Have you ever wondered how a simple observation – like a never-ending pile of laundry – can turn into a thriving global business? The Laundry Lady’s CEO, Susan Toft, shares her inspiring story on the “Your Career Journey Podcast”, and you won’t want to miss it. This week, we are delighted to share that Susan was featured on the amazing podcast, and we’re here to give you the highlights.
Discover Susan Toft’s Path on “Your Career Journey Podcast”
Emma Graham, the host of “Your Career Journey Podcast”, dives deep into Susan’s entrepreneurial journey in this engaging episode. From corporate marketing to building the world’s first online marketplace for laundry services, Susan’s story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of taking a leap of faith.
Key Takeaways from Susan’s Podcast Interview
Susan’s journey is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone navigating a career change. Here are some highlights from the podcast:
From Corporate to Laundry Entrepreneurship
Susan’s career began in business and tourism, working with organisations like PADI and Austrade. She gained valuable experience travelling in Asia and working under inspiring leaders. However, after starting a family, she found it challenging to balance work and family life.
Facing redundancy became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. “I think I really needed to create something that I could do myself,” she explains. The idea for The Laundry Lady sparked from her own laundry woes: “I went from this global marketing career to doing ironing and washing at home.”
Seizing the Opportunity
Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, Susan took action and started The Laundry Lady in 2012. She saw a need in the market and created a solution. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment,” she advises.
The Importance of Marketing
Susan emphasizes the crucial role of marketing in building a successful brand. “I think a lot of business owners don’t understand how much time marketing takes. It’s really important to invest in your brand,” she states.
Embracing the Rollercoaster
Starting and scaling a business is a rollercoaster ride. Susan discusses the challenges of hiring the right team, upgrading technology, and navigating the messy middle. “Everything is a learning stage as you go through,” she shares.
Leadership and Vision
As CEO, Susan believes that a leader’s role is to inspire and motivate their team. “A leader is about inspiring, and creating vision, and giving motivation,” she explains. She understands that people join The Laundry Lady for more than just doing laundry. “They’re not joining us because they love doing laundry, but because they want to have this flexible work-from-home business to be part of.”
Trusting Your Instincts
Susan encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and persevere. “You know why you’ve started the business, you know why you’re doing it, so you’ve got just really trust in yourself. Just keep going and going,” she advises.
Global Ambitions
Susan also discusses her experience on Shark Tank, new business challenges, and The Laundry Lady’s expansion into new markets, including America.
Women in Business Australia: A Story of Success
Susan Toft’s story is an inspiring example for women in business Australia. She demonstrated the power of turning a personal need into a successful business, creating opportunities for others while achieving her own work-life balance. Her journey resonates with many women striving to make their mark in the business world.
Susan’s appearance on “Your Career Journey Podcast” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of building The Laundry Lady. Her story proves that with vision, hard work, and a willingness to learn, incredible things can happen.
Listen to her inspiring business and life journey now:
