What It Takes to Win at Running a Business in 2026
By Ellie Johnson, Founder of The PA Collective2026 is the year many female founders take their business to the next level.
Building a business takes time and effort, and for many women, it also means rewriting the rules as they go. It’s about backing yourself when the doubt creeps in, making bold decisions, and defining success on your own terms.
I can appreciate first hand the amount of work it takes to make a business thrive, the pressure women find themselves under as things begin to grow, and the ongoing struggle to find the work-life balance everyone talks about.
Having experienced the pressures of juggling business and personal life, I understand how difficult it can be to keep showing up for your business every day while dealing with the demands of day-to-day life.
Photo: Ellie Johnson, Founder of The PA Collective
For me, I struggled with the guilt of feeling as though I was neglecting my business during the times when my personal life needed my attention. What I couldn’t see at the time was the impact this constant juggling was having, not just on my well-being, but on how effectively I was running the business. It wasn’t until I started becoming unwell that I realised something had to change.
That was the point where I made a conscious decision to change how my business operates.
I introduced a set of non-negotiables that are now key elements to how I run my business. They aren’t just personal boundaries; they’re operating principles that support sustainable growth while allowing space for a happy home life.
Some days, it still isn’t easy putting these into action. I sometimes struggle with the anxiety of the to-do list or the stress of something going wrong. But having these principles in place has changed how I respond. Instead of reacting, I’m able to make clearer decisions and approach challenges with a more constructive outlook.
The three non-negotiables that help my business thrive
Discipline
I consider the term discipline in two different ways. It’s one of the most important qualities a female founder can possess: being disciplined enough to get up in the morning and complete your to-do list, while also having the discipline to say no to clients that don’t align with your values and boundaries.
I strive to get up at the same time every day and plan my day ahead, so I have a clear vision of what needs to be delivered and when. This structure allows room for unexpected tasks that may arise, without everything else falling behind.
The second aspect of discipline is knowing when to say no. Setting clear boundaries around working hours, being realistic about capacity, and having a clear understanding of what you can offer clients all play a role in protecting the business as it grows. Sometimes that simply means not replying to emails at 11pm.
Balance
Balance looks different for everyone, but for me it means creating space outside of my business to reset and recharge. I’ve learnt that rest is not a reward, it’s a requirement.
Scheduling time away from work, prioritising personal commitments when needed, and properly switching off has improved how I show up in the business. When my energy is balanced, my decisions are clearer, my focus is sharper, and my work is more consistent.
Balance hasn’t reduced my ambition. It’s helped me run the business in a way that’s sustainable.
Organisation
Organisation is a fundamental part of running a successful business. Without it, even good work can start to feel chaotic and reactive.
Planning my week in advance, time-blocking work for different clients, and keeping systems simple but visible has given me far more mental clarity. It allows me to focus on delivering well, rather than constantly firefighting.
I now help fellow founders introduce streamlined systems into their own businesses, providing organisational support that allows them to focus their attention on what really matters and build capacity for growth.
By introducing these three non-negotiables, I’ve changed my mindset and the way my business runs. I’ve learnt that success isn’t about doing everything, it’s about how you approach the work, how you protect your time, and how you make decisions as the business grows.
Rest is not a reward, it is a requirement - and sometimes you do need to ask for a little help.
I believe 2026 is the year female founders will run stronger, more sustainable businesses, with greater clarity and confidence than ever before.
