The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive

Paul Sweeney
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Conversations to help your business grow and thrive — like having your own board of expert advisors in your pocket. The Business Behind Your Business is the go-to podcast for small business owners who want practical guidance, clearer decision-making, and strategies that actually work in the real world. Hosted by Paul Sweeney, each 15–30 minute episode takes you behind the scenes of how small businesses grow, lead teams, manage money, and solve the problems that keep owners up at night. Whether you’re running a team of one or twenty, you’ll find relatable stories, expert insights, and tools you can put into action straight away. From improving cash flow and pricing for value to building systems, reducing overwhelm, and preparing for long-term success, our guests share straightforward advice without the jargon. What you’ll learn: * How small businesses make money — and where they lose it * Leadership and team-building strategies that actually work * Smart marketing ideas for busy owners * Financial planning and forecasting explained simply * How to scale without burning out * What successful businesses do differently behind the scenes If you want your business to run better, grow stronger, and give you more freedom, this show gives you the practical steps and confidence to make it happen — one smart decision at a time. Subscribe and join thousands of business owners who are building better businesses, not just bigger ones.

  1. Thinking About a Private Equity Exit? Avoid These Costly Founder Mistakes

    23H AGO

    Thinking About a Private Equity Exit? Avoid These Costly Founder Mistakes

    If you’re a business owner thinking about private equity, growth, or an eventual exit, this episode could save you years of stress — and potentially millions of dollars. Most founders only learn how private equity really works after they’ve signed a term sheet, when it’s often too late to negotiate from a position of strength.  Paul Sweeney is joined by Alexis Sikorsky, founder of KnightScale Partners and a former CEO who successfully scaled and sold his own software company in a $100M+ private equity exit.  You'll learn: What private equity buyers are actually looking forHow deals are structured, and what you should have in place before you ever start the conversationA deeper understanding of private equity - it's not 'funding' in the traditional sense, how it differs from venture capital, and why so many founders misunderstand the processWhat private equity firms really buy (profitability, growth, and operational discipline)The importance of understanding your numbersWhy time horizons, autonomy, and alignment matter more than headline valuationsHard-earned lessons on due diligence, common red flags, and tactics founders must watch out for — including how deals can quietly change during the processThis conversation is an essential listen for founders approaching the $5–15 million revenue mark, feeling stuck at a growth plateau, or wondering whether private equity is the right exit path for them. It’s a practical, honest look at how to prepare your business, protect your interests, and make informed decisions about your next chapter. Alexis Sikorsky is a strategic advisor to founders who are serious about scaling fast and exiting strong. With a nine-figure private equity exit under his belt, Alexis isn’t speaking from theory—he’s lived the entrepreneurial highs and lows across decades of company building, boardroom negotiation, and international leadership. His flagship book Cashing Out lays out the APEX methodology, a four-part framework (Assess, Plan, Execute, Exit) that demystifies the journey to private equity for founders feeling stuck or overwhelmed by growth and decision fatigue. Alexis founded, scaled, and sold New Access, a Switzerland-based software company, ultimately closing a $100M+ exit and transitioning into a new chapter as a Special Advisor to ambitious CEOs. Today, through Sikorsky Consulting and KnightScale Partners, he works with growth-stage businesses, typically doing $5M+ in annual revenue, who want to engineer their next chapter or PE exit.  A straight-talking alternative to cookie-cutter coaches, Alexis is often referred to as "The CEO Whisperer" for his candid insight and ability to diagnose issues in minutes. He supports leaders who are weighed down by their own business, helping them build vision, unlock cash flow, and scale toward freedom. He's also on a mission to serve founders priced out of one-to-one consulting through his mastermind programs, offering a rare blend of lived experience and practical strategy. LinkedIn www.asikorsky.com www.knightscalepartners.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    35 min
  2. Franchising Without Losing Your Heart: How to Scale a Values-Led Business

    FEB 9

    Franchising Without Losing Your Heart: How to Scale a Values-Led Business

    What happens when you want to grow your business—but you refuse to lose its heart in the process? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Nuttha Goutier, founder of Sabai Thai Spa, to explore how small business owners can scale, franchise, and systemise without sacrificing values, culture, or authenticity. If you’re worried that growth might dilute what makes your business special, this conversation offers both reassurance and a practical roadmap. Nuttha shares her remarkable journey from growing up in rural Thailand—where wellness, community, and natural healing were part of everyday life—to building an award-winning spa franchise in Canada. She explains how her early experiences shaped a deeply human-centred approach to business, one focused on care, consistency, simplicity, and genuine connection rather than transactions. Throughout the conversation, Nuttha breaks down how she translated “heart” into systems—developing repeatable customer and staff journeys that preserve culture at scale. She explains how Sabai Thai Spa trains teams, selects franchise partners, adapts across cultures and generations, and maintains a deeply personal customer experience across multiple locations. This episode is a powerful reminder that systems don’t have to make businesses cold—and that franchising can be a force for connection, purpose, and impact when done intentionally. For founders considering expansion, franchising, or simply wanting to build a more meaningful business, Nuttha’s story offers inspiration and practical insight grounded in real-world experience. Nuttha Goutier Growing up in a Thai village without running water or electricity, Nuttha Goutier saw healing as part of life, not a luxury. Days spent gathering herbs with local healers and learning from her grandmother taught her that wellness was about community, presence, and simple daily practices. When she moved to Canada, she was struck by how spas often felt sterile, rushed, and focused on transactions instead of connection. She dreamed of creating a space where guests felt welcomed like family, somewhere that could bring the sensory richness of Thai hospitality to a new place. Nuttha opened Sabai Thai Spa to offer guests more than a service: from warm greetings to calming scents, every element was chosen to help people slow down and feel cared for. The immediate response from the community confirmed the need for a spa that offered genuine warmth. Over nearly two decades, she has expanded Sabai Thai Spa into a franchise recognized for its immersive Thai-inspired environments and consistently attentive service. Through franchising, Nuttha aims to make wellness a regular part of life for more people, helping communities embrace massage and self-care as everyday practices rather than rare indulgences. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that taking care of ourselves helps us be better in every role, from parenting to work to simply showing up for ourselves. www.sabaithai.com LinkedIn Instagram Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    34 min
  3. From Bottleneck to Freedom: How to Reclaim Your Time Without Slowing Growth

    FEB 2

    From Bottleneck to Freedom: How to Reclaim Your Time Without Slowing Growth

    Most business owners don’t start their companies dreaming of 80-hour weeks, missed family milestones, and being trapped as the bottleneck — yet that’s exactly where many end up. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who feels time-poor, overworked, or guilty about trading family moments for business growth. You’ll learn how to reclaim 10–20 hours per week, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and build systems that support both your business and your life. Instead of sacrificing personal priorities for revenue, you’ll discover how both can grow together. In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and business mentor George Rivera, who went from grinding 80-hour weeks and running a $20M company as a single-point bottleneck, to creating a true “father-first” operating system that enabled him to scale to $50M while only working ~30 hours/week. George shares the deeply personal story that shaped his mission — from his father missing nearly all his childhood basketball games, to a powerful final promise during his father’s terminal illness: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” Through that lens, George explains how he redesigned his business and now teaches other owners to do the same. You’ll learn: How to identify bottlenecks and reclaim 10–20 hours/week without slowing growth The “$10K/hour filter” for deciding what the owner should actually do versus delegateWhy flat org charts kill businesses — and how to correct themThe “Two-Week Vacation Test” to prove your business can run without youSimple AI plays that save hours without adding headcountHow to build systems, outcomes ownership, and consistency across teamsWhy buying back your time can save your family, not just your profitsWhether you’re a parent who feels torn between business and family or a founder who’s simply drowning in tasks, this episode offers a blend of emotional insight and practical frameworks. It’s a conversation about systems, delegation, leadership — but also legacy. George Rivera helps 7, 8, and 9-figure founders buy back 10-20 hours a week and scale profits, without becoming the bottleneck. He’s the creator of the Father-First Owner OS and author of Buy Back Time Formula. George watched his dad miss his games and later regret it, and he gave George one piece of advice: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” After grinding through 80-hour weeks, George rebuilt his companies to run without the founder using three levers, people who own outcomes, systems that create consistency, and AI that multiplies efficiency... the core of his $10K/Hour Filter. On this show he’ll share how to end key-person dependency, delegate outcomes (not tasks), and pass the Two-Week Vacation Test, because no one on their deathbed says, “I’m glad I skipped my kid’s game for a client meeting.” www.buybacktimeformula.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    35 min
  4. Disruption by Design: How to Stop Tech Projects from Failing

