations you’re having We also talk about: How proximity helps raise your standards, without pressure or burnout Why timelines collapse when higher-level decisions are normalised The difference between tactical noise and executive-level thinking How to think about relationships through collaboration, referrals, and clients Why proximity isn’t slimy or salesy, it’s strategic This episode is for agency owners who: feel like they’re carrying big responsibility alone know they’ve outgrown some rooms but aren’t sure what’s next want to grow faster without grinding harder value freedom, scale, and long-term thinking We’re in a time where human proximity matters more than ever. Tune in for a conversation on how to best leverage this.  A x Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

I know, I know … “tech stack” is not a sexy topic. But it is one of the biggest reasons agencies feel overwhelmed, scattered, and harder to run than they need to be. In this episode, I’m breaking down how we think about tech inside our agency - and why we deliberately choose a boring, low-tech, low-noise stack, even as we scale. This isn’t a list of tools you should copy.It’s a way of thinking about tech that reduces chaos instead of adding to it. In this episode, we talk about: Why more tools usually create more friction, not efficiency The trade-offs we intentionally make to keep things simple The rules we use to decide what stays and what goes Why systems matter more than software The hidden cost of over-engineering your agency I also share: How we separate communication from task execution The non-negotiable rules we run our tools by How we avoid double-handling work What actually needs to be automated — and what doesn’t Why boring tech creates more freedom, not less This episode is for agency owners who: feel like their tools are running them want fewer subscriptions, fewer logins, fewer decisions are ready to simplify without dumbing things down If you’ve been adding tools hoping things would feel easier, this episode will help you pause, reassess, and design a tech stack that actually supports your business (and your life). If you want to talk through simplifying your systems or tightening your operations, you can book a free consult with me and walk away with a clear next step. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Depending on who you listen to, AI is either the end of agencies as we know it… or the shortcut to infinite growth. As with most things, the truth usually sits somewhere in the middle. This episode is the grounded, strategic conversation you’ve probably been missing. I’m breaking down what AI really means for marketers, freelancers, and agency owners — where it strengthens your position, where it exposes weaknesses, and how to use it without losing the thing that makes your work valuable. To keep this practical and balanced, I’ve gone old school and used a SWOT framework to cut through the noise and give you real clarity on how to approach AI inside your agency. We cover: Strengths: what AI can’t replace Weaknesses: where marketers become vulnerable Opportunities: where smart agencies win Threats: what’s actually at risk I also go into: What we’re teaching inside Agency Academy How we’re actually using AI in our agency When not to use AI And my predictions on what’s coming next in the AI landscape I can’t wait for you to listen — and I’d love to chat with you on Instagram about your thoughts and how you’re applying this in your own agency. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

2026 is around the corner, and the gap between those who grow and those who disappear is only going to widen. In this episode, I’m breaking down the major shifts I see coming for agency owners and the clients we serve. We’re talking about four key themes: AI, content, paid ads, and community, and how each one is evolving fast. If you want to stay relevant, grow your agency, and lead with confidence in 2026 this is the conversation to tune into.  Because mediocre is getting replaced. But leaders? We rise to the top. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Most women I talk to want a better strategy. A new funnel. A different offer. But the truth? Strategy is not step one. In this episode, I walk you through the four Ms you actually need to scale as a freelancer or agency owner – in this order: Mindset, Magnetism, Mechanics, Momentum. We talk about why so many smart, capable women are “doing all the right things” and still not seeing the results they want, and what actually needs to shift first. Inside the episode: Why your mindset quietly shapes your pricing, decisions, confidence, and capacity How your energy and presence (magnetism) matter more than perfect messaging The simple practices that elevate your frequency so you attract, not chase Why mechanics only work after mindset + magnetism are aligned A real client example of reading data vs reacting to feelings How to build momentum so your business becomes self-sustaining What it looks like to release control of timelines and operate from relaxed confidence If this episode resonates, come find me on Instagram and send a voice note. I’d love to hear where you’re focusing next. A. Want more… DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Most agency owners hit a point where growth starts to feel… heavy. You’re busy, you’re booked, revenue’s up — but freedom? Not so much. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to audit, simplify, and evolve your agency so it SCALES (not just grows revenue) — and what to do once you hit your sweet spot. Because scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less, better. We’ll chat about Auditing your current model — what’s heavy, what’s profitable, what’s not repeatable. Simplify your offers so you can deliver consistent results without custom chaos. Productise your services (I use ours as an example) Systemise your delivery to eliminate founder bottlenecks and firefighting. Rebuild your team structure around roles, ownership, and clear metrics. Recognise your scalable sweet spot — the point where profit, peace, and predictability meet. And finally, add leverage: how to transition from agency growth → leveraged growth through info products, programs, and digital assets. The Freedom-First Framework in ActionIn this episode, I unpack four core pieces of my Freedom Framework: 1 - Mindset: Stop chasing “more” — start defining “enough.” 2- Business Design: Simplify your model around one clear offer. 3 - Systems: Build a predictable delivery engine that runs without you. 4 - Team: Empower a self-led team so you can evolve into your next level. These are the exact levers that helped me turn a fully booked agency that sucked all my time, into a truly scalable, freedom-first business with leverage.  Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

If you want a business that gives you real freedom — this is where it starts. In this episode, I walk you through my Fire + Flow Business & Life By Design Planning Process — the rhythm I use (and teach) to design a business that supports the life you actually want to live. We’ll move past traditional “business planning” and into something far more intentional. This is how we build a business that becomes the vehicle to our dream life.   How to define your North Star — the life and business vision that sets your direction The exact way to get clear on your numbers — income, time, client capacity, team, offers etc. How to reverse engineer your goals into weekly actions that actually move the needle Why your calendar should reflect your life before your workload How to compare your current schedule with your ideal one and bridge the gap — whether slowly, quickly, or with support The mindset shifts to take you from default to design. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Hello, hello — and welcome back to the show! It’s been a minute. The last time you heard from me, we’d just arrived in Greece. I was recording under those gorgeous trees, with cicadas louder than my mic. It was beautiful, but not ideal for a podcast. So, I decided to take a break. Key word: decided.  In this episode, I’m sharing why I pressed pause on posting and podcasting, what the past six months of travel taught me, and how I’m coming back with more clarity and excitement than ever. Because no, this wasn’t burnout. It was alignment — the strategic kind. The difference between fire and flow — and why we need both → Fire is the structure, the systems, the strategy. → Flow is the joy, the intuition, the being. How taking six months off to travel with my family helped me reset my goals and reconnect with what freedom actually looks like Why I believe alignment isn’t about doing what feels good in the moment — it’s about intentional decisions backed by strategy How I’m building and planning for 2026 The 9-part Fire + Flow Framework: strategy, systems, and support — and how each area fuels a different kind of freedom This episode includes: Why I still believe in balance (and what it actually means when you’re running a business, raising a family, and living life on your terms) Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Most of us don’t start businesses or step into new roles dreaming of being a leader. We start because we’re great at what we do. But here’s the kicker: being great at what you do isn’t enough to grow a business. At some point, the work shifts from doing the thing to leading the people who do the thing. And that’s a whole different skill set. In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Lincolne, leadership coach and CEO of Incredible People, to unpack what that transition really looks like. We cover: The critical difference between managing tasks and leading people (and why your team needs both). The hardest (and most freeing) shift for founders: letting go of being the best technician and learning to create the environment where others can shine. Why feedback and purpose are the two most underrated leadership superpowers. How to approach hiring in small businesses where every choice counts. The Momentum Framework—a simple 3-part structure to help you grow into the kind of leader people actually want to follow. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it as a leader, or you’ve realised being excellent at what you do won’t take you to the next level, this conversation will give you both clarity and practical steps to grow into the leader your business - and your team - needs. Click here to connect with Natalie on LinkedIn. Click here to learn more about LEAD LAB ™ Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @annelisewornDownload the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: anneliseworn.com/6ffBook a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Episode Title: They Told Me I Was Crazy Note: you can totally hear the cicadas in this episode - noted - I’ll move inside for the next one!  Yes, people told me I was crazy when I… Let go of 75% of our revenue Restructured my team Shutting down a profitable branch of the business Pulled my kids out of school And said goodbye to winter - for good Yes, people told me I was crazy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Right now, I’m writing this from Greece, where I am all summer - in our rental at the beach. In this raw and real episode, I’m sharing the story behind how I got here - and guide you through a process to start walking towards your own version of freedom too. This is your permission slip (not that you need one!) to dream bigger, choose differently, and design a life that feels like living. Want More? DM "CEO" on Instagram: @anneliseworn Download the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: Anneliseworn.com/6ff Book a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Still doing everything yourself in your freelance business? Want to (and know you need to) delegate but can’t afford it?   I’ve been there.  In this episode, we dive into how to delegate (even with a teeny tiny budget), why you don’t need to wait, and how buying back just a few hours a week can unlock serious business growth. You’ll learn exactly what to outsource, how to find affordable help, and—most importantly—how to use that freed-up time to upgrade your marketing, craft high-ticket offers, and build a sales system that connects you with the right clients. Because it’s time to stop having just a job… and start building a real business. What You’ll Learn: Why doing everything yourself is keeping you stuck How to hire help for under $100 per month 10+ examples of what to delegate first (especially for social media freelancers) How to use your free time to raise rates and attract better clients What a “4x ROI hire” looks like—and how it fuels growth How to shift from freelancer with a job to CEO with a business WANT MORE? Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff (Or DM me the word CEO on IG) Claim your free Strategy Call here: http://anneliseworn.com/consult

In this episode, Annelise sits down with Shaye Thyer, founder of Pallas, a financial consultancy helping women turn their businesses into profitable assets. Yes, ASSET. Content like this is important, because when we know our numbers, we can reverse engineer our goals, and make better business decisions. When we do - absolutely anything is possible! If you're ready to stop winging it with your pricing, get real about your revenue goals, and unlock a business that actually serves your life - instead of consuming it - this episode is for you.  What You’ll Learn: Why pricing based on your old job salary is keeping you stuck How to define your Enough Number (and why it changes everything) The real reason women undercharge - and how to shift that story What metrics actually matter when you're scaling sustainably How to design a business that fits your season of life Why your business is an asset (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet) The financial team every business owner needs—and how to make them work for you Episode Highlights: – What a “financial feminist” is (and why it matters) – The biggest pricing mistake women make – Self-worth, value, and the emotional side of money – Group coaching, inner critics, and collective breakthroughs – Your Enough Number and how to hit it – What financial independence really looks like in business – Stop letting your accountant surprise you at tax time – Building your finance support crew with confidence – Aligning your model to your season (yes, you can scale without burnout) – Why working less doesn’t mean earning less – How women can build and sell businesses on their terms WANT MORE? Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn Get my free 6 Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ff  Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult