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

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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.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjulishulem-productivityexpert/

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, Deborah sits down with John SantaCroce, who last year acquired Minore’s Meats, a third-generation family business. John shares a firsthand perspective on how acquiring a family-owned business can create control over your future while unlocking opportunities to improve operations, modernize systems, and drive growth. He highlights what it really takes, from defining clear acquisition criteria and building the right advisory team, to navigating challenges during the deal process and leading a people-first culture post-close. He brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation as he positions Minore’s for its next chapter.

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