Work Hard, Live Soft with Maya Elious

What if you're already living your dream life and you just haven't noticed yet? I'm breaking down the three shifts you need to make to stop chasing someone else's highlight reel and start mastering your own "Everyday Magic" in 2026. In this episode of Work Hard, Live Soft, I'm sharing why the life you prayed for years ago is likely the one you're standing in right now. We're moving past "toxic positivity" and into the practical science of gratitude, the lens of privilege, and the art of romanticizing your mundane moments. I believe you are exactly where you need to be to get where you want to go. Download the Digital Dream Life Planner at https://mayaelious.com/dreamlife and let's make 2026 your most intentional year yet. What is one "micro-detail" you're grateful for today? Let's talk in the comments! /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: instagram.com/mayaelious   YouTube: youtube.com/@mayaelious  

A good coach doesn't just give you answers; they pull the strategy out of you by asking the right questions. In this series finale of My Messy Middle, I'm walking you through my exact business coaching framework to help you pivot into your next season, reclaim your time as a CEO, and find the "best-case scenario" for your career. I've coached hundreds of women to six and seven-figure success, but for the last few years, I've been navigating my own "messy middle." In this episode, I'm closing out the series by coaching myself (and you) through the exact process of reinventing your brand and offers. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling to $2M, the foundation remains the same: Identity, Messaging, and Marketing. I want to help you get out of your messy middle and into a business you actually love. If you're ready to package your expertise or fix your operations, book a call with me at https://mayaelious.com/ready.  ///// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: instagram.com/mayaelious   YouTube: youtube.com/mayaelious

Most things don't last forever—and the belief that they should might be the very thing keeping you stuck. I'm breaking down how to rebuild your discipline from scratch and why "forever thinking" is blocking your next level of growth and fulfillment. In this episode of Work Hard, Live Soft, I'm breaking down what it really means to stay aligned when your life and business evolve. I've realized that when we "fall off," we haven't lost our discipline—we've just outgrown our old structures. I'm sharing how to stop the shame cycle and start restructuring your life and business to fit your current season.   I invite you to stay for the journey as we figure out these answers together.  Let's connect! Instagram: www.instagram.com/mayaelious Threads: www.threads.com/mayaelious Resources To Grab: Brand Archetype Playbook: www.mayaelious.com/identity

You are exactly who you think you are—you just need to look at the receipts. I'm sharing the internal trust-building systems I use to beat imposter syndrome and the three success principles you must master to reinvent yourself before the year ends. I recently turned 35, and after a decade in business, I found myself in a "weird space" of questioning my qualifications despite making a million dollars six times. In this episode of My Messy Middle, I'm teaching you how to build internal trust through a "Receipts List" and why the momentary failures in your business are not a reflection of your identity. We're moving past overthinking and diving into why success loves speed and how to execute your ideas before perfectionism kills them. I want to hear from you—where do you need to give yourself more grace, and what area of your life needs more accountability? Let's talk about it in the IG DMs. Don't forget to keep working hard so you can live soft.   ///// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: instagram.com/mayaelious   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

I'm so over the internet. Not the connection or the community, but the "entertainment media" game we're all forced to play.  I recorded this episode from an airport lounge while reflecting on a decade of business coaching and the "messy middle" of my own brand evolution. I love helping women monetize their gifts, but I've realized that telling clients to "just post content" feels like gaslighting in 2026.  I'm sharing why I no longer want to play games that lack a predictable ROI and why I'm prioritizing digital organization for my mental health. This isn't just a rant; it's a call to return to our source of truth, reclaim our attention spans, and leverage technology for the right things instead of letting it steal our identity. ///// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: instagram.com/mayaelious   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

Consistency over perfection is the theme for today. Bravely answering the question "what's true for me in this season?" It's my last full day in Bali, and I almost let the "I deserve" girlie in me talk me out of recording. But I've realized that the messy middle isn't about having the perfect camera or the best lighting—it's about showing up authentically.  In this episode, I'm sharing in real time: - What I'm discovering to be true about my identity. - How I like to show up and WHY. - The powerful question my friend asked me that sparked a new level of clarity for me. Key Moments 0:00 - Choosing consistency over perfection  02:50 - The "gimmick" of social media vs. genuine community  06:51 - Why we need wise counsel  08:42 - Co-mingling personal desires with your business gifts  09:38 - The powerful question that sparked a new level of clarity  12:50 - The struggle with being succinct vs. sharing my heart  16:43 - How to follow the journey   Resources mentioned: - Discover Your Brand Archetype: https://www.mayelious.com/identity - Join The Community: https://www.mayaelious.com/community

Remember that season you were super consistent? You woke up early. You showed up. You ate right. You worked out. And then... you fell off?

I'm officially entering my "messy middle" and I'm taking you with me. After 10 years as a personal branding expert, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to pivot, reinvent your brand, and figure out life at 35, even when you don't have all the answers. For the last three years, I've felt a friction I couldn't ignore. I built a successful business as a branding strategist, but I realized I was forcing a version of myself that I had already outgrown. In this debut episode of the My Messy Middle series, I'm sharing a raw and transparent look at why I'm stepping away from the "expert" pedestal to find my truth in this new season. Almost the entire year has felt like waking up and forcing things in my business, and it's because I outgrew my season 3 years ago and never made changes. If you've ever felt like you're just "going through the motions" in your career or felt the urge to pivot but feared discrediting your past work, this video is for you.  We're exploring how to honor your truth so you can become exactly who you're meant to be in 2026. I'm figuring this out in real time, and I'd love for you to join me on the journey. If you're feeling the pull to reinvent yourself, let's talk about it in the DMs. Are you in the messy middle too? ////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

From $55 to thousands per client, in this episode I reveal exactly how I transformed my pricing and money mindset, and how you can too. I'm breaking down the 3 main reasons you're not pricing based on your value, plus my framework for developing a healthy relationship with money.  After you've watched this episode, drop a comment and let me know: What money mindset do you need to work on? I read every single comment and love supporting this community!   IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - My $55 to $1000s transformation 01:30 - Why you're undercharging (3 main reasons) 06:45 - Understanding your TRUE value 12:20 - Common pricing mistakes to avoid 16:40 - What pricing with "integrity" really means 19:30 - Building a healthy money relationship 22:45 - Next steps + free resources Get my FREE Launch Kit Blueprint → https://builttimpact.com/launchkit Learn how our clients consistently have 5-figure launches and increase their rates with confidence.

After ten years of business coaching and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, I've identified the exact patterns that separate my most successful 6 and 7-figure clients from those who struggle. In this episode, I break down the seven non-negotiable traits I see in every client who achieves extraordinary results - from Gabby who went from $700 to $20,000 per client in real estate, to Shaquel who built a $2 million business in just two years. I also share the five devastating mistakes I see in clients who don't succeed, because understanding what kills momentum is just as important as knowing what creates it. If you're serious about building a substantial business, these traits aren't suggestions - they're requirements. /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/ ⁨@mayaelious⁩ 

This episode of Work Hard, Live Soft, is all about my wealth-building journey. From MySpace designer to seven-figure business owner, I've learned a ton about managing money, and I'm sharing it all with you. Topics will include: The difference between being rich and wealthy, Why saving is crucial (even when you don't know what you're saving for), & How to make your money work for you. Whether you're making $35 per project or $100,000 a year from clients, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you level up your finances. Remember, I'm not a financial advisor – just someone who's made money, lost money, and learned valuable lessons along the way.   /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

Ready to level up your business but not sure if you should focus on growth or scaling? In this episode of Work Hard Live Soft, we break down the key differences between growing and scaling your business. Whether you're looking to hit capacity or expand it, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make the right moves for your business's success. Key Moments 0:00 : The importance of understanding growth vs scaling  1:15 : Defining growth and scaling 3:00 : Understanding capacity as an entrepreneur 5:30 : The importance of profitability in the growth phase 7:00 : Strategies for scaling /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

It's time to think bigger – way bigger. In this episode, we're breaking down why 10x-ing your life is actually easier than just doubling it, and how you can make the leap into your next season. Key takeaways: Why setting 10x goals forces a complete identity shift How to live in the energy of "want" instead of just "need" The danger of good being the enemy of great Matching your desires with disciplined action If you're feeling that itch to do something bigger but don't know where to start, this episode is your wake-up call. Drop a comment below and let me know: What area of your life are you ready to 10x? /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayaelious.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

If you are nervous about starting your online brand or feeling like you're starting to drown in a sea of other experts or coaches, this is the perfect episode for you. Today we're going to be talking about how to build massive trust and authority in a saturated market

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your business? Not sure what to focus on? This episode is perfect for you! I'm breaking down how to decide what to prioritize in your business so you can stop being burnt out and overwhelmed. These game-changing strategies will streamline your business and help you reclaim your time! Grab my Build Your Brand Checklist at https://builttoimpact.com/BYOB Key Moments 01:15 - The importance of building your brand in the early stages  3:15 - How to leverage relationships and collaborations to grow your audience 7:00 - Transitioning from brand building to lead generation 6:30 - Create these types of resources to grow your email list 9:00 - Setting the right goals for different phases of your business   /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayaelious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

