Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with manifestation and mindset expert Danielle Amos to unpack the deeper truth behind wealth, self-image, and why so many entrepreneurs are quietly settling. This episode challenges everything you’ve been taught about hard work, money, and success. From breaking generational programming to understanding how your beliefs shape your results, Danielle shares a powerful perspective on abundance as your birthright and how to actually step into it.

Key topics covered:

• Why people are moving away from the “millionaire” goal and what’s really behind it
• The truth about manifestation and why it’s not just a trend
• How subconscious beliefs and early programming shape your financial reality
• Why hard work alone won’t create success (and what actually does)
• The role of mindset, energy, and identity in building wealth
• How your self-image sets the ceiling for your results
• The power of controlling your inputs to change your outcomes
• Why fear-based thinking is keeping so many entrepreneurs stuck
• How to rewrite your beliefs around money, opportunity, and success
• A simple but powerful journaling practice to start shifting your reality today

Download Danielle’s free guide: The Millionaire Tool Kit https://successsociety.danielleamos.co/the-millionaire-tool-kit.html

A step-by-step resource to help you reprogram your beliefs and step into a wealth-building self-image

Connect with Danielle:

Instagram: @thedanielleamos

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Andrea Krones of Inkling Design to unpack what truly makes a website effective in today’s digital landscape. With over 20 years of experience, Andrea shares how websites have evolved from simple “online placeholders” to strategic, user-focused experiences that guide visitors toward action. From user experience (UX) to messaging, SEO to AI, this conversation dives deep into what service-based business owners need to know to create a website that not only attracts visitors, but converts them. 

Key topics covered:

• Why your website needs to do more than look good, it must guide visitors to take action
• How user experience (UX) directly impacts whether people stay on your site or leave
• The importance of clearly communicating what you do within the first few seconds
• Why trying to speak to everyone weakens your message, and what to do instead
• How to create a simple, strategic customer journey that leads to conversions
• The truth about SEO and why your website only works as hard as you do
• What AI can (and can’t) do when it comes to building a high-converting website

Your website isn’t just a digital business card, it’s one of your most powerful tools. When done right, it builds trust, communicates your value, and guides your audience to take action. But it requires intention, clarity, and strategy.

Connect with Andrea:

Instagram: @inkling.design

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Anjali Handa, leadership coach, corporate trainer, and creator of the Powerful Presence Workshop, to unpack why presence (not performance) is the missing piece for so many entrepreneurs.

Drawing from her experience training corporate leaders and leading transformational seminars for hundreds of people, Anjali shares how small business owners can develop the same level of confidence, clarity, and authority without needing a corporate budget.

Key topics covered:

• Why visibility is the most important skill for entrepreneurs in 2026
• The key differences between corporate leadership training vs entrepreneurial skill development
• Why most small business owners approach growth reactively instead of proactively
• The concept of presence vs performance and how it changes everything
• How quickly people form impressions (hint: it’s faster than you think)
• Why humility does not mean shrinking
• The hidden ways entrepreneurs play small in their messaging and delivery
• How in-person experiences are making a major comeback in business
• Why how you say something matters just as much as what you say
• The role of visibility in driving revenue (and why it’s not just about access to capital)
• How presence impacts leadership, team dynamics, and client relationships

As business continues to shift back toward human connection and in-person interaction, your ability to show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity will set you apart.

Connect with Anjali:

Instagram: @anjalihanda

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Britt Holmes, founder of Merit Media, to unpack how small businesses can navigate the shift toward paid advertising and use ads strategically to grow in 2026. With more than 14 years of experience in digital advertising, Britt has worked across hundreds of campaigns and managed multimillion-dollar ad budgets before launching her own agency focused on helping small businesses scale with smarter ad strategies.

Together, Staci and Britt break down the realities of modern marketing, how to know when your business is ready for ads, and the key mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to run them themselves.

Key topics covered:

• Why organic social media reach has declined and what that means for small businesses
• The return of the “pay-to-play” marketing model in the digital era
• How Britt went from managing $40M in e-commerce ads to building an agency serving small businesses
• Why running ads isn’t as simple as setting them up and walking away
• The foundational elements every business needs before investing in ads
• How ads differ for product-based vs service-based businesses
• The biggest misconceptions about DIY ad courses and quick-win marketing strategies
• Why businesses need to commit time and testing before expecting results
• What realistic ad timelines and budgets look like for small businesses
• Smart questions entrepreneurs should ask before hiring an ad agency

As marketing continues to evolve, visibility is no longer just about showing up, it’s about showing up strategically. For small businesses ready to grow, paid ads can become one of the most powerful tools available when used with the right systems, expectations, and expertise behind them.

Britt invites you to check out this recent blog post https://www.meritmedia.com/post/how-to-spot-a-rookie-ad-expert

Connect with Britt:

Instagram: @meritmedia.inc @brittholmeslive

Website: meritmedia.com

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Alexandra (Ally) Mamalider, second-generation founder and president of Organic Traditions, to talk about what it really looks like to step into a family business and scale it with intention. From imposter syndrome and leadership transitions to ERP systems, rebrands, and cutting SKUs, this is a masterclass in thoughtful growth. Whether you’re building a product-based business, taking over a company, or preparing to scale, this conversation is packed with honest lessons from behind the scenes.

Key topics covered:

• What it actually takes to step into a family business and why outside experience gave Ally an advantage
• The three growth phases she led the company through before scaling 50% in 24 months
• Why hiring the right leadership team was a bigger unlock than any single process
• The financial blind spots that quietly hold small businesses back (and why monthly reporting changes everything)
• How to approach a rebrand strategically and why it must be customer-focused, not founder-focused
• The importance of going deep before going wide when expanding into new markets
• Why saying yes to everything can slow your growth instead of accelerating it
• The role of daily habits, superfoods, and fiber in sustaining entrepreneurial energy

Growth in a family business isn’t about proving yourself, it’s about building on what came before you with clarity, courage, and smarter systems that support the next level.

Connect with Ally:

Instagram: @allyzeifman

Website: www.organictraditions.com

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci has a powerful and nuanced conversation about AI, ethics, and the mental load entrepreneurs are carrying. Joined by Elaine Alexander, ethical AI educator for therapists and value-led founders, this episode explores how women can use AI strategically, without compromising their values, privacy, or humanity.

From reducing decision fatigue to navigating real fears about confidentiality and replacement, this conversation goes beyond surface-level productivity tips. It’s about understanding what AI actually is, where it fits, and how to use it responsibly as a business owner in a rapidly changing world.

Key topics covered:

• Why AI adoption is slower among women — and why that needs to change
• How AI can reduce the mental load in both business and motherhood
• The “blank page problem” and how AI helps you start or finish faster
• Practical business uses for AI including messaging refinement, tech troubleshooting, and data pattern recognition
• Why treating AI like an assistant (not an authority) changes the results you get
• The ethical concerns around confidentiality, therapy use, and intellectual property
• How AI differs from Google and why it’s more powerful than most people realize
• Where fear is valid and where it’s simply unfamiliarity
• Why integrating AI may create more opportunity, not less
• The importance of guardrails, personal responsibility, and filtering advice through your values

AI isn’t going away. But how you use it (and whether you use it intentionally) will shape the future of your business. This episode will help you move from fear to informed action, so you can leverage AI as a tool instead of resisting it out of uncertainty.

Grab Elaine’s Pause Before You Prompt resource, a free guide to safer smarter AI use: https://reclaimedpractice.kit.com/6c598bb464

Connect with Elaine:

Instagram: @elainetalexander

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci answers a question she’s been getting on repeat: Should I open a second business? After two clients asked nearly the same thing within weeks, she breaks down the real considerations behind expansion and why most entrepreneurs are asking the wrong first question.

Whether you’re thinking about launching a second location, starting a brand-new venture, or simply trying to create more freedom in your current business, this episode walks through the financial, operational, and leadership foundations you need before you expand.

