In this episode of Small Business School, I sit down with Laurie Hawkins to talk about how we can navigate chaos—both in business and life—without losing ourselves in the process. We dive into nervous system health, simple practices that shift everything, and the power of community when things feel heavy. Laurie brings so much wisdom (and encouragement!) about finding calm in the middle of it all.

Key topics covered:

• Why your nervous system is your most important business partner
• How stress, fear, and “fight or flight” responses show up in our leadership
• Simple, everyday practices to stay grounded (yes, even dancing or screaming counts!)
• Why community is truly medicine, and how to give and receive support
• The reminder that you were born worthy and whole—and how investing in yourself ripples into everything around you

Tune in and remind yourself that even in the middle of chaos, you have the power to pause, choose differently, and create a ripple of calm and possibility in your life and business.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Laurie:

• Instagram: @hawkinspired
• Website: www.hawkinspired.com/readyformore

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Having tough conversations is part of leadership — but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. In this episode of Small Business School’s Business Builders Series, I’m breaking down how to handle those sticky situations with clarity and kindness, so you can lead with confidence instead of avoidance. You’ll learn how to stop spiraling, avoid resentment, and actually strengthen relationships through honesty and respect.

Key topics covered:

• Why hard conversations are a leadership skill (not a personality trait)
• The three key questions to ask yourself before you speak
• How to check your tone and timing so you don’t react from emotion
• A simple 3-step framework for navigating tough conversations
• Common pitfalls like over-coaching or over-owning — and how to avoid them

Challenge

Pick one hard conversation you’ve been avoiding.

Ask yourself:
What outcome do I actually want?
What emotion am I feeling, and how do I want to show up instead?
Is this about them, the situation, or me needing to lead more clearly?

Write out the 3-part structure:
What have you noticed?
How does it affect the business or person?
What do you want to ask or suggest next?                                                                                                          
Then book the time and actually have the conversation this week.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, I sit down with  Kirsten Schmidtke — a sales and success coach who blends grit, heart, and unstoppable energy. From crushing tech sales targets to coaching high-achieving entrepreneurs, Kirsten’s approach to sales is anything but pushy. She’s here to show you that selling isn’t about pressure — it’s about service, relationships, and creating impact.

Key topics covered:

• How Kirsten’s tech background shaped her “fail fast” mindset and data-driven approach to business.
• Why sales should be seen as service — and how to reframe any “ick” you feel about selling.
• The 3 pillars of authentic sales: service, making it about them, and leading with a clear process.
• Why disqualifying prospects quickly can actually open the door to your ideal clients.
• Simple daily actions to make sales a consistent (and enjoyable) part of your business.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable about selling or wondered how to do it in a way that’s true to you, this conversation will shift your perspective — and your results.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Kirsten:

• Instagram: @kirstenschmidtke

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to another episode of Business Builders. In this episode we’re diving into one of the most important — and often most overlooked — parts of being a CEO: boundaries. Whether it’s with clients, your team, or even yourself, clear boundaries aren’t cold… they’re kind. They protect your time, energy, and focus so you can lead with clarity, not resentment.

Key topics covered:

• Why most entrepreneurs wait until they’re burnt out to set boundaries (and how to change that).
• The 3 key types of boundaries every leader needs: time, access, and emotional.
• Practical scripts for saying “no” without guilt — while still being supportive.
• How to coach your team to think independently instead of relying on you 24/7.
• Simple “homework” to help you set one new boundary this week and stick to it.

Clear boundaries don’t make you selfish — they make you strategic. Tune in to learn how to create a business that works for you, not against you.

Challenge

Choose one boundary to set this week — pick a specific spot where your time, energy, or access is being drained. Start small and stick with it — don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Communicate it — tell a friend, colleague, or Staci (via DM) about the boundary so they can help you stay accountable. Revisit regularly — check in on that boundary and adjust if it’s slipping.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this heart-filled and thought-provoking conversation, I chat with the amazing Jenna Goodhand—coach, speaker, and the woman behind Cafèzia, a wellness-based coffee brand with a mission to slow down hustle culture. We chat about the journey from service-based business to product-based business, what it’s really like to buy a business, and how personal growth and entrepreneurship are more connected than you think.

Key topics covered:

• How Jenna unexpectedly became a coffee business owner during the pandemic
• Her advice for anyone thinking about buying a business (don’t change everything right away!)
• The power of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and why it matters for business owners
• Navigating identity, connection, and the real meaning of rest as a neurodivergent entrepreneur
• The deep emotional impact small businesses can have on communities—and why that matters

You’ll walk away from this one feeling inspired, seen, and maybe even craving a coffee break with more intention (and less caffeine jitters).

Use code SBS at checkout to receive 30% your first order!

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Jenna

• Instagram: @cafeziacoffee

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to another episode of Business Builders. If you’re the one holding up progress in your business because everything runs through you—this episode is for you. We’re diving into why leadership isn’t just a CEO thing (surprise: it’s a team sport!) and how to build leadership at every level of your business—without needing fancy titles or expensive hires.

Key topics covered:

• Why true freedom in business starts when your team starts leading too
• The difference between assigning tasks vs. owning outcomes
• How to encourage problem-solving by answering questions with questions
• The mindset shift from “helper” to “owner of the role” (without needing them to be an entrepreneur)
• What might be holding you back from letting go—and how to move through it

Challenge

Pick one team member and give them an outcome, not a task. Let them lead the process—and coach them along the way.

Because leadership is contagious—and it starts with you.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Hi friend, welcome back to Small Business School! This week, we're getting real about relationships and how they shape your success in business. Today, I’m joined by relationship and behavioral science expert Katarina Polonska, and together we are going to explore why your most personal dynamics—romantic or business—impact everything from how you lead to how you grow.

Key topics covered:

• What “secure attachment” really means and why it’s foundational to your business and personal growth
• How your childhood wiring affects who you attract and how you operate in relationships (yep—even your business ones)
• Why romantic triggers are often the gateway to true self-discovery
• How to navigate growing at different speeds than your partner—and what to do if they’re not “doing the work”
• Tips for couples who are in business together (and why the usual boundaries advice might not work for you)

Plus, Katarina redefines feminine energy in a way that finally makes sense—hint: it’s all about joy, not stereotypes.

Join Katarina for a FREE 20 minute Masterclass https://programs.katarinapolonska.com/silreplayo

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Katarina:

• Instagram: @katarinapolonska
• TikTok: @katarina.polonska
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-polonsky/ 
• Website: www.katarinapolonska.com

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Business Builders, we’re taking the fear out of forecasting. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not good at math, I can’t do this”—this one’s for you. Staci breaks down how to create a realistic three-month revenue forecast using what you already know about your business, without spreadsheets that make your head spin.

Key topics covered:

• Why forecasting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about getting closer to reality
• What data to use (past trends, capacity, seasonality, and known changes)
• The 4-step method to create a simple, confident three-month forecast
• How to use your forecast to plan marketing, hiring, and avoid revenue dips
• A tip that most business owners miss: factoring in discounts and actual sales prices

Challenge

Map out a 3-month forecast using your current offers. Multiply realistic sales volume by price (adjusted for discounts if needed), and ask: Does this get me to my goal? If not—what actions do you need to take?

Forecasting isn’t about controlling—it’s about leading your business with confidence. You’ve got this!

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

In this super tactical episode of Small Business School, I’m joined by the brilliant Madi Beumee, an expert in all things ManyChat and organic growth strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more out of your social media content without burning out or spending hours in your DMs—this one’s for you. We’re breaking down how to use automation with heart, boost engagement, and turn followers into actual leads (and clients!).

Whether you're new to automation or ready to uplevel your systems, this chat is full of gold.

Key topics covered:

• What ManyChat is (and why it’s not just for big influencers!)
• How to use DMs to increase engagement and build authentic connections
• The best kinds of content and lead magnets to pair with automated flows
• Smart ways to avoid feeling “spammy” while still automating like a pro
• The top 3 mistakes people make when setting up ManyChat (and how to avoid them)
• Why you don’t need a new freebie every time—just repurpose creatively

Ask yourself—what's one way I could simplify or automate part of my DMs this week to serve better and free up time?

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Madi:

• Instagram: @livelikemad.co
• TikTok: @livelikemad

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Hey friend, welcome back to Business Builders! In today’s episode, I’m diving into a growth strategy that’s often overlooked—but absolutely essential: capacity planning. We all crave business growth, but here's the truth… chasing sales without checking if we can actually handle the growth can lead to burnout, bottlenecks, and breakdowns. So let’s talk about how to grow well, not just fast.

This is your reminder that scaling doesn’t mean sprinting—it means building with intention.

Key topics covered:

• The 4 key types of capacity every CEO needs to assess: delivery, team, systems, and leadership
• Why growing too fast can actually move you backwards
• How to assess your current capacity with 3 powerful reflection questions
• Practical ways to expand capacity: simplify, automate, hire strategically, and protect your headspace
• How emotional symptoms (like exhaustion and resentment) are red flags that you’re at capacity

Challenge

Rate yourself 1–5 in each capacity area. Identify your lowest-scoring one and choose one simple step to ease the pressure this week.

Let me know how it goes—send me a DM on Instagram @staci.millard!

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.