

Style and Substance
Elizabeth Cairns & Fiona Humberstone
Style and Substance is a branding and business podcast brought to you by The Brand Stylist, Fiona Humberstone and The Empowered Entrepreneur, Elizabeth Cairns. Resourcing you with inspiration, insights and heaps of expertise to help you navigate all things branding and business. Ideal for creative entrepreneurs and those of you looking to sidestep the hustle, keep joy at the forefront of your work your work and find a more meaningful and sustainable approach business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 42min
Setting Boundaries and Starting as you Mean to Go On
With four months left of 2025 are you prepped to make the most of it? We are, and in this episode we are sharing our priorities, our goals and our experiences of setting boundaries to safeguard what's most important. We share our strategies for maintaining the focus we need to really capitalise on the energy of this season and what we have decided is most important for us right now. We hope you find it helpful and if you know someone who needs to hear this please do pass it on with our love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 10, 2025 • 36min
Connecting with your Ideal Client to Build a Sustainable Business - Listener Favourites
Connecting with your ideal client to build a sustainable business. We're opening the new season with a listener favourite from the archives and our very first episode on the Magic of Muses. Building a sustainable business relies on both identifying and attracting your ideal client, in this episode we explore all the magic our key Muses can offer us, how to usefully profile your ideal client and what that can do for the sustainability of your business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, this is a must listen and packed with valuable takeaways. If you haven't explored your muses for a while, now is the time and here's what you need to do it well, Next week we'll be back with Start as you Mean to Go On - Making the most of the last quarter of the year. We hope you enjoy and if you know someone who needs to hear this episode please do pass it on with our love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 2025 • 44min
Setting Yourself Up for the Summer
our last episode of the season before the summer break and today Fi and I are talking about how set up for the summer. What this season is about for us, how we are making the most of it and how we structure our businesses to enable us to take the break we need. If you're looking to create an intentional summer full of good things, business and otherwise, this one is for you. Enjoy lovely listeners and thank you for your support of the podcast this season, it means the world. xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
50+ Things We've Learned from 50 Collective Years in Business
Welcome to Episode 100, wow can't quite believe we are here. In this milestone episode, Fiona and I are pulling back the curtain on our collective 50 odd years in business and sharing some of what we've learned in that time. We cover everything from managing our energy and navigating major life shifts, including loosing it all and starting again, to structuring business with inspiration (not just efficiency) at the heart and crucially, staying true to what and who matters most.It’s honest, with the odd hilarious outtake we've left in for fun, and hopefully useful. We hope you enjoy the listen as we celebrate our 100th episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 2025 • 52min
The Power of Aligment
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of alignment—not as a buzzword, but as a vital force for building an inspired, creative, and authentic business. Fiona brings her branding lens, while I explore the entrepreneurial and inner landscape, and together we unpack why true alignment—both within ourselves and in how we express our business to the world—is the foundation for more ease, flow, and resonance.We explore what alignment really means, why it matters, and how it touches everything from nervous system safety to brand strategy. You'll hear how inner clarity around your values, energy, and identity fuels outer clarity in your offerings, pricing, audience, and brand expression. We also talk about why finding alignment isn't always easy, what gets in the way, and the sacred and strategic practices that help us on the journey to full alignment. If you’re craving more flow in your business, this one’s for you. Enjoy lovely listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2025 • 41min
Reconciling Priorities - Managing the Tensions as Women in Business
This week we're unpacking the invisible load—those subtle, internal tensions that so many of us carry as women in business. From the emotional labour we absorb without realising, to the time drain of constantly reconciling competing priorities, we reflect on how these unseen dynamics can quietly erode our energy, clarity and capacity to thrive. Its a fairly reflective, contemplative, episode (with a few joyful party plugs along the way!) which we hope will give you pause for thought. We mentioned the summer party on 2nd July, do join us! You can find out more at www.thebrand-stylist.com/soiree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2025 • 33min
Is your Brand Pitching you at the Right Level? How to know...
How do you know if your brand is pitching you at the right level? How can you be sure not to miss the opportunities inherent in a branding process done well? Why does going deep matter? We cover all this and more in this short but takeaway-packed episode where Fi shares her unique perspective on what's required to make sure your brand pitches you at the right level.If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of winning the right kind of work, attracting the most aligned opportunities, charging what you're worth and realising your brands potential, then this is a must listen.We mention Fi's free "Creating your Brand Where to Start Course" you can find out more here https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/courses/creating-your-brand-courseIf you're curious to find out more about the work of ImNotOk that I mention at the head of the episode, or would like to know more about becoming a volunteer companion then you can email me at elizabeth@elizabethcairns.com or visit imnotok.uk. Thanks for listening and as ever if you've enjoyed the episode we'd love it if you would take a moment to drop us a review or share it with someone who might need to hear it. Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
AI or not AI? That is the Question
The podcast dives into the controversial role of AI in creative industries. It raises ethical questions about the emotional depth lost when relying on machines. The hosts discuss how AI can support solopreneurs but caution against the isolation it may cause. Real-life examples illustrate the delicate balance between technology and human intuition in branding. There's a strong focus on the importance of maintaining genuine connections and the environmental impact of these powerful tools, sparking a thought-provoking conversation about the future.

Jun 4, 2025 • 50min
Finding the Courage to Make the Big Decisions
Ever found yourself paralysed by the big decisions? Whether it's business or life in general, when big changes are afoot it can be a tricky time. Join us as we kick off the new season with an exploration of how to find the courage to make those big decisions and live into the version of yourself and your life you really want.We would also love for you to come to our fabulous Summer Soiree, details in the episode and you can find the link to book here https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/soiree. Do come we'd love to see you. x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 21, 2025 • 1h 10min
What is Takes to Hold the Vision Amidst the Noise...and See it Through
When you have an exciting vision or dreams for your business it can be incredibly exciting..but when seeing that vision through needs a marathon not a sprint, how do you keep it alive, maintain your focus and handle the set backs with so many competing priorities? In this conversation we're walking through the steps that inspired, yet busy entrepreneurs can take to hold the vision and and keep the energy and momentum needed to make it happen when work and life is busy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.