Elevated Ambition with Sarah Lilly

Ever feel like you’re playing a guessing game with the algorithm?In this solo episode of Elevated Ambition, I take the mystery out of social media algorithms and show you how to turn them into a powerful ally for your business.I'll explain how algorithms learn from user behaviour, why engagement is everything, and how you can strategically post, interact, and create to boost your visibility online. From hashtags to Reels, to posting at the right time - these simple shifts can dramatically improve your reach and connection with your audience.Whether you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or just curious about how the platforms really work, this episode will give you the clarity and practical steps to start working with the algorithm instead of against it.What You’ll Learn:Why the algorithm isn’t your enemy (and how to train it to your advantage).How consistency and engagement fuel your visibility.Practical social media strategies to boost reach with content that resonates.Why showing your face and connecting personally makes such a difference.Simple tweaks that can make the algorithm start working for you.⁠Join the conversation over on Instagram ⁠Don't forget to hit subscribe to get your fortnightly dose of Elevated Ambition, the podcast for ambitious female business owners who are ready to take their brand to the next level (and have fun while doing so!)

This episode is one for the soul-led business owners I’m chatting with the beautiful Emily-Jane Sarroff – a branding strategist, spiritual entrepreneur, and total creative powerhouse. Emily shares her journey from studying architecture to building a thriving six-figure business, and how it all came back to one thing: authenticity.We dive into the power of creating a brand that reflects who you truly are, how self-trust shapes your business journey, and why spirituality is a powerful tool in your branding process. This conversation is a mix of strategy, energy, and creative magic – with so many takeaways for anyone wanting to build a brand that feels deeply aligned.In this episode, we chat about:🌀 What it really means to be authentic🌀 How spirituality can guide your business decisions🌀 Nervous system regulation and how it fuels creativity🌀 Why self-trust is the most important business strategy🌀 The importance of expressing your truth, not following trends🌀 Real talk on burnout, staying inspired, and reconnecting with your missionWhether you're building your brand from the ground up or feeling ready to refresh and realign, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and grounded in your next steps.Connect with Emily-Jane on Instagram: @empowerwithemConnect with Emily-Jane on Linkedin here Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I explore one of the most underrated marketing tools for both product and service-based business owners: testimonials, feedback, and referrals.Discover how testimonials act as powerful social proof, building credibility and trust with your dream clients. Learn the difference between feedback and testimonials, why referrals are warm leads that convert faster, and practical strategies for asking your clients for both.I also share mindset shifts to help you see feedback as a growth opportunity, not criticism, and highlight the importance of creating simple systems to collect testimonials consistently.If you’re ready to amplify your online presence and grow your business authentically, this episode will show you how to turn client experiences into your most powerful marketing tool.Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymediaWaitlist to work with Sarah in 2026 here 👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Katrina, owner of Bloom Boutique Beauty, to talk about her inspiring journey in the beauty industry.Katrina shares how she first got into the beauty industry and how over 20 years of experience led her to open her own home-based beauty studio in May 2024. She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the often unseen behind-the-scenes work, and why self-care is so much more than a luxury.We explore the powerful connection between beauty treatments and mental health, why women often feel guilty for prioritising self-care, and how something as simple as a facial or lash treatment can be a reset for both body and mind. Katrina also dives into current beauty trends like brow laminations and lash lifts, the role of social media in shaping beauty standards, and what excites her about the future of her business.If you’ve ever felt guilty about investing in yourself, this episode is a beautiful reminder of why self-care matters.Bloom Boutique Beauty on Instagram: @bloomboutiquebeautyBloom Boutique Beauty on FacebookWebsite: www.bloombeautydunedin.comConnect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to hit follow and leave us a review - this helps to get this podcast out to more amazing women like you!

If you've ever thought, “Do I have to share my whole life online to be relatable?” ... then this episode is for you.Let’s bust the myth that being authentic = sharing everything online. I’m pulling back the curtain on what I personally share in my business, what I keep private, and how YOU get to create your own rules (that suit YOU!)Inside this episode:How to balance personal posts with business valueWhy oversharing isn’t always more authenticThe kind of behind-the-scenes content that actually builds connectionWhat I don’t post (and why that’s powerful, too)Because being the face of your brand doesn’t mean you need to share your whole life. Your audience doesn’t need your deepest secrets, they need connection and value.Join the conversation over on Instagram Discover how you can work with Sarah Lilly Don't forget to hit subscribe to get your fortnightly dose of Elevated Ambition, the podcast for ambitious female business owners who are ready to take their brand to the next level (and have fun while doing so!)

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I chat with Merekara from Massage Serenity and Healing in Dunedin. Merekara shares her inspiring journey of building a wellness business that blends relaxation massage, therapeutic techniques, and traditional Māori healing practices including mirimiri and honohono.We talk about the challenges of starting a business, the importance of self-care and balance, and how massage can be a powerful tool for maintaining wellbeing. Merekara also explains how she integrates Reiki and traditional Māori energy work into her healing style, creating a holistic experience that supports both body and mind.From navigating burnout to building meaningful community connections, Merekara offers honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, or simply slowing down in our busy world.Connect with Merekara on Instagram: @massage_serenity_healingBook with Merekara hereConnect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

Social media isn’t what it used to be - and if your likes and follows are down, it might not mean what you think. In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I unpack the real story behind today’s engagement metrics.We explore the shift from vanity metrics like likes and follower counts to deeper, more impactful indicators like reach, click-throughs, and conversions. With video content dominating and attention spans shrinking, it's time to rethink how you define success online.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why social media engagement has changed — and how to adaptWhat metrics actually matter in 2025Why reach and conversions are more powerful than likesHow to shift your strategy to create value-driven contentThe mindset shift every business owner needs when it comes to growth onlineConnect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymediaSubscribe to the SLM newsletter👉 Don't forget to hit follow and leave us a review - this helps to get this podcast out to more amazing women like you!

Feeling disconnected from your body? Learn how to create safety, vitality, and lasting change.This week, I’m joined by the inspiring Jessebel Chan from Collective Care, a personal trainer and life coach who’s redefining what health and wellness look like for women.Together, we explore how science and spirituality can work hand-in-hand, why small, consistent steps matter more than drastic changes, and how to reconnect with your body when life feels overwhelming. Jessebel also shares her tips for navigating the fitness world with confidence, building a supportive community, and balancing business with personal wellbeing.If you’re ready to feel more empowered in your health, find safety and vitality in your body, and step into a holistic approach to wellness, this episode is for you.Connect with Jess on Instagram : @collectivecare_Collective Care website: www.collectivecare.co.nzFollow Sarah on Instagram : @sarahlillymedia 👉 Don't forget to follow and hit rate and review so that Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing women like you!

Branding isn’t just about pretty logos and curated colours—it’s the heart & soul of your business. In this episode, I dive into the true essence of branding (spoiler alert, it's not just your logo and colours!) and why having a solid brand strategy is crucial for lasting success.We cover the five powerful pillars of branding strategy and how each one supports your ability to confidently show up, attract aligned clients, and create meaningful impact.We’re talking:→ Clear, magnetic communication→ Building deep connection→ Consistency across your brand→ Staying aligned with your mission→ Creating a foundation for growthPlus, you’ll walk away with powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect to your brand’s deeper purpose and mission.Book your 1:1 Strategy Call and to get clear on your businesses WHY and let me help you build a solid and actionable brand strategy. Let's connect on Instagram

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Ngahuia Crossman — founder of branding studio Inspiring Design — to talk all things creativity, business evolution, and building a brand with soul.Ngahuia shares her journey from self-taught designer to the heart-led and values driven entrepreneur she is today. You’ll hear how her business has pivoted with her passions, the importance of storytelling in branding, and why collaboration (not competition!) has been key to her growth. She opens up about building a team, managing creative burnout, and creating a lifestyle business that aligns with your values.You’ll also learn how Ngahuia uses tools like Canva and AI without losing the human touch — and how she's built a community for women in business through Elevate Mind and Business.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a brand-builder, or a woman in business looking for real, raw conversation, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:Creative entrepreneurship and DIY branding toolsBranding as culture, not just designFinding your brand’s voice and valuesPivoting your business with your passionsNavigating creative burnout and outsourcingCreating a supportive, aligned teamThe power of community and networkingUsing AI wisely in brandingMultiple income streams and lifestyle business tipsConnect with Ngahuia on Instagram: @inspiringdesign_studio⁠Elevate Mind & Business Community: @elevate_mindandbusiness⁠Inspiring Design Website: Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to follow and hit rate and review so that Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing women like you!

As a mum and a small business owner, life can be chaotic but after learning how to set boundaries and structure my business I've never felt more calm and with a better work-life balance. In this episode I am sharing how I structure my weeks as a business owner, working 4 days a week, by breaking my week into specific days for different tasks.In this episode we chat about ....The importance of setting boundariesTime management as a working mumCreating a clear scheduleUtilising different days for different focusesUsing tools like Trello to enhance productivityLet's connect on Instagram! Sarah Lilly is a branding coach and social media expert, helping small businesses to create magnetic content easily. Follow for branding tips, social media advice, content creation and the general how-to's of running a small business.

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I'm sitting down with podcast producer and coach Maxene London to talk all things podcasting — from starting out, to scaling, and staying grounded in the journey.Maxene shares her experience navigating entrepreneurship while raising a family, what you need to get started with a podcast, and how perfectionism can stall your success before you even hit “record.” She offers insights into building audience engagement, staying consistent, and making podcasting accessible without burning out.We also chat about her upcoming podcast Wanna Podcast?, a must-listen for aspiring podcasters wanting clear, down-to-earth advice to grow a show they love.We chat....How to balance motherhood and business Why it’s better to start imperfectly than not at allWhat you need to know to start or grow your podcast successfullyTips for audience engagement that actually workWhy consistency > frequency in podcastingTools and mindset shifts that make podcasting easier and more sustainableWhether you're thinking of starting a podcast or looking to grow one, this episode is packed with real talk and practical gems that you can apply right away. Follow Maxene on Instagram: @maxenelondoncreativeWork with Maxene: www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nzFollow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I chat with Shan Wildman from She By Shan, a personal branding photographer on a mission to empower women in business. Shan opens up about her journey into photography, how she built her signature brand, and why authenticity is the secret ingredient to standing out online.From creating confidence in front of the camera to the power of versatile brand imagery, Shan shares how she helps her clients shine. We chat networking (hello, LinkedIn!), content tools for busy entrepreneurs, and Shan’s latest offering—a game-changing content subscription service designed to keep your brand fresh year-round.Whether you're planning your first branding shoot or looking to re-ignite your online presence, this episode is packed with practical advice, tips for acing your brand shoot, and reminders that your most powerful asset is your authentic self.In this episode, we cover:How Shan built She By Shan with a mission to empower womenThe importance of niche clarity and doing what lights you upWhy high-quality imagery makes a differenceTips for feeling confident and relaxed in front of the cameraHow to build community and connections through networkingThe value of embracing slow seasons for reflection and growthHow tools like Canva and Later can streamline your content gameThis episode is a must for female entrepreneurs, content creators, and small biz owners ready to up-level their personal brand with confidence and clarity.Follow Shan on Instagram: @she.byshanWork with Shan: https://www.shebyshan.co.nz/Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

In this quick bonus episode, I’m sharing a little gem I recently discovered — the Edits app. If you’re creating video content for your biz (hello Reels, Stories, and TikToks!), this free editing tool might just become your new go-to.We’re talking no watermarks, built-in analytics, in-app recording, and even a teleprompter feature! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned content creator, this app makes editing feel easy and creative again.Tune in to hear why I’m loving this app and how it could help you show up with more confidence, clarity, and creativity online.Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

In this deeply personal episode of Elevated Ambition, I'm sharing my next exciting chapter of my life — baby number #2! I'm opening up about the raw and real experience of navigating business, motherhood, and self-care during pregnancy and beyond, and answering one of the most common questions I've been asked.... how do I plan to juggle it all?In this episode I also touch on how pregnancy is going and the differences between my two pregnancies. We are also chatting strategies for up coming maternity leave and I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to grow a business and a family at the same time and what is next for Sarah Lilly MediaFollow Sarah on Instagram @sarahlillymediaFollow my blog account @itssarahlillyBook your 1:1 Strategy Call with Sarah👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!

