Mastering Team Dynamics and Leadership

Jan 8, 2025

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What are some essential steps for leaders to take when developing a strong company culture and ensuring effective team dynamics?

We're thrilled to bring you the latest episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs," where we hear about the inspiring journey of Scott Fleszar, a seasoned leader in the B2B Vertical SaaS sector and a senior adviser for SafeSend.

**Choosing the Right Path:**

Scott shares his decision-making process for attending Eastern Michigan University, influenced by proximity, affordability, and a strong encouragement from his family.

**Global Experience:**

Hear about Scott's international assignment in Switzerland with Thomson Reuters and how his family adapted to the new cultural environment. Discover the impacts of this experience on both his career and his family, including his daughter's success in securing a job in investment banking.

**Corporate to Start-Up Dynamics:**

Scott contrasts his experiences in large corporations versus small companies, emphasizing how he leveraged the structures and strategies from his time at Thomson Reuters to drive growth at SafeSend.

**Real-World Job Insights:**

Reflecting on his formative job experiences and the importance of practical, real-world jobs over fancy internships, Scott discusses the value of developing people skills and resilience.

**Growth Strategies for Businesses:**

Scott shares actionable strategies for business growth, including:

- Investing in potential and mentorship

- Establishing guardrails for controlled risk-taking

- Creating a culture of psychological safety

- Encouraging continuous improvement

**Seeking Purpose-Driven Work:**

Scott expresses his desire to transition towards more purpose-driven work, aiming to make a societal impact beyond the tech and accounting realms. He is currently involved with a charitable organization providing meals to those in need.

Empowering Moments

05:57 Grandmother's influence outweighed parents' roles in life.

09:42 Selling flowers at Detroit's Eastern Market.

11:44 Teens need real jobs for valuable experience.

17:12 College degree or trades; multiple career paths.

19:48 MBA pivoted career, leading to diverse roles.

21:13 Mega Corp offers more opportunities than small businesses.

25:06 Kids thrived through international move and challenges.

30:22 Networking led to SafeSend opportunity, joined Q4 2019.

31:49 Led company growth; CEO; pivotal career achievement.

36:03 Platform improves tax return process for accounting firms.

39:23 Invest in and mentor potential leaders for growth.

44:16 Building cohesive, ego-less teams through coaching.

47:05 Desires purpose-driven work beyond accounting profession.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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