Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms

Picked this up because I’ve been a long-time listener of the podcast, and let me tell you, the physical book does not disappoint. The design is absolutely stunning—it’s one of those books you actually want to keep on your desk for daily inspiration. Kathleen and Emily have a way of making business feel less like a grind and more like a creative journey. I loved the blend of "suit and woo," balancing hard numbers and marketing strategies with intuition and ritual. The exercises throughout are super helpful for clarifying your vision. It isn't just theory; it’s a toolkit for anyone trying to build a life on their own terms. Even if you aren't an entrepreneur yet, the sections on mindset and self-care are worth the price alone. I found myself highlighting almost every other page.

Wow. I didn’t expect a business book to make me feel this seen as a creative professional. Instead of the typical hustle culture nonsense that tells you to work 24/7, this guide focuses on building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. I specifically resonated with the idea of a "Mandatory Lazy Day"—it sounds simple, but it’s a radical act for a workaholic like me. The storytelling approach, featuring guest contributors, adds a lot of depth and variety to the perspectives shared. It’s gorgeously designed and feels more like a mentorship session than a textbook. I’m already recommending this to every entrepreneur in my circle who needs to remember why they started their business in the first place. This is truly special.

As a creative business owner who's been struggling with burnout, this book felt like a deep breath of fresh air. Kathleen and Emily don't just tell you to work harder; they tell you to work smarter by honoring your intuition and setting firm boundaries. I spent an entire weekend filling out the worksheets and it really helped me reconnect with my original "why." The sections on branding and marketing were surprisingly clear and devoid of typical corporate jargon, which I appreciated. Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about the more "spiritual" elements at first, but they integrate them in a way that feels practical rather than flighty. It’s an empowering resource that I’ll definitely keep on my shelf for whenever I feel lost in the weeds.

This book completely shifted how I view my productivity and self-care routines. For years, I thought I had to sacrifice my health to grow my brand, but "Being Boss" taught me that those "radical acts of self-love" are actually essential for long-term success. The concept of the business plan here is refreshingly simple and focuses on what actually matters rather than 50-page documents no one reads. I’ve already started implementing the strategy to share my expertise more broadly, and the results are already showing. It’s inspiring, well-organized, and filled with the kind of spot-on advice you usually have to pay a consultant thousands for. An absolute must-read for any ambitious woman out there. My notes and highlights are everywhere!

The chapter on boundaries was exactly what I needed at this stage in my freelance career. Truth is, I was drowning in emails and client demands before reading this. Shannon and Thompson provide such actionable advice on how to reclaim your time without feeling guilty. They talk a lot about "being boss" of your own life, which includes your habits and personal values, not just your profit margins. I found the worksheets particularly effective for mapping out a strategy that actually feels sustainable. Sometimes the tone gets a little "influencer-heavy," but the core message remains solid. If you struggle with saying no or finding a routine that sticks, this is for you. It’s a grounded look at entrepreneurship that skips the usual toxic hustle culture.

After hearing so many people rave about "Being Boss," I had high expectations, and it mostly met them. It’s a very practical resource for those who are just starting out or feel stuck in their current growth phase. The way the authors organize the content—moving from personal values to business strategy—makes total sense. Personally, I think the most valuable part is the emphasis on finding a "business bestie" to share the journey with. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly lonely, and having that support system is vital. My only gripe is that some of the branding advice felt a bit basic for someone who has been in the industry for a while. Still, it’s a great refresher with plenty of inspiration and beautiful photography to keep you engaged.

Ever wonder why some people seem to navigate the stresses of entrepreneurship so much better than others? This book suggests it’s all about the foundation you build before you even start selling. I really liked the emphasis on personal values and how they dictate your business decisions. The authors do a great job of breaking down complex ideas into manageable habits. Frankly, some of the guest stories felt a bit short, and I would have loved to dive deeper into their specific challenges. However, the overall message of taking control of your life is very motivating. It’s a solid read for anyone needing a push to finally take their creative passion seriously and treat it like the real business it is.

Finally got around to reading this, and the first thing that struck me was the aesthetic. It is a stunningly produced book! Beyond the looks, there is a wealth of actionable advice for those trying to bridge the gap between "starving artist" and successful CEO. I especially loved the focus on the community aspect—reaching out to others and not trying to do it all alone. The advice on recruiting clients and sharing your expertise was very straightforward. Gotta say, a few of the chapters felt a little fluffy, but the overall energy is so encouraging that it’s hard to stay critical for long. It definitely gives you the confidence to start making big moves while maintaining your sanity and personal health.

To be fair, this is a beautiful book with some truly solid insights, but I felt like I’d heard a lot of it before in other business podcasts. If you’re a regular listener of their show, you might find some of the material repetitive and a little bit surface-level. That said, the way they present the "Suit meets Woo" philosophy is unique and helpful for those who want to balance logic with intuition. I did appreciate the sections on healthy routines and the focus on the "daily grind" being about more than just work. It’s a decent guide for beginners, but more seasoned owners might find it a bit light on advanced strategy. It’s still worth a read for the gorgeous layout and the occasional "aha" moment regarding self-care.

Look, I really wanted to love this given the rave reviews, but it just didn't click for me. Most of the advice felt very "intro to business" and lacked the technical depth I was looking for as an established author. If you’ve read any other modern entrepreneurship books, you’ve seen most of these tips on routines and "mindset" before. It felt more like a lifestyle blog in book form than a serious business manual. While the design is pretty, it doesn't make up for the lack of new information. I suppose if you are brand new to the world of creative business it might be useful, but for me, it was a bit of a letdown. I expected more concrete strategies and fewer vague rituals.