This podcast is for anyone ready to grow, learn, and take massive action. Through solo episodes where I share what’s really worked for me, and honest, insightful conversations with incredible people who’ve built their own huge success.
Hosted by Susie Batista, property developer, designer, and speaker, The Just Build It Podcast is about one thing, action. Because success doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready, it comes from moving anyway.
Each episode dives into the real stories, lessons, and mindset shifts behind building a life you actually want , whether that’s in property, business, or personal growth. Expect straight-talking insights, behind-the-scenes from Susie’s own journey, and honest conversations with entrepreneurs who’ve built something from nothing.
This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s real talk about confidence, risk, money, and the grit it takes to turn ideas into results.
If you’ve ever looked at someone successful and thought, “How did they do it?” this podcast breaks it down step by step.
Because every expert was once a beginner.
And you don’t need to have it all figured out...
You just need to start.
Site
RSS
Apple
Données mises à jour le 14/07/2026
Classements récents
Dernières positions dans les classements Apple Podcasts et Spotify.
Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts
Liens présents dans les descriptions d'épisodes et autres podcasts les utilisant également.
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Just Build It. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
Unveiling the True Leanne Brown: More Than Just a Reality Star
Saison 1 · Épisode 12
dimanche 15 mars 2026 • Durée 01:32:56
Leanne Brown, a multifaceted individual often recognized merely as the former Cheshire housewife, embarks on a profound discussion that unveils her remarkable journey of transformation. In this episode, she elucidates her evolution as a mother, author, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, shedding light on her willingness to confront difficult subjects that society often shies away from. As she unveils her latest children's book, which carries a vital message for today's youth, we delve into the personal experiences that fueled her commitment to wellness and self-discovery. Moreover, Leanne candidly addresses the circumstances surrounding the removal of her previous podcast and the subsequent questioning of societal constructs. This dialogue offers an intimate glimpse into Leanne's authentic voice, revealing the depth of her character that transcends public perceptions.
Takeaways:
In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted life of Leanne Brown, who has evolved beyond her public persona as an ex-housewife to become an advocate for wellness and empowerment.
Leanne's journey emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and resilience, as she navigated personal challenges to emerge stronger and more aware of her purpose.
The discussion highlights Leanne's commitment to addressing societal issues, including her advocacy against harmful practices and her dedication to educating the next generation through her children's books.
We explore the transformative power of community and connection, illustrating how supportive relationships and shared experiences can foster personal growth and collective healing.
Episode 9- Lindsey Kayne - From DMs to Dinner Parties: Building Bonds in Business
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
dimanche 15 mars 2026 • Durée 01:10:16
The focal point of this discussion lies in the evolution of personal and professional relationships, particularly emphasizing the significance of authentic connections among women. I recount my longstanding rapport with my guest, Lindsay, which has been enriched through shared experiences and mutual encouragement to pursue our aspirations. Our dialogue traverses various topics, notably the challenges faced when navigating the complexities of friendships and the profound impact of personal growth on our interactions. As we delve into Lindsay's entrepreneurial ventures, including her ventures with Jolt and Bolt, we explore the importance of community and support systems in fostering well-being and empowerment. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of genuine relationships and the necessity of prioritizing self-worth and personal development in both personal and professional spheres.
Takeaways:
The podcast features a conversation between two individuals who share a deep connection, having met through social media.
One participant encourages the other to pursue new ideas and ventures, emphasizing the importance of taking risks.
The discussion touches upon the evolution of personal and professional relationships, highlighting the significance of supportive friendships.
Both speakers discuss the challenges of balancing personal life and business, particularly in the context of parenting and self-care.
The podcast addresses the importance of community among women, particularly in relation to empowerment and collaboration in entrepreneurial endeavors.
There is a focus on personal growth through experiences, including the importance of trusting oneself and learning from past relationships.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Jolt
Bolt
yes button dinners
Prince's Trust
Stephen Bartlett
Diary of a CEO
Emma Louise Boynton
Episode 10 – How to Rebuild Confidence After Setbacks
Saison 1 · Épisode 10
dimanche 15 mars 2026 • Durée 10:34
🎧 Episode 3 – How to Rebuild Confidence After Setbacks
In this episode, Susie dives into the quiet, often unseen process of rebuilding confidence after things fall apart whether in business or life. She shares her personal journey of starting over, explains why confidence isn’t about being loud or fearless, and introduces her “Four R’s” framework to help you rebuild stronger, wiser, and more grounded.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:48 – What true confidence really is
03:47 – The turning point: letting go of who you were
05:37 – The Four R’s: Reflect, Reframe, Reconnect, Recommit
09:17 – Rebuilding confidence in real time
10:00 – Final takeaway: confidence isn’t found, it’s built
🎤 Book Susie Batista to Speak
Bring Susie to your stage or podcast to inspire your audience with real stories about building wealth, confidence, and freedom.
