Explore every episode of the podcast The Platespinning Academy Podcast

Stepping into self-employment can feel like freedom, but here’s the catch - you might end up being your own worst boss. In this episode, I’m talking about how to avoid that trap by adopting a CEO mindset and creating your own employment contract.

When you’re self-employed, it’s easy to let work hours creep longer, skip breaks, or overcommit yourself. That’s why I recommend setting clear terms for how you’ll work - just like you’d expect in a traditional job. Think about working hours, break times, and the conditions you’ll stick to for your own well-being and productivity.

I’ll walk you through how this simple practice has helped me stay efficient, avoid burnout, and maintain a better work-life balance. I even suggest making your contract visible, reviewing it quarterly, and using it as a tool for decision-making - like setting boundaries or knowing when it’s time to outsource a task.

Becoming your own boss should mean leading yourself well. Let’s make sure you’re not just working harder, but smarter, too.

About Nic:

I'm a home organisation and lifestyle mentor. I help business owners get life organised at home, so they can reclaim their headspace, time and energy needed to grow and run a successful business.

I've navigated through adverse times with hard-hitting curveballs that have forced me to re-assess the importance of self-care and having firm boundaries in place, as well as becoming more organised in the day-to-day running of home, business, and life in general.

My mission is to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to create a business they love, without feeling held back by household obligations, or adversity. Drawing upon a diverse range of life experience, I'm building an online community that supports anyone who is struggling to balance home life and business together.

Platespinning Academy Facebook Group

Get Life Organised Book

Join my Platespinning Academy Accountability Club

Nics North West Business Network

Have you ever wondered where all your time actually goes? I’m diving into the game-changing practice of time tracking - a crucial first step before you can master time blocking or effective scheduling.

Time tracking is about more than just jotting down tasks; it’s about understanding how long things truly take and weaving that knowledge into your day-to-day routine. My experience with time audits goes back to my days in the fire service, where tracking our hours was non-negotiable. Later, I experimented with my own notepad time-tracking system, and the insights were eye-opening.

Yes, time tracking can feel like a lot of work upfront, but it’s worth it. It helps pinpoint where your time is slipping away, highlights inefficiencies, and helps you build a work pattern that actually works. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to get started and why periodic time audits are a powerful tool for managing your productivity like a pro.

About Nic:

I'm a home organisation and lifestyle mentor. I help business owners get life organised at home, so they can reclaim their headspace, time and energy needed to grow and run a successful business.

I've navigated through adverse times with hard-hitting curveballs that have forced me to re-assess the importance of self-care and having firm boundaries in place, as well as becoming more organised in the day-to-day running of home, business, and life in general.

My mission is to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to create a business they love, without feeling held back by household obligations, or adversity. Drawing upon a diverse range of life experience, I'm building an online community that supports anyone who is struggling to balance home life and business together.

Platespinning Academy Facebook Group

Get Life Organised Book

Join my Platespinning Academy Accountability Club

Nics North West Business Network

Is self-employment really a choice, or is it sometimes a necessity? This is something I’ve thought about a lot, and in this episode, I’m sharing my own journey to unpack it.

For me, the idea of self-employment started to take shape out of frustration with traditional jobs. The inflexibility, the lack of control - it was draining. I’ll never forget being disciplined at work for something as simple as answering a necessary phone call, or the time I was at risk of losing my job because I didn’t get pre-approval to visit my dying mother. Those experiences shook me, and they made me realise that the “security” of a traditional job often comes at a huge personal cost.

Self-employment isn’t without its challenges. The financial risks, the constant problem-solving, and the pressure to keep things moving - it’s not easy. But for me, the trade-off is worth it. The flexibility and autonomy I’ve gained mean I can make decisions that work for my life and priorities, rather than living on someone else’s terms.

I also know that not everyone enters self-employment by choice. Toxic work environments or personal circumstances can push people into it. For many, going back to a traditional job just isn’t an option anymore.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the realities of self-employment, the risks, and the rewards. I’ll also share how to build systems and strategies to make it work for you, no matter how you’ve come to be here. Because whether it’s a choice or a necessity, self-employment can be a path to creating the life you want - on your terms.

