Transcript: Episode 134 – Trailblazing Women in Business

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Introduction

Lucy (00:00):Welcome to this special Mumbition panel episode. Today’s discussion is designed especially for women at the very early stages of business, or those thinking about making the leap. I’m joined by four brilliant women — Danielle Lewis, Liz Kaelin, Laetitia Andrac and Penny Locaso — who bring deep expertise across entrepreneurship, commercialisation, intuition-led strategy and visibility for women in leadership. Let’s dive in.

Opening Insights: What Drives You?

Danielle (01:12):

You're the only person responsible for the success of your business. If you're not happy with where you’re at, ask yourself whether you're doing enough — or the right things — to move forward.

Liz (01:47):

I made nearly every financial and commercialisation mistake possible in my first business — except for having a solid business model. Now I help women save the time, energy and money I wish I had saved.

Laetitia (02:36):

Impact drives everything I do. Whether it's supporting neurodivergent families or helping women grow aligned, intuitive businesses, I want to leave the world better each day.

Penny (03:21):

My mission is to disrupt the echo chamber of the same voices shaping our future. I help diverse women own their expertise so they can become visible role models for the next generation.

Testing Your Business Idea

Lucy (04:17): When women first start a business, they often worry their idea won’t work. How can beginners test their idea before committing fully?

Danielle (04:17):

Accept that your first idea probably won’t be “the one”—ours took five iterations over 12 years. The single biggest lesson? Talk to your customers. Try to sell the idea. If people want to pay for it, you’re onto something.

Danielle (05:34):

We’ve never lived in a better time to test ideas: coffee chats, simple landing pages, quick social posts. Sometimes no-one responds; other times people buy the same day. You learn through doing.

Penny (07:18):

People tell you they'll buy something — but won’t actually buy it. The real test is money on the table. Use tools like ChatGPT to craft research questions, create Google Forms, and collect consistent insight over time.

Laetitia (09:34):

I always sell before it's ready. If people pay, I build it. Don't hide behind forms — take payment, then deliver. We buy flights and concert tickets before the experience exists; your offer is no different.

Liz (12:40):

Strategy is essential, but so is emotional support. Rejection sensitivity is real for many founders. Build a support system that helps you withstand setbacks and remain visible.

Pivots, Setbacks & Learning from Customers

Danielle (25:14):

I was once called the “queen of the pivot.” Our tech business started as a virtual fashion change-room, then a fashion social network, then an influencer platform. No-one cared that the idea changed — people only cared about whether we were solving the right problem.

Danielle (28:08):

We manually delivered our first “tech product” to speed things up and learn directly from customers. Doing the work by hand taught us more than the software could.

Lucy (29:29): You seem energised by getting into the weeds.

Danielle (29:40):

I love ideas, but I had to learn not to chase every one. Talk to enough customers before committing — don’t build solutions for one loud voice.

Finding Your Support System

Penny (32:24):

Support changes over time. My partner and I get clarity while hiking together. I also journal daily to process ideas and feelings deeply.

Laetitia (33:49):

I use meditation, morning pages, and go beyond my inner circle so I don't get stuck in my own echo chamber. I seek advice from people with no vested interest.

Liz (37:45):

Lucy, you're my filter! And our Mums & Co members ground me. I also love serendipitous conversations — even with someone who runs a dog‑poop removal business.

Danielle (40:41):

My husband asks strategic questions that help me think aloud. And I built SPARK not just to support women but also to surround myself with generous, brilliant founders

Final Words of Wisdom

Penny (44:09):

You can't get “yes” without getting “no.” Practise micro‑bravery — do one small uncomfortable thing daily. It builds resilience.

Laetitia (46:27):

You are not a statistic. The data doesn’t define you. If your idea is aligned with your intuition and you have the right support, you can break any barrier.

Danielle (48:08):

Business is hard and slow — that’s normal. You are enough. Stop inventing limitations.

Liz (49:33):

Take your time. Hustle culture and soft-life culture are extremes — find the middle. Persistence beats consistency. Plan for setbacks; expect them.

Penny (51:55):

Use reflective progress: each night list three ways you moved forward. Motivation comes after action.

Closing

Lucy (52:53):

Thank you all for this energising, generous conversation. It’s been incredible

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