Podcast
Business Growth Lab
Hosted by Samantha Riley · EN
Coaches, service providers, and visionary entrepreneurs ready to turn big ideas into thriving empires, welcome to your new home.
Join Authority Positioning Strategist Samantha Riley, who brings over 30 years of business-building experience. Each week, she pulls back the curtain on strategies designed to grow and scale highly successful businesses.
You’ll hear from industry-leading experts revealing what’s working right now, as well as behind-the-scenes business chats with her husband Leon, where they share the unfiltered realities of scaling.
This is where bold ideas meet strategic action, so get ready to experiment, scale, and transform your business from the inside out.
Share your takeaways and questions on IG with @thesamriley and @leonflitton
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Hidden Filter Running Your Business Right Now
2w ago00:37:23Tap to summarizeEver found yourself saying “I don't need the bigger house.”, “I'm not ready to hire yet.” or “I can't afford to run ads.”What if none of those things were actually true? What if every decision you're making in your business right now is being made for you, not by you?There's a moment in this episode that will stop you mid-scroll. Samantha shares something she heard in a YouTube video last weekend that completely shifted how she sees decision-making in business and in life. It sounds simple when you first hear it, but the more you sit with it, the more you realise how deeply it's been running the show in your business without you even noticing.The truth is, every single decision you're making right now is being filtered through one invisible question: Can I afford this? And the thing is, you probably don't even know it's happening.In this episode, Samantha and Leon get real about the stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck, underpaid, and overworked. They dig into why spending on your business is actually investing, what it really means to back yourself, and why trying to grow without addressing your core constraints is like trying to fix a car by checking the exhaust pipe. They also share a story from a recent mastermind that perfectly captures how a single moment of generosity can completely rewire someone's drive to build wealth.This one is equal parts mindset shift and practical business thinking, and it might just be the most honest conversation you've heard about money and growth in a long time.Stop and ask yourself: If money wasn't a factor, what would I change tomorrow? What would I stop tolerating? What would I finally say yes to? Because the life you want isn't the reward you get after you grow your business. It's the reason you grow it in the first place. WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:01:47 – You think you’re making decisions, but your money is making them for you03:36 – The moment that changed how one business owner approached money forever05:30 – The most expensive lie business owners tell themselves09:00 – The shift from “spending” to “investing” (and why it changes everything)10:07 – The story keeping you playing small (and how to catch it)18:40 – “I don’t need it anyway”, or can you just not afford it?21:29 – Why growth doesn’t fix bottlenecks (it exposes them)24:19 – What it really means to back yourself in business32:14 – Why shrinking your life to fit your business is costing you more than you think33:42 – The constraint theory that explains how to actually fix your businessFree ResourceClick here to access the The 7 Figure Roadmap and in under 2 minutes you’ll discover the constraint holding you back, and the next 3 moves to make.
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Moment #48: If You're Aiming for 30k You're Not Dreaming Big Enough
3w ago00:07:28Tap to summarizeYou're working hard, and $30k months are starting to feel like an unachievable dream.But what if $30k is actually the problem?In this moment episode, Samantha Riley and Leon Flitton talk about the mindset trap that keeps business owners stuck in the “Constraint Stage” for years.The belief that earning more means working harder is one of the most damaging stories you can tell yourself. When you have the right systems, the right team, and the right structure in place, money buys back your time.The messy middle is real, but the other side is worth everything.In this episode, you'll discover:Why 30k months might be the ceiling you accidentally built for yourselfWhy more revenue does not mean more hours and what actually changes as you scaleHow your thinking at the Constraint Stage is keeping you out of the Scale StageWhy building yourself into the system is the trap that caps your growthThe exact shift that every business owner must make before considering strategyHow to start acting like a 100k CEO nowListen to the full episode hereApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/your-path-to-%2430k-months-part-two/id1378772801?i=1000738182253Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CARt0IgTWg4zJLnodsswm?si=nqTmyDuXSs-OtO_3Yi0ToQGot questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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The Real Reason Your Business Isn't Scaling (and It’s Not What You Think)
4w ago00:09:13Tap to summarizeAre you working harder than ever but still feel like your business is going nowhere fast? In this episode, Samantha Riley gets brutally honest about a stage of business that almost every entrepreneur hits, and almost no one talks about.It's not a strategy problem, a marketing problem, or a leads problem. It's a you problem. And understanding that distinction could be the most important shift you make this year.Samantha introduces the concept of the "messy middle". The frustrating in-between stage where you're no longer a beginner, you have clients and revenue and maybe even a small team, but growth still feels stuck.The path forward isn't hustle, but there is a very important change that needs to be made.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:0:03 - The wake-up call every business owner needs to hear0:22 - What the "messy middle" actually looks like, and why it's so dangerous2:03 - The hard truth about being the bottleneck in your own business3:10 - The story that will make you cringe (and finally see yourself clearly)4:08 - Why hiring a team can actually make things worse before they get better5:40 - Why chasing more leads is the worst thing you can do right now - and what to do first.6:23 - The shift that needs to happen to move from the Constraint Stage to the Scale Stage.Free Resource:Click here to access the Bottleneck Audit, and in under 2 minutes you’ll discover the constraint holding you back, and the next 3 moves to make.Got questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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Success Without Boundaries Costs More Than You Think with Lynita Mitchell Blackwell
Apr 1300:36:49Tap to summarizeBurnout isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a warning sign.In this episode, Lynita Mitchell Blackwell breaks down why success without boundaries quietly leads to exhaustion, resentment, and loss of clarity in your business and life.This conversation unpacks what it takes to stop over-giving, stop people-pleasing, and start making decisions from self-trust rather than obligation.You’ll learn how to recognise the body signals you’ve been ignoring, why saying no gets easier when it’s values-led, and how to build a business that supports your health, peace, and long-term capacity, not just your revenue.If you’re ready to scale without burning yourself out, this episode will shift how you see success, boundaries, and leadership from the inside out. It’s a reminder that scaling your business doesn’t require sacrificing yourself.When success is built on boundaries, self-trust, and health, growth becomes sustainable and leadership feels lighter.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:02:00 - Why hustle can deliver results short-term but quietly erodes alignment, capacity, and health if left unchecked06:00 - How recognising shared human experiences allows you to make powerful changes before burnout forces your hand09:00 - The hidden cost of saying yes too often13:00 - How to hold firm when others don’t like your new standards16:00 - Redefining success through excellence, not perfection21:00 - How your body tells you what’s a yes and what’s a no26:00 - How to stop absorbing other people’s projections and stay grounded30:00 - The difference between happiness and joy33:00 - Why financial success without physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing ultimately limits everything you’ve builtWHERE TO FIND LYNITA MITCHELL BLACKWELLFacebook: Facebook.com/LynitaMitchellBlackwell Instagram: Instagram.com/LynitaMitchellBlackwellEsq YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LynitaMitchellBlackwelllmb Threads: Threads.net/LynitaMitchellBlackwellEsq LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/LynitaMitchellBlackwell Twitter: Twitter.com/lynitamb TikTok: Tiktok.com/@lynitamitchellblackwell?_t=8dltRMSWvOt&_r=1 Got questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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The Trust Strategy That Grows Your Business Faster Than Your Follower Count with Jenn Donovan
Apr 600:35:00Tap to summarizeThink you need more followers to grow your business? This conversation will show you the strategy that outperforms audience size every single time.Samantha is joined by social media and marketing expert, Jenn Donovan, and together they unpack how community building, collaborations, and smart visibility strategies can help you stand out without shouting, hustling, or draining your energy.If you’ve been relying on follower counts, fancy funnels, or constant posting to grow your business, this conversation will open up a completely different way to think about marketing - one built on trust, connection, and intentional visibility.Jenn also breaks down the underrated platforms and missed opportunities that can instantly elevate your authority, including one that most business owners haven’t touched (but absolutely should).You’ll walk away with practical, human-centered ideas you can use right now.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:00:42 - Why trust is the real currency in today’s market01:40 - Community building as a high-impact marketing strategy04:55 - What metrics actually indicate growth potential for coaches and consultants07:03 - Essential elements that turn a simple group of people into a self-sustaining, trust-filled ecosystem11:43 - How to create value while still honoring your time, boundaries, and ROI13:57 - High-ROI, no-cost marketing strategies that dramatically expand your authority and reach16:25 - How to collaborate with bigger brands (even if you’re small)20:19 - Strategies that increase your chances of a “yes” for a collaboration22:45 - How to pitch media and PR without sounding self-centered29:35 - Modern visibility from the ground up33:29 - How AI is changing search and audience behavior35:02 - The truth about “free marketing” and the cost most people forgetWHERE TO FIND JENN DONOVANInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenndonovan.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LikeMindedBusinessOwnersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-donovan/Got questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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The Market Is Shifting … And Most People Are About to Get This Wrong
Mar 3000:24:28Tap to summarizeWhen the market shifts, most business owners panic, retreat, or freeze … and that’s exactly what kills momentum.In this episode, Samantha and Leon cut through the noise and reveal why certainty is the perfect breeding ground for leaders who step up, give certainty to their clients, and seize opportunities others miss.Now is the time to protect your mindset from fear-driven narratives, adapt your offers to what clients urgently need, and leverage downturns to grow stronger while competitors collapse.This is all about substance, clarity, and strategy that keeps you in the game when others bow out.Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean retreat. It can be the exact moment your business gains ground. This conversation shows you how to stay visible, lead with clarity, and turn market shifts into opportunities.Listen in and position yourself as the leader your clients need right now.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:00:52 – How showing up as a leader makes you the anchor your clients need05:17 – How fear-driven narratives hijack your thinking and stall momentum09:12 – Why surrounding yourself with grounded, solution-oriented people keeps you strong and prevents spiraling11:31 – Making your services relevant by solving immediate problems and adjusting messaging14:19 – Increasing accessibility and touchpoints with clients to build trust and keep them engaged15:51 – Why businesses built on hype collapse in downturns while those with real value grow stronger19:10 – Lean, mean, and strategic spending26:13 – Why more millionaires are created in economic downturns28:37 – Will you follow fear or become the steady leader clients look to in uncertain times?Free ResourcesClick Here to complete “The Bottleneck Audit” and instantly discover the #1 thing holding you back from scaling to consistent $30K months - and get the next 3 moves to unlock growth In the next 30 days.Got questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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The Hard Truth About Scaling a Business
Mar 2300:36:54Tap to summarizeScaling isn’t about more money. It’s about becoming a different kind of leader.In this episode, Sam and Leon cut through the noise and get real about what scaling actually means. You’ll learn why growth and scaling are not the same thing, why identity shifts matter more than skill sets, and how to navigate the messy middle where you’re both operator and CEO.If you’ve ever wondered why your business feels stuck, or why scaling feels harder than expected, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.Scaling isn’t about chasing easy wins. It’s about embracing the hard truths that transform your business and your role within it. If you’re ready to start leading like a CEO, this episode will give you an insight into the mindset and strategies you’ll need to embrace to make it happen.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:04:24 – Growth vs. scale (What’s the difference?)05:26 – Why scaling requires you to think and act like a different person09:54 – Deciding which hard is worth your energy16:58 – How shifting energy to CEO-level activities unlocks growth18:04 – Why letting go of control is essential to scaling20:45 – The non-negotiables of scaling sustainably25:55 – Gamifying data to scale fastGot questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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Why Experience Is The Most Valuable Asset in the AI Era
Mar 1600:39:29Tap to summarizeAI can hand you information in seconds, but what separates thriving businesses from those that stall isn’t access to data. It’s the ability to interpret, adapt, and act with lived experience.In this episode, Sam and Leon unpack why experience is becoming the most valuable currency in business again, especially in a world flooded with AI-generated answers. You’ll hear how markets overheat, why trust is at an all-time low, and what smart business owners must do to stay ahead.From spotting the signs of industry saturation to navigating market corrections and pivoting with speed, this conversation is packed with insights that will help you cut through the noise and build credibility that lasts.The big takeaway? AI can give you answers, but only experience can tell you which ones are worth trusting. AI can amplify your ideas, but it can’t replace the wisdom of experience.If you want to build trust, credibility, and resilience in a market that’s shifting faster than ever, this conversation will show you exactly where to focus.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:00:02 – Why information alone isn’t enough 06:09 – The value of experience over theory in business 10:20 – How asking better questions and applying lived knowledge separates useful insights from misleading ones14:24 – Spotting overheated markets (plus warning signs to watch for)22:48 – Why credibility is now the ultimate differentiator24:36 – How to adapt messaging quickly and why testing ideas is the smartest way to stay relevant Got questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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Four Signs Your Signature Offer Isn’t Working with Jessica Osborn
Mar 900:46:07Tap to summarizeAre you unknowingly sabotaging your business by trying to serve everyone?Samantha sits down with business strategist Jessica Osborn to unpack the truth about signature solutions - what they really are, why most coaches and consultants think they have one (but don’t), and the four unmistakable signs that your business model is holding you back.Jessica shares how clarity creates confidence, why trying to serve multiple avatars is sabotaging your growth, and how to shift from a scattered “service suite” to a streamlined “service stack” that compounds your efforts instead of draining them.This conversation is packed with practical insights that will help you position yourself as the go-to expert, attract the right clients, and finally breathe easier in your business. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your own offers and how to tighten them up so they become your true signature solution.Learn how to stop juggling endless offers and start building a business that feels lighter, clearer, and more profitable. Jessica shows that when you focus on one powerful signature solution, everything else falls into place - your marketing, your positioning, and your confidence.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:00:55 – What a “signature solution” really means and how it compounds your efforts and creates efficiency02:57 – Why trying to help “everyone” actually slows growth 06:19 – Why saying “no” to some clients makes you magnetic to the right ones10:34 – How specificity cuts through the noise and positions you as the obvious choice in a crowded market13:21 – Why scattered offers confuse clients and how a simple, synergistic stack becomes your cash cow19:04 – The branding trap and what truly defines a signature solution24:00 – How industry leaders build reputations around one core program 28:03 – How aligning all marketing and lead magnets toward one core offer reduces costs and increases lifetime client value44:05 – Simplifying your business model, focusing on one powerful solution, and scaling with easeGot questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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Unlock The Human Advantage That AI Can’t Replace
Mar 200:30:11Tap to summarizeWhy do your clients choose you?In this episode, Samantha and Leon dive into the future of business in an AI-driven world and uncover why authenticity, emotion, and storytelling are the ultimate differentiators.You’ll learn why clients connect with people, not polished logos or AI-generated posts, and how leaning into your quirks, values, and zone of genius can transform your business. This conversation is a reminder that the gold isn’t in the perfectly logical answer. It’s in the emotion, the vulnerability, and the stories that make you unforgettable.Understand why your story is your most powerful business asset, and why you need to embrace it so your prospects lean in and say, “I want to work with you.”WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:00:00 – Why leaning into your quirks, values, and unique perspectives naturally amplifies your brand 02:24 – The AI trap vs. the human advantage 06:25 – Why clients buy from people, not businesses 10:44 – Why building a business aligned with your version of success is the real goal15:56 – How chasing speed and efficiency with AI can backfire19:20 – The missing pieces AI can’t replicate and how to use them to stand out in your industry23:55 – How to instantly build trust and connection with clients in ways AI never can28:53 – Why your story matters now more than everGot questions or want more business growth content? Follow us over at @thesamriley and @leonflittonReady to scale to $30k+ months? Apply to join Scale With Soul here
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