Business Roundtable

David W. Carr

Welcome to the Business Roundtable Podcast, hosted by David Carr of Steward Your Business. This engaging and informative podcast series is dedicated to helping business owners, and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a successful enterprise. Each episode features David Carr and a roster of industry experts, including regular contributors like Curtis Cochran, who bring their wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, organizational health, and team building. Dive into discussions that cover a broad range of topics essential to business growth and sustainability. From strategic planning and preparation to understanding the cycles of business ownership, the podcast provides invaluable insights into evaluating, enhancing, and exiting business ownership. Listeners can expect practical advice on scaling businesses, managing finances, and creating a culture that aligns with company goals. What sets this podcast apart is its focus on actionable strategies combined with real-world experiences. The conversations often delve into the importance of providing more value than the dollars earned and the necessity of adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, the Business Roundtable Podcast is vital for staying ahead in today's competitive market. Join David Carr and his guests as they explore the art of making a business profitable but also enjoyable and sustainable. Tune in for your dose of inspiration, guidance, and tools to make 2024 and beyond a resounding success for your business ventures. Become a podcast supporter at just $2 a month at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

  1. 30 JAN

    Neurodivergent Leadership, ADHD, and AI: Designing Systems That Actually Work

    Why do so many capable leaders feel exhausted, unfocused, or misaligned, despite doing everything right? In this episode, David Carr sits down with Sara Gayle, founder of EverKind Strategies, to explore how neurodivergence, burnout, and broken systems quietly undermine leadership effectiveness and what it actually takes to design environments where people can thrive. Drawing from Sara’s journey as a late diagnosed ADHD leader and her work with mission driven organizations, this conversation examines how clarity, kindness, and relational intelligence shape sustainable growth. Rather than treating focus and productivity as personal discipline problems, David and Sara reframe them as leadership and systems responsibilities. The discussion also explores how emerging tools like AI can support neurodivergent leaders by capturing ideas, reducing cognitive load, and restoring margin when used intentionally and ethically. Grounded in real leadership experience, coaching work, and collaborative systems design, this episode challenges the assumption that burnout is a personal failure and instead points to the power of alignment, community, and humane leadership structures. In this episode: Why burnout is often a systems issue, not a motivation problemHow ADHD and neurodivergence show up in leadership and teamsThe role of kindness and challenge in healthy leadership culturesHow AI can support focus, follow through, and clarityWhat it means to design work that fits real humansLinks mentioned in this episode: EverKind Strategies https://www.goeverkind.comSara Gayle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradgayleTotally Normal Podcast hosted by Sara Gayle, available on major podcast platforms Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    40 min
  2. 15 JAN

    Why Networking Conversations Don’t Convert Into Sales

    Why do so many networking conversations never turn into real opportunities? In this episode, David Carr examines the leadership dynamics behind stalled conversions and why relationship-driven professionals often struggle to move conversations toward commitment. Inspired by the operating principles of Success Champions Network, this conversation explores how leadership, structure, and accountability shape whether conversations lead to results. David also references the systems-focused leadership behind SCN, led by Jessica Gruber, whose work emphasizes training, infrastructure, and intentional community design to support sustainable growth across chapters worldwide.  Drawing from real leadership engagements and collaborative work with founders, consultants, and professional organizations, this episode reframes sales and growth as a leadership responsibility rather than a transactional skill.  In this episode: • Why conversations alone don’t create growth • The cost of avoiding challenge in leadership • How structure protects trust • What it means to guide rather than convince Links mentioned in this episode:  Success Champions Network: https://successchampionnetworking.comJessica Gruber:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gruberhttps://jessicagruber.co/Buzzworks: https://buzzwks.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    37 min
  3. 14 JAN

    ESOPs Explained: Succession, Legacy, and Employee Ownership with Kelly Finnell

    What if exiting your business did not mean selling out your people, your culture, or your legacy? In this episode, David Carr sits down with Kelly Finnell, President of EFS ESOP Consultants and one of the nation’s leading experts on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), to unpack how employee ownership can be a powerful succession and liquidity strategy for business owners. With more than 40 years of experience helping founders transition ownership, Kelly breaks down what ESOPs actually are, how they work, and why they are often misunderstood. Together, David and Kelly explore why ESOPs appeal to what Kelly calls “compassionate capitalists” — leaders who want to achieve full fair market value for their business while also protecting employees, preserving culture, and sustaining long-term legacy. The conversation covers how ESOPs differ from private equity and strategic buyers, how tax advantages play a critical role, and why alignment between owners, employees, and performance creates healthier, more resilient organizations. Grounded in real-world case studies across engineering, defense contracting, and professional services, this episode reframes succession planning as a leadership decision — not just a financial transaction. In this episode:What an ESOP is and how it works in plain languageWhy ESOPs are an alternative to private equity and third-party salesThe role of legacy, culture, and stewardship in ownership transitionsHow ESOPs align employee motivation with long-term performanceCommon myths and misconceptions about ESOPsWhat makes a company a strong (or weak) ESOP candidateLinks mentioned in this episode:EFS ESOP Consultants https://www.execfin.comKelly Finnell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoachThe ESOP Coach (book by Kelly Finnell) https://www.esopcoach.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    35 min
  4. 16/12/2025

