Empowering Entrepreneurs

How do you balance entrepreneurial responsibilities with personal life, especially during the summer months when kids are back in school?Living Fast Forward, An Entrepreneur's JourneyWe're starting something a little different with this episode. We're exploring what's it like living in 'fast forward' mode—not just in business, but in real life. As the summer winds down and kids head back to school, we'll discuss how this annual transition impacts entrepreneurs, particularly those juggling the demanding roles of parenthood and business ownership. We share personal anecdotes, tips on maintaining routines, and strategies for balancing work, family, and personal growth. Living Fast Forward TakeawaysBalancing Personal and Professional Life - Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance their personal responsibilities with professional ones. Especially for parents, managing the diverse demands can be overwhelming but is crucial for sanity.Importance of Routine and Schedule - Routine and schedules can provide a sense of stability and organization, especially during the school year. Entrepreneurs can leverage this structure for better productivity.The Challenge of Summer for Working Parents - The summer months can present significant challenges for working parents. Without the structure of school, managing children’s schedules and maintaining work productivity can become difficult.Teaching Kids by Example - Immersing children in a parent's entrepreneurial world can be educational. It can inspire them and provide early lessons in business and work ethic.Effective Time Management - For entrepreneurs, effective time management is critical. Utilizing every available moment productively, even waiting times during kids' activities, can help in managing a busy schedule.Gender Differences in Parenting Roles - Traditional gender roles can influence the division of responsibilities between men and women in entrepreneurial families.Kids’ Extracurricular Activities - Engaging children in sports and other extracurricular activities can foster discipline, confidence, and reduce idle time that might lead to trouble.Seasonal Adjustments in Work-Life Balance - Different seasons (like the school year vs. summer) require different approaches to managing work and personal life. Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for entrepreneurs.Self-Care and Stress Management - Entrepreneurs need to prioritize their health and well-being by slotting time for exercise, hobbies, or downtime to manage stress effectively.Utilization of Education Savings Plans - Entrepreneurs should leverage education savings plans like 529 and Coverdale accounts to maximize tax benefits and support their children’s educational expenses.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

The Impact of Discipline on Personal Success**: "The discipline and kind of the consistency around my morning routine and my daily routines has stuck and I think contributed to a lot of the success that I've had as a, father and a husband and an entrepreneur." — Troy Lavinia Julie Smith and Glenn Harper sit down with Troy Lavinia, the visionary founder of Daily SOS and Mosaic Research Management.Troy shares his remarkable journey from the corporate hustle to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of understanding one's subconscious mind and spirituality. Discover how a blend of business strategies, yoga, meditation, and visualization led Troy to unimaginable success, including the sale of his company for $50 million. Along the way, he realized the limitations of traditional business education and decided to help others tap into their inner potential through his 42-day program.Learn how his personal evolution has not only transformed his own life but also aims to bring peace, balance, and fulfillment to entrepreneurs everywhere. Stay tuned for a conversation that promises to enlighten and empower your entrepreneurial journey.Empowering Moments05:32 Broad business degree, little relevance to career.08:14 Team sports teach resilience, discipline, and perseverance.11:48 Gradual awareness, consistent acknowledgment, and productive approach.15:44 Struggling in employment, yearning to be entrepreneur.18:11 Struggles with work and personal life balance.20:33 Success linked to spirituality and subconscious mind.26:25 Intuition led to focus on spirituality and manifestation.29:03 Writing a book isn't a sustainable business.31:07 Teaching spirituality, inner success, and entrepreneurship daily.34:37 Prioritizing spirituality leads to sustained success and happiness.Empowering TakeawaysTroy Lavinia stresses that addressing subconscious beliefs and spiritual aspects is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial success, beyond simply focusing on strategies and tactics.Troy shares his transformation from a corporate employee to an entrepreneur, driven by the realization that he needed to work on his unconscious mind and spirituality.By blending business strategy, yoga, meditation, and spirituality, Troy illustrates how visualization and manifestation can boost success in entrepreneurship.To extend his knowledge and methods beyond his book, Troy created a community and a 42-day program to help others tap into their spirituality and subconscious mind, starting outreach through LinkedIn.In his mid-twenties, Troy developed discipline and consistency which positively impacted his roles as a father, husband, and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of these traits.Troy critiques traditional business education for not emphasizing spirituality and subconscious mind work, which he finds fundamental to achieving true success and fulfillment.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

How important is quick decision-making and confronting uncomfortable situations for personal and professional growth?From her beginnings in athletics at the University of Washington to earning a Ph.D. in adult learning and leadership development, Dr. Carrie Graham's journey is both inspiring and instructive. She opens up about her transition from a shy individual to an assertive professional in elite athletics, and how those experiences shaped her ability to make quick decisions and confront challenges head-on. Dr. Graham delves into the disconnect between company missions and practices, stressing the importance of validated research in training programs. She also shares her personal and professional growth, the empowering realization of not needing external validation, and her pivot to entrepreneurship amid the COVID pandemic. Plus, hear practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their training programs and employee onboarding. The Disconnect Between Mission Statements and Reality: "It's a business who, in their mission statement, they say that they value their employees, and they talk about how great their employees are to their business the success of their business. But when you look inside of that business, the employees don't feel that way." — Dr. Carrie Graham 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.Empowering Moments05:44 University professor and Division 1 athletics experience.07:15 Education, athletics, family, teaching, motivation, PhD pursuit13:05 Enduring adversity shapes the strength to endure.17:48 Black woman asserts autonomy in professional decisions.25:19 Learned from many, put it together yourself.29:26 Business claims to value employees, but doesn't.33:30 Businesses lack knowledge of effective training practices.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

"Shaping an Industry and Advocating for Change": "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build and shape one of the largest industries in the country. And it has far-reaching aspects beyond just the plant and, you know, rescheduling the plant, de-scheduling the plant, but there's a social equity component tied to it."Today’s episode is going to be a blast because we’ve got the amazing Naomi Granger with us. Naomi is a total rockstar in the world of cannabis accounting and taxation. She’s the brains behind the National Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professionals and Green Leaf CFO, and she’s super passionate about helping tax pros navigate the tricky waters of the cannabis industry.We’re diving deep into Naomi’s story—from growing up in the wild casino world of Las Vegas to crushing it as a top accountant. She’ll share her transition from the corporate grind to becoming a go-to expert in cannabis tax codes. Plus, she'll give us the lowdown on her game-changing training program, "Calculating Cannabis," and why mentorship and self-growth are key to making it big in your career.Naomi’s got some fascinating insights into the future of accounting, her push for social equity in the cannabis world, and how she wants to leave a legacy of financial literacy and successful businesses. 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.Empowering Moments00:00 Introducing Naomi Granger, a powerhouse in cannabis accounting.06:30 First job at Deloitte, dream come true.08:05 Internships, graduation, long career in public accounting.15:25 Initial struggle led to a successful breakthrough.23:32 Moved to Las Vegas, saw cannabis industry growing.30:31 Deciding to teach and share industry secrets.33:08 Program "Calculating Cannabis" trains professionals in industry.37:42 Confidence and self-reflection crucial for success.41:25 Advocacy for cannabis industry and social equity.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Staying Calm Under Pressure: "Because when you're able to stay calm, calm your mind, you see things, and you can counter, and you can do those things."We sit down with an inspiring guest, Steve Gavatorta. Steve, a certified behavior analyst, emotional intelligence coach, and author, shares his incredible journey from a hard-working childhood in Burgottstown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful entrepreneur.Steve dives into his early entrepreneurial ventures, academic struggles, and the pivotal role of mentors in shaping his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral styles and emotional intelligence in building effective teams and achieving business success. Glenn, Julie, and Steve explore essential tools like DISC assessments and the significance of structured processes for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals his passion for training and development, leading him to leave a flourishing corporate career for empowerment and consulting.We discover Steve's insights on rational decision-making, his new book "Thrive in the Face of Adversity."PureTax, LLC Empowering Moments06:45 Parental reluctance, varied jobs, and entrepreneurial aptitude.10:25 Struggling with studies, but improved through writing.14:14 Experienced professional with 21 years in CPG.18:55 Spent $800 on DISC survey, led to business opportunity.21:46 Overcoming challenges through action and commitment.23:36 Passion for teaching skills for success.26:04 Helping smaller companies with structure and skills.29:57 Embracing chaos at work improves personal life.34:26 Improve leadership by understanding self and team.36:10 Inquiring about the effectiveness of the Enneagram personality test.43:44 Assessing team dynamics for better performance.47:02 Adding business structure and vision for entrepreneurs.49:43 Understanding limbic and rational thinking, advocating control.51:33 Book compiles responses to 6 questions.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 successOur 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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

"My entrepreneurial spirit sort of got unleashed in my public accounting days. So as soon as I became, as I graduated, became a public accountant, I helped other entrepreneurs get started. And that was just a fabulous learning experience."Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the dynamic Jim Buffington. They get into Jim's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings at a Texas agricultural land grant school to becoming a significant force in the world of public accounting and technology.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.They talk with him about his transition from public accounting to leading a dotcom and eventually integrating technology into tax and accounting, making compliance more efficient and enabling richer client conversations. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of experimenting, embracing failure, and prioritizing customer empathy.The Real Reason New Businesses Fail: "And we know that about half of those, new businesses are gonna fail in the 1st 5 years oftentimes because they're not paying payroll taxes or sales taxes or things that need to be done."— Jim BuffingtonEmpowering TakeawaysJim's journey from public accounting to founding a dotcom and incorporating technology into tax and accounting illustrates the dynamic career paths available within and outside traditional accounting roles.The need for tax professionals to improve communication with clients about the value they provide, transcending beyond compliance work to emphasize planning and advisory services.The significance of experimenting and learning from failures, encouraging entrepreneurs and accountants alike to be bold, share ideas freely, and continually practice new offerings.Highlighting the role of automation in accounting to handle compliance work, enabling deeper, more valuable client engagements and advisory services.Emphasizing the importance of client empathy, understanding their unique business needs, goals, and challenges, and engaging them in the planning process for more tailored advice.Empowering Moments00:00 Introducing Jim Buffington, advisory service leader at Intuit.07:53 Public accounting days unleashed entrepreneurial spirit, helping entrepreneurs.12:21 Worked with farmers and ranchers, then oil.17:13 Accountants become emotionally invested in clients' success.22:07 Improve compliance through client-driven workflow changes.24:10 Entrepreneurs struggle with planning, need accountant's guidance.31:06 Supporting unique needs and strengths of businesses.34:20 Value client needs, diverse skills, problem-solving expertise.36:00 Communicate client benefits, focus on delivering ROI.39:44 Business success hinges on essential financial tasks.43:55 My superpower is deep customer empathy.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 successOur 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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

How do you juggle the demands of running a PR firm, writing children's books, and being a mother? Our guest shares her unique journey from practicing law to becoming a children’s book author and starting her own PR firm.We welcome Alysson Bourque—a multi-faceted entrepreneur who wears many hats as an author, publicist, attorney, and teacher. 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.Alysson, co-owner of Expound Publicity, a PR firm launched during the pandemic, has successfully helped over 500 authors market their books. Her firm provides comprehensive services, from publicity and customized campaigns to virtual book tours and awards submissions. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, Alysson was inspired by her entrepreneurial parents who owned a pharmacy. Her journey took her from considering a career in pharmacy to becoming a lawyer, and eventually finding her true calling in storytelling. Her firsthand experience with government workings during Hurricane Katrina and her passion for writing both played pivotal roles in her professional evolution.A dedicated mom, Alysson involves her children in her literary pursuits to instill resilience and the value of hard work. Her book series, *Alley Cat*, aims to make reading fun for kids, with interactive author visits, engaging promotional materials, and a vision to become a household name in children's literature.Empowering TakeawaysAlysson Bourque and her partner started Expound Publicity, a PR firm for authors, during the pandemic. Expound Publicity offers comprehensive support including customized marketing campaigns, outreach to media and bookstores, award submissions, and even virtual book tours, providing a one-stop shop for authors' publicity needs.Bourque shares her approach to parenting by supporting her daughter's entrepreneurial ambitions and her son's dream of becoming a professional golfer, emphasizing the importance of following one's passions.Alysson has experience in various publishing routes including self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Her persistence through rejections ultimately led to securing a traditional publisher for her series.Bourque skillfully merges her family and professional life, from taking her family on business-related trips to involving her children in her writing process, teaching them resilience and hard work along the way.Empowering Moments05:30 Parents started in pharmacy, business grew.12:52 Striving for uniqueness against the mainstream.16:48 Discovering talent for writing through unexpected inspiration.18:05 Handwritten story written in an hour.23:00 Chose writing over law, pursued traditional publishing.26:10 Author juggles book tour with family schedules.27:32 Author facilitates book marketing and virtual visits.32:39 Children pursuing careers that make them happy.35:46 Creative repetition brings fresh excitement every time.39:05 My superpower is being empathetic and self-evaluative.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 successOur 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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

