Tea with the Queen

I love sales. There, I said it. I genuinely, wholeheartedly love it, not just tolerate it because I have to. My love affair with sales started at 11 years old with a plastic table on my driveway, selling cordial and icy poles. That spark never faded, and this year I've embraced it fully, creating structures that teach sales for women in a way that feels authentic and natural, free of that salesy ick. Today I'm sharing my journey and why sales sits at the centre of every successful business.This year has been massive for us. The BD Sprint, originally intended as a simple challenge, transformed into a powerful programme that broke records and reshaped our approach. Participants saw their networks expanding with new connections, phone calls, meetings and ultimately, sales. The challenge proved that women are eager to learn sales techniques that align with their strengths, and when given the right tools, women kill it at sales. I'll walk you through why so many women struggle with sales, why it's not their fault and how we're flipping the script.At its core, sales for women is about connecting, building trust, and supporting one another, not pressure. I'll share why traditional sales methods overlook women's natural strengths, how the BD Sprint and 100 No's Challenge celebrate women's unique selling style, and why I'm writing a book to dismantle the myths around sales. Remember this: selling is not about manipulation; it's ultimately about service and connection. And it can be your superpower in business if you let it.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

If you want the year ahead to look different to the one that’s just gone, you need to design it differently.It’s all very lovely to have wish lists of what you’d like to happen in a perfect world, but if you actually want to see change, you need a structured, intentional plan that excites you. Get that butchers paper ready because it’s time to create your road map for 2026 and get inspired for the year ahead.Key Takeaways:Set a clear vision for 2026 with three to five actionable goals for life and businessReview your existing offers before creating new ones, refine what's already workingGet comfortable with your numbers and break revenue goals into manageable pieces (aim for 40% profit margin)Focus on two to three key projects and break them into small, digestible stepsCreate accountability structures with regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly)Your plan doesn't need to be perfect!Questions to ask yourself to help create your 2026 road mapDesigning your year boils down to clarity, alignment, and action. It’s not about perfection. You don't need a flawless plan; just a roadmap that guides you with intention. If this year has been a challenging one for you, please know that the new one doesn’t have to be the same. Here's to your most successful, intentional, and fulfilling year yet. Cheers to 2026!Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

We all find ourselves procrastinating at some point, don't we? It's like there's this invisible force holding us back from tackling those tasks we know we should be doing. But have you ever paused to ask yourself why? I’ll let you in on a little secret: I procrastinate quite a bit. I know many of you might be surprised by that, but I too suffer from analysis paralysis at times. Especially if the task ahead of me is one I know will take me a while. So how do I push past the resistance? Here’s a framework with 3 practical ways you can structure your time and space, and get you thinking about how to beat procrastination: Take It One Step at a TimeGive Yourself Very Clear DeadlinesDitch Distractions and Celebrate the WinsOnce you've given one of these steps a shot, I’d love to hear about your experience. Send me a DM on Instagram or drop me a message. Let me know how you're getting on. I always love to hear from you!LINKS:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

As we wrap up the year, I'm taking you through an honest reflection of what life and business brought me. The good, the challenging, the messy and the magic. Life and business rarely move in straight lines. They weave together, influence each other and shape who we become. Today I'm sharing my own reflection in the hope that you can reflect on your year as well.I'm walking you through life first, the beautiful moments and the tough ones. This year brought a wonderful family trip to New York and Canada, moving into our eco-friendly dream house, and my bonus daughter getting engaged. But it also brought losing my beloved 16-year-old dog Spency, a cancer diagnosis with two surgeries, and landing in emergency the night before hosting a 75-women event. Then we'll talk business: the wins, the challenges and what nearly broke me, including why a 12-week launch was simply too much.I'll share the biggest learnings from this year, from prioritising systems over speed to the irreplaceable magic of face-to-face connections. And because I love a good practical reflection, I'll share a simple ritual you can use to close out your own year with clarity and intention. Grab a cup of tea, a piece of paper, and let's reflect on the year together.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

I love a good declutter. If I'm stressed, there’s nothing like removing the household clutter to make my mind feel at ease. The same goes for removing business clutter. It shows up as old habits, outdated systems and clients who just aren't aligned. Subscriptions you've forgotten about, anyone? If you want new results in your business, you need to create space for them to land. Decluttering is truly about who you can become once the clutter is gone.You can't welcome the next version of your business whilst clinging onto the past. Ask yourself: What feels heavy? What no longer serves you? Clearing space isn't about giving up but preparing yourself for what's ahead.As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect and take intentional stock. Ask yourself, what would feel lighter if I let it go? What clutter has quietly been holding me back?Key Takeaways:Business clutter shows up as old habits, outdated systems and misaligned clientsMental clutter includes the endless 'shoulds' and decisions you keep dodgingYou can't welcome the next version of your business whilst clinging to the pastSmall shifts create big changes: cancel subscriptions, update systems, say no to misaligned projectsDecluttering is about preparation, not perfectionIt’s time to clean out the clutter, open those windows and make room for the greatness that's coming next.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

From the outside, the Thriving Women launch looked like a success. You saw the gorgeous photos at events, the polished content, the celebrations. But behind the scenes, life was happening hard. I'm rolling up my sleeves today and sharing the real story of a 12-week launch: the planning, the pressure, the moments I had to dig super deep and the personal heartache I was carrying whilst still showing up.In this episode, I'm walking you through what really happened during those 12 weeks. You'll hear about why a 12-week launch runway felt exhausting, the layers of strategy and emotional load no one talks about and the unseen curveballs life threw at me while I was orchestrating a major launch. I'll also share why I didn't hit my ambitious numbers despite all the hard work, and what that taught me about effort versus output.If you're ever going to do a launch, or if your last one looked like a success but left you wondering if there's a better way, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the wisdom I'm carrying forward: shorter launch runways, prioritising energy and giving yourself grace when life gets busy. When your launch looks like a success but feels like survival, it's time to reassess.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

If your closest friends can't clearly explain what you do, you've got a problem. Recently, a friend who knows my work well, said something that stopped me in my tracks: "Emma, I know you're a business coach for women, but I don't know which women you work with." The realisation hit me like a tonne of bricks. How could I expect people to refer me if even those close to me aren't clear on who I truly help? If people can't easily describe what you do and who you do it for, they can't refer you with confidence.In this episode, I'm sharing why clarity in your business is essential for sparking referrals and opportunities. I take you through a simple experiment to test how clear your message really is. We talk about why simplicity matters more than a polished pitch and how practicing your one-sentence answer can make all the difference. I'll also share why downplaying your work actually makes it harder for people to refer you and the three questions you need to answer to enable your network to champion you.Clarity isn't just about getting noticed, it's about being memorable and letting others speak for you. If you've been wondering why your network isn't sending referrals your way, this episode will show you exactly how to fix it.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

You've crossed that milestone $100K mark. Your friends and family think you're flying, but inside it feels like you're slogging through mud. Amidst the late night spirals, you find yourself asking, "Why does this feel so hard?" If you can relate, this episode is for you.Today, I'm sharing the exact five-step process my clients have used to scale to $300K. You'll discover why clarity is the antidote to confusion, how community becomes an essential part of your growth strategy, and why what works at $50K won't work at $150K. I'll also share why consistent momentum is your secret weapon and how expert support can save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.The journey to scale to $300K isn't about working more hours. It's about intentional actions, smart strategies, and thoughtful planning. If you're tired of guessing and going it alone, this episode will show you the method behind sustainable growth.Key Takeaways:Why laser-focused clarity stops the cycle of overthinking and second-guessingHow building a strong community becomes essential for scaling successfullyWhy personalised guidance matters more as you grow (what works at $50K won't work at $150K)The one habit that creates consistent momentum in your businessHow expert support saves you from costly mistakes and accelerates your growthEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Sponsor the ShowCall for Sponsors

