Become Sensible

Fiona Nguyen
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Imagine transforming the way you think about your business finances, and unlocking your full potential. I’m Fiona Nguyen, CPA and the innovative mind behind Balannx, and that’s the goal of my podcast. This is not just another finance podcast; it's a lifeline for impact-driven entrepreneurs eager to navigate the complexities of accounting and taxes with confidence and clarity. I’m dedicated to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs with the financial and tax knowledge needed to thrive. Born from a passion for making a difference and fueled by the questions and feedback from my community, this podcast aims to bridge the gap in financial understanding, transforming complex concepts into actionable insights. Each episode is designed with you, the impact-driven entrepreneur, at its core. We’ll delve into financial accounting and tax topics, breaking down the complexities into simple tools and strategies to enhance your decision-making and business growth.  I’ll invite guest experts to share innovative growth strategies and answer your most pressing questions. Your suggestions and feedback shape our content, making it relevant to your daily financial and tax challenges. Join us on this journey to financial wisdom and success! Reach out with comments, suggestions, or questions to becomesensible@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. HÁ 3 DIAS

    Heather Chandler on Creative Storytelling & Building The IMG Studio

    When creativity meets empathy, magic happens. But how do you build a business that balances both—while keeping your creative spark alive? On this episode of Become Sensible, I sat down with Heather Chandler, seven-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of The IMG Studio. After a decade in broadcast journalism, Heather left the 3 a.m. newscasts behind to build a creative company that champions human stories—especially for nonprofits and causes that matter. Together, we unpack what it takes to lead with empathy, manage creative teams, and tell stories that move people to action. "People do business with people they like." Heather shares how deadlines, storytelling discipline, and authenticity fuel both artistry and business success—and why creative excellence is really about evoking emotion, not chasing perfection. Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.Heather Chandler on LinkedIn The IMG Studio WebsiteTimestamps 0:00 - Intro2:30 - The "enough is enough" moment that sparked change 5:00 - What storytelling taught her about discipline and deadlines 8:00 - Why authenticity wins in business storytelling 11:00 - The Emmy projects that redefined her creative path 13:00 - Balancing creativity with budgets and client expectations 16:00 - The Uganda documentary that deepened her empathy 18:00 - Why humans are wired for stories, not stats 21:00 - Finding the thread of humanity in every story 24:00 - Vulnerability vs. perfection in storytelling 26:00 - Leading creative teams with clarity and collaboration 28:00 - The value women bring to male-dominated creative industries 31:00 - Confidence and leadership after years in business 32:00 - Advice for anyone afraid to pivot 41:00 - The next decade of The IMG Studio 43:00 - The quote that fuels Heather's resilience 45:00 - Creative excellence in the age of AI 46:00 - Closing reflections on beauty, connection, and contribution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39min

  2. 23 DE OUT.

    What the 2025 Tariffs Mean for Your Business

    The new 2025 tariff adjustments are here—and for many small business owners, that means rising costs, tighter margins, and tough decisions. But before you panic, there’s a strategy to get through it. On this episode of Become Sensible, I share an essential breakdown of how the latest U.S. import tariffs are impacting everything from manufacturing materials to consumer behavior. I walk through what’s changed, what it means for your pricing and cash flow, and how to apply my five-step resilience framework to stay grounded and profitable no matter what the market throws your way. You’ll learn how to rework your cost structure, model new profit margins, diversify suppliers, and protect your cash runway—even as uncertainty looms. “You can’t control the policy, but you can control your planning, your forecasting, and your mindset.” If your business relies on imported materials or serves clients who do, this one’s a must-listen. 🔗 ConnectFollow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedInLearn more about Balannx ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:00 – What’s changing with U.S. import tariffs this year02:15 – The ripple effects for small businesses and product margins03:00 – How higher costs hit even non-importing companies04:30 – Step 1: Rebuild your cost map05:35 – Step 2: Scenario forecasting—three models to test06:50 – Step 3: Localize and diversify your supply chain08:20 – Step 4: Rethink your pricing, packaging, and communication09:20 – Step 5: Protect your cash runway through Q410:30 – Important updates on small import exemptions12:30 – How service-based businesses are also affected13:00 – What you can control as a business owner14:00 – Closing encouragement: Strategy over panic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15min

  3. 16 DE OUT.

    Finishing 2025 with a POWERFUL Q4 (Without Burning Out)

    As we enter the final quarter of 2025, I can feel it—the air gets sharper, the noise quiets down, and suddenly we realize we have just 90 days left in the year.   But here’s the truth: “finishing strong” doesn’t mean adding more pressure. It means finishing with clarity. On this episode of *Become Sensible*, I’m sharing my Q4 Design Framework—the same method I use to reset, refocus, and lead myself like a CEO in both business and life. We’ll walk through how to reflect honestly, simplify your systems, anchor your habits, and build momentum through micro-wins. It’s about executing with precision, not perfection. "Clarity is the most underrated business strategy.” By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple 90-day roadmap to close out the year with calm confidence—so you start 2026 not exhausted, but proud and peaceful. Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps   - 0:00 – Intro: Why Q4 feels different   - 1:15 – Why reflection comes before strategy   - 2:00 – Three questions I ask myself every quarter   - 4:00 – Facing avoidance and reclaiming energy   - 5:10 – My 90-Day Q4 Design Framework   - 6:00 – Choosing three focus categories   - 7:10 – Defining measurable success   - 8:40 – Translating goals into daily action   - 11:10 – Building momentum through micro-wins   - 13:30 – Simplifying systems and execution   - 18:30 – The “if–then” accountability method   - 21:00 – Communicating goals with your team or partner   - 22:20 – Habit stacking that actually sticks   - 24:10 – Tracking and adjusting weekly   - 25:10 – Discipline over motivation   - 28:00 – Finishing the year with peace, not pressure   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28min

  4. 9 DE OUT.

    Scaling with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Paul Blackman, Jr.

    In an age where “growth” is often mistaken for success, what does it really take to scale a company with integrity, purpose, and impact? On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Paul Blackman, Jr., Managing Principal of Trusted Advisory Group, to unpack two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors. From overseeing $4B in city projects as Deputy Director of DC General Services to leading complex developments in healthcare, housing, and education, Paul shares what it means to grow a business that uplifts communities—not just bottom lines. We talk about the myths of scaling, the power of relationships, and why “integration” matters more than “balance” when you’re leading a team and a family. “A problem well framed is half solved,” Paul says—and his story proves that clarity, consistency, and connection are the foundation of every sustainable business. Paul Blackman, Jr. is the Managing Principal of Trusted Advisory Group, a Washington, D.C.–based consulting firm specializing in project and construction management, real estate development, and strategic advisory for public and private clients. A former Deputy Director of DC General Services, Paul has led over $4 billion in infrastructure projects and now mentors organizations and leaders on how to scale with purpose and integrity. Guest Links Trusted Advisory GroupPaul Blackman, Jr. on LinkedIn Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro0:32 – Paul’s journey from public service to entrepreneurship4:00 – Bridging private- and public-sector values9:00 – Early days of building Trusted Advisory Group13:00 – The first big break and lessons from A-list partnerships17:30 – Why relationships and time are the real business currencies23:00 – Finding purpose during the pandemic and leading through uncertainty29:00 – Shifting from operator to visionary leader35:00 – Listening, feedback, and avoiding blind spots as a CEO40:00 – Balancing high standards with sustainable growth46:00 – Reinvesting wisely and preparing for the AI-driven future55:00 – Paul’s advice to his day-one self and closing reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h1min

  5. 2 DE OUT.

    How Branded Packaging Drives Sales and Loyalty with Derick Jaros of CustomBox.io

    What if the box your product ships in could make or break whether your customer buys from you again? Most entrepreneurs overlook packaging — treating it as a cost center, not a marketing channel. But as you’ll hear today, your box may be your most powerful untapped growth lever. Derick is the founder of CustomBox.io, a packaging company helping small businesses replace plain shipping boxes with affordable branded packaging that boosts loyalty, lowers costs, and scales revenue. With a background spanning e-commerce, marketing, and software, he’s passionate about leveling the playing field for small business owners. On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Derick to explore how branded packaging builds trust, fuels repeat sales, and even creates sustainability wins. He shares his path from corporate roles at Yex, Cox Media, and Home Depot to scaling a side hustle into one of the top Shopify stores. We dive into lessons on customer reviews, capital challenges, and why you can’t be everything to everyone as you grow. If you’ve ever underestimated the customer touchpoints in your business, this episode will spark new ideas—and maybe inspire you to rethink your product's packaging! Resources Visit CustomBox.io OnlineCheck out CustomBox.io's Instagram Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionahnguyenLearn more about Balannx: https://balannx.com/. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro0:30 – Why packaging is part of the customer experience2:15 – Derick’s path from corporate to CustomBox.io4:50 – Early wins, setbacks, and $40K in month two6:30 – Surviving the hard first six months9:15 – Authentic reviews and customer passion11:00 – Landing your first big client by solving pain points13:45 – Scaling milestones: 10,000 orders and top 25% on Shopify15:00 – Balancing speed, cost, and quality (“pick two” rule)20:00 – Why CustomBox.io focuses on small businesses24:00 – What most brands get wrong about packaging28:30 – Environmental impact and the vision for 100% recycled boxes32:30 – Lessons learned and advice to day-one Derick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34min

  6. 25 DE SET.

    How Rebecca & Yoni Levian Built Skyehigh Interactive | Family, Business & Branding Success

    In this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rebecca and Yoni Levian, the husband-and-wife duo behind Skyehigh Interactive, a branding and web design agency trusted by major names and beloved by entrepreneurs who want both strategy and soul in their brands. These two have built Skyehigh Interactive into a boutique agency known for delivering world-class branding and design with a personal, value-driven touch. Their work blends strategy, creativity, and authenticity to help clients scale with purpose. We dive into their journey from agency life to running their own business, what it’s really like to build a company together while raising kids, and the lessons they’ve learned about clarity, design, and trust. Rebecca shares how she transitioned from teaching to design, the importance of choosing clients intentionally, and why clarity of message trumps everything else. Yoni opens up about supporting the business in its early days, his background in video production, and the challenges of blending family and entrepreneurship. Together, they offer practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to land bigger clients, strengthen their brand presence, and create work that resonates. Guest Links Skyehigh Interactive WebsiteInstagram @skyehighinteractiveConnect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction of Rebecca & Yoni Levian3:00 – How Skyehigh Interactive began7:00 – Balancing family life and entrepreneurship15:00 – Critical lessons for new business owners19:00 – The importance of clarity and niche in branding24:00 – Approaching and landing bigger clients33:00 – The elements that build trust on a website44:00 – Scaling challenges and future ideas50:00 – How they know when creative work is ready to ship53:00 – Why client relationships stay deeply personal at Skyehigh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h7min

  7. 10 DE ABR.

    How to Survive the Incoming Tariffs of 2025

    Tariffs might feel like something only politicians argue about on the news—but they could hit your business where it hurts. Whether you sell products or services, these policy shifts have ripple effects that show up in your supply chain, your pricing, and your customers’ wallets. So what can you actually do about it? On this episode of Become Sensible, we explore how small business owners can stay resilient in the face of changing tariff laws. Fiona breaks down what tariffs really mean for product-based and service-based businesses, and walks you through the key questions to ask when forecasting your financial future. You’ll learn how to evaluate your costs, assess your pricing, and run scenario analyses that give you options instead of panic. We also talk through cash flow planning and why creativity is your best defense in uncertain times. Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps -  0:00 - Introduction: Why tariffs matter more than you think -  1:30 - Understanding the basics of tariff taxes and how they impact the economy -  3:00 - Are you product-based, service-based, or in trading? Why it matters -  4:15 - Why forecasting gives you confidence and clarity -  5:10 - Step 1: Analyze your cost of goods sold and how tariff changes affect them -  6:30 - Step 2: Scenario planning—how to identify alternatives to imported materials -  7:45 - Step 3: Can you raise prices—or should you absorb the cost? -  9:10 - Step 4: Pricing, packaging, and communicating value to your customers -  10:20 - Step 5: Reviewing your cash runway and why it’s critical in economic shifts -  11:15 - Step 6: Get creative—strategies to adapt your offerings and product tiers -  12:30 - How tariffs indirectly affect service-based businesses too -  13:45 - Financial forecasting for service providers: assumptions, pricing elasticity, and labor costs -  15:10 - Final thoughts: Strategy over panic, and preparing for what’s ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16min

  8. 3 DE ABR.

    The Ultimate Pre-Tax Checklist 2025: What to Do Before You File For Your Small Business

    Tax deadlines don't just bring paperwork---they bring panic. If you're a business owner making multiple six figures, that final stretch before April 15 can feel like a blur of spreadsheets, missed receipts, and unanswered questions. But what if you could face it with confidence instead? On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through a comprehensive checklist designed specifically for business owners navigating tax season. From organizing essential financial documents to understanding depreciation schedules and verifying your entity structure, this episode gives you the exact steps to reduce errors, save money, and avoid last-minute stress. We also talk about strategic tax moves like retirement contributions, home office deductions, and how to have smarter conversations with your tax professional. You don't have to be in the dark this tax season. With the right strategy, you can get ahead, stay compliant, and feel confident in your numbers. Links:IRS Form 1065 InstructionsIRS Publication 946 on DepreciationGuide to Section 179 Deduction Connect:Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12min
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Sobre

Imagine transforming the way you think about your business finances, and unlocking your full potential. I’m Fiona Nguyen, CPA and the innovative mind behind Balannx, and that’s the goal of my podcast. This is not just another finance podcast; it's a lifeline for impact-driven entrepreneurs eager to navigate the complexities of accounting and taxes with confidence and clarity. I’m dedicated to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs with the financial and tax knowledge needed to thrive. Born from a passion for making a difference and fueled by the questions and feedback from my community, this podcast aims to bridge the gap in financial understanding, transforming complex concepts into actionable insights. Each episode is designed with you, the impact-driven entrepreneur, at its core. We’ll delve into financial accounting and tax topics, breaking down the complexities into simple tools and strategies to enhance your decision-making and business growth.  I’ll invite guest experts to share innovative growth strategies and answer your most pressing questions. Your suggestions and feedback shape our content, making it relevant to your daily financial and tax challenges. Join us on this journey to financial wisdom and success! Reach out with comments, suggestions, or questions to becomesensible@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Fiona Nguyen
  • Anos de atividade
    2024 - 2025
  • Episódios
    50
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © HAI FIONA NGUYEN
  • Site do podcast
    Become Sensible