Welcome to Permission to Lead—the space where entrepreneurs and leaders come together to navigate the massive shifts happening in online business, leadership, and life itself.
The way we work, lead, and build businesses has changed. Expectations are different. The weight we’re willing to carry has shifted. And the need for true, human connection has never been greater. This isn’t business as usual. This is about rethinking how we lead—not just for ourselves, but for the people who trust us to create something bigger than a job that just pays the bills.
Think of this podcast like your favorite latte—bold enough to wake you up, smooth enough to savor, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. This isn’t a formal, buttoned-up leadership lecture. It’s a space to think out loud, to sift through the chaos, and to decide what’s worth carrying forward—and what’s better left behind.
Because your business isn’t just about you. It has the power to shape lives—especially the people who work alongside you. And leading isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being conscious, self-aware, and willing to grow. If you’re here, you’re already asking the right questions.
Hosted by Emily Bronaugh (bro-naw), Permission to Lead is for the entrepreneurs who refuse to sacrifice their health, relationships, or sanity in pursuit of success. It’s for the visionaries who are ready to build a business that supports their life—not the other way around. If you’re tired of the burnout cycle and ready to finally step into leadership with clarity and confidence… pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and let’s stir up something worth savoring.
For inquires, contact: emily@worthofwork.com (mailto:emily@worthofwork.com)
Ep. 13 The Ultimate Upwork Job Description Template for Small Business Owners
Emily Bronaugh shares an Upwork job description template for small business owners, focusing on attracting quality freelancers and setting clear expectations, which helps entrepreneurs build ethical teams.
17 Jun 2025
Ep. 12 What to Delegate First: 5 Essential Tasks to Outsource for Small Business Growth
Emily Bronaugh discusses five essential tasks small business owners should delegate to reclaim their expertise and maximize their time and energy investment.
3 Jun 2025
You Need Help... Now What? A Practical Guide to Creating Space to Scale
Emily Bronaugh shares a framework for entrepreneurs to strategically create space in their business before hiring, focusing on sustainable maintenance and avoiding chaotic financial decisions.
28 May 2025
Ep. 10 The Leader Stage: What Happens After You Build Your Dream Team (Leadership Journey Series Finale)
Emily Bronaugh explores the transition to visionary leadership after building a dream team, focusing on ethical leadership and avoiding complacency to create a positive impact.
20 May 2025
Ep. 9 The Leadership Trap: Why Aspiring to Be a 'Boss Bitch' is Holding Back Your Team
🚨 Ever feel like you’re finally doing all the “right” things as a CEO—hiring a team, hitting your revenue goals, calling the shots—yet something still feels...off?
You’ve followed all the advice. You’ve built the team, stepped into the CEO role, and maybe even have “Boss Bitch” energy posted on your office vision board. On the surface, it looks like success—the team, the revenue, the CEO title 🤔
But under the hood? There’s often resentment, disconnection, and a nagging feeling that leading a team might actually be more exhausting than doing it all yourself. That Boss Bitch energy could sabotage your business despite appearing successful on paper.
In this candid conversation, I explore:
💼 How your mindset before hiring affects everything after they start
💼 I dive into why having a team and delegating tasks doesn't automatically create the time freedom and business joy you were promised
💼 Why being a “Boss Bitch” isn’t the leadership level you think it is
💼 The real reason teams feel frustrating (hint: it’s not because they’re lazy)
💼 How you think about your team determines how supportive they are (not the other way around!)
If you're ready to ditch the resentment, build a team you actually enjoy leading, and create a culture of trust and collaboration, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air—and maybe a bit of a mirror. The good news? With a few simple shifts in how you hire and show up daily, you can break this cycle and reach the final leadership level.
👇 Listen in, and don’t forget to:
📍 Take the Leadership Quiz to find out where you are on your leadership journey
📍 Book a 1:1 call if you’re ready for hands-on support
You don’t need to hold it all together by yourself anymore. Let’s build soul-giving that doesn’t run on guilt and grit.
RESOURCES
Leadership Quiz:
https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz)
Listen to the past episode on the Leadership Journey (Entrepreneur Burnout Recovery: Creating Space for Delegation and Growth in Your Business):
https://redcircle.com/shows/5800851c-c71d-44f9-a4df-10797174ecc9/episodes/7ea1d08a-7166-4dd6-9263-61abf18a83d9 (https://redcircle.com/shows/5800851c-c71d-44f9-a4df-10797174ecc9/episodes/7ea1d08a-7166-4dd6-9263-61abf18a83d9)
Schedule free 1:1 call with Emily:
https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation (https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation)
Permission to Lead Course:
https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead (https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead)
13 May 2025
Ep. 8 Entrepreneur Burnout Recovery: Creating Space for Delegation and Growth in Your Business
Ever find yourself asking, "Is it even possible to grow this business without losing my health or my mind?" I've been there—sobbing against the wall, wondering if I needed to give up my dream because I simply couldn't do it all anymore. If you're holding it all together with duct tape and coffee, this episode is your permission slip to stop sprinting on that invisible treadmill.
In this raw and honest episode, I share what landed me in the ER—and how that moment forced me to face the same thing I help clients with every day: you can’t lead when you’re running on fumes 💥 If you're an empathetic entrepreneur trying to do everything yourself (while also being a decent human, partner, parent, and friend), you’ll feel seen in this one. And I made this episode for you. 💛
Listen to learn...
❤️🔥 The real reason we resist delegation (hint: it’s not just a time thing)
❤️🔥 The real cost of the “I’ll just do it myself” mentality (and why it’s not noble—it’s dangerous)
❤️🔥 Understand how to identify your true zone of genius and focus only on the 3-5 "needle movers" that actually grow your business
❤️🔥 How to start creating space for support—even if you feel like you don’t have a second to spare
Remember, your exhaustion isn't a sign to quit—it's a sign to change how you're operating. If you’re stuck in the Burned Out Solopreneur stage of your Leadership Journey, I promise: you don’t have to stay there. Creating supportive people systems is not a luxury—it’s the foundation of sustainable, ethical leadership. That’s what my L.E.A.D. framework is all about.
📍Ready to stop spinning and start building a business that doesn’t rely on your 24/7 hustle?
Book a 1:1 call and let’s map out your first (or next) step to reclaiming your energy and your vision.
You deserve to lead a business that supports your life—not one that swallows it whole.
→ [Book a consulting call now]
RESOURCES
Leadership Quiz:
https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz)
Listen to the past episode on the Leadership Journey (Sustainable Success vs. Shiny Object Syndrome: Navigating the Starry Eyed Hustler Phase of Entrepreneurship):
https://redcircle.com/shows/5800851c-c71d-44f9-a4df-10797174ecc9/episodes/9893f9a5-6918-45e9-93c6-dea090441c40 (https://redcircle.com/shows/5800851c-c71d-44f9-a4df-10797174ecc9/episodes/9893f9a5-6918-45e9-93c6-dea090441c40)
Schedule free 1:1 call with Emily:
https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation (https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation)
Permission to Lead Course:
https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead (https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead)
8 May 2025
Ep. 7 Sustainable Success vs. Shiny Object Syndrome: Navigating the Starry Eyed Hustler Phase of Entrepreneurship
💫 Ever feel like you're doing all the things in your business… but somehow not gaining real traction?
If you're in that phase of entrepreneurship where you're full of ideas, lit up with passion, and constantly pivoting from one strategy to the next (sound familiar?), this episode is for you. I call it the Starry Eyed Hustler phase — where your passion is on fire, but your systems are, well, nonexistent.
If you're in this phase right now, you might be experiencing:
The Canva obsession
The endless tweaks to your launch plan
The late-night Google rabbit holes about “best email funnels”
I’ve been there too... And while that excitement is real, it can also keep you spinning if you’re not careful. So in today’s episode, I’m helping you shift from scattered doing to sustainable leading—without losing your creativity or joy in the process.
Here’s what we’ll explore:
🌟 The surprising leadership lesson I learned from a 75-day health challenge with my husband
🧠 What “shiny object syndrome” really reveals about your leadership fears
📦 How setting boundaries (just like Trader Joe's does with limited options!) actually creates more freedom and creativity in your zone of genius
🐿️ Why "squirrel brain" might feel thrilling at first but ultimately prevents you from creating lasting impact
Whether you're currently in the Starry Eyed Hustler phase or have moved beyond it, this conversation will help you reconcile your fear of “getting it wrong” with the deeper calling to lead ethically and intentionally.
The truth is, sustainable success doesn’t come from constant pivoting—it comes from creating frameworks that allow your creativity to flourish in focused ways.
🔥 Let’s make sure your creativity fuels your mission, not your burnout 🔥
👋 Want help creating systems that actually support your zone of genius? Book a 1:1 call with me to identify your specific needle movers and create a positive ripple effect in your business. I’d love to walk alongside you.
RESOURCES
Leadership Quiz: https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz)
Listen to the past episode on the Leadership Journey (Stop Treating Your Business Like a Hobby: Why Self-Doubt is Holding Your Business Back): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-6-stop-treating-your-business-like-a-hobby-why/id1804459466?i=1000705441900 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-6-stop-treating-your-business-like-a-hobby-why/id1804459466?i=1000705441900)
Schedule free 1:1 call with Emily: https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation (https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation)
Permission to Lead Course: https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead (https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead)
29 Apr 2025
Ep. 6 Stop Treating Your Business Like a Hobby: Why Self-Doubt is Holding Your Business Back
🔥 Let’s get real—if you want to build something meaningful, you have to stop treating your business like a hobby. If you’ve ever downplayed your work, second-guessed your pricing, or barely seeing progress in your business it’s time to stop treating your business like a hobby. In this episode of Permission to Lead, I dive deep into the Hobbyist phase of the Leadership Journey, that place where you've got one toe in entrepreneurship and one foot out. Because waiting for confidence to show up before you go full speed ahead? That’s just cognitive dissonance in action.
Let's talk about...
💫 Why so many empathetic entrepreneurs struggle to treat their business like a business
💫 I share my own experience of downplaying my business for years and how that negative self-talk affected not just my business growth, but my relationships and ability to show up fully
💫 I tell the incredible story of my client Hannah, who transformed from experiencing panic attacks about her "hobby" to owning two store locations with multiple employees
💫 We dive into practical "needle movers" - those 3-5 key actions that will create the positive ripple effect your mission deserves
If you're feeling stuck in that one-foot-in, one-foot-out place with your business, this episode is your permission slip to step fully into your zone of genius. Because your work is not a side hustle, a cute idea, or something to explain away at family dinners. It’s real, it matters, and it’s time to own that.
👉 If you want personalized guidance on moving beyond the hobbyist phase, book a consulting call and let’s build a leadership foundation that aligns with your values and your vision. The link is below.
🎙️ You deserve more than survival mode. Let’s build your legacy—on your terms.
RESOURCES
Leadership Quiz: https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz)
Listen to the past episode on the Leadership Journey (The 5 Stages of Leadership for Online Entrepreneurs: From Hobbiest to True Leader): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-the-5-stages-of-leadership-for-online/id1804459466?i=1000705301298 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-the-5-stages-of-leadership-for-online/id1804459466?i=1000705301298)
Schedule free 1:1 call with Emily: https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation (https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation)
Permission to Lead Course: https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead (https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead)
28 Apr 2025
Ep. 5 The 5 Stages of Leadership for Online Entrepreneurs: From Hobbyist to True Leader
🌟 In this episode of Permission to Lead, I walk you through the 5 Stages of the Leadership Journey, the five crucial stages every online entrepreneur goes through on their leadership journey - from Hobbyist to true LEADer. If you’ve ever wondered why building a team feels overwhelming (or why it sometimes backfires), you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not failing.
I'm not here to sell you on hustle culture or "just hire a VA" tactics. I'm here to talk honestly about what it actually takes to go from doing it all yourself (and burning out) to leading a team you can trust — without micromanaging, constant overwhelm, or losing the soul of your business along the way.
We dive into:
💫 How to reconcile your fear of "becoming a bad boss" and step into ethical leadership
💫 The real reason hiring your first VA doesn’t solve everything (and what to do instead)
💫 How my L.E.A.D. framework (Listen, Enlist, Allow, Delegate) creates a positive ripple effect inside your team
💫 How to achieve True Leadership where you wake up excited about your business again!
If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Am I ready to lead?" or feeling stuck between wanting help and worrying you’ll become that boss you swore you’d never be — you're not alone. I've been there, my clients have been there, and I'm sharing real, practical insights that will help you recognize exactly where you are on your leadership journey... and what small, intentional steps will actually move you toward becoming the ethical, effective leader your mission deserves.
Because your work matters. Your people matter. And the way you lead matters.
✨ Take the leadership journey quiz at worthofwork.com (http://worthofwork.com) to find your stage and start building the business — and team — you’re proud of.
RESOURCES
Leadership Quiz: https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/quiz)
HR Management Software →Gusto: https://gusto.com (https://gusto.com/)
Listen to our past episode on Leadership (How to Lead With Empathy: The L.E.A.D Framework for Conscious Entrepreneurs Who Want to Build Ethical Teams): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2-how-to-lead-with-empathy-the-l-e-a/id1804459466?i=1000701972703 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2-how-to-lead-with-empathy-the-l-e-a/id1804459466?i=1000701972703)
Schedule free 1:1 call with Emily: https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation (https://calendly.com/worthofwork/consultation)
Permission to Lead Course: https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead (https://www.worthofwork.com/courses/permission-to-lead)
21 Apr 2025
Ep. 4 Why the Fear of Firing Is Holding You Back — And How to Handle It with Confidence
Let’s be real — firing someone is one of the scariest parts of building a team. And if you’re anything like me (and most of the entrepreneurs I work with), that fear can quietly stop you from hiring at all.
In this episode, I’m walking you through why that fear holds us back, especially for those of us who are deeply empathetic, conscious leaders, and how to actually navigate letting someone go in a way that’s ethical, transparent, and human-centered.
I’m sharing the story of the time I was let go (with zero notice, after a glowing performance review 🙃) and walking you through how to lead through this moment with integrity.
💫 Why our fear of firing often has nothing to do with the actual act—and everything to do with identity and guilt
💫 The difference between firing someone and letting someone go—and why it matters
💫 How to build in systems that help you make these decisions with clarity (not chaos)
💫 What ethical leadership really looks like when things get hard—and how to honor the worth of work on both sides
This episode is part practical strategy, part permission slip to move forward. If you’ve been holding yourself back because you’re afraid of becoming “that boss,” let’s reframe this together. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared, grounded, and deeply human in your leadership.
If that’s you, hit play.
✨ If you’re feeling overwhelmed by hiring, managing, or navigating tough conversations, let’s talk. Book a free 30-minute consult call with me at worthofwork.com (https://worthofwork.com/)—I’ll call you, no Zoom required. Let’s get you unstuck and moving forward, together.
Gusto HR Software (https://gusto.com/)
Interview Questions (https://www.worthofwork.com/f/interviewquestions)
8 Apr 2025
Ep. 3 Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pt. 2 - Pay for Results, Not Hours
💰 Will hourly pay actually punish your most efficient team members? In this eye-opening episode, I challenge the outdated "time equals money" model and r share a better approach that creates more stability for everyone involved. As entrepreneurs, we need to shift our perspective from paying for time to paying for results.
I share a real client dilemma that perfectly illustrates the hidden costs of hourly work: convoluted budgeting, team stress, and the counterintuitive reality that hourly rates reward slower work over quality results. With my signature blend of practical wisdom and personal stories (including my own tax surprise that triggered a week-long nervous system reset!), I break down:
✅ Why paying for time creates unnecessary budget variability and stress for both you and your team members
✅ How to transition from hourly to flat-rate compensation without blowing your budget
✅ Learn why hourly pay actually punishes efficiency and rewards slower work
✅ Three smart alternatives to hourly billing that foster team loyalty and better results
Overall, I deliver a passionate case for why paying for results—not hours—creates healthier businesses and happier teams. That responsibility might feel scary, but creating consistency in how you compensate your team is actually LESS complicated than tracking hourly work and creates a workplace environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and a permission to lead.
Whether you're hiring your first assistant or managing an established team, this episode provides the roadmap for creating compensation structures that reflect your values as a leader who truly cares about building a collaborative workplace culture where everyone thrives.
Want more guidance on building a team within your zone of genius? Book a consulting call at worthofwork.com (https://www.worthofwork.com/) and let's create that positive ripple effect in your business!
2 Apr 2025
Ep. 2 How to Lead With Empathy: The L.E.A.D Framework for Conscious Entrepreneurs Who Want to Build Ethical Teams
🔥 Need help hiring without becoming the boss you always hated? In this episode, I'm breaking down my signature L.E.A.D framework—a simple yet powerful approach for conscious entrepreneurs who want to build ethical, impactful teams without burning out or losing sight of their values. I share my personal story of being reprimanded for picking up my sick baby while my husband was deployed, and how experiences like these fuel my passion for creating a different kind of leadership culture. This isn't just theory—it's born from real struggle!
In this episode, we explore:
💫 Why hiring feels so intimidating (spoiler: it’s not just about money)
💫 The L.E.A.D. framework: Listen, Enlist, Allow, Delegate—and how it transforms the way you show up as a leader
💫 Why your business is never just about you (and why that’s a good thing!)
💫 How to reconcile your fear of leadership with your desperate need for support
If you’ve ever felt torn between staying small to avoid the responsibility of leading or stepping into your CEO role with confidence, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how to embrace leadership as a force for good—one that uplifts your team, aligns with your values, and creates a positive impact on the world.
Tune in to learn how to lead with heart, stay in your zone of genius, and build a business that feels as good as it looks.
✨ Need personalized help? Book a 30-minute consulting call with me at worthofwork.com (http://worthofwork.com/)—just scroll to the bottom for my calendar. Let’s reimagine leadership together! ✨
25 Mar 2025
Ep. 1 Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pt. 1 - Time for Money Won't be the Vibe
If you’re an entrepreneur with big goals, hiring isn’t just a someday thing—it’s inevitable. But here’s the catch: the way most business owners think about paying their team (hint: hourly wages) might be slowing them down.
Host Emily Bronaugh dives deep into why the traditional "time equals money" framework is breaking down—and what innovative alternatives are emerging. Drawing from her background in urban studies and experiences working with online entrepreneurs, she challenges listeners to reimagine how we think about work.
Perfect for:
Small business owners
Remote entrepreneurs
Leaders seeking fresh perspectives on team management
Professionals feeling burnt out by traditional work structures
In this episode of Worth of Work, we’re breaking down:
✔️ The outdated work models we’ve inherited—and why they don’t serve modern businesses
✔️ Why the "time equals money" mentality is becoming obsolete in the post-AI era
✔️ Balancing productivity gains with improved quality of life
Whether you’re already hiring or just starting to think about it, this episode will help you make smarter decisions—without the overwhelm.
📞 Need help figuring out your next step? Book a free 30-min call at worthofwork.com (https://worthofwork.com/)
📩 Let’s keep the conversation going! DM me on Instagram: @EmilyBronaugh
#FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceTrends
20 Mar 2025
Introducing: Permission to Lead
Welcome to Worth of Work – Your Permission to Lead
Feeling stuck in outdated business models? You're not alone. Join Emily Bronaugh—mom, military spouse, and Boss Maker—as she helps women who are actually changing the world—build teams, gain confidence, and finally experience their work as worth it.
Let’s be honest:
💡 Traditional business advice is outdated (hello, post-COVID world!)
💡 We want support, but hiring feels overwhelming
💡 The last thing we want is to create another toxic workplace
The truth? Small businesses like ours aren’t just building teams—we’re redefining work itself. If you’re craving more time, more freedom, and a business that feels good to run, this podcast is for you.
This isn't just another business podcast. It's a movement towards creating work environments that genuinely support people, challenge outdated systems, and create real societal change—one entrepreneur at a time.
Highlights:
Honest conversations about asking for and finally receiving support
Strategies for building confident, supportive teams
Practical approaches to time freedom and business growth
This is your permission to lead. Let’s do this together.
🎙️ Hit subscribe and let’s get started.
Connect with Emily:
Instagram: @EmilyBronaugh
Website: worthofwork.com (http://worthofwork.com)
#WomenEntrepreneurs #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessTransformation
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