In this episode of The Leading You Podcast, I sit down with Susan Toft, the CEO behind The Laundry Lady, an award-winning, tech-driven laundry service transforming the industry across Australia and New Zealand.

Susan’s journey is a powerful example of how to scale a business with purpose. What started as a solo operation has grown into a thriving network of over 300 independent contractors, and she has done it by staying true to her values, leveraging smart technology, and taking a strategic approach to growth.

What we cover in this episode
From solo operator to industry leader – How Susan built The Laundry Lady from the ground up
The power of values-driven leadership – Why strong values create consistency and quality as a business grows
Sustainable growth strategies – The step-by-step approach Susan used to expand without compromising service
Embracing technology for efficiency – How the Time Boss platform streamlined operations and created scale
The impact of mentorship and networking – Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates success
Becoming more visible as a leader – How Susan leveraged platforms like Shark Tank to grow brand awareness
Work-life integration over balance – Why outsourcing everyday tasks can free up time for what truly matters

Susan’s story is full of practical lessons for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking to grow without losing control. Whether you are scaling a business, leading a team, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

** Susan has also offered a special discount code for Leading You listeners

LAUNDRY20 entitles first-time customers to $20 off The Laundry Lady service. Minimum service fee still applies. Expires Dec 31 2025.

00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership and Mindset Mastery

00:46 Meet Susan Toft: The Laundry Lady's Journey

01:46 Scaling Strategies and Maintaining Quality

03:21 The Importance of Values in Business

06:31 How The Laundry Lady Operates

10:05 Leveraging Technology for Innovation

20:13 The Role of Mentorship and Investment

21:20 Shark Tank Experience and Marketing Impact

27:41 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life

32:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



Links and resources

🔗The Laundry Lady 
🛠 Time Boss platform
📲 Follow Susan Toft 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thelaundryladyaus
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laundrylady_aus/
Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@laundryladyau
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-laundry-lady
Pinterest:https://au.pinterest.com/thelaundryladyau

🎧 Listen now for an inspiring conversation on leadership, business growth, and making empowered choices.

In this episode of The Leading You Podcast, I sit down with Susan Toft, the CEO behind The Laundry Lady, an award-winning, tech-driven laundry service transforming the industry across Australia and New Zealand.
Susan&rsquo;s journey is a powerful example of how to scale a business with purpose. What started as a solo operation has grown into a thriving network of over 300 independent contractors, and she has done it by staying true to her values, leveraging smart technology, and taking a strategic approach to growth.
What we cover in this episode
<ul>
<li>From solo operator to industry leader &ndash; How Susan built The Laundry Lady from the ground up</li>
<li>The power of values-driven leadership &ndash; Why strong values create consistency and quality as a business grows</li>
<li>Sustainable growth strategies &ndash; The step-by-step approach Susan used to expand without compromising service</li>
<li>Embracing technology for efficiency &ndash; How the Time Boss platform streamlined operations and created scale</li>
<li>The impact of mentorship and networking &ndash; Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates success</li>
<li>Becoming more visible as a leader &ndash; How Susan leveraged platforms like Shark Tank to grow brand awareness</li>
<li>Work-life integration over balance &ndash; Why outsourcing everyday tasks can free up time for what truly matters</li>
</ul>
Susan&rsquo;s story is full of practical lessons for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking to grow without losing control. Whether you are scaling a business, leading a team, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
** Susan has also offered a special discount code for Leading You listeners
LAUNDRY20 entitles first-time customers to $20 off The Laundry Lady service. Minimum service fee still applies. Expires Dec 31 2025.
00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership and Mindset Mastery
00:46 Meet Susan Toft: The Laundry Lady's Journey
01:46 Scaling Strategies and Maintaining Quality
03:21 The Importance of Values in Business
06:31 How The Laundry Lady Operates
10:05 Leveraging Technology for Innovation
20:13 The Role of Mentorship and Investment
21:20 Shark Tank Experience and Marketing Impact
27:41 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life
32:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 
Links and resources
🔗<a href="https://thelaundrylady.com.au/">The Laundry Lady</a>&nbsp; 🛠 <a href="https://www.timeboss.com.au/">Time Boss platform</a> 📲 Follow Susan Toft&nbsp;
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelaundryladyaus">https://www.facebook.com/thelaundryladyaus</a> Instagram: <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/the-mindset-that-shattered-limits-roger-bannisters-four-minute-mile/">https://www.instagram.com/laundrylady_aus/</a> Tiktok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@laundryladyau">https://www.tiktok.com/@laundryladyau</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-laundry-lady">https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-laundry-lady</a> Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/thelaundryladyau">https://au.pinterest.com/thelaundryladyau</a>
🎧 Listen now for an inspiring conversation on leadership, business growth, and making empowered choices.

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?

Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.

There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.

I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.

Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.

Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

A Podcast dedicated to business owners and leaders to inspire you to make it count

Leading You

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Scaling a Startup: Lessons from The Laundry Lady's CEO

We’ve been sold a version of “wealth” that’s all about money, milestones, and packed calendars. But what if true wealth had less to do with your income—and more to do with your alignment?

In this episode of Leading You, I’m joined by wealth and mindset coach Emma Lagerlow, author of Worthy & Wealthy and mum of four, to redefine what it means to live a rich, fulfilling life—on your terms.

We unpack the real cost of the juggle, how values and boundaries unlock freedom, and why choosing what matters most is the greatest investment you’ll ever make. Emma also shares tools from her book including the Wealth Audit and five pillars of a worthy & wealthy life: self-worth, purpose, wellbeing, financial empowerment, and time freedom.

If you’re tired of feeling stretched too thin—and ready to lead with clarity instead of chaos—this conversation is your reset.

In this episode, we explore:
What true wealth means in a world obsessed with productivity
How to shift from urgency to intentional leadership
Why values-based decisions create emotional resilience
The power of boundaries (especially the ones we keep with ourselves)
How to use a “wealth audit” to align your life with what really matters
Emma’s personal rituals for staying grounded, present, and focused
Why self-worth is the foundation of freedom

About Emma:

Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach, author, podcast host, and mum of four. With 25+ years of experience in finance and marketing, she blends strategic thinking with soulful insight to help women break free from burnout and design lives of purpose, wellbeing, and financial empowerment.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Why this episode matters
02:12 – Meet Emma Lagerlow: from finance to personal freedom
05:47 – Redefining wealth: it’s not all about money
09:30 – What time freedom really looks like
13:02 – The hidden cost of being “busy but productive”
16:40 – Boundaries that support balance (not burnout)
20:25 – Emma’s personal values and how they guide her decisions
24:10 – The “Wealth Audit” exercise from her book
29:38 – Daily rituals that keep Emma grounded as a mum and business owner
33:00 – The power of self-worth in redefining success
36:44 – Emma’s final message: how to stop surviving and start leading

Loved this episode?
Subscribe to Leading You, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to stop surviving and start living worthy and wealthy.

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram:@juliehydeleads
Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

Connect with Emma:
Website:https://www.emmalagerlow.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emmalagerlow/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/emmalagerlowcoach

We&rsquo;ve been sold a version of &ldquo;wealth&rdquo; that&rsquo;s all about money, milestones, and packed calendars. But what if true wealth had less to do with your income&mdash;and more to do with your&nbsp;alignment?
In this episode of&nbsp;Leading You, I&rsquo;m joined by wealth and mindset coach&nbsp;Emma Lagerlow, author of&nbsp;Worthy &amp; Wealthy and mum of four, to redefine what it means to live a rich, fulfilling life&mdash;on your terms.
We unpack the&nbsp;real cost&nbsp;of the juggle, how values and boundaries unlock freedom, and why choosing what matters most is the greatest investment you&rsquo;ll ever make. Emma also shares tools from her book including the&nbsp;Wealth Audit&nbsp;and five pillars of a worthy &amp; wealthy life: self-worth, purpose, wellbeing, financial empowerment, and time freedom.
If you&rsquo;re tired of feeling stretched too thin&mdash;and ready to lead with clarity instead of chaos&mdash;this conversation is your reset.
In this episode, we explore:
<ul>
<li>What true wealth means in a world obsessed with productivity</li>
<li>How to shift from urgency to intentional leadership</li>
<li>Why values-based decisions create emotional resilience</li>
<li>The power of boundaries (especially the ones we keep with ourselves)</li>
<li>How to use a &ldquo;wealth audit&rdquo; to align your life with what really matters</li>
<li>Emma&rsquo;s personal rituals for staying grounded, present, and focused</li>
<li>Why self-worth is the foundation of freedom</li>
</ul>
About Emma:
Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach, author, podcast host, and mum of four. With 25+ years of experience in finance and marketing, she blends strategic thinking with soulful insight to help women break free from burnout and design lives of purpose, wellbeing, and financial empowerment.
Timestamps:
00:00 &ndash; Welcome + Why this episode matters 02:12 &ndash; Meet Emma Lagerlow: from finance to personal freedom 05:47 &ndash; Redefining wealth: it&rsquo;s not all about money 09:30 &ndash; What time freedom really looks like 13:02 &ndash; The hidden cost of being &ldquo;busy but productive&rdquo; 16:40 &ndash; Boundaries that support balance (not burnout) 20:25 &ndash; Emma&rsquo;s personal values and how they guide her decisions 24:10 &ndash; The &ldquo;Wealth Audit&rdquo; exercise from her book 29:38 &ndash; Daily rituals that keep Emma grounded as a mum and business owner 33:00 &ndash; The power of self-worth in redefining success 36:44 &ndash; Emma&rsquo;s final message: how to stop surviving and start leading
Loved this episode? Subscribe to&nbsp;Leading You, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to stop surviving and start living&nbsp;worthy and wealthy.
Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a> Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a> Website: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au">https://juliehyde.com.au</a> Connect with Emma: Website: <a href="https://www.emmalagerlow.com/">https://www.emmalagerlow.com/</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emmalagerlow/">https://www.instagram.com/emmalagerlow/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emmalagerlowcoach">https://www.facebook.com/emmalagerlowcoach</a>

