ABA Business Leaders

Stephen Smith
  • 4.9 (36)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business. Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.

  1. Supporting Parents in ABA Therapy

    6D AGO

    Supporting Parents in ABA Therapy

    What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care.  Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians.  The Big Questions  What is parent-led ABA therapy? A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making. Why is parent trust important? It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported. What should parents expect from a BCBA? Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines. Why are compliance-based goals controversial? The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life. How can BCBAs involve parents more? By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities. Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio  Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/  Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  ABA Business Leaders Support Group:  https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs Stephen’s Book:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

    1 hr
  2. Burnout and Systematic Change in ABA

    MAY 14

    Burnout and Systematic Change in ABA

    In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it.  They explore why burnout is often less about personal failure and more about broken systems, and how many ABA business owners continue operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their teams or themselves. Stephen, April and Dr. Becca break down the importance of stepping outside your own operations to identify where stress, inefficiency, and overwhelm are really coming from.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio  Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Find out more at www.mkmaudio.com     Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  ABA Business Leaders Support Group  https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio  Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here:  https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

    1h 15m
  3. 7 Common Mistakes When Starting an ABA Business

    MAY 7

    7 Common Mistakes When Starting an ABA Business

    Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth.  In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make when starting their practice, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems.  Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting a seven-figure ABA practice through 3 Pie Squared, Stephen and April share practical guidance for business owners who want to build a stronger, more sustainable company from day one.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432    Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  ABA Business Leaders Support Group  https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8  Schedule a Consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    48 min
  4. ABA CEO Moms

    APR 30

    ABA CEO Moms

    What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood?  In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of being both a mom and the CEO of an ABA Business.  From unexpected challenges and the constant mental load, to learning how to ask for help and intentionally designing an ideal week, this episode explores the practical and emotional side of balancing leadership, family, and personal wellbeing.  The panel also shares candid stories about what surprised them most when stepping into both motherhood and entrepreneurship, how they manage the never-ending workload that comes with both roles, and why protecting time for yourself is essential.   Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  ABA Business Leaders Support Group  https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1h 20m
  5. Red Flags in ABA

    APR 23

    Red Flags in ABA

    ABA Business Leaders Rewind: Red Flags in ABA Service Providers  This throwback episode, Stephen and April break down the biggest warning signs to watch for when working with service providers who support ABA businesses. From vendors operating without clinician input to those charging fees that don’t align with value, this episode sharpens your ability to vet partners effectively. They also cover why broad, unfocused service offerings, lack of referrals, and hard selling tactics should raise immediate concerns.  You’ll walk away with practical questions to ask before committing, plus insight into how 3 Pie Squared evaluates vendors to protect both clinical quality and business performance.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  ABA Business Leaders Support Group:  https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8  Business Essentials List:  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen:  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide:  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

    40 min
  6. Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul

    APR 16

    Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul

    In this episode, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith celebrate the release of Stephen’s new book, ABA Business Leaders Guide: How To Start, Grow, and Sustain an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul. Stephen shares candid reflections on the writing process, the anxiety that comes with putting your ideas into the world, and why having a clear vision is non-negotiable if you want to build something sustainable in the ABA space.  🔑 Key Takeaways  Why most ABA businesses fail to scale sustainably—and how to avoid it The internal challenges (self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome) that leaders don’t talk about How to define a business vision that actually guides decision-making The philosophy behind building a business without “losing your soul” Lessons learned from writing a book while running a business What’s next, including plans for a companion book and future resources   Pre-order your copy now: Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017 Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm 🚀 Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs  SILNA https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started  ABA Business Leaders Guide (Book)  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXXX  Stephen Smith on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith  3 Pie Squared Official Website  https://3pisquared.com  Discord Support Group  https://discord.gg/yourgroup  📞 Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

    44 min
  7. ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina

    APR 9

    ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina

    Coming Soon: Stephen Smith’s New Book Stephen’s upcoming book is almost here packed with practical insights for ABA business owners looking to grow with clarity, integrity, and strong operational foundations. Pre-order your copy now: Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017 Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm Release Date: May 12, 2026 If you're serious about building a sustainable, ethical, and profitable ABA business, this is a must-read. In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Rick Kubina to explore some of the most pressing and complex topics facing the ABA field today, including the rise of artificial intelligence.  Rick Kubina is a professor, researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of behavior science, education, and technology. Since joining Penn State University in 2000, he has taught courses in reading, applied behavior analysis, instructional design, and more—while mentoring doctoral students who have gone on to shape the field globally.  Stephen, April, and Rick unpack:  The appropriate role of AI in clinical environments  Where AI can drive efficiency without compromising care  The ethical boundaries every ABA leader must understand  How business incentives can quietly shape clinical decisions  Why human connection remains the core asset in ABA   This episode is both a strategic lens for business owners and a grounding conversation for clinicians navigating rapid change.  Sponsor  This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, helping ABA business owners take control of their financials with clarity and confidence.  Resources & Links  MarginKeepers:  https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers   Business Essentials List:  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24   Schedule a Consultation with Stephen:  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page   Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment   ABA Billing Tips Guide:  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips   ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs:  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs   Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

    58 min
  8. April Fools'

    APR 2

    April Fools'

    In this April Fool’s–themed episode, Stephen and April Smith are joined by a panel of ABA owners – Chris, Jennifer, Alecia Barrett, & Mallory Stinger - sharing their most unbelievable (but very real) stories from running an ABA business.   From insurance nightmares to staff issues and difficult audits, the conversation balances humour with practical takeaways. At its core, it’s about staying grounded, trusting your instincts, and leading with clarity when situations get messy.  ☎️ Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432    🔗 Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24   Schedule a Consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page   Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment   ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1h 8m
See All (201)

4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business. Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Stephen Smith
  • Show Website
    ABA Business Leaders

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