The Small Business School Podcast

Staci Millard
  • 4.8 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ready to leave the small business struggle behind? The “School for Small Business” podcast supports small business owners in scaling a business that is profitable, purposeful, and doesn’t leave you burnt out. No matter whether you run your business online or you own a brick-and-mortar, you can expect our world class experts to support you with mindset, tactics, and everything in between so you can have the business you dreamed of. Based on our lived experience, we know that small business CAN be easy and we are here to show you how.The “School for Small Business” is hosted by Staci Millard, a CPA by trade with over 15 years of experience seeing the behind the scenes of thousands of small businesses. After growing and selling her first 7 figure business, Staci has been on the ground running - mentoring small businesses and working to increase success rates. Staci strongly believes you don’t need to have gone to business school to be successful so you can expect nothing but simple, impactful advice. Tune in each Tuesday for a new 30 minute or less episode of nothing but valuable advice to help you grow your small business. We are so excited for you to be on this journey with us! 

  1. 17H AGO

    The Founder to CEO Shift with Suneera Madhani

    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 burning out. If you’ve ever felt stuck doing everything in your business, overwhelmed by growth, or unsure how to move from hustle to strategy, this conversation will show you what’s possible and how to get there. Key topics covered: The critical shift from founder mode to CEO mode (and why it unlocks freedom)Why scale actually creates more time—not lessThe real reason most women-owned businesses struggle to grow past 7 figuresHow to identify where you are the bottleneck in your businessThe truth about profit, impact, and why they are not in conflictWhat investors actually look for when deciding where to put their moneyHow to stop “doing everything” and start building a business that runs like a machineScaling isn’t about doing more, it’s about thinking differently. When you step into the role of CEO, you stop being the one holding everything together… and start building something that can grow beyond you. And that’s where the real freedom begins. Connect with Suneera: Instagram: @suneeramadhani Website: https://www.theceoschool.com https://www.joinworth.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    44 min

  2. APR 2

    Millionaire Mindset, Manifestation & the Power of Self-Image with Danielle Amos

    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 shape your results, Danielle shares a powerful perspective on abundance as your birthright and how to actually step into it. Key topics covered: Why people are moving away from the “millionaire” goal and what’s really behind itThe truth about manifestation and why it’s not just a trendHow subconscious beliefs and early programming shape your financial realityWhy hard work alone won’t create success (and what actually does)The role of mindset, energy, and identity in building wealthHow your self-image sets the ceiling for your resultsThe power of controlling your inputs to change your outcomesWhy fear-based thinking is keeping so many entrepreneurs stuckHow to rewrite your beliefs around money, opportunity, and successA simple but powerful journaling practice to start shifting your reality todayDownload Danielle’s free guide: The Millionaire Tool Kit https://successsociety.danielleamos.co/the-millionaire-tool-kit.html A step-by-step resource to help you reprogram your beliefs and step into a wealth-building self-image Connect with Danielle: Instagram: @thedanielleamos Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    35 min

  3. MAR 26

    How to Create a Website That Actually Converts (Not Just Looks Pretty) with Andrea Krones

    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 to AI, this conversation dives deep into what service-based business owners need to know to create a website that not only attracts visitors, but converts them.  Key topics covered: Why your website needs to do more than look good, it must guide visitors to take actionHow user experience (UX) directly impacts whether people stay on your site or leaveThe importance of clearly communicating what you do within the first few secondsWhy trying to speak to everyone weakens your message, and what to do insteadHow to create a simple, strategic customer journey that leads to conversionsThe truth about SEO and why your website only works as hard as you doWhat AI can (and can’t) do when it comes to building a high-converting websiteYour website isn’t just a digital business card, it’s one of your most powerful tools. When done right, it builds trust, communicates your value, and guides your audience to take action. But it requires intention, clarity, and strategy. Connect with Andrea: Instagram: @inkling.design Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    30 min

  4. MAR 19

    The Visibility Skill Every Entrepreneur Needs with Anjali Handa

    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 business owners can develop the same level of confidence, clarity, and authority without needing a corporate budget. Key topics covered: Why visibility is the most important skill for entrepreneurs in 2026The key differences between corporate leadership training vs entrepreneurial skill developmentWhy most small business owners approach growth reactively instead of proactivelyThe concept of presence vs performance and how it changes everythingHow quickly people form impressions (hint: it’s faster than you think)Why humility does not mean shrinkingThe hidden ways entrepreneurs play small in their messaging and deliveryHow in-person experiences are making a major comeback in businessWhy how you say something matters just as much as what you sayThe role of visibility in driving revenue (and why it’s not just about access to capital)How presence impacts leadership, team dynamics, and client relationshipsAs business continues to shift back toward human connection and in-person interaction, your ability to show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity will set you apart. Connect with Anjali: Instagram: @anjalihanda Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    30 min

  5. MAR 12

    How Small Businesses Can Use Ads to Gain Visibility in 2026 with Britt Holmes

    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 agency focused on helping small businesses scale with smarter ad strategies. Together, Staci and Britt break down the realities of modern marketing, how to know when your business is ready for ads, and the key mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to run them themselves. Key topics covered: Why organic social media reach has declined and what that means for small businessesThe return of the “pay-to-play” marketing model in the digital eraHow Britt went from managing $40M in e-commerce ads to building an agency serving small businessesWhy running ads isn’t as simple as setting them up and walking awayThe foundational elements every business needs before investing in adsHow ads differ for product-based vs service-based businessesThe biggest misconceptions about DIY ad courses and quick-win marketing strategiesWhy businesses need to commit time and testing before expecting resultsWhat realistic ad timelines and budgets look like for small businessesSmart questions entrepreneurs should ask before hiring an ad agencyAs marketing continues to evolve, visibility is no longer just about showing up, it’s about showing up strategically. For small businesses ready to grow, paid ads can become one of the most powerful tools available when used with the right systems, expectations, and expertise behind them. Britt invites you to check out this recent blog post https://www.meritmedia.com/post/how-to-spot-a-rookie-ad-expert Connect with Britt: Instagram: @meritmedia.inc @brittholmeslive Website: meritmedia.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    35 min

  6. MAR 5

    Scaling a Family Business with Alexandra Mamalider

    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 you’re building a product-based business, taking over a company, or preparing to scale, this conversation is packed with honest lessons from behind the scenes. Key topics covered: What it actually takes to step into a family business and why outside experience gave Ally an advantageThe three growth phases she led the company through before scaling 50% in 24 monthsWhy hiring the right leadership team was a bigger unlock than any single processThe financial blind spots that quietly hold small businesses back (and why monthly reporting changes everything)How to approach a rebrand strategically and why it must be customer-focused, not founder-focusedThe importance of going deep before going wide when expanding into new marketsWhy saying yes to everything can slow your growth instead of accelerating itThe role of daily habits, superfoods, and fiber in sustaining entrepreneurial energyGrowth in a family business isn’t about proving yourself, it’s about building on what came before you with clarity, courage, and smarter systems that support the next level. Connect with Ally: Instagram: @allyzeifman Website: www.organictraditions.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    45 min

  7. FEB 26

    How to Use Ethical AI in Your Business with Elaine Alexander

    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 navigating real fears about confidentiality and replacement, this conversation goes beyond surface-level productivity tips. It’s about understanding what AI actually is, where it fits, and how to use it responsibly as a business owner in a rapidly changing world. Key topics covered: Why AI adoption is slower among women — and why that needs to changeHow AI can reduce the mental load in both business and motherhoodThe “blank page problem” and how AI helps you start or finish fasterPractical business uses for AI including messaging refinement, tech troubleshooting, and data pattern recognitionWhy treating AI like an assistant (not an authority) changes the results you getThe ethical concerns around confidentiality, therapy use, and intellectual propertyHow AI differs from Google and why it’s more powerful than most people realizeWhere fear is valid and where it’s simply unfamiliarityWhy integrating AI may create more opportunity, not lessThe importance of guardrails, personal responsibility, and filtering advice through your valuesAI isn’t going away. But how you use it (and whether you use it intentionally) will shape the future of your business. This episode will help you move from fear to informed action, so you can leverage AI as a tool instead of resisting it out of uncertainty. Grab Elaine’s Pause Before You Prompt resource, a free guide to safer smarter AI use: https://reclaimedpractice.kit.com/6c598bb464 Connect with Elaine: Instagram: @elainetalexander Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    37 min

  8. FEB 24

    Opening a Second Business Without Burning Down the First

    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, or simply trying to create more freedom in your current business, this episode walks through the financial, operational, and leadership foundations you need before you expand. Key topics covered: Why starting a second business won’t fix problems in your first one and what to do insteadHow to know if your current business can actually run without youThe role of cash flow, personal income, and financial runway before launching something newWhy projections, break-even analysis, and lead numbers matter more than motivationHow culture, visibility, and hiring decisions determine long-term successWhat “segregation of duties” means and why your business shouldn’t rely on one personHow to build compensation plans that reward profitability, not just revenueThe difference between running toward opportunity vs. running away from discomfortExpansion isn’t about chasing something shiny, it’s about strengthening your foundation so success becomes sustainable. If you’re considering a second business (or want your first one to finally give you freedom), this episode will help you think strategically before you leap. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    26 min
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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Ready to leave the small business struggle behind? The “School for Small Business” podcast supports small business owners in scaling a business that is profitable, purposeful, and doesn’t leave you burnt out. No matter whether you run your business online or you own a brick-and-mortar, you can expect our world class experts to support you with mindset, tactics, and everything in between so you can have the business you dreamed of. Based on our lived experience, we know that small business CAN be easy and we are here to show you how.The “School for Small Business” is hosted by Staci Millard, a CPA by trade with over 15 years of experience seeing the behind the scenes of thousands of small businesses. After growing and selling her first 7 figure business, Staci has been on the ground running - mentoring small businesses and working to increase success rates. Staci strongly believes you don’t need to have gone to business school to be successful so you can expect nothing but simple, impactful advice. Tune in each Tuesday for a new 30 minute or less episode of nothing but valuable advice to help you grow your small business. We are so excited for you to be on this journey with us! 

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