Flourish Academy Podcast

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of money mindset. Drawing on her engineering background, she explains how optimizing your thoughts around money can lead to profound financial breakthroughs. Heather shares her personal journey, resources, and the principles behind her two transformative courses, Empowered and The Wealthy Photographer. Whether you're thriving or just getting by, this episode will help you identify inefficiencies in your money thinking and guide you toward building wealth and financial peace. Show Notes: Heather’s journey of improving her money mindset over the past decade. How an engineering mindset helps optimize your financial approach. Understanding your default money philosophy and creating a new one. Increasing your capacity to "have and hold" money. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, pleas

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley dive deep into the hidden fears that hold photographers back from sharing their work. They explore how societal expectations, self-doubt, and fear of judgment can influence photographers' decisions to keep their art to themselves. Heather shares her journey and insights from coaching in the Elevate program, including the incredible mindset shifts that have helped photographers achieve their business goals, land major sales, and show up confidently. Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion on how to break free from limiting beliefs, find courage, and share your unique perspective with the world.   Show Notes: The role of “sneaky thoughts” and how they can dictate behavior without us realizing it. Insights from the Elevate program and recent success stories from participants. Real stories of photographers landing bigger sales and meeting ambitious income targets by adjusting their mindset. Heather and Nicole discuss the impact of family, friends, and p

Book a unique 90-minute coaching session with Heather during Black Friday Week, beginning November 25th. https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/2024deals In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares insights from a week of coaching photographers who are grappling with roadblocks in their business growth. Heather dives into how mindset and experimentation play crucial roles in overcoming these obstacles, focusing on how to reframe common struggles, manage self-doubt, and find opportunity in setbacks.  She also shares her “scientific method” approach to trying new ideas, tackling failure, and continuing forward when things don’t go as planned. Show Notes: Heather’s Coaching Notes: Insights and common challenges photographers face while growing their businesses. Mindset Shifts: The importance of reframing “dead ends” and embracing experiments. The Scientific Approach: Using the scientific method to test strategies, let go of perfectionism, and get creative. Facing Disappointment: Lear

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares a powerful question that can transform how you navigate life’s toughest seasons. If you're facing personal challenges or dealing with frustrations in your photography business, Heather’s approach—focusing on "Who do I want to be in this moment?"—offers a path to clarity, calm, and renewed control. With personal stories, deep insights, and practical tips, this episode encourages you to approach adversity with resilience and grace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective that could make all the difference. Show Notes The Catalyst – A personal story about helping friends through challenging situations and recognizing the importance of “zooming out.” Questioning Our Reactions – Why being overly focused on the details can amplify suffering and how asking, “Who do I want to be?” can shift our perspective. Practical Example for Photographers – Handling emotional reactions to business challenges, like pricing inquiries, with a

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen tackles the often unspoken struggle of feeling like you don't belong. Whether you're transitioning into a new career or stepping into rooms filled with people you admire, imposter syndrome can creep in. Heather shares personal insights and actionable strategies on how to shift your self-concept, take control of your thoughts, and confidently decide that you belong in any room you're in. Listen in for encouragement and mindset shifts that will help you embrace your identity and add value, wherever you are. Show Notes: Heather introduces the topic of feeling like you don't belong, sparked by conversations with photographers in her Elevate program. Discussion on how shifting identities (e.g., from teacher or nurse to professional photographer) can lead to feelings of fraudulence. Heather explains how you can consciously decide to belong, regardless of circumstances, and shares her own experiences from joining high-level mastermind groups. Not f

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen reflects on the importance of commitment in growing your photography business. Drawing inspiration from her recent Elevate Live Retreat, Heather shares how photographers can overcome indecision and procrastination to unlock their full potential. This episode dives into the mindset needed to push through challenges, learn from failures, and develop a successful photography business—one small action at a time. Show Notes: The Power of Commitment: Heather discusses how photographers often hold themselves back through indecision and how making a clear commitment to success is the first step to victory. Inch by Inch Progress: Heather shares how success comes from small, consistent actions, even when progress feels imperceptible. It’s about fighting for those inches, day by day. Embrace Struggles: One of the key takeaways is the idea that growth comes through failure and challenges. Heather encourages listeners to seek out these struggles as oppor

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares a real coaching session on procrastination and overwhelm. She emphasizes the importance of working for your "future self" by tackling tasks today, whether it’s outsourcing or managing your mind to get through those moments of low motivation. You'll also hear about the journey to finding the right balance between discipline and flexibility in your workflow. Whether you're struggling to stay motivated or simply putting off important tasks, this episode will offer insights into taking control of your schedule and working for your "future self." Show Notes: Understanding what really drives procrastination Coaching example: A client struggling with motivation for photo editing The impact of clarity (or lack thereof) on productivity Shifting your mindset from "current you" to "future you" How outsourcing and brain management can help alleviate stress Practical tips for dealing with tasks you don’t enjoy How to Support the Podcast: Subscri

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley challenge the common belief that better photos automatically lead to a successful photography business. Together, they explore why talented photographers often struggle to book high-paying clients, the mindset shift required to move from stunning images to a fully booked calendar, and the critical steps to start attracting clients who truly value and invest in your work. Listen in to uncover what really works for growing a thriving photography business and how you can apply it to your own journey. Show Notes: Why great photos alone won’t grow your photography business. Common misconceptions photographers have about attracting clients. The mindset shift you need to make to build a thriving business. Practical steps to attract high-paying clients who value your work. The importance of getting out into the community and making offers. Nicole and Heather’s personal experiences with breaking the "better photos = more clients" m

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, host Heather Lahtinen shares how to overcome real-life circumstances that may limit your progress in business and life. Drawing from a recent Elevate program call, Heather explains how she managed raising small children while growing a successful photography business. She offers strategies to break free from limitations and shift your mindset to take control of your circumstances. Tune in to discover how to tap into your hidden reserves and move forward, no matter the challenges.   Show Notes: Understanding the difference between thoughts and circumstances. Real-world examples of how life responsibilities like full-time jobs or children can affect your business. Mindset shifts to help you operate beyond your perceived limitations. Tapping into hidden reserves of strength when you’re feeling low on energy or motivation. Challenging the belief that you need perfect conditions to perform at your best. Questions to help you identify self-imposed restrictions that

In this episode of Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley is joined by returning guest Kerry Jordan to explore the impact of mindset on sales success. Kerry shares her ongoing struggle with selling private portrait photography services, contrasting it with the ease she experiences in her commercial pet photography business. Together, they dive into how limiting beliefs, often rooted in childhood, can block potential and create discomfort around selling high-ticket items. This episode highlights the importance of acknowledging and shifting those beliefs to embrace sales with confidence and create personal and professional breakthroughs. Show Notes: Kerry’s Sales Struggles: Kerry shares her ongoing challenges selling private photography services to affluent clients. She contrasts the discomfort she feels in private portrait sales with the ease of her commercial pet photography business. Mindset & Sales Success: Discussion on how thoughts and beliefs, particularly those formed in

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen dives into the perils of comparison and how it affects photographers and creatives alike. Heather explores the natural tendency to compare ourselves to others and the detrimental impact it can have on our self-worth and creativity.  Whether you’re feeling discouraged by another photographer's work or struggling to see the value in your own, this episode offers actionable insights to shift your perspective and embrace your unique journey. Tune in to discover how to stop comparing and start flourishing. Show Notes Introduction to Comparison: Heather discusses why comparing ourselves to others is a natural, yet counterproductive, tendency and how it affects photographers. The Downside of Comparison: How comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy or false pride, and why it ultimately hurts us. 13 Questions to Overcome Comparison: Heather introduces and explains the 13 questions she uses in coaching to help clients move past

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen delves into a compelling conversation with two standout photographers from the Elevate program. Heather interviews Jess Rodriguez and Jessica Wasik, who share their incredible journeys from early struggles to achieving significant financial milestones. Discover how these photographers navigated economic challenges, leveraged community involvement, and implemented smart strategies to boost their businesses.  Tune in to learn their secrets, get inspired by their success stories, and gain actionable insights to transform your own photography business. Show Notes: Overcoming Challenges: Jess R. discusses her early struggles and breakthrough moments in her dog photography business. Strategic Growth: Jess W. reveals her strategies for attracting high-value clients and maintaining a steady flow of work. Economic Resilience: The discussion covers how both photographers adapted to economic shifts and found success despite challenges. Managing Expecta

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen tackles the mental clutter that can make running a photography business feel overwhelming. Heather shares a personal story about managing travel anxiety and how she learned to cut through the chaos of overthinking. She explains that instead of striving for perfection, focusing on a straightforward approach can make your business more manageable. Join Heather as she offers practical advice on overcoming mind drama, simplifying your business approach, and staying true to what really matters.

 Show Notes Simplifying your business approach by eliminating mind drama. Heather shares her recent experience with travel anxiety and how she overcame it with a simpler mindset. How overthinking can complicate running a photography business. Three-step process for making business growth easier. How to shift your mindset from stress and anxiety to clarity and simplicity.

 How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you lis

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen addresses an issue for many working moms: mom guilt. Heather dives into a recent client dilemma, where a photographer struggled with the choice between attending a key industry event and spending time with her children. She shares practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of aligning decisions with personal values and debunking the myth that you can’t excel in both your business and family life. Tune in to learn how to make empowered decisions, manage mom guilt, and create a balanced, fulfilling life.   Show Notes: Recent client’s struggle with balancing a key industry event and family time. How value conflicts create stress and the pitfalls of black-and-white thinking. Strategies for reconciling business goals with family life, including prioritizing values and challenging irrational thoughts. Personal experience of balancing family and personal values with work commitments. Encouragement to embrace bot

In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, host Nicole Begley sits down with Heather Lawton from Flourish Academy to explore the fascinating concept of time travel in business. They dive deep into how thinking about your future self can impact your current decisions, and how past experiences shape our present. Heather shares her personal journey from childhood habits of saving the best for last to strategic financial decisions that paved the way for her successful homestead. Join Nicole and Heather as they discuss how to set up your future self for success, avoid common pitfalls, and make decisions that benefit you in the long run. Show Notes Reflecting on unexpected career paths and the importance of following your passions. Recognizing the difference between genuine intuition and ego-driven anxiety. How to imagine what your future self would say and use that wisdom to make decisions. Strategies for setting up your future self for success and how to avoid common mistakes. The importance of h

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares valuable insights from experienced photographers and entrepreneurs about what to think and believe when starting something new. Whether you're a photographer or venturing into another field, the advice shared here will resonate with anyone embarking on a new journey. Discover how trusting yourself, managing rejection, and focusing on progress over perfection can help you succeed. Tune in for practical wisdom on navigating the early stages of your business and personal growth.
 Show Notes: Learn why believing in your vision and surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial. The importance of finding good teachers and investing in your growth. Discover how focusing on progress rather than perfection can accelerate your success. Tips on embracing rejection as a part of the growth process. The importance of being kind to yourself and leading with service during tough times. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen explores the idea of rejection and how it affects photographers trying to grow their businesses. As an experienced photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, Heather offers advice on handling rejection, why it's crucial for growth, and how to turn "no" into opportunities.  Discover practical tips to manage and embrace rejection and learn why getting more "no's" can lead to more "yes's" and a successful photography business. Show Notes: The concept of perceived rejection and why it may not be real rejection. Simple formula for making more money: make more offers, meet more people. The importance of being willing to hear "no" and the benefits of rejection. Six strategies to manage and embrace rejection. The importance of embracing rejection for business growth. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share wit

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen talks about the unfiltered confidence and joy of a six-year-old's approach to life and business. She explores how we can rediscover our innate belief in ourselves to break through mental barriers and achieve greater success in both business and life. Tune in to learn how embracing a childlike mindset can lead to more fun, creativity, and effectiveness in your entrepreneurial journey.
 Show Notes: A heartwarming story about Chase, a six-year-old who embodies confidence and joy in his small accomplishments. Discussion of Holly Kraschaw’s article and how it perfectly captures the essence of a child’s mindset. The importance of telling ourselves positive things and believing in our capabilities, as children do. How societal conditioning and life experiences can diminish our self-belief. Strategies to reconnect with your inner child and regain confidence. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to p

Make sure you check out Pricing 101, our free course designed to help you get up and running as quickly as possible! Click here to learn more. Use this link for the "click here"
https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/sLNfKrrP In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen discusses the common challenge of setting prices for photography services when you're just starting out. With 20 years of experience helping photographers, Heather shares her simple and effective approach to pricing: just make it up! Through an engaging story about her son’s entrepreneurial journey, she illustrates the importance of experimentation, confidence, and avoiding overthinking. Tune in to discover practical tips and gain the confidence to set your photography prices without stress.
 Show Notes: The common question: How do I price my photography? The simple approach: Making up prices and adjusting as you go Story about Heather’s son, Evan, and his power-washing business Lessons from Evan’s pricing s

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen and her friend Michelle Crandall talk about running a business while dealing with anxiety. Heather shares her experiences as a photographer and entrepreneur, while Michelle gives tips on managing anxious thoughts. They discuss how to reframe anxiety, understand cognitive distortions, and use strategies to overcome them. This episode provides helpful advice for turning anxiety into empowerment and navigating the challenges of being an entrepreneur.
 Show Notes:
 Techniques for recognizing and addressing anxious thoughts. Impact of anxiety on running a business. Importance of mindset shifts in managing anxiety and business challenges. Personal stories about medication's effectiveness. Reducing stigma around mental health and seeking help. The Eight Cognitive Distortions: labeling and judging, black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization, mind reading, personalization, catastrophizing, should statements, emotional reasoning. Strategies for