About Nic:

I'm a home organisation and lifestyle mentor. I help business owners get life organised at home, so they can reclaim their headspace, time and energy needed to grow and run a successful business.

I've navigated through adverse times with hard-hitting curveballs that have forced me to re-assess the importance of self-care and having firm boundaries in place, as well as becoming more organised in the day-to-day running of home, business, and life in general.

My mission is to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to create a business they love, without feeling held back by household obligations, or adversity. Drawing upon a diverse range of life experience, I'm building an online community that supports anyone who is struggling to balance home life and business together.

Platespinning Academy Facebook Group

Get Life Organised Book

Join my Platespinning Academy Accountability Club

Nics North West Business Network

Let’s talk about self-care—the kind that doesn’t get the Instagram spotlight. I’m diving into what I like to call "unsexy self-care" because, while bubble baths and spa days are great, they’re not the real foundation of looking after ourselves.

In this episode, I’m getting real about the basics: drinking enough water, eating proper meals (at the right times and in the right portions), and making sure you’re getting the sleep your body actually needs. These might not sound glamorous, but they’re absolutely essential for keeping your brain and body functioning at their best—especially if you’re running a business or just trying to keep up with life’s demands.

I also get honest about overworking and pulling all-nighters. Sure, they might feel unavoidable sometimes, but they should never become the norm. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour—it’s a roadblock to everything you’re working so hard to achieve.

If you’re ready to strip self-care back to its foundations and start making choices that support your long-term success and wellbeing, this episode is for you. Let’s stop glorifying the grind and start taking care of the basics that really matter.

About Nic:

I'm a home organisation and lifestyle mentor. I help business owners get life organised at home, so they can reclaim their headspace, time and energy needed to grow and run a successful business.

I've navigated through adverse times with hard-hitting curveballs that have forced me to re-assess the importance of self-care and having firm boundaries in place, as well as becoming more organised in the day-to-day running of home, business, and life in general.

My mission is to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to create a business they love, without feeling held back by household obligations, or adversity. Drawing upon a diverse range of life experience, I'm building an online community that supports anyone who is struggling to balance home life and business together.

Platespinning Academy Facebook Group

Get Life Organised Book

Join my Platespinning Academy Accountability Club

Nics North West Business Network

Hey there, and welcome to the very first episode of The Platespinning Academy Podcast! I’m Nic Davies, productivity mentor, entrepreneur, and someone who knows all too well what it’s like to try and keep all those plates spinning without letting them come crashing down.

Over the years, I’ve juggled multiple businesses, projects, and personal commitments, and let me tell you—it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’ve faced my fair share of curveballs, but through trial, error, and a lot of lessons learned, I’ve discovered what works when it comes to avoiding burnout and building resilience.

Here on the podcast, I’ll be sharing those insights, along with practical tips to help you balance your business and personal life. I’ll dive into topics like:

• Organisation and finding a system that actually works
• Goal setting that feels achievable, not overwhelming
• Building strategies and structures to support your growth
• Staying motivated when it feels like the wheels are falling off
• And—this is a big one—accountability to help you stay on track

I know how chaotic life can feel when you’re spinning so many plates, so my goal is to provide you with tailored, actionable advice to make things a little easier. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or just someone feeling stretched too thin, this podcast is for you.

So, let’s kick things off together. I’m excited to help you find your balance and build the systems you need to thrive - without sacrificing your sanity along the way.

About Nic:

I'm a home organisation and lifestyle mentor. I help business owners get life organised at home, so they can reclaim their headspace, time and energy needed to grow and run a successful business.

I've navigated through adverse times with hard-hitting curveballs that have forced me to re-assess the importance of self-care and having firm boundaries in place, as well as becoming more organised in the day-to-day running of home, business, and life in general.

My mission is to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to create a business they love, without feeling held back by household obligations, or adversity. Drawing upon a diverse range of life experience, I'm building an online community that supports anyone who is struggling to balance home life and business together.

Platespinning Academy Facebook Group

Get Life Organised Book

Join my Platespinning Academy Accountability Club

Nics North West Business Network