Tips to Thrive as a Small Business Owner [Q&A]
- Julie Spugnardi
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Kristin Tugman, Ph.D, Founder, Tugman Consulting
We’re thrilled to be launching our BOSS Conversations series, a complement to our live BOSS networking events, which focus on bringing together women small business owners for community, conversation, and connection.
For this first blog, we sat down with Dr. Kristin Tugman, founder of Tugman Consulting and a veteran of over 25 years in the health, productivity, and workplace mental health industries. Her consulting work with employers focuses on helping them implement solutions that maximize productivity and minimize absence, as well as design and implement comprehensive wellness programs that support a psychologically healthy workplace.
In this interview, Kristin shares what led her to start her own business, the common challenges small business owners face as they launch, how to plan sustainable business practices from day one, and the power of networking.
Q: Kristin, what inspired you to step away from corporate life and start your own business?
Kristin: After 25 years in corporate America, I’d experienced an extreme amount of stress due to constant changes and shifting strategies. Also, I realized I wanted to take my skills and experience directly to clients — on my own terms. Initially, I just gave myself a year to “try it out” as a consultant, but it quickly became clear this was the right fit for me.
Q: What were some of the biggest adjustments in transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship?
Kristin: I felt well-prepared when it came to strategy, understanding business goals, and demonstrating measurable outcomes.
But there’s a whole other layer when you run your own show: setting up the business structure, managing a pipeline, figuring out pricing, and even deciding how to market yourself.
I also had to break the corporate habit of “sitting at my desk until 5:15” even when my work was done. In business ownership, productivity isn’t about hours logged — it’s about intentional focus.
Q: You emphasize well-being and sustainable workloads. Why is that especially important for small business owners?
Kristin: In startups and small businesses, there’s a dangerous myth that success requires constant hustle and 70+ hour workweeks.
That’s not sustainable. Burnout doesn’t just harm you — it harms your business. I’ve seen it too often: leaders putting everything into the business but running out of energy for their family, friends, and even themselves.
From the very beginning, business owners should think about psychological safety, realistic capacity, and building a culture where work-life balance isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the business model.
Q: For entrepreneurs who plan to hire, what should they think about before bringing on employees?
Kristin: Before you make that first hire, define:
The core priorities that will move the business toward its next goal
Realistic capacity for each role
The “noise” — tasks that can be eliminated or streamlined, rather than assigning to someone else
Also, remember why the 40-hour workweek exists; productivity and safety drop after that point. In a culture that glorifies overwork, it’s your job as a leader to model healthy work habits.
Q: How have you found support as a solopreneur?
Kristin: I've developed some really helpful partnerships. When you're not in a position to hire people, think about how you can augment what you're offering. It’s helped me feel like I have pockets of a team, and that's helped with a sense of camaraderie and feeling less isolated.
Key Takeaways for New or Aspiring Small Business Owners
Takeaway #1 – If you’re considering entrepreneurship, start with a trial period. Give yourself a defined timeframe to assess whether the model is financially and personally sustainable for you.
Takeaway #2 – Track your daily activities for a week. Identify which tasks directly move you toward your goals, and cut the “filler” work you may have inherited from a traditional work model mindset.
Takeaway #3 – Write down your “ideal workweek” now — not “someday.” Include the number of hours you want to work, the type of work you want to focus on, and your non-negotiable personal time. Use that as a guide in your hiring, pricing, and growth decisions.
Takeaway #4 – Leverage your network. Think about who you can reach out to that may be a potential resource or partnership, and what you might do together to help each other’s business.
About Kristin Tugman, PhD, Tugman Consulting
Dr. Tugman has been in the health and productivity and workplace mental health industries for over 20 years. Her consulting work with employers focuses on helping them implement solutions that maximize productivity and minimize absence as well as design and implement comprehensive wellness programs that support a psychologically healthy workplace.
She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by training and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Tugman’s research focus is the psychology of disability and return to work as well as workplace and community mental health. She also serves on the board of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Maine Chapter and is President and Co-Founder of Community Action for Mental Health, a local Maine non-profit.
BOSS - Business Owner Sisterhood Series
A networking series for women who run their own small businesses to find connection, support, and inspiration.