Scaling Smarter: How to Build a Life-Focused Business Without Burning Out with Courtney Terrant

With Guest Expert Courtney Tarrant on the Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast

What if scaling your business didn’t mean working harder or chasing goals that don’t align with your life? That’s exactly what Jen Vazquez explores in her powerful conversation with Courtney Tarrant, COO and co-owner of The Ad Girls.

Courtney’s journey is anything but conventional—filled with odd jobs, a stint as an English teacher in Europe, and eventually a DIY leap into entrepreneurship. From that spark, she built not one, but three successful businesses, all anchored by her commitment to profitability, freedom, and a results-only work environment.

The Myth of Scaling = Overworking

Courtney busts the myth that scaling requires long hours and sacrificing your life. Her boutique agency runs on a system where team members are evaluated by results, not hours. This unique culture creates sustainability, boosts retention, and keeps everyone focused on value—not busywork.

Define Your Own Success

“I just wanted to order wine without checking the price,” Courtney admits, reminding us that personal goals are just as valid as revenue milestones. She encourages entrepreneurs to reverse-engineer their business based on the life they want—not a cookie-cutter model.

Profit First, Always

Courtney reveals her golden ratio: Delivering client results should cost no more than 35% of your total package price, plus another 15% for internal leadership support. The remaining 50% fuels profitability and client delight. This clear structure makes surprise bonuses and premium experiences possible—without draining the business.

Avoiding Burnout Starts with Boundaries

From not taking Friday calls to building buffer time into every project, Courtney emphasizes intentional scheduling. And when burnout looms, she urges entrepreneurs to act early rather than wait for the breaking point.

Top Tools and Tactics

• Ad Funnels: 90% of their growth came from a scalable ad system.
• Grit: Success isn’t about speed—it’s about staying in the game.
• EOS System: The Entrepreneurial Operating System provided the structure to grow creatively, not chaotically.

Get the Free Calculator

Want to know exactly how much revenue you need to live the life you actually want? Courtney’s free calculator lets you plug in your ideal hours, lifestyle, and team structure to build a custom path forward.

👉 Download the free calculator now

Where can you find Courtney Tarrant

• Website: The Ad Girls  +  Easy Scaling
• Instagram: @courtney.tarrant
• LinkedIn: Courtney Tarrant

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