Denise Duffield-Thomas's Blog, page 4
June 6, 2025
Denise on the LifePilot Podcast
This conversation with host Natalie Sisson on the LifePilot Podcast was one of the most honest, vulnerable chats I’ve had in a long time and I’m so glad we captured it.
We talked about something I know so many women are grappling with: Can you really have it all (success, rest, creativity, and joy) without burning out? I shared my own journey of reaching peak income (and peak exhaustion), and what happened when I finally gave myself permission to slow all the way down.
That included selling properties, stepping back from launches, and taking an 18-month sabbatical to recalibrate everything - from my business model to how I spend my mornings. These days? I’m dancing again (yes, ballet!), cross-stitching, and remembering who I am outside of constant productivity.
We also unpacked the deeper layers of burnout, like people-pleasing, over-functioning, and the belief that asking for help is somehow a weakness. This episode is especially for you if you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or wondered if your success story is allowed to change.
Because real self-care isn’t a bubble bath, it’s the courage to change your mind, set boundaries, and redesign your life from the inside out.
We explored:
What “having it all” actually means (and how to redefine it)
The emotional cost of doing everything for everyone
Setting boundaries in motherhood, business, and life
Why I took an 18-month sabbatical—and what it taught me
The art of asking for support (even when it feels hard)
Letting go of dreams that no longer fit
The power of living and working in seasons
If you’re feeling the call to do less—but better—this episode will speak right to your heart. 💛
Denise on The Business of Executive Coaching Podcast
I had such a great time chatting with Ellie Scarf on this episode of The Business of Executive Coaching Podcast on this episode—we went deep into all things money mindset, pricing, and the stories we carry from childhood that still shape how we earn, spend, and hold money today.
I shared a bit of my own journey—from growing up in housing commission on the Central Coast of Australia, to creating Money Bootcamp and supporting thousands of women worldwide to heal their relationship with money.
Like so many coaches and entrepreneurs, I’ve had to do the work myself—and I’m still doing it. Because money mindset isn’t just about spreadsheets, it’s about how you feel about money, and what you believe you’re allowed to have.
We talked about early money memories, pricing blocks, and the myth that you need everything perfectly figured out before starting. We even got into the idea of your “new zero”—that sneaky upper limit that determines how much you’re comfortable holding, even when more is available.
Whether you’re still figuring out your rates, struggling to keep money once it comes in, or just feeling stuck in old stories, this episode is packed with real talk and practical shifts to help you move forward with more ease and clarity.
June 4, 2025
Can you coach people that aren’t like you?
Can you coach people that aren't like you?
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Ever worked with someone whose personality is nothing like yours and wondered how to actually support them?
Or have you noticed that your clients look like mini-yous?
In this week’s episode of Chill & Prosper, I’m answering your questions about working with different money archetypes and how to coach, market to, and understand people who operate differently to you.
You’ll learn:
How to coach Archetypes that clash with yours
Why your intake form might be secretly repelling clients
What Accumulators need to feel safe spending
How to work with your personality instead of fighting it
Why your quirks aren’t flaws—they’re your magic
This one is a deep dive for anyone running a personal brand, coaching biz, or wanting to better understand their people.
Sacred Money Archetypes® is a registered trademark of Heart of Success, Inc. and licensed by Lucky B Pty Ltd. Copyright 2025 Kendall SummerHawk
May 28, 2025
When mindset work feels like it’s not working
When mindset work feels like it's not working
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Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ve done the mindset work… so why isn’t it working yet?”
This week’s episode of Chill & Prosper is packed with practical advice for anyone feeling the weight of self-doubt, frustration, or past money mistakes.
Here’s what we talk about:
✨ What to do when manifesting isn’t working
✨ How to forgive yourself for big financial decisions you regret
✨ Why you don’t have to be a coach to be wealthy
✨ How to raise your prices (without scaring off clients)
✨ And the daily practice that unlocks your abundance (spoiler: it’s not spreadsheets)
You’ll walk away with clarity and a much-needed reminder: you’re allowed to learn, evolve, and still make money.
May 21, 2025
Team trouble, tiny launches & picking currencies
Team trouble, tiny launches and picking currencies
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Got a team member who’s not quite getting it?
Disheartened after a small launch?
Struggling to price your offers across currencies?
You’re in exactly the right place.
In this week’s Chill & Prosper, I’m answering your juicy money mindset questions—from how to navigate team feedback with grace, to what to do when you’ve only got one person signed up for your program.
We’ll also cover:
✨ How to price confidently in different currencies
✨ When to re-launch (and when to rest)
✨ Why your Money Archetype might be the reason you're micromanaging
✨ The joy of knowing it’s your business, your rules
This is a must-listen if you’ve been doubting yourself or getting stuck in “what’s the right way to do this?” mode. There’s so much permission and possibility waiting for you here.
May 18, 2025
Denise on the Rich Woman Rising Podcast
In this honest and heart-expanding conversation, I sat down with Eloise Tomkins to unpack a big one: why money and success alone won’t save you from scarcity—and what it really takes to feel safe with abundance.
We explored how our childhood experiences shape the way we show up in business, and I shared parts of my own money story—from growing up in housing commission to navigating generational money wounds. It’s been a journey of healing, unlearning, and choosing ease over hustle (again and again).
We also talked about how overworking, hoarding, and people-pleasing are often nervous system responses, not personality flaws—and why true financial freedom isn’t a finish line, but the doorway to even deeper emotional and mindset work.
If money still feels “hard,” even when it’s technically flowing, you’re not broken. This episode is a compassionate reminder that feeling safe with abundance is a practice—and one you absolutely deserve to embody.
We explored:
How childhood shapes your money patterns
Why overworking and people-pleasing are trauma responses
Feeling safe with abundance (even when it’s already “enough”)
The emotional work after financial freedom
Breaking free from scarcity and choosing ease
Denise on The Goddess Unleashed Podcast
I had such a beautiful, soul-nourishing chat with Naz Spurrier on The Goddess Unleashed Podcast—what an empowering conversation!
We went deep into what it really means to create success on your own terms, especially if you’re someone (like me!) who’s a highly sensitive introvert. I opened up about my journey with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and how I’ve built a thriving business that supports my energy, my lifestyle, and my values—without the burnout.
Naz and I talked about the rituals I use to prep for being “seen” in my business, how I protect my peace with strong boundaries, and why we all need to redefine what “hard work” means—because success doesn’t have to come through struggle or sacrifice.
If you’ve ever felt like you need to do more or be more to be worthy of wealth, this episode is a gentle reminder that ease, self-compassion, and alignment are powerful strategies too.
We covered:
Releasing perfectionism and pressure
Embracing ease and softness in business
Wealth and worthiness as a woman
Navigating visibility as a sensitive soul
Creating success that aligns with you
This one’s for you if you’re done with hustle culture and ready to manifest success on your own terms.
May 15, 2025
Refunds, Defaults, and the Reality of Running a Business with Boundaries
Running a heart-centered business doesn’t mean you’ll never face tough money conversations. In fact, the bigger your business grows, the more likely you’ll need to handle refunds, default payments, and awkward client situations. But here’s the thing: these aren’t signs that you’re failing—they’re signs you’re in business.
Let’s walk you through the reality of these sticky moments. Because they’re not just occasional blips—they’re rites of passage that every entrepreneur faces. And with a few tweaks to your systems and mindset, they don’t have to take you down.
Refunds: When to Give Them, When to Say No
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule about refunds. Sometimes, giving a refund is the easiest way to protect your energy. Other times, it’s important to stand firm on your terms.
In the early days of my business, I offered a 60-day money-back guarantee. It felt generous. It felt fair. But then one year, a big launch coincided with the holidays. Christmas Eve, in fact. And suddenly, a wave of refund requests came through—not because people were unhappy, but because they saw an opportunity. They’d attended every live call, downloaded everything, got coached… and then just decided to claim their money back.
That was my turning point.
Since then, I’ve shortened refund windows, drip-fed bonuses, and made it very clear what people get and when. My general rule now? If someone hasn’t had access to everything and it’s early on, within the refund period, I’m happy to refund. But if they’ve clearly participated and used the material, I’m not here to be scammed.
Here are some tips that might help:
Be super clear in your terms and conditions. How long do they have to request a refund? What disqualifies them?
Drip-feed content. Don’t give everything upfront if you offer a refund window.
Don’t let fear of a bad review push you around. Bullies usually don’t want their behavior publicized.
And remember: you’re allowed to be kind and firm at the same time.
Payment Defaults: Why They Happen and How to Handle Them
Let’s talk payment plans—because they can be amazing for sales, but they also come with headaches.
As your business grows, you will see an increase in defaulted payments. I’ve noticed patterns tied to economic events—interest rate hikes, inflation, and even regional trends. When times get tough, defaults go up. That’s just business.
Some tips if you’re offering payment plans:
Don’t do it out of guilt. If you’re offering them because you feel bad people can’t afford your prices, make sure you also have the systems and boundaries in place to manage the fall-out.
Automate everything. Use tools that send reminders, auto-retry cards, and manage follow-ups. You can even set reminders in software like Xero.
Charge admin fees if needed. These reflect the extra time and support involved. Just check the laws in your area first.
Consider pre-event payments. For retreats or events, offer plans that finish before the service is delivered.
And the truth is, some defaults are just human. People lose cards, forget, or get hacked. Others are avoidable. Either way, it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.
Mindset Shifts That Make It All Easier
Money stuff brings up a lot—from fear of being disliked to imposter syndrome. But your boundaries aren’t mean. They’re necessary.
One of my mentors, Kendall Summerhawk, said something that stuck with me:
“Asking for money should feel as neutral as saying ‘Please pass the salt.’”
That’s what we’re aiming for. Neutral, confident, and clear.
You don’t have to justify yourself. You don’t have to carry everyone else’s stuff. And you definitely don’t have to apologize for being paid for your work.
Bonus Tips for Reducing Refunds and Defaults
💡 Add an “early pay-off” offer. After a few months of a payment plan, offer to waive admin fees if they pay it off in full. It’s great for them and saves you admin later.
💡 Use fake assistants. Seriously. “Dave from accounts” can chase payments while you stay in your zone of genius.
💡 Tighten up your T&Cs regularly. If something’s been unclear or abused, fix it right away.
💡 Be kind—but not at your own expense. You can be empathetic without being exploited.
You Deserve to Get Paid
Ultimately, you’re allowed to ask for your money. You’re allowed to protect your energy, time, and income. And yes—you’re allowed to say no.
These moments aren’t business failures. They’re proof you’re growing. And when they come up, instead of spiraling, just remind yourself: this is normal. You’re not alone. And you’ve got options.
You’re doing great.
May 14, 2025
Refunds, Defaults and Tricky Money Conversations
Refunds, defaults and tricky money conversations
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Ever had someone demand a refund out of the blue? Or had a client just… stop paying?
This week on Chill & Prosper, we’re diving into the messy middle of running a business—those awkward money convos we all face eventually.
I’m answering questions about refunds, payment defaults, and how to protect your boundaries without losing your mind (or your income).
Here’s what we cover:
✨ When to stand your ground vs. give the refund
✨ How to handle clients who default on payment plans
✨ Ways to automate, protect yourself, and still stay human
✨ The sneaky mindset blocks that make money convos harder than they need to be
You don’t have to be a robot—or a pushover. You’re allowed to run your business your way, and yes, you’re allowed to ask for your money.
May 11, 2025
Denise on the Dance Mama Podcast
I had so much fun joining Lucy McCrudden on the Dance Mama podcast—what a treat to talk about two of my greatest loves: dance and money mindset!
As someone who grew up dancing (and still pulls on a leotard whenever I can!), I loved the chance to chat about how dance has shaped my life—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and even in business. These days, alongside running my business and raising three kids, I still fly the flag for ballet and proudly invest in creative projects like The Book Thief Musical.
In this episode, Lucy and I dive into the money blocks that so many dancers and creatives face—especially around pricing, self-worth, and charging for your talents. I shared some of the mindset shifts that can really help dancers (and anyone in the arts, really) move from scarcity to abundance.
We also talked about the joy of returning to dance recreationally as a busy working mum, and why it's never too late to reconnect with your body and your creativity. We touched on everything from representation of older women in dance to how we can better care for ourselves mentally and physically—so we can keep dancing for as long as we want.
Whether you're a professional dancer, a studio owner, or someone who hasn’t danced in years but still feels the pull—this conversation is full of encouragement, inspiration, and permission to claim joy, wealth, and movement in whatever way works for you.
