Most women wait too long to step into their potential - held back by fear, self-doubt, or the belief that success and motherhood can’t coexist.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Michelle Gifford - marketing strategist, founder of a creative agency, and mom of five - who proves that you don’t have to choose between family and ambition. She shares her no-nonsense approach to building a business that actually makes money, how to silence imposter syndrome, and why “microfails” (yes, failing on purpose!) are the key to long-term success.

From starting her first business while six months pregnant to helping women scale their brands using social media, Michelle breaks down the mindset shifts and strategies that turn ideas into income. If you’ve been waiting for permission to go all in, this is it.

Connect with Michelle Gifford:

Instagram: @iammichellegifford

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @Lizzy.jensen

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:48 | Introduction

•Lizzy welcomes Michelle and shares their history in podcasting

•How Michelle’s first podcast inspired Lizzy’s journey

00:48 – 02:46 | Michelle’s Entrepreneurial Journey

•How she started her first business while pregnant

•Her transition from small-town life to building a marketing agency

02:46 – 04:51 | The Power of Social Media for Women

•How social media empowers women to build businesses

•Why embracing digital tools is crucial for success

04:51 – 06:38 | Balancing Business & Motherhood

•The challenges of entrepreneurship as a mom

•How to redefine success & build confidence

06:38 – 09:55 | How Women Approach Business Differently

•The differences between male and female entrepreneurship

•Why community and connection matter more than ever

09:55 – 13:07 | First Steps for Starting a Business

•The importance of following the money

•Why women must overcome the fear of selling

13:07 – 19:02 | The Reality of Work-Life Balance

•Practical strategies for managing family and business

•How to design a life that works for you

19:02 – 23:29 | Redefining Motherhood & Success

•Separating motherhood from caretaking roles

•Making intentional choices about what work to do

23:29 – 30:12 | Confidence, Community & Finding Your People

•Why confidence attracts the right people

•The power of showing up authentically

30:12 – 39:49 | Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

•How practice eliminates self-doubt

•Why doing the work qualifies you for success

39:49 – 45:23 | Taking Ownership of Your Achievements

•Why women downplay their success

•How owning your wins helps you grow and serve others

45:23 – 47:21 | Michelle’s Legacy & Final Advice

•Encouraging women to step up and use their voices

•Why now is the time for women to share their light

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