The power of mindset: How financial coaching builds lasting change

After over a decade in finance, entrepreneur Andrea Bartha made the leap from employee to coach – trading spreadsheets for deeper, more human conversations about money.

Driven by a passion to support people who are often left out of traditional financial spaces, she launched a business focused on empowerment, education and mindset.

She set out with a mission to help people feel confident and in control of their finances – whether they're managing household bills or building a business from the ground up.

With support from the business.connected bootcamp run by Enterprise Nation and partner JPMorgan Chase, she's expanded her reach, clarified her vision and connected with a wider community of changemakers.

This is the story of turning lived experience into meaningful impact – and why mindset matters just as much as money.

Andrea, what made you start your own business?

Having worked in finance for over 10 years, I've seen how varied people's relationships with money can be.

Some people are natural savers, others are confident spenders. Some are brilliant at making money but struggle to hold on to it.

I've always found these conversations about money fascinating – understanding what shapes our financial behaviours and beliefs.

After more than a decade as an employee, I took a step back to think about how I could do more meaningful work.

I wanted to support people in a more personal way – especially those from marginalised communities who are often overlooked in traditional financial spaces. That's what led me to start my own financial coaching business.

What issues do your clients most commonly need help with?

The most common challenges are overspending and not earning enough – often both at the same time.

Many people struggle to get a clear view of their finances, which makes it difficult to build healthy, balanced spending habits.

A big part of this is the belief that they're "not good with money", usually because they think they're not good with numbers. But the truth is, you don't need to be a maths whiz to manage your money well.

What I often remind people is that these struggles aren't personal failings – they're the result of a lack of financial education from an early age. If you've never been taught how to manage money, how can you be expected to know what to do?

My role as a coach is to bring awareness to that, reduce shame and help people build the tools and confidence to take control of their finances – whether they're running a small business or managing personal expenses.

What's the most rewarding thing about building and running a small business?

Running a business definitely has its challenges, but nothing compares to seeing my clients grow in confidence and transform their relationship with money.

Watching them achieve real, tangible results – whether it's paying off debt, setting boundaries around spending or simply feeling more in control – reminds me that this work is not only important but deeply needed.

Another highlight has been the freedom to shape my own schedule and choose where and how I work. That flexibility has made a big difference in my overall wellbeing.

And the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming self-employed?

That, as a business owner, you're fully responsible for your time, your energy and the impact you want to make. It's both empowering and humbling – but it's what makes this journey so meaningful.

Tell us how you became involved with Enterprise Nation.

I first heard of Enterprise Nation through my local council's newsletter for small businesses. I've been looking for in-person events where I can sharpen my skills but also meet other small business owners at the same time. The digital bootcamp was just coming up so I made sure to sign up.

How has attending the bootcamp helped your business?

I really enjoyed the bootcamp – it was both informative and engaging. The sessions were well-structured and the speakers were not only knowledgeable but also relatable, which made it easier to connect with the content.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was gaining more clarity around my ideal client – what they need, how they think and how I can reach them more effectively. I left with insights I could put into practice and I've already started doing that.

As an example, I've expanded my social media presence from just one platform to three, which has helped increase my visibility and reach.

Being able to network with others at the event was also incredibly valuable. As a self-employed business owner, it can often feel isolating, so connecting with like-minded people reminded me I'm part of a supportive community.

What should new business owners think about when it comes to dealing with their finances?

Here are three essential tips I always share with small business owners, focusing not just on numbers, but also on mindset and wellbeing:

1. Understand your money mindset

Your beliefs about money deeply influence your financial decisions. Take time to reflect on what you've been taught about money – both positive and limiting beliefs – and how they affect your business. Becoming aware of your mindset helps you make more empowered, confident choices.

2. Keep clear, simple financial records

Good money management starts with clear, up-to-date records. Track your income and expenses carefully, even if it's just with a simple spreadsheet or an easy-to-use app. This clarity will help you understand your cash flow, plan for expenses and avoid surprises.

3. Prioritise your wellbeing

Running a business can be stressful, and stress affects financial decisions. Make sure to set boundaries around your work hours, take breaks and seek support when you need it.

When you care for your mental and emotional health, you're better equipped to make thoughtful financial choices and sustain your business long-term.

What tips can you give small businesses that are feeling overwhelmed by their financial situation?

When you're feeling overwhelmed by money, the most important thing is to take a step back and create some space to process what's going on.

One of the first things I recommend is setting aside time to write down everything that's on your mind – no editing, just a brain dump of all your financial worries. Often, just getting it out of your head and on to paper can bring some relief and clarity.

Next, create a weekly time slot in your schedule of 30 to 45 minutes to begin addressing these worries one by one. I call these "money dates" – dedicated times to care for your finances in a calm, supportive environment. Light a candle, play some relaxing music and make it a moment where you feel safe and focused.

Each week, choose one small task. Maybe it's:

• organising receipts

• reviewing your business expenses

• looking at pension options

• researching accountants

Breaking it down into manageable steps helps reduce anxiety and builds momentum over time. You don't have to fix everything at once – consistency and kindness to yourself are key.

How can businesses set themselves up for success, given the current rise in costs of doing business?

• First, get really clear on what success looks like for you. It's different for everyone – whether that's financial freedom, flexibility, impact or stability. Taking the time to define your version of success early on will help you stay focused and make decisions that align with your values, especially when things get tough.

• Second, regulating your nervous system is essential. Many of us start a business to escape the nine-to-five grind, only to find ourselves working even more. When it's your own "baby," it can be hard to switch off. But without healthy boundaries, burnout is inevitable. Rest is productive, and stepping away from your business regularly to recharge is vital for long-term success.

• Lastly, mindset truly is everything. You need to believe that success is possible for you, even if you don't have all the answers right now. Building a business – especially in a challenging economic climate – requires resilience, self-trust and the willingness to keep going even when it feels uncertain.

What's the main piece of advice you'd give to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Be prepared to face setbacks early on – as this is totally normal. Success doesn't usually arrive overnight, but if you stay resilient and keep going, it'll come.

I also recommend starting your business as a side hustle while you're still employed. This can take a lot of the pressure off, since you're not relying on your new venture to generate profit right away.

But if you do decide to leave your job to focus on your business full-time, make sure you have at least six to eight months' worth of living expenses saved up. That financial cushion can make all the difference in giving you the freedom to build your business with less stress.

Finally, do you have any exciting plans for the future?

Yes! I'm currently studying to become a certified financial abuse specialist, which will allow me to expand my work and support people who need this kind of help the most – particularly those affected by domestic violence or financial control.

Alongside the one-to-one coaching I already offer, I'm planning to collaborate with organisations such as schools, women's refuge centres and prisons to deliver workshops and support directly in the spaces where it's most needed.

My goal is to make financial education and empowerment more accessible to marginalised communities and help create long-term, positive change.  

About business.connected

A free online training programme of workshops, webinars and e-learning modules designed to help businesses go digital and adopt new technology.

The programme is supported by Vodafone Business. For more information, visit the business.connected support hub.