73. Burnout-Proof PR: How Hayley Knight Rewrote the Rules of Business
We’ve all heard it: the grind never stops. But what if that’s the very reason your business does?
In this bold episode of Accidental CEO, Nata Salvatori chats with Hayley Knight—co-founder of Be Yellow—about how she escaped a toxic PR culture to build something radically better. A thriving agency that runs on boundaries, bold campaigns, and 4-day workweeks.
From Toxic Culture to Trailblazing Co-Founder
Hayley Knight’s career started in traditional PR firms where hustle culture wasn’t just the norm—it was the expectation. But it came at a cost: burnout, disillusionment, and questioning the work she once loved. So she left.
Enter: Be Yellow. A PR and marketing agency that exists to do things differently. Less fluff, more impact. Less “always on,” more “intentional action.”
The Bold Boundaries Behind Be Yellow
So what does a burnout-proof business really look like? Here’s what Be Yellow is doing that most agencies aren’t:
- 4-Day Workweeks: They’re not optional. They’re sacred.
- Focus Periods: One to two hours weekly of pure, uninterrupted deep work.
- No Meetings Culture: If it could be an email, it is an email.
- Purpose-First Campaigns: They don’t do “just for clicks.”
“We’re not afraid to be controversial. We’re not afraid to be loud and bold. And it gets noticed.” — Hayley Knight
Mindful Business Meets Real ROI
This isn’t about lighting incense and hoping for the best. Be Yellow has real strategies behind their mindful methods:
- Client Fit Checks: They choose clients whose values align.
- Impact Metrics: Success is measured beyond impressions.
- Internal Culture: The team thrives because the business model isn’t broken.
Why LinkedIn Is Underrated for Founders
Hayley’s take on LinkedIn? It’s a goldmine.
- No, you don’t need to post every day.
- Yes, your voice matters more than polish.
- And no, it doesn’t have to sound like a robot wrote it.
Want to get noticed? Be useful. Be bold. Be you.
Find Your Why (And Make It Work For You)
What keeps Hayley’s agency grounded is a clear and unapologetic why.
Purpose isn’t fluff. It’s a strategy. When you know why you do what you do, everything—from clients to content to culture—gets clearer.
“Boundaries aren’t limitations—they’re leadership.”
What You Should Steal From Be Yellow
- Boundaries aren’t optional. Make them policy.
- Focus beats hustle. Create space for deep work.
- Purpose wins. Every time.
- LinkedIn is your stage. Use it well.
- Culture isn’t what you say. It’s how you operate.
Ready to build a business that doesn’t burn you out? Hit play on this episode. Then go set some boundaries.
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