Learning to delegate effectively can transform your business. It not only helps in managing workload but also empowers your team, making room for growth and innovation.In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gina Cotner, a remarkable entrepreneur and the founder of Athena Executive Services. Originally setting out to leave corporate America behind, Gina ventured into the world of business ownership with a Martini Lounge, a dream that quickly taught her the importance of selecting the right business partners and the necessity of financial advisement.After stepping back from the lounge project, Gina navigated through the economic turmoil of the real estate bubble burst, pivoting her career towards business and life coaching, and eventually founding Athena Executive Services. This company brilliantly pairs virtual executive assistants with executives needing robust support, allowing leaders like Gina to focus on strategic growth - demonstrating her superpower of raising leaders and developing people.Empowering Moments00:00 Gina Cotner: Founder of Athena Executive Services.06:02 Sports provided belonging, friendships, and love.07:33 Teenage girl leaves elite private school, thrives.12:31 Woman follows boyfriend to Boston, experiences change.15:28 Seeking advice led to career-enhancing opportunity.17:45 Balancing emotion and facts in business decisions.21:47 Uncertainty about future with good guy.25:43 Decided to be a business coach, struggled financially.30:00 Financial struggle, family tension, and declining mental health.33:04 Business declines, father's health deteriorates, employee leaves.34:39 Managing calendar and high-stakes projects from home.40:47 Belief and support drive entrepreneurial success.42:58 Overcoming obstacles, belief in yourself, finding inspiration.45:17 Challenges of leaving corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship.48:40 Gradually delegated tasks to relieve workload stress.52:02 Planning for future, passing on skills, mentoring.Empowering TakeawaysGina’s ability to pivot from an unsuccessful business venture to becoming a successful business and life coach illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.Delegating can lead to building a strong leadership team that manages day-to-day operations effectively, allowing the entrepreneur to focus on strategic growth.Identifying and Leveraging Your Superpower: Entrepreneurs should identify their own strengths (or superpowers) and leverage them to enhance their business and empower their teams.Support from significant others can be crucial for entrepreneurs. Their belief and backing can be a powerful motivator and provide emotional stability through the ups and downs of business ownership.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Our guest states that the success rate of franchisees from the companies he represents is around 90% after 5 years. What industry-specific challenges do these franchisees face, and how do they overcome them?In this episode, we chat with franchising guru Jon Ostenson and dive deep into the thriving world of non-food franchising. Jon shares his extraordinary journey from finance whiz to franchise expert, emphasizing the power of a franchise system’s support and success rates eclipsing independent startups. With insights on strategic investment choices, financing savvy, and the mastery of assembling 'A' teams, Jon illuminates pathways to profitable entrepreneurship. For everyone dreaming of business ownership, this episode offers a blueprint for success directly from a mastermind in franchising. If you're ready to level up your entrepreneurial game, Jon's wisdom is your launching pad. Exploring Alternative Investments in Real Estate: "90% of our clients end up purchasing something that was never on their radar. So it is so much fun when the slight bulb moments have. And I've had doctors buy installation businesses." — Jon OstensonTop Takeaways1. **Leverage Your Corporate Experience**: Utilize the skills and work ethic developed in the corporate world as they are valuable assets when transitioning to entrepreneurship or franchise ownership.2. **The Power of Franchising**: Franchises provide a systematic approach to business ownership with the support of a proven business model, substantially increasing the chances of success.3. **Diverse Opportunities in Franchising**: Franchising isn't just about food; there are vast opportunities in non-food industries, and these can sometimes offer quicker returns on investment and higher margins.4. **Success Rates and Pitfalls**: While franchisees boast a high success rate, common reasons for failure include not adhering to the system, overly entrepreneurial spirits causing disruptions, and resistance to coaching.5. **Value of Mastermind Groups**: Engaging with peer groups for support and shared learning can significantly enhance an entrepreneur's journey and lead to better decision-making.6. **The Significance of Mentorship**: Having mentors and seeking professional advice is crucial in navigating the complexities of the franchising world and avoiding common pitfalls.7. **The Role of Strategic