ACCELERATOR

Lera Kooper

The Accelerator podcast is designed to help business owners stop "coasting" and start actively growing their businesses. It empowers entrepreneurs to move beyond survival mode, reclaim their time, and build a business that supports their personal and professional goals. By providing practical strategies, actionable resources, and accountability tools, this podcast helps business owners create a business that works for them—not the other way around. Hosted by Lera Kooper, an award-winning entrepreneur and co-owner of the "Firm of the Year" and the Seattle Time's 2024 Best Accounting Firm in the PNW, Accountability Services, this podcast is your go-to resource for strategic insights and practical advice to drive your business forward.

  1. 11/27/2024

    Stepping Back to Predict the Future with Bill Flynn

    Guest Bill Flynn, a CEO, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and business coach, shares his journey and insights on business success. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and strategy, hiring the right people, and focusing on innovation and problem-solving. Bill also highlights the difference between surviving and thriving in business and the need to avoid common pitfalls. He encourages business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on predicting the future and creating a scalable business. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of understanding customer needs and aligning the entire team around a shared vision. In this conversation, Bill and Lera discuss the importance of mindset and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in business. They emphasize the value of strategy and planning, as well as the dangers of relying on luck or past success. They also explore the role of humility and the benefits of having a growth-oriented and resilient culture. Bill shares insights on creating brain-friendly organizations and the power of setting standards rather than making decisions. The conversation concludes with advice on the importance of understanding what truly matters for customers and teams. Takeaways Having a clear vision and strategy is crucial for business success. Hiring the right people and empowering them is essential for growth. Innovation and problem-solving are key to thriving in business. Stepping back from day-to-day operations allows for predicting the future and creating a scalable business. Understanding customer needs and aligning the team around a shared vision is vital. Success in business requires a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Strategy and planning are essential for long-term success, and relying on luck or past success is not sustainable. Humility is a key trait of successful leaders, and a growth-oriented and resilient culture is crucial for navigating challenges. Creating brain-friendly organizations involves understanding how the brain works and creating environments that promote autonomy and learning. Setting standards rather than making decisions can empower teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Understanding what truly matters for customers and teams is essential for making informed decisions and driving success. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 01:31Bill's Journey and Accomplishments 05:10The Difference Between Surviving and Thriving in Business 07:10The Gap Between Science and Business Practices 08:18The Role of Leaders in Problem-Solving 10:29Stepping Back to Predict the Future and Scale 14:13Avoiding Problems and Focusing on Strategy 19:11Hiring the Right People and Ensuring Alignment 20:27The Importance of a Clear Company Strategy 22:00The Power of Mindset and Continuous Learning 22:51Strategy and Planning for Long-Term Success 25:32The Role of Humility and Resilience in Leadership 29:08Creating Brain-Friendly Organizations 34:20Setting Standards for Accountability and Continuous Improvement 40:27Understanding What Truly Matters for Customers and Teams   Looking to gain financial clarity and control with a proactive CPA partner? Visit https://www.accountabilityservices.com/

    42 min
  2. 08/19/2024

    Beyond the Numbers: Succession Planning With Heart

    Host Lera Kooper interviews Laurie Nichols, a trusted guide and confidant to business owners seeking a successful ownership transition, discusses the importance of tapping into what matters most to business owners when planning for an exit. She emphasizes the need to consider factors beyond financial rewards, such as legacy and building a great business with great people. Nichols highlights the emotional aspect of the transition process and the importance of preparing both business owners and potential successors or buyers for the journey. She also discusses the surprises and challenges that can arise during the exit process, including the need for open and candid communication between business partners. Takeaways When planning for an ownership transition, it's important to consider factors beyond financial rewards, such as legacy and building a great business with great people. The exit process can be emotional and challenging, especially for business owners who have invested significant time and energy into their businesses. Open and candid communication between business partners is crucial during the exit process to ensure alignment of goals and to build trust. Business owners should invest in their own leadership abilities and carve out time for strategic thinking and planning. Delegation and engaging with key employees are essential for scalability and continuity in the business. Transparency and involving key stakeholders, including spouses, in the planning process can foster buy-in and create a shared vision for the future of the business.   Chapters 00:00Introduction and the Importance of Ownership Transition 02:32The Emotional Aspect of Exiting a Business 07:37The Challenges of Communication Between Business Partners 15:25Investing in Leadership and Strategic Thinking 19:32Delegation and Engaging Key Employees 27:06Transparency and Involving Key Stakeholders

    44 min

About

The Accelerator podcast is designed to help business owners stop "coasting" and start actively growing their businesses. It empowers entrepreneurs to move beyond survival mode, reclaim their time, and build a business that supports their personal and professional goals. By providing practical strategies, actionable resources, and accountability tools, this podcast helps business owners create a business that works for them—not the other way around. Hosted by Lera Kooper, an award-winning entrepreneur and co-owner of the "Firm of the Year" and the Seattle Time's 2024 Best Accounting Firm in the PNW, Accountability Services, this podcast is your go-to resource for strategic insights and practical advice to drive your business forward.