Let’s cut through the noise. You didn’t start your business to be trapped in it. But here’s the truth no one talks about, most entrepreneurs are caged. They think they’re free because they don’t have a boss, but the reality? The business owns them. They’re working harder than they did in their 9–5 and have even less time, energy, and joy.
Paula Wingate, Creator of “The Elite Business Club”
This is the wake-up call I wish someone had given me when I was stuck in my own success story. If you’re nodding right now, I want you to know you’re not broken, you’re just caught in one of the three invisible cages I see every day in high-achieving business owners. Let me break them down. You might just find yourself here.
CAGE 1: The Soul Cage
A few years ago, my business was booming. Multiple 6-figures. Incredible clients. Full diary. On paper, I had it all. But every single day, I felt like I was dying inside.
I’d built a business that was profitable, structured, even scalable—but it wasn’t aligned with me. It wasn’t nourishing my energy. I was trading my soul for success.
This is what I call the Soul Cage. You’ve got systems. You’ve got strategy. But you’re not fulfilled. You’re grinding through another “successful” day wondering, “Why doesn’t this feel better?”
Here’s what I know:
Freedom isn’t about stepping out of your business. It’s about stepping back into your power. If your business drains you instead of feeding you, it’s not freedom. It’s just a well-decorated prison cell.
To break out of the Soul Cage:
- Reconnect with your original “why.”
- Design your business to energise you, not just pay you.
- Build around your genius zone, not someone else’s blueprint.
Because when your business serves your soul, it becomes unstoppable.
CAGE 2: The Cashflow Cage
Let’s talk money. I work with 6- and 7-figure business owners every week, and you’d be shocked how many of them look successful but can’t pay themselves consistently. One client came to me earning over £15K a month… but had no cash in the bank. None. Her business partner had just dropped £3.5K on random materials—no plan, no discussion. That one purchase wiped out her monthly income and set them up for a £54K annual shortfall.
Sound familiar?
This is the Cashflow Cage. You think because revenue is coming in, you’re fine. But if you’re not forecasting, controlling spending, or getting a proper return from your team… you’re just running in circles. The truth? You’re not free if your bank account keeps you up at night.
To break out:
• Build a 12-month cashflow forecast. Know what’s coming before it hits.
• Create real financial structure, spending rules, profit margins, proper salaries.
• Ensure your team gives you at least 3.5× return on what you’re paying them.
Your business should give you wealth, not worry.
CAGE 3: The Value Cage
Now let’s look at the big picture: is your business actually worth anything? I reviewed a company recently doing £310K turnover. They were making 6% net profit, about £18.6K. With that setup, the business would maybe sell for £39K. Maybe. But if they could increase profit to just 12%, and remove the owner from day-to-day delivery, the value would jump to over £260K. With the right systems, team, and growth strategy? I could take that same business and build it to be worth £1.6 million. Same company. Different mindset. This is the Value Cage. You’ve got a business, but it’s not an asset. It’s a job wearing a business suit.
Here’s how to break free:
• Systemise delivery so the business runs without you.
• Measure and increase your net profit. Stop aiming for “enough.”
• Remove key-person dependency. You’re the visionary, not the operator.
• Build a 5-year exit plan, even if you never want to sell.
Freedom isn’t just about today. It’s about being able to choose your future. So… Are You Caged? Let’s be honest.
• Do you feel exhausted, even when the money’s coming in?
• Do you find yourself reacting more than leading?
• Do you secretly wonder, “Is this all there is?”
That’s not freedom. That’s the cage whispering. I’ve lived it. I’ve coached dozens through it. And I can tell you with 100% certainty, there is a way out.
The Freedom Framework
Here’s where you start:
1. Radical Self-Honesty
Audit your life and business. What’s draining you? What no longer fits? What have you been tolerating for too long?
2. Systemise to Breathe
Create scalable processes. Empower your team. Let go of the day-to-day, and step into your role as the CEO, not the bottleneck.
3. Design for Exit, even if you stay forever
When you build with freedom in mind, your choices multiply. You’re no longer stuck. You’re in charge.
This isn’t about working less. It’s about living more.
Real Freedom Looks Like…
☑️ Working because you want to, not because you have to.
☑️ Watching your kids play football on a Tuesday afternoon.
☑️ Making more profit with fewer clients.
☑️ Taking real holidays without checking Slack.
☑️ Sleeping soundly, knowing your business runs without you.
Freedom isn’t just about time or money, it’s about power. Power to choose. Power to lead. Power to live.
What’s Next?
If this article punched you in the gut a little… good. That means you’re ready.
I work with a tight circle of business owners inside The Elite Business Club — leaders ready to scale with soul, profit with purpose, and reclaim what they’ve lost.
But even if you’re not ready to join us yet, do one thing today:
Stop settling. Start designing. Because you didn’t come this far to build a cage. You came to build a business, and a life, that sets you free.
Paula Wingate is a 7-Figure Business Coach, founder of The Elite Business Club, and trusted advisor to high-growth business owners across the UK. Connect with her at influentialminds.co.uk or on LinkedIn @7figurebusinesscoach.