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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!

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The Small Business School Podcast

Navigating Disappointment as a Business Owner

May 12, 2026 • Episode 388

0:00 | 25:18

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci opens up in one of her most vulnerable and honest conversations yet. While we often celebrate growth and success in business, this episode explores the moments that don’t go as planned. The ones that bring up feelings of shame, disappointment, and self-doubt behind the scenes.

Staci shares a deeply personal reflection on a recent season in her business that stretched her in unexpected ways, navigating the pressure of leadership, capacity challenges, and the emotional weight of not meeting her own high standards.

Key topics covered:

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

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

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.