Episode 8 - Identifying Your Ideal Client: The Key to Brand Success
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
mardi 10 février 2026 • Durée 14:42
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the concept of brand clarity and its paramount importance in effectively reaching one’s target audience. I address the pervasive challenges faced by individuals in the staging, design, and property sectors, particularly concerning lead generation and social media engagement, which often stem from an unclear brand identity. I emphasize that a brand serves as a critical signal to potential clients, facilitating their understanding of who you are and what you offer, thereby fostering trust. For those who feel overwhelmed yet stagnant in their business endeavors, I elucidate that the root of such frustration frequently lies not in a lack of talent but rather in a failure to convey a clear direction. Ultimately, I advocate for a focused approach to branding, urging listeners to commit to a precise target audience, as this clarity not only simplifies messaging but also enhances overall business growth and client attraction.
Takeaways:
Many individuals encounter challenges with their businesses, particularly regarding lead generation and social media presence.
A primary reason for business struggles is often a lack of clarity in branding and direction.
Trust is essential in branding, and effective branding communicates clarity and certainty to potential clients.
Choosing a target client does not limit one’s opportunities; rather, it enhances focus and promotes growth.
Episode 7 - Glossy Cushions -The Journey of Glossy Cushions: From Concept to Luxury
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
mardi 10 février 2026 • Durée 47:21
This podcast episode is a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and triumphs associated with establishing a luxury brand amidst life's myriad challenges. We engage in an insightful dialogue with Amy, the founder of Glossy Cushions, a brand that has redefined luxury in home furnishings with its exquisite feather-filled cushions. Throughout our conversation, Amy shares her remarkable journey, revealing how she has simultaneously navigated the demands of new motherhood and the renovation of her home while managing a burgeoning business. We delve into the intricate details of what it truly takes to build a brand with enduring appeal, highlighting the importance of quality, customer relationships, and adaptability in a competitive market. This episode serves as a candid examination of the realities of entrepreneurship, offering listeners valuable insights into the resilience required to succeed in the luxury sector.
Takeaways:
The episode provides invaluable insights into the challenges of building a luxury brand amidst personal and professional adversities.
Amy, the founder of Glossy Cushions, exemplifies resilience by managing a burgeoning business while navigating motherhood and home renovations.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of quality craftsmanship and unique product offerings in the competitive luxury homeware market.
Listeners gain an understanding of the significance of building a supportive network and the impact of genuine relationships in business success.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Glossy Cushions
Topshop
Matalan
Maserati
MasterCard
Pretty Little Thing
Boohoo
Dunelm
Harrods
Selfridges
Harvey Nichols
McLaren
Warwick
Pursuit
Episode 5 – What It’s Really Like to Work With a Mentor (And Why It Can Change Everything)
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
mercredi 4 février 2026 • Durée 15:21
🎧 Episode 5 – What It’s Really Like to Work With a Mentor (And Why It Can Change Everything)
In this episode, Susie breaks down the truth about mentorship — what it is, what it isn’t, and why the right mentor can completely transform your business and personal life. She shares how coaching helped her turn a small interior design company into a systemised, profitable business she eventually sold, along with the mindset shifts and accountability that made it possible. You’ll learn the real purpose of mentorship, the myths that hold people back, and how to know if you’re truly ready for it.
Timestamps:
01:00 – What mentorship actually is
03:48 – How coaching transformed Susie’s business
10:54 – Who mentorship is not for
12:34 – Who mentorship is for
14:03 – Mentors vs. coaches
🎤 Book Susie Batista to Speak
Bring Susie to your stage or podcast to inspire your audience with real stories about building wealth, confidence, and freedom.
Episode 4 - How One Conversation Changed My Entire Direction with Dawn McGruer
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Durée 54:13
🎧 Episode 4 – How One Conversation Changed My Entire Direction with Dawn McGruer
In this intimate episode, Susie sits down with her mentor, Dawn McGruer, to talk about the real work behind growth, the messy parts, the mindset shifts, the identity changes, and the breakthroughs that don’t show up on Instagram. Together, they unpack the behind-the-scenes journey of building confidence, scaling businesses, embracing discomfort, and navigating the challenges that shape entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever wondered what working with a mentor actually looks like, this conversation takes you inside it.
Timestamps:
01:13 – What working with a coach really looks like
03:07 – Trust, energy, and choosing the right mentor
05:07 – Dawn’s role as a scaling strategist & serial entrepreneur
07:47 – Dawn’s childhood, early career, and unconventional path
12:21 – The risk-taking era, loss, writing a book at 21
14:26 – Building networking events, communities & global platforms
16:49 – Creating accredited training and launching multiple businesses
18:12 – Scaling clients, burnout, and stepping back from the operational grind
19:27 – Rebuilding a business model that supports health, wealth & impact
Connect with Dawn McGruer:
Website → dawnmcgruer.com
Instagram → instagram.com/dawnmcgruer
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dawnmcgruer
🎤 Book Susie Batista to Speak
Bring Susie to your stage or podcast to inspire your audience with real stories about building wealth, confidence, and freedom.
Episode 3 - How to confidentley show up on Social media
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Durée 18:33
🎧 Episode 3 – How to confidentley show up on Social media
In this episode, Susie opens up about the silent space that follows failures — the deals that collapse, the plans that fall apart, the moments when confidence feels like it’s disappeared. She shares how confidence isn’t something you “get back,” but something you rebuild, piece by piece, through tiny wins, truth-telling, reframing your language, reconnecting with the right people, and recommitting to movement. You’ll learn her Four R’s framework and why confidence is an identity, not an outcome.
Timestamps:
01:48 – Why confidence disappears after setbacks
03:47 – Losing identity and the mistake of trying to “get back” to who you were
05:37 – The four R’s of rebuilding
07:30 – Why community speeds up recovery
09:17 – You haven’t lost your confidence, just your connection to it
🎤 Book Susie Batista to Speak
Bring Susie to your stage or podcast to inspire your audience with real stories about building wealth, confidence, and freedom.
In this episode, Susie shares how confidence is built, not a personality trait you’re born with, but a skill you grow by taking action. Drawing from her journey from shy child to property developer, she explains why you shouldn’t wait to feel ready before doing something bold and how stepping out of your comfort zone repeatedly earns real confidence.
Timestamps:
00:35 – Susie’s early lessons in confidence
02:09 – How small actions pushed her out of her comfort zone
03:35 – Confidence isn’t a personality trait — it’s earned
05:19 – Acting before feeling ready in business and property
07:13 – First stage experience: nerves, mistakes, and growth
08:27 – Your action step: do the thing that makes you uncomfortable
🎤 Book Susie Batista to Speak
Bring Susie to your stage or podcast to inspire your audience with real stories about building wealth, confidence, and freedom.
You're listening to the Just Build It podcast. Real conversations about business, growth, and everything that comes with chasing a bigger life. I'm Susie Batista, property developer, speaker, and someone who's learned that building anything worthwhile never really comes with a manual. This isn't about perfection or overnight success. It's about that messy middle, the lessons, the setbacks, and the courage to keep going when no one's clapping yet. You'll hear stories from entrepreneurs, mentors, and creatives who've turned struggle into strength, and sometimes just from me, sharing the unfiltered side of building a business and a life on your own terms. Let's get into it. Welcome to episode three of the Just Build It podcast. We're going to get a bit serious on this one. Today's episode is how to rebuild confidence after you've had setbacks. There's this strange silence that happens after things go wrong. So when deals fall apart or the job ends or the plan fails, people rally around you. And then people stop asking how you're doing, And you're just left with yourself. And it's in that quiet space where your confidence either disappears completely or it begins to rebuild. And I have been there more than once.
Susie Batista (01:48)
And sometimes it's business and sometimes it's personal. And what I've learned is this. Confidence isn't something that you just get back. It's something that you rebuild differently. And here's the truth about confidence. People think confidence means being really loud or fearless and certain. And in my experience, it's just not like that. It's that really quiet belief that whatever If it happens, you'll handle it. And it's built in the moments that no one really sees. And when you show up after being knocked down or when you try again, even though you're Our hands are still shaking a little bit from last time. And most of us lose confidence because we start attaching our worth to our results. I'm going to say that again because I think this is key. We lose confidence because we start attaching our worth to our results. The project fails, so we think that we failed. But confidence has nothing to do with outcome. It's about identity. It's who you still are when everything else gets stripped away and when things just go wrong. And rebuilding starts really, really small. So when I was rebuilding, after selling my design business, I genuinely felt completely untethered.
Susie Batista (03:47)
I went from being the expert in what I did and feeling so comfortable. I had my team, I knew design inside and out, and I felt like I was really starting again. New Instagram, this whole property world. It was such a new industry, new rules, and a new version of me. And at first, I was definitely trying to get back to how I used to feel. And I would say that was the biggest mistake that I made because I was never meant to go back. I was just meant to rebuild and be stronger and wiser and more grounded. And rebuilding confidence isn't about pretending that everything's fine. It's about creating proof that you can move again. And it always starts with one thing, like a tiny win. One conversation, one idea, one action. It doesn't just fix everything. But it gives your mind evidence that you're not stuck. There are four R's that I've created, and I've created them to try and have a better way to rebuild. These are things that I use and that I talk about. It's not really a formula, it's just rhythm that helps you move through the mess, I guess.
Susie Batista (05:37)
So the first one of the four R's, reflect. Don't just rush past the pain. Sit with it long enough to understand what actually happened. And you can't really rebuild things from denial, only from the truth. What actually happened? And ask yourself, what did this teach me that success never could? What did this teach me that success never could? What did this failure teach me? What did this hardship teach me? Because I'm coming out of it, what did it teach me? The second one is reframe. This is something that, gosh, if you ever say anything to me that's slightly negative, I will come down hard on you on this one. So change the language. Instead of, I failed, say, That experience taught me what doesn't work for me. It sounds like woo-whu and a bit small, but language is everything, and it shifts your energy from a Claim to ownership. Number three, reconnect. When things go wrong, people tend to isolate and hide away, and that is totally normal. It's human. It's nature. But rebuilding is faster when you reconnect with people who remind you who you are. It's not a coincidence that community is the buzzword at the moment.
Susie Batista (07:30)
It goes back to where we all started, whatever religion you are, whatever faith you have, somewhere within your story, there's been a community that started at the beginning. And if you just find that one person even who makes you feel seen and not judged, sometimes that's all you need to get moving again. So reconnect with your community and you'll bounce back faster. Number four is recommit. And I would say this is the most important one. Confidence doesn't come from pep talks. It comes from commitment. So you need to decide what your next move is and stick to it long enough to see the progress. Decide what your next move is and stick to it long to see progress. It's quite simple, actually. And even if it's tiny, keep with it, because momentum is so much louder than motivation. So when you feel like you've lost yourself, if you're in that stage right now of rebuilding uncertainty, trying to figure it all out, And I've been there on many of occasions, and it's one of the worst places to be, actually. It just doesn't feel good. Please know this. You haven't lost your confidence. You've just lost your connexion with it.
Susie Batista (09:17)
And that connexion comes back the moment you take even the smallest step forward. And you don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to move. Just take action. Every action, every choice, every time you get up and try again, that's confidence being rebuilt in actual time. And that is what true confidence looks like. It's calm, and it's earned, and it's yours. If you like anything you hear in this podcast, please drop me a DM on Instagram. Send me an email, susanne@justbuildit.uk I love to hear from you. I love to help. And just remember, confidence isn't found, it's built.
Connect with Susie:
Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website
Transcript:
Susie Batista (00:00)
Welcome to the Just Build It podcast. I am your host, Susie Batista.
Susie Batista (00:05)
And before being a full-time property developer, I built and sold a luxury interior design firm. That chapter taught me far more than how to run a business. It taught me about standards, pressure, and confidence. This podcast is a space to talk honestly about money, mindset, and all the small decisions that shape our lives over time. If you're building something in business, in property, or in yourself, you're in the right place.
Susie Batista (00:33)
This is Just Build It. Welcome to episode five of the Just Build It podcast. Once again, thank you for sticking around. This episode has been Requested, actually. And when I asked more people about it, I got the same response that people are curious and slightly confused about what it's like to work with a mentor or a coach. And it's something that I bang on about all the time. So this episode is dedicated to mentorship. It's going to be about what it is, what it isn't, and why it really matters, and how it absolutely changed my life. So just to be clear, mentorship isn't about motivation so much or validation, or somebody to just cheer you on and say, Yeah, come on, you can do it. I found that mentorship is really about making quality decisions. So a lot of the things that a mentor will talk to you about or a coach, you know. You know what you need to do, but you just get so confused. There's so many paths, there's so many different directions that you just don't quite know how to do it so you don't do it. And a mentor will absolutely hold you accountable.
Susie Batista (02:08)
And most people don't need more information. We've got a wealth of information at our fingertips. And now with ChatGPT and so much content on social media, there's loads and loads of information out there. But we need better judgement and sharper priorities and fewer expensive mistakes. Oh, my God. I've got three mentors now, which is crazy. And each one has saved me thousands. Trust me, thousands. And each one has made me thousands. And I think this is what people can't get their heads around, the upfront cost of a mentor. And when When I first got my coach, and I'll go into a little bit about coaching and mentorship, but I started with a business coach, and that was somebody that I found after doing an incredible Tony Robbins seminar. And I just asked somebody who is very, very... He's well known in the area. He's got a very established magazine. He knows everybody. And after this Tony Robbins seminar, I messaged him said, I need a coach. I need a business coach, and I need him to be the best business coach you know. And he just straight away sent me a message back within minutes with the name of my business coach, which is Mr. Carl Morris, absolute hero of mine.
Susie Batista (03:48)
And before I started working with Carl, my design business was okay. I had a couple of members of staff. We had a very small office, and the Projects were coming in, but I did not have a clue how to run a business. Not a clue. Anyway, I got Carl, and he helped me transform that business into a systemised, well-managed, well-led, happy team. I knew what cash was coming in. I knew what cash was coming out. I knew what made me profit. He pushed my boundaries massively. And ultimately, he was the one that helped me sell the business. This is a funny story. I was just going to close the business down. I decided that property was what I wanted to do. The demand and the stress and everything of working with these footballers and high net-worth clients, it gets to you in the end. And we were already doing property, doing doing big things. And so I was going to close the business down. And I had a session with Carl. And I said, Carl, the time has come for me to close the business down. And he just went, what? Close it. And I was like, yeah, I'm just going to close it.
Susie Batista (05:18)
And he said, Susie, you are going to sell that business. And when you think, wait, this is an interior design business. A, who buys an interior design business? B, I am the face of the business. See, I am just not the person who would ever sell a business. It's not me. And long story short, from that conversation to selling the business, we're talking about three months. Would I have been able to do that without a coach? No, no way. So I'm telling you all these little stories to inspire to really, really think if you want growth, if you want the next level, if you want to make clearer decisions, having a mentor or a coach is key. But something that I do need to I do need to touch on this, though, mentorship isn't a guarantee of success. You have to put in the work. And I believe that because you're made to be accountable and because it It's a hell of a lot of money. And like I said, when I first started working with a business coach, I did not have the funds. So it was almost £2,000 a month. Right then in my business, I was like, I just don't have a spare £2,000.
Susie Batista (06:49)
And luckily, because of this seminar, Tony Romen said, You just go for it. You will find the money. Have you ever been in that situation where you've got You've got something coming up or you've got a big payment or you don't know how you're going to pay something, but it always works out. You always find it. Trust me, trust me. That is what this is like. You find it. But it isn't a guarantee of success. You have to be willing to put the work in. And I know with all of my mentors, they've worked with people that haven't put the work in. Every single session, they've not done what is been advised, and they've let people go. So you have to put the work in. And a mentor won't so much fix your business. They don't just tell you what to do. They'll help your thought process, which is a sign of a very, very, very good coach. Don't just expect somebody to come and just give you a blueprint and tell you what to do and say, go on, do it. They'll make your brain And Carl always used to do that to me.
Susie Batista (08:02)
So what do you think about this, Susie? What do you think is the right decision? And I'd be like, Carl, can you not just tell me? And he'd go, Well, no, you need to figure this out. So then I'd start to really think and I'd go through my thought process and he'd say, Okay, that's good. But have you thought about this? Okay, but if you did that, what would happen then? And I'd go, Well, yeah, if I actually did that, then so and so might And he'd go, do you want them to leave? And I'd go, no. And he'd go, so maybe think about something else. So I'd have to think about something else. And in the end, I'd get there. And it was almost like he was doing those flow charts. Yes, no. But I was the one doing the thinking. Does that make sense? So, gosh, I really can't rave about this guy enough. And another myth that I've heard somebody say, which I I just think is crazy, that paying for a mentor means that I'm going to be seen as weak or behind or that I don't know what I'm doing in my business.
Susie Batista (09:10)
Oh, my gosh. Anybody who thinks that needs serious mindset shifts. I just think that's really sad. And all you're thinking about is what other people think. That's all you care about, what other people think versus what is best for your business and what is best for you? So if that's you or if those thoughts have ever cropped up, that's something deeper that you need to work on. Because working with a mentor is one of the bravest, strongest things that you could actually do. So let me just explain who I believe mentorship is for and who it is not for. So who it is not for, let's start with that. It's not for people who just need constant reassurance instead of taking responsibility. It's not for somebody that just needs a yes man. And it's not for people looking for shortcuts. Yes, it can save time and it can save money, a lot of money from learning from mistakes, but it's not a quick scale to six...
Welcome to the Just Build It podcast. I am your host, Susie Batista. And before being a full-time property developer, I built and sold a luxury interior design firm. That chapter taught me far more than how to run a business. It taught me about standards, pressure, and confidence. This podcast is a space to talk honestly about money, mindset, and all the small decisions that shape our lives over time. If you're building something in business, in property, or in yourself, you're in the right place. This is Just Build It. Today's episode is a really special one for me because it's not just about showcasing somebody I admire, it's about letting you in on the behind the scenes of my own journey. Every step I've taken so far in building my personal brand has been shaped by the conversations I've had with today's guest. Dawn isn't just a mentor and coach. She's been my sounding board, my challenger, my biggest pusher when I wanted to play small, and the calm voice when I wanted to throw it all in. We're going to talk honestly about what it really takes to grow, the blocks I've had to work through, and the lessons that aren't in the textbooks.
Susie Batista (01:13)
So if you've ever wondered what it's like to work with a coach, or if you're curious about the shifts that actually change someone's life and business, this one's for you. Let's dive into the conversation with Dawn McGroer. Dawn.
Dawn McGruer (01:28)
Susie.
Susie Batista (01:30)
Thank you, first of all, for coming on one of my very first podcasts. I would just like everybody to know how we initially met. That was through a mutual friend who gave me a call and said, A good friend of mine, Dawn, have you heard of her? I was like, Yes. Already followed her. She wants somebody to come on her podcast. She wants somebody that's maybe into property. I recommended you. We had a chat, came to your retreat, came onto the podcast. From that very retreat, everything changed for me. Everything became very clear on you, the people that you work with. A couple of days after that retreat, I said to Romeo, I feel like I really want to work with this woman. He said, Well, message her. We had a couple of glasses of wine. Message you. We had a lunch, and this was only What? About eight weeks ago, something like that.
Dawn McGruer (02:32)
Yeah, literally. Yeah, two months.
