In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores a common challenge many small business owners face as they grow: the desire to be liked by their team so deeply that it gets in the way of actual leadership. She breaks down what it looks like to step into the role of a true coach, why clarity matters more than being the “nice boss,” and how avoiding discomfort can quietly limit a business’s growth.

Key topics covered:

• Why early hires often feel like family and how that impacts leadership
• The difference between kindness and people-pleasing
• How lack of clarity, expectations, and boundaries can sabotage a company’s ability to scale
• What it means to lead from the “coach’s view” and see the full picture
• Key traits of strong leadership: direct communication, accountability, and empathy with boundaries
• Why respect comes before likability, and why that order matters
• The risks of avoiding tough conversations or feedback to keep everyone comfortable

Challenge:

Listeners are encouraged to identify one area where their desire to be liked is causing them to avoid leadership. They should write down the tough conversation, feedback, or boundary they’ve been avoiding, and note what could become possible if they addressed it.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I get real about one of the biggest traps service-based business owners fall into: competing on price and service. It might work when you’re just starting out, but it becomes a fast track to burnout, razor-thin margins, and a business that can’t scale. I walk through why this model stops working, what really happens behind the scenes, and how to shift into pricing and delivery that actually support long-term growth.

Key topics covered:

• Why “more for less” works in startup mode but becomes dangerous during scale-up
• How underpricing slowly erodes your margins, your team capacity, and your quality of service
• What happens when your clients expect more while you’re earning less
• The four things to compete on instead of price: clarity, results, experience, and integrity
• Real world examples—from accounting to daycares—of how pricing models impact sustainability
• How tech and systems can support a “more for less” feel without sacrificing margin

At the end of the day, sustainable business isn’t about being the cheapest—it’s about being the clearest, the most consistent, and the most confident in the value you bring.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci gets real about what it looks like to lead well when you’re stuck in the “messy middle” of business, beyond the fun startup phase but not yet in a smooth, scalable rhythm. She shares how leadership in chaos doesn’t require perfect systems or a cleared calendar… just intention, clarity, and small but powerful shifts in how you show up every day.

Key topics covered:

• Why waiting “until things calm down” keeps you stuck in chaos
• The power of micro-moments in leadership (and why meetings aren’t always the answer)
• Building CEO time into your schedule—even if it starts with just 30 minutes
• Clear communication vs. constant availability (and why the latter leads to burnout)
• Delegating the how while owning the why so your team can act without you

Even in the weeds, you can lead with intention and plant the roots that will support your next level of growth.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! Let’s talk about something that confuses almost every entrepreneur at some point — tax installments. In this episode, I’m breaking down what they are, when you owe them, and how to handle them without stress or surprise bills from the CRA. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re being asked to pay tax before year-end, or what happens if you skip an installment, this episode is for you.

Key topics covered:

• What tax installments actually are (and why they’re not “extra” tax)
• When CRA requires you to start paying installments — and how to find your specific deadlines
• What happens if you skip or delay a payment
• When it might make sense to use your line of credit to pay installments
• How to plan ahead so taxes stop feeling like a surprise

At the end of the day, it’s not about fear — it’s about being informed so you can make empowered decisions with your money.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into one of the biggest growth milestones for any small business owner — making your first or next leadership hire. If you’ve been wearing all the hats (COO, CMO, CFO…and maybe even floor sweeper), this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how to recognize it’s time to expand your leadership team, what roles make the biggest impact, and how to set those hires up for success, even if you’re starting small.

Key topics covered:

• How to know when you’re ready for a leadership hire, and the signs it’s time to step back from the “doing”
• Why fractional roles (like fractional CFOs or CMOs) are a game-changer for small business owners
• The difference between a team member and a true leader, and how that impacts your energy and focus
• Why you should be cautious about hiring a Director of Operations too soon
• My top 5 tips for successful leadership hires, from hiring for how they think to giving them space to truly lead

When you hire leadership, you stop being the whole engine and start being the driver, and that’s when your business really starts to move forward.

Challenge:

Audit your leadership gap. Ask yourself:

• What am I holding on to that someone else could lead?
• What role would let me step into my CEO-level work?
• What would “done really well” look like for this person?

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Shae Invidiata, a passionate advocate for women’s financial sovereignty and holistic wealth. Together, they dive into how women can break free from shame around money, embrace confidence in financial conversations, and build legacies that last generations. Shae shares how money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about energy, self-worth, and the freedom to design your life with intention. This conversation will leave you inspired to take up space at the financial table and start seeing wealth as a tool for impact.

Key topics covered:

• Why women often feel shame or discomfort talking about money — and how to shift that narrative
• The importance of learning the language of money to create true financial freedom
• How to build your own “locker room talk” spaces where women can discuss investing, tax strategy, and wealth openly
• Shae’s real-life journey from real estate to financial empowerment — and the lessons learned along the way
• A modern perspective on investments, including why she’s rethinking traditional education funds in favor of long-term legacy planning

Remember, building wealth isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about taking one empowered step at a time toward the life you want.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Connect with Shae:

Instagram: @ShaeInvidiata

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series,  I’m diving into what it actually means to have a financially healthy year-end — not just filing taxes and hoping for the best. I share how to go beyond the “pray there’s no big tax bill” mindset and use your numbers as a leadership tool. This one’s part mindset, part strategy, and 100% about setting yourself up for confidence instead of chaos when year-end hits.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between a compliant year-end and a healthy one
• Five key signs your business is financially healthy
• How to avoid the year-end panic spiral
• Why year-end should be a checkpoint, not a punishment
• How to use your numbers strategically to shape next year’s goals

Challenge:

Book a 90-minute CEO meeting with yourself. Review your financials using the five key signs from this episode. Write down what’s working, what needs to change, and any questions to ask your accountant before filing. This is your chance to go into year-end confident, clear, and in control.

A clean, clear year-end doesn’t just reduce stress — it builds your confidence as a CEO. The numbers don’t have to be scary; they’re your most powerful guide for growth.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Anna Lozano — entrepreneur, mentor, and host of The Prosperity Playground podcast. Anna shares her inspiring journey of creating, growing, and selling her first company (Love Powered Co.) and how she’s now redefining success through alignment, intuition, and energetics. We talk about what it really looks like to build a business that feels as good as it performs — one that supports your energy, lifestyle, and purpose instead of draining it. 

Key topics covered:

• Anna’s entrepreneurial evolution, from corporate life to network marketing to building and selling Love Powered Co.
• What it truly means to build a business that matches your energy, values, and season of life
• What happens when you’ve “made it,” but you’re still figuring out who you are next
• Why stillness and space are secret weapons for creativity and clarity
• How to move from force and burnout to ease and alignment
• Creating a new definition of success, one that’s deeply personal, intentional, and sustainable

Anna’s story is an inspiring reminder that success isn’t about how hard you grind — it’s about how deeply you align. When you stop trying to keep up with everyone else’s version of success and start tuning into your own rhythm, everything changes. You’ll not only build a business that thrives but a life that feels truly joyful, free, and abundant.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Connect with Anna:

Instagram: @_annalozano

Website: annalozano.com

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! Ever wondered if EI maternity leave is worth it as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what EI looks like for self-employed business owners; when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to make the best decision for your unique business and lifestyle.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between traditional EI and the special benefits program for self-employed individuals
• Why you need to opt in at least 12 months before taking leave, and why timing is everything
• How much you actually pay in versus what you might get back (with real examples!)
• The pros and cons: including when EI makes financial sense and when to skip it
• Smart alternatives to EI like building your own maternity fund, paying dividends, or private insurance options

At the end of the day, it’s not just about if you can get EI, it’s about whether EI truly fits the business and life you’re building. Take the time to run the numbers and trust yourself to choose what works best for you.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! Stepping away from your business for maternity leave isn’t something that just happens, it has to be built with intention. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’d plan for maternity leave as a business owner. From the financial foundation to the emotional reality, so you can take time off feeling prepared, confident, and supported.

Key topics covered:

• How to plan your pay while you’re off, from saving ahead to building a business that pays you even when you’re not in it.
• Deciding if your business can run without you or if you’ll need to save for your time away.
• Why SOPs, team training, and test runs are key to stress-free leave.
• How to start letting go of control, plan your check-ins, and set expectations for your return.
• Building for maternity leave can also help you scale and create freedom in your business long after baby arrives.

Taking maternity leave as a business owner is absolutely possible, it just takes intention and preparation. Even if you’re not there yet, starting now can set you up for the kind of freedom and flexibility every business owner deserves.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!