Sharon Banfield // Ikonix Business Solutions
Sharon Banfield
HR Consultant & Strategic Coach, Ikonix Business Solutions
Senior Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Berry community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I’ve lived and worked in the Shoalhaven since my early twenties. My friend, Heather Luke, introduced me to Berry WorkLife, which became my professional home earlier this year. What attracted me was the friendly, relaxed culture and the curated environment designed for founders and leaders. This combination supports deep, productive work, which is ideal for my in-person meetings and for when I need a fresh workspace and a change of scene. What keeps me here is the people and the genuine sense of community.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I founded Ikonix Business Solutions while raising my children as a contract bookkeeper. Early on I delivered practical services – bookkeeping, software set-up, and training. Working closely with SMEs, I saw the real barrier to growth wasn’t the numbers -it was the systems and the people behind them.
Those insights led me to reskill and over time, I’ve built a consultancy focused on what leaders value most: capability development, improved communication, compliance, employee wellbeing, and performance.
Today I provide strategic and practical solutions that align operations, technology, and talent, enabling organisations to grow with confidence. I also draw on applied psychology and coaching to help founders and leaders unlock potential and navigate change with clarity and confidence.
Most recently, I joined Brainz Magazine, as a Senior Executive Contributor, which enables me to share insights on mindset, business, and leadership with a global audience.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
As a founder, balance comes from being intentional. I prioritise deep work during set hours and protect time for my personal life. That separation helps me recharge, so I can approach client work with a fresh perspective.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
Two major shifts have had the greatest impact on my business: technology and stress. I’ve had the opportunity to help founders, leaders, and teams integrate AI and other technologies into their work. I’ve also helped to shape the development of two AI platforms – Mak for HR and Hypnoflow for hypnotherapists – both now on the market. Rising workplace stress and the challenge of disconnecting from work have increased demand for coaching services, attracting new clients who have also engaged my software training and HR consultancy services.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Outside of work, I enjoy simple pleasures that help me recharge and stay grounded. I love going for walks and fossicking, which give me time to slow down and connect with nature. Coffee with friends is one of my favourite ways to relax and keep those meaningful connections alive. I also enjoy writing for pleasure – it’s both creative and reflective.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, yet stuck – unable to move forward despite immense pressure – this is a must-listen. The Brainz Podcast Special Edition on Are You Stuck In Functional Freeze? is the most informative resource I’ve shared recently. Petra Brunnbauer and Sian Elizabeth explain how chronic stress traps the nervous system in conflicting states, and how to start navigating this common challenge.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I help clients with a range of applied-psychology coaching tools to strengthen work–life boundaries. This one might seem unusual, but it often makes a big difference. It’s a simple end-of-day ‘brain dump.’ Before leaving work, list everything that’s still on your mind – conversations, worries, tomorrow’s meetings – then tear up the page and throw it in the bin. Clients often tell me this feels like releasing the weight of the day. It draws a clean line between work and home.
The full info is available here via google docs.
Design and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
I lean towards minimalism with warm earthy tones and plenty of greenery. I admit that most of my indoor plants are faux since I haven’t mastered keeping real ones alive yet. My home reflects my preference for calm, uncluttered environments that help me focus and recharge.
One piece that really defines my space is a vintage clock I found at one of my favourite homeware stores in Berry. I bought it during a major life transition, and it’s become a reminder that change, while sometimes daunting, often leads to the best chapters of our lives.
My cat is also significant to my home life – he’s become the ideal work-from-home companion, often serving as my unofficial meeting supervisor when he decides to walk across my keyboard during video calls.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
I love the light-filled rooms, the chic décor, and being surrounded by passionate entrepreneurs. The spaces strike a great balance between quiet focus and easy collaboration, so it’s simple to shift gears as the workday evolves. Little touches – natural light, comfortable seating, and a calm, welcoming vibe – make it feel like a second home for getting meaningful work done.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
First, Berry for great coffee, pastries, and a browse through the boutiques. Then to Vincentia’s Blenheim or Greenfields Beach. It’s the balance of good food, friendly locals, and calm coastline that make it the perfect snapshot of our local lifestyle.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
My approach centres on prioritisation with a visible list and time blocking on my digital calendar to keep me productive and making the biggest business impact. I ask “Will this move me closer to my outcomes?” I dedicate focused blocks for client work, admin, and strategy, with breaks built in for resets. It helps me manage multiple responsibilities while focusing on high-priority work. A brief check-in at midday keeps me aligned, not just busy.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
WorkLife’s virtual office membership plus 100-hour pass pack is ideal for a founder’s schedule. I choose when to be onsite for focus and collaboration, and when to work remotely – maximising impact without sacrificing flexibility.
To see more of Sharon’s work – check out her latest article for Brainz Magazine below…
Are You Making Your Stress Worse? Here’s How Leaders Can Take Control
Do you ever wonder if your coping strategies are actually making stress worse instead of better? As a leader, how do you keep pressure from spiralling into burnout?
In her article, “Are You Making Your Stress Worse? Here’s How Leaders Can Take Control,” published by Brainz Magazine, Sharon explores practical ways leaders can identify unhelpful habits, shift their mindset, and adopt strategies that reduce stress rather than fuel it. Learn how to take control and lead with clarity, resilience, and balance.
Connect with Sharon on Linkedin
