Flourish Academy Podcast

In this powerful episode, Heather Lahtinen shares a deeply personal and emotional experience of her family’s recent health crisis when her husband, Craig, underwent emergency triple bypass surgery. Heather takes us behind the scenes, offering a 30,000-foot view of the situation, discussing how her life protocol rooted in faith and mindset coaching helped her navigate the overwhelming emotions and difficult decisions during the ordeal. In this episode, Heather also shares how faith, mindset coaching, and a strong personal protocol can offer clarity and resilience even in the most challenging circumstances. Listeners will walk away with practical insights and inspiration to handle their own life crises with faith, strength, and clarity. Show Notes: The details of the health crisis Heather’s family faced and how it impacted their lives. The importance of having a life protocol rooted in faith and mindset coaching during challenging times. How Heather applied her coaching tools and mindset principles to stay cal

In this quick yet powerful episode, Heather Lahtinen shares three overlooked marketing mistakes that could be costing you clients—without you even realizing it. From being hard to contact, to missing key info on your profile, to slow responses, these seemingly small issues create massive barriers for potential clients.  Using real-life examples from her own experiences as a consumer, Heather helps you reflect on how easy—or frustrating—it might be to hire you. Whether you're a photographer or any type of creative entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen if you're ready to make it easier for clients to say "yes." Show Notes: Why your marketing must be client-focused Trying to hire a massage therapist—what went wrong The #1 rule in marketing: Make it easy for people to give you money How unclear processes can kill a sale The importance of having your name on your profiles The impact of slow or no responses on potential clients 3 actionable marketing tips to fix today Join our next free coaching workshop:

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather shares powerful insights from recent coaching sessions with photographers, including a key mindset shift around validation, consistency, and self-belief. Discover how to stay rooted in your vision—even when you hear crickets—and how reframing consistency as compound interest can transform the way you show up for your business and life. If you've ever felt defeated by a lack of response or struggled with being consistent, this episode is for you. Show Notes: The emotional rollercoaster of launching a new idea Creating internal validation instead of relying on external feedback Why brilliant ideas need time, visibility, and the right audience Using the “compound interest” mindset to stay motivated in business Real-life examples from marriage, business, and fitness Spotting the difference between facts and thoughts in client objections How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen is joined by Michelle Crandall for an honest and insightful conversation about the mindset traps entrepreneurs face around productivity, rest, and redefining what it means to be “done.” If you’ve ever felt like you should be doing more, this episode is for you. Together, they unpack the invisible pressure we place on ourselves to always be working and offer a powerful reframe to help you feel more in control, focused, and at peace with your business. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Show Notes: The real challenge behind “not being able to shut off” What “done” really means in entrepreneurship Why productivity guilt is hurting your success How to stop letting unfinished tasks define your worth How to create flexible structure in your day The truth about working on weekends: Choice vs. obligation Letting go of the “course guilt” and owning your season Why your business is flourishing—whether you see it or not

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares a deeply personal story about managing anxious thoughts in the middle of an airport meltdown—and how she coached herself through it using a tool called The Model. You’ll hear a real-time chat between Heather and her custom-built Model GPT (available exclusively inside Elevate), and you’ll learn just how powerful your thoughts are in shaping your emotions, your behavior, and your results. Whether you’re stuck in stress, facing a delay in your business or life, or just feeling like “you can’t handle it,” this episode offers a hopeful, practical path forward. And spoiler alert: you can handle it. Register for the next free Fast Track Coaching Workshop Show Notes: Discover how Heather created a custom GPT to help you coach yourself Hear how a delayed flight turned into a life lesson in emotional resilience Get powerful reframes like “I don’t like this, but I can handle it” Learn why the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts How to Support the Podcast: Sub

In this eye-opening episode, Heather Lahtinen delivers a powerful masterclass on what she calls "Financial Fortune Telling"—the habit of assuming what clients will (or won’t) spend based on their appearance, lifestyle, or words. Spoiler alert: it’s not helping you. In fact, it's holding you back. She breaks down how these assumptions originate from your own beliefs about money, and how they sabotage your confidence, your service, and ultimately, your sales. Heather shares real-life stories, practical mindset shifts, and five steps to help you drop the judgment, stop playing mind reader, and start showing up as the empowered business owner your clients deserve. This is a must-listen for every photographer who wants to shift from scarcity to service and grow a thriving, values-based business. Show Notes: How your assumptions about money are actually projections of your own beliefs 5 tools to drop judgment and embrace service-based selling Reframe that will change how you think about every inquiry Why "the les

Every photographer, no matter how experienced, will eventually face a challenging client. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen sit down with Alison Shamrell, a talented pet photographer and long-time coaching client, to discuss how she handled an unexpected situation with an unhappy commercial client. We talk about mindset, communication, and the importance of having a coach to navigate these tough moments. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome or worried about client feedback, this episode is for you. Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at www.getcoachedbyheather.com Show Notes: Why handling client issues is part of business growth The unexpected challenge: What went wrong with the commercial shoot The emotional impact of client criticism and self-doubt Shifting the mindset: Taking responsibility without self-blame The role of coaching in overcoming business roadblocks How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on i

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not that good” or “My photos aren’t good enough”? These thoughts might feel true, but they’re actually holding you back from building a thriving photography business. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen challenges the limiting beliefs that keep photographers stuck and explains why your self-concept is the foundation of your success. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, focus on your progress, and take action with confidence. Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at www.getcoachedbyheather.com Show Notes: How your thoughts impact your success The most common limiting beliefs photographers have Why you can’t build a successful business with self-doubt The power of self-concept and how it shapes your decisions The truth about being “good enough” in photography The experiment: What if you couldn’t think “I’m not good enough”? How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or whe

Do you ever feel like success is just out of reach? That no matter what course you take or strategy you try, nothing seems to work? The truth is, it's not the strategy that’s broken—it’s our mindset that’s keeping us stuck. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen talks about the self-doubt loop, why our brains sabotage us, and how a simple mindset shift can change everything. Plus, she shares a 30-day challenge to help you start thinking and acting like success is inevitable. Show Notes: Why self-doubt keeps you stuck in a cycle of inaction How our primal brain holds us back to “keep us safe” The key difference between successful and struggling photographers A simple mindset shift that can help you break through self-doubt A 30-day challenge to start thinking and acting like a successful photographer 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 soci

Success intolerance is one of the biggest hidden barriers to growth, yet most people don’t even realize they have it. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley break down the difference between fear of success and success intolerance. They explore how subconscious resistance to success can manifest as self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and procrastination. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business despite wanting more, this conversation is for you.

Are you charging what you're worth, or are your prices making you resent your clients? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, we dive into the real reasons you should raise your prices—and it’s not just about profitability. Heather Lahtinen explains how resentment is often a sign that it’s time for a change and why shifting your thoughts around pricing is just as important as raising your rates. If you’ve ever felt underappreciated, undervalued, or frustrated with your pricing, this episode is for you. Show Notes: The biggest reasons to raise your prices (it’s not just about profit). The #1 mistake photographers make when setting their prices. Breaking down toxic thoughts that keep you stuck at low prices. How to shift your mindset around pricing and value. 10 powerful thoughts to replace resentment with confidence. Where to go for coaching & deeper support. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a rev

Perfectionism is often praised as a sign of high standards, but what if it's actually holding you back? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen breaks down the truth about perfectionism—why we cling to it, how it keeps us stuck, and what we can do to overcome it. You'll learn why perfectionism is really just a strategy to avoid looking bad, how to reframe your fears, and practical steps to start moving forward today. Plus, Heather shares her top 10 tips to overcome perfectionism and start embracing progress over perfection. If you've ever hesitated to take action because you were afraid of doing something wrong, this episode is for you! Show Notes: The real definition of perfectionism and why it’s more harmful than helpful. How perfectionism leads to procrastination, fear, and inaction. The connection between perfectionism, self-worth, and fear of judgment. Why perfectionism is a strategy to avoid uncomfortable emotions (and why that doesn’t work). How to shift your mindset to embr

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen explores a groundbreaking discovery she calls Photo Dysmorphia—a condition affecting photographers who struggle to see their own brilliance. Through real-life examples and a deep dive into the root causes of self-doubt, she reveals why so many talented photographers dismiss praise, seek constant validation, and obsess over imperfections. Heather offers a powerful mindset shift and practical strategies to help photographers evaluate their work objectively, gain confidence, and stop relying on external approval. Show Notes: Why Photographers Struggle to See Their Own Talent A Real-Life Story: Award-Winning Photography and Persistent Self-Doubt The Root Causes: Comparison, Perfectionism, and Validation Addiction Why External Validation Will Never Be Enough How to Objectively Evaluate Your Work (and Finally Feel Good About It) Practical Steps to Build Self-Approval and Confidence How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or

Have you ever had a friend or family member make a discouraging comment about your photography business? Maybe they question your pricing, doubt your success, or think it’s "just a hobby." In this episode, Heather shares why these comments sting, how to stop internalizing negativity, and the best ways to respond with confidence. You don’t need their approval—you need your own belief. Let’s build a mindset that deflects doubt and keeps you moving forward, no matter what anyone says. Show Notes: The most common negative comments photographers hear from friends and family Why these comments only hurt if there’s already doubt in your mind The power of unshakable belief in your business How to stop seeking external validation and cultivate your own confidence Quick-witted responses to shut down negativity (with a little humor!) Why your success isn’t dependent on anyone else's belief but your own How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, sh

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather dives deep into how the relationships in your life—especially the one you have with yourself and your business—affect your success. Drawing from a powerful mentoring experience, Heather shares key insights into why your most important relationship can either fuel or hinder your progress. From improving communication with your spouse to practicing self-compassion and transforming your business mindset, this episode is packed with actionable advice for unlocking breakthroughs in both business and life. Plus, stay tuned for a marriage tip at the end that could change your life! Show Notes: Why the most important relationship in your life impacts your business. How unresolved personal relationship issues can drain your cognitive resources. The impact of self-talk on your business and life. Tips for cultivating a healthy relationship with your business. How to reframe your thoughts to create better results in your business. How to Support the Podcast: S

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley dive deep into the internal tug-of-war that keeps us from fully committing to our goals. They explore how subconscious thoughts of “another option” can quietly undermine your success and reveal how your self-concept plays a pivotal role in breaking through mental barriers. They shared six powerful questions designed to help you gain clarity, identify your fears, and uncover what’s really stopping you from going all in on your dreams. Whether you’re building a photography business or pursuing another passion, these questions will inspire you to let go of hesitation and take bold, intentional action toward “Option A.” Show Notes: Heather explains how self-concept and commitment are intertwined. The mental tug-of-war caused by "Option B." The impact of "burning the boats" and removing fallback plans. The GoDaddy phone call that changed everything. How to identify subconscious safety nets. Questions to uncover your hidden fears

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather shares her guest appearance on the PhotoBizX podcast with Andrew Helmich, the world’s leading photography business podcast. Heather discusses her 2025 predictions for photographers, focusing on three transformative forces: the power of technology and AI, the importance of relationship marketing, and the game-changing impact of mindset. Heather draws on over 22 years of experience and shares actionable strategies to help photographers adapt, thrive, and elevate their businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to future-proof your photography career. Show Notes: Leveraging AI, outsourcing, and tools to optimize your workflow. Building meaningful client connections for long-term growth. Why success starts with how you think and how to shape your thoughts for growth. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of pricing. Learn why profitable pricing is just the starting point and discover how shifting your mindset and focusing on action can unlock the growth you’ve been seeking. Heather shares insights from her recent mastermind session, where photographers explored what might really be holding them back from achieving their goals. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your pricing or strategy, this episode will inspire you to take confident action. Show Notes: The concept of profitable pricing and its importance in building a sustainable photography business. Why photographers fixate on pricing as the root of all problems and how this mindset limits growth. What else could be impacting your bookings and revenue? The role of a one-page marketing plan in driving client inquiries and revenue growth. The importance of discipline, consistency, and faith in your pricing and marketing strategy. Why soc

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares a concept that's been a game-changer in her life—reducing cognitive load. With relatable examples and actionable advice, Heather dives into how mental clutter and unaddressed tasks drain your energy and limit your ability to focus on what truly matters. By making small, intentional changes, you can reclaim your time, reduce stress, and create space for meaningful growth in your life and business. Tune in to discover how to manage your cognitive load and step into a more productive and peaceful version of yourself. Show Notes:  What is cognitive load, and how does it impact your life?  Simple steps to reduce mental friction (like buying scissors for your garage!).  Why "future you" is worth the effort today.  How managing cognitive load benefits both your personal life and business.  Practical tips for tackling small tasks to free up energy for bigger goals.  The compound effect: How small, consistent actions lead to massive results. H

In this powerful and impassioned episode, Heather Lahtinen shares strategies for overcoming the "nothing is working" mindset that can plague photographers and entrepreneurs. Drawing on real-life examples, coaching insights, and practical exercises, Heather equips listeners with the tools to manage their thoughts, navigate challenges, and find clarity in moments of frustration. Whether you're thriving or struggling in your business, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you grow, adapt, and succeed. Show Notes: Managing the “nothing is working” spiral Identifying the root thoughts that hold you back Why success isn’t about ease, but optimized challenges Practical strategies for building resilience and belief in yourself How to reframe obstacles as opportunities for growth Mastermind https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/ocoL9p22 Elevate https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/elevate Private Coaching https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/coaching How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to