INcorporate - A Podcast for Business Owners

Lemur Studios
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for entrepreneurs who are looking to overcome challenges, inspire innovation, and propel their business to growth and profitability. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

  1. May 18

    Leadership That Works: How Great Leaders Build Stronger Businesses

    What separates a skilled entrepreneur from a truly effective business leader? In this episode of INcorporate, we sit down with Dr. Jim Lemoine and Althea Luehrsen to explore how leadership becomes the defining factor in long-term business success.  Topics discussed: Why leadership becomes critical as businesses scale The difference between technical expertise and leading people Common leadership mistakes entrepreneurs make How company culture impacts employee retention and performance Leadership styles that help businesses thrive Real-world lessons from entrepreneurship and management experience Building trust, accountability, and motivation within teams Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a growing company, this episode offers practical insights to help you become a more intentional and effective leader. Listen now and discover how better leadership can strengthen your business from the inside out. Check out Dr. Jim Lemoine and August Moon Consulting Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    49 min

  2. May 11

    Employee Benefits & Insurance: Building Competitive Packages Without Breaking the Bank

    Employee benefits can feel like one of the most confusing—and costly—parts of running a business. In this episode we discuss how small business owners can approach benefits more strategically.  Topics Discussed: Why health insurance premiums keep rising How to think strategically about benefits beyond just health insurance The role of benefits in recruiting and retaining top talent Affordable ways small businesses can stay competitive with larger employers Breaking down confusing options like HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs How workplace perks (flexibility, PTO, culture) factor into total compensation What to expect from a benefits broker—and how to get real value from the relationship Practical steps to evaluate and improve your current benefits strategy   If you’re a business owner trying to make smarter decisions about your team and your bottom line, this episode is a must-listen. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could benefit from a clearer, more strategic approach to employee benefits. Check out Higgins Agency Group Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    48 min

  3. May 4

    Acquisition Entrepreneurship: Buying a Business as a Path to Ownership and Growth

    What if the fastest path to business ownership isn’t starting from scratch—but buying something that already works? In this episode, we explore acquisition entrepreneurship and why it’s gaining traction among professionals looking for a smarter, lower-risk entry into ownership. Featuring insights from experienced operators and educators, the conversation breaks down how to evaluate, finance, and grow businesses through acquisition.   Topics Discussed What acquisition entrepreneurship is and why it’s on the rise Buying vs. building: key advantages and trade-offs How to evaluate a business before acquiring it Financing options and deal structures Common pitfalls and how to avoid them Using acquisitions as a growth and scaling strategy Real-world lessons from experienced buyers and mentors Thinking about buying a business or expanding through acquisition? Tune in, take notes, and start exploring how this approach could accelerate your path to ownership and long-term growth. Check out Tim Delaney and Bob Neubert! Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    50 min

  4. Apr 27

    HR for Small Business: Avoiding Legal Landmines & Building a Strong Workforce

    Navigating HR and employment law isn’t just a compliance exercise, it’s a critical part of building a resilient, high-performing business. In this episode, we break down the evolving legal landscape for small business owners, especially in New York, and share practical strategies for reducing risk while strengthening your workforce. In this episode, we cover: The shifting employment law landscape and what it means for small businesses Common HR compliance mistakes (and how to avoid them) Employee classification: exempt vs. non-exempt and contractor vs. employee The impact of pay transparency laws on hiring and internal equity Legal risks in screening, interviewing, and onboarding employees Paid leave laws, PTO confusion, and policy pitfalls The importance of documentation, handbooks, and HR systems How to proactively reduce risk with insurance and expert support If you want to protect your business and build a stronger team, start by taking one step today—review your HR practices or create an employee handbook. Then follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with another business owner who needs to stay ahead of today’s workforce challenges. Check out The Coppola Firm and TripleTrack HR Partners Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    56 min

  5. Apr 20

    AI for Small Business: From Experimentation to Real Business Advantage

    AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But for many owners, it still feels overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what AI actually is (and isn’t), and explore practical ways small businesses can start using it today. From automating repetitive tasks to building custom tools without coding, this conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on how AI can save time and drive smarter decisions, without replacing the human touch. Topics Discussed Common misconceptions about AI and why it’s not “thinking” like humans How to identify the best starting point for AI in your business Practical use cases: automation, data analysis, and workflow optimization Building simple, custom tools with AI Risks to watch for: data privacy, hallucinations, and context limits Moving from experimentation to a strategic AI approach Ready to take the first step with AI? Start by identifying one task that slows you down—and explore how AI could simplify it. Then share this episode with a fellow business owner and start the conversation about working smarter, not harder. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    49 min

  6. Apr 13

    Marketing in the Age of AI: Smarter Strategies for Small Businesses

    Marketing is evolving faster than ever and AI is changing the rules. In this episode, we break down what actually matters for small business owners trying to cut through the noise and grow sustainably. From choosing the right platforms to understanding what drives real results, this conversation blends timeless marketing fundamentals with modern AI-powered tactics. In this episode, we cover: The biggest shifts in marketing strategy over the past decade Why relevance matters more than reach How to identify where your audience actually spends time The difference between impressions, clicks, and conversions (and what to focus on) Why your website and email list are still your most valuable assets How to use AI as a strategic partner—not just a content generator Common marketing mistakes (and how to avoid wasting budget) How to turn existing customers into your best growth channel If you’re ready to simplify your marketing and focus on what truly drives growth, hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who could use a smarter strategy. Check out Parkway Digital Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    54 min

  7. Apr 6

    Know Your Numbers: Accounting and Finance Strategies Every Business Owner Needs

    Understanding your numbers is one of the most important things a business owner can do, but it’s also one of the most commonly avoided. In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with Regional Managing Partner for the Bonadio Group Denise Neamon, and VP for Commercial Lending at Tompkins Bank Sean Quinn to break down how entrepreneurs can take control of their finances, make smarter decisions, and position their businesses for sustainable growth. Topics discussed in this episode: Why many business owners struggle with accounting and financial management The financial reports every business owner should understand How lenders evaluate businesses for loans and what records they require Common financial blind spots like poor cash forecasting and under/over financing Using KPIs, industry benchmarks, and financial data to improve decisions How to choose the right accountant, banker, and professional advisors Practical first steps for business owners who want to better understand their numbers Real-world examples of financial mistakes—and long-term success stories If this episode helped clarify your financial picture, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from understanding their numbers a little better. Check out The Bonadio Group and Tompkins Bank Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    44 min

  8. Mar 31

    When Family and Business Collide: Managing Conflict, Leadership, and Succession

    When family and business collide, things can get complicated. This episode Susan and Jordan are joined by Joe Manna of Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP and Alan Pawlowski of Pace Management. We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of running a family business. From navigating succession planning to managing unique emotional dynamics. This conversation uncovers how communication, structure, and proactive planning can make or break a multigenerational legacy. Topics Discussed Why family businesses are both uniquely rewarding and uniquely challenging The real reason owners delay succession planning (hint: it’s not strategy) How poor communication creates long-term conflict The importance of governance, structure, and defined roles Key legal and operational documents every family business needs Creating family policies to prevent future disputes Navigating underperformance and difficult family dynamics Balancing fairness vs. effectiveness when choosing future leaders The emotional side of letting go, and redefining legacy If this episode hit close to home, share it with another family business. Reach out to your family or trusted advisors and take the first step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for your business. Check out Pace Management and Joseph Manna's LinkedIn page for more information about his efforts to support entrepreneurs. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

    45 min
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A podcast for entrepreneurs who are looking to overcome challenges, inspire innovation, and propel their business to growth and profitability. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

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