128 - From Setbacks to Success: The Power of a Growth Mindset
Release Date: 06/18/2025
150 - The #1 Mistake New Entrepreneurs Make (And How to Avoid it)
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory challenges one of the most common myths in entrepreneurship: that you need money to start a business. Spoiler alert - you don't. What you do need is something far more valuable (and completely free): proof of concept. Kirsten dives into why so many aspiring business owners skip this critical step and how it can make or break your success before you ever spend a dollar. She shared personal insights from building her commercial real estate brokerage, explaining how starting lean - and resisting the urge to...
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149 - Are You Accidentally Killing Your Business?
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the hard truth that many businesses don't survive - and more importantly, why. While external factors can play a role, most business failures come down to three key areas: cash flow, market demand, and management. The good news? Two of those are fully within your control. Kirsten shares real-world insights on how poor financial decisions, lack of planning, and ignoring market shifts can quietly put your business at risk. She also offers practical strategies to help you stay ahead, maintain control, and...
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148 - Don't Let Your Business Become the Next Penny
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on While it may seem insigificant, the story of the penny reveals a crucial lesson for business owners. Originally valueable and practical, the penny ultimately became obsolete - costing more to produce than it was worth. Sound familiar? Kirsten draws a direct parallel to what happens in many small businesses: strong sales, growing revenue, and busy operations...but little to no profit. She breaks down why this happens and what to do about it. Key Takeaways: Revenue doesn't always equal profit - just because your sales look strong, doesn't mean your business is...
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147 - 5 Habits that are Quietly Stunting Your Business Growth
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! As the first quarter of the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to evaluate your business goals. Are you tracking your progress - or simply hoping things work out? In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares five common habits that can quietly stunt business growth and how small business owners can shift their focus to build momentum instead. Many entrepreneurs fall into patterss that feel productive, but ultimately limit their ability to grow. From failing to understand your top clients to spending too much time on strategy...
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146 - From Failure to 7 Figures: Sales Lessons with Rod Santomassimo
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on What does it take to grow a business every single year, even through recession, mistakes and market shifts? In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with bestselling author, coach, and founder of , Rod Santomassimo, to talk about sales, mindset, risk, failure, AI, social media and the real drivers behind sustainable growth. From a painful (and hilarious) marketing typo that launched his coaching business...to doubling and tripling seven-figure incomes...Rod shares the frameworks that separate transactional operators from true business owners. If you are building a small...
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145 - Success is More Than a Scorecard: Relationships, Curiosity and Growth
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! In this reflective episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares lessons learned from reaching a milestone birthday - turning 50! Rather than focusing on age as a number, she explores what the next chapter of life, business, and personal growth can look like when guided by curiosity, connection and intention. From redifining success beyond money to the power of meaningful relationships, stepping outside your comfort zone, and experiencing life with childlike wonder, this episode is an invitation to slow down and reflect on what truly matters. Whether...
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144 - Build, Buy or Repurpose? Making the Right Real Estate Decision for Your Business
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory sits down with Lance Johnson, Engineer with Bartlett & West Engineering, to unpack what business owners really need to think about before buying, renovating, or building a commercial property. For many entrepreneurs, occupying space is inevitable - but owning the right space can be a power wealth building strategy. The challenge? Most business owners are real estate developers. Lance brings clarity to the process, breaking down the "boring but critical" elements of development...
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143 - Is Your Business Actually Viable? 5 Tests Before You Spend a Dollar
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! Before you invest time, money, and energy into a new business idea, there's one critical question you must answer: Is it actually viable? In this episode, host Kirsten Flory walks through give simple but powerful tests every entrepreneur should use to validate a startup idea before going all in. Through real-world examples - from product ideas to grocery delivery services - Kirsten shares how asking the right questions early can save you significant time, money, and frustration. Key Takeaways: Why idea validation matters more than passion alone The difference...
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142 - The Data You Need to Win in 2026
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on ! As we kick of 2026, Kirsten Flory challenges small business owners to start the year with clarity - not guesswork. In this episode, she breaks down the most important data points every entrepreneur should be tracking to make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and eliminate what's no longer working. From understanding where you sales really come from, to evaluating clients, marketing spend, staff performance and even product offerings, this episode is a practical roadmap to use data to drive growth. Kirsten also shares real-world examples from her own...
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141 - Are You Interested or Committed?
The Small Business Mindset
Watch this episode on As we close out 2025 and step boldly into planning for 2026, Kirsten challenges you with a tough but transformational question: Are you committed to your goals, or merely interested? Most people like the idea of achieving big things - more income, more freedom, more abundance, etc. But liking the idea isn't enough. In this episode, Kirsten digs into the mindset shifts, the stories we tell ourselves, and the fears we cling to that keep us from living the bigger life we imagine. Key Takeaways: The difference between interest and commitment How your...
info_outlineIn this episode, Kirsten Flory discusses the importance of mindset for small business owners, contrasting growth and fixed mindsets. She shares personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges, from training for a marathon, to illustrate how a growth mindset can empower individuals to achieve their goals. The conversation also highlights lessons from high achievers and emphasizes the value of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindset drives much of what small business owners do
- A growth mindset allows for innovation and creativity
- Personal experiences can shape our understanding of our capabilities
- Challenges can lead to personal growth and empowerment
- The journey is as important as the destination in achieving goals
- High achievers often face setbacks, but learn from them
- Failure should be viewed as an opportunity for growth
- Mindset influences how we perceive challenges and opportunities
- Success is not just about winning, but about learning and growing
Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset.
Suggested Reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PhD