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 mindset of professionalism and self-respect. The Power of Perspective – The concept of zooming out to see the whole “image” instead of obsessing over each “pixel” of a situation. Applying the Technique – How to cultivate this question as a habit to face adversity and bring peace in chaotic times. 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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 feeling like you belong is a mindset, not a fact. Heather teaches how to question default thinking and replace it with empowered, conscious thoughts. Advice on how to work with your brain to adopt a new self-concept and embrace your value in any group or situation. 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram    

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 opportunities for learning. 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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: 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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" myth. 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram Nicole Begley: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/

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 hold you back. How Elevate can help photographers grow their business, even with a busy schedule.   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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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 childhood, can limit professional growth. Kerry reflects on how her feelings of being an "outsider" with affluent clients affected her confidence in sales. Breaking Through Subconscious Blocks: Heather and Nicole guide Kerry through understanding the subconscious beliefs holding her back from fully embracing sales. Insights on how past beliefs can be acknowledged and shifted to foster confidence and connection in sales. The Power of Curiosity in Business: Exploring how curiosity can help overcome fear and discomfort in sales. Kerry’s journey to introspection, discovering how her past experiences shaped her feelings, and the shift from hesitancy to empowerment. Actionable Strategies: Techniques for photographers and business owners to shift their mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and confidently sell luxury services. Using curiosity and self-awareness as tools for personal and professional 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram Nicole Begley: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/ Kerry Jordan: https://www.furandfables.com/my-story/

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 comparison and focus on their own progress. Practical Steps: Two actionable steps to deal with comparison – becoming aware of it and deciding whether to avoid triggers or work on changing your mindset. Related Episode: Heather references Episode 257, "Comparison is Not the Thief of Joy," for further insights on overcoming comparison. 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

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 Expectations: Dealing with seasonal fluctuations and planning ahead for busy periods. Community Engagement: Insights into how community involvement and networking can drive 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 with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram  

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 listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram