Episode 006: From Corporate Burnout to Content Creation Queen with Chloe Barnes
I am so excited to share this conversation with you! I recently sat down with the incredibly talented Chloe Barnes (aka "The Write Chloe") from Australia, and let me tell you - this woman is a content creation genius who breaks down complex marketing concepts in the most accessible way.
If you've ever felt trapped in corporate bureaucracy, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered how to create social media content that actually converts, this episode is pure gold. Chloe's journey from corporate consulting to becoming a sought-after copywriter and content strategist is both inspiring and practical.
The Entrepreneurial Awakening: When Corporate Life Doesn't Fit
Listen, I love hearing about that moment when someone realizes they need to work for themselves. For Chloe, it wasn't just one moment - it was years of job hopping because she had "a massive stubborn streak" and hated being told what to do.
Here's what I found fascinating: Chloe would excel at every corporate job quickly, then get bored within a year. Sound familiar? She spent so long trying to fit herself into corporate boxes that didn't make sense for her brain. The bureaucracy, the pointless meetings, the goal-setting processes that felt completely disconnected from actual results - none of it worked for how she operates.
"I realized that I just needed to go and work for myself because I would get so disillusioned with all of the corporate bureaucracy," she explained. "I just felt like the whole environment and the setup was not structured in a way that I could succeed."
This resonates so deeply with me and probably with many of you listening. Instead of trying to force ourselves to get better at things that drain our energy, we need to become experts at what comes naturally to us.
The Power of Leaning Into Your Natural Gifts
Chloe has always been a natural writer - she was that kid carrying three or four books everywhere because she'd finish whatever she was reading too quickly. She was the library assistant who read every single book in her primary school library. Writing and reading were just easy for her.
But here's the thing - she initially studied management and went into corporate consulting instead of following her natural talents. It took years of frustration before she found her way to marketing roles where she could actually write and be creative.
"You can spend a really long time trying to fit yourself into a little box or to try and make yourself do something that just isn't natural for you," Chloe said. "Or you could just go and do the thing that comes naturally to you."
I've been shouting this from the rooftops lately because my mentors have been drilling it into me: stop trying to improve what you're not good at and become an absolute expert at what you ARE naturally good at.
Demystifying Copywriting for Business Owners
One thing I absolutely love about Chloe is how she explains copywriting without all the industry jargon that confuses everyone. When my Neuro-Spicy Academy members ask about copywriting tools, they often think I'm talking about trademarks!
Chloe's explanation is perfect: copywriting is simply "writing the words that help people sell stuff." It can be social media posts, emails, websites - doesn't matter the format. The goal is helping people sell their products or services.
She focuses primarily on "top of funnel" content - the attraction side that gets people into your world. Her specialty is creating hooks that keep people's attention and opening those curiosity loops that make viewers want to keep watching to find out what happens next.
The Reality Check on Imposter Syndrome
Here's something that might disappoint you: imposter syndrome never goes away. I know, I know - we all think we'll reach some level of success where we'll finally feel like we know what we're doing.
But Chloe delivered some hard truth: "You are more likely to have imposter syndrome as you get more successful because nobody feels like they know what they're doing."
The difference between successful people and those still starting out? Successful people understand imposter syndrome is unavoidable and they just acknowledge it and move on.
When that "bone crushing feeling" hits - you know, the one where your brain tells you that you suck, you're a fraud, and it's only a matter of time before everyone finds out - Chloe's advice is simple: put your phone away and walk away. Don't try to scroll your way out of that feeling because it'll only get worse.
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The Truth About Going Viral (And Why You Might Not Want To)
I recently experienced my first million-view viral video, and let me tell you - it was not the exciting experience I thought it would be. People twisted my words, misunderstood my message, and suddenly I had thousands of people angry at me over terminology I used.
Chloe has talked about this before: most people think they want to go viral, but they're not prepared for what comes with it. "There will be people who will completely try and character assassinate you," she warned. "They will rope their friends into doing it with them, and you are just their angry outlet for the day."
The key insight? These aren't happy, content people attacking you. They're dissatisfied and looking for someone to be mad at. You just happened to be their target that day.
If you're going to participate in trends or use viral tactics, you need to be prepared for potential backlash and have the resilience to weather the storm.
Building Relationships as a Solopreneur
One thing nobody warns you about entrepreneurship is how lonely it can be. I didn't realize this until I started the Neuro-Spicy Academy with my business partner Christina and suddenly had people to bounce ideas off of every day.
Chloe's approach to networking is refreshingly authentic. She doesn't do the traditional massive networking events - instead, she focuses on building close relationships with a few select people who "get it."
"It's always exciting when you open up your DMs and you've got like five voice messages from one person and you know you're about to hear some tea," she laughed. These are people who understand the entrepreneurial journey, who've been through the burnout, who get excited about the same things.
You don't need a massive network - you just need your people.
Managing Pressure and Avoiding Burnout
Chloe learned about pressure management the hard way. In her first year of full-time freelancing, she said yes to everything, completely burnt herself out, and ended up having panic attacks and not sleeping for days.
Her solution now? Listening to her gut. If an opportunity comes up and part of her thinks "I don't know if I really want to do this," that's a sign she shouldn't do it.
"When there's a very clear sign from your gut that is saying you don't really want to be doing this, that is a symptom that there is something in your business that needs to be addressed."
This led her to pivot from a done-for-you service model to more of a content creation business, because she realized the original model wasn't serving her well.
Content Creation: Finding What Works for You
Here's something Chloe said that really stuck with me: "I think even if you're a person who doesn't enjoy creating content, maybe you just haven't found the content for you."
There are two types of business owners - those who love making content and those who are waiting until they can pay someone else to do it. But Chloe believes there's a type of content that resonates with everyone. It's just about finding which one fits you best.
Her practical tips for better content:
Focus on your energy in that first frame - movement, color, light, smiling faces draw people in
Don't sacrifice your personality to appear a certain way
Remember that you are curating as well as creating - you are what you curate AND what you create
Use "you" instead of "I" to make content more relatable
The Transition to Coaching
I'm so excited about Chloe's transition into coaching! She's moving away from done-for-you services to help more entrepreneurs create great content themselves. As someone who's been through that scrappy first year of business, she wants to help others navigate it more successfully.
"I see so many small business owners struggling to create great content for themselves, and I've found that so enjoyable and I'd love to be able to help people do it and experience the success that I was able to achieve through getting good at content."
You can find Chloe on all platforms as @thewritechloe, but she's especially focusing on her YouTube channel right now where she'll be teaching content creation strategies for free.
Connect with Chloe Barnes
TikTok: @thewritechloe
YouTube: @thewritechloe
Instagram: @thewritechloe
If you're a small business owner, solopreneur, or creator looking to level up your content game, definitely give Chloe a follow. She's going to be sharing incredible value this year.
And if you want more conversations like this one, join my newsletter where I share the insights and strategies that are actually moving the needle for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
