In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, I’m dropping the filters and getting brutally honest about the realities of running a business when things are far from perfect. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to maintain a flawless facade while silently struggling, this episode is your permission slip to let it all hang out. I share my rollercoaster journey of big wins, like selling out my retreat, alongside deep lows of burnout, illness, and confronting my own fears and vulnerabilities. It’s time to get real about what it means to show up fully human in your business.
Key Points and Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction: Why It's Time for Real Talk
Ditching the polished business persona and embracing the messy, real side of entrepreneurship.
00:01:51 - The Pressure to Keep Up Appearances
How social media’s perfection culture makes us feel like we need to hide our struggles and only show the shiny moments.
00:06:37 - My Journey from "Fake It Till You Make It" to Authenticity
Reflecting on my early business days and why I shifted from selling a dream to selling the truth.
00:09:00 - When the Highs Are High and the Lows Are Low
A behind-the-scenes look at how big wins and deep lows coexist in business and what they taught me about my own patterns.
00:13:30 - Rethinking Success: Is It About the Money?
Unpacking my relationship with money and questioning the value of shadow work when tangible results aren’t immediate.
00:18:13 - Choosing Authenticity Over Perfection
Why it's more important than ever to lead with vulnerability and let go of the need to seem like you have it all figured out.
00:22:33 - Integrating All Parts of Yourself into Your Business
How to show up as your full self—messy, raw, and real—and why that’s where the real magic happens.
00:33:50 - The Danger of Hiding: How Concealing Your Truth Hurts Your Growth
Discussing the risks of hiding your struggles and how radical transparency can actually strengthen your business and relationships.
Resources Mentioned
Join the "Hot Mess Magic" Workshop (originally Cash Code, but I changed it): [Link to workshop]
Take the Wealth Archetype Quiz: [Link to archetypes]
Follow Caitlin on Instagram: @complete_bycaitlin
Connect with Me
If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend who could use a reminder that it’s okay to be a “hot mess” in business. Tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or your own story of embracing your messy truth.
Instagram: @complete_bycaitlin
