The Reluctant Capitalist: Building a Business Without Selling Your Soul with Marisa Guthrie
Own Your Time
In this episode of Own Your Time, Sarah Stewart sits down with anti-capitalist business coach and upcoming author of The Reluctant Capitalist, Marisa Guthrie, for a radical conversation about redefining success, time and what it means to do business differently. Together, they unpack how small business owners can operate within capitalism without perpetuating harmful systems, why scaling small can be a bold and values-aligned choice and how ethical pricing, mindful marketing and time reclamation are not just buzzwords but revolutionary acts. If you’ve ever questioned the hustle, resisted...
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S2, Ep22: Work-life balance, time pressures and pivoting with Kat Wong
Own Your Time
Episode Summary: What if you could build a meaningful, impactful career without sacrificing your time, your health or your sanity? In this powerful episode, Sarah is joined by Kat Wong, whose career has spanned the BBC, Apple and now her own platform, Oh Yeah, supporting mid-career professionals navigating change. From hitting the “pips” live on air to leading international teams, Kat shares what decades in high-pressure, time-sensitive roles have taught her about boundaries, leadership and working with intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched thin, curious about...
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S2, Ep21: Digital detox with Florence Achery
Own Your Time
Retreat Like It’s 1999: Digital Detox for Real Life with Florence from Yoga Retreats and More What if your business grew because you put your phone down? In this conversation with Florence, founder of Yoga Retreats and More, we talk about digital detoxing without ditching your ambition. Florence runs “Retreat Like It’s 1999” weekends in Cumbria, where guests switch off, sink into nature and remember what it feels like to be fully present. No doomscrolling. No ping-induced panic. Just connection, breath and a proper night’s sleep. We dig into my love-hate relationship with technology,...
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S2, Ep20: The importance of setting boundaries with Sharon Smith
Own Your Time
What if boundaries weren’t just a self-care buzzword but the thing actually standing between you and burnout? In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon Smith, leadership coach and founder of Own Your Leadership, for a no-nonsense conversation about time, boundaries and why saying yes to everything is a fast track to overwhelm. Sharon shares the behind-the-scenes of how she went from burned-out teacher to boundary-setting business owner and what she learned the hard way about people-pleasing, capacity and leading well. If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, if your calendar is packed but...
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S2, Ep19: Property, projects and hustle culture with Melissa Lewis
Own Your Time
What if your business didn’t demand all of your time? If you’ve ever chased a timeline, hustled yourself into burnout or assumed success required sacrificing your weekends, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Melissa Lewis - property investor, entrepreneur and co-founder of Venrus, a proptech platform making investing simpler, faster and way less confusing. Melissa's story is all about redefining what "success" looks like and learning how to design a business around time freedom. From hitting her goals early to facing full-blown burnout, her journey is a total permission slip to stop...
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S2, Ep18: Quietly bold + seasonally aligned with Sarah Philp
Own Your Time
What if rest wasn’t something you had to earn? And what if planning didn’t need to feel like pressure? In this beautiful, slow-paced conversation, I’m joined by the quietly bold Sarah Philp - psychologist, coach, and founder of Saorsa Psychology (Gaelic for freedom). Her work supports educators and leaders in making space for reflection, renewal, and a more seasonal way of living and working - yes, even within the rigid structures of the school year. We talk about so much more than education here. This episode is an invitation to reconsider how you approach time, rest, leadership, and...
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S2, Ep 17 How to Create Success Without Side Effects with Oli Cooke
Own Your Time
What if the very success you’re chasing is quietly draining the life out of you? In this episode, I’m joined by mindset and performance coach Oli Cooke, who helps driven entrepreneurs create success without the side effects. His “Rapid Root-Level Shifts” method helps untangle fear, anxiety and internal resistance that can sneak in as your business grows. Now, as a former pharmacist myself, I couldn’t help but fall in love with that tagline, success without side effects. Because let’s be real, success that costs your health, peace or weekends isn’t really success, is it? Oli’s...
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S2, Ep 16: Matt Wing
Own Your Time
What if feeling energised, clear-headed, and calm was your default… not just the rare exception? In today’s episode of Own Your Time, I’m joined by high-performance coach Matt Wing, who proves that it’s never too late to shake things up and feel better in your body, your schedule and your life. At 53, Matt ditched the burnout cycle, gave up booze and built a business helping busy people do the same. We talk about the habits that actually make a difference, what changed for Matt after an ADHD diagnosis and why strength training might be your best-kept secret for long-term health....
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S2, Ep15: Mette Baillie
Own Your Time
In this uplifting and insightful episode, Sarah chats with award-winning designer and dressmaker Mette Baillie, founder of Freja Designer Dressmaking in Edinburgh. With decades of experience crafting timeless, made-to-measure garments, Mette brings a deeply intentional and sustainable approach to fashion… one that goes far beyond trends. They dive into: Mette’s journey from childhood creativity to professional couture How what you wear can literally change how you show up and how others perceive you The surprising link between clothes and productivity Why a capsule wardrobe can...
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S2, Ep14: Why procedures in your business matter
Own Your Time
(The audio is a little funny in this episode, apologies - hopefully it's not too annoying. The content is important!). Let’s be real, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) sound like the most boring thing in the business world. But what if I told you that creating a few simple SOPs could be the reason you finally get to take a holiday without your laptop… and return to zero fires? In this episode, I’m walking you through a behind-the-scenes game-changer for reclaiming your time, avoiding overwhelm and giving your future self a step up. Because when everything lives in your head, even...
info_outlineThis episode features Zoe Hewett, an artisan interior designer and founder of Style Mongers of Bristol. Zoe's mission is to enhance well-being and sustainability through creativity and interior design, without compromising on style.
A former set designer, scenic artist, and costume maker, Zoe brings a fascinating perspective on how our environment impacts productivity, creativity, and focus.
In this episode, Sarah and Zoe explore:
✅ The transition from high-pressure set design to sustainable interior design
✅ Why clutter is the enemy of productivity and well-being
✅ How visual noise and workspace aesthetics impact energy and focus
✅ The importance of slowing down and making intentional design choices
✅ How planning ahead leads to more sustainable and fulfilling interiors
Zoe also shares her insights on sustainability in design, offering practical advice on creating spaces that truly support our daily lives, mindset, and work habits.
Episode Highlights
✔️ The psychological impact of clutter on productivity and energy
✔️ How workspace design influences focus and creativity
✔️ Simple design tweaks to transform your work-from-home space
✔️ The connection between sustainability and well-being
✔️ Why slowing down and making intentional choices leads to better design
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and introduction
02:45 – Zoe’s journey from set design to sustainable interiors
07:30 – The biggest design mistakes entrepreneurs make
12:00 – The psychology behind clutter and distractions
18:10 – How small changes in your workspace can improve focus
22:45 – The role of sustainability in interior design
28:15 – Practical tips for decluttering and organising
34:40 – Final thoughts and where to find Zoe
Key Takeaways
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Your space affects your productivity – Clutter and disorganised spaces can drain energy and increase stress.
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Design is a powerful tool – Small changes in lighting, color, and layout can transform how you work.
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Sustainability isn’t just about materials – It’s also about making intentional, long-lasting choices.
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Your environment should support your goals – Align your workspace with the kind of work you want to produce.
About Sarah:
I'm your host, Sarah Stewart, Glasgow-based time management coach. My approach combines the wisdom of traditional time management strategies with the transformative power of mindfulness. My commitment is to help you get more time for the things that really matter.
If you are ready to ditch the hustle culture and overwhelm, and instead embrace peaceful productivity; you are in the right place.
Sarah’s Links:
Hofstadter’s Law: https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php/1658:_Estimating_Time
Group Coaching Programme:
Project Manage Your Life - Join the Waitlist:
https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/projectmanageyourlife
Get More Time Course (Self-Study):
This course is for the successful solopreneur or small business owner, and it lays out the steps you need to take so you can get more time for the things that really matter.
https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/get-more-time-course
FREE Time Audit Workbook:
Where I share my framework to audit your time, so you can get more time for the things that really matter
https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/timeauditworkbook
Asana On-Demand Masterclass:
60-Minute Masterclass where I share how to get started with asana, some tips, tricks and ideas for using the system as well as peeling back the curtain to show you some of the ways I use it in my business (+ life)
https://sarah-stewart.ck.page/products/asana
Connect with Sarah - Glasgow-based time management coach
Instagram - www.instagram.co.uk/sarahstewart.co.uk
Website - www.sarahstewart.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/sarahstewartglasgow
About Zoe:
Zoe Hewett is an artisan interior designer and founder of Style Mongers of Bristol, specialising in sustainable, well-being-focused interiors.
With a background in set design and costume-making, she brings a unique, creative perspective to help entrepreneurs and business owners create aligned, inspiring spaces.
Zoe is passionate about reducing clutter, making intentional design choices, and embracing sustainability in all aspects of life and work.
Connect with Zoe: