This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

Ever had your life plan derailed by something totally out of left field? That’s exactly what happened to Melissa Boufounos, my guest on this episode.

We’re getting real about what it’s actually like to run a business with “hidden” challenges—think post-concussion syndrome, chronic illness, and all the curveballs that force you to break up with time-blocking, Pinterest-perfect plans, and the 40-hour workweek hustle.

Today’s conversation goes beyond the “get up and grind” grind. Melissa shares how she manages client work, deadlines, and the chaos of toddler mom life while listening to her body and honoring actual limits. You’ll hear why flexible systems beat rigid schedules, how to navigate work on both good and migraine days, and, yes, how to use Asana for real life (no, you don’t need to use every hack an “online guru” sold you).

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch traditional time-blocking and break big tasks into small, doable steps—especially when your energy comes and goes.

• Use project tools like Asana to keep your brain organized, your to-dos accessible, and your stress levels at “ordinary business owner” instead of “celebrity meltdown.”

• Give yourself grace and re-prioritize often; sometimes the “shoulds” can wait so you can rest—naps are absolutely work strategy here.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

In this episode, I chat with Parijat (https://ruvelle.com/), a business owner and parent who’s balancing high-stakes parenting with running a business that actually matters.

I get into the nitty-gritty with Parijat about automations that actually save brain cells, protecting your time like it’s the last donut in the box, and building visibility the real-person way (spoiler: it’s not going viral on Instagram). Forget hustle culture—the conversation is stuffed with honest laughs about dropping balls and why “fame” can stay far away. This episode is for anyone who's tired of business advice written for superhumans with a private chef.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Automate the tasks you hate so your precious brainpower can go toward what actually matters (like remembering a weekday).

• Set real guardrails around your energy by saying “no,” turning off your phone at 8pm, and being okay with missing a few emails.

• Build your business visibility in ways that don’t drain you—like podcasting over Instagram if that’s what actually feels good.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

In this episode, I sit down with Hillary, a registered dietitian and business owner who found out she has ADHD after building her business. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your keys, thoughts, and clients from falling into the void—or why “cute bowls” are basically survival tools—this one’s for you.

Today, Hillary gets real about theme days, ditching rigid schedules, and exactly how she structures her week to save sanity and keep work actually fun. I dig into what actually helps when timers, sticky notes, and boundaries all threaten to unravel, and why asking for help isn’t “cheating”—it’s basically required. If you’re navigating running a business while also juggling motherhood and re-learning your brain, this episode is basically a group hug.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Hack your day by making even boring jobs cuter (it actually works, promise).

• Build flexible theme days to cut down on chaos, not creativity.

• Give yourself permission to ask for help—nobody wins solo.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.