Partnerships**: Success in consultancy and franchising can be amplified through strategic partnerships, leveraging networks instead of relying solely on a large team.8. **Financing Franchise Investments**: Understanding the various financing options, such as SBA loans and ROBS programs, is critical for entrepreneurs looking to purchase a franchise.9. **Importance of Team Building**: Investing in top talent and building a strong team right from the start can benefit the business immensely, driving growth and ensuring operational excellence.10. **Long-Term Planning and Balance**: Entrepreneurs should have a clear endgame in mind, focusing not only on building successful businesses but also on maintaining a good work-life balance and preparing for eventual transition to roles in mentorship or charitable endeavors.PureTax, LLC Memorable Moments07:38 Finance student keeps options open, gains experience.14:54 Observation about family and business, entrepreneurial success.20:03 Existing businesses pose inherent risks, rethink paradigms.23:24 Franchisees can succeed with the right support.24:50 Private equity invests in franchising for growth.29:46 The value of franchise vs. entrepreneurship.33:29 Exploring opportunities for active or silent involvement.36:19 Many clients buy multiple units and territories.41:36 Transitioning to part-time work, focusing on family.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.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 successOur 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.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

From her childhood leadership to claiming the title of Miss Kentucky, and now a successful business consultant, Maria Maldonado Smith's journey is a testament to dreaming big and taking risks. She shares invaluable insights on creating impactful vision boards, the power of mentorship for future visionaries, and the courage it takes to pivot from a secure corporate path to entrepreneurship. If you want to unleash your true potential and be inspired to create your own definition of success, she embodies what it means to connect, empower, and lead with integrity.Top TakeawaysCertainly, here are 10 takeaway concepts from the episode featuring Maria Maldonado Smith on "Empowering Entrepreneurs":1. Vision to Reality:Maria Maldonado Smith emphasizes the importance of a vision board in translating abstract goals into tangible objectives. Entrepreneurs can benefit from visualizing their aspirations and tracking their progress.2. Holistic Leadership:Leadership is a journey of understanding others' motivations and fostering individual growth. Maria's approach to leadership development underscores the value of empathy and connection in building effective teams.3. The Entrepreneurial Leap:Transitioning from a corporate job to starting one's own business is a calculated risk that requires planning and conviction. Maria's story provides insights into the importance of preparation and belief in one's entrepreneurial vision.4. Building Support Systems:Achieving a balance between entrepreneurship and family obligations is crucial. The support from a partner or network can be the backbone of success for entrepreneurial endeavors.5. Superpower Skills:Maria's ability to connect with, motivate, and help people identify core values is her superpower. Entrepreneurs should identify and leverage their unique skills to create value and differentiation in their businesses.6. Personal Revelations:Personal epiphanies often lead to monumental career shifts. Recognizing and acting upon these moments can set the foundation for a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.7. Start Young, Think Big:Early experiences in leadership and organization, such as running an environmental club, can plant the seeds for a future in entrepreneurship. Instilling ambition and leadership skills in youth is instrumental in cultivating the next generation of visionaries.8. Vulnerability Builds Trust:Creating authentic connections in corporate environments involves a level of vulnerability. Entrepreneurs should embrace transparency to foster trust and openness in professional relationships.9. From Personal Passions to Professional Pursuits:Maria’s transition from the world of pageantry to entrepreneurship highlights how personal passions can inform and transform one’s professional path.10. Growth and Strategy:Entrepreneurs should be strategic about scaling their business, focusing on building strong relationships, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional spheres. Maria’s intent to expand her business while emphasizing the importance of community epitomizes this strategy.Memorable Moments05:32 Fascination with politics and shift from music.08:57 Switched to corporate setting, gained skills, connections.11:33 Struggling with work-life balance and leadership.15:35 Coaching and mentoring for personal and team success.17:54 Feeling compelled to leave corporate life.20:08 Company development started in 2019, actively engaging.25:31 Miss Kentucky, a conversation sparked entrepreneurial thoughts.29:18 Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding with support.32:57 Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship with purpose.36:33 Openness and vulnerability foster trust in relationships.37:27 Build respectful, supportive environment through open communication.43:29 Work towards goals, form positive habits. Tools needed.44:53 Contact her online at mmsconsultingfirm.com. Email maria@mmsconsultingfirm.com.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 successOur 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.PureTax, LLC Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper