As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Niziol.
Michelle Niziol is a dynamic, award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and respected property and finance expert. As the Founder & CEO of IMS Property Group, she leads a portfolio of seven businesses providing end-to-end services across mortgages, estate agency, lettings, property development, and investment strategy.
A former Apprentice candidate, Michelle has become recognised as one of the UK’s leading property and finance specialists and is a regular contributor to national media outlets.
Passionate about supporting women in business, she founded The Empowering Entrepreneur in 2019, offering mentoring, masterminds, and networking events for female entrepreneurs. As a King’s Trust Ambassador, Michelle donates all proceeds from these initiatives to help young people pursue entrepreneurship.
In this interview, she offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing both the challenges and the victories that defined her path.
What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?
At 17, I found myself on the brink of homelessness, and that moment completely reshaped my path. I became determined to create stability and independence for myself, so I bought my first property at 18. From there, I realised how powerful property and financial knowledge can be in changing lives. I started my business because I wanted to help others—particularly women—achieve financial security, freedom, and the confidence to build a life on their own terms.
How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?
What began as a mortgage brokerage quickly grew into a group of companies—estate agency, lettings, insurance, commercial finance, and a bespoke property investment service for high-net-worth clients. The key decision was to keep listening to what my clients needed and build solutions around them. Another pivotal moment was choosing to build a remote, nationwide team of specialists, which gave us both scale and flexibility.
In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?
Personalisation and trust. We don’t offer “off the shelf” solutions—we build bespoke property strategies for every client. On the female founder side of my brand, I’m very open about my own journey—the wins, but also the struggles. That authenticity resonates deeply with women who want to scale without burning out.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?
Storytelling. Whether it’s on social media, in the press, or on stage, sharing real stories about my journey connects with people far more than statistics ever could. When women see someone who has built businesses while raising children, facing setbacks, and still moving forward, it gives them permission to believe they can too.
How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviors?
I stay close to them through community. I run mentoring programmes, exclusive events, and have daily conversations with women founders online. I also ask a lot of questions—what they’re struggling with, what’s missing in the market, what would make their lives easier. Listening is the most underrated business skill.
What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?
Launching my petition to make childcare tax-deductible for self-employed parents. It wasn’t just a campaign, it was a statement of purpose: I’m here to fight for women entrepreneurs. It brought huge press coverage, TV interviews, and—most importantly—connected me with thousands of women who felt the same frustration.
How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?
For me, success is freedom—the freedom to design my life around my children, my passions, and my purpose. Of course, numbers matter in business, but true success is measured by impact: the clients who secure their dream homes, the women who scale their businesses with confidence, and the legacy I’m building for my family.
Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?
There was a time when my businesses were growing faster than I was, and I felt overwhelmed, even ready to walk away. That forced me to learn the power of delegation, building systems, and surrounding myself with the right people. It’s why I now preach scaling without burnout—because I’ve lived the other side of it.
What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?
I start my mornings with movement—it could be the gym or a walk—to clear my mind. I always set my top three priorities for the day, so I stay focused on what truly matters. And I end the day with family time—it keeps everything in perspective.
How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?
I take calculated risks. I don’t gamble, but I also never stay in my comfort zone. Innovation comes from spotting gaps in the market and having the courage to act on them.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?
Start before you feel ready. Don’t wait for perfect branding, the perfect website, or the perfect moment. Get out there, test, listen, and adapt. And most importantly—be visible. In today’s digital world, people buy into people. Show up, share your story, and your audience will find you.
Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?
You can connect with me on Instagram, on LinkedIn, or via my website.
