The Small Business School Podcast

What happens when you put five women entrepreneurs around a table and start talking honestly about what it actually feels like to build a business?

In this joint episode, I’m sitting down with Kristina Bartold, Kimberley Hiebert, Kaila Pilecki & Nicole Crone for a candid conversation about podcasting, business metrics, networking, hard seasons, mindset, ambition, and the constantly moving definition of “enough.” We get into the things that look like success from the outside versus what actually moves a business forward, and why learning to appreciate where you are matters just as much as deciding where you want to go next.

This conversation goes in a lot of directions (in the best possible way)! If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re measuring the right things, struggled through a hard season, caught yourself moving the goalpost again, or needed the reminder that you can want more AND appreciate what you have right now, this one is worth a listen.

Listen to the full episode, and send it to a fellow business owner who needs to hear it too.

My guests on this episode:
Kristina Bartold - Community Podcast
Kimberley Hiebert - Found-HER Podcast
Kaila Pilecki & Nicole Crone - My Aligned Purpose Podcast

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Your accountant says your P&L looks fine, your shareholder loan needs attention, and your accounts receivable is aging. But what does any of that actually mean for your business?

In this episode, I'm breaking down the accounting terms and financial reports every small business owner should understand, without the complicated explanations. We'll walk through your balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash vs. accrual accounting, and how these numbers work together so you can make better decisions, ask your accountant better questions, and actually understand the financial health of your business.

Key Takeaways

• Cash follows the money. Accrual follows the work. Understand how each accounting method affects your reports and why timing matters.
• Your balance sheet tells you where the money went. Learn what assets, liabilities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, shareholder loans and retained earnings actually mean.
• Your profit and loss statement shows whether you're making money. Understand revenue, cost of goods sold, gross margin, operating expenses and net profit.
• Profit doesn't equal cash in the bank. Inventory, unpaid invoices, debt repayments and prepaid revenue can all affect your cash position.
• Your numbers should help you make decisions. Know which financial levers you can pull, from pricing and supplier costs to overhead and how much you're paying yourself.

You don't need to go to business school to understand your financial statements. But you do need to know what your numbers are telling you. Before your next meeting with your accountant, pull your balance sheet and profit and loss statement and write down one question about each.

Listen to the full episode to start making sense of your numbers, and subscribe so you don't miss the next solo episode, where we're breaking down more of the business metrics and acronyms you keep hearing.

And if you're ready for an accounting team that helps you understand your numbers, not just report them, that's exactly what we do at Thrive Accounting. We help small business owners get clarity on their finances so they can make better decisions and build more profitable, sustainable businesses.

Learn more about working with us at Thrive Accounting: https://thriveaccounting.co/

Download my "What the Heck Is My Accountant Saying?" resource: https://stacimillard.kit.com/7f0f9b603e

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

If social media has started to feel like a full-time job you never applied for, this episode will make you rethink what you’re actually trying to accomplish there.

I sat down with Jenna Harding to talk about what’s working on Instagram, why business owners may be outsourcing too much of their personal brand, and how to create content with an actual job to do. We get into growth vs. nurture vs. sales content, why your best-performing posts might not make you money, and why booking your next 10 clients can be more useful than chasing a million followers.

And yes, we also have some opinions about $27 digital products...

Key Takeaways

• Your social media doesn’t need to do one job. Growth, nurture and sales content each have a different purpose and should be measured differently.
• Stop judging sales content by views. Fewer views can still mean the right person converts.
• Personal brands need the actual person. You can outsource pieces of social media, but your opinions and expertise are harder to hand off.
• Growth content needs wider appeal. Simple, relatable content can bring people in while nurture and sales content moves the right people closer.
• Experiments create the strategy. Test formats, topics and approaches, then pay attention to what works for your business.

We also talk about going viral vs. building a business, the credibility of a larger following, why strong opinions can make better content, online-course fatigue, and the problem with selling “easy” digital-product income without a real audience, skill or solution behind it.

One of my favourite reminders from Jenna was simple: it can be easier to book your next 10 clients on Instagram than it is to get a million followers. Know which one you’re actually trying to do.

Links & Resources:

Connect with Jenna: @jennaspaige

Listen to Jenna’s Podcast: Shiny New Clients

Jenna’s Program: Magic Marketing Machine

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

What happens when two founders who have both built, scaled, exited, and started again sit down with no formal interview questions and start talking business? You get the conversations that usually happen behind closed doors.

In the first installment of She Said, She Said, Kim Hiebert and I get into profit versus impact, why women need more reps talking about the numbers, what it really takes to earn market share, and the reality of getting scrappy when you’re building something new. This is the side of entrepreneurship that doesn’t always make it onto social media, but absolutely matters when you’re trying to build a sustainable, profitable business.

What you’ll take away from this episode:

• Impact needs profit behind it. Wanting to help people is important, but if your business can’t financially sustain that impact, eventually you burn out or the business stops working.
• You can serve people without giving away all of your time. Instead of defaulting to discounted or one-on-one services, ask how you can create tools and resources that help more people without requiring more of you.
• Get comfortable talking about the numbers. Margins, customer acquisition costs, close rates, market size, and profitability aren’t conversations reserved for big businesses. Understanding these numbers helps you make better decisions at every stage.
• Wanting market share isn’t a strategy. Saying you only need a small percentage of a huge industry doesn’t explain how you’re actually going to get it. You need to understand your market and have a plan for reaching and converting customers.
• Getting scrappy can make you a better founder. More funding doesn’t automatically create a stronger business. Constraints can force you to question expenses, wear more hats, make sharper decisions, and figure out what the business truly needs.

Some of the best business conversations happen when founders stop presenting the polished version and start talking about what it actually takes to build.

That’s exactly what She Said, She Said is about. Stay tuned for the next conversation with Kim, and if this one made you think differently about profit, impact, or how you’re building your business, send it to another business owner who needs to hear it.

Listen to Kim’s Podcast: https://foundher.buzzsprout.com/2541142

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

What started as a $20,000 funding award three years ago has grown into an initiative worth close to $125,000, and a much bigger mission to change how Canadian women entrepreneurs access funding and build valuable businesses.

Erin Sisko joins me to talk about the 2026 Capital Elle Business Impact Awards, why she wants more women thinking beyond simply starting a business, and how this year’s award is tackling gaps in networks, growth capital, and acquisition opportunities.

What you'll takeaway from this episode:

• The Capital Elle Business Impact Awards have grown significantly. This year’s award is valued at close to $125,000, with nearly 45 partners coming together to support Canadian women entrepreneurs.
• Every applicant gets value. Applying immediately unlocks more than $500 worth of business resources from Canadian women founders across the country.
• The mission goes beyond funding individual winners. Erin wants to help change Canada’s funding ecosystem so more women can access the resources they need to scale and build valuable companies.
• Women need to think about their businesses as assets. The goal isn’t simply to create a job or income for yourself, but to understand the value-driving levers that can turn your business into an appreciating, wealth-creating asset.
• Don’t count yourself out before you apply. This year’s award focuses on three key access gaps: networks, growth capital, and acquisition opportunities. If you’re questioning whether you’re ready or deserving, Erin’s message is simple: put your name forward.

If you’re a Canadian woman entrepreneur, take the 10 minutes and put your name forward. And if you know a woman building something valuable who should hear about this opportunity, send this episode her way.

Links & Resources:

Capital Elle Business Impact Awards: https://www.elleiance.ca/award (Application deadline - October 28 at 9:00 PM ET)

Follow Elleiance through their newsletter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay connected to future awards and opportunities.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

Wanting a more profitable business is one thing. Building the strategy, understanding the numbers, and becoming the business owner who can actually execute it is another.

Nicole and Kaila of My Aligned Purpose join me to talk about their Aligned CEO Method, why mindset and math have to work together, and how to move beyond trading more of your time for more money. We get into recurring revenue, pricing, business metrics, what your goals actually require from you, and their new book designed to help women build profitable businesses and get their time back.

Key Takeaways

• Mindset and math have to work together. A spreadsheet can show you exactly how to hit a revenue goal, but if you’re not willing or ready to take the actions behind those numbers, the plan doesn’t matter.
• Stop relying on more hours to make more money. Moving from a “maxed-out founder” to a “visionary expert” means building a business model that can grow without requiring you to personally deliver every dollar of revenue.
• Recurring revenue still requires value. The goal isn’t to put customers on a payment plan and do less. Sustainable recurring revenue comes from delivering something people continue to value in a way that also works for you.
• Know what your goal is actually going to cost you. It’s easy to say you want a $250K year, but are you willing to build the audience, sell at the necessary price point, invest the time, or make the tradeoffs required to get there?
• Learn your business metrics. Customer lifetime value, acquisition costs, conversions, profit margins, and other key numbers aren’t just for “numbers people.” Understanding them gets you into the conversations—and decisions—that help businesses grow.

A profitable business isn’t built on strategy alone, and it isn’t built on mindset alone. You need to understand the numbers, be willing to do what the goal requires, and create a business model that supports the life you actually want.

Grab Kayla and Nicole’s new book at https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/book and start putting their Aligned CEO Method into practice.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

AI is changing how we work, but fear around it can keep us from seeing the opportunity.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how small business owners can navigate this transition without ignoring AI or blindly handing everything over to it. We’re talking repeatable tasks, systems thinking, and why your expertise and judgment still matter.

Key Takeaways

• Turn down the fear and look for the opportunity. Get clear on what’s actually changing and where it could make your business better.
• Use AI for repeatable tasks. Clear, recurring work with minimal decision-making is often the best place to start.
• Think in systems. The better you can define how work gets done, the easier it becomes to delegate, automate, and create consistent results.
• Keep a human in the loop. AI can get you further faster, but your expertise and judgment still need to steer the ship.
• You still have to put in the reps. AI can shorten the learning curve, but it can’t replace the experience and discernment that come from doing the work.

Transitions are part of business, and there’s always opportunity in the shift. Pay attention to what’s changing, use what makes sense, and make sure you’re still the one steering the ship.

If this episode got you thinking differently about AI and your business, send me a DM and tell me what stood out.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 forward, including a shift in publishing cadence, more intentional guest curation, and a renewed focus on high-impact, strategic content.

Key topics covered:

• Reaching 399 episodes of Small Business School
• The evolution of entrepreneurship over time and “delusional optimism” when starting something new
• Staci’s new venture: building software alongside her accounting firm
• Lessons from building multiple businesses from scratch
• The importance of evolving business models as you grow
• Why intentionality matters more as your workload and impact increase
• The decision to pause new podcast episodes for the summer
• Using the summer to focus on software development and long-term business strategy
• Reviewing and refining what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in podcast formats

Staci is looking forward to celebrating episode 400 and beyond as a major milestone and turning point this Fall!

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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.

Key topics covered:

• Ola’s entrepreneurial journey: from running a clothing line to scaling and exiting a print & embroidery business in the UK
• The reality of business exits (and why most founders aren’t prepared for them)
• Why “building a business to sell” changes everything
• The difference between hiring for growth vs hiring for gaps
• Using a skills matrix to restructure and right-size a team
• Why smaller, more aligned teams often outperform larger ones
• Letting go of tasks you’re “good at but don’t enjoy”
• The importance of DISC profiling in team performance
• The financial blind spots most entrepreneurs miss before exit
• Why knowing your numbers weekly can transform decision-making
• The “Five Ways” framework: leads, conversion, frequency, average spend, and profit margin
• How systems create freedom, scalability, and business value
• Building a business that supports the life you actually want

From hiring missteps to financial blind spots and the emotional reality of exiting a founder-led business, this conversation challenges entrepreneurs to rethink how they build from day one.

Connect with Ola:

Instagram: @ola_bisi_adeyemi

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 covered:

• The role of Startup Canada in supporting entrepreneurs nationwide
• Free programs, pitch competitions, and funding opportunities available
• Why networking is more powerful than most entrepreneurs realize
• The mindset traits that lead to success (and what holds people back)
• The importance of confidence, market research, and asking for help
• Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling too quickly
• Misconceptions around funding, grants, and investment

Success in business isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about taking action, asking for help, and surrounding yourself with the right resources and people along the way.

Connect with Isabel:

Instagram: @startupcanada

Website: https://www.startupcan.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelnolan/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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, navigating in-person and online networking, and learning how to build connections that are rooted in authenticity, not pressure.

Together, they unpack what it really means to approach networking from a place of service, how to avoid “taker energy,” and why the strongest business growth often comes from the relationships you nurture over time.

Key topics covered:

• Why relationships are more powerful than traditional marketing for long-term business growth
• The difference between building relationships online vs. in-person networking
• Shifting from “what can I get?” to a service-first mindset when entering a room
• Recognizing “taker energy” vs. “giver energy” in networking situations
• How to approach events when you’re feeling nervous, introverted, or out of your comfort zone
• The importance of follow-up and how to do it in a way that feels natural, not transactional
• How to create value for others first and why that often leads to unexpected opportunities
• Navigating boundaries in relationships as your business grows
• Letting go of perfection in networking and focusing on consistency over time

Building a strong network isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about showing up with intention, leading with service, and trusting that the right relationships will grow your business in ways you can’t always plan for.

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 the key to better time and energy management
• Intentional decisions create freedom, not restriction
• Money becomes less stressful when you understand it
• You only need a few key metrics to feel confident in your business
• Ignoring finances now leads to burnout later

As you head into summer, remember: step into your power, be intentional with your time, and build confidence with the numbers that truly matter because that’s where real freedom in your business begins.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 dives into the power of KPIs, the importance of hiring A-players, and why systems (not hustle) are the key to sustainable growth.

Key topics covered:

• How to identify and implement the right KPIs for growth
• Why many entrepreneurs struggle without clear metrics and scorecards
• The importance of building and maintaining an A-player team
• Why team dynamics and leadership structure impact business growth
• The concept of running your business like a sports team
• Common challenges female entrepreneurs face with risk and scaling
• How coaching and mentorship accelerate business success
• When and why to transition team members as your company grows
• The balance between data-driven decisions (“hard edge”) and leadership/culture (“soft edge”)
• The biggest lesson from a nine-figure exit: implement systems early

Connect with Catherine:

Website: https://www.athena.coach/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 advice on when to avoid trades altogether and what to do instead.

Key topics covered:

• How to recognize when a trade is coming from scarcity rather than strategy
• Why trades often lead to misaligned expectations and strained relationships
• The hidden cost of “free work” and why it rarely benefits your business long-term
• What to do instead of trading, including smarter financial and strategic alternatives
• How to confidently decline trade offers while preserving the relationship
• When (and how) trades can work, with the right boundaries and structure
• Why clear communication and contracts are essential, even in informal agreements

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 purpose. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who feels like building wealth is out of reach, especially women navigating entrepreneurship, family, and big financial decisions.

Key topics covered:

• How to shift your financial reality even if you’re starting from a place that feels overwhelming or behind
• Why financial setbacks can become your greatest advantage when building long-term wealth
• The different ways to get started in real estate beyond the traditional “buy a home and pay it off” path
• How passive investing can help you grow wealth without adding more to your already full plate
• Why putting yourself in the right rooms and conversations can completely change your financial trajectory
• How to build (and lean on) trusted relationships to invest smarter and reduce risk
• Why building wealth is really about creating freedom, security, and choice in your life

Connect with Christine:

Instagram: @christine.traynor.reinvesting

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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. Together, they explore how contracts, boundaries, and advisory relationships can protect your business, increase profitability, and ultimately create more ease.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between reactive vs. proactive legal support
• Why not all lawyers are created equal (and how to choose the right one)
• How contracts should reflect your actual business practices
• The concept of “flawless legal onboarding”
• Where legal fits into every stage of business growth, from idea to exit
• The real role of AI in legal (and where it falls short)
• Why legal and accounting should work hand-in-hand in your business

This episode is a powerful reminder that legal isn’t just protection, it’s strategy. When done right, it creates clarity, confidence, and capacity for growth.

Connect with Elena:

Instagram: @efvlegal @elenafavaroviana

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 is your reminder that more effort, more offers, and more people aren’t always the answer. Sometimes, the real growth comes from simplifying.

Key topics covered:

• Why business complexity increases as you grow—and how to catch it early
• How overcomplicating your offers, systems, or team structure impacts profitability
• The powerful question that can transform your business decisions
• How AI can simplify operations and free up your team’s capacity
• Why hiring isn’t always the solution to growth
• How to audit and refine your systems for better efficiency
• The connection between simplicity, clarity, and financial freedom

Ease is not a luxury in business, it’s a strategy. When you step back, reflect, and simplify, you create space for better client experiences, stronger profitability, and a business that actually feels good to run.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 the intersection of personal branding, AI tools, and human connection, and why the businesses that win will be the ones that are deeply intentional about both.

Key topics covered:

• Why most business owners are skipping the foundational work that drives real results
• The power of having a clear, repeatable framework in your business
• How to use AI as a tool, not a replacement for your expertise
• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs are making with AI-generated content
• How to audit your online presence so AI can find and recommend you
• The shift from traditional SEO to AI-driven discoverability (AEO/GEO)
• Why consistency across platforms matters more than ever
• The importance of documenting your systems (and what could happen if you don’t)
• How to balance speed and efficiency with authenticity and trust
• Why community, connection, and in-person experiences are becoming your biggest advantage

Use AI to support your growth but never lose the human element that makes your business truly unforgettable.

Connect with Monique:

Instagram: @moniquebryan_co

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 business that stretched her in unexpected ways, navigating the pressure of leadership, capacity challenges, and the emotional weight of not meeting her own high standards.

Key topics covered:

• Why even experienced business owners can still face unexpected setbacks
• The emotional weight of disappointment and people-pleasing in leadership
• How capacity planning can still fall short (and what to do instead)
• The hidden cost of the “I’ll just do it myself” mindset
• Why relationship capital is one of your greatest business assets
• The importance of communication during difficult seasons
• How to rebuild and improve systems after things go wrong
• The role of nervous system regulation in navigating high-pressure seasons

This is a powerful reminder that the hard seasons are part of the journey and that how we respond, rebuild, and move forward is what truly defines us as business owners.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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 struggled with asking for referrals, questioned whether to pay for them, or wanted to build a business that grows through trust, this is for you!

Key topics covered:

• The difference between referral partners vs. affiliates - and which Kristina and Staci prefer
• Why trust and credibility are the foundation of consistent referrals
• The pros and cons of paying for referrals or commissions
• How to stay top of mind without feeling pushy or inauthentic
• What to do when a referral doesn’t turn into a great client fit
• Why gratitude and follow-up are often the most overlooked strategies
• How to think about long-term relationship ROI vs. short-term gain

The strongest referral strategies aren’t built on transactions, they’re built on trust, consistency, and the kind of relationships that make people want to champion your business without being asked.

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.