186: Hiring, Boundaries, and Redefining Leadership with Emily Bronaugh

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Gertrude Lyons sits down with entrepreneur, leadership coach, and podcast host Emily Bronaugh. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with intention, hire with care, and mother a business without losing yourself in the process.

Emily shares her journey from burnout to business ownership, and how she learned to build systems, delegate with trust, and create space for both feminine values and effective leadership. They explore the cultural narratives around control, responsibility, and what it truly means to ask for help.

Whether you run a household, a business, or both, this episode will help you challenge your assumptions and redefine what it means to lead.

You’ll also hear about:(01:55) Emily’s backstory: early motherhood, military life, and career pivots(06:30) Why hiring feels so daunting, and how to overcome the fear(09:50) The balance of masculine structure and feminine leadership(12:45) Burnout, decision fatigue, and the power of boundaries(16:00) Systems that support creativity without suffocating it(21:35) Rewriting the "boss" narrative and healing leadership wounds(26:20) How emotional charge shows up in hiring and delegation(30:40) The mother energy in business: boundaries vs. over-identification(34:15) Encouraging autonomy and rethinking the team as family(39:50) Letting go of control and hiring with trust(44:10) What it means to grow a business that grows without you

This episode is a permission slip to build and lead in a way that aligns with your values—with space, support, and sustainability at the core.

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Learn more about Emily Bronaugh:

Visit her WebsiteFollow her on InstagramConnect with her on LinkedInTake the Leadership Journey Quiz

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