Unpolished MBA

Wrapping up Season 11 of Unpolished MBA. Lesson of 2025: People may appear kind/nice/assertive/confident and be ill-intentioned and cut-throat in business. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this episode, we're joined by Sabeen Abbas, founder of Hatch Line Consulting, to unpack what it really means to turn product strategy into action in the CPG and food and beverage world. Sabeen shares how she transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship just one year ago, why she chose to focus on CPG, and how she uses decision frameworks and stakeholder clarity to help founders and leadership teams stop stalling and start moving. They dig into the reality that “strategy” is often misunderstood, and that what leaders call “too tactical” is sometimes the exact mechanism required to execute. Sabeen explains her approach to fractional product and commercial leadership, why the shelf is where the truth lives in CPG, and how a company’s packaging decision is never just design, it is context, category dynamics, and buyer and consumer behavior. Key takeaways and insights Follow Sabeen Abbas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabeenabbas/ Company: Hatch Line Consulting https://www.hatchline.co/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Episode Details: Capitalism is under pressure and everyday people can feel it. Rising prices from tariffs, fights over healthcare, shrinking trust in institutions and the rapid advance of AI have people questioning whether the system still works for them. In this conversation, Monique Mills sits down with Douglas Stevens, professor of accountancy at Georgia State University and author of In Search of a Moral Foundation for Capitalism. Together they unpack how economic theory narrowed into the “greedy, lazy” view of human behavior and what past thinkers can teach us about rebuilding a moral foundation for modern capitalism. Follow Douglas Stevens Ph.D On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-stevens-58b503126/ His book "In Search Of A Moral Foundation For Capitalism" can be found on Amazon at https://a.co/d/9hMtGp3 Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, Andy Goldstrom of Midcourse Advisors joined us. He has a remarkable track record of building and exiting two Inc. 5,000 companies to Fortune 50 buyers. Andy shares the powerful difference between mere growth and true scaling. In this episode, you will learn: first cracksfocus Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Andy Goldstrom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygoldstrom/ Company - Midcourse Advisors: www.midcourseadvisors.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On this episode, Dr. Julie Gurner, executive performance coach and author of the Ultra Successful Substack newsletter, to unpack one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership: assertiveness. Most people equate assertiveness with rudeness — especially when it comes from women. But as Dr. Gurner explains, assertiveness is simply clarity — the opposite of expecting people to read your mind. The two discuss how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ownership separate high performers from those who stay stuck in their comfort zones. Dr. Gurner also dives into limiting beliefs and the power of an internal locus of control, showing how elite performers take total ownership of outcomes — good or bad. Monique adds her own experiences leading teams across industries, from engineering to beauty and wellness, highlighting the real-world tension between intention, perception, and leadership maturity. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Dr. Julie Gurner On Substack: https://substack.com/@drgurner Website: https://ultrasuccessful.com/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

2026 is shaping up to be the year that separates companies that are just keeping up from those creating what’s next. In this forward-thinking solo episode we break down the trends, technologies, and shifts that will define business success in the near future. We dive into why many employees—though excellent at their roles—don’t understand the business behind what they do, and why that lack of understanding will become a liability as AI continues to evolve. Listeners will learn why the smartest investment leaders can make before the year ends isn’t another software tool—but their people. Developing business acumen and innovation capability across teams can transform an organization’s culture, competitiveness, and ability to adapt. If you’re a leader preparing your company for 2026, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.s Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

When everyone sounds the same, trust becomes the real advantage. In this episode, Lisa McGuire, strategist, advisor, and host of Your Passion, Purpose & Personal Brand, shares how to build a business aligned with your unique identity rather than credentials or trends. Lisa breaks down how sameness is the recipe for disappearing, why borrowed voices weaken connection, and how authenticity and humanity are becoming the new competitive edge in business. Through her use of Human Design, she reveals the science behind how people are wired to make decisions, find alignment, and experience flow instead of burnout. Lisa’s message is simple: when you stop performing and start operating as your true self, everything from marketing to client relationships flows naturally. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Lisa McGuire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mcguire/ Website: https://lisamcguire.com/about/ Get Your Free Bodygraph - https://lisamcguire.com/get-your-free-chart/ Lisa's Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/your-passion-purpose-and-personal-brand/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Some Topics Discussed Include: Are you an educator hoping to pursue entrepreneurship? Listen in to learn how an educator-turned-entrepreneur reimagined her career to serve families, schools, and communities with language and literacy. Guest, Lisa Shaw, author, educator, and founder of My Other Tongue joined us on this episode. Lisa helps children and adults learn Spanish and Portuguese in ways that are practical, fun, and rooted in community. She also co-authored a children’s series with her son, Liam’s Faith Adventures, blending social-emotional learning with faith. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Some of the topics discussed include: The “mother tongue” idea: Home language strategy:What actually makes you fluent:Business realityMessage to women rebuilding: Connect with Lisa Shaw Programs and offers: Travel SpanishImmersion partnershipsCorporate/adultLiteracy servicesGeorgia Milestones, decoded:Book series:Liam’s Faith Adventures Company Website: myothertongue.com Liam’s Faith Adventures on Amazon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacovingtonshaw/ Blog: https://lisareneashaw.blogspot.com/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs:

