Episode #29
29. Working With Your Spouse: The Truth About Building a Business and Family
What does it really look like to build a business, raise a family, and do life with the same person? In this special episode, Carly sits down with her husband and business partner, Luke Ottaway, to share the behind the scenes story of building Web of Words together. They reflect on the decision that changed the trajectory of their lives, how their roles evolved around their individual strengths, and what more than a decade in entrepreneurship has taught them about partnership, resilience, leadership, and trust. They also get honest about balancing business with parenthood, building a team, navigating difficult seasons, working in the service industry, and why having someone who believes in you can change what you believe is possible for yourself. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work with your spouse, build a family business, or balance entrepreneurship and parenthood, this conversation offers an honest look at the beautiful and complicated reality behind it. Key Takeaways • How Carly and Luke built a business together as a married couple • Why their different strengths became an advantage • How entrepreneurship shaped the way they parent • What helped them navigate hard seasons together • Why hiring for cultural fit changed their team • The importance of being solution focused in business • How belief from the right partner can change everything Luke’s Bio: Luke Ottaway is the Managing Director of Web of Words, a boutique branding and marketing agency helping small businesses bring their vision to life. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Luke grew up dreaming of running a business of his own. His career took him through technology retail and team leadership in entertainment marketing before he joined his wife, Carly, at Web of Words, reconnecting with his entrepreneurial roots and his passion for helping people reach their goals. Luke brings a people-first approach to operations, leadership, and client relationships. He believes exceptional client work starts with an inspired, supported team, and he’s passionate about creating an environment where people can do their best work. For Luke, success means building meaningful relationships, helping business owners see what’s possible, and bringing together the right people to make it happen. Carly's Links Website: carlyottaway.com / webofwords.ca Instagram: @itscarlyottaway / @webofwords_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyottaway Favourite Self Retreat: https://www.carlyottaway.com/the-favourite-self-retreat Coming Home: https://www.amazon.ca/Coming-Home-Path-Favourite-Permission/dp/1069218308 Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@favouriteselfpodcast
