Boundaries That Build Businesses: Cheryl Green Edition

Episode Overview

CFO-coach Tabitha Smith sits down with Cheryl Green—speaker, author, and animal advocate—to unpack how boundaries don't just protect your sanity, they actually build your business. From phone discipline to solo-biz stacks, Cheryl reveals the systems that let her write books, run a business, and stay sane without burning out.

Featured Guest

Cheryl Green is the author of You Had Me at No (healthy boundaries to banish burnout and protect your sanity), a speaker who helps entrepreneurs stop over-functioning, and an animal advocate who proves you can do impactful work without sacrificing yourself.

What You'll Learn

Boundaries = Productivity - Create clear work/away signals: closed door, "do-not-disturb" chair sign, or a tri-fold project board for instant home cubicle. Off-hours deserve equal respect. Physical signals train your brain and everyone around you.

Phone Discipline That Works - Leave it in another room or switch to airplane mode so you can still take notes/photos without notifications hijacking your brain. Cheryl's writing ritual: 3 hours each morning, phone on airplane mode, ritual mug, and placeholders (XXXX) instead of pausing to research. First drafts done in 6-12 weeks.

Solo Biz Stack That's Simple

• Scheduling: TidyCal (one-time fee) or any shareable calendar link
• Ideas & summaries: ChatGPT for brainstorming and transcript recaps
• Money & contacts: Humble spreadsheet beats chaos (track income/expenses, cash log for FB Marketplace, light CRM tabs)
• Processes: Google Docs checklists you can hand to a VA or collaborator

Document as You Go - "Good enough" SOPs beat perfect, unused manuals. Start with a one-pager; refine with each use. Cheryl's rule: if you do it twice, document it so you can delegate it.

Introductions > Referrals - It's an easier ask and keeps momentum high. Instead of "Can you refer me?" try "Do you know someone who'd benefit from hearing about [what you do]?"

Community > Constant Scale - Be a "Small Giant": obsess over doing the work impeccably; growth follows. Quality and reputation compound faster than aggressive scaling.

Quick Actions to Try This Week

1. Pick a work signal (closed door/sign/tri-fold board) and use it daily
2. Set airplane mode during your next 60-180 min focus block
3. Spin up a scheduler link and add it to your email signature
4. Start a single "How We Do It" doc; jot steps for one recurring task
5. Log one cash expense today (date, amount, purpose) in your sheet
6. Ask one happy client for an introduction to a peer

Key Takeaways

• Physical boundaries train your brain faster than willpower alone
• Airplane mode lets you use your phone without being used by it
• Simple spreadsheets beat expensive tools when you're starting
• Document tasks the second time you do them
• Introductions are lower-friction than referral asks
• Small Giants win by doing excellent work, not chasing scale

What We're Reading/Listening

Books: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, The Power of Community by Howard Partridge, Small Giants by Bo Burlingham, You Had Me at No by Cheryl Green

Podcasts: The Big Deal with Cody Sanchez

Who This Is For

Solopreneurs drowning in distractions, founders who can't say no without guilt, anyone building a business while protecting their sanity, or entrepreneurs realizing burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a business liability.

Sponsored by: Live Your Best Life Travel Now 🌴 (Doniqua) - true concierge travel + "I've-got-your-back" support when plans change.

TSAT Tell'em Tab—boundaries aren't walls, they're foundations.