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Americans are sitting on more home equity than ever -- and more of them are tapping it. Not because they're struggling, but because they locked in ultra-low mortgage rates and they're not giving those up. So instead of refinancing, they're turning to HELOCs and home equity loans. Joe and OG walk through the math, the psychology, the questions most people never think to ask, and the specific situations where borrowing against your home equity actually makes sense -- and the ones where it quietly destroys a plan that was working.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy home equity borrowing is surging right now -- and why keeping a 3% mortgage while opening a HELOC at 7.5% might still be the smarter moveThe Oreo problem: why having a HELOC open "just in case" is the financial equivalent of leaving a sleeve of Oreos on the counter and expecting not to eat themOG's CEO versus CFO framework: how to separate the decision of whether to do the project from the decision of how to finance itThe rate math you should actually run before choosing between a HELOC, a home equity loan, and a full refinance -- including current Bankrate benchmarksHome improvements, credit card consolidation, college costs, business startup, and investing: OG's honest take on each use case, including the ones that are just bad ideasThe questions nobody asks before getting a HELOC -- including when the rate adjusts (spoiler: faster in one direction), what happens to the draw period, and whether the bank can pull the line at any timeWhy using home equity as a third-tier emergency fund sounds clever but has a fatal flawWhat happens if home prices fall and you've borrowed heavily against the equity -- and why Texas has the 80% ruleOG and Anna wrap up season two of the financial basics series -- including why financial planning is an ongoing activity, not a document, and what's coming in season threeThe one open question OG wants Stackers to send him before season three beginsWhy This Matters NowHome prices are up. Mortgage rates are still elevated. The people most tempted to tap their equity are often the ones who built it most carefully -- and that's exactly when the guardrails matter most.From the BasementJoe and OG dig into the HELOC decision with specifics: math, psychology, use cases, and the questions banks don't volunteer. OG and Anna close out season two of the financial basics series with a reflection on why everything in a financial plan connects to everything else -- and a preview of what's coming in season three. Doug arrives with Bernie Madoff trivia. The guides get a Scout upgrade and the college planning guide gets a refresh just in time for back to school.Resources MentionedStacking Benjamins Guides -- workplace benefits, tax planning, and college planning with Scout AI; stackingbenjamins.com/guidesStacking Benjamins Field Kit -- stackingbenjamins.com/fieldkitStacking Benjamins Basics Guide -- season one and season two; stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguideStacking Benjamins voicemail -- stackingbenjamins.com/yelldownstairs; leave a question for the next Q&A episode with AnnaOG financial planning calendar -- stackingbenjamins.com/ogStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer. Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer. Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:
Story of the Week (DR):JP Morgan's news weekThe Lurid Lawsuit, Salami Scandal and Trash-Can Thief Vexing JPMorgan's PR Department AND Meme of 'JPMorgan's HR Department in 2026' Has People in Stitches Amid Sex Scandal and Knicks Bin IncidentShe Stole a Knicks Trash Can Off the Street and Lost Her Job at JPMorganThe Trash Bin That Cost Her Career: Who Is Angie Báez? JPMorgan DEI Executive Fired After Viral Knicks Parade VideoThe Trash-Can Thief: Angie Báez, an Executive Director of Community and Industry Engagement at the bank, was captured on a viral video during the New York Knicks championship parade emptying a public trash bin onto a Manhattan sidewalk so she could steal the limited-edition, blue-and-orange Knicks-themed container.The Resolution: JPMorgan quickly terminated her employment after the video went viral. Báez eventually returned the trash bin and was issued $175 in sanitation fines.But what kinds of thing DON'T get you fired and get you fined?In 2023, JPMorgan Chase agreed to a $290 million (1,657,143x) settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. The bank was accused of actively ignoring glaring red flags and helping bankroll Epstein's sex-trafficking operation for 15 years.Internal documents and later congressional probes revealed that the bank processed roughly 4,700 suspicious transactions totaling $1.1 billion for Epstein. They failed to file a single Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) until after his death.Who Kept Their Job? Mary Erdoes: The Head of Asset & Wealth Management was fully aware of Epstein's status as a high-risk sex offender, reviewed his account, and was directly implicated in internal communications regarding his status. She faced zero professional demotions and remains one of the top candidates to eventually succeed Jamie Dimon as CEO.In 2020, JPMorgan Chase entered a deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay a record $920 million (5,257,143x) to settle federal charges of market manipulation.For nearly a decade, traders on JPMorgan's precious metals and U.S. Treasuries desks engaged in "spoofing"—placing tens of thousands of fake, deceptive orders to artificially move market prices and maximize their own profits. The FBI stated that traders "openly disregarded U.S. laws."While a couple of mid-to-high-level traders (like Michael Nowak and Gregg Smith) were later criminally convicted and sentenced to prison, the executive leadership team responsible for supervising them and implementing compliance programs suffered no casualties. Top management stayed perfectly secure, chalking the multi-million dollar fraud up as the work of a few "bad apples."The Salami Scandal: Veteran wealth manager Brent Bodner was fired by JPMorgan in 2024 after he expensed a $642.50 deli platter (containing wings, sandwiches, and salads) for a Super Bowl gathering at his Beverly Hills home. The bank accused him of intentionally misclassifying a personal party as a pre-approved business meeting.Bodner counter-sued, jokingly dubbing the controversy the "salami incident." He argued that the event was a legitimate client-acquisition dinner that only two prospects ended up attending, and that the minor coding error was used as a pretext to push him out.The Resolution: A FINRA arbitration panel sided heavily with Bodner, ruling that JPMorgan acted preemptively out of paranoia that brokers were leaving for rivals. The panel ordered JPMorgan to pay Bodner $4.25 million in damages.The Lurid Lawsuit: Chirayu Rana, a former vice president on JPMorgan's leveraged finance team, leveled highly salacious allegations against his female supervisor, Executive Director Lorna Hajdini. Rana's lawsuit alleges he was subjected to a campaign of racial discrimination, severe harassment, and forced sexual relations under the threat of having his career sabotaged.The Resolution: Rana rejected a $1M settlement offer, countering with a demand for up to $22 million before escalating the fight to court. Both Hajdini and JPMorgan strongly deny the allegations as entirely fabricated, and the legal battle is moving toward a highly publicized trial.JPMorgan Chase promotes Petno, Rohrbaugh to copresidents, setting up two more successors for DimonThe Wait to Replace Jamie Dimon Keeps Getting Longer: Another potential successor, Marianne Lake, is leaving JPMorgan, as the longstanding chief executive enters his third decade atop the bank.How JPMorgan went from 3 female CEO contenders to an all-male succession raceJPMorgan named Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh, current co-heads of the bank's commercial and investment bank, as co-presidents, setting them up as the frontrunners to succeed longtime CEO Jamie Dimon. Their promotions, the bank said in a press release, "are part of the Board's ongoing succession planning process."Petno and Rohrbaugh were among a handful of powerhouse candidates poised to succeed Dimon, including Jennifer Piepszak, chief operating officer, Marianne Lake, CEO of the commercial bank, and Mary Erdoes, CEO of asset and wealth management.Marianne Lake, a Potential Dimon Successor, Leaves JPMorganOne-time Retention and Continuity equity awards to the following Operating Committee members:Doug Petno, Co-President and CEO of the Commercial & Investment Bank, and Troy Rohrbaugh, Co-President and CEO of Consumer & Community Banking, in the amount of $30M each;Mary Erdoes, CEO of Asset & Wealth Management, and Jennifer Piepszak, Chief Operating Officer, in the amount of $20M each.JPMorgan Chase unveils $50 billion buyback, Goldman Sachs raises dividend after Fed stress testA 6 year study shows which CEOs are pushing RTO mandates: The ones with the biggest egosFortune 500 bosses demanding staff return to the office share one trait: narcissism, research findsA six-year study tracking corporate executives revealed that strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates are heavily driven by narcissism and executive ego, rather than actual employee productivityWharton organizational psychologist Adam Grant noted that researchers used reliable corporate proxies to quantify CEO narcissism, including the oversized scale of their compensation packages, the size of their signatures, and the prominence of their photos in company annual reports.The data showed that leaders with highly inflated self-opinions consistently coveted maximum power and status, making them the most aggressive opponents of remote work.Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan pushed hard for a 5-day-a-week return to the office. Why they're now letting employees work from homeGameStop CEO Cohen spurns $35 billion pay plan to focus on plan to buy eBayGameStop CEO on His eBay Pursuit: ‘I'm Not Going to Stop, I'm Not Going to Go Away'GameStop unveiled a compensation package worth roughly $35B for Ryan Cohen in January, hinging on a turnaround that requires him to lift the struggling company's market value more than tenfold and sharply boost its profit.In May, Cohen surprised Wall Street with an unsolicited offer to buy eBay for roughly $56 billion in cash and stock to turn the e-commerce company into a bigger competitor to Amazon.EBay's board rejected the proposal, calling the offer "neither credible nor attractive."Cohen argued that he doesn't want the package so that GameStop's leadership can fully focus on its operating performance and the planned acquisition.SpaceX handed lowest possible ESG rating by MSCI: Triple C score puts Elon Musk's company on par with Russia after 2022 invasion of UkraineMusk 'most obvious risk' following SpaceX's lowest possible ESG rating“Board of Directors: The SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES board currently has an independent majority, which enables it to more effectively fulfill its critical function of overseeing management on behalf of shareholders. The company has failed to split the roles of CEO and chairman, which may limit the board's independence from current management interests. Split CEO and chairman roles are characteristic of 67% of companies in this market.”Welltower CFO's $167 million pay package sets new recordWelltower's Tim McHugh is the new highest-paid finance chief among the biggest U.S. companies. His $167 million pay package in 2025 not only dwarfs that of his CFO peers but also outpaces the compensation of many CEOs.McHugh's pay at Welltower, a real-estate investment trust focused on rental housing for seniors, surpasses the $139 million compensation package received by Tesla's Vaibhav Taneja in 2024. This puts him more than $135 million above Alphabet's Anat Ashkenazi, the next highest-paid CFO in 2025. And it secures him a spot in the club of executives making $100 million or more, a group that remains rare.Here's what the article DID NOT MENTION: CEO Shankh Mitra: $821MGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Scientists Say New Method Turns Coffee Grounds Into High-Potency Renewable FuelAccording to a press release from South Korea's National Research Council of Science and Technology, a team of researchers at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) have developed a method to convert spent coffee waste into high-quality charcoal, known as biochar.While that's a feat in and of itself, the kicker is the method's blistering speed: it takes just 90 seconds from start to finish, with no drawn-out drying process or oil separation required. According to the release, the new technique solves a major issue in extracting the latent energy potential of spent coffee beans.DR: Bill to raise minimum wage to $25 an hour will be introduced in Senate DR MMThe bill would incrementally increase the minimum wage from its current rate of $7.25, with the first jump to $12 an hour in the first year of enactment. Major corporations would have six years to work up to a $25 minimum wage, while smaller employers would have a 13-year runway. The legislation would also do away with subminimum wages for tipped workers, such as restaurant servers, youth workers and workers with disabilities. Nearly half of the American workforce makes less than $25 an hour.DR: Federal judge blocks new law aimed at ESG, DEI investing decisionsA federal judge has blocked Kansas from enforcing a new law that requires institutional investment advisers to make certain disclosures when recommending against company management on issues, including environmental, social and governance principles.U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of law enacted last session that two major national institutional investment advisers said was unconstitutional because it discriminated based on speech.MM: MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last yearAssholiest of the Week (MM):CEO SPEED ROUND - ONE HEADLINE, ONE CEO, ONE LINERTim Cook - It's pretty sweet to quit your job and let the new guy fight the union: Apple closed America's first unionized store and blocked workers from transfers — now the union is fighting backJamie Dimon - It was easy - we just pointed to the ones with boobs and said “Not you”: How JPMorgan went from 3 female CEO contenders to an all-male succession raceZuck - The best thing about being a little man king with no accountability is I can randomly change and unchange and rechange my mind… about people's lives: Meta pauses an AI training program that tracks employees' keystrokes after an internal leakLarry Fink - Have you SEEN the size of my signature??? Fucking come to work: A 6 year study shows which CEOs are pushing RTO mandates: The ones with the biggest egos“In the six-year study, researchers collected data on Fortune 500 CEOs, using behavioral proxies—signature size, photo size in annual reports, pay gap relative to peers—to construct narcissism scores. The higher the score, the more likely a CEO was to publicly oppose remote and hybrid work and seek additional status (like a board chairmanship). In a separate experiment, CEOs whose egos were primed—by reflecting on the assertive leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison—showed significantly greater opposition to working from home than a control group”Andy Jassy - Now we know EXACTLY when you're wasting our time peeing in a bottle instead of working: Amazon is on a mission to optimize warehouse work. Its latest test puts wearable devices on support staff.Nikesh Arora - If you just said, “Who?”, you better pay attention because I have important things to say: Palo Alto Networks CEO: We're in 'a Darwinian moment' where employees have to prove their AI skills - BRONZE ASSHOLESatya Nadella - If I complain about how everyone TALKS about AI, does that make me sound more sympathetic?: Microsoft's CEO Takes Aim At AI Companies: 'We Have To Walk The Walk' To Convince The Public - GOLDEN ASSHOLEJeff Bezos - I mean, if I'm honest, everyone is terrible and should be laid off: Jeff Bezos Called Washington Post His Worst Investment and Staff He Laid Off ‘Terrible' People - SILVER ASSHOLEBrian Moynihan - I mean, or your kid was late to school because they forgot to make their card for teacher appreciation day, you didn't eat breakfast, and you rushed in to work from the office as fast as you could because working from home isn't allowed anymore: By 7 a.m., Bank of America's CEO has already read 5 newspapers, his email inbox, and hit the gym—he says if you're late to meetings, you're ‘selfish'Dave Ramsey - 0.0001% of Musk's worst day could end hunger ON EARTH, but sure, take away Halloween and pets from the rest of us: Dave Ramsey Says 20% of Americans' Halloween and Pet Budgets Could End Hunger: 'There'd Be No Hungry Kids'Headliniest of the WeekDR: Beloved Grandmother Was Standing in Her Own House When a Tesla, Allegedly on Autopilot, Smashed Through the Wall and Killed Her in Grandchildren's PlayroomA popular password manager was hit by a hack. What you need to know—and how to keep your data safeMM: Ryanair says it will reluctantly not charge parents to sit next to childrenMM: Elon Musk will get a billion shares of SpaceX if he can settle a million humans on MarsJust make it 10 trillion shares if he can safely land Gus who sleeps at the bus station on NeptuneWho Won the Week?DR: The MotherS(C)hIpMM: ESG RatingsPredictionsDR: Symbolically giving up your $35 billion CEO pay package becomes the new $1 salary: proxy statements will say: “Our CEO generously waived his $35 billion pay package as a gesture of sacrifice to lead by example, preserve corporate cash, and show solidarity with displaced workers and stressed stakeholders.”MM: Ryanair announces a new fee children can pay to sit AWAY from their parents
Send us Fan MailWhy Is This So Satisfying? This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into the strange, addictive world of “oddly satisfying” content and uncover why some of the most popular videos on the internet involve cleaning a filthy rug, pressure washing a driveway, or restoring a rusty wrench. Millions of people watch these videos every day, but what makes them so mesmerizing? We explore the deep psychological triggers behind these trends, what they reveal about stress relief and modern life, and why watching someone organize a toolbox can feel better than watching a Hollywood blockbuster.But it's not just about relaxation—there is a massive business strategy hidden beneath the surface of these viral trends. From a marketing and branding perspective, "oddly satisfying" videos are masterclasses in the "Before and After" framework. We break down the exact business tactics content creators and brands use to monetize mundane tasks, build immense audience loyalty, and leverage clear visual transformation to drive massive organic traffic. Whether you are a business owner looking to improve your social media marketing strategy or a viewer who just loves a clean driveway, this episode reveals how clarity, order, and visual progress can turn basic labor into a powerhouse brand asset. In a world full of business chaos, sometimes all we want is to see something get fixed.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4084B7HWYB0Support the show! If you enjoyed this episode, visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We want to hear from you! Send your thoughts, feedback, or favorite satisfying video links to beer@mikeandblaine.com. Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comLearn about our businesses: Cash Flow Mike trains CPAs to provide highly effective advisory services to their clients. Master your business finances at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO helps finance teams get out of messy spreadsheets and into clear forecasting at dryrun.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat DevinNeighbor BreggerAnd New Sponsor, Trey Milton!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4084B7HWYB0#SatisfyingVideos #BeforeAndAfter #Transformation #OddlySatisfying #BusinessStrategy #ContentMarketing #ViralGrowth #MarketingTactics #PressureWashing #Restoration #EntrepreneurLife #MikeAndBlaine #YouTubeSEO @YouTube @TikTok @Instagram @RedditSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/
Join us for a lively conversation with Marina Ter Sargsyan, Founder and CFO of Crystal Books Consulting, whose 25-year journey spans Armenia to the U.S., banking to nonprofits, and tech transformations to teaching. Marina shares how her love for numbers and problem-solving fueled her passion for helping small businesses and nonprofits tackle complex challenges. You'll hear honest insights on the realities of adopting AI and automation (and how they're not the same thing!), the importance of data readiness, and her unique approach to building a “wish list” before jumping into new tech. Whether you're a CFO, work in finance, or just love hearing from smart people making a real impact, Marina's practical wisdom and openness to change will leave you inspired—and maybe even a little more confident about your next big leap.
Legal team, on the docket this week we're discussing RHOA star Pinky Cole's various lawsuits that have taken a hit at her successful vegan empire and led her to file for bankruptcy. These cases involve dram shop laws, wage and hour violations, and streaming without proper commercial licensing against Bar Vegan, one of Pinky's Atlanta establishments. It seems Pinky is already turning her story of failure around to educate her audience about what she has learned from her business mistakes.What's on the docket?Who is Pinky ColePinky Cole's various lawsuitsOverview of Pinky Cole's business endeavors - Slutty Vegan and Bar VeganPinky's philanthropy and charitable effortsCauses of action for the Bar Vegan vehicle collision lawsuit in January 2022What are dram shop lawsWage and hour violation lawsCesie's Starbucks lawsuitBar Vegan's CFO's money laundering schemeJoe Hand Promotions vs. Bar Vegan commercial licensing violation lawsuitOmi in a Hellcat copyright infringement and piracy lawsuitBreaking down Chapter 7, 11, 12, 13 bankruptciesCurrent status of Pinky Cole's lawsuitsAccess additional content and our Patreon here: https://zez.am/thebravodocket The Bravo Docket podcast, the statements we make whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and do not provide legal advice. Any party consuming our information should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. Thank you to our incredible sponsors!Perelel: Use code DOCKET and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/docket.Wayfair: Patio season is here and these deals won't last! Head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/docket.Whatnot: Download the Whatnot app today and get free shipping on your first order Chime: Chime is not just smarter banking, it is the most rewarding way to bank. Join the millions who are already banking fee free today. Head to Chime.com/DOCKETDupe: If it takes research to buy it, let Dupe do it for you. Stop wasting time comparing options. Just go to dupe.com and tell it what you're looking to buy.Tonal: Visit tonal.com to get $200 off your Tonal purchase with promo code DOCKET.Lifepro Fitness: For a limited time, our listeners can get $20 OFF the Waver Vibration Plate plus Free Shipping with code DOCKET at lifeprofitness.com.Ruggable: Get 10% off your first order, site-wide, with promo code BRAVODOCKET at RUGGABLE.com.Quince: Go to Quince.com/DOCKET for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Progressive: Visit Progressive.com and see if you can enjoy a little cash back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When Jean Compeau joined Sonar as CFO in March 2025, AI coding was not yet dominating industry conversations. By the summer and fall that followed, however, the landscape had shifted dramatically. Today, AI agents are producing software code at a pace that humans cannot easily verify, creating both opportunity and risk.That shift sits at the center of Sonar's mission. The company is the global leader in AI code verification and governance in what it calls the agentic-centric development lifecycle, or “ACDC, just like the band,” Compeau tells us. The scale is significant. Sonar is trusted by 7 million developers, processes 750 billion lines of code daily, serves 25,000 paying customers, and counts 75 percent of the Fortune 100 among its customers, Compeau tells us.For Compeau, growth is measured through both financial and operational signals. ARR, NRR, GRR, and EBITDA remain core metrics, she tells us. But she also watches utilization, adoption, lead generation, pipeline activity, and free-to-paid conversion rates because these indicators can reveal future performance before financial results arrive.That perspective shapes how finance participates in strategic decisions. As Sonar invests in new AI-driven products, finance evaluates not only bookings potential but also the company's long-term position in the AI market, Compeau tells us. The finance function remains involved throughout the process, helping operationalize everything from product introduction and revenue tracking to order management and cash collection.For Compeau, finance's role is not simply to measure growth—it is to help shape it.
