The Small Business School Podcast

In this episode of the Business Builder Series ,  I’m diving into what it actually means to have a financially healthy year-end — not just filing taxes and hoping for the best. I share how to go beyond the “pray there’s no big tax bill” mindset and use your numbers as a leadership tool. This one’s part mindset, part strategy, and 100% about setting yourself up for confidence instead of chaos when...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Anna Lozano — entrepreneur, mentor, and host of The Prosperity Playground podcast. Anna shares her inspiring journey of creating, growing, and selling her first company ( Love Powered Co. ) and how she’s now redefining success through alignment, intuition, and energetics. We talk a...

Welcome back to Small Business School! Ever wondered if EI maternity leave is worth it as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what EI looks like for self-employed business owners; when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to make the best decision for your unique business and lifestyle. Key topics covered: The difference between traditional EI and the special benefits progra...

Welcome back to Small Business School! Stepping away from your business for maternity leave isn’t something that just happens,  it has to be built with intention. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’d plan for maternity leave as a business owner. From the financial foundation to the emotional reality, so you can take time off feeling prepared, confident, and supported. Key topics covered: H...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I dive into a question I get all the time : “How do small businesses survive against Amazon?” Spoiler alert — some don’t, but many thrive. And the difference? It’s not what you think. I’m breaking down the truth about competing in a world where giants exist, and why your mindset and innovation matter more than your price tag. Key topics cover...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series , I’m diving into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of entrepreneurship: planning for the true cost of growth. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of scaling that we forget growth always costs money, time, and energy before it pays off. I’m sharing practical, grounded advice for planning your growth intentionally so...

Hi friend, welcome back to Small Business School! This week, Staci gets real about why women—especially mothers—often face more challenges finding financial success in business. From societal expectations to mindset blocks, she unpacks the deep-rooted beliefs that hold women back from prioritizing profit and challenges us to reframe how we think about money, success, and impact. Key topics covered...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series , I’m breaking down how to forecast your revenue — intentionally and confidently — instead of reacting to whatever comes your way. Forecasting doesn’t have to feel stressful or uncertain. When you approach it as a tool to create your future (not predict it), you give yourself clarity, direction, and control in your business. Key topics covered: The di...

Welcome back to Small Business School! This week, I’m diving into a hot take — your relationship with the CRA might actually say a lot about your relationship with money. Yep, I said it! After chatting with a client in the wealth management world, I realized how deeply our money mindset is tied to how we feel about Canada Revenue Agency. So, let’s unpack that and shift the narrative from fear to e...

Welcome back to another episode of the Business Builders series. This week, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I get asked — how much should I be paying myself? Whether you’re just starting out or years into business, figuring out your own pay can feel confusing and even emotional. In this episode, we break it down step-by-step so you can understand your true value, create a sustaina...

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Rebecca, founder of The Detour Co, a natural skincare brand rooted in mindfulness, intentional living, and self-connection. What started as a side project in her kitchen has grown into a brand that’s not just about beautiful skin — it’s about helping women slow down, reconnect, and nurture themselves through simple daily rituals. Key topics covered: How Rebec...

In this week’s episode of Business Builders, we’re diving into one of the hardest questions every entrepreneur faces — when to let go of an offer that’s no longer serving you. Just because something’s profitable doesn’t mean it’s right for your business. Together, we’ll look at how to assess your products or services through a lens of energy, alignment, and long-term sustainability. It’s time to c...

In today’s episode of Small Business School , I sit down with Dmytro, founder of Sing Smart, an international online vocal coaching company. His story of resilience—from pursuing music in Ukraine, navigating the pandemic, and moving to Canada—highlights the power of using your voice not only to sing but to truly express yourself. Dmytro reminds us that our voice is more than technique; it’s a refl...

In this Business Builders workshop, I’m digging into one of the biggest struggles small business owners face: the constant ups and downs of the feast or famine cycle. If you’ve ever had a month full of sales and then felt crickets the next, you’re not alone. In this episode, I walk through why this cycle happens, the stress it creates, and how you can finally step out of it by building more predic...

Today’s episode is a little different than our usual conversations on Small Business School —but it’s one I think every business owner needs to hear. I’m joined by Debbie Stanley, a seasoned expert in estate administration and the founder of ETP Canada. We dive into a topic that so many people avoid: what happens when we don’t plan ahead for life’s inevitable events. Whether it’s navigating the ro...

In this week’s Business Builders episode, I’m diving into a topic that so many entrepreneurs shy away from—budgets. But here’s the truth: a strategic budget isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom. When you align your spending with your vision, you give yourself the clarity and structure to actually grow the business (and life!) you want. I’ll walk you through how to shift from “last year’s nu...

Welcome back to Small Business School! It’s just you and me today! I’m unpacking the mindset shifts and practical tactics I shared during a recent Coach’s Corner —aka the exact money guidance I’d give if we only had a few minutes together. We’ll talk about expanding what you believe is possible, measuring what actually matters, and making grounded decisions that move your business forward (without...

In this episode of Business Builders, I’m making the case that numbers are power—not pressure. I share how finally looking at my metrics didn’t turn me into “cold corporate”… it freed me to cut what didn’t matter, pay my team better, and serve more generously. If you’ve been avoiding your P&L or marketing stats, this is your gentle nudge to step in as the visionary CEO your business needs. Key...

In this episode of Small Business School , I sit down with Jenn Rowles—known by her clients as the Chaos Destroyer . Jenn helps busy entrepreneurs and women create structure, reduce overwhelm, and find calm in the middle of their packed lives. We talk about why chaos feels like the “norm” these days, how it impacts both family and business, and what you can do to take back control of your time and...

In this episode of Business Builders , we’re tackling one of the scariest (but most necessary) moves you’ll make as a business owner: raising your prices. If you’ve been holding onto the same rates for too long because you’re afraid of client pushback, this conversation is for you. Raising your prices isn’t about being greedy—it’s about protecting your business, honouring your growth, and creating...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 entre...

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 growt...