Welcome to the Business Advisor Podcast, the go-to show for accountants, bookkeepers and CFOs tired of the grind of client work and eager to step into the role of a business advisor. This podcast is designed for those looking to increase their income and impact by transforming businesses and lives. Each week, we bring you practical, workshop-style episodes, insightful conversations, and a good dose of humor to equip you with the confidence, clarity, and cash flow strategies you need. So, hit ...
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Amanda C Watts Podcasts
Now is the time of the Pioneering Practice! Best selling author and marketing expert Amanda C. Watts shares her book 'The Pioneering Practice' as an audiobook. Described as 'The number 1 authority in marketing for accounting firms in the world' Amanda's insights will transform the way you market your accounting practice. LEARN HOW TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES AND NOT GET LEFT BEHIND. There is becoming a strong divide in the accounting industry. There are accounting practices that are pioneering th ...
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Secrets to success? No, thank you. Welcome to Work Friends, a podcast for sharing upfront and unfiltered career stories—the good, the bad, and the unapologetically ambitious. Because what’s better than a bit of real talk among friends? Each episode, Sali Christeson, Founder and CEO of women’s workwear brand, Argent, hosts one of her Work Friends for a conversation about climbing the corporate ladder, building a brand from scratch, raising money, and finding success on their own terms. Meet i ...
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** Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks ** Host David Barr Kirtley, author of the book Save Me Plz and Other Stories, talks geek culture with guests such as Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Richard Dawkins, Simon Pegg, Bill Nye, Margaret Atwood, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy has appeared on recommended podcast lists from NPR, The Guardian, Wired, The A.V. Club, BBC America, CBC Radio, WVXU, io9, Omni, The St ...
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95. Instagram Is Where Good Businesses Go to Die
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14:13In this episode, I’m tackling a topic I'm incredibly passionate about: why short-form content platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reels are a trap for serious business advisors. I know it might sound controversial, but I believe these platforms, which are built for distraction and escapism, are the wrong place to build the deep trust required to …
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Amanda Litman on Leading Better, Smarter, & With 4-Day Workweeks
47:44
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47:44Amanda Litman has a clear vision for what the next generation of leadership looks like—and it may include a four-day workweek, among other things. As the co-founder and president of Run For Something, Amanda leads an organization that recruits and supports young, diverse candidates to run for office—backing over 3,000 rookie candidates to date, and…
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94. Creating Content That Stands Out & Gets Clients
14:57
14:57
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14:57In this episode, I tackle one of the most requested topics from our community: how to create content that cuts through the noise and builds trust with premium advisory clients. I reveal why most advisors are stuck in a cycle of inconsistent posting and ineffective marketing—and how to break free. I’ll walk you through a clear, actionable strategy f…
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597. Matthew Kressel, author of Histories Within Us and Space Trucker Jess
1:29:40
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1:29:40Matthew Kressel joins us to discuss his short story collection Histories Within Us and his new novel Space Trucker Jess. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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93. Understanding Conflict and Avoidance in Sessions
10:53
10:53
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10:53In this insightful episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into the often-avoided topic of client conflict—an issue every advisor faces but few discuss openly. I share personal experiences, expert insights, and a powerful framework called "GRACE" to help you navigate emotionally charged situations with empathy, curiosity, and professio…
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LaFawn Davis on Making It to the C-Suite Without a College Degree
48:07
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48:07This week, Sali is joined by LaFawn Davis, the Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Indeed. Her work leading culture, diversity, and inclusion at major tech companies—including Google, Yahoo, PayPal, eBay, and Twilio—spans over a decade. In addition to her incredible leadership, LaFawn is a STAR, otherwise known as a professional who’s Skilled …
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92. The VOICE Framework: Mastering Impactful Communication as an Advisor
16:51
16:51
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16:51This week's episode is all about moving beyond just knowing your stuff as an advisor and truly mastering the art of communication. I shared why saying the right thing isn’t enough—it’s about how, when, and with what intention you say it. I introduced my VOICE Framework, a five-part structure that helps advisors communicate in a way that creates saf…
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596. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert Review
1:46:26
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1:46:26Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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91. Why Saying Less Makes You a More Powerful Advisor
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12:21This week’s episode is all about how less talking and more listening can transform you into a powerful, sought-after advisor. I shared how impactful advisory isn’t about dazzling clients with insights—it’s about creating space for them to hear themselves think. I reflected on my work with advisors who believed their value came from being the smarte…
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Shannon Watts, The Activist Who Set Her Life on Fire
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56:15Our guest today is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America—the largest grassroots movement in the country. Back in 2012, Shannon began her career in activism when she posted a call to action on Facebook to end gun violence, in response to the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her message was met…
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90. How to Deeply Understand Clients' Behaviour with the 6 Human Needs
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9:08Welcome back to the Business Advisor podcast— this week we’re diving into a game-changer for advisors: understanding client behaviour through the lens of the six human needs. This is part four of our soft skills series, and it’s all about going beneath the surface to uncover what really drives your clients. I share how recognising these core needs—…
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595. The Business of Science Fiction (with Tom Gerencer)
1:11:47
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1:11:47Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Business of Science Fiction by Mike Resnick and Barry N. Malzberg. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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89. How to Build Rapport with Clients So That They Trust You As Their Advisor
11:30
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11:30On this week episode, I explored one of the most essential soft skills for advisors – building real rapport with clients. Rapport isn’t about impressing someone or pushing them forward; it’s about walking beside them, understanding their world, and supporting them at their pace. When you build that trust, conversations flow more naturally, decision…
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Samina Virk, The CEO Combatting 92 Million Tons of Fashion Waste
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55:54Our next guest, Samina Virk, is the US CEO of Vestiaire Collective and leads one of the largest luxury resale companies in the world—the first to be a B Corp. Her resume spans over two decades in fashion and tech, with stints at Target and eBay, before she helped launch the Paris-based Vestiaire Collective in the States in 2014. Samina left Vestiai…
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88. When You Should Coach & When You Should Mentor Your Clients
8:10
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8:10Welcome back to the Business Advisor Podcast. This week we’re kicking off a brand-new series: The Soft Skills of Advisory. This series is all about the skills that go beyond technical expertise—the ones that help you build trust, deepen relationships, and truly impact your clients' lives. In this episode, I dive into one of the most foundational so…
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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London)
1:27:36
1:27:36
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1:27:36Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action
10:12
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10:12In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our c…
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Karla Martínez de Salas on Her Path to Vogue Mexico and Latin America
44:52
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44:52Karla Martínez de Salas is a powerhouse editor and the Head of Content for Vogue Mexico and Latin America. She’s held the role for nearly a decade, following incredible stints at US Vogue, T Magazine, Interview, W, and more. An El Paso, Texas native of Mexican descent, Karla has been incredibly instrumental in helping to shape the all-too-often slo…
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This week's episode dives into how vanity metrics—likes, follows, and views—can mislead business owners into feeling successful while draining their energy and stalling growth. As someone who’s coached countless advisors, I’ve seen how chasing these empty metrics leads to burnout, not revenue. The truth? Real success isn’t about viral content; it’s…
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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine)
1:09:55
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1:09:55Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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85. From 'Who Am I to Offer That?' to Advisory Confidence
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17:11In this week's episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of building a thriving business—mindset. I share how transforming your thinking can lead to exponential growth in ways no strategy or tool ever could. Drawing from my own experiences and those of others, I explore how shift…
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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha)
2:24:07
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2:24:07Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…
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Alexa Roussel & Sarah Pierson, From Harvard Roommates to Margaux Co-founders
48:31
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48:31Today is a Work Friends first! We’re welcoming two guests: Alexa Buckley Roussel and Sarah Pierson, co-founders of Margaux. These two started their careers as undergrads at Harvard and have grown their business into a one-of-its-kind shoe brand that’s disrupted the footwear industry—one that’s historically male-dominated and very traditional. Alexa…
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84. Stop Being The Bottleneck (And Delegate With Confidence)
16:20
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16:20In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I delve into the challenges of delegation faced by many accounting and bookkeeping business owners. As someone who has been there, I understand the struggle to let go while maintaining high standards. In this episode, I explore why it's so hard to delegate and provide actionable solutions to overcome…
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83. 14 Costly Mistakes Accountants Make When Shifting to Advisory
18:29
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18:29Welcome to another episode of the Business Advisor podcast! today we’re diving into the 14 biggest mistakes accountants make when transitioning from compliance work to business advisory. This shift can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also fraught with challenges. Many accountants struggle because they’re still thinking like a compliance firm, not…
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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
2:39:59
2:39:59
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2:39:59Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…
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Amy Williams on Dropping Out of College, Sustainable Fashion, and Good Work
56:07
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56:07This week, Sali sits down with Amy Williams, the CEO of Citizens of Humanity. She launched her remarkable, multi-decade retail career after dropping out of college, joining iconic denim brands, Gap and Lucky Brand, in the ‘90s and early ‘00s. Since taking the helm at Citizens of Humanity in 2011, Amy has transformed the denim giant—which includes t…
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82. 4 Hidden Leaks Stealing Your Profit And How to Fix Them Today
21:23
21:23
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21:23In this week episode, I discuss the silent killer of profits—money leakage—and how it affects businesses, including accountants and bookkeepers. Leakage isn't just about small expenses or unnecessary subscriptions; it’s about hidden inefficiencies, poor systems, and a lack of financial clarity that drains profits monthly. Many business owners think…
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Welcome back to another episode of the Business Advisor Podcast!, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that many of you might be overlooking—finding your tone of voice in content marketing. We all know content marketing is essential. You understand the importance of writing blog posts, posting on LinkedIn, and even creating videos. But when it’…
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Ali Wentworth on Learning to Never Give Her Power Away
1:01:23
1:01:23
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1:01:23This week, Sali is joined Ali Wentworth, an actress, comedian, producer, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her credits include appearances on iconic television shows like In Living Color, Seinfeld, and as a correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Later, Ali created and starred in the series Head Space and…
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80. What You Need To Put On Your Website To Get Clients (Full breakdown)
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14:02In this episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, I dive into transforming your website into an authority site that positions you as the go-to business advisor. I discuss how to move beyond a mere list of services and focus on addressing client pain points directly. Your website should guide visitors through a journey that makes them feel understood…
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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera)
1:49:40
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1:49:40Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the book The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways" (1:08:16), "Not …
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79. Three Steps To Sell Advisory Successfully
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11:24
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11:24Welcome back to another episode of the Business Advisor Podcast! This week we’re diving into something I’ve been noticing a lot lately, why so many advisors and consultants aren’t making the money they should be. It’s not because they lack skills, experience, or education. Nope. The real issue? They’re running their advisory business like service p…
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78. The Key To Higher Profits And Less Stress
11:55
11:55
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11:55In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive into a topic that challenges many business owners: how big should your team be when scaling a business? I share my personal journey and explain why a small, mighty team of two can outperform larger teams. Many assume that growth requires adding more staff, but I argue that focusing on fewer, h…
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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna)
1:38:16
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1:38:16Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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77. Turn Prospects Into Clients With a Strong Brochure
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10:58In today’s episode, I dive into the power of a well-structured brochure and how it can completely change the way you market and sell your services. Many service-based businesses either don’t have a brochure or have one that doesn’t work effectively because it’s just a list of services and prices. A brochure should guide potential clients toward mak…
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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
1:28:33
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1:28:33James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Cari Champion on the Undeniable Connection Between Sports and Politics
1:03:47
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1:03:47Our next guest is a force and a joy. Cari Champion is a sports journalist with over 25 years of experience reporting on the biggest, most formidable athletes of our time. She’s a regular contributor on CNN and host of the Naked Sports with Cari Champion podcast. An LA native, Cari's early career included the Tennis Channel, covering icons like Sere…
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76. Being Commercially Smart And Increasing Profits
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13:42Today we explore how productising your advisory services can turn your expertise into a "commercially smart" asset. I share the success story of Elise, an accountant who transformed her firm by productizing her advisory services with fixed-fee packages. This led to predictable income, stronger client relationships, and easier sales. You can elimina…
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Most advisors, accountants, and consultants are stuck in the time-for-money trap, limiting their income and impact. The solution? Productising your expertise. In this episode, I break down how to turn your knowledge into a structured, scalable offer that creates leverage, generates more revenue, and gives you back control of your time. If you’ve ev…
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Alencia Johnson on Flipping Tables and the Power of Being a Disruptor
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1:02:18Today, Sali sits down with Alencia Johnson, an award-winning cultural commentator, political advisor, and leader who sits at the intersection of social impact and culture change. She’s also the author of the forthcoming Flip The Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change. They dive into her incredible career working…
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74. The Hard Truth About Success (And Why It’s In Your Control)
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10:44Ever feel like your business is stuck? The truth is, success isn’t about external factors. It’s about how we show up. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts that separate struggling advisors from thriving ones. If you’re ready to take control and start seeing real results, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Take Ownership, Take Control…
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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville
1:52:20
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1:52:20Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over…
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73. Social Media Marketing Is Dead. What Should You Do Instead?
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17:50Think social media is the only way to grow your business? Think again. In this episode, Amanda C. Watts shares how she built her business using offline strategies; networking, speaking, writing, and personal outreach. Learn how to establish authority, gain high-value clients, and create long-term business growth without relying solely on social med…
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72. Breaking Free from Hourly Consulting: Cindy Vindasius’ Path to Scalable Advisory
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24:13Today, Amanda C. Watts sits down with Business Advisor Academy client Cindy Vindasius, founder of Vindasius Advisory, to discuss her transformative journey from high-level consulting to creating a scalable advisory business. Cindy shares how she struggled with articulating her expertise in a way that resonated with her ideal clients and how Amanda’…
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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
1:59:04
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1:59:04Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…
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71. The Competitive Ladder™ – How to Win in Advisory
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22:12Think your biggest competition is the accountant down the road? Think again. In today’s episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, Amanda C. Watts introduces The Competitive Ladder™ - a game-changing framework that reveals the hidden competitors stealing your high-value clients. From business coaches to AI software, marketers, and beyond, we uncover …
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Mara Roszak, a Celeb-Hair-Stylist-Turned-Founder, on Finding Her Flow State
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59:08In this episode, Sali is joined by Mara Roszak, a celebrity hair stylist whose clients include Zoe Saldaña, Emma Stone, Michelle Yeoh, Natalie Portman, Kate Mara, among many others. However, in 2021, after the birth of her first child, Mara set her sights on a new venture and launched RŌZ (www.rozhair.com), an incredible line of clean haircare prod…
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70. 27 Strategies To Make More Money As An Advisor Or Consultant
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19:13Amanda C. Watts explores how good advisors and consultants can transform into great ones and significantly increase their income and impact. Whether you're facing a growth plateau, hesitant to invest strategically, or struggling with the fear of the unknown, Amanda provides 27 actionable strategies to break through barriers and take your business t…
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69. How To Sell Advisory & Consulting Like A Premium Brand
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19:02Let’s unpack the secrets to selling advisory and consulting services like a premium brand. Advisors and consultants often struggle with landing high-value clients, avoiding price wars, and standing out in a crowded market. Amanda reveals the core problems - selling advice instead of outcomes, blending in rather than standing out, and failing to pos…
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