Hi, we’re Kat & Nikoleta your hosts of the “Work in Progress” the podcast for surviving solopreneurs. Join us to recharge and unwind as we get honest about the ups and downs in our solopreneur journeys.
We talk about relatable issues we have as small business owners ourselves and how to overcome those. We’re not experts, we’re both just works in progress - so together let’s laugh at our flaws and figure out how to ...
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AI – Genius, Overhyped, or Just Confusing? 🤖 Are you a solopreneur or freelancer navigating the rollercoaster of running a business alone? In this episode, we dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT and design generators can support independent business owners — from content creation to overcoming self-doubt. Whether you're curious about using AI for productivity or skeptical about its hype, this conversation blends honest experiences with practical insights to help you leverage AI without losing your human touch. Tune in to discover if AI is truly a game-changer or just another buzzword.
In this episode titled "Is Designer Your Final Form?", the host explores the complexities of defining one's career and passion, reflecting on how these elements intertwine with personal identity and societal expectations. The conversation begins with the common question, "What do you do?" which often leads individuals to define themselves primarily by their careers. The host suggests that asking about interests outside of work can foster deeper connections and understanding. A notable TikTok post about passion garnered significant engagement, illustrating the platform's potential for visibility compared to Instagram, which has faced criticism for its algorithm that often limits creators' reach. The discussion transitions to the challenges creators face on Instagram, particularly regarding its algorithm that prioritizes wider audiences over followers, leading to low engagement for niche content. The host reflects on personal experiences with social media, including the impact of algorithms on content visibility and creator frustration. As the episode progresses, the host shares personal reflections on their birthday, discussing their busy week filled with social events and a desire for creative expression through activities like visiting a smash room. This leads to a broader exploration of career aspirations and personal growth, questioning whether being a designer is a final career destination or part of an ongoing journey. The host emphasizes the importance of discovering one's passion through experimentation and curiosity, highlighting that many people feel unfulfilled in their current roles. They discuss the evolving nature of personal passions and motivations over time, suggesting that as individuals mature, their values may shift towards making a positive impact in the world. A significant theme is the idea of "ikigai," which represents finding fulfilment through a combination of passion, profession, and purpose. The host argues that having a passion is crucial for happiness and can provide direction in life. They also touch upon societal pressures to adhere to traditional career paths while advocating for flexibility in exploring different interests throughout life. The conversation delves into productivity and self-doubt among designers, acknowledging that external pressures can lead to feelings of inadequacy despite personal satisfaction with one's work. The concept of a "minimum viable product" (MVP) is introduced as a way to test ideas without extensive planning. Family dynamics are also discussed, particularly how parental expectations can influence career choices. The host reflects on their parents' differing approaches to passion—one valuing work-life balance over prestige while the other pursued aviation due to familial influence. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace varied interests and passions throughout life rather than feeling confined to a singular identity or career path. The host advocates for stepping out of comfort zones and trying new things as essential steps in personal exploration and growth. This insightful dialogue not only addresses the intersection of career and identity but also inspires listeners to pursue their passions authentically while navigating societal expectations.
Better late than never - We recap our summer in 2024 where we met in real life for the first time! We touch upon our impressions of travelling solo, meeting a stranger we have only talked to online, and what we found out we have in common. Our Malaga highlights too! Ever feel that the beginning of a project is a minefield of stress? In this episode, we share relatable anxieties about client feedback. But the real story begins with a leap of faith: a solo trip to Spain! One host, fueled by encouragement, booked a vacation, and the other, in a twist of fate (and perhaps a shared dream!), followed suit. After two years of online connection, they met in person in Malaga. Forget awkwardness! They spent 3-4 days exploring, talking non-stop, and discovering a shared travel style. Imagine comfortable silences on the beach, the joy of shared tapas, and collaborative planning, discovering hidden gems like a five-star restaurant down a random street after following its delicious smell. From the detailed flyer of the Botanical Garden to less successful trips to museums, like the Picasso Museum, they embraced new experiences, even grocery shopping at Mercadona and sampling local treats like horchata and pastel de ata. Cafeteria culture was experienced with Chocolate and churros and they even got used to ordering iced coffees. This trip wasn't just about paella and museums. It was about the magic of meeting online friends in real life, the joy of shared silence, and the importance of similar travel styles. It was about learning new things about each other, sharing culinary adventures, and trusting Cat's planning skills. But what happens when the vacation ends? The hosts discuss the slow transition back to work, feeling burnt out after the pandemic, and the challenge of finding meaning in their work amidst global issues. They explore redefining success beyond financial goals, focusing on joyful projects with clients making a positive impact. The conversation shifts to content creation, authenticity, and the illusion of social media "success stories," and the importance of having a business mindset. Ultimately, it's a story about genuine connection, the courage to take risks and travel, and the power of aligning your work with your values. Keywords: Podcast, show notes, project stress, client feedback, solo trip, Spain, Malaga, online friends, meeting in person, shared travel style, comfortable silence, tapas, collaborative planning, botanical garden, museum visits, Mercadona, horchata, pastel de ata, cafeteria culture, chocolate and churros, iced coffee, post-vacation reflection, burnout, redefining success, financial goals, content creation, authenticity, business mindset, pandemic, social media, clients.
There is so much pressure at the end of the year to set goals for next year. We've all said "Next year will be MY year" knowing that those New Year resolutions don't stick after a few months. In this episode, we talk about how to set goals without the pressure, what has worked for us in the path and our holiday plans 🎉🎄
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Samantha Blake, a successful entrepreneur and SEO expert. Samantha shares her journey of balancing a 9-5 job with freelancing, and how she manages to prioritize work, relationships and me-time. She also shares her tips and hacks for managing energy and avoiding burnout. In this episode, we dive into: - The reasons behind Samantha's decision to start freelancing and her ultimate goal. - How she balances her workload and schedules her time, including her non-negotiables and how she prioritizes her energy. - Her answers to questions from our social media audience, including her favourite tools for web design and SEO, how she manages her energy, and where her clients come from. - Her practical advice for managing entrepreneurs who struggle with their work-life balance. Samantha also shares what she is currently working on and cooking if the conversation goes that way. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation with Samantha. Watch the full episode and subscribe for more content on entrepreneurship, and work-life balance.