Sonya
Welcome to another episode of the Style and Strategy podcast. And today I'm going to jump straight in, talking to one of my mentors who made a significant impact, I would say, in my life, Tracy Harris, from Mums with Hustle. I am so excited to have you on the podcast.
Tracy
Oh my gosh, it’s such an honor. And it's like the most beautiful thing ever to be a guest on your podcast. Wow. You're in the driver's seat. You can ask me anything.
Sonya
I know, I know. Well, I'm going to jump straight into it because, you know, with me there's no fluff. It’s just straight to let’s go. So, Tracy, for my listeners, I really spend a lot of time working through how they can reinvent their career, change their brand, and gain the courage and confidence to do that. Your career is a powerful example of reinvention—from leaving an executive leadership role in the teaching space to becoming a sought-after leader in the online digital entrepreneur space. What was the key turning point that signaled it was time for you to change?
Tracy
I feel like a completely different woman compared to that version of myself from ten years ago. It feels like another life, yet I remember it all in slow motion. The turning point was a big clash of values. My employer basically told me that I had to return full-time to my executive leadership role as a new mum or forfeit that position. It was a gift, in a way, because it forced me to choose and reflect, something we don't always do on our own. They even said, “We’ll leave the room for five minutes, and when we come back, you need to decide what will happen. There’s no flexible arrangement.” I had a 13-month-old and wanted to work a five-day fortnight, which didn’t align with their needs.
When they returned, with my voice trembling and filled with anxiety, I said, “I choose my family and my freedom.” That decision marked a huge shift for me. Although I had no idea what would come next, I had faith that the right path would unfold. It was terrifying since we had a mortgage and a new baby, and I contributed significantly to our household income. But I want more women to choose themselves before hitting rock bottom.
Sonya
You've given me goosebumps. I’ve heard bits and pieces of your story before, but that choice to take control of your situation is so powerful. If you don’t, you end up asking, “Why is this happening to me?”
Tracy
Exactly. The alternative would have been returning to the room and choosing my career over my mental health and future happiness. I knew the path I was on was respected by many, but my identity was deeply tied to those accolades. The question becomes, do you know yourself well enough that, even when labels and titles are stripped away, you still believe in yourself?
Sonya
Talking about personal brand, your style has evolved over your journey. Was it deliberate, or did it just happen?
Tracy
It felt like distinct chapters or albums, like an artist releasing new albums with new looks and vibes. Growth happens naturally. My style has shifted as I evolved in life and business. I recently re-recorded onboarding videos for one of my programs because my look and brand had changed so much.
Sonya
So true. Your style evolves with your goals and environment. Was it intentional?
Tracy
Not always, but there’s always a clear end to an old chapter. When I see past videos, I recognize the version I was. Yesterday, I re-recorded videos that had been up for six years because they didn’t align with my current self. My team noticed, and so did I. My style evolves as I grow, and while it's not always deliberate, it’s reflective of my current state.
Sonya
Memorable outfits connected to milestones?
Tracy
I had two wardrobes: one for my teacher persona and one for my real self. I was once asked to mentor a new teacher on her style to build her credibility, which was a surprise. I know how hard it is to look professional on a budget, so I empathized.
Sonya
Why did you separate those wardrobes?
Tracy
The teacher wardrobe felt structured, limited, and blended into the background. It didn’t match my impact or who I am. Now, my style reflects freedom and self-expression. I don’t check dress codes; I choose outfits based on how I feel and consult my inner child who loved playing dress-up.
Sonya
Your entrepreneurial journey requires resilience. How do you maintain that?
Tracy
My motto is, “I am the leader of my life.” It applies to everyone, whether in corporate roles or entrepreneurship. Leaders have specific ways of thinking and impacting others. I take radical responsibility for my mindset, as we all have scripts in our heads that shape how we perceive life. Change the script, and you change the movie of your life.
Sonya
Advice for those in the middle of a reinvention?
Tracy
Get clear on what you’re really good at—your zone of genius—and what brings you joy. These are things you’ve known without learning. Then think about how you can combine these to create value in the world. That’s your contribution and path forward.
Sonya
Thank you, Tracy. Your insights will inspire many listeners.
Tracy
I hope so! I'd be thrilled if listeners shared their realizations with me. You can follow me on Instagram at @mumswithhustle and listen to my podcast, which has over 450 episodes to inspire you to take charge of your life.
Sonya
Thank you, Tracy, for being on the Style and Strategy podcast. It was amazing to catch up.
Tracy
Thank you for having me!
