ACCELERATOR

Lera Kooper
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Stress-Proof Leadership: Self-Discipline & Resilience

    FEB 28

    Stress-Proof Leadership: Self-Discipline & Resilience

    Lera Kooper discusses the challenges of balancing stress and anxiety with the responsibilities of leadership. She shares her personal experiences and strategies for managing emotional well-being while maintaining productivity. Key themes include the importance of self-discipline in self-care, practical strategies for managing stress, and the necessity of consistency and resilience in leadership roles.   Chapters 00:00Navigating Stress and Anxiety as a Leader 02:59The Importance of Self-Discipline in Self-Care 05:44Practical Strategies for Managing Stress 08:53Consistency and Resilience in Leadership   Watch with video on youtube: https://youtu.be/pHy_guixJ-Y

    11 min

  2. FEB 20

    The Scorecard: From Analysis Paralysis to Action

    In this episode Lera emphasizes the dangers of coasting in business, the need for clear goals, and the value of tools like SWOT analysis and KPIs. Lera introduces a Business Health Scorecard to help owners assess their performance and identify areas for growth, encouraging a proactive approach to business management. Link to Free Business Health Scorecard: https://www.accountabilityservices.com/business-scorecard/ Link to YouTube with Full Video: https://youtu.be/rmaeLBsiuK0

    23 min

  3. JAN 3

    What's Next? A Year in Review and 2025 Teasers

    In this episode, host Lera Kooper reflects on the past year of the podcast, discussing the various topics covered and insights gained from industry experts. She shares her journey of merging firms, the challenges and successes faced, and personal growth experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, Lera emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and execution for business owners and outlines what's next in the coming season.   takeaways Mindset and strategic thinking are crucial for entrepreneurs. Profits are more important than just top-line revenue. Self-assessment is key to understanding business health. Merging firms can lead to unexpected positive cultural outcomes. Business owners should focus on making their business an asset. Execution is as important as having good ideas. Continuous improvement and accountability are essential for growth. Setting clear goals and a vision is vital for business success.

    30 min

  4. 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

  5. 10/14/2024

    Scaling Green: with 'Moss Boss' Lindsay Scher Burgess

    Summary In this episode, Lera Kooper interviews Lindsay Scherr Burgess, the owner of Green Wallscapes, also known as the Moss Boss. Lindsay shares her journey of starting the business, the challenges of scaling, and the importance of teamwork and process in delivering custom moss wall designs. The conversation also touches on market adaptations, client collaboration, and valuable advice for aspiring business owners. Lindsay emphasizes the significance of persistence and the excitement of future opportunities in her niche industry. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Moss Boss 03:10The Journey of Green Wallscapes 05:58Scaling Challenges and Team Dynamics 09:11Design Process and Client Collaboration 12:02Adapting to Market Changes 14:51Advice for Business Owners 18:03Future Plans and Opportunities 20:54The Importance of Teamwork 23:59Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Contact https://greenwallscapes.com/ Looking to gain financial clarity and control with a proactive CPA partner? Visit https://www.accountabilityservices.com/

    34 min

  6. 09/17/2024

    Gone Phishing with Cyberhoot Founder Craig Taylor

    Craig Taylor, co-founder of Cyber Hoot, shares his journey in cybersecurity and the importance of cyber literacy. He emphasizes that cybersecurity is not just an IT problem but a business owner's responsibility. Craig discusses the need for training and testing to create a strong human firewall within organizations. He also highlights the significance of risk assessments and the importance of freezing credit to protect against identity theft. Craig provides valuable advice for individuals and businesses to enhance their cybersecurity practices. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Craig Taylor's Background 02:19The Maturation of the Cybersecurity Industry 04:08Identifying Quacks and Ensuring Security Literacy 06:26The Impact of Cybercrime on the Global Economy 09:52The Importance of Strategic Incident Management 11:45The Significance of Cybersecurity in the Financial Industry 16:06The Positive Reinforcement Approach to Phishing Tests 19:05The Importance of Strategic Cybersecurity Measures 21:22Getting Started with Cybersecurity: Free Resources and Risk Assessments 27:01The Need for Credit Freezes and Multi-Factor Authentication Resources: For more information on this week's guest, visit https://cyberhoot.com/category/training/  Looking to gain financial clarity and control with a proactive CPA partner? Visit https://www.accountabilityservices.com/

    36 min

  7. 09/02/2024

    5 Frustrations Business Owners Face & How to Overcome Them with Matt Hansen

    Host Lera Kooper interviews Matt Hansen, an EOS implementer, about the five most common frustrations that business owners face. The frustrations discussed include feeling like the business runs you instead of the other way around, not having enough cash flow, struggling with people management, lacking clarity and focus, and feeling like you're stuck and unable to grow. Matt provides practical strategies to address these frustrations and provides insights on how to overcome them.

    47 min

  8. 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lera Kooper
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    ACCELERATOR