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  • The Real Cost of People Problems | Helena Ferrari

    The Real Cost of People Problems | Helena Ferrari
    Sep 16 2026
    Most owners think their biggest risks show up on the balance sheet. Helena Ferrari says the expensive ones are hiding in how your leaders show up every day.

    Helena Ferrari (GPHR, PHR) is a fractional Chief HR Officer, board director, and risk mitigation advisor who has saved companies more than $150M across 15 countries. She has a gift for taking "soft" HR problems and putting a hard dollar figure on them before they become a lawsuit, a settlement, or a revolving door.

    In this conversation with host David Carr, Helena unpacks:
    - Why the costliest risks live in your leaders, not your balance sheet
    - A 60% turnover problem dollarized to $6M a year — and fixed for a fraction of that
    - A wage-and-hour audit that surfaced a $900K exposure from missed meal breaks
    - Why every company needs an AI policy right now
    - Interview questions that are quietly illegal (one cost a company $120K)
    - Handling layoffs without triggering the WARN Act or bias claims
    - Why HR belongs at the board table — and at the deal seat before the LOI
    - Succession planning that keeps your IP from walking out the door
    - Three questions every leader should ask themselves this week

    Her throughline is freeing: your people aren't the problem. Most damage comes from accidental mistakes by leaders who were never trained to lead. Fix the system, dollarize the risk, and you protect both the business and the people in it.

    More from Helena Ferrari:
    Website & book (Protect Your Profit Line): https://www.thehrrx.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenaferrari/


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    42 min
  • Impact Shift: How to Pivot with Purpose and Build a Lasting Legacy | Rahul Prasad (BRP 20260126)

    Impact Shift: How to Pivot with Purpose and Build a Lasting Legacy | Rahul Prasad (BRP 20260126)
    Aug 5 2026
    What does it really mean to build a lasting legacy and can you begin shaping it while you are still living it? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David Carr sits down with physicist, philanthropist, and author Raul Brazad to explore how leaders can pivot with intention and create meaningful impact beyond professional success.

    After a distinguished career as a senior physicist working on long-horizon nuclear fusion projects, Raul began asking a deeper question: What change can I make that I can actually see in my lifetime? That question led him from the national laboratory to global nonprofit leadership, serving as President of Butterflies USA and board chair of Amandla Development.

    Raul shares the concept behind his book, Impact Shift: The Art of Pivoting for Meaningful Change, and explains why transformation does not require a dramatic leap. Instead, it begins with micro-pivots — small, intentional steps outside your comfort zone. He challenges listeners to replace the question “Why should I?” with “Why not?” and to confront the self-censorship that often holds leaders back. Together, David and Raul explore:
    • Why legacy is about how people remember how you made them feel
    • How passion, purpose, and impact create meaning over time
    • Recognizing when you are “playing not to lose” instead of playing to win
    • The danger of comfort and incremental stagnation
    • How small experiments build confidence and clarity
    • Why giving with a “warm hand” creates deeper fulfillment
    Raul also shares powerful stories from his nonprofit work, including how a cooperative bank for street children in India reshaped a young boy’s vision of his own future — and why those visible, human outcomes reshaped Raul’s definition of success. If you are a leader who feels successful yet unsettled… accomplished yet curious… this episode offers a framework for thoughtful transition without reckless change. Because growth is not always about climbing higher — sometimes it is about shifting toward deeper purpose.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    46 min
  • Solving a Capacity Problem, Not a Trend

    Solving a Capacity Problem, Not a Trend
    Aug 1 2026
    Most founders think they have a hiring problem. Pranav Dalal says it is usually a capacity problem, and that distinction changes everything about how you scale.

    Pranav is the founder and CEO of Office Beacon, a global outsourcing and remote staffing firm he has built over 25 years into a company of more than 5,500 employees across six countries. He started right after the dot com crash wiped out his first career, and the lessons from those early years still run the business today: never undervalue yourself, and never price yourself out of the market either.

    With David Carr, Pranav gets candid about the difference between being a visionary and being a bottleneck, and how knowing which one you are changes how you lead. You will hear how a single remote virtual assistant can hand a founder back hours a day, how Pranav approaches AI as an opportunity instead of a threat, and why he still runs quarterly town halls to keep culture from becoming transactional.

    If you are a founder wondering whether your next move should be more headcount or more structure, start here.

    Connect with Pranav:
    Office Beacon: https://www.officebeacon.com
    Pranav Dalal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranavdalal/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    33 min
  • Leadership Voices: Unveiling the Art of Influence

    Leadership Voices: Unveiling the Art of Influence
    Dec 29 2023
    Host David Carr and a panel of distinguished guests delve into the multifaceted world of leadership. This episode features two accomplished professionals, Curtis Cochran and Stacy Kinoshita, who bring their rich experiences and unique perspectives.

    Curtis, the owner of a mergers and acquisitions consulting firm, discusses his innovative E4 System and its impact on guiding businesses through growth and successful exits. A workforce and cash flow solutions strategist, Stacy shares her passion for empowering smaller firms to compete with industry giants.

    Their stories are not only inspiring but also deeply insightful. The discussion traverses various leadership styles, focusing on personal journeys and the essence of an effective leader. From stories of resilience and adaptation to exploring the Five Voices Assessment tool, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring and seasoned leaders.

    Whether it's understanding your leadership voice, the power of showing up, or the art of listening and adapting, "Leadership Voices" offers a nuanced look at the qualities that make a successful leader.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    53 min
  • The Second Profile Behind Every "Yes"

    The Second Profile Behind Every "Yes"
    Jul 28 2026
    Most leaders think a confident "yes" in a meeting means the deal, the buy-in, or the hard conversation is settled. Jake Stahl says that's exactly when people start quietly disappearing.

    Jake built NeuroStrategy after 15+ years of training sales teams, including leading a region to over $65 million in annual sales, and noticing that good pitches still failed to land. His discovery: everyone has a second, hidden profile that's actually making the decision, and it rarely matches the polite one sitting across the table.

    In this conversation, Jake and David get into:
    • Why a live "yes" often turns into a cold, unanswered email
    • What NeuroStrategy sees that DISC and Myers-Briggs assessments miss
    • A real story about reading someone's body language in real time, mid-conversation
    • The opioid addiction and two-year spiral that cost Jake his marriage, his home, and his career, and what rebuilding taught him about being seen, heard, and respected
    • Why do people resist the memory your idea brings up, not the idea itself

    Jake is the creator of NeuroStrategy, founder of Orchestraight, and author of Own the Room: How to Communicate to Be Seen, Heard, and Respected.

    Connect with Jake:
    Website: https://orchestraight.org
    Book: Own the Room, How to Communicate to Be Seen, Heard, and Respected — https://a.co/d/05qViUIZ
    Podcast: Own the Room with Jake Stahl
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    42 min
  • Navigating Business Culture & Leadership

    Navigating Business Culture & Leadership
    Dec 29 2023
    In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, alongside a panel of esteemed colleagues, delves into the vital aspects of business culture and leadership. Curtis Cochran, Stacy Kinoshita, and Charlie Chen are joining the conversation, each bringing unique insights from their respective fields.

    Curtis starts the discussion by highlighting the importance of having a clear mission statement and the need for systems to maintain focus and accountability within a business. His E4 system, which addresses the four cycles of business ownership, sets the tone for a deep dive into the intricacies of organizational management.

    Stacey Kinoshita emphasizes the role of a business resource specialist in addressing workforce concerns and cash flow management. She stresses the significance of having a vision and mission to guide every aspect of the business, from systems to HR.

    Charlie Chen, the Chief Experience Officer at Intellisys, shares his expertise in cybersecurity for small to mid-sized companies. He underscores the importance of leading by example and aligning with the company's mission and values beyond lip service.

    The panel explores various aspects of business culture and leadership throughout the episode. They discuss the challenges and strategies of establishing a solid company culture, the pitfalls of not having a clear mission, and the dynamics of leading across different generations in the workforce. The conversation also discusses the importance of identifying the right team members and their roles in fostering a conducive business environment.

    The experts concur that business owners must recognize their role as leaders, not just technicians in their field. They emphasize the importance of systems, mentorship, and constant evaluation to ensure a business's long-term survival and growth.

    David Carr brings the discussion to a close by reflecting on the concepts of dependency, independence, and interdependence in business, drawing on insights from Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." The panelists share their personal journeys and experiences, highlighting the value of interdependence in business growth and success.

    Listeners are left with knowledge and practical advice on creating and nurturing a winning business culture, underscored by effective leadership and a clear vision. The episode serves as a masterclass for entrepreneurs and business leaders striving to build successful and sustainable businesses.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    48 min
  • AI Won't Fix a Broken Culture, It Amplifies It

    AI Won't Fix a Broken Culture, It Amplifies It
    Jul 14 2026
    Everyone is racing to adopt AI. Almost no one is asking the harder question: what kind of leader are you becoming as AI gets more powerful? Technology will not fix a broken culture or poor leadership. It amplifies whatever is already there.

    In this conversation, David Carr sits down with two guests who think about this differently. Christopher Skinner, founder of Stealth Dog Labs, works at the intersection of AI, cognition, and leadership. Chris Wessling, The Process Dude, helps leaders escape the day to day by building systems that scale.

    Christopher explains why AI is running on the wrong specifications, why it was never designed to listen, and the three legs every healthy relationship needs: safety, challenge, and investment. Chris brings the process lens, if there is pain in a business, there is a process problem, and shares how one discovery conversation uncovered a 700,000 dollar fix hiding in a company's estimates. Then Christopher shows how the words a company uses can reveal where it is really heading, sometimes years before the numbers do.

    The takeaway: before you lean on AI, get an honest baseline of your culture, your communication, and your decision making. Then the tool can actually help.

    Connect
    Christopher Skinner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjskinner/
    Stealth Dog Labs: https://www.stealthdog.com
    Connect with Chris Wessling, The Process Dude, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theprocessdude/


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    1 tim och 3 min
  • Know Thyself

    Know Thyself
    Dec 29 2023
    Join us as we explore the inspiring stories of small business owners, their moments of self-discovery, and the valuable lessons they've learned on their entrepreneurial journeys. Discover how knowing yourself can be the key to unlocking your full potential and creating a business that aligns with your true purpose.

    If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone looking to gain insights into the powerful connection between self-awareness and business success, this podcast episode is for you. Tune in and be inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurial fulfillment.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

    Connect with Steward Your Business:

    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
    • Call: +1 909.404.9865
    • Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr
    Watch more episodes and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business
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    50 min