23: Grow Your Business by Slowing Down with Heidi Weiland

What if growing your business didn’t require grinding harder, but actually slowing down, tending to your nervous system, and building something that feels human and sustainable?

Heidi Weiland is a holistic business coach and strategist who went from burned-out freelance web designer to someone helping entrepreneurs blend smart strategy with real self-care.

Her work sits at the intersection of nervous system support, authentic marketing, and human-centered business.

In this episode, she shares the turning points, hard lessons, and gentle reminders that helped her rebuild her business from the inside out.

From Burnout to Real Balance

Heidi’s story starts where so many creative businesses hit a wall: doing everything, being everything, and pretending it’s fine until it isn’t. Burnout pushed her into yoga, deep self-care, and eventually a whole new way of supporting clients.

“I got to a point where I was just so burned out. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

Try this: Check in with your body before you check in with your to-do list.

Bonus: List three tasks draining your energy right now. What can be paused, delegated, or simplified?

Human-Centered Business Isn’t Optional

For Heidi, business work is human work. Your energy, your nervous system, your values are all the foundations.

“Business should be human-centered. We are the foundation of everything we do.”

Try this: Before taking on a new project, ask: Does this support the version of me I’m becoming?

Bonus: Rewrite one boundary that needs strengthening in your business.

Authenticity as the Strategy

One of my favorite things about Heidi is how simple she makes authenticity feel. It's not a branding exercise or a persona. It's just… you.

“I’m me and that’s enough. That’s great, actually.”

Try this: Notice a moment today where you filtered yourself. How would it feel to soften that filter?

Bonus: Share something real with your audience this week: a story, a lesson, a moment.

Blending Smart Strategy with Nervous System Support

Heidi’s approach is part intuitive, part tactical. She’ll talk funnels, then ask what your body is telling you. She’ll map your plan, then help you regulate so you can actually follow through.

“Blend strategy with nervous system support.”

Try this: Before planning your week, take three deep breaths and let your shoulders drop.

Bonus: Choose one strategic task and break it into the smallest next step. Your body will thank you.

Energy + Task Alignment

This is where so many creatives get stuck. You can do the work. But should you?

“What is sucking your energy? Are there tasks outside your zone of genius that we can shift?”

Try this: Highlight everything in your business: green for energizing, yellow for neutral, red for draining.

Bonus: Delegate or delete just one red task this week.

Relationships, Referrals, and Being a Real Human

Heidi builds her business the same way she lives her life—through genuine connection.

“Referrals are just what I call being in the world.”

Try this: Reach out to one person you appreciate in your creative circle.

Bonus: Share your work in one community space where you already feel comfortable.

Key Takeaways

• Burnout is often the doorway to a more honest business.
• Human-centered business leads to sustainable growth.
• Authenticity is your greatest marketing strategy.
• Your nervous system matters as much as your strategy.
• Alignment comes from knowing what energizes you.
• Relationships build stronger businesses than algorithms ever will.

Ready to Grow Your Business Without Burning Out?

Heidi’s journey is such a good reminder that you don’t have to choose between success and self-care. You can build something meaningful, aligned, and fully yours without sacrificing your wellbeing.

If you’re ready to grow your creative business with more clarity and ease, book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com. Let’s make your business feel more like you.