Key topics covered:

• Why starting a second business won’t fix problems in your first one and what to do instead
• How to know if your current business can actually run without you
• The role of cash flow, personal income, and financial runway before launching something new
• Why projections, break-even analysis, and lead numbers matter more than motivation
• How culture, visibility, and hiring decisions determine long-term success
• What “segregation of duties” means and why your business shouldn’t rely on one person
• How to build compensation plans that reward profitability, not just revenue
• The difference between running toward opportunity vs. running away from discomfort

Expansion isn’t about chasing something shiny, it’s about strengthening your foundation so success becomes sustainable. If you’re considering a second business (or want your first one to finally give you freedom), this episode will help you think strategically before you leap.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with registered dietitian, entrepreneur, and founder of Fraiche Living and Fraiche Table, Tori Wesszer, for an honest conversation about failure, resilience, motherhood, and building a business that actually aligns with your life.

Tori shares the very public crash and burn of her first business venture, what it taught her about business fundamentals and visibility, and how she rebuilt from the ground up — first as a blogger, then as a content creator, and now as the CEO of a growing meal planning software company. This is a powerful conversation about what it really costs to build something meaningful and why sometimes the long road is the right road.

Key topics covered:

• The lessons learned from a very public business failure
• Why understanding the fundamentals matters more than chasing trends
• The transition from blogger to software founder
• Navigating entrepreneurship through motherhood and evolving priorities
• Rebuilding confidence after setbacks
• The importance of long-term vision over short-term wins
• Growing sustainably instead of rushing scale
• What it actually looks like to build a mission-driven company

Failure doesn’t disqualify you — it prepares you. And sometimes the most powerful thing you can do in business is rebuild with wisdom instead of ego.

Visit fraichetable.com and use code SMALLBUSINESS20 at check out to get 20% off Tori’s meal plan

Connect with Tori:

Instagram: @fraichetable and @fraicheliving

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with mindset coach and founder of the Sparkle Entrepreneur Network, Ashley Dawn, to talk about authenticity, community, and the courage to pivot. Ashley shares the bold decision to leave her master’s program with only practicums remaining, how she rebuilt her confidence during a difficult season of life, and why real connection (not curated perfection) is what truly grows a business.

Key topics covered:

• The brave decision to walk away from a nearly finished degree to pursue aligned entrepreneurship
• Why community accelerates growth more than isolation ever could
• How celebrating strengths prevents burnout and builds sustainable momentum
• The difference between curated authenticity and truly showing up as yourself
• Why repetition, exposure, and small brave steps rewire confidence over time
• How meaningful connection (not pitching) creates long-term business success

Community isn’t just a nice-to-have in business, it’s often the catalyst for clarity, confidence, and real growth. And sometimes, the most powerful move you can make is choosing alignment over expectation.

Take Ashley Dawn’s free Sparkle Mindset quiz to determine how much you are dulling your sparkle and learn tips and tricks of how you can start sparkling being YOU.

https://tally.so/r/mV7r2l

Connect with Ashley:

Instagram: @therealashleydawn

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women, to talk about all things event sponsorships.  Fresh off the High Vibe Women brunch in Ottawa, Staci and Kristina share a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes sponsorships work (and why so many business owners get them wrong). This conversation is all about being intentional, protecting your budget, and choosing opportunities that truly align with your brand and goals.

Key topics covered:

• Who event sponsorships actually make sense for and who should skip them
• How to evaluate whether an event is the right fit for your brand
• What a real return on investment looks like beyond vanity metrics
• Why repetition builds recognition and how your energy in the room matters
• The importance of integrity and alignment in brand collaborations
• How to think strategically about swag bag sponsorships
• What it takes to stand out and succeed as an event vendor
• Why not every opportunity is a good opportunity even if it looks exciting

Event sponsorships aren’t about being everywhere, they’re about being in the right rooms, with the right people, for the right reasons. If you’ve ever wondered whether sponsoring an event is worth it, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions. 

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold 

Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/

Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.