Process The Podcast

How do you protect your brand when the unthinkable happens? In this episode of Process, host Arielle Thomas is joined by Sally Branson, a leading Crisis Management and Reputation Management Director. Together, they pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of protecting a creative legacy.Sally reveals why a crisis is process-driven rather than just a disaster to be feared. From the volatile nature of influencer marketing to the legalities of product safety, this conversation is an essential masterclass for any founder. They dive deep into the necessity of due diligence, the power of transparency against misinformation, and the heavy emotional impact a public crisis has on a founder's mental health.Whether you're navigating stakeholder management, rebuilding your SEO reputation, or establishing consumer trust, Sally’s "control the controllables" approach offers a roadmap for maintaining brand integrity in an unpredictable digital age.In This Episode:How to treat your reputation as a tangible asset rather than an abstract concept.Navigating the "new rules" of influencer marketing to avoid liability and hidden risks.The secret to building unshakable consumer trust through radical transparency and product safety.Why due diligence is your brand's best insurance policy against future scandals.Managing the emotional toll on founders when facing public scrutiny and high-pressure stakes.Mastering stakeholder management to keep partners and investors aligned during a storm.Tactical SEO strategies to reclaim your digital narrative and rebuild after a reputation hit.The future of brand integrity and how to stay resilient in an evolving creative landscape.Say hello to us! You can find us through the links below: Our Guest, Sally Branson, on Linkedin HereYour host, Arielle Thomas, on Instagram HereProcess the Podcast on Instagram HereSee you next Tuesday!

Michelle Battersby is one of Australia’s most influential female founders.From launching and scaling Bumble Australia to co-founding Sunroom, and now leading Peanut, the global social network connecting women through fertility, pregnancy and motherhood, Michelle has built her career at the intersection of tech, community and female empowerment.In this episode of Process, Michelle opens up about her transition into matrescence, the psychological shift into motherhood that mirrors adolescence, and what it really looks like to lead a high-growth global company while pregnant and postpartum.We discuss:What matrescence actually means, and why no one talks about itWhy pregnant women in leadership roles matter more than everThe realities of startup life behind the glossy headlinesBuilding Bumble in Australia and what that taught her about brand and communityCo-founding Sunroom and taking the leap into entrepreneurshipScaling Peanut as a global platform for women navigating fertility, pregnancy and motherhoodThe decision-making frameworks she uses as a CEORisk tolerance, ambition and redefining success as a modern womanMichelle shares candid insights into balancing motherhood with executive leadership, how identity evolves through different seasons of life, and why representation of ambitious, pregnant women in business is critical.This conversation is for founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, women navigating career pivots, and anyone curious about the psychological and strategic layers of building community-driven tech companies.If you're interested in female leadership, startup growth, motherhood and modern ambition, this episode is essential listening.Find Michelle on Instagram here. Find your host, Arielle on Instagram here. Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday x

In episode four of Backbone, we delve into something every founder discusses, but few assess properly: risk.Growth requires risk. But not all risks are created equal. Some move your business forward. Others quietly drain your time and confidence.This week, we unpack how we think about risk in our own businesses, what we’re actively betting on, what we won’t compromise on, and how we decide what’s worth it.So this week, we cover: • The real risks we’re currently taking in business and why • Our non-negotiables before saying yes to a big decision • How to assess upside vs downside in a practical way • How to “price” the cost of failure (financially and emotionally)If you’ve been sitting on a decision and wondering whether to leap or not, this episode is for you.If you have any questions about risk, feel free to slide into our DMs. We want to keep this conversation going! Find us on the ⁠⁠⁠So Invested Instagram⁠⁠⁠ & Process Instagram, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small businesses grow).See you next week!

🎙️ Sophie Hood on Building Seoul Tonic: From Australia to New York, Amazon, Retail Strategy & Scaling a Wellness BrandWhat does it really take to build a modern wellness brand and have the ambition to take it global?In this episode of Process, Arielle Thomas sits down with Sophie Hood, founder of cult-favourite tonic brand Seoul Tonic, to unpack the creative and commercial decisions behind moving to New York, scaling through retail, navigating Amazon, and positioning a product for international success.Sophie is one of Australia’s most exciting women-led founders to watch, and in this conversation, she shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: from winning Food Stars and landing major retail opportunities, to managing inventory pressure, pitching airlines like Qantas, and building a brand that resonates in the hyper-competitive U.S. market.This episode is a masterclass in creativity meeting commerce. Perfect for founders, brand builders, marketers and anyone curious about what it actually takes to turn an idea into a global consumer brand.✨ In this episode, Sophie and Arielle cover:Moving from Australia to New York and why global ambition changes everythingThe early creative vision behind Seoul Tonic and finding product-market fitWhat winning Food Stars taught Sophie about pressure and opportunityHow to position a wellness product for premium retailScaling from independent stores to national distributionInventory, supply chains and the realities of cash flowWhy community and in-store experience matter more than everThe brutal truth about launching in the U.S. marketHow Amazon really works. Seller Central, fulfilment and margin gamesDifferences between U.S. and Australian e-commercePitching to major partners like QantasLaunching new product lines and beauty brandsWhy financial modelling is a non-negotiable skill for foundersHer up-and-coming 2nd business, this time in the beauty space! Find Sophie on Instagram here. Find Seoul Tonic on Instagram here. Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday!

In episode three of Backbone, we get into the numbers that actually keep your business alive: cash.Profit might look good on paper, but cash is what pays your bills, your team, and you. And yet, cash flow is one of the most misunderstood (and least confidently managed) parts of running a business.So this week, we cover: • Why profit ≠ cash, and how profitable businesses still run out of money • Why cash flow is the most important metric to understand as a founder • How to think about managing cash flow day-to-day (not just at tax time) • Practical measures to safeguard your cash flow as your business grows • A simple walk-through of the key line items in a cash flow statement — and what they actually tell you.If you have any questions, about cash slide into our DMs. We want to keep this conversation going! Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find So Invested on Instagram here. And if you haven’t already, hit Follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small businesses grow)! See you next Thursday for our last episode of Backbone! x

In this special petit episode of Process, Arielle Thomas shares what’s next for the podcast and why it’s evolving into something much bigger than conversations behind a microphone.From building a recognisable visual identity to creating a physical creative space in Sydney, Arielle reflects on the realities of podcasting, the importance of consistency, and her long-term vision for cultivating a thriving creative community.She opens up about the challenges and rewards of running a creative podcast, how collaboration has shaped the journey so far, and why hosting events and bringing listeners together in real life is the natural next step for Process.This episode is an invitation into the future of Process: a place where ideas are exchanged, careers are sparked, and creativity is treated as a shared practice, not a solo pursuit.✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode🎧 About Process• Why podcasting is both an art and a long game• The vision for Process as a leading creative podcast• Plans to build a physical creative hub in Sydney• How community and collaboration drive growth• The role of visual identity in building a recognisable brand• Creating spaces that feel welcoming and creatively charged• Why consistency matters more than perfection• How listener engagement shapes the future of the show• Hosting events and real-world creative gatherings• Where Process is heading next🎧 About ProcessProcess explores the journeys behind creative careers — from fashion and media to design, publishing, film and entrepreneurship. Each episode unpacks how ideas are built, how brands evolve, and what it really takes to create meaningful work in today’s cultural landscape.To learn more about the clubhouse, head to cinemathom.com/clubhouse Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find Process the Podcast on Tik Tok here. Find your host, Arielle Thomas, on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday!

Welcome to episode two of Backbone! The four-part mini series where we discuss the financial side of building a business. Today, we get into the structures that sit underneath your business and the tax impacts of each!Whether you’re just starting out, running a side hustle, or transitioning into something more complex, the way your business is set up has real implications for tax, cash flow, and risk. And yet, this is one of the least openly discussed parts of being a founder.So, this week, we have the candid tax conversation that no one seems to be having.In this episode, we cover: • The common business structures available to new and growing business owners • How and when structures tend to change as your business becomes more complex • The tax realities founders often avoid (and why that’s risky) • Our perspective on when to bring in an accountant, bookkeeper, or advisor and what to look for.This episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes.It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build.Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠

Legendary fashion and celebrity photographer Ben Watts joins Process for a conversation about longevity, instinct, and building a career in one of the most competitive creative industries in the world.From photographing icons like Heath Ledger to navigating the shift from film to digital, Ben opens up about the mindset that has sustained his decades-long career. Why being a great photographer starts with being a good people person, how to develop a recognisable style, and what it really takes to earn trust with world-famous talent.Host Arielle Thomas and Ben dive into the realities of hustling early on, the impact of social media on modern creatives, and why dignity, curiosity, and enjoyment remain at the core of meaningful work.It’s an honest, insightful look at how to stay creatively fulfilled while operating at the highest level.Why being a people person is as important as technical skillHow Ben built trust with A-list talentThe difference between chasing trends and developing a signature styleWhat the transition from film to digital changed foreverHow social media reshaped the photography industryThe role of hustle and adaptability in long creative careersWhy dignity and professionalism still set people apartStaying authentic in a competitive fieldFinding joy in the process—not just the outcomesBecoming the person people want to hire again and againFind Ben on Instagram here. Find Ben's extensive portfolio of work on Art Dept. Find Process the Podcast for the visuals of Ben's work and this episode here. Find your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.

Welcome to Backbone: a four-part mini series all about the financial backbone of building a business, side hustle, or freelance career.We talk endlessly about the exciting parts of building something - the idea, the creativity, the passion, the momentum. But behind the scenes, it’s often the money side that feels confusing, intimidating, or easy to avoid. And more often than not, businesses fail because the financials were ignored.There’s a huge gap in how openly we talk about money as founders. The messy bits. The avoidance. The “I’ll deal with it later” moments. This series is about closing that gap and helping you build confidence with your numbers.Episode one starts with the foundation: accountability. Not outsourcing responsibility, but learning to work alongside experts and developing the mindset that you need to understand what’s happening with the money in your business.In this episode, we cover:What an accountability mindset really meansThe common barriers that stop founders from taking control of their financesHow to shift from pure creativity into commercialPractical, realistic ways to build money check-ins into your routineIf you hear us mention the Money Type Quiz, you can find it here: Money Type QuizAnd if you hear us yapping about finding new communities that support you, we recommend Butter AppThis episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes.It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build.Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find So Invested on Instagram here. See you next Thursday!

In this episode of Process, host Arielle Thomas sits down with American mindset and confidence coach Brian Siegal to unpack how creatives and entrepreneurs can break free from limiting beliefs, perfectionism, and procrastination, and build a mindset that actually supports growth.Brian shares his deeply personal journey from struggling with obesity and self-doubt to becoming a sought-after coach for creatives, founders, and high performers. Together, Arielle and Brian explore how identity, self-talk, and unconscious narratives shape the way we show up, and how to actively rewrite them.This conversation is both practical and perspective-shifting, offering tools you can apply immediately if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in cycles of overthinking and inaction.Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, founder, or someone craving more confidence and clarity, this episode is a masterclass in mindset coaching, personal growth, and creative self-leadership.How limiting beliefs silently sabotage creative confidence and momentumWhy procrastination is often rooted in fear, not lazinessThe role of self-awareness in personal and professional growthHow Brian reframes mindset challenges with creatives and entrepreneursThe Wheel of Life exercise and how to use it to assess balance and directionWhy accountability and community accelerate creative successHow perfectionism blocks progress — and how to move forward anywayWhat to look for when choosing the right mindset or confidence coachMindset coaching for creativesConfidence-building for entrepreneursOvercoming procrastination and perfectionismPersonal growth and self-beliefReframing limiting beliefsAccountability in the creative processGrowth mindset tools and exercisesThis episode is for:Creative entrepreneurs feeling stuck or self-doubtingFounders navigating fear, burnout, or indecisionAnyone struggling with confidence, procrastination, or perfectionismCreatives looking to build a sustainable, growth-oriented mindset“Why do I know what to do, but still don’t do it?”“How do I stop overthinking and start taking action?”“How can I build confidence without waiting to feel ready?”About BrianBrian Siegal is an American mindset and confidence coach who works with creatives and entrepreneurs to dismantle limiting beliefs, strengthen self-trust, and build clarity-driven momentum. Drawing from his own lived experience of personal transformation, Brian helps high-performing individuals align their inner narrative with the life and work they want to create.About Arielle Process is hosted by Arielle Thomas, exploring the behind-the-scenes thinking, habits, and systems that shape creative success. Each episode breaks down the inner and outer work required to build meaningful careers and lives.

2025 changed me.Not because everything went perfectly, but because it forced me to confront where I was avoiding discomfort, overcomplicating decisions, and staying too close to what felt familiar.In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the lessons that shaped my business and personal growth over the past year, and how I’m intentionally designing 2026 to be bigger, steadier, and more aligned.I share what it really takes to move from project-based chaos to retainer stability, why accountability is non-negotiable in business relationships, and how building systems (even imperfect ones) can radically reduce decision fatigue and burnout. We talk hiring before you feel “ready,” expanding your thinking globally, and why embarrassment is often the entry price for your next level.This episode is for founders, creatives, and operators who know they’re capable of more, but also know that growth rarely arrives without friction.If you’re standing at the edge of your next chapter, this conversation is an invitation to step forward anyway.If you loved this episode, please leave us a review!You can find us on Instagram: @processthepodcastFind your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram: @arielle.thomasSee you next Tuesday!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Somebody — the Melbourne-born art director and still-life photographer creating world-class imagery for brands like Goop, Aesop, and the most coveted names in beauty, lifestyle and luxury.But her story didn’t start in glossy studios or global campaigns.Stephanie shares the unexpected, unglamorous chapters of her early career, the moments that shaped her creative instincts, and how she carved out a niche so distinctive it now takes her around the world. We go deep on the evolution of her eye, the discipline behind building a visual signature, and what it really takes to make work that stops people in their tracks.Whether you’re in the creative industry, building a brand, or dreaming of a more artistic life, this conversation is a masterclass in vision, reinvention, and backing yourself long before the world does.Find Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here.See you next Tuesday x

In this episode of Process the Podcast, Arielle Thomas sits down with Eleanor Pendleton, founder of Gritty Pretty and now the visionary behind her new brand, Haleau. The girls unpack a thoughtful and open conversation about the evolution of media, the courage to start again, and what it means to create from a place of authenticity.Eleanor reflects on her journey from digital publishing to brand ownership, how building Gritty Pretty shaped her understanding of storytelling, and how that experience inspired a more intentional, skin-first approach to beauty with Haleau. Together, Arielle and Eleanor explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and purpose, and the ongoing process of balancing motherhood, business, and self. Eleanor Pendleton articulates what it takes to do what's truely right for you even when others are depending on you. This is a conversation about reinvention, community, and creating beauty that means something, both inside and out.Follow Haleau Beauty on Instagram here.Follow Eleanor on Instagram ⁠here.⁠Check Haleau Beauty’s website here.Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here.See you next Tuesday x

I sat down with Rebecca from Fine Form a few months ago to share my story, and a little more about how I got here. Tune in to listen to this episode of Fine Form! ---This week's guest is Arielle Thomas - filmmaker, social strategist, founder of Cinema Thom, and host of Process: The Podcast.Arielle is electric - in the way she creates, the way she speaks and the way she shows up for her work. She’s built a career on backing herself and carving her own lane: founding Cinema Thom, directing films and campaigns that cut through, and building a podcast that lifts the curtain on creative process with real honesty and heart.In this episode, she shares the values that anchor her, the mindset that keeps her momentum, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Arielle’s confidence and conviction are inspiring - but what makes her stand out is how she pairs ambition with real vulnerability.It’s rare to hear someone talk about their work with this much joy and conviction - it’s contagious. I fist-bumped my way through the whole conversation, and I think you’ll leave this episode feeling the same spark.And if you’re looking for more of Arielle’s perspective, make sure you check out @arielle.thomas and @processthepodcastYou can follow FINE FORM @thisisfineform and Rebecca Jarvie-Gibbs at @rebeccajarviegibbs www.thisisfineform.com 

This week on Process, we sat down with Steven John Clark of Den Holm. It's a conversation about patience, practice, and the quiet discipline of making things well before making them big.Steve reflects on the missteps that come from moving too fast, and the clarity that came from slowing down to solidify his creative foundation. We talk through the power of hands-on education, the importance of working directly with materials, and how craftsmanship, at its core, is about creative manipulation, not just precision.As the conversation unfolds, we explore the early stages of building a team, and the illusion of urgency that ambition can create.  Steve also shares his thoughts on community, and why real engagement, not just marketing, is essential to growing a meaningful brand.This week, Arielle and Mon visited Steve at the Den Holm studio in Melbourne and learned a few things. Keep your eyes peeled!Follow Den Holm on Instagram here.Follow Steve on Instagram ⁠here.⁠Check Den Holm’s Site here.Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here.See you next Tuesday xx

In this solo episode, Arielle pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to grow a business without burning out.From navigating ambition to learning the hard way why “slow and steady” isn’t just a cliche, it’s a strategy. She shares the behind-the-scenes of building a team, developing products, and staying aligned with what matters most.This conversation is part personal reflection, part pep talk for anyone trying to scale something meaningful without losing themselves in the process. Arielle also unpacks how podcasting has been more than just a marketing channel, it’s been a tool for connection, clarity, and helping others find their voice. If you’re craving a real talk on what it means to grow with intention (and not just velocity), this one’s for you.Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here: instagram.com/processthepodcastFollow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here: instagram.com/arielle.thomasSee you next Tuesday x

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Algar, a seasoned voice in fashion and beauty media, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build (and rebuild) a creative career in an industry that’s always evolving.Emily is a stand out in the beauty creator space and we chat openly about the balance one strikes when crafting their own voice in the industry. Creators and creatives are facing a conflict of interest for their employer, when you essentially become a micro-publisher. We trace her path from breaking into publishing to navigating layoffs, and what it means to find your footing again in a space where taste, trends, and team structures are constantly shifting. Emily unpacks the human side of beauty storytelling—from the psychology driving our product choices to how consumer behaviour bends with the economy.We also get into the tension between the security of corporate roles and the draw of creative freedom, why relationships are still the industry’s strongest currency, and what emerging beauty brands need to know to cut through the noise. It’s a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms.See you next Tuesday x

This week on Process: We sit down with Sophia Amoruso, OG Girlboss, Nasty Gal founder, and someone who’s navigated the full arc of startup stardom, burnout, reinvention, and everything in between.From selling vintage clothes on eBay to running a $100M+ fashion empire, Sophia’s story is as raw as it is iconic. We dig into the rise, the fall, and what it really takes to evolve when the brand you built starts to outgrow you.We talk about ambition, ego, hustle culture, and the myth of having it all, Plus what Sophia’s learned about rebuilding on her own terms.It’s a conversation about control, chaos, and carving a new path when the first one catches fire.You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now!See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m fresh off a whirlwind trip to Sydney, where I had the absolute pleasure of hosting events, connecting with incredible humans, and speaking at the Social Summit. I’m sharing some behind-the-scenes reflections on what it’s really like navigating these big industry moments, the power of networking, and the golden nuggets I picked up from some inspiring panel convos.We’re also diving into how my podcasting journey has evolved, what it means to build a true portfolio career, and why cash flow (yes, the unsexy stuff) matters more than you think. Plus, a little heart-to-heart on how engaging with you, this amazing community, is shaping the future of this pod.If you're building your own creative career or just curious about what goes on behind the curtain, this one’s for you.You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now!See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Process, creative entrepreneur Martina Calvi opens up about her evolution from a shy artist to a confident creator shaping her own path. She shares how journaling became a cornerstone of her practice, helping her carve out clarity, protect her creative space, and stay true to her artistic vision.Martina reflects on the power of self-expression and community, weaving in her experiences writing and publishing books, experimenting with zines, and building a business rooted in authenticity. She also talks about the challenges of making space for creativity in a fast-paced world and why protecting your time is non-negotiable for any artist or entrepreneur.If you’re curious about how to turn personal creative rituals into meaningful work, or you want to hear what it really takes to grow as a modern creative entrepreneur, this episode is for you.Find Martina's latest book on Amazon here. Follow Martina on Instagram here. Find her Tiny Store online here. Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. Follow Process the podcast in Instagram here. Subscribe to the show and don't miss an episode! You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now! See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.