In this episode we speak with Karla Trotman, CEO of Electro Soft, an electronics contract manufacturer serving industrial and defense customers. Karla shares the company’s origin story from kitchen table cables to a second-generation operation, and how she’s steering through tariffs, supply chain shocks, skilled-labor shortages, and leadership stress. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Karla Trotman LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlatrotman/ Her Company - Electro Soft Inc https://www.electrosoftinc.com/ Karla's Book on Amazon : https://a.co/d/9aHaU7T Dark, Dirty, Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Erika Jefferson joins the Unpolished MBA to talk about why more scientists and engineers aren’t at the venture capital table. She breaks down common myths about who becomes a VC, discuss the real backgrounds of investors, and highlight the unique value technical professionals bring to the world of startups and funding. Erika shares insights from her research, offering practical advice for STEM professionals curious about breaking into venture capital. Whether you’re an engineer, scientist, or just interested in the intersection of tech and finance, this conversation is packed with eye-opening stories, actionable tips, and inspiration to help you find your place in the VC ecosystem. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Erika Jefferson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikajeffersonmba/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ LinkedIn Group - VC for STEM https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14714659/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com This Episode is Supported By: TPM Focus - tpmfocus.com Source to Scale for Manufacturing Companies - tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Venture Capital for STEM - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ New Majority Capital - https://newmajoritycapital.com/

In this episode A. Lee Judge—entrepreneur, multimedia content expert, and founder of Content Monsta—discusses the evolution of content creation in the digital age. Lee shares his journey from DJing and corporate marketing to building a creative agency that specializes in video and podcast production for enterprise clients. They discuss why starting with “big content” like podcasts and video interviews unlocks a wealth of repurposable material, the challenges and innovations of remote video production, and how Lee’s team helps companies adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape. Lee also offers candid advice for businesses of all sizes on working with agencies, trusting experts, and the importance of focusing on what you do best. Plus, Lee gives a sneak peek into his book, “CASH: Communication, Alignment, Systems, and Honesty,” which aims to bridge the gap between sales and marketing teams. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or aspiring content creator, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world stories about building a brand, scaling content, and thriving in today’s business environment. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about creativity, innovation, and the business of content! Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow A. Lee Judge - Content Monsta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleejudge/ Company - Content Monsta https://contentmonsta.com/ Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ This Episode is Supported By: TPM Focus - tpmfocus.com Source to Scale for Manufacturing Companies - tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Venture Capital for STEM - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/ New Majority Capital - https://newmajoritycapital.com/

About Episode 147 of Unpolished MBA(R): This episode of Unpolished MBA has guest Caroline Dunn—electrical engineer turned VP of Marketing, YouTuber with 37,000+ subscribers, and author of A Woman’s Guide to Winning in Tech. Caroline shares her unconventional career journey, starting in engineering and pivoting into marketing—despite pushback from peers who didn’t see it as “real” work. We get into how she navigated that transition, what it takes to succeed in male-dominated industries, and why having an entrepreneurial spirit matters whether you’re at a startup or not. Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Caroline Dunn Caroline Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedunn/ Her Book on Amazon: "A Woman's Guide To Winning In Tech" https://a.co/d/1hZlS8j Tired of being the only woman in the room—and still having to prove you belong? You’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone. This smart, sharp, and refreshingly unfiltered guide is part memoir, part satire, and 100% done with outdated gender myths that still linger in tech. Inspired by real experiences (with the names changed to protect the guilty), A Woman’s Guide to Winning in Tech is both a reality check and a rally cry for women navigating the world of startups. Whether you're coding your first app, running a team, mentoring others, or simply tired of being underestimated, this book is for you. Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This episode kicks off Season 11 with a conversation that every small and mid-sized business owner needs to hear. We’re not talking hype—we’re talking real numbers, real friction, and the decisions that make or break your cash flow (and ultimately your success!). Monique sits down with Jess, a seasoned executive turned small business advisor, who shares practical insights from his time managing companies from $15M to $250M—and now, helping small businesses operate smarter. They unpack: 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: TPM Focus – Strategy firm for innovation and sustainable growth: https://www.tpmfocus.com Source to Scale (powered by TPM Focus) – Cash flow optimization for US manufacturing companies: https://www.tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ 🎧 Subscribe & listen on: Apple Podcasts: Unpolished MBA Spotify: Unpolished MBA Amazon Music: Unpolished MBA

This final episode of the ETA series brings everything full circle. If you've been following along, you know we’ve covered the entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) space in depth—exploring what it takes to buy a business, what can go wrong, what goes right, and how investors evaluate deals. In this episode, the host breaks down: No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode will give you valuable insights into wealth-building, growth, and business strategy. Whether you’re an aspiring searcher, a startup founder, or someone exploring business ownership, you’ll walk away with actionable insights for your next steps. 📩 Join the host's newsletter for exclusive insights & updates: tpmfocus.com/newsletter TPM Focus Newsletter - "Unpolished Business" 💡 Want to learn how to scale smarter with AI & automation? Join the waitlist: tpmfocus.com/businessstrategy This is the Business Strategy Cohort of entrepreneurs learning directly from the host of Unpolished MBA. Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Most searchers focus on finding the perfect business to buy—but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode, Monique Mills sits down with investor and experienced entrepreneur Mario Montag to discuss what really drives post-acquisition success. Spoiler: it’s not just adding new tech and CRMs. Mario shares what he looks for in searchers before investing, why operational execution is the #1 factor in long-term success, and the importance of EOS (from the book Traction). He also reveals the biggest mistakes searchers make, why keeping customers is the most critical post-close task, and why the ETA space needs more honest conversations about its challenges. If you’re thinking about acquiring a business or investing in one, don’t miss this conversation! Key Topics: 📌 Mentioned in this episode: 🔗 The Book Traction (EOS Framework): https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Mario Montag 🔗 Mario Montag’s Website:https://mariomontag.com 🔗 Mario Montag on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariomontag/ 🔗 Fruition Capital:https://fruitioncap.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, hosts discuss how cash flow can make or break your business. Whether you're running a company, buying one, or just trying to keep your finances in check, understanding how money moves through your business is essential. Joined by Josh Tejkl, a Fractional CFO and cash flow expert, he uncovers the biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make—and how to fix them. He breaks down how to collect payments faster, why cash flow forecasting is essential, and the real difference between Controllers, CFOs, and Bookkeepers (so you don’t overpay for what you don’t need). If you're serious about building a financially strong business, avoiding cash shortages, and learning real-world financial strategies, this is a must-listen episode. Key Takeaways: Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Hosts: Follow Josh Tejkl Company -->August Advisory - https://augustadvisory.co/ LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjtejkl Follow Kinza Azmat Company --> thechiefrebel.com Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/ Follow Jed Morris Company --> Sunset Coast Partners NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/ LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/ Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Thinking about buying a small business? You’ve probably seen all the hype online about acquisition entrepreneurship—no money down, seller financing, and easy paths to wealth. But what if most of that isn’t true? In this episode, Kinza Azmat, a business broker and acquisition entrepreneur, breaks down the realities of buying a business, the biggest misconceptions, and what buyers and sellers get wrong. We dive into red flags in deals, the truth about business brokers, why most businesses aren’t actually sellable, and how to avoid a financial disaster. If you’re considering buying or selling a business, this episode will help you go in with your eyes wide open and avoid the pitfalls that many first-time buyers fall into. Topics Discussed: 🔥 The biggest myths about buying a business (and what first-time buyers get wrong) 🔥 Why some businesses should never be acquired—even if the financials look great 🔥 How to uncover hidden risks before signing an LOI 🔥 Why business brokers sometimes overpromise to sellers (and how that affects buyers) This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about buying or selling a business. Resources Mentioned: Kinza’s Book (Preorder & Course Access)Check it out Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Follow Kinza Azmat Company --> thechiefrebel.com Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, Jed shares his experience of buying and losing a business, the lessons he learned, and his mission to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges of business acquisitions. His forthcoming book, Buyer Beware: Real Stories of Business Acquisition Failure, compiles stories of searchers who’ve faced setbacks, offering actionable takeaways. Key Takeaways: Resources Mentioned: Jed’s Book Presale PageSearch Fund Study --> Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Hosts: Follow Kinza Azmat Company --> thechiefrebel.com Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/ Follow Jed Morris Company --> Sunset Coast Partners NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/ LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/ Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This episode features Yvette Owo, an acquisition entrepreneur and accountant. The discussion focuses on the crucial role of quality of earnings (QOE) reports in the acquisition process and how they help identify financial discrepancies, whether due to errors or fraud. Yvette emphasizes the importance of understanding revenue spikes, working capital adjustments, and boundary setting in professional relationships. Practical advice is given on handling client demands, HR analysis, and different approaches to conducting QOEs, including the depth of analysis and associated costs. Essential business topics such as customer concentration, account receivable aging, and proof of cash are explored, providing listeners with vital insights into managing finances during acquisitions. The conversation underscores the need for thorough due diligence and the value of engaging experienced professionals to ensure successful business transitions. Don't miss this episode if you're serious about navigating the entrepreneurial journey with eyes wide open. Books Mentioned: Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Yvette Owo https://www.yvetteowo.com/ Company: https://www.yoloaccounting.com/ and https://www.cfo-cpa.net/ Twitter: @yvetteowo Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Links & Resources Mentioned: https://a.co/d/6Mxzb8Shttps://a.co/d/4pniLlr Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/ Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/ TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Hosts: Follow Kinza Azmat Company --> thechiefrebel.com Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/ Follow Jed Morris Company --> Sunset Coast Partners NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/ LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/ Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com