Meet Heather Lawson-Bradfield

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Lawson-Bradfield . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.

Heather, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
I quit. That’s how I avoided burnout. Honestly, I was already burnt out. My corporate career, while outwardly successful, was doing irreparable damage to my spirit. It was like running the ultimate hamster wheel – exhausting and going nowhere.

I had a successful career in the corporate realm. It was a dream on paper – climbing the ladder, breaking the glass ceiling, and all those shiny accolades. But the reality? It was soul-crushing. My days were a blur of endless meetings, unrealistic deadlines, and a relentless pursuit of targets that left little room for actual living. I excelled until I was told that what I was doing wasn’t good enough. How can you tell someone who is giving it their all that they need to give more?

Walking away from corporate wasn’t just an “up and quit” moment. It was a 3-year journey. First, I removed myself from leadership and shifted to being a direct report (project manager). Then I unfortunately transferred to a toxic manager who was overtly racist – I had to file HR reports on her; she was then investigated by her friend, aka her boss – nothing came of it, imagine that. So, I moved to the shining star of the company I was at – their pharmacy ops. I lasted less than a year before I quit to do my own thing. I realized that no job, no matter how lucrative or prestigious, was worth the irreversible damage it inflicted on my well-being. So, I quit. Best decision ever. It wasn’t just about stepping back; it was about stepping into a new reality where I could breathe, create, and lead on my terms. I redefined success – not by society’s standards, but by my own.

Now, alongside Jupiter, we’re all about championing this philosophy. We host a joint podcast called The Imperfect Founder and address the issue of burnout in an episode titled, ‘The Process You Need To Decondition From The Corporate World‘. It’s for everyone who’s ever felt like a cog in the corporate machine and dared to dream of something more. Because let me tell you, there’s a whole world outside that corporate box – and it’s magnificent.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Heather, the one steering the ship at The Clover Collective. Here’s what gets me fired up about what we do: we’re flipping the script on what it means to be a leader, a leader who is not afraid to fail. We support entrepreneurs who have gone from solopreneurs to founders and need help to make the leap. Think strategic finesse meets a big heart. We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re building a space where every decision is intentional, inclusive, and downright honest.

Then, there’s my brainchild, ‘The Imperfect Founder Podcast. It’s where I get to spill the beans – the good, the bad, and the ugly – of entrepreneurship. No sugarcoating, just straight-up, real talk with my co-host, Jupiter, sharing insights as we have both been in the trenches and came out laughing.

And for the pièce de résistance: ‘The Agency Blueprint.‘ We’re in beta mode now, refining every detail to ensure it’s nothing short of stellar for its April launch. It’s not just any mentorship program; it’s a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of building a successful business for those who are committed to growing. Curious? Jump on the waitlist and be part of this game-changing journey.

Whether it’s mastering the art of business at Clover, dishing out hard-earned wisdom on my podcast, or shaping future agency moguls with the Blueprint, it’s all about empowering you – the fearless entrepreneur turning imperfect founder.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I reflect on my journey, three things stand out, each pivotal in its own way.

First, embracing failure is not just a setback but a set-up for something greater. Early on, I realized that fearing failure was expecting myself to grow without being uncomfortable. It’s impossible – growth ONLY comes in that space where discomfort emerges. So, I took it off. I embraced risks and learned from missteps, and it’s been liberating. Jupiter and I discuss this in our episode, ‘3 Steps To Help You Overcome Your Fear of Failure.‘ It’s a must-watch for anyone needing a push to turn ‘What if I fall?’ into ‘What if I fly?’

Second, the power of hiring for strengths and investing in your team’s dreams. When you find a way to mutually invest in each other’s dreams, this is the true magic of humanity. When your team thrives, so does your business. It’s a synergy that’s both rewarding and productive. Need tips on this? Check out our hiring guide freebie – it’s packed with insights on building a dream team.

Lastly, and this is pure Heather – relentless curiosity. The business world is a puzzle, and curiosity is your tool for unlocking it. Ask questions, explore uncharted paths, and never settle for the status quo. This approach not only keeps your business evolving but also keeps the journey exciting and fulfilling.

My advice for those early in their journey is simple: embrace your failures as lessons, build a team that complements and elevates you, and never lose your sense of wonder. These aren’t just skills but mindsets that shape your path to success.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is right at the crux of exciting change: creative agency owners on the verge of scaling. They’re the ones who’ve tasted success and are now at the brink of something even bigger but are grappling with the overwhelming reality of growth. They’re talented and driven but swamped under the weight of their expanding business.

These clients typically come to me overworked and in need of direction, often lacking formal leadership training but brimming with potential. They’re seeking not just solutions but a partnership that helps them navigate the complexities of scaling up. They understand the value of strategic operations and are ready to invest in systems that bring sustainable growth and balance.

So, if you’re a creative agency owner who’s juggling the challenges of rapid growth and looking to transform your business from frantic to flourishing, we might just be a perfect match. Dive into my world on Instagram @HeatherLawsonBradfield, where I share insights for entrepreneurs like you – resources, strategies, and a healthy dose of humor to ease the journey. My feed is a glimpse into who I am, what I do, and how I can help you transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Connect with you there!

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