Beyond the Bottom Line

Miguel Alexander Centeno
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Beyond the Bottom Line is a podcast for founders and business owners who want practical insight they can actually use as they grow. Hosted by Miguel Alexander Centeno, founder and CEO of Centurion Firm, the show features in-depth conversations with industry experts, clients, and business owners about how they think through tax, cash flow, operations, and the decisions that come with running a real business. We focus on how things really work when you’re scaling, what challenges tend to come up, and how other founders, experts, and operators have dealt with them. If you’re building or growing a business (often somewhere between $500K and $25M+ in revenue), this show is designed to help you make smarter financial and operational decisions and keep more of what you earn.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Your Biggest Cybersecurity Risk Isn't AI, It's Your People

    Most business owners think cybersecurity is about hackers in hoodies breaking through firewalls. The reality is far simpler, and far scarier: your biggest security risk is your own people. In this episode, Miguel sits down with Matt Mulcahy, founder of Miami Cyber, to unpack what cybersecurity actually looks like for small and mid-sized businesses in the age of AI. Matt shares how a $25 million wire transfer was approved by a real executive on a real video call, except the "executive" on the other end was an AI-generated deepfake. From there, the conversation moves into the practical: how AI is changing phishing, why passwords are on their way out, and what it actually means to adopt AI responsibly instead of just rolling it out and hoping for the best. If you're a founder trying to figure out where AI ends and risk begins, this episode breaks down exactly what to prioritize first. Other insights from this episode include: Why "vishing" (voice phishing) is now a real threat, thanks to AI's ability to clone a voice from just 10 seconds of audioThe most common cybersecurity gaps Matt sees in companies under 20 employees, and why most IT providers don't prioritize that segmentWhy policy should come before technology when rolling out AI in your company, and what that policy conversation should actually coverThe hidden risk of giving employees AI tools without training, and why "buying licenses" isn't the same as adoptionWhy passkeys and authenticator codes are replacing SMS-based two-factor authentication, and what business owners should switch to nowThe real difference between a company that's "using AI" versus one that's leveraging Model Context Protocol (MCP) to connect AI directly to their business dataWhy Matt believes the technology itself is the least important part of a successful AI rollout, and what actually drives success or failureAbout Our Guest Matt Mulcahy is the founder of Miami Cyber, a technology services firm built around a service-first approach to cybersecurity, IT, and responsible AI adoption for small and mid-sized businesses. With a background spanning technology consulting, managed IT services, and AI implementation, Matt works closely with founders to make sense of a fast-moving technology landscape. Miami Cyber recently became a certified Anthropic partner, and Matt is an active member of the Miami founder community, where he regularly hosts educational events focused on AI readiness and cybersecurity. Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn or media@centurionfirm.com

    51 min

  2. Jun 23

    AI Search Strategy for Business Owners (R)

    We're bringing this one back because the conversation is more relevant than ever, AI search isn't slowing down, and neither is the impact on your business visibility. Many business owners are watching their website traffic drop without understanding why. Miguel experienced this firsthand when Tax Hack's blog traffic plummeted from 88,000 to 3,000 unique visitors. The culprit? AI overviews are changing how people find information online. In this episode, Miguel sits down with Ryan Russell, founder and CEO of BizIQ, to get answers. If you're seeing similar drops or wondering how to stay visible as AI changes search, this episode breaks down what's actually happening and what to do about it. Ryan Russell shares findings from asking AI platforms directly where they source their business recommendations — and the answers point to clear actions you can take. Other insights from this episode include: Where AI platforms actually get their business information (spoiler alert: your Google Business Profile matters more than you think)Why AI search and traditional search work together, not against each otherThe ranking factors that determine if you show up in AI recommendationsPractical tactics for optimizing your Google Business Profile, including the underutilized Products & Services sectionContent strategy in the AI era: quality vs. quantity and what's actually workingThe truth about using AI-generated content on your websiteThree actions you can take this week to test and improve your AI visibilityAbout Our Guest Ryan Russell, Founder & CEO of BizIQ, a search optimization expert whose team researches how businesses can adapt to AI-driven discovery. Visit biziq.com/contact for a free audit or consultation Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn or media@centurionfirm.com

    55 min
  3. Minisode: An Interview with Miguel

    Jun 16

    Minisode: An Interview with Miguel

    Most founders learn leadership through business books, mentors, or painful trial and error. Miguel learned some of his most important leadership lessons at the dinner table. In this minisode, Miguel reflects on how raising kids, especially through the messiest, most humbling moments, quietly shaped the way he leads his team. The same instinct that makes a founder dangerous at work, the certainty that you know best, is the exact instinct that can damage trust at home and in the office. What fatherhood forced Miguel to learn is that passionate people don't need to be corrected. They need to be heard. For founders who pride themselves on having the answers, this episode is a useful disruption. The strongest teams, like the strongest families, aren't built by the person who's always right. They're built by the person willing to hold their convictions loosely enough to let others lead. That's a lesson you can't find in a business book. Sometimes it takes a teenager pushing back on AP Spanish to teach you what your leadership team has been trying to tell you all along.

    13 min
  4. Minisode: The Business and Family Balance

    Jun 9

    Minisode: The Business and Family Balance

    Most entrepreneurs are great at building systems for their business. Calendars, processes, accountability, all of it. But very few build systems for being present. Miguel has been an entrepreneur and a father since he was 17, and one of the hardest lessons he's learned isn't about scaling a firm, it's about learning to actually show up for the moments happening right in front of him. In this minisode, Miguel shares what it really means to create space for memories and why that discipline matters whether you're a parent or not. The insight is simple but easy to miss: your most vivid memories form when your mind is clear, not when your calendar is full. For founders constantly carrying the weight of what's next, this episode is a reminder that presence is a practice, and that the life you're building a business to support deserves the same intentionality you bring to work. Tune in for a conversation that will make you rethink how you transition out of work mode.

    14 min

  5. Jun 2

    Building with AI: The New Rules for Entrepreneurs and Innovators

    Why do so many AI initiatives fail despite the massive investment and excitement surrounding artificial intelligence? In this episode, Miguel sits down with Art  Shectman , Founder and CEO of Elephant Ventures, to discuss how businesses can move beyond AI experimentation and start creating real operational impact. An MIT-trained engineer and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience, Art shares practical insights on AI adoption, agentic workflows, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From building autonomous robots at MIT to helping enterprises deploy AI at scale, Art has spent his career at the intersection of technology and business transformation. This conversation explores why organizations struggle with AI implementation, how to identify the right opportunities for automation, and what leaders should focus on as AI continues to reshape the way companies operate. Other insights from this episode include: • Why most AI pilots fail and how to improve your chances of success • How to think about AI agents as semi-autonomous coworkers • The importance of context, organizational knowledge, and human oversight • Why shorter development cycles are becoming a competitive advantage • How founders can avoid common cash flow and scaling mistakes • The role relationships and trust play in building a successful business • Practical approaches to AI governance and risk management • How Amazon is helping fund AI proof-of-concept projects for qualifying businesses • Why the future of AI depends more on discernment and decision-making than technology alone About Our Guest Art  Shectman is the Founder and CEO of Elephant Ventures, a digital innovation firm that helps organizations transform ideas into scalable technology solutions. An MIT-trained engineer and longtime entrepreneur, Art has spent more than two decades building innovative systems, leading technology teams, and helping companies navigate digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Learn more about Elephant Ventures at elephantventures.com Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn or media@centurionfirm.com

    44 min

  6. May 19

    Special Edition - How Smart Founders Turn New Tax Rules Into a Planning Advantage

    In this special edition of Beyond the Bottom Line, Miguel breaks down the most important tax and strategy updates shaping how business owners should plan right now. For the first time in several years, businesses are operating in a more stable tax environment without constant retroactive changes reshaping prior filings. With clarity from recent legislation, the focus now shifts from reacting to planning. Miguel walks through what this new landscape means for founders, operators, and investors and how to think strategically about taxes instead of just compliance. Key topics covered in this episode include:  The return of 100% bonus depreciation and how it impacts capital investment decisions  What business owners need to understand about QBI deductions and phaseouts  Updates to the R&D tax credit and retroactive opportunities for prior years  Why entity structure (S Corp vs C Corp vs LLC) matters more in a stable policy environment  How to think about tax planning across compliance, reporting, and advisory layers Changes impacting SALT deductions, itemized vs standard deduction strategy, and withholding planning Emerging opportunities in cost segregation and accelerated depreciation strategies What recent updates mean for platform-based businesses (Airbnb, Turo, e-commerce sellers, etc.) Listener Q&A on R&D eligibility for internal tools, automations, and cost segregation qualification In the closing segment, Lucy joins Miguel to answer listener questions about practical application, especially around R&D qualification for automation tools and how to determine whether a property qualifies for cost segregation. This episode is designed to give business owners clarity on what’s changed and how to use it to make better financial decisions going into the next planning cycle.

    38 min
  7. Minisode: Harmony in Life, Success at Work

    May 12

    Minisode: Harmony in Life, Success at Work

    In this minisode of Under the Hood, Miguel and Ashton discuss one of the firm’s core values: Harmony in Life, Success at Work. They break down why building a successful company isn’t about maximizing hours worked, but about managing energy, creating space to recharge, and giving people the flexibility to fully show up both personally and professionally. From four-day workweeks and Flex Fridays to burnout culture, parenting, and the future of work in an AI-driven world, they share how prioritizing well-being has become one of the company’s strongest retention and performance strategies.

    13 min

  8. May 5

    How to Build a Stand Out Brand with Jenn Cordova

    In this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, Miguel sits down with Jenn Cordova, founder and creative director of Jenn Cordova Design, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that stands out and actually sells. Jenn shares her journey from working in-house design roles to building her own creative studio, driven by the need for more creativity, challenge, and ownership over her work. What started as freelance projects evolved into a strategy-led branding business focused on helping food and beverage brands succeed on crowded retail shelves. The conversation dives into how great design goes far beyond aesthetics. Jenn explains why positioning, clarity, and strategy are just as important as visuals and how the most successful brands are the ones that know exactly who they are and how to communicate it quickly. They also explore what it means to “stand out on the shelf” (literally and metaphorically), how founders can think about differentiation, and why sometimes doing the opposite, like using unexpected colors or formats, can make all the difference. Jenn also shares her perspective on AI in design, why it’s a powerful tool (but not a replacement for strategy), and how she approaches building a client experience that evolves as her business grows. If you're building a brand or thinking about it, this episode is a deep dive into the intersection of creativity, strategy, and entrepreneurship. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why design without strategy often falls flatHow to think about positioning and differentiationWhat makes a product stand out on a crowded shelfThe real journey of building a creative business (and how long it can take)How AI is changing the design process for better and worseWhy creativity and structure aren’t opposites and how combining both is a competitive advantageAbout Our Guest Jenn Cordova is the Founder and Creative Director of Jenn Cordova Design, a strategy-led branding studio focused on building retail-ready food and beverage brands. She works with founders at all stages, from early concepts to established products, helping them refine their positioning, elevate their visual identity, and create packaging that stands out on the shelf and drives sales. With a background in graphic design and years of experience working with small to mid-sized businesses, Jenn blends creativity with strategy to deliver brands that not only look good, but perform in competitive markets. To learn more about Jenn’s work or explore potential collaborations, visit her website or connect with her on social media. Connect with Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenncordovadesign/ Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn or reach out at media@centurionfirm.com

    44 min
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About

Beyond the Bottom Line is a podcast for founders and business owners who want practical insight they can actually use as they grow. Hosted by Miguel Alexander Centeno, founder and CEO of Centurion Firm, the show features in-depth conversations with industry experts, clients, and business owners about how they think through tax, cash flow, operations, and the decisions that come with running a real business. We focus on how things really work when you’re scaling, what challenges tend to come up, and how other founders, experts, and operators have dealt with them. If you’re building or growing a business (often somewhere between $500K and $25M+ in revenue), this show is designed to help you make smarter financial and operational decisions and keep more of what you earn.

Information

  • Creator
    Miguel Alexander Centeno
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond the Bottom Line
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Bottom Line