If you’re a small business leader, you’ve likely faced the long to-do lists, the constant mental load, and the guilt that creeps in when you try to rest — all while knowing the work doesn’t stop. In this post, I’m diving into what balance looks like (and what it doesn’t), how we can support each other as leaders, and the small ways we’re redefining success beyond the grind.
I started at Simplified SEO Consulting as an SEO Specialist — working directly with clients to optimize their websites and improve search engine visibility. I often carried a full caseload (and then some), helping business owners grow their online presence. Unexpectedly, the company came up for sale. Owning a small business had always been a dream of mine, so my husband and I sat down, crunched the numbers, and made the leap. We reached out to the previous owner, expressed our interest, and within months, we became the new owners of Simplified SEO Consulting.
That shift — from team member to team leader — was enormous. Overnight, I became responsible not just for my work, but for the entire business. I was working 18-hour days, learning the systems, understanding what needed to change, and making key decisions that affected the entire team. It impacted my family life dramatically at first.
I was afraid this intense pace would become my new reality. Thankfully, with time, structure, and trust, I’ve found a rhythm that lets me lead, serve clients, and still spend meaningful time with my family.
Even when I’m not actively working, my brain doesn’t stop. I’m always tracking client needs, deadlines, internal improvements, and how my team is doing. That ever-present dialogue is one of the hardest parts of leadership — and the hardest to turn off.
Leadership means steering the ship and making sure no one falls overboard. I’m responsible not only for my family’s livelihood, but also for my employees’ well-being and the success of our clients. That emotional weight is heavy, and it doesn’t end at 5 p.m.
I struggle with the belief that if I’m not constantly available, something might fall apart. That guilt shows up when I try to rest, spend time with family, or even sleep. It’s hard to be present when a part of me is always checking for problems, emails, or things I might be missing.
There’s a layer of work that’s hard to see: the emotional regulation, the mental tracking, the check-ins with team members and clients. These leadership tasks don’t always get credit, but they are essential — and exhausting.
Success used to mean doing as much as possible, often working multiple jobs, burning the candle at both ends. But that approach led to emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and frustration. Now, I’m learning to define success differently — with balance at the center.
Success for me today means:
My value isn’t measured by how much I produce — it’s defined by who I am and how I show up in the world.
At Simplified SEO Consulting, we don’t just talk about boundaries — we live them.
We protect weekends. We don’t expect anyone to be “on” after work hours. We offer flexible schedules and prioritize work-life balance for every team member, including me. These boundaries aren’t just for our employees — they’re necessary for me as a leader, too.
I’ve had to overcome the urge to “just do it myself.” I work with the most talented, capable team, and learning to delegate based on their strengths has been freeing. It’s still something I work on, but trusting my team to make decisions has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Rest doesn’t always look like a vacation. Sometimes, it’s a quiet afternoon when the kids are out, a favorite movie, or a walk with music. These small acts of self-care are vital. Rest helps me reset so I can lead with clarity and compassion.
We start every Monday team meeting by asking, “How are you? Where are you at? How can we help?”
We believe emotional well-being matters more than metrics. If our team members aren’t okay, they can’t show up fully for their work — and we honor that. We provide resources, paid mental health days, and offer space for vulnerability.
Each team member at Simplified SEO Consulting has a defined role and a unique area of passion they can explore. Whether that’s technical SEO, social media, or consulting, we encourage our team to pursue what excites them. We support continued education through certifications and learning opportunities to help them grow.
Our team operates on a foundation of trust. There’s no drama, no infighting — just respect, support, and shared commitment. We’ve even gone on cruises together! That kind of connection isn’t accidental; it’s built intentionally, and I’m proud of it.
For me, having a life doesn’t mean jetting off on some luxurious vacation (though I wouldn’t say no to one!). It means I get to enjoy the simple, everyday moments I love — without feeling guilty.
There were times when I felt like I had to earn those moments, or justify them to myself. But I’ve learned those are the moments that make my life feel meaningful. Those are the moments that remind me who I am outside of the business — and when I allow myself to enjoy them, I don’t just get through the week… I actually live it.
Here’s the truth: balance doesn’t magically happen. It’s not something that falls in your lap one day when the stars align. It takes intentional choices — boundaries, support, and a whole lot of reminders to yourself that you’re allowed to slow down.
As small business owners, we need to remember: we didn’t build our businesses just to burn ourselves out in them. I didn’t come to Simplified SEO Consulting so I could grind every day until I dropped. My goal is to create something meaningful — and I’ve realized I get to define what that looks like.
And for me, success looks like being able to lead with integrity and still have space to live my life. I truly believe we don’t have to hustle ourselves into the ground to lead well. In fact, the more rested and centered I am, the better I lead.
Mary Walker is the owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, where she leads with empathy, strategy, and a strong belief that sustainable success is built through collaboration. As a small business owner herself, Mary knows firsthand how challenging it can be to balance leadership with real life — which is why she’s created a company culture rooted in psychological safety, teamwork, and mutual support.
With Master’s degrees in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary blends a deep understanding of human behavior with effective, data-driven SEO strategies. But for her, success isn’t just about higher rankings — it’s about helping others grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
When she’s not mentoring her team or supporting clients, Mary is likely cheering on her favorite football teams, spending time with her five kids, or crocheting her way to a moment of calm. She’s passionate about showing that it’s not only possible to lead well and live well — it’s essential.
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