Susie Batista (02:33)
And within those two months, I have started my personal Instagram brand. I have been on a panel I have my first big speaking gig, and I have now started a podcast. So for anybody who's ever on the fence about a mentor or a coach, that's just proving that That with the right coach and the right mentor, big things can happen, right?
Dawn McGruer (03:07)
Yeah, and I think it's about trust on both parts. I think one of the things that people forget is the working relationship and the mentoring is about the energy that you get, because if it doesn't feel right, then it's not going to flow. I think this is one of the things I always say, that never go into something unless you have that gut feel, that absolute feeling like this is going to be the thing. Every time I've done that myself, it's been the best investment I've done. So I totally agree.
Susie Batista (03:43)
Tell us in a Nutshell, what you actually do now as a mentor.
Dawn McGruer (03:50)
I think this is the thing because obviously on LinkedIn and Instagram, and I'm fairly new to Instagram, only been on it for a few years, everything is very much around your key content pillars and what you want to be seen and heard for. I think the difficulty is, is trying to explain without confusing exactly what I do because everybody sees me forward front as a mentor. I would say my key specialist area is as a scaling strategist. So I knew from a very young age that I could look at a business, I could look at the model, and I would know whether it worked or not. And And that only came from having so many epic fails myself when I started my business. And it was almost like a formula that I had to go through to test, to test, to test, to see these critical areas. These five critical areas that I always look for in a business. And if someone said to me, what do I do? I'm a speaker, I'm an author, I'm a podcaster, I'm a strategist, I'm an investor, I have multiple other businesses. But I I think, really, if you were to put it under one term, it's an entrepreneur because there's always something new every single day.
Dawn McGruer (05:07)
I don't know if I'll ever be done. I'm on my third book now, I'm on my fourth business. Do I see anything stopping? No, I'm 46. I still feel like I'm at the beginning. Everything is fresh, everything is exciting. And I just know that there is still more magic to come, more excitement. And every single day, I'm tested. I think what people think is Being in business, you know what you're doing. Like 25 years on, I must know exactly what's happening. No, I don't. I still have the same challenges, but it's all relative. It's different challenges. So in the beginning of a business, you have challenges maybe around cash flow. So you only switch those up for maybe having more team challenges. I think the thing is that people say, Oh, I'm having a really tough time in business. We all do, and it will never change. But half of that is the fun of being able to create and direct. Because when I think about my most epic fails, I'm like, honestly, the tears, the sleepless nights and everything, the resilience that's given me is huge. I am fearless, I am unshakable, I'm unapologetic, I know what I'm going to do, and I do it.
Dawn McGruer (06:18)
So it just goes in cycles. And I think sometimes we go full circle. And some days I remember that same feeling of starting my business because I'm tapping into that again, because I'm starting something something new. I think the thing here is that whatever you see online, it's just a small snapshot of what we're doing. But behind the scenes, I didn't create what I've got now overnight. It's taken 25 years. And when we When we think about the issues and the challenges, I would urge someone to actually go and embrace them because as much as you feel the feel, and it feels that you're never going to get past it, everything will be okay. It is. This is what I always tell people, there is nothing outside of your health that can't be changed. I'd always say that if you are feeling in business that it is tough, just speak to someone because it just changes it. It's almost like your epiphany moment is sharing that problem and just getting someone's perspective. Also, you're running it through in your own head all the time. We can't outthink ourselves in a problem. We have to get it outside of our body.
Dawn McGruer (07:31)
So what do I do? I just think serial entrepreneur, and I think fundamentally, I just want to do unto others, have done to myself. And I think that is my ethos in life and business.
Susie Batista (07:47)
I briefly know your background only because I'm very inquisitive and we had a lovely lunch and I was asking you, how did it all start? Where did it all...
Transcript:
Welcome to the Just Build It podcast. I am your host, Susie Batista. And before being a full-time property developer, I built and sold a luxury interior design firm. That chapter taught me far more than how to run a business. It taught me about standards, pressure, and confidence. This podcast is a space to talk honestly about money, mindset, and all the small decisions that shape our lives over time. If you're building something in business, in property, or in yourself, you're in the right place. This is Just Build It. Welcome to episode three of the Just Build It podcast. Thank you for sticking with me. So this episode is going to be about social media and visibility and why showing up on social media changes everything. But I'm not talking about it today in the way that it's usually talked about. So honestly, I really don't know anything about algorithms or trends or vanity metrics or growing to millions. That's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm here to talk about how social media can just be truly incredible for your business, especially within home staging, interior design, property, Because that's what I know. And I can just home in on my experiences with social media, and how incredible that has actually been.
If it wasn't for social media and Instagram, I truly don't think I would have been able to sell my design business the way I did. So the person that bought the business was somebody that followed me on Instagram. And then I did a post about my business coach. Just a story, actually, not even a post. I did a story with my business coach and this particular person saw the story. She reached out to my business coach and started working with him because amazingly, she just thought, Okay, well, if he's coaching Susie and she's doing well. Then I want him to coach me. And then when I came to sell the business, he put the two of us together and the rest is history. So it really can be absolutely life-changing. And I bang on about social media and how people really need to show up and show their faces to so many of my designer friends who are incredible at what they do. Their designs are insane. And you know I'm talking about you, you guys. Their designs are amazing, and yet they're still not showing their face that much on social media. And it's just crazy because it's really what people want to see.
And I truly believe this, that people don't lack the ability. They just lack confidence in how they show up on social media. But when it's used properly, it's one of the safest places to practise being visible. And I just think you're just talking to your phone, you're behind a screen, you're not in front of hundreds of people. It's so safe to practise being visible. And I just think you might just recognise that in yourself. But hopefully, just that little one-liner can change things for you. It's one of the safest places to practise being visible. And when I first started with my home staging business, I just thought, I'm just going to have to start showing people what I'm doing. And for me, it was more that I wanted more work. And how I used to knock on estate agent doors and hand I'll send out flyers and try and be in magazines. And then I thought, how else do I reach people? I know. I'll get an Instagram and I'll start showing people what I'm doing. Because if I show people what I'm doing, then hopefully they'll book me for work. And it's really as simple as that.
It's really as simple as that. Show people what you do, show people who you are. And then they trust you, and then they invite you around, and then you can start working for them. It's not complicated, really. And I think what a lot of people do is they, from the very beginning, they think that they'll start posting more when they're more established, or they'll start posting more when they feel more confident, or when they look the part, or when they know exactly what they're doing or talking about. But But that is not a strategy to start gaining more clients and making more money through social media. And people are so worried about being judged, and they're worried about saying the wrong thing, and they're worried about not being taken seriously. And every time you hide from showing up on social media, you just reinforce that belief in yourself that you're just not ready. And you just have to practise it. And as I bang on, the confidence doesn't arrive, and then you show up. You show up, and then the confidence is built in the whole process. And social media really isn't about being polished, and it's not about practising things over and over again.
Every time that you complete a post, or you speak on camera on stories, or you share a thought, or you explain something that you know, what you're actually doing is teaching your nervous system that I can be seen and yet I'm still alive. And I find it so easy now to be able to just show up on stories. And I think how I've always dealt with this is that I am building a community of incredible, lovely, supportive people. And when I'm I'm talking, I'm just talking to you guys. Just like now in my podcast, I really do feel like everything I express in the way that I'm talking, I'm just talking to just incredibly great people that need to hear something on that particular day or needs inspiring or needs that confidence boost. And I'm here to help And that is the same with social media. You are there to... The best way to sell on social media is to show people how you can help them. How can your designs or how can your properties or if you're not in the property industry, whatever you're doing, what are you doing to help people? I feel like we all love to help people.
And as soon as you get that into your brain, that was a bit harsh, get that into your brain. As soon as you start to realise that, okay, I'm going to show up on stories, and I'm going to make a post, and I'm going to talk myself because I want to help people, then would you not do that? And also, don't forget that Because this is major. People don't trust what they can't see. And it's so true. Why are we so scared of the dark? We can't see it. We don't know what's there. It doesn't feel good. And people don't invest in what they don't understand. If you want people to buy from you and book you for your services and you're charging good amounts of money, how can they do that if they don't really understand what you're offering or who you actually are? So here's some Advice. If you are just going through all the feels right now in terms of social media. Repetition. The more you speak and the more you do it, the more natural your voice becomes. But you've got to start and you've got to do it. And you'll look back at those posts from the beginning and you'll just be like, Oh my God, how cringe.
But After the fifth post, and the 10th, and the 20th, and the 100th, you'll be like, God, you've got it down to a T. And the second is clarity. So explaining something publicly forces you to understand it properly. And I definitely found this on our property page on RSPN. The more I was able to talk about base rates and numbers and percentages and yields and try and help other people, the more I really, really started to understand it myself and had utter clarity of what our business was and how it functions and how property functions. So it will benefit you as well as your listeners. And proof. So stop guessing whether you can do this. Just do it and you'll see the evidence. You'll see the proof there. Just stop overthinking it. Stop wondering, Can I do it? Just do it and you'll see there, black and white. You've done it. You've made a post. It's fine. Nobody died. Everybody loved it. And the fourth piece of advice is to carry over confidence. And this is the really important part. So what you practise online will naturally spill into real life. So if you can get on stories and you can get behind a camera, and you can do a post, a talking post, and you can explain things to people.
If you can actually do that behind a camera, then it's going to start to reveal itself in real life, too. You'll start...
Transcript:
Susie Batista (00:00)
Welcome to the Just Build It podcast. I am your host, Susie Batista.
Susie Batista (00:05)
And before being a full-time property developer, I built and sold a luxury interior design firm. That chapter taught me far more than how to run a business. It taught me about standards, pressure, and confidence. This podcast is a space to talk honestly about money, mindset, and all the small decisions that shape our lives over time. If you're building something in business, in property, or in yourself, you're in the right place. This is Just Build It.
Susie Batista (00:35)
Welcome to episode 2 of the Just Build It podcast. Thank you for sticking around. I appreciate that. So this episode is all about confidence and where it really comes from. And some people may be surprised to hear that I was actually such a shy child. I, acutely shy, used to hide behind my parents' legs and just really not want to talk to anybody. I'd get dropped off at brownies or rainbows when they had events and there'd be people there that I didn't know, and I'd just be so upset. I was talking to my dad about this the other day, And I said, Dad, what did you use to think? He said, I'll be honest, I was worried about you. I was worried that you'd just turn into a really shy adult. So what he did is he started at a very early age to push me out of my comfort zone. So for example, we were walking home one day, I think I was about eight or nine, and somebody had left their keys in their car door. Yes, Gen Zs. That was a thing. You had to open up your car door with a set of keys, not just like a ding, ding.
Susie Batista (02:09)
Anyway, keys were in the car door and my dad said, Soos, go and knock on their front door. He stood at the end of the drive, go and knock on their front door, tell them that they've left their keys in their car. And for a very, very, very shy eight-year-old, can you imagine? But I did it because I respected my mum and my dad greatly. So I did it. And then afterwards, he said, How did that make you feel? I was like, Actually, really good. And you're like, Wow, I actually did it. And lots of little things like that along the way, always, you know, Sue's, go and ask the waitress over there where our drinks are. Or go and ask the waitress over there for colouring books. And I'd go and do it, again, because I respected my parents. But all All those little acts very quietly, but confidently, pushed me out of my comfort zone. And I guess made me realise that what was I so worried about? As soon as you start to actually do it, you're like, That wasn't so bad. And with me, For me, especially, I would say confidence was 100 % not a personality trait.
Susie Batista (03:35)
It was something that I really did build through taking action. And I know there are many people out there who come out of the room singing and dancing and twirling and My daughter is definitely one of those people. And we all look at her and say, who's daughter is this? So sometimes you've either got it or you've not. But that's from a real personal confidence inside of you. But in terms of confidence with business, and I think this is where a lot of people do get stuck. Most people wait to feel confident before doing something really bold. So they wait to be a bit more knowledgeable or all those sorts of things before doing something bold. But confidence doesn't show up before the action. It shows up after. And there have been so many times where I have felt completely underqualified and not confident. And I sometimes think, what belief held me back for too long? And I would say that was definitely a belief in property. And I've said this before, when I have my design firm, I could design houses all day long. But when it came to buying them and bridging them and refinancing them and then selling them, that was just like learning Chinese.
Susie Batista (05:19)
It sounds really simple, and it actually is very simple, but I had it in my head that I wasn't going to be good at it because put an Excel spreadsheet, a spreadsheet in front of me and start giving me big numbers and percentages and yields and all that stuff. And I just go, oh. And property is very, very number, number heavy. And so I did use to walk into these networking events, being from a design world to suddenly being a property developer after I saw my business and just thinking, Oh my God, I don't know what I'm talking about. I did not feel confident, but I did it because I'd always been taught that from my mentors, from coaches. Get yourself in those rooms that feel big and scary and push you out of your comfort zone, and you will just come out so good from it. And I stick by that. And I invite you to do the same. Just push yourself out of your comfort zone, and the confidence really will follow. And it's totally earned by doing the thing before you feel ready. And I would say to you, if you want to take some action on confidence, then try and pick that one thing that makes you feel super uncomfortable, whether that is going to a networking event or standing up and doing a talk about your expertise or be on a panel, go on a podcast.
Susie Batista (07:13)
There's all these incredible opportunities There's a lot of changes out there that will push you. And you won't always feel confident about it. The very first time I got up on stage, in my head, I was going to be all right. And I was excited about it. I'd really, really planned everything down to the T, and I got on stage and I just felt so nervous. My voice started to warble. I had these cue cards. I was holding cue cards and holding a mic and everything was getting really slippy and I was forgetting my next slide, and it was just... I felt like it went terrible. But the feedback I had from that was that it was amazing. That inspired people. But I did it because I've got on my vision boards. I've had on my vision boards for ages that I'm going to stand and do public speaking. And you've got to start, right? Can't just dream about it. So I did it. And then after that, I felt amazing. And then since then, the more I've done, it just... You still get that little nervous feeling, but the confidence is definitely growing. So it's amazing.
Susie Batista (08:27)
So do that one thing that makes you uncomfortable. Book the networking event, reach out to somebody, ask somebody for a coffee that you're always nervous about asking, and do it without negotiating with yourself. Just Do it really, really quickly. If you're listening to this podcast, you're in the car, pull over, write an email, pull over, write a text message. If you're listening to it on a walk, get your phone out and do that thing. Then you're like, I've done it. I've done it. And let the confidence follow because trust me, it will follow. And don't forget to just keep going. You're closer than you think. And just to end it, nothing changes without taking massive action.