Recently, I was talking to a client, Anna, who perfectly summed up the feeling of being stuck. "I'm too busy working in my business to actually work on it," she sighed.If that sentiment stops you in your tracks, you’re not alone. It’s an exciting (yet often daunting) realisation that every growing entrepreneur faces: You've outgrown the hustle of the freelancer mindset. You're not just delivering tasks anymore; it's time to evolve into a CEO, ready to focus on sustainable growth without the burnout.For years, many of us get stuck running on that treadmill. It’s always moving, but never quite building the sustainable, profitable business we dreamt of. It becomes less about working smart and more about having work that never ends.I want you to understand though, that this stuck feeling isn’t failure. It’s a powerful sign that you are ready to stop doing the work and start leading the work. In thie episode, I break down the signs to look out for that will help you establish when it’s time to move into a CEO mindset, and why it’s an important part of your business growth.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Recently, my lovely friend Emma said something that stopped me in my tracks. "Everything you do at the moment is turning to gold." Initially, it made me smile, perhaps even left me feeling a bit chuffed with myself. But then I started wondering if this was truly the narrative I was living by. What if I dared to believe it?I want to explore how the stories we tell ourselves can change our lives and businesses. A single phrase has the power to alter our emotions, actions, and even what we attract. A simple comment from a friend unlocked more courage, creativity, and productivity in me than I've experienced in years.So I invite you to ask: What stories are you telling yourself? Are they fostering growth or holding you back?If, like me, you find yourself in limiting beliefs, I challenge you to declare, just for a week, that everything you touch turns to gold. Notice the shifts in how you approach meetings, proposals, and client interactions. Sometimes, when you decide to believe in something so positively bold, reality has a way of catching up.For more practical tips on reframing your business narrative, check out Chris Helder’s bestseller "Useful Belief." And remember, the moment you change your self-belief, everything else in your life begins to shift. Thriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Cash flow pressure. Every business owner faces it, whether you've been in the game for three months or three years. That familiar tightening in your chest when a client delays payment, or the sinking feeling when you glance at next month's calendar and notice it's looking sparse. We've all been there.Whilst it might feel like the end of the world, it's actually an opportunity in disguise. With a strategic approach, cash flow pressure can become a powerful catalyst for growth. In this episode, I talk through three practical steps you can take to turn that stress into progress.In business, cash flow pressure will ebb and flow. But your response will set you apart. By staying calm, focused, and connected, your business remains strong through turbulent times.Sales isn't about being pushy. It's about being proactive.Thriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Fifteen years ago, I made a decision that left everyone scratching their heads. I gave up alcohol cold turkey. That choice didn't just transform my physical wellbeing; it fuelled my journey into bigger rooms, helped grow my business and according to my kids, made me the happiest person they know! This is just one example of the impactful choices I call my "secret sauces," significant yet simple actions that have defined me as a mum, businesswoman, and leader.In this episode, I'm sharing the three secret sauces that changed everything for me and helped me to create a joyful life by design. You'll discover how quitting alcohol lifted the mental fog and gave me restorative sleep and energy, why consistently being the small fish in a big pond was crucial for my growth and the intentional daily choices that made my kids say I'm the happiest person they know.These aren't magical elixirs, but the impact they've had is huge. If you're looking for additional energy, growth or clarity in your life and business, this episode will inspire you to cook up your own secret sauces to create the life you truly want.Thriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Only 3% of people use video in their content. Can you believe it?? Even fewer pick up the phone to have actual conversations with potential clients. Which means, if you do both of these things, you're already miles ahead of your competition. Today, I’m giving you the secret sauce that we share on days three and four of the Business Development Sprint. I’ll admit, these days make most people squirm but I promise you, they deliver the biggest results.Day Three: Lights, Camera, ActionIn today's digital world, using video immediately makes you stand out, especially on more polished platforms like LinkedIn. Are you using video yet? If not, let's change that.Tips for Using VideoPractice by saying things out loud to yourself. The tongue has memory and it helps you deliver your message clearer with each attempt.Embrace imperfection. People crave real, unpolished, non-AI content.Use Instagram Stories as your practice ground. They only last 24 hours, perfect for honing your skills without the pressure.Day Four: The Art of the Phone CallUgh. Phone calls. I know just the thought might make your stomach churn but they are incredibly impactful. Three Tips to Make Phone Calls EasierStart safe. Call someone you love first for a little pep talk.Get into state. Have a ritual that puts you in the right mindset, whether that's playing your favourite song, putting on lipstick, or striking a power pose.Make it easier for them. Send a quick text before calling so they can save your number.Are You Ready For The Challenge?As daunting as videos and phone calls may seem, they will stretch you and set you apart from the crowd. Choose to be brave, take action, and watch your business grow. If you want more in-depth help, check out the BD Sprint On-Demand. It's 10 days of structured guidance with resources to back you every step of the way.Let me know how you go. I want to hear all about your brave steps. Are you ready to stand out?LINKS:BD Sprint On DemandPrevious episode mentioned:Business Development Sprint: Here’s How I Structure the First Two DaysThriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

I've had a shocker of a week. Yep, the kind where it feels like the universe truly has it in for me. It started with saying goodbye to my beloved 16-year-old Maltese, Spencer, and then things just kept piling on. Turns out, bad things really do come in threes sometimes.In this episode, I share what happened during one of the toughest weeks I've had in a long time and the surprising lessons I learnt about showing up when life gets hard. You'll discover why I chose to host 75 women at our biggest Go-Getters Day ever instead of cancelling, and what that decision taught me about resilience, adaptability and knowing when to push through versus when to pause.If you're in a season that feels overwhelming, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. It’s also a reminder that being human first is always the priority (yes, even over being a business owner!). Sometimes showing up is enough, and sometimes giving yourself permission to let go and cry is exactly what you need.Thriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Are you in the right room? Not the warm, familiar one where everyone knows your name, but the room that makes you squirm because everyone else seems miles ahead of you. When I first started my business, I was earning exactly zero dollars, yet there I was stepping into a business school surrounded by people making hundreds of thousands, even millions. Did I feel out of my depth? Absolutely. Were there tears? Yes, quite a few. But that intimidating room changed me completely.In this episode, I share what I've learnt about the true value of being the small fish in a big pond and why comfort is actually the enemy of growth. You'll discover why if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room, and how bigger rooms spark bigger ideas. I explore the sweet spot of discomfort where real growth happens and why that queasy feeling when you enter a room is exactly where you need to be.I give you a practical three-step action plan to audit your current rooms, choose stretch over comfort, and find environments that challenge you in the next 90 days. Growth never happens when you're the big fish, so it's time to choose environments that stretch you and illuminate new possibilities. Being the small fish in a big pond just might be where your next breakthrough begins.Thriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Working with family isn't for everyone, but it's been one of the best decisions I've made for my business (and my personal life). I recently jumped on a call with my sister, Serena, to chat about what it’s like behind the scenes at Emma McQueen Ptd Ltd —the perks, the challenges and the crazy in between.Initially, Serena was hesitant to join me. She worried that working together might mess with our personal relationship, especially if things got rocky professionally. Fair concern, really. But once she stepped in, she never looked back—and neither would I want her to. She’s the yin to my yang. For anyone considering working with family, traditional performance metrics and rigid boundaries might not apply—and that's perfectly fine. As long as you communicate effectively and understand each other's strengths and areas for improvement, you can create something that works for both professional success and personal satisfaction.I'm incredibly grateful to have Serena by my side, not just as my sister but as a valued and irreplaceable team member. This dynamic isn't for everyone, but for us, it works like a dream. Have you worked with family? What's your experience been like? Whether you're considering it or already doing it, I'd love to hear your stories—they might just help someone else navigate their own family business journey.Emma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Hands up if you have time in your diary to do business development. If you do, excellent! But everyone I speak to does not. It always drops to the bottom of the priority list, and here's what I've noticed: people think they're doing business development when they're writing content—they're not. You're creating content, posting regularly, but the sales aren't following. The good news? There's a way to cut through the noise and get straight to what actually works.It's called the Business Development Sprint, and let me tell you, it works. We've run it live several times with participants collectively making over $530,000 in just 10 days—in a market where people are saying "it's hard to sell"! In this episode, I'm walking you through the crucial first two days that can change everything. You'll discover why marketing isn't sales, how to carve out that crucial hour daily for actual relationship building, and the simple paper-and-pen exercise that maps your client journey from cold to sold.I share my exact nurturing sequence and why your client journey needs 10-13 touchpoints before clients buy from you. We're not talking automation here—we're talking systematising in a way that keeps interactions human and thoughtful. These first two days are about shifting how you think about sales and creating a foundation for real growth that aligns with who you are.LINKSBD SprintThriving Women 2026 SignupEmma McQueen:WebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/YouTube Channel

Referrals have been the secret ingredient in my business for years, and they're one of the easiest ways to get new clients. If you've ever wondered how some businesses always seem to have a steady stream of new clients whilst others are left scrambling, it's rarely about having the flashiest website or biggest ad spend—the real magic happens through word-of-mouth. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other advertising method.In this episode, I share how I keep referrals flowing year after year by building real relationships rather than just collecting business cards. You'll discover why consistency is everything when it comes to being referable, the importance of going the extra mile with handwritten thank-you notes and follow-up calls, and why you shouldn't be shy about actually asking for referrals when you've done great work.I break down my complete 8-step referrals strategy that I've refined over the years, covering everything from identifying your key referrers and setting up tracking systems to creating personalised touchpoint plans and building a community of advocates. This isn't about hoping referrals happen by accident—it's about creating an intentional, systematic approach to nurturing the relationships that will make your business flourish!Emma McQueen:Thriving Women 2026 SignupWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/

Our recent trip to New York was a meticulously planned gritty, beautiful and amazing whirlwind. My daughter Evie had her heart set on one particular treasure: a Jellycat unicorn from FAO Schwarz. If you have an 11 year old, you'll understand the obsession with these adorable, fluffy toys.So we get to FAO Schwarz and it was packed. No unicorn in sight. Evie was disappointed and she settled for an avocado Jellycat instead. But let’s face it, she really wanted that unicorn.24 hours later, two girls walked past holding the exact unicorn Evie wanted. Her eyes lit up. Her dream was still alive! We all get disappointed in business don’t we?   It's not what we do with that disappointment, it's how we bounce back.In sales,  you don't always get to the yes straight away. Sometimes you get silence, sometimes you get a hard no. But with curiosity, with better questions, with persistence, with follow-up, things can shift.  Sometimes really really quickly.So if you're lacking a few unicorns lately—whether in sales or broader business objectives—maybe it’s time to regroup. Gather your team, get curious and keep your sights set on that goal. You never know what can happen in 24 hours.What's your unicorn? And more importantly, what's your plan to get it?Emma McQueen:Thriving Women 2026 WaitlistWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Women WaitlistJoin The Waitlit for Thriving BusinessThriving Women

One of my clients was staring at a blank sales sheet on 20th July with zero sales for the month. Eleven days later, she had $14,000 in the bank. This isn't some magical funnel story or complicated sales system—it's what happens when you stop overthinking and start doing the work. In this episode, I share the exact step-by-step process we used to turn 40 cold Facebook leads into real revenue.You'll hear about our small group coaching approach within the Thriving Women community that's been delivering incredible results—over 30% of our members had their best months and years in July, with one client billing $82,000 and another tripling her revenue month-on-month. I break down the five-step strategy we implemented to get these amazing results.The real transformation wasn't just the $14,000 in sales—it was watching this remarkable mum go from dreading sales calls to actually enjoying them. This episode proves that sales isn't about complex funnels or overwhelming strategies; it's about genuine human connections, clarity and consistent action. If you're sitting on cold leads or feeling stuck with your sales, this is your roadmap to stop overthinking and start converting.Emma McQueen:Thriving Women 2026 WaitlistWebsiteFor a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Women WaitlistJoin The Waitlit for Thriving BusinessThriving Women