

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

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.

May 14, 2025 • 35min
Exploring a Legacy - 10 Years on from How to Style your Brand
Celebrate a decade since a groundbreaking book on branding! Explore the journey of pursuing passion and overcoming hurdles in business. Insightful discussions on the importance of authenticity and personal purpose in branding reveal the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face. Relive heartfelt testimonials that showcase the book's transformative impact on countless lives. Discover how resilience and empowerment shape creative journeys and inspire lasting change.

May 7, 2025 • 51min
Flow not Force in Action - Elizabeth Shares the Secrets to her Latest Creative Breakthrough
We are excited to bring you this one, uncharacteristically Elizabeth is in the hot seat as Fi invites her to dig deep about her experiences with her latest creative breakthrough which will mean BIG CHANGE for her and her business. In this conversation we explore the attitudes, principles and strategies behind taking a Flow not Force approach to your business and the underlying beliefs that help make it a reality. We hope you enjoy and, as ever, if you do please like, review and share away. Thank for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 12min
How to Spot what's Keeping your Brand Small and What to Do about it
We are passionate about entrepreneurs and brands achieving their potential. There are so many factors that come into it, from from our attitudes and beliefs, how we show up to the way we implement design. In this wide ranging conversation we dig deep into what it takes for brands to avoid playing small (deliberately or otherwise) and realise their full potential. We explore the personal and practical factors that both get in the way and make it possible for our brands to take up the space they deserve. If you have a sense that your brand might not be quite living into its potential, that you might inadvertently be holding yourself back but aren't quite sure why, then this is for you. Importantly If you want to know what to do about it, then listen in.As ever if you enjoy it please do rate and review and if you know a fellow entrepreneur that needs to hear this then please do share away lovely listener. I mention Fi's stellar Design for Go Getters course in the episode, if you'd like to check it out you can do so here: https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/courses/design-for-go-gettersAnd if you'd like the free Show Stopping Brand Roadmap which gives you the 8 clear steps to take when building a powerful brand, you can grab your copy here: https://thebrandstylist.thinkific.com/pages/the-show-stopping-brand-road-map Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 49min
How to Keep Moving Forwards when the World is Going Mad
How to keep moving forwards when the world is going mad. There's no escaping the world is bonkers right now and that's putting it a little mildly, you don't have to go very far to be confronted with immense challenge and suffering and it is likely affecting us all to varying degrees. It can be hugely challenging to maintain hope, and resilience never mind momentum in such challenging times so today we're talking about what we can do to take care of ourselves and keep moving forwards. Whether you feel like you're in the thick of it and are utterly overwhelmed by world events or what's going on for your personally or you're actually feeling in a good place and want to maintain that sense of hope and possibility, there's something for everyone. With love and solidarity and we hope you find it helpful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2025 • 51min
How to Get What you Want with Integrity - Part Two
Delve into the complexities of maintaining integrity in personal and professional relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy, setting boundaries, and effective communication, especially when navigating toxic dynamics. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges of balancing various life roles while emphasizing the need for tailored communication. Strategies for fostering win-win outcomes and reviving authentic connection in a fast-paced world are explored, making this conversation both insightful and engaging.

Mar 26, 2025 • 57min
How to Get What you Want with Integrity
Getting what we want in business isn't always easy and dealing with unreasonable demands isn't a walk in the park either. In this two part mini series we tackle all of that and more as we explore in depth and build aa model of how to get what we want with integrity. Let's get stuck in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 55min
Bootstrapping your Brand - How to Create the Strongest Impression with your Brand, whatever your Budget.
Explore the art of bootstrapping your brand without compromising quality. Discover smart investment strategies tailored for limited budgets. Unpack the importance of effective branding touchpoints, using real-life case studies to guide new entrepreneurs. Embrace simplicity in design to enhance brand credibility. Learn best practices for negotiating with creative professionals, ensuring fair compensation. Dive into strategic partnerships that align with brand goals for long-term success.