The Small Business School Podcast

In this reflective solo episode of Small Business School , host Staci Millard shares a major milestone, episode 399, and announces a thoughtful pause and evolution for the podcast. As she steps into building new software alongside her accounting firm, Staci opens up about the importance of reinvention, intentionality, and allowing space for growth. She also shares what listeners can expect moving...

In this episode of Small Business School , host Staci Millard sits down with business coach Ola Adeyemi to unpack what it really takes to build a business that is not only profitable, but also sellable. Fresh off her experience exiting a print and embroidery business in the UK, Ola shares the hard-won lessons that reshaped how she now coaches entrepreneurs through growth, leadership, and systems....

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci Millard sits down with Isabel Nolan from Startup Canada to unpack the incredible (and often overlooked) ecosystem of support available to entrepreneurs across Canada. From free programming and funding opportunities to the power of networking and mindset, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone starting or growing a business.  Key topics covere...

In this joint episode of Small Business School and Community , Staci Millard and Kristina Bartold, Co-Founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women dive into one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) parts of entrepreneurship: building meaningful relationships and a strong professional network. Staci and Kristina reflect on their real-life experiences growing referral-based businesses...

In this solo episode of Small Business School , Staci Millard shares three powerful reflections as we head into summer 2026. From stepping into your power to getting intentional with time and money, this episode is a grounded yet energizing reminder of what actually moves the needle in business and life.  Key topics covered: Stop waiting for permission—create your own opportunities Reflection is t...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci Millard sits down with entrepreneur and coach Catherine Dahl to unpack what it truly takes to scale a business successfully. From her early days in hospitality management to leading a tech company through a nine-figure exit, Catherine shares the systems, strategies, and leadership insights that transformed her approach to business. This conversation...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci sits down with Kristina Bartold, Co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women to dive into a topic that many entrepreneurs have experienced but few talk about openly: trades in business. From early-stage “girl math” decisions to messy partnerships that strained relationships, they share real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical advic...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci sits down with Christine Traynor to unpack a powerful and honest journey.  She shares her journey from being on the verge of bankruptcy to becoming a leader in real estate investing and commercial lending. Christine shares the truth about financial setbacks, the shame that can come with them, and how she rebuilt, not just financially, but with purpo...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci sits down with small business corporate lawyer Elena Favaro Viana to unpack the massive gap in how entrepreneurs understand and use legal support. From choosing the right lawyer to building proactive systems, Elena shares how legal strategy should be deeply integrated into your business and not just something you think about when things go wrong. To...

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci shares a candid reflection after a few days away from her business and uncovering a powerful truth that many entrepreneurs overlook: we are overcomplicating our businesses.  From overbuilt offers to bloated teams and inefficient systems, Staci breaks down how complexity quietly creeps into our businesses and what it’s really costing us. This episode...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci sits down with personal branding expert Monique Bryan to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s AI-driven world. From building a powerful brand foundation to understanding how AI is reshaping visibility, Monique shares why clarity (not noise) is the true competitive advantage for small business owners right now. Together, they explore t...

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci opens up in one of her most vulnerable and honest conversations yet. While we often celebrate growth and success in business, this episode explores the moments that don’t go as planned. The ones that bring up feelings of shame, disappointment, and self-doubt behind the scenes. Staci shares a deeply personal reflection on a recent season in her busine...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci Millard is in Ottawa with Kristina Bartold and we’re diving into the real dynamics behind referrals—what works, what doesn’t, and why relationships (not transactions) are at the core of it all. From navigating affiliate commissions to handling misaligned clients, we’re unpacking the nuance of referrals in today’s business landscape. If you’ve ever s...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci Millard is live from High Vibe Women to sit down with entrepreneur Lexi Miles Corrin (founder of Wax On, a national beauty brand with 25+ locations) to unpack the real journey behind building, scaling, and exiting a business. From spotting a gap in the market to navigating rapid growth, near-bankruptcy moments, and ultimately selling her company, Le...

In this episode of Small Business School , host Staci Millard sits down with PR expert and podcast pitching strategist Christina Lenkowski to break down what publicity actually is, why most entrepreneurs misunderstand it, and how podcast guesting can become one of your highest ROI growth strategies in 2026. They dive into the difference between being visible and being strategically visible , why s...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci breaks down key lessons from Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell and shares what most entrepreneurs are missing when they try to apply it. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, stuck doing low-value tasks, or unsure when to hire, this conversation will shift how you think about time, money, and scaling your business. Staci dives into the three most...

In this episode of Small Business School , host Staci Millard sits down with nutrition consultant Michelle Lentz to talk about the one thing most entrepreneurs overlook: their nutrition. Michelle shares how ditching fad diets and focusing on simple, sustainable habits can completely transform your energy, productivity, and overall well-being. From meal prep shortcuts to understanding cravings and...

In this episode of Small Business School , Staci sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and CEO School founder Suneera Madhani to unpack what it really takes to grow a business beyond the early stages. From building a fintech company to $160M in revenue to creating a multi-seven-figure education platform, Suneera shares the exact mindset, systems, and decisions that helped her scale without burnin...

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 sh...

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 t...

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 busines...

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 a...

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...

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 navigatin...

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,...