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Why do leaders make poor decisions - even with more data, better tools, and AI? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment - not just data, tools, or experience - is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance. The conversation explores how leaders can operate effectively in real time, avoid common decision-making blind spots like projecting their own thinking onto others, and better identify and leverage the unique strengths within their teams to improve performance. They also examine generational dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership strategy in the age of AI. Rather than reacting with fear or taking a hands-off approach, John explains how leaders can adopt AI with intention - using clear strategy, guardrails, and human judgment to drive better outcomes. John shares practical frameworks for building confidence, including “name it, tame it, reframe it,” and reinforces a critical leadership principle: trust is the foundation of performance, retention, and long-term value creation. The episode closes with a clear takeaway - leaders who actively build and restore trust will make better decisions, strengthen their teams, and create more resilient, higher-performing organizations. Who this episode is for Business owners and entrepreneurs navigating growth and change Advisors, consultants, and executives focused on leadership and performance Anyone interested in improving decision-making, team effectiveness, and business outcomes About Our Guest: Big John Little has built a career as an Executive Leadership Performance Coach around 3 key outcomes: Overcoming the limiting beliefs that create bottlenecks in your career growth and promotion potential Developing a personal leadership brand that elevates your visibility within your organization and industry Providing models and frameworks to become confident, authentic leaders in your life and career John has been a leader of people and business for more than 25 years across multiple industries. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY! Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!  

In a world dominated by digital communication, many leaders and organizations are struggling with a fundamental challenge - how to build genuine human connection. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Nick Adkins, founder of the global PinkSocks Life movement, about how a simple act - gifting a pair of pink socks - sparked a worldwide movement centered on empathy, kindness, and meaningful connection. We explore what it truly means to “see” another person, why that idea resonates so deeply, and how leaders can foster stronger relationships in both business and life. Nick shares the origin story of PinkSocks, the philosophy behind the movement, and practical ways anyone can begin building deeper, more authentic connections starting today. What You’ll Learn How a simple gesture became the global PinkSocks Life movement The meaning behind the powerful phrase “I see you” Why human connection is more important than ever in a digital world Practical ways to build meaningful relationships in everyday life What leaders often misunderstand about kindness and human interaction Key Takeaways Connection isn’t about technology - it’s about intention Small acts of kindness can have a disproportionate impact People want to feel acknowledged, valued, and seen Leadership starts with empathy, not authority About Our Guest: Nick Adkins is the Founder of Pinksocks Life, a global movement focused on spreading love & kindness.and author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. He wrote the book because the world needs more reminders of our shared humanity…..more connection, kindness, and love.  In a time when things can feel divided and overwhelming, this book is about coming back to what truly matters: seeing one another, hearing one another’s heart speak, and choosing kindness in every now. Pinksocks is global community of over 300,000 happy smiley people who are united in changing the world from the ground up, with heart speak, hugs, and gifting. All proceeds from the book go to Pinksocks Life, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support its mission of spreading connection, kindness, and love around the world…..the good things that make life beautiful. #pinksocks About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

Can performance-based pay outperform the traditional hourly wage model? And what does that mean for productivity, culture, and ultimately, business value? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Michael Fortenberry, co-founder of Protiv, explains how shifting from time-based pay to performance-based compensation is changing the game—particularly for contractors and hourly workforces. Michael shares how Protiv’s model brings transparency to labor budgets by putting real numbers in front of field teams—and then rewarding them for beating those targets. The result is a measurable shift in behavior: stronger communication, increased accountability, and a culture where workers think and act more like owners. This conversation goes beyond compensation mechanics to explore the connection between incentives, leadership, and enterprise value. You’ll also hear practical insights on the metrics that matter most—like gross profit, revenue per labor hour, and rework—and the unintended consequences leaders need to manage, including the risk of unhealthy competition. Looking ahead, Michael discusses how technology, including AI-driven labor forecasting, is poised to further reshape the trades—and why that creates both urgency and opportunity for business owners. Who this episode is for: Business owners, contractors, and advisors who want to improve profitability, align incentives, and build a more accountable, high-performing workforce. About Our Guest: Michael Fortinberry is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience transforming the construction, real estate, and technology sectors. Having founded nine companies, he has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to modernize traditional industries, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. From his early days growing up on the family farm, to a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he then earned a BS in Chemistry from Florida State University, Mr. Fortinberry’s journey reflects discipline and adaptability. As President of RealPage, the nation’s leading real estate technology platform, he scaled innovative solutions that redefined industry standards. Later, as an executive at Fortune 500 company PPG, he spearheaded the growth of technology-driven service platforms. In recent years, he founded two technology-focused construction firms in New York City, employing hundreds and introducing advanced systems to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His latest venture, Protiv, is a groundbreaking platform that optimizes production-based incentives for hourly workers in landscaping and construction, driving efficiency and workforce engagement. Mr. Fortinberry’s expertise in applying technology to blue-collar industries offers actionable insights for businesses navigating digital transformation. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

Leadership and innovation are closely tied - especially when building companies that create jobs, scale new ideas, and strengthen local economies. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Angelo Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and author of The Seven R’s of Leadership and Life. Angelo shares lessons from decades of leadership in technology, finance, and economic development, and explains how those experiences shaped the leadership framework in his book. Angelo also explains how Ben Franklin Technology Partners supports entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through investment, mentorship, and a broad network of experts. The organization has helped launch and grow hundreds of companies across the region by combining capital with practical guidance for founders navigating growth, hiring, and strategy. The conversation explores the importance of coachability, hiring the right people for the right roles, and maintaining strong culture while scaling innovation. Angelo also discusses the organization’s mentoring approach, including its 10-week mentorship programs and candid “tiger sessions” designed to challenge founders and strengthen their leadership. Dave and Angelo then turn to the leadership philosophy behind Angelo’s book, The Seven R’s of Leadership and Life. Inspired by lessons from his family and career, Angelo explains the principles that guide his leadership approach - including respect, resolve, responsibility, readiness, relationships, recreation, and doing the right thing. He shares why resolve is often the most difficult principle for leaders to maintain and how these values translate into real-world leadership decisions. Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs and startup founders Business owners and executives Leaders building teams and company culture Advisors working with growth companies About our Guest Angelo J. Valletta has close to forty years of progressively responsible managerial experience in diverse industries with companies ranging in size from small consultants to multi-national firms. He has a proven track record of developing and building effective internal and outsourced distributed teams and is a turn-around specialist in operations and customer service. He has held multiple board-level leadership roles and had his book “7 Rs of Leadership and Life” recently published by Newman Springs https://www.newmansprings.com/release/?book=7rs-of-leadership-and-life  Angelo currently serves as President and CEO for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Angelo earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Temple University and his MBA from Philadelphia University. He serves on the following non-profit boards: PA Governor Economic Development Transition Committee, Red Cross Rivers Chapter Board Chairman; Temple University; FOX Alumni Association (Emeritus); Alvernia University O’Pake Innovation Board and serves as Executive in Residence for the School of Business; Chairman of the Louis A. Valletta Endowment, and Vice-Chair for the Lehigh Valley Ethics Board. He mentors students at Columbia, Philadelphia, and Temple universities. He is a former elected official, having represented his district in Gloucester County, NJ, and has chaired several companies’ United Way campaigns.   About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY! Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!  

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave is joined by advisor and author Kris Kluver for a conversation on why leadership - not structures, not strategies, not spreadsheets - is the real driver of long-term value creation and generational wealth preservation. They dig into the coming great wealth transfer and the uncomfortable reality that roughly 70% of family fortunes fail to survive the second generation. Kris explains how breakdowns in communication, culture, and leadership - not financial planning - are usually to blame. Dave and Kris explore how families and organizations can prepare next-generation leaders, set audacious goals (BHAGs and 100x thinking), and build accountability systems that actually work. The discussion also touches on disruptive leadership, EOS-style scorecards, and why protecting and developing human capital is even more critical in an AI-driven world. Key takeaways include the importance of clear narratives of success, simplified metrics that drive accountability, intentional leadership development, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of meaningful growth. The message is clear: leadership is not a soft skill - it’s the most valuable asset an organization has. About Our Guest: Kris Kluver is a highly experienced operator, investor, and advisor who has worked with over 100 CEOs and helped organizations achieve billions in valuation. He has over three decades of experience across diverse industries, from publicly traded companies to high growth startups. Kluver has studied entrepreneurial strategy at Harvard Business School, is a certified exit advisor, a fellow at York University in the UK, and author of two bestselling books. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with entrepreneur and author Betsy Pepine about her book Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes That Bind Us — and what those “boxes” really mean for business owners. They move beyond the metaphor and into the boardroom. Dave and Betsy examine how invisible constraints — family expectations, industry norms, identity labels, fear of judgment — quietly shape leadership decisions, company culture, and growth trajectories. More importantly, they explore what it takes to recognize and dismantle those constraints before they limit enterprise value. Betsy shares candid stories from building and scaling her real estate businesses, including a pivotal employee departure that forced a hard look at culture and alignment, and her unconventional decision to create salaried agent roles in an industry built on commission. The conversation tackles how fear masquerades as strategy, how misalignment shows up physically and relationally for leaders, and how outdated assumptions can cap performance long before the numbers reflect it. You’ll hear practical insights for business owners and advisors alike: How to identify the “boxes” shaping your decisions Why growth often stalls at identity, not capability The role of outside counsel, peer groups, and masterminds in exposing blind spots How authentic alignment strengthens culture - and ultimately business results If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor who senses that something is holding your organization back  but can’t quite name it, this conversation will help you connect the dots between mindset, leadership behavior, and measurable outcomes. About Our Guest: Betsy Pepine is a best-selling author, speaker and serial entrepreneur in real estate. Her brokerage, Pepine Realty, has been named as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company in the USA multiple times and has earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized Betsy’s real estate team as one of the top-producing real estate companies in the United States. Betsy also owns a title company, real estate school and property management brokerage. Betsy is endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul, and Shark Tank shark Barbara Corcoran, as well as leading media personality, Dave Ramsey. Passionate about helping at-risk families with children, Betsy founded Pepine Gives, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that helps families facing housing insecurity. Betsy earned an economics degree from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

How do you build a mission-driven brand that survives beyond a single personality - and still create real enterprise value? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Bob Bush, founder and CEO of Mutombo Coffee, about building a purpose-driven specialty coffee company rooted in relationships, disciplined execution, and long-term thinking. Bob traces the origin of Mutombo Coffee from his friendship with NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo to the development of a “commerce over charity” model designed to create sustainable economic opportunity - particularly for women coffee farmers. Drawing on his background in finance and supply chain management, Bob explains how operational discipline and mission alignment must coexist if a social enterprise is going to scale. We discuss: Launching a consumer brand during COVID and the realities of supply chain disruption Managing key-person risk following Dikembe Mutombo’s passing The operational complexity of international sourcing and distribution Leadership lessons for founders building mission-centered businesses Aligning profit with purpose without compromising either Bob also shares the evolution of the product strategy - from single-serve sachets and K-Cups to stroopwafels and espresso martini offerings - along with partnerships that have supported growth, including the Houston Rockets and Temple University. This conversation offers practical insight for business owners and management teams navigating growth, brand identity, and enterprise resilience. It’s a case study in building sustainable systems, listening to customers, and proving that purpose and profitability are not mutually exclusive - but must be intentionally engineered. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, management, impact investing, or the mechanics behind scaling a mission-driven brand, this episode delivers both strategic perspective and operational lessons. ** Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder listeners can get 20% off of their order by using the discount code BTN20 here: insert web address https://www.mutombocoffee.com/collections/all   About Our Guest Bob Bush is a senior investment executive with experience across industries, geographies (USA, Europe, China, Middle East, and Africa), as well as asset classes (venture capital, private equity, Islamic Finance). He has engaged in various financial and operating special projects for sovereign-related entities, family businesses, family offices, investment companies, corporations, and startups. Bob provides live television commentary and keynotes at global conferences on innovation, social impact, sustainability, global investing, and international trade. His unique experiences, love for learning and teaching, as well as an established network of relationships, fuel his interests in innovative business models, public-private partnerships, and entrepreneurship. Bob’s international experiences with multinational corporations and government advisory as well as his love for learning and teaching have given him a unique perspective on solving global challenges. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

How does storytelling build authority - and where’s the line between authenticity and vulnerability? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave Bookbinder is joined by Autumn Karen - filmmaker, journalist, ghostwriter, educator, and author of The Surrogate Author - for a deep dive into the power of narrative and the responsibility that comes with it. Autumn explains why “words are power,” how storytelling shapes credibility, and why leaders often misunderstand what it really means to be authentic. The conversation explores how personal and professional narratives are constructed, curated, and sometimes compromised in the pursuit of visibility and influence. Dave and Autumn unpack the craft and ethics of ghostwriting, including empathy-driven collaboration, capturing a client’s voice through a method-acting approach, editorial decision-making, contracts, and what business owners should know before hiring a ghostwriter or committing to a book project. They also discuss the current and future role of AI in writing and creative work, mentorship and teaching lessons from the classroom, and why writing a book can bring clarity, confidence, and authority to leaders - when done the right way. Autumn shares insights from her deeply personal animated short Infinity Care, offering a candid look at balancing creative ambition with emotional labor, and explains what readers can expect from The Surrogate Author - a practical, textbook-style guide covering craft, business practices, and ethics for ghostwriters in the age of AI. Learn more about Autumn at autumnkaren.com, and connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok (@autumnkaren). Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review - it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show. About Our Guest: Autumn Karen is a filmmaker, journalist, ghostwriter, and educator who uses writing to elevate traditionally unheard stories. She's English faculty and QEP Co-Director at High Point University and founder of Woven Lines Publishing and Medusa’s Gaze Films. Her comprehensive guide to ghostwriting, The Surrogate Author: The Craft, Business, and Ethics of Ghostwriting in the Age of AI, was published by Kendall Hunt in 2025. Autumn's award winning work as a journalist, author, and screenwriter centers on themes such as systematic oppression, grief, and complex societal relationships.   About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

Referrals are often talked about as a “nice to have.” In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, they’re treated for what they really are - a measurable, scalable driver of profitable growth. Dave Bookbinder speaks with Brandon Barnum, widely known as the “King of Referrals,” about how referral-driven businesses outperform those that rely on traditional selling. Brandon shares his journey from single dad to referral-based entrepreneur and CEO of HOA.com, and breaks down the numbers behind referrals, including why B2B referrals convert at higher rates, stay longer, and deliver greater lifetime value. The conversation goes beyond theory and into execution. Brandon explains the mindset shift from selling to serving, his three-step referral framework (set the stage, listen for referral triggers, ASK to GET), and how to move referrals from something informal to a repeatable system. They discuss how to build and train referral partnerships, co-marketing strategies that actually work, and how to stand out when a prospect is given multiple referrals. Brandon also covers overlooked referral sources, the KPIs that matter when tracking referral performance, and how to scale referrals without losing the personal connection that makes them effective in the first place. Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable ideas - how to audit your existing relationships, why committing to one referral partner meeting per week can change your pipeline, how to systematize referrals across your team, and how to create a clear referral partner blueprint. About Our Guest: Brandon Barnum, known as the "King of Referrals," is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and business strategist. He is the CEO of HOA.com and the author of four #1 best selling books in the Raving Referrals book series. A referral and sales expert, Brandon 10X’d his income from $20K to $200K in just 18 months. He has since generated over $500 million in referral-based transactions and built networks with over 5 million members in 195 countries and has helped over 250,000 real estate agents grow their businesses. Previously, he served as CEO of Codebreaker Technologies, developing the world’s first personality-based AI for sales. Featured in "The Wall Street Journal", "Newsweek", and "Cracking the Millionaire Code", Brandon helps professionals expand their income, influence, and impact through proven referral and sales strategies. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!    

How do companies turn data into real enterprise value - not just dashboards, pilots, and AI theater? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Ritavan, author of the award-winning book Data Impact and creator of the SLASOG framework, about why so many data and AI initiatives fail - and what leaders should do differently if they actually want results. Rather than chasing buzzwords or “digital transformation” for its own sake, Ritavan challenges leadership teams to treat data as a strategic asset for value creation. He explains how different economic paradigms - from hunter-gatherers to industrial firms to digital natives - shape how organizations extract value, and why legacy companies often underestimate their proprietary advantages. The conversation explores: Why most data and AI programs collapse under groupthink and misaligned incentives How companies like Walmart leveraged physical assets, customer demand, and scale to build defensible data advantages The dangers of chasing “quick wins” instead of compounding value Why KPIs must be context-specific to strategy, not borrowed from competitors Ritavan also breaks down his six-step SLASOG framework - Save, Leverage, Align, Simplify, Optimize, Grow - and shares practical guidance for leadership teams on aligning talent, culture, and first-principles thinking around long-term value creation. If your data strategy feels like “spray and pray,” this episode will help you identify where to start, how to uncover asymmetric advantages, and how to think about data the way investors and buyers do. About Our Guest: Ritavan is an entrepreneurial technology leader and over the past decade he has built and scaled data-driven solutions that have impacted billions of euros. He has authored peer-reviewed papers, given invited keynotes & workshops at global conferences, and holds an international patent. Ritavan is known for his first principles approach to data-driven value creation across industries. https://ritavan.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Data-Impact-businesses-LEVERAGE-SIMPLIFY/dp/178133921X/ About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!      

What happens when personal challenge meets disciplined innovation? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Doug Katz, founder and inventor of Nulu, an adaptive kitchen knife designed for people with joint pain, limited mobility, or strength challenges. Doug shares a journey that spans West Point, military service, hobby knife-making, and the pivotal moment when his own physical limitations sparked a completely different way of thinking about kitchen tools. Doug walks through the invention and design process behind Nulu, including the inspiration drawn from the Ulu-style circular blade and the broader philosophy of task-based design — redefining disability by focusing on what people can do, not what they can’t. He explains why Nulu made a deliberate 360-degree strategic pivot back into the adaptive market and what that decision revealed about product-market fit. The conversation dives into the realities of building a physical product business: prototyping, protecting IP, offshore manufacturing, scaling challenges, fulfillment hurdles, and the importance of getting products into users’ hands through lending libraries and live demonstrations. Doug also discusses bootstrapping, assembling what he calls the “commercial Avengers,” navigating reimbursement pathways, and identifying the KPIs that actually matter at this stage of growth. Doug closes by sharing lessons learned from mistakes, advice for founders building mission-driven products, what’s next on Nulu’s product roadmap, and where listeners can connect with him and learn more about Nulu. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!   About Our Guest: Douglas Katz is a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and the inventor of NULU, an adaptive kitchen knife that reimagines food prep for people with joint, strength, or mobility challenges. Doug brings decades of cross-industry experience—from military service to steel casting, telecom, and lending—and now channels it into designing tools that promote independence, dignity, and real-world usability. Doug’s journey into adaptive innovation began with his own upper extremity limitations and his experience caring for his father. Frustrated by how poorly traditional tools served real people with real challenges, he designed NULU—a kitchen knife based on circular cutting geometry that delivers control without strain. Today, NULU is in full production and shipping to customers across the country, helping users cook safely, confidently, and with less pain. Building on that success, Doug is developing a hyperconfigurable arm sling designed for long-wear comfort and daily function—especially for users recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions. He’s also preparing to launch a new product in the gift space that empowers people to show up for each other with deeper care and presence. Doug’s design philosophy is simple but rare: function over flash, dignity over pity, and tools that actually work. Whether you’re aging, adapting, or caregiving, his work centers on building solutions that meet you where you are—and make life better from there.  https://linktr.ee/dougkatz About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY! Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

