The Financial Operator

Jen Fizer
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I've spent over a decade in finance and operations, including seven years as an Operational CFO helping businesses through everything from growth to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. I've owned, scaled, and sold my own company, so I understand firsthand the pressure, risk, and grit it takes to be a business owner. Now, as CEO of MKB, I help entrepreneurs get clear on their numbers so they can scale with confidence and stop feeling stuck in the chaos. On this podcast, I sit down with real business owners to talk about the financial challenges they've faced, and the strategies that got them through. From cash flow stress to hiring decisions and growth setbacks, nothing's off the table. The Financial Operator is here to make finance feel doable, empowering, and dare I say—exciting.

  1. APR 27

    The Truth About Building Real Wealth | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 82

    The Truth About Building Real Wealth | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 82 What if building wealth isn't about diversification… but focus? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Jaden Sterling, founder of SSP Software, LLC and creator of the Sterling Stock Picker. Jaden shares a powerful journey, from a life-changing moment at 14, to Wall Street in the 90s, to building wealth through focused investing, real estate, and now SaaS. This conversation challenges traditional financial advice and dives into what it really takes to build wealth intentionally. From investing philosophies to scaling a software company, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners and investors alike. In this episode, we discuss: • Why diversification might be holding you back • The investing strategy wealthy individuals actually use • How Jaden turned $70K into nearly $1M  • Transitioning from Wall Street to entrepreneurship • Building a SaaS company from scratch • Lessons from partnerships, investors, and scaling • The realities of raising capital and managing expectations • Why structure, agreements, and protection matter in business • The future of investing, AI, and tokenization If you're a business owner or investor looking to build real wealth, not just chase revenue, this episode will shift your perspective. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Meet Jaden Sterling 01:00 The Moment That Defined His Life Path 05:10 What Wealthy Investors Do Differently 08:30 Focus vs. Diversification 12:10 Building Wealth Through Business & Investing 15:00 From Wall Street to Real Estate 17:10 Transitioning into SaaS (SSP Software) 20:00 Lessons from Partnerships & Scaling 25:00 Raising Capital & Investor Realities 29:30 Challenges of Growth & Regulation 33:00 Business Structure, Risk & Protection 38:00 What's Next: AI, Trading Platform & Expansion 46:00 How to Connect with Jaden To connect with Jaden Sterling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadensterling Website: https://sterlingstockpicker.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #JadenSterling #SSPSoftware #StockMarket #WealthBuilding #InvestingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SaaSBusiness #FinancialFreedom #BusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator

    48 min

  2. APR 13

    The Cash Flow Strategy Business Owners Need | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 81

    The Cash Flow Strategy Business Owners Need | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 81 What if everything you were taught about money… was wrong? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples, also known as the "Anti-Financial Advisor." Chris shares his powerful journey, from traditional financial advisor to financially free entrepreneur before age 30… then losing it all during the recession… and rebuilding with a completely different approach to money. This conversation dives into cash flow investing, financial independence, and why traditional retirement advice may not work for business owners. In this episode, we discuss: • Why traditional retirement planning often falls short • Chris' journey to financial freedom before age 30 • Losing everything during the recession and rebuilding • Cash flow vs. net worth mindset • Alternative investing strategies • Creating financial independence faster • Lessons learned from financial setbacks • How business owners should think about money differently If you're a business owner looking to create financial freedom, this episode will challenge how you think about money, and what's actually possible. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Meet Chris Miles 02:10 From Financial Advisor to "Anti-Advisor" 05:45 Financial Freedom Before Age 30 09:20 Losing Everything During the Recession 13:40 Rebuilding with a Cash Flow Strategy 17:10 Why Traditional Retirement Advice Fails 21:30 Alternative Investing & Cash Flow Thinking 26:15 Final Advice for Business Owners To connect with Chris Miles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles Website: https://moneyripples.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #ChrisMiles #MoneyRipples #FinancialFreedom #CashFlowInvesting #BusinessFinance #FinancialIndependence #EntrepreneurFinance #FractionalCFO #BusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator

    41 min

  3. MAR 30

    Scaling an Accounting Firm the Right Way | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 80

    Scaling an Accounting Firm the Right Way | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 80 What does it really take to build a modern accounting firm that actually helps business owners grow? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Sonny Grappone, CEO of Precision Accounting & Consulting, to talk about leadership, scaling an accounting firm, and why advisory services are becoming the future of accounting. Sonny shares the story behind transforming a traditional accounting firm into a modern advisory-focused business and the lessons learned along the way. From leadership transitions to building the right team, this conversation dives into what it really takes to grow sustainably. In this episode, we discuss: • Why traditional accounting is evolving  • The shift from compliance to advisory services  • Leadership lessons from growing a firm  • Building a team that supports growth  • The importance of financial clarity for business owners  • Scaling challenges accounting firms face  • Creating long-term client relationships  • The future of accounting and advisory  If you're an accounting firm owner, business owner, or someone interested in scaling professional services, this conversation offers practical insights and real world experience. Watch now to learn how accounting firms, and business owners, can grow smarter. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Meet Sonny Grappone 01:35 Precision Accounting & Consulting Overview 03:10 Sonny's Leadership Journey 05:45 The Shift from Compliance to Advisory 08:20 Building the Right Team 11:00 Challenges of Scaling an Accounting Firm 14:15 Leadership Lessons Learned 17:40 Creating Long-Term Client Relationships 20:25 Financial Clarity for Business Owners 24:00 The Future of Accounting 27:45 Final Thoughts & How to Connect To connect with Sonny Grappone: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonny-grappone-24536312a/ Website: https://precisionaccountingconsulting.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #AccountingFirm #AdvisoryServices #FractionalCFO #BusinessGrowth #AccountingIndustry #FinancialLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #ModernAccounting #TheFinancialOperator

    48 min

  4. MAR 16

    Success Without Fulfillment Is a Dangerous Trap | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 79

    What if the problem isn't that you're not capable… but that you're not even close to your full potential? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Alan Lazaros of Next Level University for a bold, honest conversation about personal growth, work ethic, money, fulfillment, and what it really takes to build a meaningful life. Alan shares the story of how a life-changing car accident at 26 forced him to question everything, despite outward success, a high income, and the "right" path on paper. From there, the conversation opens up into a bigger discussion around potential, discipline, finance, generational wealth, and why so many people are chasing outcomes they haven't built the habits to sustain. In this episode, we cover: • Why external success doesn't always equal internal fulfillment • How adversity shaped Alan's mindset and work ethic • Why finance should be taught as a life skill • The danger of comparing your real life to curated success online • Why most people avoid money until it becomes a crisis • What health, wealth, and love have to do with real fulfillment • Why level 10 results never come from level 2 effort • The truth about discipline, growth, and long-term success If you're a business owner, high achiever, or someone who knows you're capable of more but feels stuck between comfort and calling, this conversation will challenge you in all the right ways. Watch now for a direct, unfiltered conversation on growth, responsibility, and building a next-level life. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Meet Alan Lazaros 00:47 The Car Accident That Changed Everything 03:43 The Internal Shift That Happened First 04:20 Success Without Fulfillment 07:43 Why Alan Started His Mission 09:03 Why Finance Should Be Taught in School 11:10 The Emotional Weight of Money 13:49 Why More Money Isn't Always the Answer 16:49 Health, Wealth, and Love Explained 21:44 Why True Success Is So Rare 23:24 The Problem with the 4-Hour Workweek Mindset 25:17 Social Media, Generational Wealth, and False Comparisons 29:53 Why Struggle Builds Character 33:03 Level 10 Results Require Level 10 Effort 37:27 How to Connect with Alan & Next Level University To connect with Alan Lazaros: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from  @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkEthic #FinancialGrowth #SelfImprovement #NextLevelUniversity #BusinessGrowth #SuccessMindset #TheFinancialOperator

    40 min

  5. MAR 2

    Scaling from $1M to $10M: What No One Tells You

    Scaling from $1M to $10M: What No One Tells You | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 78 What really happens when a firm scales from $1M to tens of millions? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Christy Hamilton, Partner & COO of Carey & Co, to talk about what scaling actually looks like behind the scenes, personally and operationally. Christy has helped lead Carey & Co through rapid growth, private equity investment, multiple transactions, and expansion from a small internal team to hundreds of employees serving nonprofits nationwide. This conversation dives into: • What changes when you scale from $1M to $10M+ • How leadership roles evolve as organizations grow • Why HR becomes critical (even when it feels like overhead) • The difference between being a generalist vs. a specialist • Why authority doesn't always grow with responsibility • Decision fatigue and scaling pressure • How KPIs create accountability, even for solo founders • Why growth isn't always the right goal If you're building a firm, running a nonprofit, or wondering whether scaling is worth it. This episode offers an honest look at the tradeoffs, the identity shifts, and the resilience required to grow well. Watch now for a candid conversation on growth, leadership, and redefining success. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Meet Christy Hamilton 01:00 Inside Carey & Co & the Nonprofit Sector 02:40 Growing from $1M to Multi-Millions 04:30 How Leadership Must Evolve as You Scale 06:40 Why HR Becomes Non-Negotiable 08:00 Generalists vs. Specialists in Growing Firms 10:00 Letting Go of Control 12:30 Organizational DNA & Culture 16:00 KPIs, Metrics & Accountability 19:00 Scaling Pressure vs. Lifestyle Design 23:00 Decision Fatigue & Authority Gaps 26:00 When Growth Isn't the Right Goal 29:00 Resilience & Reinventing Yourself 31:00 How to Connect with Christy To connect with Christy Hamilton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-hamilton-54941520 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from  @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #NonprofitLeadership #BusinessScaling #FractionalCFO #OperationsLeadership #WomenInBusiness #PrivateEquity #EntrepreneurJourney #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessStrategy #TheFinancialOperator

    33 min

  6. FEB 16

    Smart Capital vs. Dumb Capital: What Founders Must Know

    Smart Capital vs. Dumb Capital: What Founders Must Know | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 77 What separates businesses that stay small… from the ones that scale 10X?  In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Steve Walsh, founder of Bison Equity Group, to talk about scaling, smart capital, cash flow, and the mindset shift entrepreneurs must make to grow beyond $2–3M in revenue. Steve shares how he went from teenage motorcycle mechanic and CPA to private equity investor, and why he believes small businesses stay small because of the entrepreneur, not the opportunity. This conversation dives into: • Why most companies stall at $2–3M • The difference between "smart capital" and "dumb capital" • Why recurring revenue changes everything • Revenue streams entrepreneurs are accidentally leaving on the table • Why marketing, not product, is often the cash flow bottleneck • The visionary vs. implementer dynamic inside growing companies • Why shiny object syndrome kills scale • Why funding without a plan creates bigger problems If you're building a company and wondering how to break through your current ceiling. This episode is a masterclass in thinking bigger, executing smarter, and building something sellable. Watch now and learn what it takes to make the 10X leap. ⏱️Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & The Bison Mindset 01:29 Steve's Path from CPA to Private Equity 04:18 Why Businesses Stay Small 06:00 Creating Multiple Revenue Streams 07:29 Knowing Your Customer & Emotional Marketing 11:49 Recurring Revenue & Cash Flow Strategy 15:37 Premium Products vs. Commodity Pricing 20:25 Financial Red Flags Investors Look For 23:49 How to Test Marketing Effectively 26:14 Visionary vs. Implementer Roles 29:59 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome 31:59 Why Capital Doesn't Fix a Broken Plan 34:13 Inside "Make the 10X Leap" 36:18 What Smart Capital Really Brings 37:58 What Makes a Business Attractive to Investors 39:01 How to Connect with Steve Walsh To connect with Steve Walsh: Website: https://bisonequitygroup.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from  @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #PrivateEquity #BusinessScaling #EntrepreneurMindset #CashFlowStrategy #RecurringRevenue #SmartCapital #BusinessGrowth #FounderJourney #10XGrowth #TheFinancialOperator

    41 min

  7. FEB 2

    What Happens When a Startup Runs Out of Money

    What Happens When a Startup Runs Out of Money | The Financial  Operator Podcast | Episode 76 What happens when you do everything right, and still run out of money? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with  Andrew Ackerman, Head of REACH Labs at Second Century Ventures, to unpack the  realities of startups, fundraising, and what actually separates the companies that survive  from the ones that quietly disappear. Andrew shares his firsthand story of building a startup that was gaining traction until a  single world-changing event erased a signed term sheet overnight. From there, the  conversation expands into what founders really need to understand about capital,  leverage, timing, and decision-making. This episode covers: • What to do when funding disappears at the worst possible moment • Why "just take the money" is often the smartest early decision • The difference between venture-backed startups and traditional businesses • When fundraising should (and should not) be your full-time job • Why testing ideas cheaply beats building the wrong thing perfectly • The traits Andrew sees consistently in founders who succeed • How to find the one clear message that makes customers stop and listen If you're building a startup, considering raising capital, or trying to decide whether growth  should be funded or earned, this conversation will give you clarity without hype.  Watch now for a grounded, real-world look at startups, money, and making better  decisions earlier. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:26 The Moment Andrew's Startup Ran Out of Money 02:10 Why Early Funding Can Disappear Overnight 03:20 "Just Take the Money": Lessons on Leverage 04:18 Which Businesses Should (and Shouldn't) Raise Venture Capital 06:57 Equity, SAFEs, and Convertible Notes Explained 08:37 When Founders Should Start Fundraising 11:47 Andrew's Path From Founder to Investor 16:14 Inside Accelerators and Early-Stage Investing 20:16 The Traits Andrew Sees in Successful Founders 25:32 Why Stories Teach Better Than How-To Guides 28:52 Testing Ideas Before Spending Real Money 33:39 Renting vs. Buying in the Early Stages 36:18 Finding the One Message That Stops Customers 45:03 Final Advice for Founders 49:00 Andrew's Book & Where to Find Him To connect with Andrew Ackerman's website: https://www.andrewbackerman.com Buy "The Entrepeneur's Odyssey" here: https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB?  Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #StartupLife #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #StartupFunding #BusinessGrowth #RiskManagement #CashFlow #Innovation #TheFinancialOperator

    51 min

  8. JAN 19

    Why Entrepreneurs Burn Out, and How to Think Differently About Stress

    Why Entrepreneurs Burn Out, and How to Think Differently About Stress | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 75    What if stress isn't the problem, but the story you're telling yourself about it is?  This is Part 2 of Jen's conversation with Suzanne Boehs of Kool Foam LLC, and it goes even deeper.  In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen and Suzanne continue their candid, unscripted discussion about stress, entrepreneurship, partnership, and the mental side of building a business that lasts.  This isn't a tactical episode about spreadsheets or KPIs. It's about the human side of business. How entrepreneurs and their partners navigate pressure, comparison, decision-making, and long seasons of growth without burning out.  In Part 2, Suzanne shares insights from 18 years in business, including:  Why stress comes from every angle, and what you can control  How fueling your body affects decision-making and emotional regulation  The danger of comparison culture and social media highlight reels  Why fast decisions still require intention  How past failures create resistance to future growth  Reframing stress as adventure instead of dread  Why meaning matters just as much as money  If you're building a business, supporting an entrepreneur, or feeling overwhelmed by the weight of "doing it right," this episode offers perspective, grounding, and clarity.  🎧 Watch Part 2 now and continue the conversation on stress, success, and sustainability.  ⏱️ Timestamps  00:00 Welcome Back & Why This Conversation Matters  02:13 The Reality of Stress in Entrepreneurial Households  05:36 Fueling Your Body to Reduce Stress and React Better  09:04 Comparison Culture, Social Media, and Unrealistic Expectations  12:49 18 Years in Business: Why You Can't Compare Journeys  16:18 Fast Decisions vs. Intentional Decisions  20:15 Revenue Goals, Meaning, and Motivation  24:26 Why Money and Fulfillment Must Co-Exist  28:57 Stress vs. Adventure: Changing the Narrative  34:55 Supporting Each Other Through the Hard Days  43:16 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Suzanne Boehs  To connect with Suzanne Boehs & Kool Foam LLC.:  🌐 Website: https://www.koolfoamllc.com/    📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo  Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:  🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo  �� LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo    #EntrepreneurMindset  #BusinessOwnerLife  #StressManagement  #BehindTheBusiness  #WomenInBusiness  #FamilyBusiness  #MentalFitness  #EntrepreneurJourney  #KoolFoam  #TheFinancialOperator

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

I've spent over a decade in finance and operations, including seven years as an Operational CFO helping businesses through everything from growth to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. I've owned, scaled, and sold my own company, so I understand firsthand the pressure, risk, and grit it takes to be a business owner. Now, as CEO of MKB, I help entrepreneurs get clear on their numbers so they can scale with confidence and stop feeling stuck in the chaos. On this podcast, I sit down with real business owners to talk about the financial challenges they've faced, and the strategies that got them through. From cash flow stress to hiring decisions and growth setbacks, nothing's off the table. The Financial Operator is here to make finance feel doable, empowering, and dare I say—exciting.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Fizer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fair Use
  • Show Website
    The Financial Operator