Become Sensible

Fiona Nguyen
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 创业
  • 一周一更

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. 1天前

    5 Financial and Tax Moves Every Founder Should Make Before Year-End

    At the end of every year, I see founders fall into the same trap: avoiding their finances because the work feels dry or overwhelming. But avoidance is expensive. A few overlooked numbers can easily turn into thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed opportunities—and I’ve seen it happen more often than you’d think. So I want to show you exactly how I close out my own year, and what I help my clients do long before tax season shows up. On this episode of Become Sensible, I walk you through the five financial and tax moves I recommend to every entrepreneur before December 31st. I’ll talk you through what “clean books” actually look like, how I review estimated taxes with clients, and why intentional year-end spending is more powerful than chasing deductions. We’ll also cover retirement strategies that can save you thousands and the budgeting steps I use with my own CFO clients to set up a strong 2026. These steps aren’t glamorous, but they give you something far more important: “Clarity is the real return on your investment.” When you understand your numbers, you move from reactive to confident—and that’s when your business becomes truly scalable. Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps 0:00 - Why year-end finances matter (and why founders avoid them)0:42 - The five core business foundations1:30 - Step 1: Cleaning and reviewing your books4:54 - How inaccurate books inflate tax bills6:21 - The three financial reports that matter8:03 - Step 2: Reviewing estimated taxes9:27 - Common estimated-tax mistakes10:33 - Step 3: Intentional year-end spending11:48 - What real tax planning looks like12:45 - Step 4: Funding your future (retirement strategies)14:36 - How scenario planning reduces tax surprises15:36 - Step 5: Reviewing financials + the 2026 budget16:57 - Building base, best, and worst-case plans17:45 - Final recap + year-end encouragement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 分钟

  2. 11月6日

    From Survival to Service with Rosemary Tran Lauer

    What does it take to rebuild your life from nothing—and then dedicate it to helping others thrive? In 1975, my dear friend and longtime client, Rosemary Tran Lauer, arrived in America as a single mother with two young children, no degree, and little English. What began as a fight to survive became a lifelong mission to give back. Rosemary Tran Lauer is the founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education and care for families in need. She's also the founder of Tetra Global and author of Beggars or Angels, her memoir chronicling her journey from war-torn Vietnam to building a life of purpose, generosity, and faith in the U.S. On this episode of Become Sensible, I sit down with Rosemary to talk about resilience, faith, and the power of purpose. We explore her journey from refugee to entrepreneur and founder of Devotion to Children, a nonprofit providing early childhood education and childcare to disadvantaged families. We also reflect on her 30-year journey of impact, her memoir Beggars or Angels, and how she continues to balance profit and purpose as the founder of Tetra Global. Through every hardship, Rosemary reminds us that "devotion is an action, not a philosophy." Her story is a powerful testament to what love, grit, and service can build—and how one woman's courage can ripple out to change thousands of lives. Guest Links Devotion to ChildrenBeggars Or Angels BookTetra Global Connect Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn.Learn more about Balannx. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro3:00 - The faith and love that kept her going6:30 - Building resilience through gratitude and grit8:30 - Founding Devotion to Children and focusing on early education12:30 - The heart and community behind the annual gala18:00 - Real stories of impact and transformation22:00 - The cost of childcare and why support matters25:00 - Balancing profit and purpose in business29:00 - The power of love as a long-term motivator for change31:00 - Legacy, kindness, and paying it forward33:00 - Advice for anyone in hardship: don't give up36:00 - Final reflections and hope for the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 分钟

  3. 10月30日

    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.

    39 分钟

  4. 10月23日

    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.

    15 分钟

  5. 10月16日

    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.

    28 分钟

  6. 10月9日

    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.

    1 小时 1 分钟

  7. 10月2日

    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.

    34 分钟

  8. 9月25日

    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.

    1 小时 7 分钟
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关于

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.

信息

  • 创作者
    Fiona Nguyen
  • 活跃年份
    2024年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    52
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © HAI FIONA NGUYEN
  • 节目网站
    Become Sensible