Rise Up In Business

My key takeaways from 2025

Send us a textAs we close out the year, I'm reflecting on five powerful lessons that emerged from actually living through a year of business evolution - not from theory, but from real experience. These aren't the insights I expected to gain, but they've proven invaluable. From understanding that boundaries are legitimate business assets (not just personal preferences) to trusting the messy, uncomfortable process of evolution during our brand transformation, each lesson has shaped how I approach business moving forward.We're diving into why clarity has become my secret competitive advantage and how remarkably few businesses actually operate with clear direction about who they serve. I'm sharing why you can't be all things to all people (and shouldn't try), and how niching down and specialising transformed not just my business results, but my actual enjoyment of the work. The pressure to be a jack of all trades is real, but letting go of what doesn't serve you creates space for what does.While we often hear that we must be constantly pushing for the next big thing, 2025 taught me that sometimes the most strategic move isn't adding something new - it's refining and repeating what already works. I'm exploring why "rinse and repeat" can beat "new and shiny," and challenging you to consider: Where do you need stronger boundaries? What evolution are you resisting? Where could more clarity give you an edge? And what's already working that just needs refinement rather than replacement? I'd love to hear what your biggest business lesson from 2025 was, so send me a DM. What surprised you most about your own business journey this year?LINKS: Previous episode mentioned: #195 - My End of Year Reflection + Reset ProcessEpisode Website:  https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/my-key-takeaways-from-2025Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings hereCheck Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist hereBook a Complimentary Introduction Call with me hereJoin me on Instagram here

What it SHOULD be like working with an Accountant, with John Saade

Send us a textLet's be honest - most business owners dread calling their accountant. It's surrounded by procrastination and anxiety. But it doesn't have to be that way. Today I'm sharing what it's actually like to work with an exceptional accountant, my friend John Saade, because once you experience the difference, you'll realise what you might’ve been missing all along.Breaking the StereotypeJohn isn't your stereotypical accountant. He's vibrant, approachable and has completely redefined what an accountant should be. In this episode, we're tackling the stereotypes that make accountants seem unapproachable and diving into why working with the right person goes far beyond number crunching.The Personal Mission Behind the NumbersJohn's commitment to small business owners comes from a deeply personal place - his own family's experiences with financial stress. This isn't just a job for him; it's a mission. We're exploring why that personal connection matters and how it translates into the kind of support that provides genuine peace of mind.Finding Your Perfect FitIf you're contemplating whether it's time to engage with an accountant, or your current situation isn't living up to expectations, this conversation will help you understand what to look for. The right accountant doesn't just manage your numbers - they provide transformative peace of mind that empowers you to focus on your business's bigger picture. LINKS:Connect with John: Website:    https://latitudeaccountants.com.au/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/latitudeaccountants LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-saade-3104452b/ Podcast:   The Lat Chat Episode Website:  https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/what-it-should-be-like-working-with-an-accountant-with-john-saadeSign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings hereCheck Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist hereBook a Complimentary Introduction Call with me hereJoin me on Instagram here

My End of Year Roadmap for you to use

Send us a textFor years, I found myself in the end-of-year scramble, crawling to the finish line with barely enough energy to enjoy the holidays. Now, after becoming intentional about how I approach the final quarter, I enjoy a spacious Q4 dedicated to reflection, planning, and gliding into the new year rather than grinding to the finish line. This year I've taken it even further with new strategies that make quarter four refreshing, motivating, and exciting.The "No November" Strategy and SimplificationMy business manager Heidi and I have declared November "No Vember". Client work continues as usual, but internally we're focused on simplicity and elimination. We're taking a good look at our internal processes, asking tough questions about what creates unnecessary complexity and having the courage to let things go. This isn't about checking out early but about being strategic with our energy and setting ourselves up for genuine success.Building Momentum Before January ArrivesInstead of New Year's resolutions, I identified the person I want to be in 2026 and started implementing those changes in October. Whether it's fitness routines, nutrition tweaks, or scheduling workdays more effectively, I'm building three months of momentum before January even arrives. I've also incorporated whitespace into my calendar, which is something I've struggled with in the past. By building the habit now, I'm creating a sustainable rhythm rather than an aspirational one that's too hard to maintain.Key Takeaways:Glide, don't grind - Approach Q4 with spaciousness for reflection and planning rather than scrambling to the finish line exhaustedStrategic "no" creates powerful "yes" - Declining new internal projects in Q4 frees energy for meaningful work in the new year when you can execute it properlySimplify and eliminate now, not later - Stop accumulating "fix later" lists and do the work of streamlining processes in this season of simplificationBuild momentum before January - Start implementing your 2026 changes in October so you enter the new year with three months of progress already achievedWhitespace is non-negotiable - Incorporate calendar breathing room now to create sustainable rhythms rather than aspirational schedules you can't maintainLINKS: Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings hereCheck Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist hereBook a Complimentary Introduction Call with me hereJoin me on Instagram here

Do you need a Business Strategist? Meet mine, with Michelle Broadbent

Send us a textRunning a business can feel like hiking up a mountain alone, carrying every decision on your shoulders. For the past six years, my business strategist Michelle Broadbent has been the person who shares that load and has been with me through every pivot, challenge and evolution. Today I'm sharing how Michelle's guidance transformed my business and why having the right strategic support makes all the difference.Michelle is a business strategist with a passion for seeing women succeed in business. What truly defines her is her whole-person approach - she's a sounding board, a voice of reason and a motivating force who shows women that it's possible to have a sustainable business that provides freedom, time and space to enjoy what matters most in both business and life.When I first launched as "Tracey Mylecharane Solicitor," I thought I could be everything to everyone. Michelle taught me something crucial: saying no isn't something to feel guilty about. We're diving into how her guidance helped me niche strategically, balance work with being present for my daughter when she was just six months old, and stay focused on long-term vision rather than getting distracted by every shiny opportunity that comes along.If you're making decisions in isolation or lack someone who knows your business well enough to challenge your thinking, this conversation is for you. We're exploring what sets a strategist apart from a coach, how strategic planning actually works in practice, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial to thriving in business rather than just surviving it. Key Takeaways:Strategic support isn't a luxury, it's essential - Having a trusted strategist who knows your business intimately can transform how you make decisions and scale sustainablySaying no is a superpower - You don't have to fight every battle or serve everyone; focusing your energy where you can make the most impact allows you to serve clients better and grow strategicallyWhole-person perspective matters - The best strategists don't just focus on revenue and metrics; they consider your full life, helping you build a business that provides freedom and space for what matters mostIsolation kills momentum - Making decisions alone without someone to challenge your thinking or offer perspective when you're too close can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunitiesThe right support creates a ripple effect - When you surround yourself with trusted advisors, you're not just building your own business better; you're empowered to pay that support forward to othersLINKS: Connect with Michelle:Website:https://michellebroadbent.com.au Instagram:@michbroadbentLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebroadbent Episode Website:  https://www.tmlegalatelier.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/do-you-need-a-business-strategist-meet-mine-with-michelle-broadbentSign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings hereCheck Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist hereBook a Complimentary Introduction Call with me hereJoin me on Instagram

Behind our brand evolution to TM Legal Atelier

Send us a textAfter six and a half years of building this business, we have evolved into TM Legal Atelier. This is so much more than a rebrand. It's a brand evolution where our brand is finally catching up to what the business has organically become: a specialised legal practice serving creative and service-based businesses with bespoke, tailored solutions in a heart led way. The word atelier is associated with bespoke craftsmanship and that is exactly what we do. We don't do templates or one-size-fits-all contracts. Every agreement we create is custom built for the specific business it's protecting, informed by my 12 years in litigation where I've seen firsthand what happens when generic contracts fail.Since launching Legal Atelier, so many people have reached out asking about who supported me during this evolution. Although I don't work with a business coach, it certainly hasn't been a solo journey. My business strategist, accountant, bookkeeper, and business besties have all played crucial roles in guiding me through the challenging moments, giving me the same kind of support I strive to provide my own clients. I deliberately chose the term "brand evolution" because this wasn't about starting over. Our services haven't changed but they have become more refined and focused. The name now matches the reality of what we have been building all along. Six and a half years ago, I couldn't have predicted this path, but looking back, every step has led naturally to where we are now: a specialised legal practice serving creative businesses with the bespoke attention their work deserves.If you're considering your own business evolution, whether it's a pivot, a rebrand, or simply refining your focus, my advice is to surround yourself with people to support you as you journey onwards. Your business will tell you when it's ready to evolve. The key is having the right people around you to help you see it clearly and move forward with confidence. Sometimes the biggest transformations come from finally acknowledging what you've already become.LINKS:Sign up for my fortnightly Atelier Briefings hereDiscover the Masterclass Series hereCheck Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist hereBook a Complimentary Introduction Call with me hereJoin me on Instagram here