Touchstone Talks

Deborah Agrafojo

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Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

13 de ago.

Ep 26: Financially Prepared, Financially Protected - Exit Planning Done Right

Touchstone Talks Episode 26 features Dave Altman, Principal and Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, on the mission behind his work with business owners. Dave went through his own transaction with poor guidance from his advisors. He came out owing money rather than having the resources he expected. That experience became the foundation for his career. He educates entrepreneurs so they can go into a transaction empowered and come out of it with choices, not obligations. He is direct about what that means in practice. He tells clients upfront when he may not be the right person for their situation, something he wishes someone had told him. He guides business owners to be financially prepared and protected well before, during and after their transaction, so they avoid the mistakes he made and walk away with real options for what comes next. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
16 de jul.

EP 25: Dick Albu - From Vision to Action: Mastering Strategy Management

Most business owners have a strategy. Almost none of them execute it, and that gap is why 80% of companies never realize the plans they set out to achieve. In this episode, Dick Albu, founder of Albu Consulting and author of Mastering Strategy Management, draws on more than fifty years of corporate and consulting experience to unpack why strategy has to be forward-looking, continuous, and collaborative rather than a once-a-year exercise in reviewing the past. Dick shares his four-step framework for turning vision into results (discovery, planning, translating into action, and measuring progress), a candid look at how change really plays out inside a company (expect a third of your people to support it, a third to resist it, and a third to wait and see), and his take on where AI fits into modern strategy work. It's a practical wake-up call for any owner who has built a plan and watched it gather dust. Book link www.tinyurl.com/masteringstrategymanagement Website www.albuconsulting.com LinkedIn www.LinkedIn.com/in/DickAlbu touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
2 de jul.

Ep 24: How to Grow a Company Without Sacrificing Yourself in the Process

Running a business is demanding enough, and the pressure can feel unsustainable when you are working constantly but not getting ahead. In Episode 24 of Touchstone Talks, productivity coach and industrial-organizational psychologist Juli Shulem offers a practical reset for business owners who find themselves in that position. The problem, she explains, often isn't effort. It's focus. Busy leaders chase activity; productive leaders prioritize outcomes. The path forward starts with stepping back, auditing where time is actually going, and making intentional choices about what deserves leadership attention versus what belongs on someone else's plate. Juli also addresses a point worth noting for any business owner: stress isn't just a personal burden. It travels, and it affects the whole organization. For owners navigating a sale or ownership transition, where demands compound quickly, that dynamic becomes especially consequential. This episode offers straightforward, actionable guidance on delegation, time blocking, and breaking the multitasking habit, making it a useful listen for owners at any stage. The Efficiency Advantage podcast https://theefficiencyadvantage.com Website: https://coachjuli.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjulishulem-productivityexpert/ touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
18 de jun.

Ep 23: David Place - Make Your Financial Statements Work for You

Most business owners are too busy running their company to pay close attention to their financials — until something goes wrong. In this episode, Deborah sits down with David Place, Area President and Fractional CFO at FocusCFO. David explains how to use your financial statements as an early warning system and a strategic management tool, not just a tax-season obligation. He covers the three core statements, what to look for, and how to spot margin erosion and hidden costs before they become real problems. The payoff is simple: the sooner you see a problem, the easier it is to fix. David also walks through how to build a practical financial forecast, even if you've never done one, so you can stop reacting and start running your business with a plan. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
4 de jun.

Ep 22: Lamar Stanley - A Different Perspective on Private Equity

A Different Perspective on Private Equity Private equity is often misunderstood. Many business owners view private equity through the lens of headlines and misconceptions. In this episode, Lamar Stanley, Managing Director at Highland Rim Capital, discusses how private equity can be a tool for business succession, leadership continuity, and growth, helping owners transition out of their companies while preserving the legacy they've built. The conversation highlights an approach focused on supporting the management team already in place, giving them the resources and strategic guidance to build upon the owner's success and lead the business into its next chapter. Whether you're planning for retirement, considering a future ownership transition, or simply thinking about what's next for your business, this episode offers a valuable perspective on the role private equity can play. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
26 de mai.

Ep 21: From Local to Global - How Businesses Break Into International Markets

In this episode, Jenny Lezon Norris, Market Growth Director, North America of Navigator Global breaks down what it really looks like for companies to take their products beyond the U.S. and tap into international markets. The conversation highlights how global growth often starts smaller than many business owners realize, often sparked by a single inquiry. Jenny shares practical advice on navigating regulations, choosing the right market strategy, spotting red flags, and building trusted relationships abroad, while also explaining why face-to-face connections still matter in international business. The episode offers a look at the opportunities available to companies that may never have considered exporting before and the resources that can help make it possible. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
7 de mai.

Ep 20: John Weidner Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation

Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation This episode features John Weidner, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Global, LLC, a human capital strategy consulting firm. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains that the core challenges for leaders remain consistent: attracting the right people, developing them effectively, and creating an environment where they can succeed. While AI is influencing recruiting and performance management, these tools can distance decision-makers from candidates and often overlook the soft skills that signal strong cultural fit but don’t show up clearly in data. Ultimately, culture and leadership, not technology, determine long-term success. The next generation of leaders will need to be more empathetic and hands-on, balancing data-driven insights from AI with a nuanced understanding of people. As organizations face pressure to move faster with fewer resources, those that invest in strong, engaged management and thoughtful talent development will be better positioned to adapt and grow. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production
23 de abr.

Ep 19: Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses

In this episode, Mediator, Negotiation Consultant, and Conflict Coach Scott Loring, Principal at Cooperative Coaching & Mediation, shares his expertise on navigating the complex and often deeply personal conflicts that arise in family businesses. Drawing on decades of experience resolving disputes, he explains how blurred boundaries, unclear expectations, and the overlap of family identity with business roles can create tension especially during pivotal moments like leadership transitions or business exits. He highlights how unresolved issues, sometimes rooted in childhood dynamics, resurface and impact not only relationships but overall workplace health, from employee turnover to morale. Loring emphasizes that while solutions to conflict may be straightforward, they are rarely easy, requiring honest, productive communication and a willingness to move toward understanding rather than agreement with a shared desire to improve. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Trailer

Touchstone Talks: Bringing Business Owners Real Life Advice

Touchstone Talks delivers real-world insights from trusted advisors and professionals to help business owners prepare for the future. Each conversation is designed to guide owners through the key components of a successful exit strategy—always with the goal of maximizing the value of their life’s work. By educating and empowering business owners, we create the foundation for successful transitions and lasting impact. touchstoneadvisors.comdirectlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

Criado por

Deborah Agrafojo
Anos de atividade

2025 - 2026
Episódios

27
Classificação

Livre
Copyright

© 2025
Site do podcast

Touchstone Talks