Podcasts about business builders

Shane Leahy explains why rapid growth can become one of a business's biggest challenges, why great leaders build teams around their own weaknesses, and how the lessons he learned building Oxygen8 into a €100m+ global technology group are now helping him scale humanitarian aid in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.Shane Leahy joins Business Builders to share his journey from professional rugby into telecoms and entrepreneurship, eventually helping grow Oxygen8 from a €30 million business into a global technology group generating more than €100 million in turnover, with operations spanning Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, the US and beyond.Shane reflects on the leadership lessons he carried from professional sport into business, why different people require completely different styles of management, and how recognising his own weaknesses helped him build stronger teams around him. He also discusses the challenges created by rapid international growth, a fraud of more than $10 million that forced the group to restructure, the importance of learning from failure, and why putting the right management structures in place became essential as Oxygen8 scaled.The conversation also explores Shane's decision to step back from the day-to-day running of his businesses and establish One for Humanity. Using the same proof-of-concept and scaling principles he learned in business, Shane and his team have helped establish 19 hospital units along the front lines in Ukraine and deliver more than $200 million worth of medicine, while also supporting humanitarian projects in Gaza and elsewhere.This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, professional sport, scaling, international business, failure, resilience, team building, self-awareness, humanitarian aid, purpose, Ukraine, Gaza, technology, organisational structure, founder mindset, and using business experience to make an impact far beyond business."You learn a hell of a lot more from your failures than you do from the successes."

Posting consistently but still not seeing results?In this episode of the Direct Selling Accelerator podcast, I continue to unpack why business builders need a completely different social media strategy than influencers..If your goal is to grow your business, build genuine relationships, and create lasting impact in the network marketing industry, this is for you. You'll learn: - What Facebook and Instagram are rewarding over vanity metrics- How to create content with a clear objective in mind- And the two questions you should ask before every post Forget chasing the algorithm. This episode is packed with practical tips and proven strategies to help you grow faster and create content that drives results. I'll be talking about:➡ [04:20] Why Viral Doesn't Mean Sales➡ [07:05] Less Content, Better Results➡ [09:36] Conversation Loops Explained➡ [12:05] Reverse Engineer Your Content➡ [15:30] The Marketing Strategy That Converts➡ [19:10] Why the Journey Sells➡ [23:15] Curiosity-Based Content➡ [26:05] Opinion & Value Posts➡ [29:05] Lead Magnets That Start Conversations➡ [33:35] It's About the One, Not the ManyResources: Download our FREE guide: 100 Engagement-Boosting Post Ideas to Spark More Conversations: https://go.auxano.global/100engagementposts Looking for more? Head to our earlier episode or check out my book:Show Up Anyway by Sam Hind: https://a.co/d/8rk0QthFree Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialmediafordirectsellerswithgregandsam/Are you ready to keep growing? Learn more about joining the Auxano Family: https://go.auxano.global/welcome  Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/➡ Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/➡ Sam Hind's Instagram: https://instagram.com/samhinddigitalcoach➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/auxanomarketing ➡ Email us: community_manager@auxano.globalIf you have any podcast suggestions or things you'd like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don't forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here: https://go.auxano.global/welcome

Pat Byrne explains why great businesses fail when leaders stop challenging themselves, why resilience matters more than avoiding failure, and how CityJet evolved from a small challenger airline into one of Europe's leading regional aviation operators.Pat Byrne joins Business Builders to share the story of founding CityJet, transforming it from a startup airline challenging the Dublin–London monopoly into an international aviation business that grew to operate almost 50 aircraft across Europe through innovative wet leasing partnerships with some of the world's largest airlines.Pat reflects on building and selling multiple businesses over a career spanning more than five decades, including Cornmarket and CityJet, recounts how a cold call to Richard Branson led to a partnership with Virgin, and explains why the biggest breakthroughs often come from challenging conventional thinking. He also discusses surviving constant crises in aviation, overcoming failure, building customer relationships instead of transactions, creating high-performing teams, avoiding the dangers of groupthink, and why the most successful founders never stop transforming themselves or their businesses.This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, aviation, leadership, resilience, transformation, business strategy, innovation, customer experience, scaling, organisational culture, founder mindset, sales, marketing, change management, and building businesses that can survive constant uncertainty."The real risk is not being prepared to take one."

Oltian Dervishi explains why every growing business eventually hits a ceiling, why founders must keep taking risks long after they've found success, and how Forte Pespa transformed itself from a traditional contractor into one of Ireland's fastest-growing offsite manufacturers.Oltian Dervishi joins Business Builders to share the story of building Forte Pespa from a small construction business into Ireland's largest aluminium balcony manufacturer, growing from €3 million to €20 million in turnover after completely reinventing the company and its business model.Oltian reflects on the difficult early years of entrepreneurship, including going nine months without taking a salary, explains why rebuilding the business from scratch became the only way to scale, and shares the lessons that transformed both his leadership and the company's trajectory. He discusses the importance of timing, learning through failure, hiring ahead of growth, building a culture driven by hunger rather than credentials, taking on private equity, and surrounding yourself with people who force you to think much bigger than you thought possible.This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, scaling, risk-taking, company culture, hiring, private equity, business strategy, offsite construction, and building a high-growth manufacturing business from Ireland."You can't teach hunger."

Are you spending too much time chasing likes, followers and views?In this episode of the Direct Selling Accelerator podcast, I unpack the difference between social media strategies for influencers vs business builders.. and why more reach doesn't always mean more revenue. I'll share the one metric that matters most, why conversation-driven content beats vanity metrics in 2026 every time, and how a simple habit of starting meaningful conversations can lead to more trust, more opportunities, and ultimately, more sales.So, if you're feeling stuck, wondering what to post next, or questioning whether your social media efforts are actually moving your business forward, join me as we explore how to build genuine connections, start valuable conversations, and use social media with more purpose and intention.I'll be talking about:➡ [01:37] Influencers vs Business Builders➡ [04:28] Stop Chasing Likes & Followers➡ [07:02] Conversations Grow Your Business➡ [09:42] The Power of Call to Action➡ [11:30] Book: Show Up Anyway➡ [13:18] The Story That Started Real Conversations➡ [16:12] Turn Comments Into Customers➡ [19:15] Build Relationships Before Business➡ [23:15] The Secret to Reconnecting Naturally➡ [27:00] Your Network Is Your Net Worth➡ [31:03] Start Conversations Without Expectations➡ [34:45] More Conversations = More SalesResources: Looking for more? Head to our earlier episode or check out my book:Show Up Anyway by Sam Hind: https://a.co/d/8rk0QthFree Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialmediafordirectsellerswithgregandsam/Are you ready to keep growing? Learn more about joining the Auxano Family: https://go.auxano.global/welcome  Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/➡ Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/➡ Sam Hind's Instagram: https://instagram.com/samhinddigitalcoach➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/auxanomarketing ➡ Email us: community_manager@auxano.globalIf you have any podcast suggestions or things you'd like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don't forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here: https://go.auxano.global/welcome

Want to build a team of committed business builders instead of constantly chasing people? In this video, you'll learn how to identify the right prospects, have more intentional conversations, and attract people who are ready to grow a business. If you're looking to recruit with confidence and build a stronger, more engaged team, this training is for you.Network Marketing 2.0 The Collective: https://bit.ly/NetworkMarketing20TheCollectiveBusiness Audit: https://forms.gle/dWKUCJcaJMFP5jHe8Join The Vault & get instant access to 125+ courses, monthly LIVE Q&A sessions, monthly accountability calls, thousands of Canva Templates, new courses added throughout the year, and so much more! https://bit.ly/TheOfficialVaultGrab your FREE copy of my book, ‘Boss It Up Babe!'https://bit.ly/BOSSItUpBabeBookHost Bio:Kimberly Olson is a self-made multi-millionaire and the creator of The Goal Digger Girl, where she serves female entrepreneurs by teaching them simple systems and online strategies in sales and marketing. Through the power of social media, they are equipped to explode their online presence and get real results in their business, genuinely and authentically. She has two PhDs in Natural Health and Holistic Nutrition, has recently been recognized as the #2 recruiter in her current network marketing company globally, is the author of four books including best-sellers, The Goal Digger and Balance is B.S., has a top 25 rated podcast in marketing and travels nationally public speaking. She is a mom of two and teaches others how to follow their dreams, crush their goals and create the life they've always wanted.Website: www.thegoaldiggergirl.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thegoaldiggergirlFacebook: www.facebook.com/thegoaldiggergirlYoutube: www.youtube.com/c/thegoaldiggergirlCheck out my Facebook groups for those that want to build their business online through social media, in a genuine and authentic way:Goal Digging Boss Babes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggingbossbabesLeave a review here: Write a review for The Goal Digger Girl PodcastSubscribing to The Podcast:If you would like to get updates of new episodes, you can give me a follow on your favorite podcast app.

John Corley explains why great products still fail, why ambition matters more than most founders realise, and how Spanish Point Technologies became a global software company powering the music industry.John Corley joins Business Builders to share the story of building Spanish Point Technologies from a small Irish software consultancy into an international technology company employing more than 120 people, generating €27 million in annual revenue, and providing the software behind music royalty systems across the world.John reflects on the costly lessons learned after investing millions into a product that received a standing ovation from Microsoft but ultimately failed commercially, and explains why distribution, market focus and go-to-market strategy matter just as much as building a great product. He also discusses bootstrapping for nearly two decades, transitioning from services to software products, embracing AI to solve real-world problems, preserving company culture during rapid growth, and why founders shouldn't be afraid to think much bigger than they're comfortable admitting.This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, software, AI, leadership, product strategy, scaling, company culture, ambition, bootstrapping, and building a global technology business from Ireland."Building a great product isn't enough."

Dermot O'Shea explains why sales beats fundraising, why America rewards ambitious founders, and how he built Taoglas into a $100 million global technology company.Dermot O'Shea joins Business Builders to share the remarkable story of building Taoglas from a two-person startup into a global leader in antenna technology, employing more than 350 people across ten international locations and generating over $100 million in annual revenue.After starting the business with little more than determination, supportive families and a relentless focus on sales and cashflow, Dermot explains why he ignored the startup obsession with fundraising and instead concentrated on winning customers. He reflects on breaking into the American market, why the US business culture helped accelerate Taoglas' growth, and why resilience has been the defining characteristic of his entrepreneurial journey.Dermot also discusses building a high-performance culture, hiring people who believe in your vision, dealing with toxic employees, trusting your instincts as a leader, transitioning to private equity ownership, and why purpose - not money - is what continues to drive him more than twenty years into the business.This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, sales, resilience, leadership, company culture, global expansion, private equity, purpose, and building a business that lasts.“We were focused on selling. Everyone else was focused on fundraising.”

“My circle decides my ceiling.”Tracy Hollands Top Five Tips For Business Builders1. Stop confusing activity with leverage2. Turn your influence into something tangible3. Build with your community, not just for them4. Simple scales. Complex breaks5. Choose rooms that expand your future TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:23   Doing more with less05:40  Building a brand, no matter what10:20   Include your community in changes13:50   Focus on simplicity 17:10    Who is in your surroundings Where to find Tracy? Website                https://www.innerfifth.com/LinkedIn               https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyholland Tracy Holland Bio I'm a founder, investor, and operator who has spent more than two decades building brands and businesses with women who lead. I co-founded HATCHBEAUTY and helped scale it to over $750M in cumulative wholesale revenue, launching and growing brands like Naturewell, Nuance by Salma Hayek, BLISS Color, FOUND Active, and Orlando Pita Haircare.Today, I lead the InnerFifth ecosystem, Potential to Powerhouse, Inner Fifth Accelerator, and Goodwill Brands, which is designed to take creators and entrepreneurs from inspiration to product to scale. I believe a woman's greatest asset isn't capital, it's conviction, and the community that amplifies it.My mission is to build rooms where powerhouse women rise together, with clarity, strategy, and support. I'm an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, a Fashion & Beauty Award recipient, and a member of The Committee of 200.

The future of agency growth is not just more automation. It is also a more human connection.In this episode, Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, joins Jamie Nau to talk about agency community, event strategy, thought leadership, organic growth, and the practical ways AI is changing how agency owners work. Jay shares the story behind Agency Builders Retreat, why in-person connection matters more in an AI-driven world, how he thinks about building events that people want to return to, and why consistent thought leadership can create opportunities long before a direct sales conversation begins.Key takeaways:• The future is both autonomous and human. AI can create leverage, but agency owners still need trust, relationships, and real connection.• Community can become a growth engine. Jay explains how Agency Builders grew through connection, referrals, and shared learning.• Events are a form of stage-building. Creating your own event, podcast, or platform can help agency owners build authority.• Thought leadership compounds over time. Consistent content around a real problem can create opportunities that direct outreach may not.• AI works best when it removes real friction. Jay shares how connected tools can support follow-up, email, research, and daily operations.If you are trying to grow an agency in a way that is profitable, sustainable, and ready for the future of AI, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes- Jay Owen: "The future is two things at the same time, highly autonomous and AI driven, for sure, and deeply human."- Jay Owen: "The best way to grow a business is to do a great job for somebody, ask them to tell somebody else, and you will never run out of business."- Jamie Nau: "Sometimes it is a long tail, which is a hard thing for marketers to get their hands around sometimes."Jay Owen is the CEO of Business Builders. He helps businesses and organizations with clear messaging, website and video production, and online promotion. With more than 25 years of experience in web design, marketing communications, and creative direction, Jay also shares ideas with business leaders through events, podcasts, coaching, webinars, and workshops.Website: https://jayowenlive.com/aboutIG: https://www.instagram.com/jayowenFB: https://www.facebook.com/jayowenlive/X: https://x.com/owendesignLi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jayowenlivePodcast: https://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com/about/Business BuildersWebsite: https://businessbldrs.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SN1I1FwktpF_lMqaZveIgIG: https://www.instagram.com/businessbldrs/Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessbldrs/FB: https://www.facebook.com/businessbldrsThe Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  

Philippe Pouletty, M.D., CEO of Truffle Capital and Founder of Carvolix, describes the evolution of heart valve replacement and the significance of AI-guided robotics in expanding access to transcatheter procedures. The company's biomimetic mitral valve and AI software that guides valve placement using a mini robot are making these procedures safer and easier for less experienced cardiologists to perform.  The technology is also being adapted to treat brain strokes by enabling a larger pool of cardiologists to quickly perform necessary interventions. Philippe explains, "At Truffle Capital, are what we like to call ourselves Business Builders, which is to say we're not just going to start small companies, we are going to try and build world leaders to revolutionize medicine. For Carvolix, this means interventional cardiology as well as the treatment of brain strokes. As you know, replacing heart valves is a major medical need. We have four heart valves that open and close 50 to 100 times per minute, which can get calcified and dysfunctional with time and need replacement. So 40 years ago, you would go to a skilled surgeon who would say, "Okay, I'm going to open your chest. I'm going to stop your heart, and I'm going to sew a new valve."   "But recently we decided to lead the new revolution, which is a small robot based on artificial intelligence, that could autonomously, under the clinical supervision of a cardiologist, replace a valve. We think that this new revolution is going to allow many more patients to benefit from aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve replacement, even in smaller cardiac centers and among younger cardiologists. A similar revolution happened in the cockpit of Boeing and Airbus planes when the autopilot, the GPS systems, and satellite systems brought autonomy to planes." #Carvolix #CardiacNews #PatientCare #HealthTech #Cardio #AIinHealthcare #InterventionalCardiology #StrokeCare #MedTechInnovation #RoboticsInMedicine #TAVI #Thrombectomy #DigitalHealth Carvolix.eu Download the transcript here

Philippe Pouletty, M.D., CEO of Truffle Capital and Founder of Carvolix, describes the evolution of heart valve replacement and the significance of AI-guided robotics in expanding access to transcatheter procedures. The company's biomimetic mitral valve and AI software that guides valve placement using a mini robot are making these procedures safer and easier for less experienced cardiologists to perform.  The technology is also being adapted to treat brain strokes by enabling a larger pool of cardiologists to quickly perform necessary interventions. Philippe explains, "At Truffle Capital, are what we like to call ourselves Business Builders, which is to say we're not just going to start small companies, we are going to try and build world leaders to revolutionize medicine. For Carvolix, this means interventional cardiology as well as the treatment of brain strokes. As you know, replacing heart valves is a major medical need. We have four heart valves that open and close 50 to 100 times per minute, which can get calcified and dysfunctional with time and need replacement. So 40 years ago, you would go to a skilled surgeon who would say, "Okay, I'm going to open your chest. I'm going to stop your heart, and I'm going to sew a new valve."   "But recently we decided to lead the new revolution, which is a small robot based on artificial intelligence, that could autonomously, under the clinical supervision of a cardiologist, replace a valve. We think that this new revolution is going to allow many more patients to benefit from aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve replacement, even in smaller cardiac centers and among younger cardiologists. A similar revolution happened in the cockpit of Boeing and Airbus planes when the autopilot, the GPS systems, and satellite systems brought autonomy to planes." #Carvolix #CardiacNews #PatientCare #HealthTech #Cardio #AIinHealthcare #InterventionalCardiology #StrokeCare #MedTechInnovation #RoboticsInMedicine #TAVI #Thrombectomy #DigitalHealth Carvolix.eu Listen to the podcast here

Recorded Live at the One Heart Mates, Port Lincoln on the 23rd of March, 2026.

Peggy Smedley and Steve Yates, CEO, Buildxact, talk about how the construction industry is evolving quickly and the next wave of meaningful innovation. He says small business builders are trying to determine how to grow with the resources they have. They also discuss: · How technology can help solve some of the challenges for small business builders. · Labor shortages and the importance of recognizing the highest and best use of workers. · The difference between the availability of the data and the usefulness of the data. https://www.buildxact.com/

Ann O'Dea joins Business Builders for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, technology, artificial intelligence, and building a media business at the dawn of the internet.As co-founder of Silicon Republic, Ann helped launch one of Ireland's leading technology news platforms at a time when almost nobody was reading news online. Advertisers didn't believe in digital media, the audience was tiny, and the future of the internet was still uncertain.Instead of waiting for the market to catch up, she built for where the world was going.From cycling floppy disks between newsrooms in the early days of digital publishing, to navigating the 2008 financial crash, media disruption, and the rise of AI and the modern tech industry, Ann explains what it takes to build and sustain a niche media company for more than 25 years.But this episode goes far beyond journalism.Ann reflects on the emotional reality of founding and running a business - worrying about payroll even decades into entrepreneurship, learning the hard lessons of hiring, and the importance of having a co-founder when building a startup.She also shares her views on the future of artificial intelligence, technology, and digital media, and why diversity in STEM is essential if we want the best minds solving the world's biggest problems.This is a conversation about resilience, curiosity, leadership, and building a business that evolves alongside the technology shaping the modern world.

John Teeling joins Business Builders for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about risk, resilience, and the 20-year bet that helped revive Irish whiskey. When John entered the industry in the 1980s, Irish whiskey had fallen to under 2% of the global market. Consolidated into a struggling monopoly and written off by many, it looked like a declining category. Instead of walking away, he built. From buying a shuttered chemical plant in Dundalk and installing second-hand pot stills, to navigating bank loan recalls, political pressure, and years without meaningful profit, John explains what it really took to build Cooley Distillery; and why the payoff took nearly two decades. But this episode goes far beyond whiskey. John shares lessons from decades in mining, resources, and investing, where high risk doesn't mean high reward, but high probability of loss. He breaks down the difference between risk and uncertainty, why “the Euro is an orphan,” and why unsophisticated investors should never be in speculative markets. This is a conversation about long-term conviction, imposter syndrome, stubborn belief, and building businesses that outlast downturns. At 80 years old, John reflects on endurance, energy, family, legacy, and what it really means to take responsibility when you persuade others to back your vision.

Evelyn Kelly joins Business Builders for a powerful conversation about rare disease medicine, scaling a global consultancy, and what it really means to build a business with purpose.From starting at her kitchen table in 2017 with no formal plan, to growing Orphan Drug Consulting from €250,000 to €5 million in just four years, Evelyn shares how she built a specialist pharma consultancy that has helped over 70 companies launch medicines in more than 100 countries.But this isn't just a growth story.Evelyn works in the world of orphan drugs — treatments for rare diseases, many of which affect children. With over 7,000 rare diseases globally and fewer than 10% having approved treatments, she explains the regulatory, commercial and supply chain realities behind getting life-saving medicines to patients.The conversation explores what most people never see: clinical trial constraints, reimbursement battles across Europe, US pricing pressure, post-Brexit complexity, and the volatility currently hitting the biotech investment market.Alongside the technical depth, Evelyn reflects on leadership — absorbing hard feedback, building processes that allow scale, being responsible for other people's livelihoods, and why managing risk isn't about fear, but about stability.This episode is a grounded, high-level look at the intersection of purpose and process — and what it takes to build a resilient business in one of the most complex industries in the world.

Michelle Walsh joins Business Builders for a grounded, honest conversation about scaling a family business, navigating relentless growth, and learning the hard lessons that only come from being in the arena.From unexpectedly stepping into a food manufacturing business straight off a flight home, to helping grow RibWorld from €7 million to nearly €50 million in turnover, Michelle shares what it really takes to lead through expansion, crisis, and eventual exit. Over nine intense years, she helped build a 250-person operation supplying major supermarkets across Ireland, the UK, and Germany — all while learning first-hand how easy it is to lose control when growth outpaces structure.Rather than glamorising scale, Michelle reflects on the summer that nearly broke the business — when booming demand exposed weak controls, poor management information, and the cost of avoiding the “hard stuff.” That experience reshaped how she thinks about leadership, information, delegation, and strategic planning.The conversation moves through succession in family businesses, the emotional complexity of selling a company built over generations, the stress of private equity due diligence during Covid, and the personal toll of running a high-pressure operation in a volatile industry.Now working with founder-led and family businesses, Michelle brings that lived experience into advisory — helping business owners step out of operational firefighting, build real management teams, and regain control of the numbers that actually drive profit.This episode is a practical and deeply human look at what scaling really demands — and why facing the hard decisions early can save you years of pain later.

