After five years of running my systems consulting business full-time, I made the bold move to take on a 9-to-5 and transform my company into a side hustle. But I didn't just wing it. I strategically downsized, streamlined, and systematized everything to make it work on half the time.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I went from working 20-25 hours a week in my business to just 10-12 hours, all while maintaining my retainer clients and taking on new projects. I break down my two main priorities: streamlining my sales systems and optimizing my delivery processes – plus share the specific systems that made it possible.

You'll hear about my game-changing pricing model that eliminated project scope creep, how I'm using AI tools like Poppy AI to streamline delivery, and why I put waitlists on all my offers. Plus, I get real about the mental health side of stepping back from the online business world and why unfollowing half my feed was the best decision I made.

This isn't your typical "hustle harder" advice. My approach is refreshingly honest about working with what you've got, making quick decisions based on experience, and cutting out all the noise that doesn't move the needle. Whether you're trying to scale down like me or scale up while working full-time, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately.

The best part? I admit I'm still figuring it out as I go – and that's exactly what makes this so valuable. Real talk from someone who's actually walking the walk.

• Toggle - Time tracking tool I use to monitor my weekly hours
• Poppy AI - AI tool I use for project management and delivery,
• Watch my walkthrough video here!
• Affiliate code: SYSTEMSWITHSAM for $25 off!
• Claude - AI chat tool integrated within Poppy AI

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/

What happens when you build a six-figure business that looks amazing on paper but leaves you completely burnt out and unfulfilled? In this episode, I sit down with Jemma Broadstock (AKA the happy coach and psychologist) to dive deep into one of the most important conversations happening in the online space right now: burnout and redefining success.

Jemma's story is both relatable and eye-opening. She started freelancing at just 16, accidentally grew an agency that hit six figures, and then... walked away from it all. Not because it wasn't successful, but because it wasn't her version of success.

We get into the nitty-gritty of how external advice can lead you to build a business that works on paper but not for your actual life. Jemma shares how she was doing work that wasn't the best use of her skills, serving clients in ways that didn't align with her values, and essentially "putting on a uniform every morning to be someone else."

One of my favorite parts of our conversation is when Jemma talks about purchasing from two different businesses in the same month - one completely automated and one totally personal. Guess which one made her feel more connected? This really challenged my own thinking about when to automate versus when to stay hands-on.

We also dig into practical psychology tools that help you identify when your problem isn't actually your strategy, marketing, or clients - but something deeper. Jemma introduces the "best possible business" exercise and explains why you need to do it multiple times to get the full picture.

If you've ever felt like you're working really hard but don't know where you're going, or if you've created something successful that just doesn't feel right for you, this episode is going to hit different. Jemma breaks down how to slow down to speed up and why sometimes the most illogical decision (like only doing one-to-one work when everyone says you need to scale) might be exactly what you need.

Resources from this episode:

• Take Jemma's 20-question assessment to get a personalized report on what area you should focus on to be happier and more fulfilled in your business

More about Jemma Broadstock:

Jemma (aka the Happy Coach & Psychologist)

Having worked in the online space for 10 years,Jemma started (and later closed) an agency due to burnout before making a return as a fully qualified and accredited coach. Now, she works specifically with individuals looking to build success from the inside out. With a BSc and MSc in Psychology, specialising in positive psychology and coaching psychology, Jemma's focus is on helping others cultivate more joy, fulfillment, and purpose in both their daily lives and work—without the burnout, of course.

Connect with Jemma Broadstock:

• Website: https://jemmabroadstock.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/jemmabroadstock
• LinedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jemmabroadstock/

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn:

In this vulnerable and refreshingly honest episode, I'm sharing something that might surprise some of you: I've started working a 9-5 corporate job! After five years of running my online business, I've made a significant life change that I'm actually incredibly excited about.

I dive deep into my journey as an online entrepreneur - from the highs of location freedom and six-figure years to the challenging reality of feeling disconnected from my work despite outward success. I explore that uncomfortable space of "being unhappy in a business that everyone else is impressed with" and how I tried everything to fall in love with my business again.

During our trip to Italy earlier this year, sitting in our dream Airbnb with a hot tub on the balcony overlooking Puglia, I had the stark realization: "What am I doing with my life?" Despite achieving the freedom lifestyle I thought I wanted, something fundamental was missing.

I share the exact moment when I finally stopped ignoring my intuition and decided to explore a new path. You'll hear about my job search process (with zero corporate experience!), how I found a sales role that perfectly matches my skills, and how I'm navigating this major transition.

For those wondering - no, I'm not shutting down my business! I'm currently balancing both, working about 10-15 hours per week on client projects alongside my full-time job. This episode is for anyone questioning if they're on the right path, feeling stuck in their zone of excellence instead of their zone of genius, or curious about transitioning from full-time entrepreneurship to corporate life.

Remember to tune into your intuition - sometimes the right path doesn't make sense on paper, but feels completely right when you follow it.

Resources from this episode:

• Book recommendation: "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks (exploring the concept of zone of genius vs. zone of excellence)

Connect with Sam:

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/