Touchstone Talks

Deborah Agrafojo

0.0 (0)
Investing

Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

7h ago

Ep 24: How to Grow a Company Without Sacrificing Yourself in the Process

Running a business is demanding enough, and the pressure can feel unsustainable when you are working constantly but not getting ahead. In Episode 24 of Touchstone Talks, productivity coach and industrial-organizational psychologist Juli Shulem offers a practical reset for business owners who find themselves in that position. The problem, she explains, often isn't effort. It's focus. Busy leaders chase activity; productive leaders prioritize outcomes. The path forward starts with stepping back, auditing where time is actually going, and making intentional choices about what deserves leadership attention versus what belongs on someone else's plate. Juli also addresses a point worth noting for any business owner: stress isn't just a personal burden. It travels, and it affects the whole organization. For owners navigating a sale or ownership transition, where demands compound quickly, that dynamic becomes especially consequential. This episode offers straightforward, actionable guidance on delegation, time blocking, and breaking the multitasking habit, making it a useful listen for owners at any stage. The Efficiency Advantage podcast https://theefficiencyadvantage.com Website: https://coachjuli.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjulishulem-productivityexpert/ touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

26 min
Jun 18

Ep 23: David Place - Make Your Financial Statements Work for You

Most business owners are too busy running their company to pay close attention to their financials — until something goes wrong. In this episode, Deborah sits down with David Place, Area President and Fractional CFO at FocusCFO. David explains how to use your financial statements as an early warning system and a strategic management tool, not just a tax-season obligation. He covers the three core statements, what to look for, and how to spot margin erosion and hidden costs before they become real problems. The payoff is simple: the sooner you see a problem, the easier it is to fix. David also walks through how to build a practical financial forecast, even if you've never done one, so you can stop reacting and start running your business with a plan. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

31 min
Jun 4

Ep 22: Lamar Stanley - A Different Perspective on Private Equity

A Different Perspective on Private Equity Private equity is often misunderstood. Many business owners view private equity through the lens of headlines and misconceptions. In this episode, Lamar Stanley, Managing Director at Highland Rim Capital, discusses how private equity can be a tool for business succession, leadership continuity, and growth, helping owners transition out of their companies while preserving the legacy they've built. The conversation highlights an approach focused on supporting the management team already in place, giving them the resources and strategic guidance to build upon the owner's success and lead the business into its next chapter. Whether you're planning for retirement, considering a future ownership transition, or simply thinking about what's next for your business, this episode offers a valuable perspective on the role private equity can play. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

29 min
May 26

Ep 21: From Local to Global - How Businesses Break Into International Markets

In this episode, Jenny Lezon Norris, Market Growth Director, North America of Navigator Global breaks down what it really looks like for companies to take their products beyond the U.S. and tap into international markets. The conversation highlights how global growth often starts smaller than many business owners realize, often sparked by a single inquiry. Jenny shares practical advice on navigating regulations, choosing the right market strategy, spotting red flags, and building trusted relationships abroad, while also explaining why face-to-face connections still matter in international business. The episode offers a look at the opportunities available to companies that may never have considered exporting before and the resources that can help make it possible. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

31 min
May 7

Ep 20: John Weidner Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation

Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation This episode features John Weidner, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Global, LLC, a human capital strategy consulting firm. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains that the core challenges for leaders remain consistent: attracting the right people, developing them effectively, and creating an environment where they can succeed. While AI is influencing recruiting and performance management, these tools can distance decision-makers from candidates and often overlook the soft skills that signal strong cultural fit but don’t show up clearly in data. Ultimately, culture and leadership, not technology, determine long-term success. The next generation of leaders will need to be more empathetic and hands-on, balancing data-driven insights from AI with a nuanced understanding of people. As organizations face pressure to move faster with fewer resources, those that invest in strong, engaged management and thoughtful talent development will be better positioned to adapt and grow. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

33 min
Apr 23

Ep 19: Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses

In this episode, Mediator, Negotiation Consultant, and Conflict Coach Scott Loring, Principal at Cooperative Coaching & Mediation, shares his expertise on navigating the complex and often deeply personal conflicts that arise in family businesses. Drawing on decades of experience resolving disputes, he explains how blurred boundaries, unclear expectations, and the overlap of family identity with business roles can create tension especially during pivotal moments like leadership transitions or business exits. He highlights how unresolved issues, sometimes rooted in childhood dynamics, resurface and impact not only relationships but overall workplace health, from employee turnover to morale. Loring emphasizes that while solutions to conflict may be straightforward, they are rarely easy, requiring honest, productive communication and a willingness to move toward understanding rather than agreement with a shared desire to improve. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

29 min
Mar 26

Ep 18: The Buyer's Perspective on Acquiring a Family Business

In this episode, Deborah sits down with John SantaCroce, who last year acquired Minore’s Meats, a third-generation family business. John shares a firsthand perspective on how acquiring a family-owned business can create control over your future while unlocking opportunities to improve operations, modernize systems, and drive growth. He highlights what it really takes, from defining clear acquisition criteria and building the right advisory team, to navigating challenges during the deal process and leading a people-first culture post-close. He brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation as he positions Minore’s for its next chapter. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

29 min
Mar 12

Ep 17: Environmental Regulations Are Changing - What Business Owners Should Understand

Environmental Regulations Are Changing: What Business Owners Should Understand In this episode, environmental attorney Deborah Brancato, Partner at Carmody Law, discusses major changes in Connecticut’s environmental regulatory framework and what they mean for business owners. With the Transfer Act sunsetting, she explains how the new approach is designed to encourage environmental cleanup while creating clearer expectations around environmental responsibility and property use. Deborah also shares practical insights on how environmental issues can arise during normal business operations, property ownership, and transactions, and why it’s important for business owners to understand potential risks and plan ahead. Deborah also shares insight from her involvement in developing the new program and what it means for business sales going forward. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

33 min

Trailer

Touchstone Talks: Bringing Business Owners Real Life Advice

Touchstone Talks delivers real-world insights from trusted advisors and professionals to help business owners prepare for the future. Each conversation is designed to guide owners through the key components of a successful exit strategy—always with the goal of maximizing the value of their life’s work. By educating and empowering business owners, we create the foundation for successful transitions and lasting impact. touchstoneadvisors.comdirectlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

08/25/2025

•

1 min

Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

Creator

Deborah Agrafojo
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025
Show Website

Touchstone Talks