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on breaking news from the day. Zbiotics: Head to https://zbiotics.com/MEIDAS to get 15% off your first order when you use MEIDAS at checkout. Netsuite: Download the CFO's guide to Al and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/meidas Smart Credit: Go to https://SmartCredit.com/meidas and start your 7-day trial for just $1. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many med spas spend heavily on attracting new patients while overlooking one of the biggest growth opportunities already inside the practice: the existing patient base. Sustainable esthetic practice growth doesn't come from acquiring more patients alone—it comes from creating an experience that keeps them coming back. In this episode, I sit down with Abby Honaker, President of Partner Success at Pink Sky, to discuss how practice owners can improve patient retention, strengthen provider accountability, and create systems that support long-term growth. We talk about everything from provider utilization and compensation structure to treatment plans, patient outreach, and building a service experience that drives loyalty. Every Patient Interaction Should Move the Journey Forward One thing I constantly see is that medical aesthetics is failing to maximize each patient interaction. Whether it's recommending skincare, discussing future treatments, or helping a patient understand their long-term goals, every touchpoint is an opportunity for education and deeper engagement. The strongest practices don't treat visits as one-time transactions. They create intentional patient journeys with clear next steps, personalized care plans, and a consistent service experience that encourages rebooking and patient loyalty. When patients understand where they're going next, retention and revenue improve. Retention Is Built Through Systems, Not Hope Patient retention isn't accidental. It comes from clear processes, team training, and data-driven decisions. • Train providers and front desk teams on every service offered • Use targeted marketing and patient outreach to reactivate inactive patients • Build treatment plans that extend three, six, or nine months into the future • Track rebooking rates and provider utilization regularly • Create membership programs that support long-term engagement • Standardize scripts to improve consistency across the patient journey The practices that maximize revenue are often the ones that create predictable systems around the client experience. Providers Should Be Advisors, Not Order Takers Patients don't come to your practice because they're experts in treatment planning. They come because you are. That means providers should confidently recommend the care they believe will produce the best outcome rather than allowing patients to "order off the menu." Whether it's upselling skincare, integrating wellness services, or recommending additional treatments, education is part of delivering high-quality care. Avoid making assumptions about what patients can or cannot afford. Present the best recommendation, explain the value, and allow the patient to decide what works for them. Data Creates Better Decisions—and Better Outcomes Successful med spa practices combine exceptional care with strong operational discipline. As your med spa scales, creating a profitable exit—or simply building a more sustainable business—depends on having systems that support both the patient experience and financial performance. The goal isn't simply to add more services. It's to build a practice where every touchpoint strengthens loyalty, improves outcomes, and supports long-term profitability. Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn: Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence. Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners. Connect with Shannon: Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/ Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here. About Abby Honaker: Abby Honaker is an aesthetics, wellness, and longevity strategist with more than 25 years of experience building and scaling healthcare businesses. Since 1998, she has worked across multiple sectors—including plastic surgery, dermatology, chiropractic, dental, aesthetics, wellness, and fitness—bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise and operational leadership to every stage of growth. A business graduate with more than 40 certifications spanning nutrition, health coaching, personal training, and athletic performance, Abby Honaker has launched multiple wellness clinics, helped lead her family's dental practices, and opened her own med spa after becoming a Master Aesthetician and Laser Technician. Having served in nearly every role within a practice—from provider and patient coordinator to brand manager, owner, consultant, and marketing lead—Abby Honaker specializes in helping clinics optimize operations, improve profitability, and scale sustainably. She is known for implementing modern growth systems, including AI-enabled operations, technology integrations, SOP development, and revenue strategies that support both expansion and successful exits. Connect with Abby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby_honaker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-honaker-38bb1775/ Website: https://pinksky.life/
The $1.4M Pricing Gap Most Owners Never Find with Emily Bowie Find Rocky Lalvani @ www.ProfitComesFirst.com or email him at rocky@profitcomesfirst.com Make more, work less video: https://youtu.be/ You pull up the P&L at the end of the month. Profit looks fine. Revenue is up. And you still moved money around to cover payroll. You're not mismanaging your business. You're making decisions off an incomplete report, and nobody told you what it was missing. Emily Bowie spent years auditing companies inside Big Four accounting before she started helping business owners see past the P&L. What she finds most often isn't bad decisions. It's good decisions made without the right numbers. Pricing set without overhead accounted for. Subscriptions compounding unnoticed for years. Tax strategy that arrived in December, too late to do anything that actually mattered. In This Episode: Why the P&L leaves out some of the most important cash movements in your business The $1.4M pricing gap one owner never knew was costing him, and how Emily found it How to run a quarterly expense audit and what it reliably turns up Why your bookkeeper, CPA, and CFO need to talk to each other, not through you The real cash cost of the "go buy something for the tax deduction" advice What Profit First actually protects you from beyond just saving money Why personal financial stability determines how clearly you can think about your business Key Takeaways: Your P&L does not show loan principal payments or balance sheet movements. Cash flow visibility requires a different lens. Pricing without overhead math costs real money on every invoice. One client had $1.4M in recoverable margin sitting uncaptured in a single year. Quarterly expense audits surface subscriptions you've forgotten, monthly plans that cost more than annual options, and tools you stopped using that are still billing. If you are the only person relaying information between your bookkeeper, CPA, and CFO, things are getting lost in translation. They need to talk to each other directly. A year-end "buy something" tax move often costs three to four times the tax saved in cash drag over the following months. About Emily Bowie: Emily Bowie is a Cash Flow Strategist with 15+ years of experience, including her time as an audit manager in Big Four accounting. She's known for bringing calm, clarity, and structure to financial conversations that often feel stressful or avoided. Outside of Thorne Advisors, Emily leads her church's financial ministry, is a mom to three young kids, and enjoys a good DIY project almost as much as a well-organized set of financials. Links: Website: https://www.thorneadvisors.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorneadvisors/ Freebie: 5 Cash Leaks & 5 Missed Tax Deductions: https://www.thorneadvisors.com/cashleaks Profit Blueprint Calculator I Profit Comes First: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/profitblueprintcalc-page Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Free Copy of the Profit Blueprint Book: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Monthly Newsletter signup: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/newsletter-signup Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.
Zach spent over a decade in the corporate world at American Airlines before helping build a multi-location healthcare company from the ground up. Along the way, he discovered that many growing businesses don't need another employee—they need access to the kind of executive-level expertise that helps organizations scale, solve problems, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether it's finance, operations, marketing, HR, or strategy, Zach explains how fractional C-suite leaders can provide the guidance and experience most practices can't afford to hire full-time.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to get your practice to the next level, this conversation will help you identify the blind spots that may be holding you back—and show you a practical way to overcome them.
What happens when your firm grows faster than your infrastructure can support? Growing pains. It's a good problem to have, it means your firm is prospering. But you can't ignore the issue. Guest Lori Brown-Simmons is a law firm operations executive and founder of Fractional Firm Advisors, offering fractional COO and CFO leadership to growing firms, helping them scale in an orderly, profitable manner. She explains how midsize firms often experience what she calls “profit squeeze,” when a growing firm is starting to experience the same issues as bigger firms, but without the tech, the leverage or confidence to raise rates, and the human capital to maintain control, standards, efficiency, and momentum. Simply attracting more clients might mean your business is “growing,” but it's not scaling sustainably. As a firm grows up, it's easy to leak efficiencies by setting rates incorrectly, using outdated workflow, skimping on tech, missing opportunities to outsource through fractional employees and virtual assistants, and even making mistakes with real estate and office space. (And yes, AI fits in here, too. It's not going away). Mentioned in This Episode: Legal Talk Network
Everyone tells you to work on your business instead of in it. Nobody hands you the agenda for what that time is actually supposed to look like. In this episode, I walk you through the exact 90-minute midyear CEO session I have run on my own business every year for 11 years. This is a step-by-step financial review for small business owners who want to check in on their numbers before the second half of the year. I cover how the session changes depending on your financial stage, what to review on your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, how to check your tax reserve against what you have actually paid, and how to reforecast your budget for the next six months. Whether your books need a cleanup or you are casting a 10-year vision, this episode gives you the full agenda. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break the session down by financial stage: foundation, empowered, and visionary. You will learn how to review your P&L and balance sheet like a CFO, how to check your payroll, owner pay, contractor W-9s, and tax reserve, and how to reforecast the back half of the year against your long-term goals. If you have ever blocked time to work on your business and ended up answering emails instead, this episode gives you the exact agenda to make those 90 minutes count.
Is your SaaS company stuck in the valuation doghouse while a handful of names trade at a massive premium? In episode #378, Ben Murray breaks down Meritech's June 2026 public software comps report and the widening valuation gap across SaaS. The median revenue multiple has fallen 64% from its pre-ZIRP peak, and most public software now trades below 5X. If you are a SaaS founder or CFO, the multiple attached to your business depends on a short list of traits the market now rewards. This episode shows you which ones, and why the rules quietly changed. Why only 9 of roughly 100 public software companies trade above a 10X revenue multiple, while 77 sit below 5X How the Rule of 40 shifted under the surface, with revenue growth now 3.3x more correlated with the multiple than free cash flow margin Why two companies with the same Rule of 40 score can trade at 7.3x versus 3.7x, depending entirely on how they got there What the top 9 share in common: free cash flow margins above 20% and ARR growth above 20% at the same time How AI exposure now sorts the market, and why a weak AI ARR story lands horizontal SaaS in the doghouse Tune in to see exactly what separates the premium names from the rest before you benchmark your own SaaS valuation. Resources Mentioned Meritech June 2026 Public Software Comps (Pulse Report): https://meritech.substack.com/p/meritech-software-pulse-12-june-2026 Ben's academy: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/
You can close $800 million deals, fly first class, and still be going broke on the inside. In this episode of The Fulfillionaire, Cruz Gamboa, Founder and Managing Partner of Ascend Growth Ventures, shares the full unfiltered story and the clarity, cash flow framework, and mindset shifts that finally set him free. Cruz breaks down the three metrics that actually tell you whether your business is healthy: profit margin over gross revenue, cash burn, and the LTV-to-CAC ratio. But tactics without clarity are just expensive noise. His BHAG framework exposes the real problem most entrepreneurs avoid: they chase a number without knowing why it matters, which means they have no filter for what to pursue, what to cut, or when enough is actually enough. When clarity replaces ambition as your compass, decisions get easier, the right people find you, and the work starts to feel like a mission instead of a grind. The breakthrough was always on the other side of the burnout. When you are ready to stop building income and start building a life, visit fulfillionaire.com. Don't miss the full episode of Why High Achievers Burn Out Before They Break Through with Cruz Gamboa. Cruz Gamboa is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ascend Growth Ventures, bringing over 25 years of experience as a corporate CFO navigating capital markets, structured finance, and project finance across Latin America. He has closed deals as large as $800 million and built financial models that moved real money at the highest levels of business and government. But behind the credentials was a man who stayed nearly eight years past the moment he knew it was time to leave. Cruz now channels that hard-won experience into helping high achievers recognize the burnout beneath the success before it costs them everything. Website: https://cruzgamboa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruzgamboa.ascend/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cruzgamboa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ascendgrowthventures Ascend Growth Ventures Website: https://ascendgrowthventures.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascendgrowthventures/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascendgrowthventures/ JP Newman is the founder of Fulfillionaire and CEO of Thrive FP, known for helping high-achievers align financial success with deeper human connection and purpose. With over $2 billion in real estate transactions and hundreds of investors coached, he brings a powerful blend of strategy, psychology, and emotional intelligence to the world of investing and negotiation. JP teaches that the best deals are built by understanding people, energy, and intention. Through his Fulfillionaire™ movement, he helps leaders stop operating from fear and start making decisions rooted in clarity and alignment. His approach redefines negotiation as a human-centered skill that turns insight into influence and lasting success. IG: https://www.instagram.com/jpnewman_/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-newman-45a1ba/
Most real estate team leaders look at their profit and loss statement and panic. They see a scary expense number, assume their business is failing, and make an emotional decision instead of a logical one — usually right around tax season, right when production is already slow for the winter. In this episode, Brian breaks down exactly how to read a team P&L the way a CFO would, not the way a tax preparer presents it. He walks through the four numbers that actually matter: total GCI, true operating expenses, cost of sales (what you pay your agents), and real net income — and shows why most accountants are giving team leaders a distorted picture by burying personal expenses, owner salaries, and agent commissions inside numbers that make the business look far less profitable than it actually is. Brian also explains the "small team death zone" — the painful middle stage where a team leader is both still selling and managing a team, working twice as hard for marginally more money — and why so many leaders quit or pivot to a revenue-share model right at this point, just before the growth that would make it all worth it. What you'll learn: The 4 numbers to look at on every team P&L: GCI, operating expenses, cost of sales, and net income Why operating expenses should stay around 30% of GCI (12% admin salaries, 10% marketing/lead gen) How to back out personal expenses and owner salary/draw to find your true operating expense number Why cost of sales (what you pay agents) should go up as your team grows — and why that's a good thing What the "small team death zone" is and why it causes so many team leaders to give up right before things get easier Why "I want to stay small and selective" is often fear of recruiting talking, not strategy Book a FREE coaching call: http://CoachCallFree.com Enroll in our online courses: http://www.IcenhowerInstitute.com Sign up for coaching: http://www.IcenhowerCoaching.com Sign up for an Agent Management Portal: http://AgentManagementPortal.com Join the fastest growing Facebook Group for Top Producers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/REagentRoundTable
What do you think of when you hear the word "virtuous"? And, what does it mean to be virtuous? Can virtue exist in a business? Our guests today are Ethan Slaughter and Debbie Philpott, who are my co-authors of our new book called: Virtuous Business: A Model Approach. In this episode, we talk about the idea of virtuousness as a leader and within an organization. TODAY'S WIN-WIN:Virtuous leaders set the tone for ethical excellence.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/. Get the FREE reflective questions download: https://virtuousbusinessbook.com/Purchase a copy of our NEW book: CLICK HERE.Connect with our guests on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-slaughter-a8aa10ab/https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-philpott-ed-d-cpa-cma-sphr-shrm-scp-cgw-76811721/ABOUT OUR GUEST:Ethan Slaughter is a finance professional with extensive experience in financial strategy, business ethics, and leadership. He has served in key executive roles, including COO and CFO, where he has helped businesses optimize financial performance and drive cultural transformation. As an educator, Dr. Slaughter teaches virtuous leadership, business ethics, and corporate financial planning and analysis at Indiana Wesleyan University. His ongoing research explores the integration of Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments into contemporary virtuous leadership, with a focus on applying these principles to executive education and ethical decision-making in business. Debbie Philpott is an adjunct professor, dissertation committee member, doctoral research chair, higher education curriculum writer, freelance editor and writer, and consultant. She teaches business courses and the crafts of research, writing, and getting published. Her interests include scholar-practitioner research, writing, stewardship and sustainable living, spirituality, and practical theology. She and her husband enjoy discovering their coastal community on Florida's Gulf Coast. Debbie's philosophy encompasses the ongoing search for a more authentic representation of life experiences—as they are lived, and as they could be. This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. Big Sky Franchise Team is consistently recognized as one of the best franchise consulting firms in the world, helping entrepreneurs franchise their businesses through a proven 3-Step franchise process rooted in ethical principles, hands-on guidance, and customized deliverables. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/. The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.
Making Billions: The Private Equity Podcast for Startup Founders and Venture Capital Investors
Send us Fan MailLEARN THE CAPITAL RAISING STRATEGIES AND FRAMEWORKS used by alternative asset professionals: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/applyDOWNLOAD The 23 Cognitive Biases: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/100m-blueprint-860536-648168-166304-426463-122119This episode is brought to you by Reef Pass | Serial Acquisition Investors: Reef Pass Investors has spent the last 10 years focused on partnering with founders to launch and build long-term holding companies, and has a proven track record doing exactly that.To reach out to Reef Pass Investors, email holdcofounders@reefpassinvestors.comIn the competitive realms of private equity and venture capital, general partners spend resources building complex risk models and assessments, assuming data alone drives portfolio outperformance. However, sustainable alpha is fundamentally capped by human behavior.How does anchoring bias impact private equity valuations? In this masterclass episode of Making Billions, Ryan Miller challenges managers to treat decision calibration as a compounding asset, shifting the focus from financial metrics to rigorous behavioral oversight. Discover an engineered approach to investment psychology that will redefine how you run due diligence, manage LP communication, and shield your fund from systemic blind spots.[THE HOST]: Ryan Miller is a fund manager, capital strategist, and former CFO turned angel investor in technology and energy. He is the founder of Fund Raise Capital and Aequor Capital Partners, and has mentored over 1,000 fund managers across private equity, private credit, venture capital, real estate, and alternative assets globally.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanmilleroffical/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/Support the showDISCLAIMER: This podcast is for entertainment and general informational purposes only — not legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. Nothing herein constitutes a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security or investment product. Past performance does not indicate future results. Always consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any investment decision. NAME NOTICE: "Making Billions with Ryan Miller" reflects the profile and aspirations of guests featured — it is not a promise, projection, guarantee, or representation of any financial result, income, or outcome for any listener, viewer, or reader. Most individuals who consume this content do not raise any particular amount of capital, and many achieve no financial result whatsoever. "Fund Raise Capital" is a brand identifier only — it is not a promise, guarantee, or representation that any member, subscriber, or listener will raise capital, attract investors, or achieve any financial or professional outcome. This show does not constitute a business opportunity, franchise, investment program, or offer of any product or service of any kind. No part of this show should be construed as a solicitation for investment in any way. Guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show or host. Host and/or guests may hold positions in assets discussed. This episode may contain paid sponsorships, advertisements, or endorsements. Sponsored content is identified where...
On this episode of CFO at Home, Vince talks with David Nassief, who went from being fired and nearly broke at 63, to achieving a seven-figure net worth by 69. David explains how decades of procrastination, market timing, and inconsistent 401(k) contributions left him unprepared, then describes how he rebuilt by turning off financial ·noise,· studying extensively, and creating a one-page ·Wealth Compass· with nine trail markers and five North Star principles, to stay focused and avoid shiny-object mistakes. David discusses how he attributes his results to investing a large portion of income monthly, using low-cost index funds, and taking advantage of market volatility to buy more when markets fell. They also discuss the destructive impact of fees, skepticism of market forecasts, the challenge of getting back in the market after timing exits, and David·s key tips: get out of debt, follow the money, and prioritize self-education. Check out David·s free PDF compass and book for details at onepagewealthcompass.com. Key Topics: 01:30 From Fired to Millionaire 02:22 Decades of Money Mistakes 03:24 No Plan No Future 06:06 Building the Wealth Compass 08:35 Two Funds and Volatility 14:33 Why Market Timing Fails 15:47 Job Loss and Commission Pivot 16:28 Nine Markers and Principles 20:49 Fees Advisors and Termites 25:43 Two Tips Debt and Skepticism 28:49 Education and Staying Disciplined 31:24 Book, Compass, and Final Encouragement Key Links: https://onepagewealthcompass.com/ Contact the Host - vince@thecfoathome.com Want to be a guest on CFO at Home? Send Vince a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628643039567x840793309030672500
Jeff Zielinski is CFO of Hong Kong-based Buyandship, a leading cross-border e-commerce platform with operations across Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. He has spent his entire career working at the intersection of Asia, TMT, and finance.Jeff began his career in 2000 in Morgan Stanley's technology investment banking group in Hong Kong, working on transactions for many of Asia's largest technology companies. From 2005 to 2015, he was with Goldman Sachs Principal Strategies (GSPS) and Azentus Capital — the Asia GSPS spinoff — captaining investments in TMT and Greater China across the major technology verticals, including internet, e-commerce, semiconductors, and hardware. At Goldman Sachs, he also represented GSPS Asia on the firm's Asia Pacific Risk Committee, and was a founding partner at Azentus when it spun off from Goldman in 2011 under the Volcker Rule. Earlier in his career, he held technology-related roles at News Corporation.Today, alongside his work at Buyandship, Jeff is an active investor and advisor in the regional technology ecosystem and serves with education-focused nonprofits in the community.LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/jeff-zielinski
A company doing 25 real estate deals a month was still losing money. That experience completely changed how David Richter viewed business finances and eventually led him to co-author Profit First for Real Estate Investors. In this episode, David explains why many real estate investors are good at making money but struggle to actually keep it. He shares how operators often lack clarity around cash flow, profitability, and financial systems, even when they are doing a large volume of deals. David also talks about how the original Profit First framework had to be adapted specifically for real estate investors because different investing strategies require different systems. He shares how his team now helps investors through customized workbooks, bookkeeping systems, dashboards, and fractional CFO services. Key Topics and Takeaways Why many real estate investors struggle to keep profits The story behind Profit First for Real Estate Investors Why volume does not guarantee profitability The importance of simple financial clarity How different real estate strategies require different systems What fractional CFO services actually look like Why dashboards help investors plan ahead instead of reacting Guest Information David Richter is the co-author of Profit First for Real Estate Investors and founder of Simple CFO. Website: SimpleCFO.com Workbooks: SimpleCFO.com/workbooks Call to Action Visit SimpleCFO.com/workbooks to find the workbook that matches your investing strategy and create a clearer financial plan for your business.
He was more famous than the mayor of New York — and one of the biggest fraudsters in American history. In this episode of Fascinating Nouns, host Daniel J. Glenn sits down with author Gary Weiss, author of Retail Gangster: The Fall of Crazy Eddie, to unravel the wild true story of Eddie Antar — the man behind the iconic “his prices are insane!” commercials that dominated New York airwaves in the 70s and 80s. We dig into the origins of the Antar family’s Syrian-Jewish immigrant roots, the cultural practice of “Nehkdi” (profit skimming) that became the gateway to massive fraud, and how Eddie built his empire on stolen sales tax, bait-and-switch sales tactics, and rigged co-op advertising deals. We trace the company’s rise through its 1984 IPO, the inventory fraud that inflated its stock price, and the family betrayals — including Eddie’s own cousin and CFO, Sam Antar, who eventually became the key witness against him. Finally, we cover Eddie’s dramatic downfall: insider trading, a hostile takeover that exposed empty filing cabinets, his international manhunt and capture in Israel, and one truly wild detail — a former Crazy Eddie salesman who went on to become a street boss in the Bonanno crime family. This is one of the craziest true crime business stories you’ll ever hear — equal parts immigrant success story, family betrayal, and Wall Street fraud. Topics Covered: Who was Crazy Eddie? The man behind the commercials Syrian-Jewish immigrant roots & the “Nehkdi” tax skim Stolen sales tax, bait-and-switch & “lunching” scams Co-op advertising fraud The 1984 IPO & inventory manipulation Family betrayal: Sam Antar & the cousin who brought him down Insider trading & the hostile takeover that exposed everything Tracking Eddie down in Israel The Bonanno crime family connection Gary on Social Media Website Website 2 Purchase “Retail Gangster” Fascinating Nouns on Social Media Facebook Twitter YouTube
Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching
If you've ever found yourself staring at your bank account hoping the number magically went up overnight, or waiting until December to figure out what — if anything — you get to pay yourself this year, this episode is going to feel like a direct message just for you.So many of the designers I work with are talented, passionate, and completely in the dark about the financial side of their business. And here's the thing: that's not a character flaw. It's an education gap. But it is your responsibility to close it — and that's exactly what today's conversation is all about.In this episode, I sit down with Carla Titus, a fractional CFO and financial consultant with over 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning and business strategy. Carla breaks down the practical financial planning strategies every interior designer needs, from simple two-week cash flow forecasting to building financial reserves, paying yourself consistently, and knowing exactly when it's time to bring in a fractional CFO.Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will shift the way you think about money in your business — and give you real tools to move forward with confidence and financial stability.Featured GuestCarla Titus is a finance expert with more than 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business operations. As the founder of Wealth & Worth Within, she provides Fractional CFO services, financial consulting, bookkeeping support, and strategic financial planning for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses profitably. Carla's mission is to help business owners achieve financial clarity, improve cash flow, and make confident decisions that support sustainable growth and long-term success.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why cash flow is your business's oxygen✳️ Simple two-week cash flow planning strategies✳️ How to build financial reserves without overwhelm✳️ When to hire a fractional CFO✳️ How to pay yourself consistently and intentionallyRead the Blog >>> Cash Flow Management for Interior DesignersNEXT STEPS:
Analysts Don Kellogg and Roger Entner evaluate the benefits of Verizon's new Simplicity Plan, discuss the evolving device upgrade landscape, and examine AT&T's announcement of its new CFO.00:00 Episode intro 00:24 Overview of Verizon's new plan 02:09 The rewards structure of the plan 03:27 Additional features and junk fee elimination 04:18 Device subsidies are being phased out 07:40 Increasing customer value without device upgrades 08:38 Verizon's new plan is a step in the right direction 09:53 AT&T announces new CFO 11:25 Episode wrap-upTags: telecom, telecommunications, wireless, prepaid, postpaid, cellular phone, Don Kellogg, Roger Entner, Verizon, plans, Dan Schulman, rewards, T-Mobile, Ronan Dunne, Xfinity, internet, hotspots, devices, financing, Apple, upgrades, Samsung, net adds, Virgin Mobile, AT&T, Jennifer Biry, Pascal Desroches, John Stankey
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital. Key Takeaways Funding Opportunities & Qualifications Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding. Basic qualifications include: Credit score of 680+ Existing credit lines (at least $10,000) A clear business mission and low-risk profile. Avoiding Scams Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money. Do your homework: Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express). Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy. Importance of a Business Plan Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan. Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed. Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit. Family & Friends Lending Treat personal loans like business loans: Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties. Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing. Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months). Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts. Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit. Success Story Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan. Notable Quotes “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.” “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.” “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.” “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.” “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailThe internet has a new way of keeping score: aura. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into one of the strangest trends taking over social media—gaining aura, losing aura, and why people seem obsessed with measuring status in ways that don't actually exist. From CEOs and athletes to celebrities and everyday people, we explore why some people walk into a room and command attention while others instantly lose credibility. We break down where the trend came from, why it resonates, and what it reveals about confidence, reputation, authenticity, and human nature. Because aura may be made up—but the way people react to it is very real.From a business strategy and tactical standpoint, "aura" is just the modern evolution of executive presence and brand equity. In this episode, we unpack how entrepreneurs and corporate executives can tactically build authentic authority without falling into the trap of cheap marketing gimmicks. We discuss how iconic brands like Nike, Apple, and Tesla cultivate a corporate aura that commands premium pricing and fierce customer loyalty. Whether you are running a startup or leading a Fortune 500 company, managing your professional reputation and understanding how the public measures your credibility is a critical component of modern leadership, PR strategy, and marketplace positioning.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kn0oUEQ2gJcWe want to hear from you! Send your thoughts, feedback, or favorite beer recommendations to beer@mikeandblaine.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comIf you enjoy the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com right now to buy us a beer and support the podcast!Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.comThanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat DevinWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kn0oUEQ2gJc#AuraPoints #Aura #LoseAura #InternetCulture #BusinessStrategy #ExecutivePresence #BrandEquity #LeadershipTactics #Entrepreneurship #Nike #Apple #Tesla #Forbes #HarvardBusinessReview #PublicRelations #MarketingStrategy #CorporateBranding #MikeAndBlaineSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/
Anthony Rose is the Chief Financial Officer at Kapitus, where he has led financial strategy, operations, and growth initiatives since 2018. With more than 25 years of experience across investment banking, fintech, and corporate finance, he brings deep expertise in capital markets, balance sheet management, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Kapitus, Anthony served as Chief Administrative Officer at Dime Community Bancshares and held CFO roles at ISI Group and the Global Equities Investment Bank at Credit Suisse. Earlier in his career, he held key leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase, including VP of Capital and Balance Sheet Strategy and Equity Research Analyst. Anthony holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is known for his strategic insight, leadership, and ability to drive financial performance in complex organizations. During the show we discuss: Why credit discipline (not just tech) is the real backbone of successful lending companies How lenders evaluate you using cash flow vs. credit score (and why this matters) The real criteria that determine if you qualify for business funding Why fast growth can be dangerous—and how controlled scaling wins long-term The difference between loans, lines of credit, revenue financing, and equipment financing (and when to use each) How to still get funding even if your credit isn't perfect What lenders look for in a "strong borrower profile" Why many fintech companies fail—and what separates the ones that last Resources: https://kapitus.com/
Steve Harward built a $110 MILLION company from nothing and the secret had nothing to do with hustle. How do you go from zero to nine figures across three brands and 400 employees? Steve Harward, founder and CEO of Prime Corporate Services, did exactly that. And in this episode he reveals the counterintuitive philosophy behind it: radical generosity, deep listening, and the willingness to let go. Steve gets beautifully real about the moment he finally stepped away from running support emails and doing payroll at $22 million in revenue, and what happened to the business when he did. We go deep on how giving without expectation has generated some of his biggest partnerships, and why listening for what he calls the "heart spark moment" in every conversation changed everything. This one moved me to tears. I think it will move you too. In this episode: • The pivotal decision that took Prime from $20M to $60M and beyond • Why Steve spends $1 million a year on gifts (and why his CFO hates it) • How to turn simple connections into high-value strategic partnerships • The review strategy that generated 8,000 five-star reviews and why it matters • Leadership lessons from managing 400 employees with heart • Why you're one conversation away from your next big breakthrough If this inspired you and you're hitting a ceiling in your growth, and you're truly ready to scale your seven-figure company: Click here: www.MyScaleSession.com to book a one-on-one Deep Dive Scale Session with a CEO Strategist on Allison's team at Pinnacle Global Network. We've helped over 150,000 CEOs scale their companies and build more freedom in their lives. If this conversation lit something up in you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Pinnacle Global Network is a Woman-Owned Strategic Advisory and CEO Mentorship Organization helping founders with over $1 million in revenue scale at pace while building a more freedom-filled life. Every member is matched with a 1:1 CEO mentor who has already built a multi-million-dollar company, guides them step by step through the proprietary SCALEit Method®, and welcomes them into a powerful community of driven founders who become their pillars of support along the way. Founded in 2009, this method has helped CEOs turn burnt-out, stuck founders into the visionary leaders of thriving, team-managed companies. What members gain: A 1:1 CEO Mentor who has built at least one 7-9-figure company and provides personalized, year-round guidance tailored to your business and goals A dedicated mentorship team so when you need a fresh perspective or a specialist, your mentor brings in the right expert for the challenge at hand The proven SCALEit Method®, a step-by-step scaling framework built on five pillars: Strategic Vision, Cash Flow, Alliance of the Team, Leadership, and Execution Strategic Vision and Cash Flow mastery to set a Big Picture Vision and build the marketing, sales, and cash flow systems that fuel sustainable growth Alliance of the Team and Leadership development to build a team-managed company that runs without you, led by your strongest self Execution systems that hand the daily grind to your team, giving you back your time, freedom, and headspace