What it Means to be Truly Wealthy - Its Not all About Money.

In this solo episode of Leading You, I’m diving into one of the most common challenges I hear from leaders and high performers: a loss of motivation. But here’s the truth, it’s not that you’ve lost your drive. It’s that you’re out of alignment.

I break down the myth of motivation and explore what’s really behind that nagging feeling of being stuck or flat. We’ll talk about how being out of sync with your values and priorities leads to burnout, frustration, and confusion about what to do next. I also share my own experience of walking away from a successful 20-year corporate career to realign with purpose, and how that one decision changed everything.

If you’ve been feeling off, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and choose differently. I’ll also introduce you to my You Always Have a Choice program and share practical steps to realign your energy, sharpen your focus, and reconnect with your leadership legacy.

Key Takeaways:
The surprising truth behind why motivation disappears
How to recognise misalignment in your life and work
Why your legacy isn’t built someday—it’s shaped by what you choose today
The mindset shift that helped me leave corporate life and find purpose
Practical strategies to get clear, regain focus, and move forward with confidence

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Leading You
00:24 – Re-Energized and Ready: Addressing Motivation Issues
02:09 – The Myth of Motivation
04:40 – Recognising Misalignment in Life
05:59 – The Importance of Legacy
08:18 – You Always Have a Choice Program
09:12 – Personal Story: Finding Clarity and Making Changes
12:11 – Steps to Realign and Gain Clarity
16:04 – Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources Mentioned:
You Always Have a Choice Program
Break Free from the Juggle Workbook (Free Download)

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram:@juliehydeleads
Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

In this solo episode of&nbsp;Leading You, I&rsquo;m diving into one of the most common challenges I hear from leaders and high performers: a loss of motivation. But here&rsquo;s the truth, it&rsquo;s not that you&rsquo;ve lost your drive. It&rsquo;s that you&rsquo;re out of alignment.
I break down the&nbsp;myth of motivation&nbsp;and explore what&rsquo;s really behind that nagging feeling of being stuck or flat. We&rsquo;ll talk about how being out of sync with your values and priorities leads to burnout, frustration, and confusion about what to do next. I also share my own experience of walking away from a successful 20-year corporate career to realign with purpose, and how that one decision changed everything.
If you&rsquo;ve been feeling off, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and choose differently. I&rsquo;ll also introduce you to my&nbsp;You Always Have a Choice&nbsp;program and share practical steps to realign your energy, sharpen your focus, and reconnect with your leadership legacy.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The surprising truth behind why motivation disappears</li>
<li>How to recognise misalignment in your life and work</li>
<li>Why your legacy isn&rsquo;t built someday&mdash;it&rsquo;s shaped by what you choose today</li>
<li>The mindset shift that helped me leave corporate life and find purpose</li>
<li>Practical strategies to get clear, regain focus, and move forward with confidence</li>
</ul>
Timestamps:
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to&nbsp;Leading You 00:24 &ndash; Re-Energized and Ready: Addressing Motivation Issues 02:09 &ndash; The Myth of Motivation 04:40 &ndash; Recognising Misalignment in Life 05:59 &ndash; The Importance of Legacy 08:18 &ndash; You Always Have a Choice Program 09:12 &ndash; Personal Story: Finding Clarity and Making Changes 12:11 &ndash; Steps to Realign and Gain Clarity 16:04 &ndash; Conclusion and Call to Action
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://programs.juliehyde.com.au/programs/you-always-have-a-choice-program/">You Always Have a Choice Program</a></li>
<li><a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/">Break Free from the Juggle Workbook</a> (Free Download)</li>
</ul>
Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a> Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a> Website: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au">https://juliehyde.com.au</a>

It's Not a Motivation Problem. It's Misalignment Problem

In this episode of the Leading You Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa Belll, eco-entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and former fashion model. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from the world of high fashion to the heart of the Australian bush, where she now leads a purpose-driven business combining regenerative farming, ethical production, and sustainable fashion.

Vanessa opens up about her love affair with Merino wool, the power of reinvention, and the mindset it takes to lead with purpose. We dive into her transition from modelling to farming, her commitment to creating luxury knitwear that respects people and the planet, and the legacy she’s building through courageous choices.

If you’re curious about sustainable entrepreneurship, looking for motivation to pursue your passion, or simply love a story of bold transformation, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Monthly Reflection
00:49 – Meet Vanessa Bell: Eco Entrepreneur
01:25 – Vanessa's Journey from Fashion to Farming
03:01 – Falling in Love with Wool
07:23 – Building a Sustainable Business
14:43 – Navigating Change and Reinvention
20:39 – Resilience and Mindset in the Bush
27:15 – Vanessa's Legacy and Final Thoughts
32:41 – Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaways:
What it takes to pivot your life and career with courage
How Vanessa built a luxury sustainable brand from the ground up
The leadership lessons behind living off the land
Why Merino wool is a game-changer in ethical fashion
The role of resilience and values in navigating change
How to take bold action before you feel ready

 
Resources Mentioned:

You Always Have a Choice
Download the free Break Free from the Juggle workbook 

Connect with Vanessa:
Instagram: @fashiontofarmer / @VanessaBellOfficial
Website:www.vanessa-bell.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/
Podcast:Fashion To Farmer

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram:@juliehydeleads
Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au


🙌 Loved this episode?

Please rate, review, and share it with someone who’s ready to lead with passion and purpose. Your choices shape your impact—and your legacy. Let’s lead lives we love, one courageous decision at a time.

In this episode of the Leading You Podcast, I&rsquo;m joined by Vanessa Belll, eco-entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and former fashion model. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from the world of high fashion to the heart of the Australian bush, where she now leads a purpose-driven business combining regenerative farming, ethical production, and sustainable fashion.
Vanessa opens up about her love affair with Merino wool, the power of reinvention, and the mindset it takes to lead with purpose. We dive into her transition from modelling to farming, her commitment to creating luxury knitwear that respects people and the planet, and the legacy she&rsquo;s building through courageous choices.
If you&rsquo;re curious about sustainable entrepreneurship, looking for motivation to pursue your passion, or simply love a story of bold transformation, this conversation will leave you inspired.
Timestamps:
00:00 &ndash; Introduction and Monthly Reflection 00:49 &ndash; Meet Vanessa Bell: Eco Entrepreneur 01:25 &ndash; Vanessa's Journey from Fashion to Farming 03:01 &ndash; Falling in Love with Wool 07:23 &ndash; Building a Sustainable Business 14:43 &ndash; Navigating Change and Reinvention 20:39 &ndash; Resilience and Mindset in the Bush 27:15 &ndash; Vanessa's Legacy and Final Thoughts 32:41 &ndash; Conclusion and Call to Action
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>What it takes to pivot your life and career with courage</li>
<li>How Vanessa built a luxury sustainable brand from the ground up</li>
<li>The leadership lessons behind living off the land</li>
<li>Why Merino wool is a game-changer in ethical fashion</li>
<li>The role of resilience and values in navigating change</li>
<li>How to take bold action before you feel ready</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; Resources Mentioned:
<a href="https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/">You Always Have a Choice</a> Download the free <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/">Break Free from the Juggle</a> workbook&nbsp;
Connect with Vanessa: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/">@fashiontofarmer</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanessabellofficial/">@VanessaBellOfficial</a> Website: <a href="https://www.vanessa-bell.com">www.vanessa-bell.com</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/</a> Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095?i=1000654732284">Fashion To Farmer</a>
Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a> Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a> Website: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au">https://juliehyde.com.au</a>
 🙌&nbsp;Loved this episode?
Please rate, review, and share it with someone who&rsquo;s ready to lead with passion and purpose. Your choices shape your impact&mdash;and your legacy. Let&rsquo;s lead lives we love, one courageous decision at a time.

Scaling a Startup: Lessons from The Laundry Lady's CEO

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