Equity crowdfunding and angel investing have changed how capital is raised - but many founders and investors still misunderstand valuation, risk, and what it really takes to build long-term wealth. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave Bookbinder is joined by Karen Rands, President of Cougar Capital Holdings, host of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, and author of two books on angel and crowdfunding investing. Karen shares her journey from corporate leadership at IBM to building and leading a nationally recognized angel investor group, and why she’s dedicated her career to democratizing access to private investing. She explains how the JOBS Act opened the door to equity crowdfunding and why that shift matters for entrepreneurs, investors, and wealth creation beyond public markets. Dave and Karen unpack the differences between traditional venture capital and what Karen calls “compassionate capitalism,” along with the valuation mistakes founders commonly make when raising capital. They explore underutilized valuation metrics, realistic financial planning, and how misaligned expectations can derail otherwise promising capital raises. The conversation also breaks down the four primary types of equity crowdfunding - Reg CF, Reg D, Reg A+, and state exemptions - with practical guidance for both founders seeking capital and everyday investors looking to build diversified private-investment portfolios. Karen shares disciplined portfolio-building strategies and actionable first steps for newcomers interested in angel or crowdfund investing. This episode is a must-listen for business owners, founders, managers, and advisors who want a clearer understanding of valuation, capital formation, and smarter ways to participate in private markets. About Our Guest: Karen Rands is a leading voice in democratization of capital from private investors funding innovation and small business expansion — empowering individuals to create wealth by investing in entrepreneurs who are changing the world. She is leading the way with The Compassionate Capitalist Movement. Karen is the author of the best-seller Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation. Her latest release, 2nd in the series, debuted as a Top Release on Amazon: Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Follow Jane’s Journey: See How a New Generation Builds Wealth with Purpose, Passion and Profit. She hosts a top 100 Business Podcast on Apple, The Compassionate Capitalist™ Show, where she interviews founders, investors, and thought leaders on best practices for wealth creation as a successful entrepreneur or investor in successful small businesses. Karen has spent over two decades bridging the gap between investors and innovators from her corporate days at IBM to her time spent managing a top ranked angel investor group, and now as a speaker, strategist, and educator. Click to go to Karen's LinkTree - http://bit.ly/linkCCS for links to social, free gifts, books, course, podcast, socials and to schedule a chat directly About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!   Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review - it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I’m joined by Kristof Gleich, President and Chief Investment Officer at Harbor Capital Advisors, for a deep dive into the human capital factor and its impact on business value and investment performance. Kristof explains how Harbor’s partnership with Irrational Capital led to the development of the HAPI ETFs and walks through the seven subfactors that make up the human capital score: organizational effectiveness, innovation, direct management, alignment, engagement, emotional connection, and extrinsic rewards. We get into the data behind the factor, including the use of large-scale employee sentiment surveys and proprietary analytics, the index construction process that identifies the top 150 companies, and the annual reconstitution methodology. Kristof also shares performance insights – from Morningstar recognition to how HAPI has compared with the S&P 500. We also talk about why this factor has the potential to generate real alpha and how investors, private equity firms, and valuation professionals are beginning to incorporate human capital metrics into underwriting and deal analysis. If you’re interested in how people truly drive enterprise value, how human capital data can shape portfolios, and what this means for investors, advisors, and dealmakers, this episode offers practical, data-driven insights you can use. About Our Guest: Kristof Gleich is the president and CIO of Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. Kristof oversees all Investment, Distribution & Marketing and Executive Office functions at Harbor. He provides insight while helping lead Harbor’s strategic growth plan. Prior to joining Harbor, Kristof was a managing director and global head of manager selection at JP Morgan Chase & Co. He received a B.S. in Physics from University of Bristol. Kristof is a CFA® charterholder and is FINRA Series 7 and 63 licensed. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

