We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Tindall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary below.

Mary, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Yes, I’m much happier as a business owner than I was an employee. My business has given me full autonomy over my work and life, which is a rare privilege. I can make a living for my family, homeschool my four kids, and work on impactful projects with smart clients and colleagues, all at the same time. Sometimes I can’t believe my luck!

That said, I sometimes entertain the idea of returning to a W-2 role. Being your own boss can feel lonely sometimes, and it would be energizing to be part of a team with a strong mission and supportive culture.

Right now, I don’t feel the urgency to make any changes. After seven years, owning a business has become part of my identity. I’m content with my current season… but I’ve learned to never say never!

Mary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Calliope Communications is a content marketing agency focused on helping B2B healthcare organizations engage and influence their target audiences. We specialize in creating authoritative, compelling content that speaks directly to health system decision-makers—C-suite executives, department leaders, clinicians—and other provider and payer organizations. Our ideal clients are growth-stage startups looking to sell into enterprise health systems.

Since starting as a freelance writing venture in 2018, Calliope has grown into a team of senior-level specialists, each bringing niche marketing expertise in areas like longform content, email marketing, video scripting, and conversion copywriting.

What sets us apart? Our deep industry expertise and ability to provide our clients with insights from across the sector. We’re not just creators, we’re consultants and partners who help our clients see around corners, uncover new opportunities, and get results.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Great question! While I’ve had a lot of traction on LinkedIn through both inbound and outbound marketing, I’m convinced that the best marketing strategy is doing excellent work. We pour ourselves into helping our clients succeed—not just delivering on the scope, but also offering fresh ideas and constantly looking for ways to deepen the relationship. This is why most of our work comes through referral. Our clients are eager to introduce us to their peers, which is the best compliment we could receive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely. Soon after college, when I was early in my journalism career, I was laid off during the depths of the global financial crisis. Finding myself at a crossroads and seeking more stability, I pivoted to marketing and communications. I’d poured myself into establishing a journalism career, and letting go of that dream broke my heart. I had to create new goals, a new skill set and a new professional network, which was humbling, to say the least.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the switch because it set me on a path I couldn’t have imagined. Finding the courage to make that change prepared me to own this business many years later. Life is full of surprises, and the best ones are those you create for yourself—when you take the leap and trust in your ability to adapt and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calliopecomms.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryknowlestindall/

Image Credits

Striking Brand