Is your successful business secretly running you into the ground?
Turns out, that happens a lot. But – hear me when I say this – it really is possible to have a business that’s wildly successful and truly sustainable.
MEET GWEN BORTNER
Business Advisor.
Operational Strategist.
Champion for Women Entrepreneurs.
I’ve spent 40 years turning chaotic businesses into well-oiled machines across 47+ industries. Whatever level of complexity you’re dealing with, I’ve seen it. Whatever kind of problem you have, I’ve solved it. From General Mills to niche craft companies, I’ve done it all. And nothing lights me up like bringing the strategies, systems, and problem-solving skills I’ve developed to women entrepreneurs looking to build fulfilling, values-aligned businesses.
Why women entrepreneurs?
Because I’ve been there. I know the unique challenges you face — balancing business growth with family responsibilities, societal pressures, and your own well-being.
The “hustle harder” mentality works GREAT if you happen to be absolutely free of other responsibilities and can move into your parents’ basement while you bootstrap your way to success. But once you add any sort of other activity into your life – family, pets, your general wellbeing – it’s just not feasible.
The way your business is grinding you down isn’t a failure on your part. It’s just that you’ve been taught to work according to a model that’s built for other people.
Here’s what I know with absolute certainty: you’re doing all the right things.
Of course you are. You’re smart. You’re dedicated. You’re an exceptional problem-solver.
That’s why this is so frustrating.
Because you know that on the outside, you look like you’re at the top of your game. But inside?
You’re wondering how long you can keep this up before you crash and burn.
And no matter what you try, you just can’t figure out how to fix it.
Imagine instead:
Calm, consistent workdays with time for what matters most.
A clear roadmap to your unique version of success.
A thriving business that doesn’t demand every ounce of your energy.
My secret weapon?
The G.E.A.R.S. Framework — a unique approach to aligning your business operations.
Goals — Energizing targets aligned with your values
Effectiveness — Maximum impact with optimized effort
Accounting — Numbers that empower, not intimidate
Resources — Strategic management of time, money, and team
Systems — Efficient processes that scale with your business
Combine that with a foundation of true accountability, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
If you just tensed up, take a breath. I don’t mean shame, external obligation, or endless checklists – what most people mistake for accountability. True accountability is a highly contextual, two-way partnership where we don’t just talk about what you did or didn’t do, but instead, we look at whether that’s actually the most effective action for you to begin with, how it fits in with your bandwidth and other obligations, and how we can structure it in a way that feels completely doable.
Together, we’ll create a business that not only thrives but also allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility you dreamed of when you became an entrepreneur.
Because you deserve nothing less.