    JAN 26

    Disruption by Design: How to Stop Tech Projects from Failing

    If you’ve ever wondered why digital transformation projects fail or felt unsure about what “disruption” actually means, this episode brings much-needed clarity. You’ll learn the difference between digitalisation, transformation, and disruption — and how each impacts your business differently. Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Juan Jose “J.J.” de la Torre, CEO of Raven and author of the award-winning book Transformation Designed. J.J. explains why more than 80% of transformation efforts fail, why starting with technology is the wrong approach, and how a design-led mindset puts customer needs and value creation first. He also shares real examples of how companies reinvent industries by removing friction instead of adding more tools. Whether you’re trying to improve systems, rethink your business model, or understand how AI fits into the picture, this conversation gives you a practical lens for making change stick — without wasting time or money. Juan Jose de la Torre A world leader in digital businesses, disruption, and digital transformation, Juan Jose (J.J.) de la Torre is an expert in the areas of strategy, innovation, and all things digital. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top eighteen digital transformation leaders and a top five digital marketing influencer. J.J. holds an MBA from INSEAD, a master’s degree from La Salle, and an industrial engineering degree from Adolfo Ibanez.   J.J. is a senior executive with decades of experience across the globe. Following his return to his home country, Chile, after twenty years of a successful international career, J.J. joined Virtus Partners as a senior partner. At Virtus, J.J. led the organization’s digital endeavors, which turned into Raven, a unique consulting boutique solely focused on business disruption and acceleration. As Raven’s CEO, J.J. pools strategy, design, technology, and analytics to help clients across industries embrace digital enablers and technologies.  He has founded and successfully traded three start-ups and is also an angel investor for fourteen start-ups, a mentor for more than 150 companies, and the founder of the first information and communications technology incubator in Saudi Arabia as well as the first 360 accelerator in the Middle East. He has even advised the United Nations and has delivered more than two hundred keynotes on entrepreneurship, gaining recognition from Forbes, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and more.  A father of three and a loving husband to his wife, Maria, J.J. is a former professional DJ and now music composer, a PADI diving instructor, and a mountain bike and golf aficionado. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and adventure sports.  www.jjdelatorre.co Get J.J.'s book Transformation. Designed. www.raven.inc/en LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    34 min
  5. Scaling Without Compromise: How PLNT Burger Grows With Purpose

    JAN 19

    Scaling Without Compromise: How PLNT Burger Grows With Purpose

    If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to grow and scale a business without compromising on the values it was founded on, this episode will give you the blueprint. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how PLNT Burger has expanded rapidly in a highly competitive industry—while staying firmly rooted in its purpose of creating joyful, sustainable, inclusive food experiences. Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with consistency, or feeling pressure to drift away from your mission, this episode shows you how to scale with integrity, empower your team, and make smarter decisions under pressure. In this inspiring interview, Chris Treloar—CEO of PLNT Burger—shares the origins of the brand, why mission-driven food businesses are gaining momentum, and how his team used unexpected disruption (including COVID) as an opportunity to grow. He talks openly about leadership, staying humble, learning from mistakes, and giving teams the autonomy they need to deliver exceptional customer experiences. You’ll also hear how Chris builds scalable systems, why he believes in “yes-first” business thinking, and how PLNT Burger educates customers about their environmental impact in a fun, non-intrusive way. If you’re a small or medium business owner looking for practical, values-aligned strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Chris Treloar has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of. www.plntburger.com Instagram LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    28 min
  6. Global Opportunities: How to Sell to the US Federal Government From Anywhere

    JAN 12

    Global Opportunities: How to Sell to the US Federal Government From Anywhere

    If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gives you the roadmap to enter a market worth over $700 billion annually. Paul Sweeney is joined by Eric Coffie, founder of GovCon Giants, bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in US federal procurement. Eric breaks down why the US government actively seeks overseas vendors, which industries are in highest demand, and how small business owners can leverage their agility, responsiveness, and lower overheads to outperform major corporations. You’ll also hear practical advice on using AI and government platforms like SAM.gov to find opportunities, how to prepare before a tender is released, and why mindset—not resources—is the biggest obstacle for most business owners. If your business sells anything—goods, services, trades, logistics, tech, professional expertise—there may be a US government contract waiting for you. This episode shows you exactly where to start. Eric Coffie is the Founder and CEO of GovCon Giants, an education and consulting firm helping small and minority-owned businesses enter the US federal contracting space. He build his career in government construction, where his company, Evankoff Construction, secured millions in federal contracts. Today, Eric leads GovCon Giants in providing training, mentorship, and resources for businesses pursing govenrment contracts. His clients have collectively secured tens of millions in federal awards, and his work is grounded in real-world experience collaborating with agencies, small business programs, and prime contractors. Outside of work, Eric is known for his approachable, no-nonsense style and for sharing lessons from his personal journey in business. He's passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and navigate government contracting with confidence. LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  www.govcongiants.org  www.sam.gov Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    31 min
  7. From Invisible to In-Demand: How to Make Your Business Impossible to Ignore

