
Built in PJs
By Vics Bradley
Stories from parents, navigating the messy middle.
Building businesses whilst raising a family.


Burn the phone and be present | Andy Irvine | Episode Four
Summary
In this conversation, Andy Irvine shares his experiences as a parent of four children and discusses the parallels between parenting and business. He explores the challenges of trusting intuition in decision-making, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving definition of success as a parent. The discussion highlights the struggle for presence in parenting, the impact of technology, and the need for self-compassion. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of finding balance and support in the journey of parenting and ambition.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Messy Middle
02:45 Seasons of Life and Business
04:57 The Parenting Journey
07:12 Trusting Intuition in Parenting and Business
09:33 The Role of Mentorship
11:12 Exploring Intuition in Parenting and Business
14:30 The Complexity of Parenting and Individual Differences
17:25 Navigating Guilt and Self-Compassion in Parenting
19:44 Balancing Ambition and Family Life
22:24 The Passage of Time and Its Impact on Parenting
24:29 Regrets and the Quest for Presence in Parenting
25:22 The Joy of Imaginative Play
28:00 Evolving Definitions of Success
30:59 Navigating Ambition and Values
33:50 The Challenge of Self-Compassion
38:10 Redefining Ambition in Parenting
41:10 Finding Kindness in Parenting
43:16 15sec BIPJS Intro.mp3
Takeaways
- Parenting and business require intuition and trust.
- There is no manual for parenting; every experience is unique.
- Self-compassion is crucial for parents navigating challenges.
- Mentorship can provide valuable support in both parenting and business.
- The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming for parents.
- Technology impacts parenting dynamics significantly.
- Ambition and parenting can coexist, but society often views them as mutually exclusive.
- Finding time for self-care is essential for effective parenting.
- Parents often struggle with being present due to external pressures.
- It's important to acknowledge and share struggles with others.
Thanks to our sponsor Clamalo

Multiple Countries as a Parent Business Owner | Kat Proffitt | Episode Three
Summary
In this episode, Kat shares her journey of balancing parenting and ambition while navigating life in multiple countries. She discusses the challenges of relocating with children, the importance of finding a support network, and the complexities of managing two businesses alongside family life. Kat emphasizes the need for self-care, the value of communication, and the joy found in small moments amidst the chaos of parenting and work. She encourages listeners to embrace change and pursue their passions, reminding them that it's okay to seek help and prioritize their well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenting and Ambition
06:10 The Journey of Relocation and Adaptation
10:14 Balancing Identity and Parenthood
14:37 Managing Work-Life Balance as a Parent
19:31 Embracing Change and New Opportunities
24:03 Advice for Aspiring Expat Parents
26:34 Future Aspirations and Growth
31:37 PitchaMentor Spot 17sec .mp3
31:53 6sec BIPJS Outro.mp3
Takeaways
- Kat has lived in the UK, Germany, and Portugal, adapting to each new environment.
- She runs two businesses while managing the challenges of motherhood.
- Finding a support network is crucial when relocating with children.
- Balancing business and family requires prioritization and self-care.
- Communication with children about changes is important for their understanding.
- It's okay to seek help and build relationships slowly in a new country.
- Late nights and challenging mornings are part of the journey of parenthood and ambition.
- Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
- Finding joy in small moments can help alleviate the stress of parenting.
- It's better to try new things than to live with regrets.
Connect with Kat
Thanks to our sponsor Pitch a Mentor

Balancing Parenthood and Professional Life | Hannah Zora Strong | Episode Two
summaryIn this episode of the Built in PJs podcast, Vics and Hannah Strong discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating parenthood while managing a self-employed career. They explore the concept of 'seasons' in life, the efficiency of working mothers, and the importance of community engagement. Hannah shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to embracing self-employment, and her unique experience with Boundless Life, a program that allows families to travel while working remotely. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance, the power of living in the moment, and the importance of supporting ambitious parents.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life
04:45 The Journey to Self-Employment
09:26 Redefining Ambition as a Parent
16:41 Exploring Remote Work with Boundless Life
21:49 Family Adventures and Cultural Experiences
23:11 Lessons from Traveling with Kids
25:31 Embracing Remote Work and New Cultures
28:11 Navigating Changes in Family Dynamics
29:50 Setting Goals and Community Engagement
34:21 Supporting Ambitious Parents
37:36 Words of Wisdom for the Messy Middle
Takeaways
- Efficiency is a key trait of working mothers.
- Navigating parenthood requires embracing different seasons of life.
- Self-employment can provide flexibility but also demands discipline.
- Community engagement is essential for personal and professional growth.
- Traveling with children can enhance family bonds and work-life balance.
- It's important to manage expectations and avoid burnout.
- Building a supportive network is crucial for self-employed parents.
- Ambition can evolve after becoming a parent, focusing on the present.
- Finding joy in the journey is more important than the destination.
- It's okay to prioritize family needs over professional ambitions.
Thanks again to Hannah.
This episode is sponsored by Pitch a Mentor

The Journey to Acceptance as a Mother and Entrepreneur | Tania Timkova | Episode One
Summary
In this episode of the Built in PJs podcast, host Victoria Bradley speaks with Tania Timkova, a positive psychology coach and entrepreneur, about the challenges and joys of motherhood, identity, and ambition. Tania shares her journey from being a destination wedding photographer to a life design coach, highlighting how motherhood transformed her perspective on work and personal fulfillment. They discuss the importance of acceptance, mindfulness, and gratitude in navigating the complexities of parenting while pursuing personal and professional goals. Tania emphasizes the need for self-kindness and the significance of teaching these values to children. The conversation concludes with Tania's vision for building a supportive community for mothers and her aspirations for the future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Parenting Dynamics
03:56 Transitioning Careers: From Photography to Coaching
09:49 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood
18:57 Redefining Ambition in Motherhood
23:05 Mindfulness and Positive Psychology in Parenting
34:10 Future Aspirations and Community Building
Sound Bites
"I had to learn to say no to things."
"I wish I was more present."
"Acceptance is such a big gift."
Connect with Tanya
This episode is sponsored by Pitch A Mentor