What truly drives enterprise value - and what quietly destroys it? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Anthony Franco, managing partner at First Strategy, serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, and co-author of AI First Principles and the WISER Method. Anthony breaks down the core factors that influence valuation long before an owner thinks about selling. They discuss the impact of profitable revenue, clean financials, customer concentration, operational discipline, and how reducing reliance on the founder increases both value and buyer confidence. Anthony also explains why toxic employees, the “genius jackass,” and organizational apathy can erode enterprise value in ways owners often overlook. The conversation moves into practical AI adoption for mid-market companies. Anthony outlines the AI First Principles framework and the WISER Method, including specific tools and realistic first steps leaders can take to improve productivity, decision-making, and operational speed without overwhelming their teams. His guidance is grounded: AI is a force multiplier, not a job killer. They wrap with insights from Anthony’s Shark Tank experience, his How To Founder podcast, and the steps every business owner can take now to protect, strengthen, and increase enterprise value. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: Anthony Franco—serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, and the co-author of AI First Principles and the WISER Method. Anthony successfully exited six of his own businesses, and spent over two decades guiding business leaders on how to grow smarter, automate strategically, and prepare for valuable exits. As the host of his own podcast, How to Founder, Anthony is passionate about sharing practical, no-nonsense strategies that entrepreneurs and business owners can immediately put into action. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!  

If you’ve ever wondered whether an ESOP could be the right succession or liquidity strategy for your business, this episode breaks it down in practical, owner-friendly terms. ESOPs continue to gain traction among business owners, advisors, and management teams looking for a tax-advantaged way to transition ownership while preserving company culture and leadership continuity. In this conversation, we take a clear-eyed look at how ESOPs actually work, who they’re right for, and the real impact they can have on company performance. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I’m joined by Kelly Finnell, president of Executive Financial Services and author of The ESOP Coach. Kelly has spent decades helping business owners evaluate ESOPs as part of their succession planning, and he brings both technical knowledge and real-world experience to the table. We discuss: The biggest myths and misconceptions business owners have about ESOPs How ESOPs compare to private equity, competitor sales, and management buyouts The traits that make a company a strong candidate for an ESOP – and the red flags How ESOP valuation works and how trustees influence deal dynamics What business owners should know about deal structure The cultural impact of employee ownership and why engagement tends to improve How leadership should communicate an ESOP to build an ownership mindset The key tax advantages that set ESOPs apart from other succession options Where ESOP efforts tend to go off track and what owners should watch for Whether you’re a business owner planning ahead, a manager interested in ownership culture, or an advisor guiding clients through succession decisions, this episode provides a grounded, actionable look at ESOPs from someone who has been in the trenches. Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show! About Our Guest: Kelly O. Finnell, J.D., CLU, AIF® is one of the nation’s premier ESOP consultants, having spent more than 40 years helping business owners design and execute ESOPs. Kelly is one of the most sought-after speakers about ESOPs, with experience presenting at more than 300 conferences and meetings throughout the U.S. and abroad in London and Sydney. An accomplished writer, Kelly wrote the preeminent ESOP book, The ESOP Coach: Using ESOPS in Ownership Succession Planning in 2010 and this work remains the most comprehensive guide to ESOPs today. Kelly has also published dozens of articles on the use of ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning, An active member of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and The ESOP Association, Kelly is a consistent pillar of leadership in the ESOP community. Kelly has also served in leadership roles in numerous professional and community activities, including: President of the Memphis Chapter of the Society of Financial Services Professionals, Vestry Member and Treasurer of his church, President of Family Services of Memphis, as a member of the Board of Directors of Renasant Bank and the Economic Club of Memphis and on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Christian Brothers University School of Business. Kelly graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis and from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary- professional designation, awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.   About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”   Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.   🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn  🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!