In this episode of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King sits down with Emma Atkin, the founder of Fresh Business Solutions. Emma brings over 20 years of leadership experience—ranging from her early days as a registered nurse to managing a medical facility with 140 staff and running a successful plumbing and air conditioning business (Taps) with her husband. Emma specializes in helping small business owners move from burnout and chaos to profitability and order through robust systems and strategies.
Emma deep-dives into the common pitfalls of small business ownership, specifically “Shiny Object Syndrome” – the tendency to get distracted by every new marketing “guru” or course. She shares her personal journey of surviving a “nightmare show” business environment during the pandemic on the Victoria/New South Wales border and explains why a solid business plan is the only way to stay focused. Whether you are a yoga studio owner or an IT specialist, Emma’s message is clear: the systems of success are universal.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 19
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How to implement foundational systems: Business plans, break-even points, and cash flow analysis.
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The importance of policies and procedures (onboarding, conduct, and leadership) for scaling a team.
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Emma’s transition from nursing leadership to co-owning a trade business and launching a coaching firm.
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Why “Small Business Owners” is a valid niche when the underlying systems remain the same across industries.
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Shiny Object Syndrome: How to avoid the “noise” of social media gurus and stay on your designated path.
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Behind-the-scenes of running a business during the pandemic in a border town (Albury-Wodonga).
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Why small business is a marathon, not a sprint, and how to manage expectations in the first year.
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Emma’s “Big Hairy Scary Goal”: Moving from one-on-one coaching to empowering hundreds from a public speaking stage.
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Top Tip: Why you must review your business plan every 12 months and celebrate “bite-sized” victories.
Guest: Emma Atkin
I started Fresh Business Solutions in January 2023 having walked away from a high-pressure Operations Manager role in late 2022.
I have worked in a variety of leadership and management roles over the past 20 + years and studied Business Management, Human Resources, Leadership Skills and Workplace Health and Safety during that time.
I have also been a CFA Volunteer Firefighter for the past 19 years and attained my Crew Leader’s, Fireline Leadership and Strike Team Leader Qualifications.
6 years ago my hubby and I started our own business in Plumbing and Air Conditioning and I am proud of how far we have come.
So Fresh really came about out of my desire to help other people start and maintain their own small businesses. I want to pass on the skills, systems and strategies that I have developed and honed over the years to allow other people to enjoy the freedoms that we have as a small business owner. I also love going into existing businesses and helping the owners streamline their systems and improve their cash flow and profit margin to help reduce the stress that many small business owners feel – it’s all about having fun!!
Find Emma:
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