For many business owners, losing enthusiasm for their business isn’t a failure, it’s a signal. A signal that the structure, roles or leadership approach that once worked no longer fits the size or direction of the business today.
That theme was explored in Love Your Business Again, an episode of FFS, For Finances Sake, the podcast from Chadwick Accountants & Bookkeepers Ltd. In the episode, Managing Director and Chartered Accountant Rachael Chadwick Harrison spoke openly about why so many entrepreneurs reach a point of frustration and why it’s often entirely avoidable.
“People assume falling out of love with their business means something has gone wrong,” Rachael explained. “In reality, it usually means the business has evolved, but the way it’s being run hasn’t caught up.”
Throughout Love Your Business Again, Rachael outlined what she describes as the basics, the foundational conversations she regularly has with clients to help them step back, look at every corner of the business, and properly understand the options available to them.
One recurring issue is business owners feeling trapped by their own workload. As companies grow, founders often find themselves stretched across sales, operations, HR and finance, with little time left for strategic thinking or the work they originally enjoyed.
“That’s usually when resentment creeps in,” she said. “Not because the business is failing, but because no one has stopped to explore whether the owner still needs to be doing everything themselves.”
Hiring is another area where hesitation can quietly limit progress. Fear of making the wrong decision, losing control or dealing with employment obligations often leads owners to delay building a team, sometimes for years.
“What’s important is understanding that there are options,” Rachael noted. “Hiring isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t have to be rushed. The key is taking the time to define what the business actually needs, rather than assuming the only choice is to carry on as you are.”
Leadership also featured heavily in the discussion, particularly the misconception that effective leadership means tight control. Rachael emphasised that sustainable businesses are built when owners move away from doing everything themselves and towards creating structure, clarity and trust within their teams.
“These aren’t advanced concepts,” she said. “They’re basic building blocks, but they’re often overlooked because people are too busy just getting through the day.”
A practical example shared in Love Your Business Again involved tracking daily tasks to identify which activities drain energy and which add value, a simple exercise designed to help business owners make informed decisions about delegation and role design.
The overall message was clear: business owners rarely lack capability or ambition. What they often lack is the space to step back, explore their options properly, and make decisions with clarity rather than pressure.
“Once people realise they’re not stuck, everything changes,” Rachael said. “That’s usually when enjoyment returns.”
Over 55 episodes are available on all major podcast platforms.
