In this episode, I’m exploring seasonal planning — a gentle way to plan your business by working with the natural rhythm of the year, rather than against it.

Building on episode four, where I shared what a slow, seasonal business can look like, this feels like the next step — turning that idea into something practical and supportive. I talk through how I combine the Wheel of the Year with a simple 90-day approach, creating a way of planning that feels structured, but still flexible.

This isn’t about rigid systems or doing more. It’s about choosing one meaningful focus, working with your energy, and allowing space for things to evolve as you go.

So if you’ve been craving a softer, more sustainable way to plan your work, this episode is a gentle place to begin.

Key takeaways from this episode

• What seasonal planning is, and how it blends natural rhythms with 90-day planning
• A simple way to choose a seasonal focus without feeling overwhelmed
• Why working with the energy of each season can make planning feel more intuitive
• The importance of a mid-season check-in, and allowing flexibility as you go
• A gentle alternative to goal-setting, using themes or intentions instead

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Download my Seasonal Planning Guides — These gentle guides will help you reflect, set intentions, and plan your next 90 days in a way that feels calm and manageable. https://www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like episode four "What running a slow, seasonal business really means — and why I love it".

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

In this episode, I’m exploring what happens when we ask everyone else what we should do — before asking ourselves. It’s something many of us do, often without even realising. We look for reassurance, perspective, or a sense of certainty… but somewhere along the way, our own voice can get a little lost.

This isn’t about never asking for help — it’s about gently shifting the order. Letting your perspective come first, and then inviting others in.

So if you’ve been feeling unsure, overwhelmed by opinions, or a little disconnected from your own decision-making, this episode is a quiet invitation to come back to yourself.

Key takeaways from this episode

• Why we naturally seek input from others — and when it becomes unhelpful
• How too many opinions can leave you with analysis paralysis
• The shift from asking for permission to trusting your own judgement
• Simple, gentle ways to anchor your own perspective before reaching out
• A reminder that no one knows your business quite like you do

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Powerful by Maisie Hill – https://uk.bookshop.org/a/17216/9781472978929

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

In this short intermission episode, I’m sharing a quick update as I prepare to move house and studio — and reflecting on how beautifully timed it feels as we approach the shift from winter into spring.

After recently talking about work/life balance and building a slow, gentle business that moves with the seasons, it felt important to follow my own advice and take a small step back.

I’ll be back soon with a deeper dive into seasonal planning, and explore how we can gently shape the next season in our businesses.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

In this episode, I’m talking about work-life balance, and what to do when it suddenly shifts. I share practical, gentle strategies I use to stay steady when life or work demands more of my time and energy.

This isn’t about achieving a perfect balance (because I’m sure we can all agree that’s almost impossible). It’s about small, manageable ways to respond to tipping points. So if things are feeling unpredictable or overwhelming, this episode is a reminder that steadiness is possible — with a few intentional, practical tools.

Key takeaways from this episode

• How noticing shifts early can help you respond thoughtfully rather than react in panic

• Simple prioritisation techniques to manage your tasks and energy

• Why flexibility and boundaries are essential when the day doesn’t go as planned

• The importance of communication, asking for help, and having backup plans

• Small ways to care for yourself and reflect regularly, so you can stay grounded

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Download your Priority Matrix — a simple tool to help you organise tasks and plan with calm intention. (https://www.sarahandmaude.com/s/priority-matrix-download.pdf)

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

In this episode, I’m talking about business finances — gently. I share the simple routines I use to stay on top of my numbers, and some honest thoughts on money, confidence, and fear — especially as women in business.

This isn’t about big income milestones or complicated systems. It’s about small, manageable habits that help make business finances feel a little less scary, and a lot more doable.

Key takeaways from this episode

1. Why I’m aiming to file my tax return in April this year — and what that shift has taught me
2. The simple tools and routines I use to track my finances month by month
3. Why consistency matters more than having a “perfect” system
4. How separating business and personal finances makes everything easier
5. Thoughts on money, confidence, and navigating financial fear as a woman in business

If business finances feel overwhelming, intimidating, or easy to avoid, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to love the numbers — you just need a way to look at them calmly and confidently.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

In this episode, I reflect on the first ten episodes of Seasons in Business and share what I’ve learned about starting and growing a podcast. From early worries and technical challenges to small wins and steady growth, I talk about the lessons that have surprised me and why it’s worth starting even if you don’t have everything figured out.

Key takeaways from this episode

1. Fewer than 10% of podcasts make it to 10 episodes — and why that’s worth celebrating
2. How a simple setup and an idea are enough to get started
3. The challenges of consistency, scheduling, and invisible work
4. Why slow, steady growth can feel deeply rewarding
5. A reminder that you don’t need everything figured out to begin

If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast — or any creative project — this episode is an encouragement to begin where you are, with what you have.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

January often comes with pressure to set big business goals, start new routines, and feel motivated — but for many of us, the deepest, coldest part of the year is better suited to rest and gentle beginnings. In this episode, I share why I don’t set business goals in January, and how I approach the start of the year more slowly — noticing what’s unfinished from last year, reflecting on how I want the year to feel, and how choosing a word to guide me can be surprisingly powerful.

Key takeaways from this episode

• Why January can be the hardest month to set goals — and why that’s perfectly normal

• How to embrace observation over action in the darkest part of the year

• A gentler way to start the year: tying up loose ends and noticing what’s stirring

• Why choosing a single word for the year can be more supportive than a list of goals

• Practical prompts for reflection and beginning the year at your own pace

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Download your Winter Planning Guide — for reflection prompts, seasonal inspiration, and gentle ideas to tend to your energy through the quietest part of the year. (https://www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning)

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

The end of the year can feel like a whirlwind. December is often a blur of final orders, new year bookings, and festive plans, before we suddenly leap into fresh goals and projects. In this episode, I explore winter as a season for reflection and replenishment, sharing gentle prompts and questions to help you notice what has supported you, the challenges you’ve faced, and what you might want to carry forward — all while embracing the slow, restorative rhythm of this season.

Key takeaways from this episode

• Nature takes time to rest and save energy for what comes next — and we can do the same
• How to give yourself permission to pause and step out of the festive hustle
• Why December 31st isn’t a cut-off — reflection can happen anytime, at your own pace
• Reflection prompts to help you see what’s been meaningful, challenging, or surprising
• Considering what to release and what to carry forward into the new year

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Download your Winter Planning Guide — for more reflection prompts, seasonal inspiration, and gentle ideas to tend to your energy as the year draws to a close

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights