WMW#33: Nika Talbot, writer & digital entrepreneur; mum to teen daughter
On not doing everything ourselves, defining our own success & embracing AI as well as our humanness
Every time I do my interviews with working mums I’m filled with so much joy.
Joy that not only have I connected with an extraordinary human, but I also get to share my connection and what I have learned, with you.
My Working Mum Wisdom today is with fellow writer and digital entrepreneur
. I connected with Nika through my former business coach only to realise how much we have in common.
Nika and I have been in touch for a while now; she also interviewed me for her newsletter. We are both intrigued by how the nature of work is shifting and what that means for us and our future as working mums.
Whether it’s retiring later and what that means for how we live our life; its consequences on our health; the advent of new technologies like AI and embracing a new age - everything is changing with so much unknown, and it’s up to us to be aware of it so we can make the most of it.
I have a written interview from Nika below + we also did a Zoom call to supplement the interview which you can watch here too. For some reason, my sound isn’t great (maybe because I've got my Air Pods on and I’m in a cafe?), and I tried to fix it while editing in Descript - it doesn’t even sound like me (!) - but Nika’s voice is crystal clear and she’s saying all the important stuff so that’s what matters :)
This interview is full of nuggets of wisdom from a single mum who has been through a lot and is so clear on her priorities moving forward.
Meet Nika Talbot, writer & digital entrepreneur; mum to teen daughter
Q.Tell us a little bit about yourself (work, family and personal interests, hobbies
I’m a writer and entrepreneur—founder of Firebird, a small but mighty content consultancy in the UK. I help entrepreneurs and biz leaders tell compelling stories that connect and inspire.
I also write The Shift, a newsletter for digital entrepreneurs—building a big life from a small biz. My goal is to turn this into a full-time income, it’s a long game (I’m 4 years in!).
I’m keen to travel more with my work, explore some Blue Zones – and write about what I learned in my newsletter: combining wellness and work. I’ve just booked a September longevity retreat with Carol Amendola D’Anca in Sardinia; I’m very excited!
Mum to Julieta, now 17!! and doing her A Levels at college. We live in St Leonards on Sea, an arty, cool seaside town in East Sussex. I spend most of my time working on and in my biz and juggling clients with my personal project. I’m figuring out how to use AI to help me work smarter and faster, i.e. not spend all day sitting in front of a laptop, as that’s not freedom and it defeats the purpose of being self-employed.
I run and hike in my spare time, and I love to travel and do retreats—wellness, writing, and entrepreneurship. Also shopping and hanging out with my favourite person: my daughter. We love a city break!
Q.You are a lone parent, you run your own content agency whilst working towards being a creator. How do you manage it all?
My daughter is older now (17), so it has got easier, but it’s been a struggle. I burned out in my 30s trying to do too much (first digital startup!) and now have Rheumatoid Arthritis – so my health comes first, and I prioritise that: low GI/Mediterranean diet, sleep, exercise, self-care, etc.
My time and energy are limited, so I’m not trying to do everything. Strategy is about saying no to things – as Derek Sivers says, “If it’s not a “Hell, yeah!” it’s a no.” Better to focus on one thing and do it well, for me that’s my newsletter and storytelling services: helping founders impact the world with their stories.
I’m focused on making a small group of readers super happy! My newsletter is a lead magnet for clients, so everything goes through this.
I have a list of what success means to me, which keeps me on track if something comes up and I have to decide. Will this take me closer to my goal or further away from it? Having things written down helps.
Getting support! No impact is an island, and I don’t like the term solopreneur as it puts pressure on folks to do it all. We can’t do it all, and it’s not a healthy mindset. We all need support and cheerleaders. I have a biz coach and mentors and am part of several online communities e.g. The Tilt, Leading Expert Alliance, Authority Club, NUJ London Freelance.
I use a local co-working space – a good way to keep tabs on what’s going on in the town and gets me out of the house. It can be a source of work and friendship too. We all need more friends as adults!
Q.What is your ultimate goal as a working mum?
Being happy! Interesting, well-paid work that lights me up, cash and calendar freedom. Being in charge of my day.
- I have a six-figure content business that I can operate from anywhere.
- I have a thriving newsletter that adds massive value to the world and makes a real difference in people’s lives.
- I write with ease, grace and flow in a way that inspires and connects deeply with my readers.
- I am happy, grateful, and full of love for my life and all that I have.
That’s a good mindset to be in. To quote Maya Angelou (your later question): making people feel seen, inspired, connected, and healing through storytelling. I hope I inspire Julieta to start her own business if that’s what she wants to do.
I’ve set out my manifesto and mission in my newsletter, The Shift, here.
Q.What is the biggest challenge you face as a working mum, and how are you trying to overcome it?
I struggle with working solo at home so much – days can feel routine and same-y. Co-working spaces are great, but quite expensive, so I drop in and use them now rather than paying for another sub (subscription fatigue is real!). I make sure to get out – split the day, mornings deep work at home, afternoons – a café for more social stuff.
Lack of time for myself to think and be rather than do. I have my client work and my creative project—and all the unpaid work: housework, shopping, cooking, and cleaning. It’s tiring, so it’s crucial to take change my location, and do something different.
Work-wise, finding regular, well-paid work is a challenge (often projects are short-term and can be quite stressful as new teams and ways of working etc, you have to perform). Juggling that with retainer clients (which maybe don’t pay so well). So, I’m focused on selling more founder stories and building paid subscriptions via my newsletter – then it’s down to me to and I’m less reliant on corporate budgets!
Q.Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature – I get out every day for a run or walk by the sea or countryside. Travel. My friends and family. Good convos. The internet – podcasts, music, books, indie mags, videos. Seeing films and art. People watching in a café and walking around cities – my favourite activity.
Q.What is your best productivity hack?
Pen and paper. It helps me think and unwind. Your brain is forced to slow down when you write by hand. I write all my newsletter posts by hand first and then copy them to the laptop.
Do one thing at a time. Multitasking doesn’t work; it exhausts your brain. I love the Flow State podcast—one hour, one thing done, set your intention (this Q&A!) and off you go. Lo-fi music while I work.
Pomodoro timer!
Walking and running are also brilliant as ideas pop into your head when you’re outside and relaxed. You won’t solve that problem staring at your screen, shoulders tight. Your brain need a break.
Q.What is your parenting mantra?
Look after and make time for yourself. As they say on the aeroplane, put your oxygen mask on first, or you can’t help anyone else.
Have solid boundaries and routines so your kids know what to expect and acceptable behaviour. But choose your battles—you won’t win them all. Learn to let go. Be kind. Set an example for your kids, have a good work ethic, and build the life you want. Let them see you having fun and trying to build something for yourself.
Give them the freedom to grow and think independently. Let them be bored! You don’t have to fill every moment of the day with scheduled groups and activities—allow time for spontaneity and being a kid.
Meal-wise, don’t offer choices when they’re little (you’re creating a rod for your own back with faddy eaters!).
Q. What do you do in your me time and how does it help you?
I get outside—run or walk, travel—even if just a new neighbourhood in my town. Shopping, films, exhibitions, read in a café, chat to a friend. It takes my mind off work and a problem; I’ll often find the answer or a change of perspective.
Massage is my go-to de-stresser and it helps with creative thinking. Just wish it was more daily maintenance and affordable in the West rather than a spa/luxe thing. I like the Walk-in Back Rub centres in London.
I try to keep Fridays as me days i.e. no client work, it’s a day for me to work on my biz and life admin or go see some art.
Q.Did becoming a mother change the way you work? How so?
I get more done in less time, so there’s no time for procrastination and perfectionism. I’ve no idea what I did with my time before having Julieta; it puts things into perspective. Working in ‘blocks’ of time is good for focus – no long empty days of luxury! The work will expand to fill the time you have so good to set constraints.
I shifted from 9-5 to remote work and self-employment in 2006 when I had her, and a move from London to the seaside was a big shift.
I kept working as my career was growing – book deals, an agent, freelancing, and opportunities, and I’m ambitious. I didn’t want to give up that side of my identity and wanted a creative outlet, so Ive always written online and had side projects. I was big into blogging in the noughties, and now newsletters.
I try not to have regrets. It is what it is, and you do the best job with what you have. But looking back, I wish I’d not worked in the early months and enjoyed being a mum. I was back to it a month later, as I had no maternity leave and money was tight. But trying to do it all led to burnout and a health condition.
Q.What are your biggest learnings from being a working mum?
You’re a lot stronger than you think. Working mums are superheroes! It puts life into perspective and you’re less likely to sweat the small stuff, office politics, climbing the career ladder, which doesn’t matter. It sparks a desire to do your own thing and build a life/work that works for you and your family.
Also, it’s given me a solid appreciation for my own mum and all she’s done for me! Have your own interests and things you do just for yourself. Go on holiday solo. You need to keep filling that cup of inspiration; otherwise, it can feel like a grind and thankless task (especially when they hit Kevin the Teenager years!)—Google ‘Harry Enfield’ if you don’t know who Kevin is!
Also, it’s been a lesson in being present and enjoying the little things in life, and the big things will take care of themselves. My mum bought me a mug with that quote (she knows me well), and I look at it often.
Have the right can-do attitude, and life will work itself out. Enjoy your little ones while they are young and still want to hang out with you as time flies!
Q.What is your advice to mums looking to start working again?
Get your childcare/nursery arrangements in place—take advantage of free childcare (we have subsidised hours in the UK) or similar. Schedule regular blocks of time to work on your projects so you have a routine and get into a habit. Dress for it especially if working from home – a bit of red lippy and a pair of cowboy boots gets me ready.
Network as much as you can and check in on people regularly and remind them what you do (not just when you want something). You never know who might need your services.
Grow your email list. Start a newsletter to build trust and contacts and you will be able to sell your services and products later.
Substack is a free email service provider and a good digital home. A newsletter can become your next business, it keeps you learning and growing, and it helps position you as an expert. It’s also a creative project of your own and will connect you with likeminded souls and entrepreneurs.
Upskill digitally—learn about AI: ChatGPT is free; play with it see how it can help you with marketing, promotion, distribution, and strategy – and life admin!
Take courses—we are lucky to have access to so much online – LinkedIn courses, Skillshare, YouTube, newsletters, pods, AI.
Q.Do you recommend the path of solopreneurship for mums? If so, why?
I do, as it’s incredibly rewarding and empowering to build and grow your own kitchen table empire, something that’s separate from your role as a mum and that brings you money, opportunities, and security. Time and calendar freedom and flexibility are success to me.
But as I said earlier, I don’t like the term ‘solopreneur’ as it’s route to burnout and isolation and it glorifies founders and entrepreneurs.
We’re social creatures and we need help and support. The big-name entrepreneurs you see online all have teams helping them.
No impact is an island! Check out organisations like Found & Flourish or The Female Entrepreneur Association or local biz networks – often a good source of work too if you write for them or offer your services.
Entrepreneurship is the future of work. Be it your own business or employers hiring creators and independents to help in-house, because they know how to show up online and build a loyal audience. These are vital skills in today’s workplace – esp. in the age of AI.
Q.Favourite tool that makes your life easier?
My MacBook Air! I love it—it’s so light and fast and I can work in cafés where my focus is often better than home alone.
I do most things (apart from writing) on my iPhone—podcasts, videos, learning, audiobooks, paying bills, booking travel, research, music. The smartphone is an amazing tool, and I still marvel that we live in a time where we can run a successful business from this tiny gadget in our pockets.
Moleskine notebooks – I love them and keep them to refer to – helps you see how far you’ve come. I prefer writing by hand first draft.
Q.Are you using any emerging technologies (like AI) to work better and faster?
I love new tech! I use ChatGPT Plus so playing around to see what it can do to help me work smarter and faster. I use it as a digital assistant to help me with research, marketing, distribution, and editing – good with summaries and analysis. I’ve used Grammarly for years for editing.
I won’t use it for audio (newsletter voiceovers), as it sounds too perfect and non-human, I’d rather listen to a human, errs, umms and all! I don’t use it to write my newsletter either – that’s my space,100% human!
I’m interested in learning what the next iteration of GPT can do so keeping tabs on that, going to summits etc.
I did an excellent AI AMA recently with J. Thorn [Leading Expert Alliance], and he said something that stuck with me.
On letting go of your ego as a writer: “The purpose of being a writer isn’t to write words; it’s to get your message across. (Keeping that at eye level for when I start going on in posts.)
And: “In many ways, the next several decades will force humans (inthe West, maybe globally) to redefine purpose because AI and robotics will do what we’ve done for ourselves for generations.”
That’s exciting! If you’re not sitting in front of your laptop working all day or doing customer service, what else will you be doing?
Out in the world, meeting new folks, brainstorming ideas, chatting, getting inspiration, travelling, hosting community events.
It’s a very exciting time to be alive – this is our next Industrial Revolution and even the experts don’t know what their tools are capable of yet! Have fun and embrace it.
Q.What are your thoughts on AI and the future of work, and the future of our kids!?
AI is being integrated into things (new iOS updates), Outlook, emails, etc., so it will just be part of how we work and do business.
I wonder about the value of i.e., if it’s racing to zero now—the volume game is over. So, it’s more about niche content, going deeper with your readers, creating community, and supplementing with IRL niche events. It feels like we’re moving from global to local living again in many ways.
AI will kill many jobs but create many more and new industries, so that’s exciting. I want to know how it can help solve bigger problems – cancer, health conditions, aging, climate change.
And for our kids too (though Julieta’s not that interested in AI right now tbh, it’s all TikTok). They are digital natives so used to it. But it’s important to talk about how we used to do things, and that life isn’t instant, online and on-demand. Building anything worthwhile takes time, effort, and a strong network.
And we need diverse voices and opinions in real life – not just an echo chamber in our social feeds.
Overall, I’m positive about our future. We were OK, and they’ll be okay. Humans are resilient, creative, and inventive. We’ll rise to a new challenge.
AI needs regulating though as it’s moving fast – tech is a tool but it’s about power being in the wrong hands and too concentrated with Big Tech, as we’ve already seen with social media.
Interesting to see the UK and US have signed a new landmark agreement re AI safety, so are taking a stand together.
Q.Parenting book/advice that was a game-changer for you?
The one I wrote myself for new parents: “The Science of Growing Up Happy” for Nestle! I got deep into reading and research and learned a lot by writing this, mainly that there is no one right way to parent. And also that things change constantly so go with the flow for now.
Otherwise, letting go, accepting things, enjoying the now and not trying to do everything all at once. You’re enough and you’re doing fine. Sometimes I’ve tried to be both mum and dad to Julieta, which is a road to burnout! ‘
A friend once said to me “Don’t offer choices” re mealtimes, which was good advice. You’re creating a rod for your own back as they often don’t know what they want to eat and will make demands.
I’m a fan of the French parenting style, which gives kids security and boundaries but a lot of freedom and responsibility. It helps them think for themselves and develop a strong sense of self. It also encourages them to reach for their dreams and think big, that they can do anything they set their minds to. I’ve tried to install that self-belief into Julieta.
Mostly, being present and doing one thing at a time. Your attention is the greatest gift you can give your child—or anyone.
Also, it takes a village to raise a child—so true! You can’t do it on your own and you need time alone. Cultivate a strong network and community, and you’ll fly.
Q.Favourite quote?
I have three!
Paul Graham on the secret to growing fast: "Start with a small, intense fire. Start by building a product that makes a small group of people really happy." That's my goal with my newsletter.
Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Have fun with your work, it comes across.
J. Thorn on setting your ego aside as a writer: "The purpose of being a writer isn't to write words; it's to get your message across." Be brief, be succinct. Respect your reader's time. B
Q.Best thing you have read or watched lately?
Walter Presents is my not-so-guilty pleasure! I love a good detective/crime drama with a cuppa/vino and some dark chocolate.
I’m enjoying The Adulterer, a Dutch family saga set in Amsterdam, and rooting for Elsie, who is fighting to restart her restaurant biz and do something for herself after her husband left her for a younger woman and her kids are grown up. Go, Els!
Workwise, this excellent article (and book) on rejecting specialization by Tom Critchlow. Why specialising doesn't work for indie consultants and using vibe and voice to attract the right clients. Embrace your weirdness and stop trying to fit into boxes.
I resonate with this and find it hugely reassuring, as I’ve had a squiggly, portfolio career that doesn't fit neatly into a box. "I do X for X so that X' feels forced and inauthentic. We are 360 degree humans.
I'm more of a content/comms generalist and I see this as my superpower! A must-read for independents.
More about Nika here and you can check out her newsletter here.
Have a great week ahead,
Love
Abha