Reinvention Diaries Podcast – Year in Review

Episode Summary: Michelle and Nicola reflect on the past year, sharing personal and professional highlights, lessons learned, and goals for the coming year. The conversation is candid, humorous, and packed with relatable moments about growth, boundaries, and celebrating wins.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The ups and downs of the holiday season and festive events
• Personal and business goal setting (and the reality of sticking to them)
• The evolution from "personal stylist" to "style coach and color analyst"
• The importance of boundaries in business and life
• Achievements: client milestones, workshops, networking, and launching the podcast
• The power of celebrating small wins and creating a "win wall"
• Family milestones, including becoming grandparents and celebrating anniversaries
• Delegating tasks and hiring help to focus on strengths
• Honest talk about feeling unfocused, messy, and the quest for better organization
• Looking ahead: goals for 2026, including more speaking, workshops, and personal adventures

Notable Highlights:

• Michelle and Nicola share their favorite festive moments and the challenges of getting into the holiday spirit.
• Both hosts reflect on their business growth, including client numbers, workshops, and the launch of the podcast.
• Michelle discusses her decision to rebrand as a "style coach and color analyst" to better reflect her work.
• Nicola shares her achievements in photography, including headshot sessions, brand shoots, and events.
• The hosts talk about the importance of boundaries, saying no to weekend work, and delegating tasks.
• They encourage listeners to celebrate their wins, big and small, and consider creating a "win wall" for 2026.
• Family updates include becoming grandparents and celebrating a 25th wedding anniversary.
• The episode wraps up with a lighthearted discussion about gadgets, organization, and plans for the new year.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Review your own year—celebrate your wins and set realistic goals for the next.
• Consider rebranding or evolving your professional identity if it no longer fits.
• Set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius.
• Create a "win wall" to track and celebrate achievements throughout the year.

Contact us either by email studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk or via instagram @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.com

Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com

Next Episode: Stay tuned for the upcoming Christmas special and the launch of Season 2 in the new year!

Episode Summary: In this festive episode, Michelle and Nicola dive into the pressures and expectations of the holiday season. They share personal stories about parenting wins, setting boundaries, and the importance of saying "no"—especially around Christmas. The conversation covers everything from Black Friday shopping temptations to the emotional weight of family traditions, and why it's okay to opt out of certain holiday activities.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Parenting milestones and celebrating small wins.
• The importance of carving out personal time and setting household boundaries.
• Budgeting for Christmas and resisting social/media pressure to overspend.
• Saying "no" to Christmas traditions that don't serve you (light trails, Christmas jumpers, forced fun, etc.).
• The emotional side of Christmas: family expectations, grief, and why some people opt out.
• Tips for managing gift-giving, including the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" formula.
• The value of honest conversations with friends and family about holiday spending and expectations.
• Random acts of kindness and gratitude for the little things (like wellies!).
• Listener call to action: Share your own stories about Christmas boundaries and spending.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Your lack of planning is not my emergency."
• "It's okay to say no. Not everybody likes Christmas."
• "If we can't afford it, we don't get it."
• "I don't want people to give me crap and I don't want to give other people crap."

Listener Call to Action: Share your stories about Christmas boundaries, spending, or things you're saying "no" to this year! Email studio@thereinventiondiary.co.uk or DM @TheReinventionDiariesPodcast on Instagram.

Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. We don’t always moan—promise!

Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com

Shownotes: Turning Criticism into Growth – Reinvention Diaries

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola Guest: Amie-Leigh Lee, CEO & Founder of Shh! PR

Episode Highlights:

• Catch-up: Michelle and Nicola share updates on recent travels, networking, and self-care (including spa days and Christmas dinners).
• The importance of reviews and feedback in business, and how both hosts handle receiving (or not receiving) reviews.
• Introduction of guest Amie-Leigh Lee, who specializes in PR for female entrepreneurs.
• Discussion on the emotional impact of criticism and negative reviews, especially for women in business.
• Amie-Leigh’s advice on handling criticism:
  • Don’t react immediately—pause and reflect before responding.
  • Gather facts before replying to negative feedback.
  • Respond publicly with empathy and a willingness to resolve the issue, then move the conversation offline if possible.
  • Use apologies genuinely; avoid defensive responses.
  • Learn from criticism—use it as an opportunity to improve services or products.
• Gender differences in responding to criticism: women often internalize feedback more deeply than men.
• Examples of brands turning criticism into positive PR (e.g., KFC’s chicken shortage campaign, Aldi’s marketing).
• The value of a “win wall” to remind yourself of positive feedback and achievements.
• The importance of supportive networks and cheerleaders, especially for women entrepreneurs.
• Reflections on women’s networking groups and the supportive, collaborative environment they foster.
• Final advice: Embrace criticism as a tool for growth, not a reason to shrink back.

Connect with Amie-Leigh Lee:

• LinkedIn: Amie-Leigh Lee Minshull
• Company: Shh! PR (www.shhpr.co.uk)
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Contact the Podcast:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola - nicolaaucklandphototgraphy.co.uk

Listener Questions:

• Amie-Leigh’s favorite color: Yellow
• Recent act of kindness: Reaching out to someone in need at a concert

Next Episode: Tune in next Wednesday for more stories and strategies on reinvention and growth!