The AI XR Podcast had a massive news week and one of its best guest conversations of the year. Caspar Thykier and Connell Gauld, CEO and CTO co-founders of Zappar, joined Charlie Fink and Ted Schilowitz to talk about something deceptively simple: helping people find stuff.Zappar's new product, Spaces, is app-free indoor navigation built on the web. QR code or link in a meeting invite — your phone shows AR breadcrumbs to the nearest restroom, the right meeting room, the hospital ward three floors away. No app download. No specific hardware. No Azure dependency. Caspar put the pitch simply: it's fundamentally just helping people find stuff. Connell's vision: the same technology running in glasses indistinguishable from a regular pair, within four to five years.AI XR News: Elon Musk's $135 billion lawsuit against OpenAI went to trial in Berkeley. OpenAI's IPO may be pushed to 2027 over its CFO reporting structure and $600B CapEx problem. Meta is laying off 20% of its staff in two waves. Google earnings were up 10% while Meta got punished. Freepik rebranded as Magnifi with $230M ARR and a million paid subscribers. Samsung announced displayless AI smart glasses. Google partnered with Gucci for another AI glasses play. And Google put $40 billion into Anthropic.Key Moments:[00:03:02] Elon vs. Sam: the $135 billion trial[00:05:09] OpenAI's IPO in jeopardy — CFO structure and $600B CapEx[00:07:12] Meta's 20% layoffs and Charlie's read on bad CEO behavior[00:10:32] Freepik becomes Magnifi: $230M ARR, a million subscribers[00:13:10] Samsung Galaxy XR and Google x Gucci smart glasses[00:15:15] Google puts $40B into Anthropic — a cloud play[00:21:06] Spaces: turn-by-turn AR indoor navigation, no app required[00:41:13] 16 years in XR: how Zappar survived by being the cockroachBrought to you by Zappar, the company behind Mattercraft — the leading visual development environment for immersive 3D web experiences. Start building at mattercraft.io.Watch the Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HmOXA4HgBmo. Subscribe to the AI XR Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:00 Intro01:13 U.S. and Iran Sign Peace Deal04:41 Trump Thanks Xi, Putin for Their ‘Neutrality'05:34 Iran Aligns with China's Challenge to U.S.-Led World Order06:35 Senators: China's Leverage in Industries Hurts Elderly08:51 Senate Panel Approves Bill Targeting Forced Organ Harvesting10:56 U.S. Embassy Warns Travelers of China Exit Bans12:04 Huawei Faces Trial with CFO's Admission as Evidence14:13 By Land or Sea, Our Borders Are Closed: U.S. Authorities14:46 Can Iran Deal Promises Be Enforced?15:00 Can Iran Deal Deliver Lasting Change?16:23 U.S. Holds Key Leverage Over Iran17:57 U.S. Domestic Pressures Influence Iran Policy19:05 Deal Structure Allows Iran Economic Relief20:38 Israel Faces Rising Proxy Threats from Iran
On this episode of The Ty Brady Way, Ty sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, a multimillion dollar accounting firm she built from scratch starting at age 50 with no accounting degree, no clients, and no real plan. What she had was a need, a willingness to figure it out, and enough stubbornness to keep going when most people would have quit. Natalia's story doesn't start with a passion or a calling. It starts with a divorce in 2012, a stretch of poverty, years of grinding through jobs that were slowly disappearing, and a conversation in a cafe in Annapolis, Maryland where someone she was dating said, almost offhandedly, why don't you just start your own business? She thought he was joking. He wasn't. She took a short course on starting a business, followed the steps, got her first client, and then went to work figuring out how to actually do bookkeeping. That's the whole origin story. No dramatic leap of faith, just a fork in the road and a decision to go left. What followed was anything but easy. She worked full time while learning a brand new skill set from YouTube videos and books. Her first year in business she made $38,000 in gross sales. She spent the first three years fighting imposter syndrome almost weekly, asking herself why she was doing something she never wanted to do in the first place. The answer was always the same: it was working, clients were coming, and she had nothing to fall back on. So she kept going. Ty and Natalia get into the three beliefs she had to break to get where she is today. The first was the negative self-talk that told her she was too old to start over. Every time that voice showed up, she learned to stop it in its tracks and ask whether it was actually being helpful. The second was the envy she felt scrolling through social media watching other people live the life she wanted. She flipped that story and started telling herself she already had that life, even when she didn't. Before long, she started actually having it. The third was the deepest one: growing up as a first-generation American with the belief that a woman's security came from a husband. She had no safety net, no partner to lean on, and no fallback. In hindsight, she says that was exactly what she needed, because it left her no option but to keep moving forward. One of the most honest moments in this conversation is when Natalia talks about the 11 months she spent reaching out to people every single day and hearing no over and over again. She describes it as feeling like she was sinking further into an abyss with no sign of when things would turn around. She kept going anyway. That's the whole answer. She kept going. They also get into how she built the business beyond bookkeeping. She did all the sales calls herself for years, and she kept hearing the same thing from business owners: I don't understand what these numbers mean. That pattern became fractional CFO services, which is now the core of what Zacharin Consulting does. She helps business owners stop looking at where they are and start seeing where they're headed, projecting six to twelve months out so they can make decisions before problems become crises. The tax and payroll services came later, both born out of frustration with industry gaps she kept watching hurt her clients. Natalia's non-negotiables are worth noting: exercise with a personal trainer because she knows she won't show up for herself alone, sleep after years of running on fumes, hobbies and time with her kid on weekends, and getting her hair done, which is blocked on her calendar and visible to her entire team. She's not apologetic about any of it. You can't lead sixteen people if you're running on empty. Her definition of success has shifted completely. It started as survival. Then it became about the quality of service she was delivering. Now it's about her team having real careers and real opportunities, her clients getting everything they deserve, and giving back to causes she cares about. The business is no longer just about her, and she's clear that's exactly how it should be. Her closing message is simple: it's harder than you think it's going to be, and it's worth it. Find a room where you're the smallest business in it. And leave your ego at the door, because the goal is to keep hiring people who are better than you.
The AI hype train keeps shedding wheels this week. KPMG managed to publish a report about the transformative power of AI that was apparently riddled with hallucinations, fake citations, and imaginary products, proving once again that asking a stochastic parrot to do your homework is not a substitute for actual research. Meanwhile, Americans are using AI faster than ever while trusting it less than ever, OpenAI somehow turned $13 billion in revenue into losses that would make a dot-com CFO blush, and Silicon Valley CEOs have quietly stopped promising to replace all workers with AI. Not because they've changed their minds, mind you, just because they discovered that telling employees they're obsolete is terrible for morale and stock prices. Add in protests dogging Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Meta employees revolting against soul-crushing AI evaluation work, and the message is clear: the future is here, and everyone involved seems miserable.We then return to one of the founding principles of Grumpy Old Geeks: never build your house on somebody else's land. Anthropic learned that lesson the hard way when its AI models reportedly got caught in a geopolitical and regulatory tug-of-war involving Amazon, the U.S. government, and national security concerns. World leaders are now openly questioning whether American AI platforms can be trusted if access can be revoked overnight. The same platform-risk story pops up again as Meta launches AI-powered search across Facebook's oceans of questionable user-generated content. Remember kids: when you pitch your tent in someone else's backyard, don't act shocked when they turn on the sprinklers.From the Injustice Files, the hits keep coming. The Atlantic revealed the staggering scale of copyrighted music used to train AI systems, Hollywood inches closer to becoming a monopoly-themed amusement park, and the DOJ is backing xAI in a pollution lawsuit while reports emerge that Grok-assisted systems played a role in military operations. Elon keeps collecting legal losses, SpaceX buys Cursor for an eye-watering $60 billion, and Trump is threatening French wine over tech taxes while simultaneously promoting crypto through a UFC event at the White House. We wrap with Britain banning social media for kids under 16, hackers stealing entire Roblox games, Fox buying Roku, the return of human narrators at Blinkist, a gloriously anti-social-media flip phone from Commodore, and a reminder that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is still one of the few things keeping the future worth looking forward to.Sponsors:DeleteMe - Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use promo code GOG at checkout.Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.com/grumpyPrivate Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/751Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/iRrbNdVw-pMSHOW NOTESA report on the benefits of AI was reportedly full of AI hallucinationsJust 16% of Americans Believe AI Will Positively Impact Society, Pew Poll FindsExclusive: OpenAI Losses Increased Nearly 8X in 2025, With Spending Hitting $34 BillionThe CEOs are No Longer (Publicly) Threatening to Replace Humans With AISundar Pichai faces boos, walkout at Stanford graduation ceremony over Google's Israel, ICE ties‘Tell Him He's a Piece of Shit': Meta's New AI Unit Is a Total MessAnthropic becomes a cautionary sovereign-AI fableAnthropic Says It's Taking Claude Fable 5 Offline to Comply With US Government OrderCyber experts warn Fable limits aid attackers and hurt defendersAmazon Triggered Claude Fable 5 Shutdown: Investor, Cloud Host, Now RegulatorWorld leaders want American AI. They just don't want America to be able to turn it off.Meta's new ‘AI Mode' on Facebook pulls from public info across its platformsInvestigation by The Atlantic reveals many millions of songs used for AI music trainingJustice Department Decision to Allow Paramount Deal Surprised Staff InvestigatorsJustice Department backs xAI in NAACP lawsuit over data center pollutionPentagon used Elon Musk's Grok AI to fire 2,000 missiles at Iran, official saysxAI's lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets has been thrown outSpaceX to acquire Cursor for $60B in stock, days after blockbuster IPOTrump threatens 100 percent tariff on France's wine industry over its tech taxUFC to pay White House fighters in crypto issued by Trump companyUK will ban social media for children under 16Hackers Are Hijacking Entire Roblox Games NowFox is buying Roku for $22 billionApple TV renews comedy horror Widow's Bay for a second seasonDownton Abbey: A New EraDownton Abbey: The Grand FinaleDisclosure DayShrek 5 | Official Teaser TrailerRIDICULOUS - 2026 Special - Trailer #1 - Louis C.K.Star Trek: Strange New Worlds | Season 4 Official TrailerCommodore made a social media-banishing flip phoneSnap's Stock Plunges the Moment It Reveals Its Comically Gigantic AR GlassesSo Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal NewportCreator Capitalist by the Category PiratesTrackalotBlinkist pulls back on AI narratorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Jake Kornreich, CFO of CoLab and former CFO of Own, live from the New York Stock Exchange. Jake breaks down the six-part framework behind Own's $2.1B sale to Salesforce, why “control your destiny” matters, how CFOs should think about IPO readiness, board communication, share price theater, and why great finance leaders operate beyond the spreadsheet.—SPONSORS:Rillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to replace NetSuite and close faster. With revenue recognition, close management, multi-entity support, and native Stripe and Salesforce integrations, Rillet helps scaling companies run their finance stack in one place. Hundreds of teams, including Windsurf and Mercor, use Rillet to make the zero-day close real. Book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjEY has been part of Silicon Valley since it was just a valley, helping the most successful names in tech go from startup to exit to megacap. With teams across strategy, tax, audit, and transactions, EY helps you get your financials right early, long before your investors start asking for it. You build the next big thing, and EY will help you build it right. Learn more at https://www.ey.com/techstartupsSpendHound cuts your SaaS and AI spend by up to 30% using real pricing benchmarks across 10,000 vendors, so you always know what fair pricing looks like before your next renewal. Rated #1 on G2 in SaaS spend management, it's free forever for teams up to 1,000 employees. Sign up by June 12th and get $500 just for getting started. Go to https://www.spendhound.com/cjBrex is an intelligent finance platform with AI-powered agents that capture expenses automatically, enforce policy before the spend happens, and close your books in minutes instead of weeks. 35,000+ companies like OpenAI, Coinbase, Anthropic, and DoorDash already run on Brex. It's time to get Brex AF. Learn more at https://www.brex.com/metricsAleph is a modern FP&A platform built for teams that want more than another planning tool. By connecting your ERP, CRM, and other systems into one trusted data layer with AI workflows, Aleph helps you move faster with real-time insights. Get a personalized demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform that lets your product team ship new pricing without asking finance for permission, and your sales team close deals without creating downstream chaos. Check out their free tool at calculator.rightrev.com It scores your rev rec process, shows what's exposing you to risk, and tells you exactly where to focus before it bites you in the rear end. Check it out at https://calculator.rightrev.com—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNGuest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-kornreich/Company: https://www.colabsoftware.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Preview and Intro2:20 First stock3:28 Benefits of going public today5:42 Come-up: chief of staff to CFO6:31 Running HR like a sales org8:32 Control your destiny9:24 Synergies with Salesforce10:09 Sponsors — Rillet | EY | SpendHound13:10 Do your own ROI due diligence14:40 Share price equals entertainment16:26 Disciplined execution17:45 Performance, not stories19:24 Activist investors and the acquirer's board20:13 Write the memo for the other side20:45 Sponsors — Brex | Aleph | RightRev24:02 Triangulate your way to success25:18 Your board takes snapshots, you run the movie26:21 Knowing when to sell27:16 Valuation limits your exit options27:38 Stakeholder comms during the acquisition29:58 CFO as operator, not just function31:31 What is CoLab?32:09 Why Jake joined post-Series C33:50 Personal product market fit for CFOs35:27 Lightning round35:42 Screwed up: $5M budget error36:17 Advice to younger self36:41 Finance software stack37:34 Culture of expense discipline38:22 Credits
Today's episode of the Punk CX podcast is Part One of a two-parter featuring a series of chats I had with Pega executives and one of their clients while at Pegaworld in Las Vegas last week. In this episode, I talk with Ken Stillwell, COO & CFO at Pega and Peter Lacroix, Head of Low-Code, Achmea, a long-time customer of Pega's. Some of the things we cover include the big themes and takeaways from the event, a CFO's perspective on tokenmaxxing and tokenomics, Pega's response, Achmea's journey with Pega, how they are using various parts of their platform and the impact on their customers and business. This interview follows on from my recent interview – Customer experience is becoming autonomous – Interview with Andrew Bialecki of Klaviyo – and is number 591 in the series of interviews with authors and business leaders who are doing great things, providing valuable insights, helping businesses innovate and delivering great service and experience to both their customers and their employees. #PegaPartner
Jay Johnson, CFO and treasurer at Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR), joined the REIT Report podcast to discuss the state of out-of-home (OOH) advertising, where Lamar sees new growth potential, the importance of serving local as well as national clients, the growing share of digital advertising, the enduring appeal of traditional billboard formats, and more. Founded in 1902, Lamar has been publicly traded for nearly 30 years and transitioned to a REIT 12 years ago. The company's longevity is rooted in the ability to remain relevant to clients as the business has evolved from traditional billboards to digital and programmatic advertising, Johnson noted.Johnson described OOH advertising today as well positioned, with national advertising improving and new categories like pharmaceuticals opening meaningful opportunities. “It's a great time to be in out-of-home,” he said, noting that even a small share of pharma ad spending could be significant for Lamar. Chapters: 00:00 Digital vs Static Reality00:28 Welcome to The REIT Report00:56 Lamar Longevity and Evolution02:18 Out of Home Market Tailwinds03:06 New Verticals Pharma and AI04:33 Footprint and Economic Signals05:30 Digital Conversion Strategy07:11 Local Sales Engine08:16 Top Local Advertiser Verticals09:12 SEC Reporting Debate10:17 Three Competitive Pillars12:26 Scale Performance and Wrap Up
So you've seen the headlines: AI is coming for bookkeeping, tax prep, and data entry. The accountants who thrive won't be the ones doing that work faster. They'll be the ones doing work AI can't touch.With cannabis newly rescheduled to Schedule III and tens of thousands of new companies coming over the next 12–18 months, there's never been a better window to build an AI-proof CFO practice.In this video, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and founder of DOPE CFO, covers:- Why PwC, Intuit, and Goldman Sachs are racing to automate audit, bookkeeping, and tax... and what that means for your income- The one type of industry that's genuinely AI-proof, plus the simple test to spot it- The higher-level services clients gladly pay $10–20K/month for (it's not bookkeeping or tax)- The "number two" positioning that makes you indispensable to any CEOThe accountants who move first on this will own the next decade. Ready to build an AI-proof CFO practice?
John Pollock speaks with former WWE co-president George Barrios about his new book, Saudi Arabia-WWE, TV media rights, firing in 2020, Vince McMahon's exit over scandals, and the recent shareholder lawsuit.The two discuss his role as CFO beginning in 2008, the shift to a business-to-business mode, his evolving relationship with Vince McMahon, when he was ready to leave the company, and the very public exit he experienced in 2020, and subsequent return for the TKO merger. Barrios is promoting his new book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWEPhotos courtesy: WWE, Peakpoint Press Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comX: http://www.twitter.com/POSTwrestlingInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/POSTwrestlingFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/POSTwrestling YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/POSTwrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://postwrestling.com/discordSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer. Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:
The Agents #007: Our AI Agent Negotiated a Vendor Renewal, Became a CFO and a Better SDR .. But Does He Have Too Many Guardrails? Episode 7 of The Agents, SaaStr's weekly show on the trials and tribulations of running a company with 21 AI agents, 3 humans, and a dog. This week Jason and Amelia debrief life after SaaStr AI Annual and discover that the agents didn't slow down just because the event ended. 10K is already planning SaaStr 2027, negotiating vendor renewals on his own terms, and somehow became a CFO while nobody was looking. Meanwhile, a guardrail problem quietly broke one of SaaStr's most-used apps for weeks, and the website agent is now outperforming every AISDR in the stack. This week: 14 guardrails pushed the VC pitch deck analyzer into rejecting everything, and the lesson is that over-guardrailing is just as dangerous as under-guardrailing. 10K got hooked up to Bill.com and found 8 years of collections automation that nobody had turned on. The AI VP of Marketing is now also running finance because convergence is real and agents do not care about org charts. And 10K sent a vendor a list of API demands before agreeing to renew, which the vendor did not love. Also: why losing your FDE might make you churn the vendor entirely, why Annie the website agent is writing better outbound than the actual outbound tools, and how 442,000 chats turned into 614 meetings with zero humans in the loop.
She Thinks Big - Women Entrepreneurs Doing Good in the World
Are your prices too low because raising them feels unnerving?Most CPAs don't have a pricing problem. They have a confidence problem. In this episode, we dig into why pricing isn't math - it's psychology - and how underpricing steals your time, energy, and freedom. You'll hear practical ways to test higher prices, simplify your services, stop saying yes to everything, and build a firm that feels lighter, calmer, and far more profitable without grinding harder.Link to video replay:https://www.crowdcast.io/c/price-with-confidence…Link to full shownotes: https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/394…Want the skinny on pricing?If you feel trapped by your own accounting firm, it's not because of the work – it's how you've priced the work. Too many accountants are stuck in undercharging, overdelivering, and people-pleasing cycles. Break the pattern with my short PDF guide: 7 Pricing Essentials »It's free, and you can read it in 5 minutes.I want to help you get your prices up without losing loyal clients. …Want to hear what works, from 57+ clients?Check out the Client Success Stories podcast: LISTEN »
Money talks (and so should your P&L). This week, the guys are getting fiscal. Conrad and Gyi bring in two heavy hitters. First up, Leah Miller, fractional CFO and Founder of Firmly Profits, sits down with Conrad and Gyi at the PILMMA Super Summit and breaks down what your finances actually say about your marketing. The big (and predictable) surprise? Most firms are undercapitalized and under-measured. She and the guys dig into the real benchmarks: what healthy marketing spend looks like (you're probably low), what KPIs a CFO actually cares about, and why doubling your intake means nothing if your average case value is tanking. Consider this Chapter One. Then, Josh Porte from Holland & Knight demystifies the MSO model in plain English in a conversation recorded at Vista Consulting Team's A Seat at the Table event. If you've been nodding along to private equity conversations while secretly Googling "what is Rule 5.4," it's time to get schooled. Josh walks through how money flows between a law firm and an MSO, where the ethical guardrails actually live, what rollover equity means for sellers, and why the management services agreement you sign today might be with you for the next 20 years. Minimum. Advanced material, but we believe in you. Whether you're running a tight PI shop or eyeing an acquisition, this episode is a masterclass in treating your law firm like the business it actually is. No yellow book required.-Want to hear more from our guests? They're on LinkedIn (and they're real people, not AI!): Connect with Leah Miller; Connect with Josh Porte. -We learned so much at A Seat at theTable that we created a page on our website dedicated to it. Listen to all the interviews, and enjoy the enlightening conversations as much as we did: https://lunchhourlegalmarketing.com/private-equity-law-firms-the-mso-guide/ -We are now less than two months away from The Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Summit! Check out our speakers, agenda, and register on our website.-A roaring ‘thank you' to our incomparable sponsors: Juvo Leads, Lawmatics, CallRail, and ALPS Legal Malpractice and Law Firm Insurance! Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:23 Leah Miller: How Much Should You Spend on Marketing? 06:27 KPIs & Metrics CFOs Actually Care About 08:19 Financial Benchmarks for Law Firms 11:13 Brand vs. Non-Brand Spend & Regional Variability 12:08 Borrowing to Grow: Acquisition Financing 14:58 AI, Offshore Staffing & the Impact on Labor Costs 15:55 Modeling Finances Around Big Outlier Cases 17:06 What to Look for in a Fractional CFO 19:00 Josh Porte: Rule 5.4 & the MSO Structure Explained 21:12 Josh's Role at Holland & Knight 21:58 What Makes a Great MSO Transaction 23:24 The Gray Areas: Intake, Case Acceptance & Rule 5.3 25:50 How Money Flows: Fixed Fees vs. Cost Plus (No Revenue Splits) 27:56 Where AI Software Lives in the MSO Structure 29:44 Growth Through Acquisition: The Buy-and-Build Playbook 32:29 Operating Agreements, Non-Competes & Rollover Equity 35:58 Management Services Agreements: Terms & Lock-In 37:05 EBITDA Multiples, Multiple Arbitrage & Equity Value Creation 40:17 PE Fund Timelines & Exit Horizons
Patient financing has become increasingly popular in medical aesthetics, especially during economic slowdowns and seasonal dips in demand. The problem is that many practices treat financing as a solution to slow sales when it should be treated as a financial tool. In this episode, I talk about where financing fits into a healthy med spa growth strategy, when it makes sense to offer financing options, and how to avoid the margin erosion that often comes with poorly structured financing programs. Financing Should Support Value—Not Replace It One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the belief that financing creates demand. However, offering payment plans won't solve the underlying problem of a potential patient misunderstanding the value of or not seeing the value in a treatment. Financing works best when the value proposition is already clear and the patient simply needs more flexibility around affordability. When teams lead with financing too early, they often skip the more important conversation around outcomes, results, and treatment benefits. Over time, that can weaken pricing power and train patients to focus on monthly payments instead of value. The Right Way to Offer Financing in Your Med Spa Financing can be a useful tool when it's applied selectively and supported by clear policies. • Reserve financing options for high-ticket services with healthy margins • Set minimum spend thresholds before financing becomes available • Use financing for treatments like body contouring, laser packages, hair restoration, skin tightening, and surgery financing • Avoid financing low-ticket services or already discounted treatments • Understand financing fees and how they impact practice margins • Train staff to sell value first and financing second • Monitor financing usage as part of regular executive financial reviews The goal is to use financing to accelerate a demand that already exists—not to compensate for weak sales strategy or pricing issues. Protecting Margins While Improving Affordability Every financing option comes with a cost. Depending on the provider, financing fees can significantly reduce profitability, especially on treatments with tighter margins. Before implementing a financing policy, understand exactly how those fees affect cash flow, treatment profitability, and overall financial performance. If financing is reducing margins more than it's increasing revenue, it's working against the business. As Your Practice Grows, Financing Offers Require Clear Boundaries The most successful practices use financing selectively. They understand which services can support financing costs, train their teams consistently, and monitor financing usage as part of regular financial reviews. When financing is aligned with profitability goals, it can improve affordability and support growth. When it becomes the default answer to every price objection, it often creates more financial and operational challenges than it solves. Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn: Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence. Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners. Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/ Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here.
Most entrepreneurs don't realize how much money they're losing through poor tax strategy. The problem isn't always revenue. It's what happens after the money comes in. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Peter Holtz, founder of one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the country. With experience spanning Big 4 accounting, CFO leadership, and building a $10M-plus firm from the ground up, Peter shares why traditional accounting models are failing entrepreneurs and what founders should be doing instead. Peter explains how proactive tax planning, financial organization, and smarter business structures can dramatically improve profitability and help business owners build real long-term wealth. He also breaks down how entrepreneurs can legally reduce their tax burden, improve financial clarity, and turn accounting into one of the highest ROI investments in their business. Why Reactive Accounting Is Costing Founders Thousands Peter explains that most accountants operate as "box fillers," focused only on filing returns instead of helping business owners strategically reduce taxes year-round. He shares why accuracy, organization, and the right business structure are foundational to keeping more of what you earn. From separating business and personal expenses to optimizing entity structure, small changes can create a massive financial impact. Peter also dives into overlooked strategies many entrepreneurs miss, including the Augusta Rule, paying children through the business, vehicle deductions, and structuring travel expenses correctly. Building Wealth Through Financial Clarity Beyond taxes, this conversation explores the deeper connection between financial awareness and leadership. Peter reflects on building his firm from a small operation into an Inc. 5000 company by embracing cloud accounting, systems, and long-term thinking early. He also shares why he believes entrepreneurs are modern-day pioneers and why supporting business owners is central to his mission. Rachel and Peter also discuss personal branding, scaling a service-based business, and the evolution of authority in today's digital landscape. Enjoy this episode with Peter Holtz… Soundbytes 17:53–18:14 "The Augusta Rule lets you rent out your house at fair market value. You have to determine fair market value. You've got to create a lease between yourself and your business, and there's a lot of details you have to live with. But it could easily be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 in tax-free income, depending on how you use it." 20:39–21:04 "I've said, you know, you should pay your kids, and I've heard, 'Well, we talked to our tax preparer, and they said it's a red flag.' It's not. I've been around for 40 years. I've been through audits. I've helped people that have come to me to get help with audits. The tax law is very clear that any child above age 7 can be paid a reasonable wage to help you in your business." Quotes "Most entrepreneurs are overpaying in taxes because no one ever showed them a better strategy." "A CPA should not be a cost center. They should be one of the highest ROI partners in your business." "When you don't commingle business and personal expenses, you're already telling the IRS you're organized." "The ultimate resource you can never get more of is time." "There's not a business problem that I can't solve anymore because after a while, you understand how businesses really work." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.peterholtzcpa.com/ Free Resource and Consultation: https://go.peterholtzcpa.com/rachel Connect with Peter Holtz on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/peterholtzcpa Follow Peter Holtz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterholtzcpa Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/
Nearly every marketing leader has been told to "do more with AI" — and many of them are now sitting on a pile of pilots, a growing bill, and not much to show their CFO. So why is it that adoption of AI in marketing is so high, while the number of organizations actually getting predictable returns from it is so low?Agility requires the discipline to reimagine how work gets done before automating it — because pointing AI at a broken process just produces a faster broken process.Today, we're going to talk about:- Why so many enterprise AI initiatives stall between ambition and production, and what separates the organizations that succeed from the ones that quietly cancel their projects- How marketing and CX teams can move from disconnected experiments to a governed, agent-powered operating model that turns a brief into live 1:1 engagement- How to make the economics of AI predictable — so the people approving these investments can actually forecast both outcomes and costTo help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Don Schuerman, CTO & Head of Marketing at Pega. About Don Schuerman As CTO and Vice President of Marketing & Technology Strategy at Pegasystems, I see my role as being a "Chief Translation Officer" – bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business value. With 25 years of experience in orchestration and AI technology, I'm passionate about translating complex technical concepts into meaningful solutions that drive digital transformation for global organizations. My approach to technology leadership has been shaped by an unexpected source: 20 years of improv comedy at ImprovBoston's Mainstage. The skills I honed there – active listening, storytelling, and thinking on my feet – now help me connect with both technical teams and business leaders. It's where I also met my wife, proving that sometimes the best partnerships form when you say "yes, and..." At Pega, I lead the intersection of technology and go-to-market strategy across our enterprise AI decisioning and workflow automation platform. My focus is two-fold: translating the power of technology into tangible value for our Fortune 500 clients, while ensuring our technology roadmap reflects the evolving needs of these organizations. Don Schuerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donschuerman/ ---------- Resources ---------- : https://www.pega.com Pega provides the leading AI-powered platform for enterprise transformation. The world's most influential organizations trust Pega's technology to reimagine how work gets done by automating workflows, personalizing customer experiences, and modernizing legacy systems. Since 1983, Pega's scalable, flexible architecture has fueled continuous innovation, helping clients accelerate their path to the autonomous enterprise. Learn more at Pega.com We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital. Key Takeaways Funding Opportunities & Qualifications Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding. Basic qualifications include: Credit score of 680+ Existing credit lines (at least $10,000) A clear business mission and low-risk profile. Avoiding Scams Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money. Do your homework: Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express). Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy. Importance of a Business Plan Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan. Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed. Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit. Family & Friends Lending Treat personal loans like business loans: Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties. Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing. Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months). Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts. Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit. Success Story Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan. Notable Quotes “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.” “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.” “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.” “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.” “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital. Key Takeaways Funding Opportunities & Qualifications Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding. Basic qualifications include: Credit score of 680+ Existing credit lines (at least $10,000) A clear business mission and low-risk profile. Avoiding Scams Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money. Do your homework: Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express). Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy. Importance of a Business Plan Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan. Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed. Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit. Family & Friends Lending Treat personal loans like business loans: Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties. Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing. Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months). Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts. Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit. Success Story Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan. Notable Quotes “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.” “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.” “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.” “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.” “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dan Nathan and Guy Adami break down a historic market week, headlined by SpaceX's blockbuster IPO and Kevin Warsh's first meeting as Fed Chair. Elon priced the deal himself at $135, and the stock popped to a ~$2.2 trillion valuation—instantly the 6th most valuable company in the world. The guys dig into whether the numbers actually add up, walking through Morningstar's $63 fair value, Jim Chanos's bearish note on xAI's financials, and what a 110x sales multiple means for anyone buying the pop. They also preview Warsh's "less is more" approach to Fed communication and what a quieter central bank means for volatility ahead. Then Dan is joined by VC Ann Bordetsky, for an "Okay, Computer." segment on the private-market side of the story: the looming Anthropic and OpenAI IPOs, OpenAI's rumored token price war, the compute crunch constraining AI demand, and why the CFO may now be the most powerful seat at any AI company. Articles Referenced OpenAI Considers Drastic Price Cuts, Anticipating War for Users With Anthropic (WSJ) Everyone hates frontier AI labs, says Palantir boss (The Register) "VCs behaving badly" (Axios) —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal MediaThe financial opinions expressed in Risk Reversal content are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on Risk Reversal.Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in Risk Reversal carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money that you can afford to lose.Derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service.