The Small Business Mindset

Watch this episode on YouTube ! Every entrepreneur has a story, but sometimes the most powerful lessons aren't about business at all. In this deeply personal episode, Kirsten Flory welcomes photographer and entrepreneur Carter Gaskins, owner of Gaskins Photography , to discuss how unimaginable personal tragedy shaped both his life and his business.  Carter shares how the heartbreaking loss of his...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with Ryan Rains , Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the University of Kansas School of Business and a member of the Foundations Commercial Real Estate team, for a thought-provoking discussion about entrepreneurship, side hustles, career development and what success actually looks like. Together, they explore why entrep...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the incredible entrepreneurial journey behind Nike through the bestselling memoir Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Most people see Nike as a global powerhouse, but few realize the company spent nearly 18 years fighting for survival before becoming a household name.  Kirsten unpacks the lessons small business owners can learn from Ph...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with communication expert and podcast host Chris Miller to break down one of the most overlooked - yet critical - business skills: communication. Chris, host of Talk to Chris Miller and Talk to People Podcast, shares practical insights on how communication impacts leadership, sales, relationships, and everyday interactions. F...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory challenges one of the most common myths in entrepreneurship: that you need money to start a business. Spoiler alert - you don't. What you do need is something far more valuable (and completely free): proof of concept. Kirsten dives into why so many aspiring business owners skip this critical step and how i...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the hard truth that many businesses don't survive - and more importantly, why.  While external factors can play a role, most business failures come down to three key areas: cash flow, market demand, and management.  The good news?  Two of those are fully within your control. Kirsten shares real-world insights on how poor fin...

Watch this episode on YouTube While it may seem insigificant, the story of the penny reveals a crucial lesson for business owners. Originally valueable and practical, the penny ultimately became obsolete - costing more to produce than it was worth.  Sound familiar? Kirsten draws a direct parallel to what happens in many small businesses: strong sales, growing revenue, and busy operations...but lit...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! As the first quarter of the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to evaluate your business goals.  Are you tracking your progress - or simply hoping things work out?  In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares five common habits that can quietly stunt business growth and how small business owners can shift their focus to build momentum inste...

Watch this episode on YouTube! What does it take to grow a business every single year, even through recession, mistakes and market shifts? In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with bestselling author, coach, and founder of The Massimo Group , Rod Santomassimo, to talk about sales, mindset, risk, failure, AI, social media and the real drivers behind sustainable growth. From a painful (and hilar...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this reflective episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares lessons learned from reaching a milestone birthday - turning 50!  Rather than focusing on age as a number, she explores what the next chapter of life, business, and personal growth can look like when guided by curiosity, connection and intention. From redifining success beyond money to th...

Watch this episode on  YouTube In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory sits down with Lance Johnson, Engineer with Bartlett & West Engineering, to unpack what business owners really need to think about before buying, renovating, or building a commercial property. For many entrepreneurs, occupying space is inevitable - but owning the right space can be a power wealth building s...

Watch this episode on You Tube ! Before you invest time, money, and energy into a new business idea, there's one critical question you must answer: Is it actually viable? In this episode, host Kirsten Flory walks through give simple but powerful tests every entrepreneur should use to validate a startup idea before going all in.  Through real-world examples - from product ideas to grocery delivery...

Watch this episode on You Tube ! As we kick of 2026, Kirsten Flory challenges small business owners to start the year with clarity - not guesswork.  In this episode, she breaks down the most important data points every entrepreneur should be tracking to make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and eliminate what's no longer working. From understanding where you sales really come from, to eva...

Watch this episode on YouTube As we close out 2025 and step boldly into planning for 2026, Kirsten challenges you with a tough but transformational question: Are you committed to your goals, or merely interested?   Most people like the idea of achieving big things - more income, more freedom, more abundance, etc.  But liking the idea isn't enough.  In this episode, Kirsten digs into the mindset sh...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this conversation, Mike Milligan discusses the critical relationship between risk and wealth building, emphasizing that significant risks are necessary for rapid financial growth.  He highlights the importance of having a safety net when taking these risks and reflects on the value of time in the context of wealth creation, suggesting that successful individuals...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this energizing episode, Kirsten dives into the connection between your personal energy and your business success.  From sleep and nutrition to boundaries, community, and environment - she shares practical ways to recharge and sustain your energy so you can show up as your best self every day, both at work and at home. Key Takeaways: Energy Drive Success - your p...

Watch this episode on YouTube ! Every entrepreneur's journey is unique - and today's story is nothing short of remarkable.  I sit down with Jodi Scott, the founder and CEO of Green Goo, a plant-based first aid and skincare company that grew from her family's kitchen to 150,000 stores nationwide.  Jodi shared the incredible highs of building and selling her company, the heartbreak of nearly losing...

Watch this episode on You Tube HERE ! Are you struggling with sales and wondering why your phone isn't ringing?  In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the challenges of sales outreach, why prospects may not be responding, and actionable strategies to turn things around. In this episode you'll learn: How to provide real value to prospects instead of just selling The importance of using multiple...

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE! Most small business owners don't start out as financial experts - and that's exactly why 8 out of 10 small businesses fail.  In this episode, I sit down with Megan Schwan, CEO and founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, to talk about how to set your business up for financial success. Megan has spent over two decades in accounting and has helped thousands of bus...

Watch this episode on YouTube!   Have you ever created a vision board filled with dreams - but realized you've never actually experienced the things you were visualizing?  In this episode, Kirsten Flory shared why it's so important to not just dream about success, but to touch it, feel it, and try it on before it becomes your reality. From painting her kitchen table purple for Feng Shui prosperity...

Join Kirsten Flory, Danielle J. Martin and Anthony Blanco as they delve into the aspect of your character. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clq3CcJMqVE Key Takeaways: How do you define character for yourself? Do you follow your "gut" when something seems off? Do you want to follow the "in" crowd, even if it doesn't match your character? The Entrepreneurs Edge founde...

Join Kirsten Flory, Anthony Blanco and Danielle J. Martin as the trio behind The Entrepreneurs Edge!  Our conversation today centers around how to be resilient.  Whatever the economy, our home life or careers are doing, having the ability to focus on opportunity is key to your success.  These three professionals share how they overcame plenty of obstacles, and created wealth, business and branding...

In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the critical importance of not only earning money, but also keeping it.  She emphasizes the need for careful financial planning, especially when receiving unexpected windfalls.  She advised against impulsive spending on depreciating assets, and encourages listeners to live below their means to build sustainable wealth.  Kirsten highlights the dangers o...

Listen in for a special presentation of The Small Business Mindset.  Kirsten Flory's firm, Foundations Commercial , held a Small Business Lending Insights event with lending experts and clients.  They shared the different types of small business lending programs, and how you as a business owner, can apply!   To watch the full presentation on You Tube click the link HERE Key Takeaways: At some poin...

In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the concept of unconscious bias in business, emphasizing how it affects entrepreneurs and their interactions with investors and partners.  She shares personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming biases through preparation, hard work, and building relationships.  The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's own biases and t...