Podcast Summary: The Bossbabe Podcast
Host: Natalie Ellis
Episode: 486: I'm Taking a Break
Date: October 9, 2025
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt solo episode, host Natalie Ellis opens up about her decision to take a genuine break for maternity leave and what that means for both her audience and business. She moves beyond curated continuity, choosing honesty over hustle, and addresses the fear—and freedom—that come with stepping away. Natalie candidly discusses how she prepared her team, business systems, and mindset to support this pause, offering practical insights for ambitious entrepreneurs who may also be considering a break.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Breaking the “Always On” Illusion
- Natalie challenges the cultural pressure to always be present and productive, especially as a woman entrepreneur.
- Quote:
“I don’t want to play a part in modeling a version of success that says you have to pretend you are on all the time and you’re not taking any breaks.” (02:12)
- Quote:
- She admits to initially planning to batch episodes to simulate her presence, but found it inauthentic.
- Natalie stresses the value of aligning actions with core values, especially as a leader advocating for freedom-based business.
2. The Fear of Taking a Break
- This is Natalie’s first real break from the podcast, and she openly discusses her anxiety about losing momentum.
- Quote:
“I definitely have a fear that taking a break could just completely tank my downloads, my momentum... I’m terrified about that.” (03:55)
- Quote:
- Despite the fear, she chooses trust in her audience and the business’s foundation over succumbing to metrics-driven anxiety.
3. How She Prepared Her Business for Maternity Leave
A. Building and Empowering a Strong Team
- Natalie describes her “small but mighty” team as a critical support.
- Shared joyful anecdotes, like a surprise baby shower, highlighting genuine care and positive company culture.
- Quote:
“We are a small but mighty team … every single person is just an A++ player.” (05:00) - She intentionally fosters a work environment that feels personal and supportive, contrasting with narratives that discourage “family-like” company cultures.
B. Systems & SOPs for Smooth Operations
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are documented and roles clearly defined.
- The team is empowered to make decisions and pivot if needed, operating with both a concrete plan and the flexibility to innovate.
- Quote:
“They know that if they want to pivot, if they want to do something else … more power to them. The business is theirs for them to play with.” (07:15)
- Quote:
C. Financial Preparation & Automated Revenue
- Evergreen funnels and automation ensure steady cash flow.
- The business could operate without new revenue during her absence, thanks to disciplined financial stewardship.
- Natalie shares a surprising year-on-year revenue increase, even though growth wasn’t her focus.
- Quote:
“We are doing even better than last year, which is mind-blowing because it was never even the intention.” (08:44) - She reflects that focusing on systems, people, and service leads to success—even during seasons of personal downtime.
D. Clear Communication & Boundaries
- Automated “out of office” messages and team contacts are set up for partners and collaborators.
- Advice for solo entrepreneurs: use pin posts, email responders, and scheduled content.
4. Embracing Uncertainty and Honesty
- Natalie avoids pretending everything will run perfectly; she recalls her previous maternity leave with unexpected challenges.
- Quote:
“My last maternity leave did not go as planned … I thought I’d set the business up in a great way and a few weeks in, I’m dealing with crying phone calls of launches not going well.” (10:15)
- Quote:
- She promises a future recap on what worked and what didn’t, emphasizing learning in real time.
5. Mindset Shifts Around Taking a Break
- Trust your audience and the value you provide, rather than clinging to constant output.
- Quote:
“Growth isn’t fragile. Momentum is built on value over time, not a few missed months on the podcast.” (11:15)
- Quote:
- Natalie urges listeners to question when they’re sacrificing integrity or alignment for the sake of appearances.
6. Gratitude and Looking Ahead
- Expresses deep appreciation for her supportive community and team.
- Emphasizes that rest and success can coexist—a message she hopes resonates with other entrepreneurs.
- Quote:
“Rest and success can still coexist. It is not one or the other.” (12:25)
- Quote:
- Invites listeners to revisit previous episodes, follow her on Instagram for personal updates, and anticipates sharing new insights upon her return.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “I don’t want to play a part in modeling a version of success that says you have to pretend you are on all the time and you’re not taking any breaks.”
(02:12, Natalie Ellis) - “I definitely have a fear that taking a break could just completely tank my downloads, my momentum... I’m terrified about that.”
(03:55, Natalie Ellis) - “We are a small but mighty team … every single person is just an A++ player.”
(05:00, Natalie Ellis) - “We are doing even better than last year, which is mind-blowing because it was never even the intention.”
(08:44, Natalie Ellis) - “Growth isn’t fragile. Momentum is built on value over time, not a few missed months on the podcast.”
(11:15, Natalie Ellis) - “Rest and success can still coexist. It is not one or the other.”
(12:25, Natalie Ellis)
Important Timestamps
- 00:07 – Natalie sets the scene for a different kind of episode and introduces her current state: maternity leave
- 02:12 – On choosing authenticity over the “always on” entrepreneur image
- 03:55 – Discussing fears of lost momentum and trusting the audience
- 05:00 – How company culture and team strength are key to success
- 07:15 – Empowering the team to pivot and innovate during her leave
- 08:44 – Surprising financial results and lessons from focusing on systems, not sales
- 10:15 – Reminiscing about previous maternity leave challenges
- 11:15 – Mindset shifts: valuing honesty and trusting momentum
- 12:25 – Closing remarks on integrating rest and business success
Final Thoughts
Natalie’s personal, transparent approach offers listeners both inspiration and tactical advice for planning breaks without guilt or fear. She models leadership, integrity, and trust in both her team and community, reminding all ambitious women entrepreneurs that it's not only okay—but necessary—to sometimes step back and recharge.