Philip McKernan joins Business Builders for a powerful conversation about success, identity, money, and the quiet cost of living a life that isn't fully aligned with who you are.Rather than framing success as growth, scale, or financial achievement, Philip challenges the idea that more money or momentum will ever resolve a deeper sense of unease. Drawing on his work with entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders around the world — as well as his own experience of losing everything — he explores why so many people reach impressive milestones yet still feel unfulfilled, restless, or disconnected.The conversation moves through identity, failure, purpose, and self-awareness, examining how entrepreneurs often over-identify with achievement, postpone meaningful work, and build lives around what they want to avoid rather than what they truly want. Philip also reflects on the role of money, environment, and fear in shaping our decisions — and why most people never bring their greatest work into the world.This episode is a deeply human look at entrepreneurship as a personal journey — not just a commercial one — and an invitation to stop betraying yourself in the pursuit of success.

Neuroscientist and psychologist Ian Robertson joins Business Builders to unpack what confidence really is, how it shapes success, and why it can quietly turn against the very people it helps elevate.Ian is Emeritus Professor at Trinity College, Dublin and author of two best-selling books:How Confidence Works: the new science of self-belief. PenguinThe Winner Effect: the science of success and how to use it. BloomsburyRather than treating confidence as optimism or self-belief, Ian explains it as a brain-based mechanism; one that drives action, motivation, mood, influence, and decision-making. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, sport, leadership, and real-world examples, he shows how confidence compounds through small wins, why it's essential for navigating uncertainty, and how it can distort judgment as success accumulates.The conversation also explores the dark side of confidence: how overconfidence becomes addictive, why it mirrors the effects of power on the brain, and how leaders, founders, and public figures can lose self-awareness as dopamine, status, and success reinforce one another. Ian draws a sharp distinction between intrinsic goals, wanting to be good at what you do, and extrinsic goals like money, status, and beating competitors, explaining why one builds resilience while the other undermines judgment and mental health.This episode is a deep, practical look at confidence as a tool, one that can build extraordinary momentum if used well, and cause serious damage if misunderstood.

#716 What if your origin story isn't what wins clients — but your ability to solve their problems is? In this episode hosted by Brien Gearin, Jay Owen, founder of Business Builders and host of Building a Business That Lasts, shares how he turned a teenage side hustle into a thriving multimillion-dollar agency that now runs mostly without him. Jay opens up about his early struggles, how a pivotal conversation with his wife helped him commit to entrepreneurship full-time, and the mindset shifts that helped him scale sustainably over two decades. He dives into the importance of recurring revenue, why strong messaging is more powerful than flashy design, and how agencies can stay relevant in an AI-driven world by becoming operators instead of executors. Whether you're growing your own agency or just getting started, this episode is packed with timeless advice and fresh perspective! (Original Air Date - 5/7/25) What we discuss with Jay: + Why your story isn't what sells + From teenage side hustle to agency + Importance of recurring revenue + Messaging over design every time + Scaling without burning out + Using AI to increase efficiency + Building a business, not a job + Contractors vs. employees + Speaking as a lead generator + Diversifying services and industries Thank you, Jay! Check out Business Builders at ⁠BusinessBldrs.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get a free ⁠⁠video course⁠⁠. Get a free ⁠AI resource⁠. Follow Jay on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci kicks off a four-week reflection journey designed to help small business owners assess their year with honesty and clarity. She dives into what truly mattered in your CEO role, where your time created value, and why busyness isn't the same as leadership. This conversation sets the foundation for stepping into a more intentional, spacious, and empowered CEO identity in the year ahead.Key topics covered:Why end-of-year planning doesn't work for most small business owners (and the better time to do it)The identity shift from doing everything to becoming the visionary your business actually needsHow overfilling your calendar keeps you in survival mode instead of strategy modeThe difference between familiar work that feels good and high-value work that moves the businessHow to spot where you provide unique value and where you're draining your CEO energyWhy letting go of control (the right way) is the key to scaling sustainablyChallenge:Do a three-day mini time audit. Track everything you do, highlight tasks that drain you or don't require your unique skill set, and identify your bottom 10%. Then decide what to automate, delegate, or eliminate.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores the mindset shift every founder must make in order to scale: letting go of the “hero” role. She reveals why jumping in to fix every problem feels productive, but ultimately turns you into the bottleneck that slows your business down. Staci walks through how to empower your team to think, make decisions, and take ownership, so your business can grow beyond your capacity. This short episode is packed with practical mindset shifts, leadership tools, and a simple homework assignment that will transform how you lead your team.Key topics covered:How the “hero habit” gives founders a dopamine hit while secretly sabotaging growthThe surprising reason being the go-to person can stunt your team's confidence and capabilityWhy answering questions quickly keeps you reactive instead of strategicHow shifting from “fixer” to “coach” unlocks speed, trust, and team autonomyStaci's favourite leadership questions that train your team to think—not just doThe culture transformation that happens when ownership becomes expectedThe “monkey on your back” analogy and how to stop taking on everyone else's problemsHow to know when a recurring issue needs a system, and when it doesn'tWhy letting your team try (and sometimes fail) once saves you countless hours foreverThe mindset shift from control to trust that separates solopreneurs from true leaderChallenge:When someone brings you a problem, do NOT solve it. Ask a follow-up question instead — guide them, don't fix it for them.Make a list of the top three things you're still manually fixing.Choose one of those three and create a system for it.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores a common challenge many small business owners face as they grow: the desire to be liked by their team so deeply that it gets in the way of actual leadership. She breaks down what it looks like to step into the role of a true coach, why clarity matters more than being the “nice boss,” and how avoiding discomfort can quietly limit a business's growth.Key topics covered:Why early hires often feel like family and how that impacts leadershipThe difference between kindness and people-pleasingHow lack of clarity, expectations, and boundaries can sabotage a company's ability to scaleWhat it means to lead from the “coach's view” and see the full pictureKey traits of strong leadership: direct communication, accountability, and empathy with boundariesWhy respect comes before likability, and why that order mattersThe risks of avoiding tough conversations or feedback to keep everyone comfortableChallenge:Listeners are encouraged to identify one area where their desire to be liked is causing them to avoid leadership. They should write down the tough conversation, feedback, or boundary they've been avoiding, and note what could become possible if they addressed it.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci gets real about what it looks like to lead well when you're stuck in the “messy middle” of business, beyond the fun startup phase but not yet in a smooth, scalable rhythm. She shares how leadership in chaos doesn't require perfect systems or a cleared calendar… just intention, clarity, and small but powerful shifts in how you show up every day.Key topics covered:Why waiting “until things calm down” keeps you stuck in chaosThe power of micro-moments in leadership (and why meetings aren't always the answer)Building CEO time into your schedule—even if it starts with just 30 minutesClear communication vs. constant availability (and why the latter leads to burnout)Delegating the how while owning the why so your team can act without youEven in the weeds, you can lead with intention and plant the roots that will support your next level of growth.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

It's lonely at the top. But being lonely is actually a choice. Today, we're talking to Jay Owen, CEO at Business Builders. We discuss how leading in ministry has changed his approach to business leadership, why loneliness at the top is actually a choice, and how AI tools like vibe coding are enabling agencies to build $50,000 solutions in just one week for a few hundred dollars. Thank you to Digital Ocean for sponsoring this episode. For simple cloud and powerful AI that's built to scale, check out Digital Ocean here. All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast!  To learn more about Business Builders, check out their website here.

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I'm diving into one of the biggest growth milestones for any small business owner — making your first or next leadership hire. If you've been wearing all the hats (COO, CMO, CFO…and maybe even floor sweeper), this episode is for you. I'll walk you through how to recognize it's time to expand your leadership team, what roles make the biggest impact, and how to set those hires up for success, even if you're starting small.Key topics covered:How to know when you're ready for a leadership hire, and the signs it's time to step back from the “doing”Why fractional roles (like fractional CFOs or CMOs) are a game-changer for small business ownersThe difference between a team member and a true leader, and how that impacts your energy and focusWhy you should be cautious about hiring a Director of Operations too soonMy top 5 tips for successful leadership hires, from hiring for how they think to giving them space to truly leadWhen you hire leadership, you stop being the whole engine and start being the driver, and that's when your business really starts to move forward.Challenge:Audit your leadership gap. Ask yourself:What am I holding on to that someone else could lead?What role would let me step into my CEO-level work?What would “done really well” look like for this person?Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 year-end hits.Key topics covered:The difference between a compliant year-end and a healthy oneFive key signs your business is financially healthyHow to avoid the year-end panic spiralWhy year-end should be a checkpoint, not a punishmentHow to use your numbers strategically to shape next year's goalsChallenge:Book a 90-minute CEO meeting with yourself. Review your financials using the five key signs from this episode. Write down what's working, what needs to change, and any questions to ask your accountant before filing. This is your chance to go into year-end confident, clear, and in control.A clean, clear year-end doesn't just reduce stress — it builds your confidence as a CEO. The numbers don't have to be scary; they're your most powerful guide for growth.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 it strengthens your business instead of stretching it too thin.Key topics covered:Why every stage of growth eats up cash — and how to prepare for itUnderstanding true growth costs: team, tools, time, and implementationHow to plan ahead so you can fund your growth without creating chaosBuilding financial buffers and cash flow forecasts to support expansionThe difference between growing out of clarity versus growing out of FOMOHow intentional, well-funded growth builds a stronger, more sustainable businessChallenge:Write down your top one to two growth goals for the next quarter. Then ask yourself — what will this really cost in time, tools, and team? Add a buffer, and decide how you'll make it possible.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 difference between a target and a forecast (and why you need both)How to use your past and current data to build realistic revenue projectionsUnderstanding seasonal trends and how they impact your businessConnecting your forecast to your capacity and marketing effortsWhy a good forecast gives you control, not pressureA forecast isn't about being right — it's about being ready. The more clarity you build, the less anxiety you'll feel about what's coming next.Challenge:Open up your revenue from the last 12 months and chart out your actuals by month.Then, forecast the next three months by labeling each one with:What's booked or guaranteedWhat's expectedAnd your stretch goal (the fun, visionary number!)Next month, review how close you came — and update the forecast again. Keep it rolling and start building that muscle of confident, intentional forecasting.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 sustainable pay structure, and start treating yourself like the CEO you already are.Key topics covered:Why your business should exist to serve your life — not starve itThe two ways you get paid as an owner: for your role and as a shareholderHow to figure out what it would cost to replace you in your businessThe risks of both underpaying and overpaying yourselfHow to build your salary into your financial model and start reverse-engineering profitChallenge:Get clear on your numbers!Decide what enough looks like for you — what income do you personally need to feel secure?Calculate what your business should be paying to replace you for the roles you fill.Once you know these two numbers, you'll have the clarity to start building your pay plan like a true CEO.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 create more space for what truly lights you up.Key topics covered:Why profitability isn't the only kind of return on investment that matters.How to recognize when an offer is draining your energy (even if it's making money).Understanding the “fear of letting go” and how the sunk cost fallacy keeps us stuck.The five-point system to audit your offers and spot what's out of alignment.How to gracefully phase out or reshape an offer that no longer fits your vision.Challenge:Audit your current offers using Staci's 5-point system — profitability, energy, scalability, client results, and alignment. Then, circle one offer that might need to be retired or reshaped and reflect on what changing it could make possible for your business.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 predictability into your business.Key topics covered:Why the feast or famine cycle shows up (and why it keeps us stuck in stress mode).The difference between reactive and proactive business building.How to plan revenue ahead instead of scrambling month-to-month.Three proven paths to create stability: recurring/retainer offers, rebooking systems, and consistent lead generation.Why predictable revenue doesn't mean boring—it actually creates more freedom and intentional growth.ChallengePick one of the three paths to predictable revenue:Create a recurring/retainer offerBuild a rebooking or renewal systemPlan a consistent lead generation habitChoose the one that will have the biggest impact for you this quarter and commit to taking one action step this week to move it forward.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

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 numbers” thinking into creating a budget that supports the future you're building.Key topics covered:Why most budgets fail—and how to create one rooted in your vision, not last year's revenueThe key categories every business owner should consider when mapping costs to growthHow to set realistic revenue targets that align with your expenses and goalsThe importance of revisiting and adjusting your budget regularly (it's not a one-time exercise!)Your simple homework: define three goals for your business this year, and map out the resources needed to make them possibleChallengeWrite down three goals you want your business to support this year—both personally and professionally.Then, map out the resources or expenses that would help you reach those goals.Don't worry about the revenue yet—just focus on identifying what it would take to run the business well and support those goals.Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Doug Smith offers an insider's perspective on the power of technology, informed by over three decades of software development experience and a lifetime of Bible study. As a software developer, Doug has served Fortune 500 companies, startups, universities, government agencies, and media personalities. He's currently an Android-focused engineer with Covenant Eyes and a proud ambassador for ScreenStrong.org. See his recent article on AI and ministry https://renew.org/should-we-use-generative-ai-chatbots-for-ministry/ and his recent book [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires, and How You Can Break Free. Jay Owen is the Founder and CEO of Business Builders, a marketing agency in St. Augustine Florida, and the executive director of communication at The Church of Eleven22. With over 20 years of experience growing businesses, Jay now helps others leverage AI technology for sustainable growth. Follow Jay's work at https://aiwithjay.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices