Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder

Why estate planning and business succession fail most often has nothing to do with legal documents. It comes down to communication, valuation, and timing. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we explore the intersection of estate planning, business succession, and valuation with private client attorney Brian Balduzzi. Brian explains why estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy. Every business owner needs core documents in place to protect their family and business: wills, medical and financial powers of attorney, and a plan for what happens to their company. We dig into: How business valuation fits into estate and succession planning When to assemble the right advisor team and who should be at the table The dangers of ignoring valuation for illiquid assets Why failing to communicate plans derails succession efforts How gifting strategies, charitable giving, and legacy intentions shape outcomes Brian also touches on the emotional and human aspects of planning: chosen family considerations, stewardship of wealth, and why planning during life often creates better results than leaving everything to be sorted out later. If you're a business owner, this conversation offers practical steps to start protecting your company and your family today. #EstatePlanning #ProtectYourAssets #FuturePlanning #TaxStrategy #BusinessValuation #FamilyWealth #LifeGoals #LegacyPlanning ----more---- About Our Guest: Brian M. Balduzzi, Esq., Tax LL.M., MBA, CFP®, CEPA®, AEP®, IPA (he/him) is an attorney in the Private Client Group at Faegre Drinker in its Philadelphia, Princeton, and New York offices. Brian specializes in sophisticated estate and wealth transfer planning, helping families prepare for transitions, exits and succession. He also advises clients on estate and gift tax exemption strategies, charitable planning, prenuptial planning, estate and trust administration, and fiduciary litigation. Brian is a tax, business law, estate planning, accounting and finance adjunct professor. His scholarship has been featured in multiple regional and national trusts and estates and legal publications. In 2019, Brian was one of four Trusts and Estates attorneys selected as an ABA Real Property Trusts & Estate (ABA RPTE) Fellow, and, in 2021, as an American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Young Leader Fellow. For the ABA RPTE Section, he serves as the Chair of the IRA Plans & Distributions Committee, Chair of the Financial Planning and Risk Management Committee, Vice Chair of the DEI Committee, Member of the Trust and Estate Books Editorial Board and Council Member. Brian is also an active member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council on multiple committees and speaker as part of their Roundtable program. He has previously been honored as a Pennsylvania City and State Forty Under 40, Al DIA 40 Under Forty, Rainbow Revolutionary Distinguished Alumni, Philadelphia KEEPER, American Bar Association Top Forty Lawyers – On the Rise, and Boston University School of Law Young Alumni Chair Awardee. Brian holds his JD/Tax LL.M. from Boston University School of Law and his MBA with a Minor in Real Estate from Cornell University. He is licensed to practice law in PA, NJ, NY, FL, and MA, and he is in the process of waiving into the South Dakota bar. Links: Brian M. Balduzzi | Professionals | Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLPEstate Planning Lessons From the Oracle of Omaha | Law.comPlanning Suggestions for the Impact of OBBBA on Estate and Tax Planning | Publications | Insights | Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLPSales of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), ‘Stacking’ and Other Structures for Advanced Estate Planning | Publications | Insights | Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a...

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave is joined by change facilitator and organizational alignment expert Erica Wexler to explore how companies can eliminate unseen barriers that slow performance, reduce trust, and stall transformation. Erica breaks down why disconnects between leadership and employees often stem from assumptions rather than clarity – and how redefining accountability as measurable action, not a label, transforms outcomes. She introduces her SHIFT framework (Social, Hybrid, Innovative Efficiencies, Feedback & Flexibility, Training & Time) and explains how systems thinking and applied neuroscience can be used to drive sustainable change. 💡 Key Insights: Why accountability should start with verbs and measurable behaviors, not job titles or blame. The danger of hidden assumptions between departments – and how to fix communication breakdowns. How involving employees early improves buy-in and change readiness. Simple brain-based steps that help individuals and teams rewire habits over time. How AI, hybrid work, and evolving expectations are reshaping performance cultures. Building trust by making expectations visible and shared across functions. Using small, consistent actions to create a culture ready for continuous improvement. 📊 Erica also shares real-world examples and KPIs for accountability, offering leaders, managers, and contributors practical steps they can implement immediately. Whether you're an executive navigating change, a manager trying to build trust, or a contributor wanting more alignment, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help your organization adapt with clarity, consistency, and purpose. About Our Guest: Erica R. Wexler, MSOD is a pragmatically optimistic change facilitator and expert in organizational dynamics. For over 25 years Erica’s mission has been clear: help organizations remove the obstacles blocking productivity, engagement, efficiency, and workplace satisfaction. She holds a Master’s in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania and is credentialed in Advanced Applied Neuroscience, Executive Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Change Management, and Complex Project Management. At the heart of Erica’s work is her unwavering commitment to fostering workspaces where everyone feels valued, connected, and part of a harmonious, diverse, high-performing team. Intrigued? Let's Talk: https://www.ericawexlertransforms.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericawexler/ Subscribe to Erica's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Got-SHIfT-To-Say How Ready Are You?: https://macguyvertech.com/ai-readiness-starts-here/ About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books:...

First impressions happen fast—and they stick. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave talks with Sylvie DiGiusto, international keynote speaker and author of The Image of Leadership, about how leaders can shape powerful first impressions and build lasting influence. Sylvie breaks down her A-B-C-D-E framework—Appearance, Behavior, Communication, Digital footprint, and Environment—and explains how each element contributes to your executive presence. She also shares how she’s using 3D immersive holographic technology to deliver presentations that leave a lasting impact. You’ll hear practical strategies for: Understanding how unconscious bias affects first impressions Elevating your executive presence both online and offline Projecting confidence authentically, even if you’re an introvert Bouncing back from a poor first impression Choosing a single “anchor word” that defines your personal brand Key takeaway: Be intentional about how you show up, prove your authenticity through consistent actions, and leverage what makes you unique. To see Sylvie’s holographic presentations and learn more about her work, check her out online. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: International keynote speaker Sylvie di Giusto, CSP, brings decades of corporate expertise from Europe to every presentation.As a management consultant for Fortune 100 companies, the former head of a management academy and innovation hub,and Chief of Staff for the Human Resources Officer at Europe’s largest retail and tourism group, Sylvie implemented online and in-person training programs, pioneered cutting-edge leadership development initiatives, and led group-wide human resources strategies. With two decades of working at the crossroads of business operations, strategy, and performance, She is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Image of Leadership and Discover Your Fair Advantage, as well asthe creator of the online learning lab How You Impress.By leveraging her five cornerstones of intentional decision-making—visual, behavioral, verbal, digital, and social intelligence—Sylvie transforms her audiences’ decision-making skills, empowering them to excel as leaders, drive sales success, and enhance their organization’s brand reputation. Whether through her signature interactive keynotes or her groundbreaking 3D holographic flagship presentations, Sylvie combines research-driven insights, captivating storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to take audiences on a thought-provoking journey through the brain and mind—from the unconscious to theconscious—and ultimately to the heights of personal, professional, and organizational success. Website: www.sylviedigiusto.com About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical...

How do you cut through distraction and reclaim your focus in today’s always-on world? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, bestselling author and TEDx speaker Greg Bennick shares seven powerful strategies from his new book Reclaim the Moment. Greg and I explore practical ways to sharpen focus, manage pressure, and create deeper connections—including: Why “keeping your eyes on the knife” helps you stay aligned with your most critical work Why success can feel scarier than failure—and how to move past it The role of kindness, laughter, and relationships in building a more meaningful life and career Greg also shares stories from his early days as a teenage performer and offers actionable advice you can use immediately to boost productivity and fulfillment - both at work and beyond. Learn more about Greg and his work at gregbennick.com.----more---- About Our Guest: Greg Bennick knows about focus. Though reading about his life, you wouldn’t know that. He is a best-selling author, a keynote thought leader, a noted rare coin researcher, a TEDx speaker and speaking coach, a humanitarian philanthropist, and an influencer devoted to transforming the world by inspiring personal and social change. For the last three decades he has traveled the world listening to people and what they most want and need. He's come to realize that people want to matter. They want to feel that they are valued and significant contributors to a meaningful idea or vision. They want to be engaged and to feel inspired. If you can capture that in them, it is like high octane fuel for teamwork. When Greg traces back his own focus journey, he realizes that one moment, seeing a juggling ball flying aloft at twelve years old, changed everything for him. In the moment, he decided that he wanted to learn to juggle, but while learning to juggle changed his life, it wasn't until much later that he realized that it wasn't the juggling ball that was meaningful nearly as much as it was the FOCUS on the juggling ball that was meaningful. That differentiation transformed his life. Greg's new book Reclaim the Moment: 7 Strategies to Build a Better Now is an exploration of how to get back on track when we've been thrown off course by the world. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest...

How can HR drive profit instead of just managing processes? In this milestone episode (#300!) of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we explore how HR can become a strategic profit center rather than a cost center. Guest: Scott Rosen, CEO of the Rosen Group and author of Transforming Your HR Department into a Profit Center What you’ll learn in this episode: Why CEOs must lead people and set the tone for culture Scott’s six-step framework for transforming HR into a profit center How to approach strategic talent acquisition and employee engagement Ways to reduce turnover and its hidden costs The KPIs every organization should use to measure HR’s impact Actionable next steps you can apply right now: Conduct an HR audit to uncover gaps and opportunities Train and reinforce expected behaviors across the organization Invest in HR capabilities that directly support business outcomes Scott also shares where you can find his book and resources to begin transforming HR in your organization. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: Scott Rosen is the Founder & President, managing the Rosen Group since 1995. The Rosen Group has grown over the years into a leading staffing firm which specializes in HR. Scott’s responsibilities include management, and oversight of sales, marketing, recruiting, finance and operations. Prior to starting his own company, Scott spent 20 years in corporate America. The first half of that time was in operations management with Prudential and Cigna and the second half of that time was in HR Management as a generalist with Reliance Insurance Company, Travelers Mortgage and GE Capital. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Rider University. www.rosengroup.com About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it...

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave interviews Patrick Thean – serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, and author of The Journey to CEO Success: Seven Practices for High Growth Leadership. Patrick shares the seven practices of high-growth leadership: Curiosity Leveling up Early warning systems Full alignment Culture as a competitive advantage Building a people ecosystem Serving the right core customer Through real client examples, including insights from Michael Prager, Patrick explains how CEOs can develop the tools to spot problems early, align their teams, and create a culture that drives retention and performance. You’ll discover practical strategies for: Shifting from reactive crisis management to consistent execution Using leading indicators to avoid blind spots Hiring for culture fit to strengthen your team Scaling strategy around your core customer Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this conversation delivers actionable leadership advice and key warning signs to watch for on the path to sustainable growth. To go deeper, explore Patrick Thean’s book The Journey to CEO Success and his podcast for more tools and insights on becoming a high-growth leader.----more---- About Our Guest: Patrick Thean is an international speaker, CEO coach and serial entrepreneur whose mission is to help leaders build great companies and achieve their dreams. Patrick’s journey began when he was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in North Carolina, after growing his first company to #151 on the Inc. 500. Since then, he’s been on a mission to share his wisdom with CEOs worldwide, guiding them through the complexities of leadership and high-growth success. Patrick is the bestselling author of Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth, and now, he’s here to talk about his latest book, The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership. This book distills over 20 years of his executive coaching experience, offering battle-tested strategies that helped companies like AvidXchange reach billion-dollar valuations. Patrick’s methods have been integrated into programs at EO/MIT and Cornell University, and his leadership tools have driven extraordinary success for many CEOs. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business...

