Today’s Guest: Carly Buxton of Parentswarm
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlybuxton/
This Episode:
In this conversation, Carly Buxton discusses her entrepreneurial journey with Parentswarm, a childcare coordination platform, along with her experiences as a professor and author. Carly emphasizes the importance of piloting new ideas in entrepreneurship and explains how testing concepts early can save time, energy, and unnecessary risk. She shares her perspectives on healthcare, social media, and the realities of entrepreneurship, arguing that traditional systems often make it unnecessarily difficult for people to pursue meaningful work.
Carly also discusses her upcoming book on business communication in the age of AI, reflecting on how technology is reshaping the way people connect and collaborate. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of empathy, emotional resilience, and strategic thinking while balancing multiple projects, parenting, and professional responsibilities.
The discussion explores the emotional complexity of entrepreneurship, the challenges of work-life balance, and the lessons that come from navigating change and uncertainty. Carly reflects on the value of diverse experiences, the importance of gratitude during chaotic seasons, and why she believes everyone should experience building a startup at least once. She closes by sharing her hopes for future creative projects and her desire to bring personal stories to life on screen.
Key Takeaways
Piloting new ideas can save time and energy in entrepreneurship
Healthcare tied to employment creates barriers for entrepreneurs
Social media’s negatives may outweigh its positives
Business communication is being reimagined in the age of AI
Empathy is a core value in leadership and entrepreneurship
Managing multiple projects can create self-doubt and identity challenges
Parenting adds complexity to entrepreneurship and work-life balance
There is no wasted experience in life or business
Starting a startup can be as educational as earning an MBA
Strategic thinking requires the ability to zoom out and see the bigger picture
Having peers and community support is invaluable during entrepreneurship
Our greatest weaknesses can become our greatest strengths
Gratitude matters even during chaotic seasons of life
Creative aspirations often evolve alongside entrepreneurial journeys
But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.
Helpful Links
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About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.
Keywords
Carly Buxton, Parentswarm, entrepreneurship, childcare, business communication, empathy, healthcare, social media, writing, parenting, academic research, multi-project management, work-life balance, gratitude, startups, personal growth, emotional resilience, parenting resources, business lessons, career transitions, creative writing
What is But First, Principles!?
Welcome to the But First, Principles! Podcast hosted by Colin Davis!
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.
Connect with Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/