Entrepreneurial Leaves of Absence, Setting Boundaries, and Transforming Your Business

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Create a Comprehensive Knowledge Transfer Process: Annelies and Hayley spent two dedicated months going through all aspects of the business point-by-point. They focused on different systems each week (HR, finances, etc.) and documented everything in a robust handbook. This allowed Hayley to run the business without needing to contact Annelies during her leave. 
2. Plan for Relationship Transitions: Client relationships are often tied to the founder in small businesses. Annelies and Hayley proactively introduced the transition to key clients and partners before the leave began. They also leveraged external networks like their mastermind group of other social purpose business owners to help maintain and strengthen relationships during the transition period.
3. Implement Boundary-Setting “Hacks”: To truly disconnect, Annelies created physical and digital barriers to prevent herself from checking in on work. She had her virtual assistant change her email password, deleted email apps from her devices, and physically transformed her workspace at home. These concrete steps made it much easier to maintain boundaries and fully focus on her parental leave.
4. Test Your Systems Before the Big Leave: A year before her parental leave, Annelies took a one-month trial leave to test how the team and business would function in her absence. This “pilot” provided valuable insights and confidence that a longer leave could work. Consider taking a shorter leave first to identify potential issues and refine your processes before committing to an extended absence.
5. Create a Structured Reintegration Plan: Both Annelies and Hayley identified reintegration as the most challenging part of the process. They recommend creating a clear plan for how the founder will return, including a graduated schedule (Annelies took two months to ramp up and two more months to redefine her role) and clarity on responsibilities. This prevents role confusion and helps the team adjust to the new dynamic.

Show Notes:

[00:01:00] Annelies shares her experience taking eight months fully offline for parental leave.

[00:03:00] Discussion on how the leave was liberating and actually strengthened the business.

[00:05:00] Annelies shares how she tested systems with a one-month leave the previous year.

[00:06:00] Hayley recalls the initial conversation about stepping into the interim role.

[00:10:00] Hayley details the knowledge transfer process with Annelies.

[00:13:00] Discussion on feeling the weight of responsibility as interim director.

[00:15:00] Hayley explains the challenges of taking over long-term client relationships.

[00:16:00] Hayley shares how a mastermind group of business owners supported her.

[00:19:00] Annelies describes the “hacks” she used to disconnect completely.

[00:21:00] Annelies discusses how the business evolved during her absence.

[00:24:00] Discussion on how time off helped clarify business processes.

[00:28:00] Hayley discusses the challenges of reintegrating Annelies into client work.

[00:30:00] Discussion on the uniqueness of Hayley staying on in a permanent role.

[00:33:00] Discussion on better setting expectations about business performance.

[00:35:00] Hayley reflects on assumptions about what support would be needed.

[00:40:00] Annelies reveals they had their highest revenue year under Hayley’s leadership.