
Poolside Perspectives with Ash Hartney
Welcome to “Poolside Perspectives with Ash Hartney,” where motherhood meets ambition, and purpose drives every action. This podcast is your cup of motivation, designed for mums who feel overwhelmed and are searching for inspiration, practical strategies, and a sense of community. Hosted by Ash Hartney, each episode features authentic conversations, blending powerful interviews with bite-sized, actionable tips.
From overcoming motherhood struggles to sparking personal growth, you’ll find stories that resonate and strategies that empower. We also put a strong focus on mental health, recognising that a positive mindset is not only key to business success but also the foundation of a joyful, fulfilling life.
Our ultimate mission? To create a community of women who are eager to learn, grow, and celebrate each other's wins—a Poolside Besties Club! Together, we’ll build a space for connection, empowerment, and real transformation.
So, pour yourself a drink, dip your toes in while you kick back, and join us poolside as we dive deep into the worlds of motherhood, business, and empowerment. Welcome to Poolside Perspectives with Ash Hartney—your journey to a more inspired life starts here!
Poolside Perspectives with Ash Hartney
Episode 21 - From Mum Guilt to Million-Dollar Dreams with Marina Middleton
In this episode, we sit down with Marina Middleton, Co-Owner & CEO of Create & Cultivate, serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and motivational speaker. As an Egyptian immigrant, Marina overcame significant challenges on her journey to building a career dedicated to empowering female leaders across industries.
Marina shares how she leveraged her personal story to create impactful brands, including her personal brand development company, Empowered Confidence, and her latest venture leading Create & Cultivate. With experience working on digital media campaigns for major global brands at Yahoo and Tumblr, Marina has a deep understanding of brand-building, leadership, and community growth.
In this conversation, Marina offers practical advice on confidence, business strategy, and personal branding, along with insights into the biggest trends for 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring leader, or looking to balance motherhood and career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!
Listen in for more on:
3:30 – How Marina got to where she is today.
7:45 – A tip for someone that might be struggling with confidence.
11:45 – Managing motherhood while chasing big goals.
18:30 – Advice for building a brand when starting a business.
20:15 – The biggest business trends for 2025.
22:30 – How to separate your personal brand from your business.
26:30 – Tips for community-building and strengthening relationships.
32:30 – Marina’s number one piece of advice.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to build a brand, grow a business, and lead with confidence, this episode is for you!
Marina’s Links
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton
Website- https://www.marinamiddleton.com
Create and Cultivate- https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate
Let's Connect:
Website: https://www.thebathhouse.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashhartney
https://www.instagram.com/the_bathhouse_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-hartney-609a1911a
TIktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_bathhouse_