After a bit of radio silence, I’m back — and this episode explains why.

From end-of-year burnout to the impact of the Longwood fires, this wasn’t a planned break… it was a necessary one.

In this episode, I share what stepping back taught me, what’s changing this year, and how I’m approaching business differently.

We also talk about the current pressure on small and regional businesses — rising costs, interest rates, fuel, and shifting customer behaviour — and the two paths I’m seeing: knuckle down or have the tough conversations around pricing and sustainability.

If you’ve been feeling stretched or unsure about your next move, this one’s for you.

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Follow along on social media @samhickscomau — and remember, in small business, anything is possible.

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