Podcast Episodes

Dashboard: The Problem with Retainers (and Other Lessons for Solopreneurs)

If you've built a successful business, you've likely been told the path to more success is obvious: hire employees, land bigger clients, lock in recu…

1 month ago

You’re Pre-Qualified for a 13% Loan! (That Really Costs 170%)

Episode 303

This week, we begin with the story of Paloma Corona, the owner of a thriving preschool in Los Angeles who needed money to expand to a second location…

1 month, 1 week ago

Dashboard: The ESOP Risk Nobody Talks About

ESOPs are often presented as one of the best ways for a business owner to exit. You preserve your company's independence, reward the employees who he…

1 month, 1 week ago

‘I Want My Employees Building My Business, Not Theirs’

Episode 304

Side hustles have gone mainstream. More employees than ever are starting businesses of their own—sometimes to earn extra income, sometimes as insuran…

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dashboard: Why Open Books and Employee Ownership Aren't Enough

One thing I've noticed over the years is that business owners love talking about employees who think like owners, who take initiative, solve problems…

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Would You Rather Own a Business in the U.K. or the U.S.?

Episode 303

Nearly 10 years ago, Simon Bedding, who owns a manufacturing company in England, picked up a copy of Boss Life, Paul Downs' memoir about running (and…

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Dashboard: Why Do People Keep Starting Businesses?

Small business owners have plenty to worry about these days. According to John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, his organizati…

1 month, 3 weeks ago

I’ll Deal with Succession Next Year

Episode 302

If you’ve owned a business for any length of time, you’ve probably told yourself some version of this: I'll deal with succession as soon as I solve w…

1 month, 4 weeks ago

Dashboard: You're Probably Not Spending Enough on AI

There have been a lot of stories lately about companies getting hit with surprisingly large AI bills. They start using platforms like ChatGPT or Clau…

2 months ago

What Do You Owe Your Employees?

Episode 301

Most business owners hope to reach the day when someone offers to buy their business. If that day comes, the payoff isn't just financial. It's valida…

2 months ago