Bronwen Sciortino International Author & Simplicity Expert

Who are you and what business did you start?

International Author & Simplicity Expert – my business is sheIQ Life Pty Ltd

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

Having experienced mental health issues after suffering from burnout, and a complete breakdown as a result, I wrote my first book during my recovery which received international critical acclaim and 5-star awards.

With burnout on the rise all around the world, this saw me create a global business teaching people there’s a very different way to live so they can tailor-make the life that allows them to lead happy, rewarding AND successful lives.

From burnout to global business happened within 3 years, and in the past 18 months I have been named as the recipient of 8 International Awards for the work I now do.

There’s nothing normal about being constantly stressed and exhausted AND there are simple and easy ways for people to do things a little bit differently. Everyone deserves the opportunity to create their own life, in the way that is absolu tely perfect for them.

Because I live my life governed by simplicity principles I have not been affected by the chaos being experienced around the world and I have been able to easily adapt and quickly move forward in a different way.

Women, in particular, are carrying the load and research conducted pre-COVID showed that they were suffering from burnout more than men. COVID has only exacerbated these statistics.

All three of my books provide individuals with tools and activities that they can apply to their own lives, so they can find their own answers and move forwards on the pathway that is right for them.

Last year, I also launched an online platform to assist busy, professional women to reduce stress and beat burnout.

I work with people globally through my books, corporate programs, leadership development programs, conference platforms, retreats , professional mentoring and in the online environment. I share practical and e asily implemented steps and inspire individuals to simplify their lives. I also guest blog regularly for membership platforms around the globe, have been featured on the TODAY Show, Ticker TV, James Miller Lifeology Show and The Author Show and contribute regularly to major online publications such as HuffPost and Thrive Global (Arianna Huffington’s new platform). I am also frequently asked to be interviewed through global radio, podcasts, vlogs, YouTube, Facebook Live, print media and blogs.

Describe the process of launching the business.

I like to say that I ‘accidentally’ became an entrepreneur. My first book was written as a way to heal massive trauma in my life, but it then went out into the world and started helping others to live their lives in a very different way. As people read the book, I was contacted and asked if I could do keynote speaking, workshops, leadership development, mentoring … and the list goes on.

I was only half way through my recovery from a breakdown and I suddenly had a global business emerging.

The most important part of launching the business was to make sure that it supported my health & wellbeing, as well as providing much needed products and services to people all over the world.

Another important part of the launch was to make sure that I had a structure in place that could help me remain grounded and true to who I AM. To do this, I created a process that enables me to really easily and quickly determine whether opportunities, people and organisations match my values. This makes the work fun and so much easier to be engaged with.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Authenticity is number one in attracting and retaining customers. I’m a rebel at heart – I love breaking the rules and I think that inspires people. People love what I do because I’m not interested in selling them my life, telling them what’s wrong with them or what the solution to their problems are.

I’m interested in helping people cut the noise and the chaos from their lives, empowering THEM to find the things that create stress and angst for them and then teaching THEM how to create the solutions that are best for them.

It’s not about me, it’s about them deciding the things that are right for them so they can reconnect with who they are in the simplest way possible.

After decades of being thrown around by trying to do and be all the things that others tell them is right for them – and constantly failing – it’s a relief to people to find that there are really simple, easy and practical ways to move their life in a different direction.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

I’m in more demand than ever before.

Burnout, stress and exhaustion are some of the world’s greatest issues – and will be for a very long time. There’s no person that isn’t affected, no business that isn’t struggling with the load … no matter where they are in the world.

It’s time to challenge the status quo. It’s time to turn the way we live in a different direction. It’s time for everyone to know that it doesn’t have to be hard, or complex or expensive to do things differently.

Focusing on simplicity doesn’t mean you have to be a minimalist (unless you want to), doesn’t mean you have to miss out and doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.

The future is an extraordinary place – we get to create whatever it is we want. So, let’s make sure that what we’re creating is going to work for us in every aspect.

My books and programs help people to shape and grow their lives in the way that is perfect for them. They gain international critical acclaim and are raved about by people because they show people how simple, yet rewarding life can really be.

The way I do things is unique and because it challenges the norm,, I have been awarded 14 international awards in the past 2 years.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

Your values are everything! When you use them to assess what you’re doing you can easily and efficiently work through the opportunities, people and organisations that are a great fit. You gain so much clarity over the next step when you use your values to guide your way.

Creating an indestructible ‘why’ for your business is also really important. As an entrepreneur you automatically step into a front runner way of being. You notice gaps in the marketplace and you create solutions to fill the gap and provide people with the things they need.

Doing this means you’re often ahead of people’s thought processes and that can be challenging for others. There will be a lot of people who question what you’re doing because they can’t see forwards in the same way you can. If you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing, it can be easy to be talked out of your vision by others who don’t see what you’re trying to achieve. When you do have your why, and it’s indestructible, you always have a touchpoint to come back to, to remind you why it is you’re doing what you’re doing.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Online technology is the absolute saviour of my business. Global reach is made so much simpler by tools that connect us easily – such as social media, online conferencing platforms.

I also rely heavily on tools like Microsoft Office, design programs (video, imagery, PDF and the like) and also platforms that easily connect me with the media.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

I’m an eclectic soul so I read avidly, across so many genres. My inspiration has come from reading historical accounts that have helped me understand the things that others have done to preserve the way of life in my country, psychology books that have helped me understand the nature of humans, nutrition books that have helped me understand the biological power of humans … and so many more!

I spend more time being a guest on podcasts than I do in listening to them … but my favourites are always the ones where the conversation is open and free and there is no effort to control where they go. For me, whenever someone tries to stick to a script there’s less freedom in the conversation.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Believe in yourself and never underestimate the amount of wisdom and knowledge you bring with you from whatever you’ve done before. When I first started my business it was in an industry that I knew nothing about. I spent a lot of time and money sourcing all the experts to find out what I needed to be doing, and how I needed to be doing it and I found myself in a business that didn’t suit who I AM and I hated it. I had completely negated all of the experience I brought to the table and ended up working in a way that didn’t inspire or motivate me. When I finally remembered all the things I’d learned and applied them to my own business, I was able to create a business that I love, that would support my needs and also effortlessly provide products and services that change people’s lives globally.

Where can we go to learn more?

Best places to find me are: https://www.linkedin.com/bronwensciortino/ ; https://www.facebook.com/bronwensciortinoauthor/ ; and https://www.sheiqlife.com