Saying No, Finding Balance after Burnout & Redefining Success in our Business

As facilitators, trainers, and business owners, we often find ourselves saying “yes” too much, overworking, and stretching our own boundaries—sometimes to the point of burnout. In this episode, I sit down with Beth Cougler Blom, learning designer, facilitator, and podcast host, to have an honest conversation about what it means to run a business without running ourselves into the ground.

We talk about the epiphanies that come with being in business for decades, how turning 50 shifts your perspective, and the ongoing challenge of setting and maintaining boundaries. From pricing our work with confidence to learning when to say no (even to past clients), this episode is full of insights for anyone navigating the world of facilitation and training.

In this conversation, we cover:

1. The hidden challenges of growing a facilitation business
2. Why boundaries matter—and how to hold them firm
3. Recognizing the early signs of burnout (and what to do about it)
4. How to shape your business your way, at any stage of life

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your facilitation journey, this conversation will leave you reflecting on what truly matters in your work and life.

I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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Beth Cougler Blom brings over 25 years of experience in the field of education, spanning roles in non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipal government, and as an entrepreneur. She began designing online learning in 2005 with the Canadian Red Cross and further honed her facilitation expertise during her years with Volunteer Victoria. In 2011, Beth founded her company, originally called Beth Cougler Blom Facilitation, which has since evolved into BCB Learning Inc. When she’s not facilitating, designing learning, or podcasting, you can find her spending time with family and friends, walking in nature, reading, doing yoga, or dreaming up new ideas.

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A Facilitator’s Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.

Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.

Key Links:

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

Connect with Beth on Instagram HERE

Connect with Beth on Linkedin HERE

Listen to Facilitating on Purpose HERE