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.

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