Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded

Episode: Behind the Scenes: Building My Community While Juggling Family
Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: September 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this candid and inspiring episode, host Michelle Thames gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how she balances building a thriving online community, leading her business, and managing family life. Speaking directly to fellow entrepreneurs—especially women juggling parenting and business—Michelle shares the systems, boundaries, and mindset shifts that keep her grounded without losing momentum. She unpacks the realities behind “doing it all,” highlights the power of community support, and encourages listeners to value progress over perfection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Myth of “Having It All”

• Michelle opens up about her daily life, noting how chaotic and demanding it can be to juggle business and family.
  • “It's not always glamorous. My daughter has basketball practices and games, I've got client calls, writing emails, planning events, and trying to make dinner happen.” (01:17)
• She emphasizes the importance of a supportive partner, celebrating her husband’s role in the household.

2. Building Community as a Support System

• The Elevate and Empower community isn’t just a business—it’s a lifeline for Michelle and other women going through similar challenges.
  • “By building my Elevate and Empower community, planning events... I am not just building a business. I am creating a support system for myself and for other women who get this life.” (02:00)

3. Top 3 Strategies for Managing it All

Michelle shares her concrete tools and tips:

a. Boundaries & Systems

• Utilizes batch recording: “I batch record this podcast. I am doing that right now, recording seven episodes in one day so that I can be ahead.” (02:40)
• Simplicity over tech overwhelm: Switched back from tools like ClickUp to “Google Sheets, pen and paper and Google documents… I’m a Google girl through and through.” (03:09)
• Weekly meetings with her husband for coordination: Discussing everything from parenting to business logistics. (03:27)
• Google Calendar for transparency on "work blocks": “My family knows when my work blocks are. Structure is what keeps me sane.” (03:55)
• Commitment to personal wellness and self-discipline, such as training for a 5K alongside her husband.
  • “Even when I am working out. I’m now training for a 5K coming up October 26.” (04:12)

b. Build With Your Community, Not Alone

• Invites her community to help shape the vision by asking what topics and events matter to them.
  • “Build with your community. Not alone. I involve my community in building the vision... It makes everything more aligned and less stressful.” (05:17)
• Programming for online events and retreats is community-driven, allowing flexibility and responsiveness to members’ needs.
• Publicly invites guest experts and listeners to reach out with collaboration ideas.
  • “If you’re an expert in marketing, business or mindset, I’d love to have you as a guest expert inside the community… DM me on Instagram and pitch me!” (06:07)

c. Let Go of Perfection

• Michelle stresses embracing messiness and challenges.
  • “Some days it is messy. Okay, life be lifeing.” (06:22)
• Shares a candid story about feeling overwhelmed during the summer, but consistently showing up for her community.
  • “Even through all of the things... I still showed up, I still recorded podcasts, I still did it all.” (06:48)
• Consistency over perfection is her “superpower” for building trust and authority.
  • “Showing up even when it’s not perfect is what builds trust, what builds authority.” (07:13)

4. Dealing With the Messiness of Real Life

• She normalizes messy moments: Zoom calls with kids nearby, answering emails in the car, meetings in between school runs.
  • “Sometimes I’m recording my podcast in the hotel, I’m answering emails in the car...” (07:01)
• Parenting confession: grateful for her independent 11-year-old, recognizes the shifting dynamics as children grow.

5. Encouragement and Mindset for Listeners

• Reassures listeners they don’t have to do it all, and that real authority is built in real life, not in a vacuum.
  • “The goal is not perfection... it’s progress. Build a community around your values, lean into systems and give yourself grace.” (08:03)
• Reminds those struggling with guilt or overwhelm that grace is essential.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Support:

  • “Shout out to the amazing husbands. Let me just stop right here and give him the flowers… he cooks dinner most of the time—and might I add, it’s good. Probably better than mine.” (01:28)

• On Community:

  • “I involve my community in building the vision... It makes everything more aligned and less stressful.” (05:17)

• On Systems:

  • “Simplicity is key. Sometimes you try to get all these cute fancy tech and asana and all that…sometimes you gotta go back to the basics.” (03:20)

• On Perfectionism:

  • “Consistency is my superpower. Showing up even when it’s not perfect is what builds trust, what builds authority.” (07:13)

• On Self-Compassion:

  • “If you don’t do anything, give yourself some grace.” (08:10)

Important Timestamps

• 00:46 – Episode begins, Michelle introduces the episode’s focus
• 01:17 – Discussing juggling family and business realities
• 02:00 – The entrepreneurial journey as community building
• 02:40 – Batch recording & productivity hacks
• 03:09 – Switching to simpler organizational tools (Google Sheets, pen & paper)
• 03:27 – Weekly family-biz meetings
• 03:55 – Calendar blocking for structure
• 04:12 – Personal health and family activities (training for a 5K)
• 05:17 – Building with the community, not alone
• 06:07 – Inviting guest experts and collaborations
• 06:22 – Letting go of perfection and operating amidst chaos
• 07:13 – Consistency as the path to authority
• 08:03 – Final encouragement: progress over perfection

Tone & Style

Michelle speaks with warmth, authenticity, a sense of humor, and a “real talk” vibe that resonates with busy women entrepreneurs. She’s encouraging but honest about the challenges, infused with practical advice and empowering affirmations.

Final Takeaways

• Build support systems both at home and in business: Don’t do it alone.
• Prioritize systems and structure that actually work for you—simplicity often wins.
• Progress matters more than perfection; consistency and grace are key.
• Show up as you are—even in chaos, your community will appreciate your authenticity.

“Progress over perfection—keep showing up. Your community is waiting for you.”
—Michelle Thames (08:21)