Episode 7

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Published on:

23rd Jan 2025

Rachel Spencer: ‘I’d have gone insane if I’d kept going’ Lessons from navigating a personal crisis as a small business owner (S1, Ep 7)

When Rachel Spencer found herself struggling to breathe - as if something was crushing down on her chest - she knew something had to change.. 

She’d just received the news that a friend had passed away suddenly - which was devastating enough. But the news followed a serious of personal challenges, that included bereavement, ill health and the breakdown of a 10 year relationship 


In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Rachel shares how she navigated this challenging period in her life. And how being brave enough to step away from everything but the necessary tasks in her business, for a time, was essential for her recovery. 


Key Moments

00:02:39 The Bridget Jones quote that summs up what Rachel was going through

00:05:40 What Rachel decided to stop doing in her business when crisis hit

00:11:59 How self-care helped Rachel to push through hard times

00:19:33 The need for contingency funds and other streams of income

00:25:40 How to manage client communication while protecting your personal time

00:35:56 Rachel’s business mistakes and what she’s learned from them


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About the Podcast

Courageous
Honest conversations and smart strategy for rebuilding a bold life, brand, or business — even when speaking up comes at a cost. Hosted by Janet Murray.
This is not a cancer podcast.

It’s about what happens when your voice is threatened - by illness, by public shaming, by fear - and you decide to keep speaking anyway.

In 2025, I was diagnosed with breast cancer while navigating public cancellation for defending women’s sex-based rights. Now I’m documenting the rebuild: of my health, my business, and my voice - with honesty, strategy and as much courage as I can muster.
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About your host

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Janet Murray

I’m Janet Murray - I’m a business strategist and copywriter who helps consultants, coaches, freelancers and small business owners generate consistent income and/or recurring revenue.

I’m also the creator of the Courageous CEO Business Strategy Planner - which contains tried and tested strategy & resources to grow your business.