Joanna Gillan is the co-founder of Ancient Origins, a leading history and archaeology online publication that has over 4 million monthly views.  She co-founded this business with her husband, Dr. Ioannis Syrigos, reaching readers from over 129 countries around the world.  Beyond working in a power couple dynamic, Joanna was a researcher to the Royal Family and has grown Ancient Origins to include almost 240 writers, researchers, and academics.

In Joanna’s episode, you will learn…

• How to build a flourishing business with your partner  
• How to create and cultivate a loyal audience  
• The value of excavation, exploration and adventure
• And much more…

Top Tips to Co-Create a Thriving Business with Your Partner

Find Out Where Your Interests Intersect

Co-founders often say starting a business feels like getting married. You’re in the trenches together, finding success together, and exploring uncharted territories with all sorts of thoughts, opinions, perspectives and expectations.  Starting a company that encapsulates things you both absolutely love will enhance the environment that you ignite together.

When you’re ready to start something, Joanna recommends that you both individually write out ten things that are of interest and find the overlaps in your passions.  What do you both enjoy? What lights you up? What could you imagine creating with your partner? What kind of world do you envision? Get in touch with what really matters to the both of you and form a foundation from there.  

Distinguish Your Domains

When you’re with your partner 24/7, building and bonding, it can be difficult to navigate the meshing and mixing of the business domain and your intimate relationship.  “The key is to have roles that aren’t clashing,” says Joanna. Complimenting instead of competing will advance your business towards success by propelling your collective energy towards your greater vision.

Establish the context of your partnership within and outside of your business upfront.  How do you wish to cultivate a business partnership? How do you want to continue showing up for your intimate relationship? What values do you hold? What matters most to you as a couple? Why do you want to develop this business together?  Communicate and clarify your expectations and desires for what you’re co-creating. Make sure you’re on the same page and keep coming back to the context if and when things get tough.

Take Time for Exploration

In the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to get lost in the monotony of the desk.  Make sure to schedule focused time for your relationship, such as weekly dates or work-free vacations, to provide an opportunity outside of the daily grind to reconnect.  When wrapped up with passion, partnership, and purpose, designating time to tap out of the routine will boost your ability to come back to work refreshed and reset.

Amelia Broughton is a relational facilitator and purveyor of connection, pioneering a more connected, communication-savvy, and emotionally intelligent planet. She facilitates Authentic Relating and Relational Leadership in various settings and communities. Her expertise is in team dynamics and interpersonal relations. With over 10 years of experience on teams and in communities, Amelia’s vision for the world is one of beautiful interconnection, a place where we put down the distractions and to-do lists to bask in the miracles that surround us. The type of connection that nourishes us internally, externally and has every one of us feel seen, heard and loved with a true sense of belonging.  An active Unconventional Life member, Amelia recently became our Operations Director and will be consistently contributing her writing.