Leadership and small business ownership aren’t as neat as the books or academia make them sound. For me, it has meant long hours, determination, tough decisions, running a business alongside my spouse, and balancing personal struggles that inevitably spill into professional life. Some days are about survival, not strategy. That’s the messy truth — and that’s why I started Thought Chatter.

I believe that in our current social environment, we often put forth a polished picture. When someone asks, “How’s business?” the easy answer is “Good” or something just as simple — when in reality, it might be a complete mess and you’re barely holding it together.

Don’t get me wrong: there are really good days and plenty of positive things that come with being a small business owner. But that’s not the whole picture. Thought Chatter is about the whole picture — the messy, whole truth.

I’ve spent more than twenty years in the printing industry and two decades in management. For over ten years, I’ve co-owned and operated a small business with my spouse, navigating an industry — like many others — plagued by digital disruption, rapid change, and shrinking market share. Along the way, I earned a dual BA in Business Management and Marketing, an MBA with a focus in Marketing, and began working toward a PhD in Global Leadership and Change. Those academic experiences add perspective, but it’s the real-world lessons — the things you don’t find in textbooks — combined with my PhD journey that inspired this space.

My leadership path has been anything but straightforward. I’ve transitioned from employee to owner, learned how to manage the dynamics of working with a spouse, and wrestled with grief and stress that don’t stay neatly outside the office door. These challenges — as messy as they’ve been — have taught me resilience, patience, and perspective. More importantly, they’ve shown me how isolating small business leadership can feel.

That’s why Thought Chatter exists. This blog is a place to share honest stories, research insights, and practical advice about communication, leadership, and small business life. My hope is that by being transparent about both the wins and the struggles, I can remind other leaders they’re not alone — and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Honest reflections on the messy truth of small business ownership.
• Practical insights into marketing, leadership, and communication.
• Lessons drawn from lived experience and academic research.
• Occasional consulting resources for leaders who need clarity and strategy.
• And a few random posts about what’s on my mind — my own thought chatter.

This is the beginning of Thought Chatter. I hope it becomes more than just my story — I want it to be a conversation, a space for connection, and a reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. We all share the same messy job of being small business owners. Welcome — I’m glad you’re here.