    JAN 5

    From Invisible to In-Demand: How to Make Your Business Impossible to Ignore

    If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now building a global community supporting creative entrepreneurs. In this episode, Joel shares how business owners can evolve from “doing everything themselves” to leading a business that is visible, sustainable, connected, and profitable. You’ll discover how learning the fundamentals of business, building the right relationships, and shifting from isolation to community can be the catalyst for long-term success. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, trade business, or service provider—the principles Joel shares can transform how you operate and grow. You'll learn: Why great work alone isn’t enough—visibility and connection matterThe mindset shifts that move businesses out of survival modeThe danger of delegating without understandingHow collaboration—yes, even with competitors—creates exponential opportunityWhy treating business as an art can reignite passion and drive growthThis episode is filled with wisdom, real-world experience, and actionable insights for any entrepreneur ready to stop hiding in the shadows and start building a business that’s truly seen, valued, and in demand. Joel Pilger helps creative studios and production companies — typically generating $1–10M in annual revenue — master the art of the business so they can attract better clients, command bigger budgets, and build the studio of the future. For 20 years, Joel helmed Impossible Pictures until exit. Now, through Joel's ecosystem of accelerators, community, and connections, he guides hundreds of studios worldwide — names like Sarofsky, STATE, Laundry, Giant Ant, Polyester, Kill 2 Birds, and Antfood — and many more on the rise. No theories. No consultants. No wannabes. Just real-world experience from one who has built, scaled, and sold a studio… and now helps others do the same.  Is your studio future ready? Take the quiz Try the 14-day free trial: Forum free trial LinkedIn www.joelpilger.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    30 min
  8. The Biggest Payday You’re Not Ready For: How to Prepare Your Business for Sale

    12/29/2025

    The Biggest Payday You’re Not Ready For: How to Prepare Your Business for Sale

    If you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life. In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both sides of the table — acquiring more than 50 businesses for private equity firms before switching focus to helping owners maximise their sale value. Cameron reveals the key factors buyers look for, the most costly mistakes sellers make, and what you should start doing now, even if selling feels years away. You’ll learn: Why preparing years in advance creates dramatically higher business valueThe importance of accurate accounting (especially accrual-based reporting)How owner dependency sabotages valuation — and what succession planning really meansHow customer concentration or vendor reliance can make a business unsellableWhy professional advice isn’t a cost — it’s an investment that often returns millionsWhether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want a stronger, more resilient business, this episode will reshape how you think about value — and what it takes to unlock it. Cameron Bishop is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving exceptional growth and transformation across diverse industries. He began his career in publishing, culminating in his leadership of Intertec Publishing, where he scaled the company from a small business to a $400 million enterprise with a global footprint. Subsequently, he co-founded Ascend Media, a high-growth media company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to build successful organizations from the ground up. Beyond his corporate successes, Cameron has dedicated himself to advising and mentoring business owners. His experience spans various roles, including CEO of SkillPath Seminars, where he spearheaded a company-wide transformation, and his work with Capitus, guiding businesses through strategic transitions and maximizing their value. Cameron is passionate about empowering business leaders to achieve their full potential and continues to leverage his deep expertise to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success. www.raincatcher.com  LinkedIn  Instagram  X  YouTube  Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

    27 min
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About

Conversations to help your business grow and thrive — like having your own board of expert advisors in your pocket. The Business Behind Your Business is the go-to podcast for small business owners who want practical guidance, clearer decision-making, and strategies that actually work in the real world. Hosted by Paul Sweeney, each 15–30 minute episode takes you behind the scenes of how small businesses grow, lead teams, manage money, and solve the problems that keep owners up at night. Whether you’re running a team of one or twenty, you’ll find relatable stories, expert insights, and tools you can put into action straight away. From improving cash flow and pricing for value to building systems, reducing overwhelm, and preparing for long-term success, our guests share straightforward advice without the jargon. What you’ll learn: * How small businesses make money — and where they lose it * Leadership and team-building strategies that actually work * Smart marketing ideas for busy owners * Financial planning and forecasting explained simply * How to scale without burning out * What successful businesses do differently behind the scenes If you want your business to run better, grow stronger, and give you more freedom, this show gives you the practical steps and confidence to make it happen — one smart decision at a time. Subscribe and join thousands of business owners who are building better businesses, not just bigger ones.

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