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave is joined by Jim Schleckser—founder and CEO of The CEO Project and author of Great CEOs Are Lazy. Jim shares leadership strategies that help executives cut through busywork and focus on what really drives results. The conversation explores how to apply the theory of constraints to leadership, why great CEOs zero in on the “kink in the hose,” and practical tools like the “not-do list” and the delegation ladder. Jim explains how leaders can spend 30–40% of their time on their highest-impact activities, delegate more effectively to build organizational muscle, and craft a “mafia offer” that customers can’t refuse. The discussion also covers succession planning and the unique challenges of family businesses, plus some lighter but highly practical advice on professional entertaining—from a sommelier trick to choosing drinks that align with your brand. For more of Jim’s insights, check out his books Great CEOs Are Lazy and Professional Drinking, as well as The CEO Project podcast. About Our Guest: Jim Schleckser is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur, and CEO coach with extensive experience across diverse industries. He is the Founder & CEO of The CEO Project, a renowned executive coaching company specializing in high-revenue entrepreneurs. Jim offers a distinctive CEO coaching program that combines peer group discussions with personalized ne-on-one coaching sessions led by former CEOs. He advocates for the concept of the ”Lazy CEO”, emphasizing efficient delegation and time management as essential traits for successful leadership. Jim employs diagnostic and strategic tools to identify business constraints and provide tailored advice to CEOs and offers a curated advisory board, providing CEOs with unbiased and valuable guidance. Jim hosts The CEO Project Podcast, a, a successful podcast, focusing on entrepreneurship and CEO leadership, providing valuable insights to a wide audience. He is also the author of two impactful books: Great CEO’s are Lazy and Professional Drinking: A Spirited Guide to Wine, Cocktails and Confident Business Entertaining. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on...

What can business leaders learn from a hospital clown? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave talks with Eddy Smits — TEDx speaker, coach, author, and former professional hospital clown — about the surprising leadership lessons he discovered while performing for sick and palliative children. Eddy explains how clowning taught him timeless principles that translate directly into leadership and business success: Why true leadership is never about you How radical honesty builds trust with teams and clients The importance of vulnerability in creating human connection Breaking through excuses and fear with small, consistent steps Working around resistance instead of trying to force change You’ll also hear memorable stories from Eddy's hospital work, his training of professional clowns, and his approach to overcoming common fears — including coulrophobia. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders, managers, and solopreneurs who want to build trust, lead with empathy, and inspire resilience in their organizations. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: Eddy Smits, a man whose journey from performing as a professional clown for over 10,000 sick and palliative care children to becoming a sought-after speaker, coach, and author has given him an unparalleled understanding of human resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of happiness. With a straight-to-the-point approach and a knack for cutting through the noise, Eddy’s refreshing philosophy of "common sense without the nonsense" resonates deeply with audiences from all walks of life. His unique story and insights—captured in his book Model C—combine humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom to inspire genuine growth and connection. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS...

How can leaders create workplaces where people actually want to stay? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I talk with Dr. Alise Cortez—Chief Ignition Officer at Gusto Now, author, and host of the Working on Purpose podcast—about building purpose-driven cultures that attract and retain top talent. We discuss why leadership feels harder today, the damage caused by outdated practices like presenteeism, and the importance of hybrid and flexible work models. Dr. Cortez also shares actionable strategies for: Embedding purpose and values into daily work Leading the “whole person” to boost engagement Restoring trust and psychological safety Driving retention through meaningful culture and small manager behaviors If you’re a business leader, manager, or advisor looking to improve employee engagement and retention, this conversation delivers practical tools you can apply immediately. About Our Guest: Dr. Alise Cortez is the Chief Ignition Officer at Gusto, Now!, a human and organizational transformation consultancy specializing in unleashing business results by igniting and growing high-performance teams passionate about delivering on the organizational mission. The resulting rewards? Higher engagement, performance, innovation, retention, customer delight, and thus profitability. Dr. Alise is also an organizational psychologist and logotherapist,inspirational speaker, researcher, author, and host of the Working on Purpose podcast, and she is bent on awakening people and organizations to their passion and purpose and inspiring them to make a contribution worthy of their one, precious life. She is the author of: Purpose Ignited: How Inspiring Leaders Unleash Passion and Elevate Cause (2020) Passionately Striving in “Why”: An Anthology of Women Who Persevere Mightily to Live Their Purpose (2021) The Great Revitalization: How Activating Meaning and Purpose Can Radically Enliven Your Business (2023) Coloring Life: How Loss Invites Us to Live More Vibrant Lives (2023) The Power of Soulful Healing: Turning Wounds into Wisdom (co-author Arthur Ciaramicoli, 2025) Having developed her expertise within the human capital / organizational excellence industry over the last 25 years, she is focused on “raising the game” of organizations and individuals to live and work with “gusto,” step into their purpose to realize their potential, and make the impact they crave that betters the world. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on...

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, entrepreneur Colin Hirdman (co-founder of Monkey Island Ventures, Rainmaker, and Wrappt) shares practical strategies for using LinkedIn to drive revenue growth. Colin breaks down his three-level LinkedIn philosophy—be authentic, educate your audience, and understand prospect pain points—and explains how he builds and activates audiences to generate measurable results. You’ll learn how to: Target prospects with Sales Navigator Grow first-degree connections strategically Decide when to include (or skip) connection messages Maintain a healthy connection acceptance rate Colin also unpacks his LinkedIn activation toolkit: multi-touch messaging sequences, targeted polls, and repeatable live streams/events. He explains how to run, promote, and follow up on these campaigns to convert interest into real meetings. Beyond tactics, Colin discusses: Ethical automation that mimics human behavior Why businesses should own their own custom GPTs How Rainmaker and Wrappt help teams scale outreach while protecting intellectual property Key entrepreneurial lessons: choosing partners, focusing on profitable markets, learning from failure, and persevering through challenges Expect actionable takeaways you can apply immediately—whether it’s building a targeted connection list, using a go-giver approach in outreach, running vertical-specific LinkedIn events, or productizing expertise through custom GPTs. ----more---- About Our Guest: Colin Hirdman started his first company a week after graduating from college, and has been an entrepreneur ever since. He's building businesses through Monkey Island Ventures a company he co-founded with two of his best friends. Monkey Island Ventures is named after a park they played at since they were 5 years old. Over the years the trio has built over a dozen software and service businesses and want to help create as many successful entrepreneurs as they can by sharing what they know. Colin is now focused on their newest business, Wrappt. Wrappt allows you to turn your GPTs into custom apps in minutes. No code, no hassle, just launch. Wrappt is like Shopify for GPTs – everything you need to package and launch your GPTs. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The...

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring why strong managers are the backbone of every successful organization. Dave is joined by Brian Walch, owner of Shift Focus Coaching and Consulting, who draws on his diverse career—from software development to executive coaching—to reveal what it really takes to turn managers into influential leaders. Dave and Brian unpack the most common mistakes companies make when developing managers, the essential leadership skills every manager needs, and the tricky transition from being a peer to becoming the boss. They also dive into how empathy and emotional intelligence impact performance, culture, and retention—and why investing in managers can pay off in a big way. If you’re an aspiring manager, a seasoned leader seeking to grow, or part of an organization striving for a stronger leadership culture, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can put to work immediately. ----more---- About Our Guest: Brian Walch is a certified executive coach, writer, and speaker. As the owner of Shiftfocus Coaching and Consulting, he helps organizations develop their managers and build best-in-class management cultures. Before launching his own practice, he spent 25 years at a growing national consulting firm where he worked with clients in HR, IT, Finance, Operations, and the C-suite. As a partner, he filled diverse leadership roles in HR, business development, operations, and project execution. He built a comprehensive employer branding and recruiting program and spearheaded employee retention and development initiatives. In addition to his business experience, he has led projects that have transformed small businesses, modernized government agencies, and improved enterprise-wide systems and processes. Today, Brian uses his experience with people and systems to develop tools and programs to empower managers to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and...

Public speaking is one of the most common fears in business—but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring the business value of public speaking with Juanita Wheeler, a TEDx speaking coach, strategist, and expert in persuasive communication. Juanita shares her journey from introvert to speaker and coach, revealing how mastering communication can drive career growth, support business development, and build powerful personal brands. We unpack why presentation skills matter in today’s marketplace—and how you can use them to stand out. You’ll learn how to: Overcome fear and anxiety around public speaking Craft impactful, memorable messages Use slides with intention—not as a crutch Connect with your audience authentically Leverage speaking opportunities to grow your influence Whether you’re pitching investors, leading a team, or building your reputation in the marketplace, this conversation will help you speak with confidence—and purpose. About Juanita Wheeler: Juanita Wheeler has coached over 100 TEDx speakers in addition to CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, researchers and change-makers to deliver presentations worthy of their great ideas. Juanita is a public speaking coach, speechwriter, the CEO and Head of Speaker Coaching at TEDxBrisbane and the Founder of Full & Frank. Juanita has over two decades of speaking experience, is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Queensland, and a Global Fellow with the Atlantic Fellows based out of Oxford University. Juanita has three Masters degrees (two in business and one in social change leadership). Connect with her here: https://linktr.ee/fullandfrank About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS...

What if HR could be measured with the same rigor as finance? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re diving into how human capital can—and should—be treated as a value-creating investment. Dave is joined by Dr. Solange Charas, founder of HC Moneyball, co-author of Humanizing Human Capital, and professor at Columbia University. Dr. Charas shares how HC Moneyball is equipping human capital practitioners with the quantitative tools they need to speak the language of finance—helping shift HR from a qualitative support function to a strategic business partner. You’ll hear insights on: Why aligning HR with financial metrics is essential for earning a seat at the executive table The impact of AI on workforce management and decision-making How to calculate and apply key metrics like HCROI The global movement toward standardized human capital reporting How to reframe the workforce from a cost center to a driver of business value This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, CFOs, and HR professionals looking to bridge the gap between people and performance. ----more---- About Solange Charas: In this enlightening episode of Behind the Numbers, host Dave Bookbinder welcomes Dr. Solange Charas to discuss the significant role of human capital in driving business success. Dr. Shirah, a professor at Columbia University and founder of HC Moneyball, shares her expertise on preparing human capital practitioners with quantitative skills to transform HR from a qualitative to a more data-oriented function. The conversation explores the importance of HR professionals speaking the language of finance to gain a strategic seat at the table, the impact of artificial intelligence on human capital, and how HC Moneyball helps organizations perceive human capital as an investment rather than an expense. Additionally, Dr. Charas introduces her co-authored book "Humanizing Human Capital," which combines future HR perspectives with data analytics for value creation. With insights into the global landscape of human capital reporting and metrics, the episode breaks down crucial formulas like the HCROI and offers a roadmap for improving workforce efficacy. The discussion also addresses challenges and opportunities within HR functions and the need for a business-minded approach to human capital management. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want...

What’s stopping your business from scaling? It might be a revenue bottleneck—and Andrea Beach knows how to fix it. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Andrea Beach, CEO of Growth Concierge and founder of 22 companies, shares how her membership-based model gives businesses access to a team of seasoned entrepreneurs—without the overhead of full-time hires. Andrea explains how to identify and remove growth roadblocks, streamline operations, and build a culture that supports long-term success. She also explores the psychology of leadership and why understanding human behavior is critical to scaling smart. This episode is a must-listen for founders and business leaders ready to accelerate growth without sacrificing culture or control. ----more---- About our Guest: Andrea Beach is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist specializing in scalable growth, technology innovation, and consumer behavior. In addition to having founded over 21 companies herself, she has helped CEOs and business owners scale efficiently while reducing risk. As founder of the TC Network, Andrea provides a special operations – meets - white glove service for companies looking to grow without adding overhead. She has worked with Fortune 500 brands, advised hundreds of growth-stage companies. As an in-demand speaker and media commentator, Andrea is passionate about helping leaders unlock growth, leverage technology, and work smarter—not harder. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY! Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a...

Can mindfulness actually make you a better business leader? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring a transformative approach to entrepreneurship with Sid Mohasseb—author, TEDx speaker, angel investor, and self-described Entrepreneur Philosopher. As the founder of Anabasis Academy, Sid offers a powerful framework that blends mindfulness and business strategy to unlock human potential. Sid shares why he believes everyone has the capacity to be an entrepreneur—not just in starting companies, but in how we approach decisions and change. He breaks down his philosophy of mindfulness as a tool for active awareness—a way to confront our biases, manage emotions, and ultimately make smarter choices in business and life. We also discuss how organizations can thrive when they operate as platforms supported by five key pillars: employees, customers, partners, investors, and society. Sid brings these ideas to life with compelling stories and actionable insights that challenge conventional thinking. If you're ready to rethink your approach to leadership, decision-making, and value creation, this episode is for you. About Our Guest: Sid Mohasseb is known as the “Entrepreneur philosopher.” Sid is twice best-selling author (“You Are Not Them: The Authentic Entrepreneurs Way” and “The Caterpillar’s Edge: Evolve, Evolve Again and Thrive in Business”), a university professor at both engineering and Business School, a 2 time TED speaker, an advisor to fortune 500 leaders and an innovation thought leader who has built multiple companies and invested in many more. Sid is the founder of the Anabasis Academy, a global movement fusing mindfulness and entrepreneurship. He is a frequent contributor to Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, USAToday, Fox, Independent, Foreign Policy, Globe, London School of Economics, and Harvard Business Review. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! BEHIND THE...

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re joined by Stewart Ervin, founder of Bracket Management and creator of Built to Run: The $100 Million System. Stewart specializes in business turnarounds and operational systems designed to align finance and operations—so businesses can scale efficiently and maximize value. Stewart shares a practical playbook for helping owners break through growth ceilings by focusing on: Clean financials that tell the real story Core process reviews that improve efficiency Forward-looking forecasts that drive decision-making Drawing from deep experience in the manufacturing sector, Stewart explains how fractional CFO services can deliver C-suite-level insights without the full-time cost. He also discusses how smart pricing, cost optimization, and cultural alignment can unlock new levels of profitability. Whether you're building toward an exit or just trying to regain control, this episode delivers actionable insights for creating a business that runs—without running you. ----more---- About Our Guest: Stewart Ervin, founder of Bracket Management and creator of the Built to Run: The $100M System™ — a no-fluff, execution-first operating system for real businesses that are stuck, scaling, or preparing for exit. With over 25 years of experience in finance, operations, and manufacturing leadership, Stewart has helped companies break through profit ceilings, eliminate chaos, and drive results — not just reports. His clients, typically owner-led businesses between $1M and $100M, see an average 36.7% increase in revenue and a 27.9% increase in net profit. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS...

What does it really take to succeed as a first-time CEO? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we're cutting through the theory and getting real about leadership at the highest level. Dave Bookbinder talks with David Roche—former CEO, startup chair, and author of Become a Successful First-Time CEO—about the lessons no one teaches you before stepping into the top role. David shares his journey from working in a U.S. textile company to leading major retailers like HMV and Borders. Along the way, he opens up about the growing pains of leadership, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the critical role that mentors and coaches played in his development. This episode dives deep into: What it really means to be CEO—not just in title, but in mindset How to lead with empathy and build high-trust teams The leadership traps that trip up even smart, driven people Why relationship skills often matter more than technical skills How gender dynamics shape leadership—and how to lead with awareness Whether you're already leading or preparing to, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership—and give you the tools to lead with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: David Roche is Non-Exec Chair of London Book Fair, Chair of the publishing tech start-up Libraro, and an ambassador and senior advisor to PEN International, the worldwide association of writers that defends freedom of expression and promotes literature globally. He is also a professional executive coach and mentor with his own company, Grey Area Coaching, and works with first-time CEOs across many sectors. David’s latest book, Become a Successful First-Time CEO, was published in March 2024 and is an Amazon number one bestseller. He also lectures at the National Film and Television School. David has thirty years of board experience including as CEO of both Borders & BOOKS etc, Product Director of both Waterstones and HMV, and Group Sales and Marketing Director of HarperCollins Publishing. He was also President of the Booksellers Association of UK & Ireland, and co-founder and co-chair of the Publishers Association/Booksellers Association Liaison Group. David was Chair of the writing agency New Writing North for nine years, standing down at the end of 2024 when NWN won Trustee Board of the Year in the North East Charity Awards. David was also a long-term trustee and interim chair of UK’s largest literary charity, BookTrust, and Chair of the Publishing Industry digital news service BookBrunch. David has also acted as a literary agent to a select few authors, sits on several advisory boards, and had two books of his own published. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help...

What does it take to bring financial clarity to a growing business? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re cutting through the noise with Jim Emerich, founder and CEO of Backbone CFO, to talk about how businesses can move from financial chaos to control—and why a fractional CFO might be the key to making it happen. Jim shares hard-earned insights on when a company is ready for financial leadership beyond bookkeeping, and how strategic forecasting, cash flow modeling, and dynamic financial planning can transform operations. He breaks down his "chaos to control" framework, anchored by five core pillars: cash, profit, people, systems, and position. If you're advising business owners—or you are one—you'll want to hear this conversation. It’s packed with practical guidance for creating a more stable, scalable, and ultimately more valuable company. About Our Guest: Jim Emerich is the founder of and CEO at Backbone CFO. His professional career boasts many accomplishments, including Chief Financial Officer at Parts Life Inc. During his time at PLI, he led efforts to acquire DeVal Life Cycle Support as well as LC Engineers, Inc. and successfully integrated both companies into the PLI family. He has closed financing deals including acquisition, real estate, working capital and equipment financing. Though he experienced an exciting career trajectory, in his heart he knew small business was always near and dear. This passion ultimately led him to focus on launching Backbone CFO with the primary purpose of creating clarity for growth-minded business owners. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

What separates effective leaders from those who stall out? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we explore the answer with leadership strategist Liz Weber—author, speaker, and founder of Weber Business Services. Liz unpacks the core ideas from her latest book, Something Needs to Change Around Here: The Five Stages to Leveraging Your Leadership. She breaks down the leadership development journey, from “doing” the work to effectively “leading” others—and why most people get stuck in stage two. If you've ever struggled with delegation, role clarity, or stepping back to truly lead, this conversation offers a clear roadmap forward. Dave and Liz also explore: The most common leadership transition traps Why succession planning isn’t about family—it’s about fit The critical role of organizational culture in developing talent How self-awareness and strategy combine to drive performance Whether you're a business owner, advisor, or aspiring leader, you’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately. About Our Guest: Liz has been named a Top Leadership Influencer by LeadersHum, a Top HR Influencer to Watch by HR Exchange Network, and a Top HR Influencer by BambooHR. She is one of fewer than 100 people in the U.S. to hold both the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designations; the highest earned designations in two different professions. As the President of Weber Business Services, LLC, a management consulting, training, and speaking firm, Liz provides strategic and succession planning, executive coaching, and leadership training to boards, business owners and leadership teams, as well as to associations and government agencies. Liz holds an MBA in International Business and has extensive association leadership experience. She has served six years as a national board director, and three years as a national foundation trustee and as the presidential appointee to the Global Speakers Federation. Liz has supervised business activities in 129 countries and has presented in over 20 countries. In addition to writing more than ten leadership books, and her monthly Leadership Insights blog, Liz posts to social media daily. Liz was also named one of 2025 Top 30 Global Gurus for Leadership along with Simon Sinek and John Maxwell. So, when Liz Weber talks, her clients listen. Liz is an advisor to boards, owners, and C-Suite teams. She’s a leadership, strategic and succession planning consultant, author, and speaker. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every...

Is “executive presence” still about polished suits and boardroom bravado—or has the definition evolved? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re unpacking the future of leadership with Katherine Lazaruk, founder of Lazaruk Consulting and author of Executive Being: Humanizing Business One Leader at a Time. Katherine is on a mission to redefine what it means to lead in today’s workplace—one that demands authenticity, adaptability, and a more human approach to business. Together, we explore why “bringing your whole self to work” is more than a catchphrase, how leaders can show up with credibility and vulnerability, and why outdated norms around appearance and behavior no longer serve the modern professional. We also discuss: How toxic positivity undermines trust and performance What generational shifts mean for leadership expectations The balance between authenticity and professionalism Why the old playbook for executive presence is due for a rewrite Whether you're leading a team, advising clients, or looking to evolve your own leadership style, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it really means to show up—and stand out. About Katherine Lazaruk Katherine Lazaruk is a professional presence expert who helps leaders and their teams walk the walk, talk the talk and look the part. She is passionate about achieving gender parity in her lifetime and through her coaching, consulting, and speaking, she works with women and champions of women to get more women into senior leadership faster. Recognizing that we are currently in a shifting paradigm, she works within the system to change the system for teams and individuals alike to create a kinder, gentler, and more effective world. Katherine holds degrees in Voice Performance and Education, holds her second level international designation of Certified Image Professional (CIP) with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coach Federation (ICF). She has also been Vice-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council Advisory Committee with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and served for six years as the Secretary of the AICI Canada Chapter Board. She has been a member of the nominations committee for the YWCA Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards and volunteered with two of their programs for women, sharing her expertise on professional presence and currently serves on the Global DEI Committee for AICI. She is the author of "Executive Being: Humanizing Business One Leader at a Time.” About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A...