In this episode of the Work Hard, Live Soft Podcast, I'm sharing all of the software and tools that we use in my company, Built to Impact. I don't usually recommend specific platforms, but this time I'm going to break down everything we use, from branding and visuals to client management, sales, and communication.   I'll also explain why we use each tool, how they integrate with our systems, and how you can leverage similar software in your own business - even on a tight budget. Grab the full list of recommendations at https://mayaelious.com/tools, and let me know if you have any other questions in the comments! /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayaelious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Are you feeling overwhelmed juggling adulting and entrepreneurship? Girl, I feel you! In this episode of Work Hard Live Soft, I'm spilling the tea on my secret weapon: the adulting life spreadsheet. I break down how to manage all your adult responsibilities without losing your mind. We're talking everything from home utilities to financial accounts, insurance policies to service providers. Trust me, this system is a game-changer and you can grab my adulting spreadsheet template at https://mayaelious.com/adulting!   /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious Leave a comment and let me know what you think!   /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

In this episode of Work Hard Live Soft, we're diving deep into what it really means to build a brand. Is it something you absolutely need to be successful? As a personal brand strategist, I'm breaking down the differences between a brand and a business, and why it matters for your success. Learn about the three types of personal brands, how to infuse your personality into your brand, and why consistency is key. I'm sharing my experiences and actionable tips to help you build a brand that attracts your ideal clients. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing brand, this episode is packed with valuable insights.  Links Mentioned  Register for the Build Your Brand Bootcamp https://buildyourbrandbootcamp.com/register Free Build Your Brand Checklist https://builttoimpact.com/byob Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready The Dream Life Planner https://mayaelious.com/dreamlife Shop My Amazon Store Front http://mayaelious.com/amazon /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

If you are a new entrepreneur in 2024, this episode is perfect for you! I'm going to tell you everything I've learned in the past 15 years of growing my own business. I reveal 10 things “gurus” didn't warn you about entrepreneurship)… and talk about what "CEO life" looks like (and it's not what is shown on social media).   Links Mentioned  Free Build Your Brand Checklist https://builttoimpact.com/byob Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready The Dream Life Planner https://mayaelious.com/dreamlife Shop My Amazon Store Front http://mayaelious.com/amazon /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the dark side of entrepreneurship that's rarely discussed. I'll be sharing my own journey through the four phases of business and the challenges I faced along the way. From disappointing clients during the trial and error phase to dealing with the pressure of managing a team as a CEO, I'm revealing the raw and honest truth about the struggles of each phase of business growth. Key Moments 1:45 - Why I'm sharing my successes and the purpose behind it 03:20 - The Four Phases of Business Growth 05:05 - Phase 1: The Discover Phase 09:50 - Phase 2: The Launch Phase 14:00 - Phase 3: The Grow Phase 21:25 - Phase 4: The Scale Phase 26:50 - My #1 Challenge As A CEO  31:30 - How To Bounce Back From Disappointment In Entrepreneurship Links mentioned: Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready Five-Figure Launch Kit: https://mayaelious.com/launchkit Shop My Amazon Store Front: http://mayaelious.com/amazon  /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

Want to know the secret to running a well-oiled, highly efficient team in your multi-six or seven-figure business? In this episode, I'm sitting down with my right-hand woman and Operations Manager, Twyla Adkins, to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep things thriving at Built to Impact. We're diving deep into our process for: Conducting team retreats to align on vision and goals Identifying each team member's unique contributions and zone of genius Assessing team dynamics and areas for improvement Celebrating wins and providing growth opportunities Holding ourselves accountable to our various roles and responsibilities If you're ready to take your team's performance and efficiency to the next level, this episode is a must-watch. Drop a review with your biggest takeaway from this episode! Links mentioned: Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready Five-Figure Launch Kit: https://mayaelious.com/launchkit Shop My Amazon Store Front: http://mayaelious.com/amazon    /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

Are you preparing for an upcoming launch or marketing campaign but feeling a bit nervous or unsure of the process? In this episode, I'm breaking down my entire system for planning and executing successful launches.  Whether you're launching a new offer, product, or service - or even your entire business - this episode will provide a comprehensive framework to plan out your marketing efforts for maximum impact.  Watch until the end and I'll share with you how to access my free Five-Figure Launch Kit, a resource I use with my own clients to prepare for successful launches. Let me know in the comments how you're feeling about your upcoming launch.  Key Moments 01:06 - Lessons Learned From 10 Years of Online Launching  04:39 - How I Set Realistic Launch Goals Using Data 08:02 - The Importance of Defining Your Ideal Client and Irresistible Offer 13:36 - How To Increase Your Impact for Each Launch 16:52 - My Secrets for Building Trust & Nurturing Leads 20:34 - How I Convert Clients & Keep Them Long-Term 23:30 - My Full Launch Marketing Cycle Process Revealed Links mentioned: Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready Five-Figure Launch Kit: https://mayaelious.com/launchkit Shop My Amazon Store Front: http://mayaelious.com/amazon    /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious  

What would you do if you had to start your business from scratch, with no skills and no network?

Have you ever felt that you've been doing “all of the right things” and still not seeing results? In this episode of Work Hard, Live Soft, I talk about why you're not growing in your life & business, and how to finally create effective systems so that you can actually see the results you desire. It's time to break up with staying in the same place (or going backwards) year after year and my job is to help you find out what's standing in your way! Leave a review and let me know what you think. Key Moments: 00:35 How I Plan My Fitness Goals for Impact Weekend  02:46 Effort, Results, and Regression 08:02 The Power of Systems and Habits 13:20 Creating Effective Systems for Personal and Business Growth 22:42 How To Launch Your Business with Clarity, Impact, and Strategy   Links mentioned: Book A 1:1 Call: https://builttoimpact.com/ready The Dream Life Planner: https://mayaelious.com/dreamlife Shop My Amazon Store Front: http://mayaelious.com/amazon    /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious

In this episode of 'Work Hard, Live Soft', I share my journey from entrepreneur to CEO, discussing the challenges and revelations I encountered while growing my coaching company, Built to Impact, from six figures to multiple seven figures. As a CEO, I initially focused on owning the business rather than running it, thinking like an investor instead of prioritizing the CEO's role and setting the vision and values. However, I soon realized that stepping back too much left me feeling bored and the business running but not growing. Through my story, from misunderstanding the CEO's role to recognizing the need to re-engage actively with my business to sustain growth, I aim to guide you through navigating the dynamics of running and growing a successful business. Chapters 00:36 My Path to Seven Figures 02:25 Rapid Growth and Its Lessons: Scaling a Business 06:39 Understanding the CEO Role: Vision, Values, and Growth 09:54 The Importance of Being an Active CEO 13:28 The Essence of Business Growth and Success Links Mentioned Book A 1:1 Call With My Team: https://builttoimpact.com/ready The Dream Life Planner https://mayaelious.com/dreamlife Shop My Amazon Store Front http://mayaelious.com/amazon  ////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: @mayaelious    YouTube: @mayaelious

Today's episode is sponsored by Rebelious by Maya Elious.

In today's episode of Work Hard, Live Soft, I share how I design a fulfilling life as a CEO by setting clear values, scheduling what matters, setting goals, and seeking support. As entrepreneurs, we often face anxiety, depression, and a false dichotomy between financial success and personal happiness, and I want to show you how I design a life and business that thrives in harmony with the two. Chapters:  00:10 Designing a Life of Freedom and Fulfillment 01:33 Four Pillars of Planning and Designing Your Life 04:32 The Importance of Personal Values in Life Design 09:03 Scheduling What Matters: Building Your Soft Life 13:12 Setting Goals Across Eight Life Categories 16:19 Seeking Support to Achieve Your Goals 20:56 Your Action Plan: Building the Dream Life   Links Mentioned The Dream Life Planner The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Use the code 'HARDWORK' at Rebelious Fit for $15 off your 1st set from The Bold Collection   /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious   Leave a review and let me know what you think!

I'm so excited to finally launch this podcast and grateful to my team for the push! During my 21-day fast preparing for Impact Weekend, I got clarity on the name and it felt so aligned. I went back to about a dozen posts over the years where I talked about a soft life and I hashtagged them #WorkHardLiveSoft so I could reference them. I created this podcast because it's truly how I live. I believe in working hard. I'm the daughter of two immigrant parents after all. But I believe in reaping the benefits. And I don't believe in overworking. In this episode, I talk about: The misconceptions of the "soft life" What soft life looks like as an entrepreneur Why more entrepreneurs need to embrace soft living /////// Let's connect ///////// My Website: https://www.mayalious.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaelious  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mayaelious   Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Welcome to the Work Hard, Live Soft podcast with Maya Elious. Over the past decade, Maya has served tens of thousands of women while building a multi-seven-figure business. Since the beginning, she's been candid about her journey as a CEO, how she uses her money, and her personal and professional goals. She created this podcast to share real, transparent, and down-to-earth insights and strategies to help you build your dream life and business. Work Hard, Live Soft is all about finding the balance between fun, freedom, and fulfillment.