Are you constantly selling in your social posts? Do all of your stories and posts end with a CTA or 'work with me' comment? In this episode we discuss the issue of 'daily selling' and why pushing your products and services non-stop might actually be doing more harm than good in attracting potential clients.We discuss....Why daily selling might be a turn-off to your clientsWhat kind of sales strategies might work insteadThe concept of value-add posts (offering value without expecting anything in return) The business mindset shift of giving vs receiving Do you agree or disagree with this episode? I'd love to hear your take! Leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram. Let's work together: Find out more about how Sarah Lilly can help you with social media management, brand overhauls, and brand coaching.

In this raw and real episode, I’m sharing the full story of how I went from crying before work at my media job… to running a 6-figure social media and brand coaching business that lights me up.From starting an online Hilary Duff fan club at 14 (yes, really!) to self-teaching my way through blogging, brand collaborations, and eventually launching my own business—this is the behind-the-scenes look at what it really took to build a business that supports both my lifestyle and my mission.I talk about taking the big leap into self-employment, the mental health struggles, the mum-life juggle, the overwhelm, and how all of it has shaped my approach to social media, branding, and now my new course: Socially Savvy—designed to help other women confidently step into the world of social media management.If you're doubting your next step in business,  have ever considered starting and growing your own biz, or simply love hearing how other women in business started their own business journeys, then this episode is for you.Find out more about Socially Savvy hereUse the code SOCIAL for $100 off the course - taking it to only $299NZD!Let's chat! Join me on Instagram to carry on the conversation

In today's episode, I'm sharing how to harness the power of AI and ChatGPT to make your content creation easier, faster, and more organised — while still keeping your authentic voice front and centre.We'll cover how to use ChatGPT for brainstorming, content pillars, topic expansion, and idea batching, plus essential tips to make sure your posts still feel 100% YOU. Plus I'll share my top tips for content prompts that actually work and how I utilise ChatGPT for idea inspiration.If you've ever felt unsure about using AI in your business, this episode is your permission slip to collaborate with it creatively and intentionally.Did you miss it? We chat about raw and unfiltered language in this episodeWe chat content pillars and why they are so important to a clear and consistent content strategy ---------Join the conversation over on Instagram or follow for branding and social media tips.Apologies for the slight crackle in parts of this episode! How annoying!

To swear or not to swear? That is the branding question!In this episode of Elevated Ambition, we're diving deep into the rise of swearing and raw language in online spaces, and how it can either amplify or detract from your brand.I’m breaking down the impact language has on your business, exploring the pros and cons of using explicit language in your content, discovering how it can impact your authenticity, and offering guidance and some honest questions to help you decide what feels aligned for you.If you’ve ever wondered whether dropping an F-bomb in your captions will help or hurt your brand, this one’s for you.Connect with Sarah on Instagram

In this episode, Sarah discusses the secret to a standout social media strategy - clear and aligned content pillars.We dive into....What content pillars actually areWhy they are so important to ensure that your content is speaking to the right peopleHow you can define your own content pillars - no matter your businessExamples of content pillarsHow you can quickly and easily create content in line with your pillarsThe extra factors you need to keep in mind when creating social media content that your dream client actually WANTS to engage with.If you are feeling stuck with your social media content, struggling to come up with ideas for what to share online, or need help putting together a social strategy, this is the episode for you.Book a Strategy CallBook your 90 minute strategy call with Sarah and let's clarify your purpose, your dream clients, nail your content pillars, and create a flow of content which means you never struggle for what to post. Connect with Sarah on Instagram over at @sarahlillymedia or send her a DM with what topic you'd like discussed next!