    Your Brand Isn’t Your Logo: Building Clarity and Connection

    In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Stephanie Simpson, founder of Brand-ification, to explore the powerful intersection of leadership, message clarity, and brand confidence. Stephanie shares her journey from Warner Bros. to launching a brand strategy firm that helps business owners define who they are, what they stand for, and how to communicate it clearly. Together, they unpack why so many professionals struggle to articulate their value — and what it really takes to create a brand that connects. What You’ll Learn: The real difference between branding, marketing, and messaging.How to identify and speak directly to your ideal clients.Why clarity beats cleverness every time.How to “duplicate yourself” through better communication and systems.The missing link between brand clarity and leadership alignment.If you’re a founder, consultant, or leader ready to simplify your message and amplify your impact, this episode is for you. Connect with Stephanie Simpson 🌐 Website: https://brand-ification.com 📧 Email: stephanie@brand-ification.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephaniefifesimpson Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    47 min
  5. 09/12/2025

    The Winning Game Plan: Simplify Strategy and Build Teams That Win

    What if your business plan actually worked? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Michael Stewart, founder of Business Planning PLUS and a member of Success Champion Networking (SCN). Together, they unpack how to turn your business plan from a static document into a living system that drives growth, alignment, and accountability. Michael shares his powerful football (soccer) analogy — mapping every department to positions on the field — and shows how the best organizations play like high-performing teams, with clarity, rhythm, and trust. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why most business plans fail and how to create one that lives and breathes.The 11 core areas every business needs to manage for successHow to develop a rhythm of accountability using “disclose, discuss, decide”The power of alignment and communication in leadership meetingsHow to plan for growth in uncertain markets and expanding internationallyWhy leadership and culture are two sides of the same coin🧠 Key Quote: “Most people spend more time planning their vacation than planning their business success.” — Michael Stewart 🌐 Connect with Michael Stewart Website: https://www.askmjs.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstewartuk  🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode to help more leaders align strategy, people, and purpose to build teams that win. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    40 min
  6. 02/12/2025

    Stop Letting Your CPA Keep You Broke: Strategic Wealth, Tax, and Profit Planning

    Are you unknowingly paying more in taxes than you should? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Catrina M. Craft, CPA — a tax and wealth strategist known for helping entrepreneurs, agencies, and practice owners turn thriving businesses into wealth-building engines. Catrina reveals how her Craft Money Map System helps clients cut tax liability by 25 percent and boost profitability by 20 percent — by shifting from reactive accounting to proactive financial strategy. Together, David and Catrina explore: Why most accountants focus on compliance, not strategyHow to stop overpaying the IRS and start keeping more of what you earnTax-saving opportunities for 6-, 7-, and 8-figure firmsStructuring your business for growth, sale, and long-term wealthHow clarity in your financial vision drives confident leadership decisionsWhether you’re an AEC firm principal, professional service leader, or growth-minded entrepreneur, this conversation will help you transform how you steward your money, people, and purpose. Listen now to learn how to build lasting wealth with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Connect with Catrina Craft, CPA Website: https://craftmoneymap.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrinamcraft Email: hello@catrinamcraft.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support. Connect with Steward Your Business: Book a conversation: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

    31 min

About

Welcome to the Business Roundtable Podcast, hosted by David Carr of Steward Your Business. This engaging and informative podcast series is dedicated to helping business owners, and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a successful enterprise. Each episode features David Carr and a roster of industry experts, including regular contributors like Curtis Cochran, who bring their wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, organizational health, and team building. Dive into discussions that cover a broad range of topics essential to business growth and sustainability. From strategic planning and preparation to understanding the cycles of business ownership, the podcast provides invaluable insights into evaluating, enhancing, and exiting business ownership. Listeners can expect practical advice on scaling businesses, managing finances, and creating a culture that aligns with company goals. What sets this podcast apart is its focus on actionable strategies combined with real-world experiences. The conversations often delve into the importance of providing more value than the dollars earned and the necessity of adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, the Business Roundtable Podcast is vital for staying ahead in today's competitive market. Join David Carr and his guests as they explore the art of making a business profitable but also enjoyable and sustainable. Tune in for your dose of inspiration, guidance, and tools to make 2024 and beyond a resounding success for your business ventures. Become a podcast supporter at just $2 a month at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.