It’s the final episode of the year – and what a way to wrap things up. I’m joined by the brilliant (and hilarious) Elsa Mitchell – business mentor, podcast host, and one of the big reasons I started this podcast in the first place.

This chat is equal parts real talk, laughs, and truth bombs, as Elsa shares her journey from owning a hair salon and building multiple businesses, to stepping into the mentoring space – and what she’s learned about success, resilience, and the behind-the-scenes realities of business life.

We talk about what’s changed in business over the years (hello Yellow Pages days), why connection still wins, how personal life always impacts business (even when we try to pretend it doesn’t), and why rural and regional women are becoming a powerful force in Australia.

And of course… a mic-drop reminder to end the year: 

The sooner you stop caring what people think, the sooner your life will move forward.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Elsa’s journey: hairdressing, business ownership, and becoming a business mentor
• Why being “the best” isn’t everything – connection matters more than perfection
• How social media changed the game (and why it can feel harder now)
• The common patterns Elsa sees in women in business – especially mums and midlife women
• The fine line between being “authentic” and still feeling professional when life is messy
• Advice for starting a business when you feel time-poor: start with an hour a day
• Mum guilt, family juggle, and making choices that actually suit your season
• Why community (especially in rural/regional areas) is everything – and how women are rising

Where to find Elsa:

Website: elsamitchell.com.au
Instagram: @elsa_mitchell_ (Elsa loves a voice DM)

Connect with Victoria / The Mindful Educator:

Website: victoria-r.com.au
Instagram: @the.victoria.r
Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening — and if you’d love to be a guest on the podcast next year, send me a message. I’m already excited for what’s coming in 2026.