

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

Dec 10, 2025 • 46min
How to Get a Brand that Works and that Lasts - Part Two
In part two of how to get a brand that works and that lasts, we are digging deep into the steps of the process. Fi is sharing the fundamental principles, the key steps and the most important thing to be paying attention to when you're building a powerful brand. We hope this will be a really sharable episode so do pass this on with our love to anyone you know who is brilliant and deserves the very best brand they can get.You can find The free Where to Start course on Fi's website here: https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/creating-your-brand-where-to-startThe Podcast episode that walks through the Roadmap fi mentions can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/your-roadmap-to-a-show-stopping-brand/id1653753664?i=1000648193262 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 2025 • 56min
How to Get a Brand that Works and that Lasts - Part 1
Having a brand that works and that lasts really is something every brilliant business owner has the right to claim, but what does it take to get one? In this first of a two part series, we are digging in to what it really means to get a brand that will give you the credibility, momentum and ease in your business that you deserve. Fi shares her inimitable passion for branding and her 25 years of hard won insights in this conversation and we hope you will want to share it. If you know a business owner who deserves a knock out brand, then do pass this on with our love. Fi's Free Where to Start Course that she mentions can be found in the Brand Stylist Academy: https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/creating-your-brand-where-to-start. Enjoy folks and, as ever, thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26, 2025 • 25min
Gratitude...An Essential Practice for Business - No Really
In this episode, airing just before Thanksgiving in the US, we explore gratitude. More than a list of nice things or another self help task 'to-do, we see it as a powerful, science backed practice that reshapes the brain, strengthens resilience and reconnects us to the joy in our work. We touch on how gratitude widens perspective, helps us find meaning in the messy middle and becomes a quiet fuel for purpose led business. We close with the unexpected things we've both been grateful this year. We hope you find it useful and, as ever, thank you for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Existential Crisis Facing Creatives
In this episode, we crack open the existential crisis so many creatives are quietly drowning in: when your hard-won brilliance suddenly feels… irrelevant. The rules of business have shapeshifted, the loudest are winning, and AI is nipping at everyone’s heels. Fi and I get brutally honest about what it means to stay true to your craft when the world keeps shouting “pivot!” and you’d rather set your laptop on fire.What do you do when your expertise took 10 years to build… but someone with a ring light and a knack for marketing is now the “industry leader”? Join us as we unpack the creative identity crisis of our era, the rise of AI, and the pressure to monetise your soul via prompts, courses, and whatever the algorithm wants this week.We are really digging in this week and hope you enjoy coming along with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 12, 2025 • 43min
Letting Go ...Of Limitations
This conversation explores the subtle ways we limit ourselves in life and business. Hosts tackle the challenge of letting go of what's only 'kind of working' to embrace true potential. They share insights on how beliefs can stifle growth and the importance of niching down. Personal stories illustrate the fear of taking up space and worrying about others’ opinions. The discussion emphasizes the energy cost of holding onto limitations and offers strategies for envisioning and protecting new possibilities.

Nov 5, 2025 • 44min
Your Questions Answered and a Look Ahead to 2026
The hosts kick off a new season with reflections on full moon energy and personal updates. They share insights on why strategic planning is crucial for impactful brand storytelling. Listeners hear about elevating expectations through client diligence and the balance of personal life in high-end branding. Favorite hype songs set an energetic tone, while past risky decisions reveal the path to purpose. Exciting plans for 2026 feature retreats and a new framework, emphasizing the importance of strategy in brand investments.

Oct 15, 2025 • 43min
I Just Don't Want to be That Person ...
Have you ever swallowed what you really want to say because you didn’t want to come across as that person? You know that feeling when perhaps you’ve been short changed and, at some level you know you deserve more, but this tiny voice in your head says ‘ugh, I just don’t want to be that person…’?” We’ve all felt it but when that emotion overrides everything, it can cost us more than just a little embarrassment.In this episode, we unpack the quiet tension so many women in business live with: wanting to honour our instincts and trust our boundaries, but fearing we’ll be misread or misunderstood or even not liked. We’ll explore why this conditioning runs so deep, how it erodes self-trust, and what it takes to reclaim your inner authority, without hardening or over apologising.We're posing the question; "How much of our energy goes into curating how we are perceived, rather than inhabiting who we actually are and getting what we really deserve?" and what is that actually costing us?Expect gentle truth-telling, a few nervous system insights, and some deeply practical ways to start trusting your “no,” and your instincts again.Because maybe being that person, the clear, kind, self-respecting one, is exactly who you came here to be.This is the last of this season before we head into half term and if you want something to look forward to you can book your place on our Style and Substance Christmas Lunch on 27th November, at the fabulous Jamie O's in London. Just head over to http://www.thebrand-stylist.com/events to book your place. We'd love to see you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 42min
Raising Expectations When We're Done Settling
Discover the pivotal moment when women realize they can demand more from their careers and brands. Unpack the reasons behind under-expectation and how to shift that mindset. Explore how life transitions impact ambition and the importance of authenticity in pursuing success. Learn how effective branding can elevate presence and credibility. Get practical steps to raise your expectations and surround yourself with a supportive community. This conversation will inspire you to leave your mark and embrace your true potential!

Oct 1, 2025 • 55min
The Secrets to Feeling more Capable and Clear when there’s just Not Enough Time
Time can feel like a slippery beast, especially when competing priorities and emotional urgencies collide. Discover practical strategies like the Eisenhower matrix for effective prioritization and the importance of clearing mental clutter before diving into tasks. Learn how to build buffers and white space into your schedule to handle unexpected crises. The hosts share helpful techniques to maintain momentum and protect your emotional bandwidth, all while designing a sustainable approach to work and life.

Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
Glow up Your Website in a Morning
Fiona Humberstone, a brand strategist and author, shares quick-win strategies to elevate your website without a full rebrand. She discusses when to refresh your site and how small tweaks can create an instant impact. Fiona emphasizes the importance of crafting effective headlines and structuring content using the AIDAQA approach. Listeners can expect actionable advice on enhancing emotional resonance, boosting credibility with testimonials, and simplifying navigation. With Fiona's morning checklist, transforming your site feels attainable and exciting!


