The Small Business School Podcast
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!
The Small Business School Podcast
Business Builders (Pt.31) How to Have Hard Conversations in Business
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Having tough conversations is part of leadership — but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. In this episode of Small Business School’s Business Builders Series, I’m breaking down how to handle those sticky situations with clarity and kindness, so you can lead with confidence instead of avoidance. You’ll learn how to stop spiraling, avoid resentment, and actually strengthen relationships through honesty and respect.
Key topics covered:
- Why hard conversations are a leadership skill (not a personality trait)
- The three key questions to ask yourself before you speak
- How to check your tone and timing so you don’t react from emotion
- A simple 3-step framework for navigating tough conversations
- Common pitfalls like over-coaching or over-owning — and how to avoid them
Challenge
Pick one hard conversation you’ve been avoiding.
Ask yourself:
What outcome do I actually want?
What emotion am I feeling, and how do I want to show up instead?
Is this about them, the situation, or me needing to lead more clearly?
Write out the 3-part structure:
What have you noticed?
How does it affect the business or person?
What do you want to ask or suggest next?
Then book the time and actually have the conversation this week.
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/
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