Flourish Academy Podcast

Heather Lahtinen
  • 4.9 (51)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Our purpose at the Flourish Academy is to leave people better than we found them. We hope to inspire and motivate you to reframe your thinking in a way that serves you. Our hope is that you will reply with, "wow, I never thought of it that way."

  1. 3d ago

    Podcast Ep 425 - How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy

    In this episode, Heather continues her coaching series by bringing you inside a real coaching session with Elevate member Ashley Smith of Ashley Anita Photography. You can explore Ashley's beautiful work at https://ashleyanitaphotography.com/. Ashley has a creative idea to attract more clients through a signature session, but she's feeling stuck before she even begins. Together, she and Heather simplify the challenge, uncover the thoughts creating hesitation, and shift the focus from selling to serving. If you've ever had a great idea but talked yourself out of sharing it, this episode will help you move from overthinking to confident action. Key Takeaways:    Complicated thoughts create inaction. Simplifying the problem makes it much easier to move forward. Treat your ideas like experiments. You don't need certainty—you just need a willingness to test and learn. Don't let your current audience determine your future results. Growth begins when you start sharing consistently, not when you reach a certain follower count. Service is more powerful than selling. When you genuinely believe your offer helps people, marketing feels natural. Belief changes your energy. Confidence in yourself, your client, and your offer makes your message more compelling. One clear offer is more effective than endless overthinking. Simplicity creates clarity for both you and your clients. Marketing doesn't have to feel pushy. Inviting people to something valuable is an act of service. Consistency builds momentum. Committing to share your offer repeatedly gives it a chance to succeed. Abundance creates better decisions. When you aren't relying on one strategy to save your business, you can market with confidence instead of desperation. Action creates evidence. You'll never know what works until you're willing to put your idea into the world. How many incredible ideas have you talked yourself out of before anyone else had the chance to see them? The biggest obstacle to your next client may not be your marketing; it may be your thinking. One simple mindset shift can turn hesitation into action and ideas into opportunities. Press play and discover why simplifying the problem is often the fastest path to results. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  2. Jul 28

    Podcast Ep 424 - Finding Joy in the Parts You Hate About Business

    In this episode, Heather continues her new coaching series by bringing you inside another real coaching session with Elevate member Kelly McNamara of Kelly Mac Studios. You can explore Kelly's beautiful work at http://kellymacstudios.com/. Kelly has built incredible momentum in her business, but as projects near the finish line, she finds herself procrastinating. Together, she and Heather uncover a simple yet profound mindset shift: joy isn't the same as fun. Through this powerful coaching session, Heather helps Kelly reframe how she thinks about motivation, fulfillment, and the meaningful work that often lies beyond the exciting parts of building a business. It's a conversation that may completely change the way you approach your own work and the satisfaction you find in it.  Key Takeaways:    Joy and fun are not the same thing. You don't have to enjoy every task to experience fulfillment in your business. Not every stage of a project will feel exciting. The energy at the finish line naturally looks different than the excitement of the beginning. Appreciation creates joy. Focusing on what a task represents—not just how it feels—changes your experience. Beware of the stories your brain creates. Assuming something is "wrong" because work isn't fun can lead to unnecessary frustration. Finishing is just as valuable as starting. Great businesses are built by people who follow through, even when motivation fades. Motivation isn't required to take action. Discipline and appreciation can carry you across the finish line. Redefining your expectations changes everything. When you stop expecting constant excitement, ordinary work feels much lighter. Every business includes unglamorous tasks. Those responsibilities are often evidence that your business is growing. Small mindset shifts create massive results. Sometimes changing one definition changes your entire experience. The goal isn't to love every task. The goal is to appreciate the opportunity to build the business you've always wanted. What if the work you've been resisting isn't the problem... but the meaning you've attached to it? One simple shift in perspective can turn frustration into fulfillment. This coaching session might completely redefine how you experience your business. Press play and discover why joy isn't found in the easy moments—it's found in appreciating the entire journey.  How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  3. Jul 21

    Podcast Ep 423 - You Don't Have a Burnout Problem. You Have a Trust Problem

    In this episode, Heather kicks off a brand-new coaching series by bringing you inside a real coaching session with Elevate member Dave Mayes of Instinct Pet Photography. Dave Mayes is the owner of Instinct Pet Photography in Australia. You can view his incredible work here: https://instinctpetphoto.com/ Together, they simplify a challenge that many business owners face: struggling to truly switch off from work. What begins as a conversation about taking a day off quickly uncovers the real issue beneath the surface—and it's probably not what you think. Key Takeaways:   Complicated problems create confusion. Simplifying the real issue makes it much easier to find a solution. The challenge isn't always what it appears to be. What feels like a productivity issue may actually be a trust issue. Protocols create freedom. Clear boundaries around work and communication make it easier to truly unplug. You don't have to respond immediately to be professional. Healthy expectations create better experiences for both you and your clients. Trust yourself—and your business. Believing everything will fall apart without you is often just a story your brain is telling. Most client situations aren't emergencies. Recognizing this allows you to create healthier boundaries without sacrificing great service. Your thoughts determine how well you rest. It's not just putting the phone away—it's learning how to quiet your mind. Coaching helps uncover the real problem. Sometimes one question is all it takes to reveal what's actually keeping you stuck. Small mindset shifts create lasting change. Solving the right problem leads to better habits, better decisions, and greater peace of mind. You don't have to figure everything out alone. Learning alongside others accelerates growth and helps you solve challenges faster. What if the reason you can't switch off has nothing to do with your workload? What if the real problem is the story you're telling yourself about what will happen if you do? This coaching session uncovers one simple shift that can completely change how you work—and how you rest. Press play and discover the real problem hiding beneath the surface. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  4. Jul 14

    Podcast Ep 422 - When Your Worst-Case Scenario Actually Happens

    In this episode, Heather shares the long-awaited update to one of the biggest challenges she's faced in business: a nearly year-long sales tax audit. Joined by Nicole Begley, she reflects on the emotional toll of living with uncertainty, the lessons learned through the process, and how facing her worst-case scenario ultimately made her stronger. If you've ever been overwhelmed by circumstances outside your control, this episode will remind you that resilience is built one challenge at a time.  Key Takeaways:  Your worst-case scenario loses its power once you've lived through it. Fear often fades when you realize you're capable of handling difficult situations. Uncertainty is often harder than the circumstance itself. Learning to manage your mind during the unknown is a powerful business skill. Resilience is built through experience. Every challenge expands your ability to navigate future obstacles. Your thoughts determine how you experience adversity. Mindset doesn't remove problems—it changes how you respond to them. You don't have to control everything to move forward. Self-trust grows when you learn to function without complete certainty. Business challenges are opportunities for growth. Difficult seasons often strengthen your leadership and decision-making. Preparation and professionalism matter. Keeping accurate records and seeking expert guidance gives you confidence when challenges arise. You are more resourceful than you realize. Even in overwhelming situations, you'll find solutions one step at a time. Every setback teaches something valuable. What feels frustrating today may become one of your greatest lessons tomorrow. You can come out stronger on the other side. Sometimes the greatest transformation happens after the hardest season. What if the thing you're most afraid of is the very thing that will make you stronger? This isn't just a story about a tax audit—it's a masterclass in resilience. If you're carrying the weight of uncertainty, this conversation will give you hope. Press play and discover what happens when you stop fearing the worst… and start trusting yourself. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  5. Jul 7

    Podcast Ep 421 - Why You Freeze When It's Time to Talk About Your Business

    In this episode, Heather explores one of the most common struggles photographers face: freezing when the perfect opportunity arises to talk about their business. She explains why this hesitation has nothing to do with not knowing what to say—and everything to do with what you're believing in that moment. Through a series of powerful coaching questions, Heather helps you uncover the hidden thoughts that are holding you back so you can replace fear with confidence and start sharing your business more naturally. Key Takeaways:  Hesitation starts with a thought—not a lack of words. What you believe in the moment determines whether you speak or stay silent. The Belief Triad is the foundation of confident marketing. Strong belief in yourself, your offer, and your client creates natural conversations. Curiosity is more powerful than self-criticism. Reflecting on why you froze leads to awareness—and awareness leads to change. You're often protecting yourself from imagined rejection. Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or being "salesy" keeps many photographers invisible. Don't decide for your clients. Give people the opportunity to decide if your work is right for them instead of assuming the answer. Connection beats performance. Authentic conversations create far more impact than trying to say the "perfect" thing. Practice builds confidence. Reflecting after conversations helps you prepare for the next opportunity. Your thoughts shape your actions. Changing your internal dialogue changes how you show up externally. Marketing is an act of service. Sharing what you do isn't about convincing people—it's about letting them know you can help. Confidence grows through repetition. Every conversation is an opportunity to strengthen your identity as a business owner. How many opportunities have you missed because fear spoke louder than confidence? The words aren't the problem—the beliefs behind them are. One conversation could change your business... if you're willing to have it. Press play and discover what's really stopping you from sharing your work. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  6. Jun 30

    Podcast Ep 420 - Making Business Fun Again

    In this episode, Heather and Nicole explore something that often gets lost as businesses grow: fun. What starts as a passion project can quickly become stressful, overwhelming, and results-driven, leaving creativity behind. Together, they share practical ways to bring joy back into your business, reignite your creativity, and remind yourself why you picked up a camera in the first place.  Key Takeaways: Fun isn't optional—it's part of a sustainable business. Creativity thrives when you enjoy the process, not just the outcome. Stop measuring success only by revenue. Celebrate the small wins that build momentum and confidence. Creativity grows when you use it. The more you create without pressure, the more ideas begin to flow. Don't let your business become all responsibility and no joy. Reconnecting with what you love fuels long-term success. Shift your energy before trying to solve problems. New ideas come more easily when you're curious instead of defeated. Your brain needs evidence of progress. Reflecting on daily wins helps interrupt negative thought patterns. Experiment and play without attaching everything to results. Some of your best ideas come when there's no pressure to perform. Joy creates resilience. When your business feels lighter, you're more willing to keep going through challenges. Your creativity extends beyond photography. Exploring hobbies and creative outlets can strengthen your business in unexpected ways. The goal isn't just to build a business—it's to enjoy building it. Success feels much different when you're having fun along the way. What if the missing piece in your business isn't another strategy… but more joy? What if having fun is actually one of the most productive things you can do? This conversation might just change the way you think about creativity, success, and burnout. Press play—and rediscover why you fell in love with photography in the first place. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  7. Jun 23

    Podcast Ep 419 - AI, Ethics, and Your Photography Business

    In this episode, Heather joins Nicole Begley for an honest conversation about AI and the reality that it's no longer something we can ignore. Together, they explore the opportunities, concerns, and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence—especially for photographers and small business owners. This isn't a conversation about whether AI is coming. It's about how we choose to engage with it, where we draw our boundaries, and why staying informed may be one of the most important business decisions you'll make moving forward.  Key Takeaways:  AI isn't coming—it's already here. The conversation has shifted from whether to use it to how you'll engage with it. Ignoring technology doesn't stop its progress. It simply removes you from the conversation. Every industry will be impacted in some way. Learning about AI now helps you stay informed and adaptable. You get to create your own ethical boundaries. Every business owner can decide what they are and aren't comfortable using AI for. Authenticity still matters. Human connection, trust, and real experiences will always have value. Technology has always disrupted industries. AI is another evolution—not the first major shift we've experienced. Curiosity is more useful than fear. Understanding the technology allows you to make intentional decisions. AI is a tool, not an identity. It should support your work, not replace who you are. You don't have to use everything available. Thoughtful adoption is different from blind adoption. Adaptability is a business skill. The people who stay open to learning often navigate change more successfully. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-694501d9-f4b4-8322-b538-25cb090990b0-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-694501d9-f4b4-8322-b538-25cb090990b0-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-104" data-turn="assistant"> AI isn't asking for permission—it's already changing the world around you. The question isn't whether you'll encounter it… it's whether you'll understand it. The businesses that thrive won't be the ones who panic or ignore it—they'll be the ones who adapt. Press play and join the conversation that's shaping the future of every industry. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

  8. Jun 16

    Podcast Ep 418 - ADHD Productivity Tips That Actually Work for Photographers

    In this episode, Heather sits down with her good friend Nicole Begley for an honest conversation about productivity, efficiency, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a business. They share their vastly different ways of managing tasks, planning their days, and getting things done—and why trying to force someone else's system onto yourself often creates more frustration than results. If you've ever felt like you're "doing productivity wrong," this episode will be incredibly validating. Key Takeaways:  There is no universal productivity system. What works brilliantly for one person may completely fail for someone else. Different brains require different approaches. Success comes from understanding your natural tendencies instead of fighting them. Stop making productivity struggles mean something about you. A system not working doesn't mean you're flawed. Self-awareness is more valuable than discipline. Learning how your brain operates helps you build sustainable systems. Shame keeps you stuck. Replacing judgment with curiosity creates freedom and momentum. Procrastination isn't always the problem. Sometimes it's simply how your brain naturally works under certain conditions. You don't have to force yourself into someone else's box. Your business gets to fit your brain—not the other way around. Deadlines and accountability matter differently for everyone. Knowing your triggers helps you create better systems. Flexibility is a strength. Productivity isn't about perfection—it's about finding what consistently supports you. The goal isn't to become someone else. The goal is to become more effective as yourself. What if you've never been bad at productivity… you've just been using the wrong system? What if the thing you've been criticizing about yourself is actually valuable information? This conversation will make you rethink everything you've believed about getting things done. Press play and finally give yourself permission to work the way your brain was designed to work. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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4.9
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About

Our purpose at the Flourish Academy is to leave people better than we found them. We hope to inspire and motivate you to reframe your thinking in a way that serves you. Our hope is that you will reply with, "wow, I never thought of it that way."

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