Business By The Bay

Hosted by Ajay Saini

Business

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

San Francisco Bay Area has given the world some of the greatest business success stories. Business By The Bay is established to share the wisdom and experience of the business leaders. The purpose is to talk about challenges and possible solutions that will help business owners to get better. The show is sponsored by Payroll Vault. Payroll Vault is a boutique-style local payroll service provider for small businesses. Payroll Vault fully handles the payroll tasks and take over complex payroll activity from the business owners so that they can focus on what they do the best – running their companies.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 526 min

Speak with Confidence: How to Improve Your Voice, Presence, and Communication

Strong communication is one of the most valuable skills in business. Whether you are speaking with clients, leading a team, pitching investors, presenting on camera, or walking into a high-stakes meeting, the way you communicate can directly impact your credibility, confidence, and results.In this episode of Business by the Bay, host Ajay Saini sits down with Clarisse Saam, a speaking and presence coach with a lifelong background in singing, acting, public performance, and corporate learning strategy. Clarisse helps professionals refine their voice, presence, message clarity, and delivery so they can show up with more confidence in important moments. Drawing from her background in performance and leadership development, she explains why great communication is not just about what you say, it is also about how you say it, how you manage pressure, and how your message lands with your audience.This conversation is especially valuable for business owners, founders, executives, sales professionals, consultants, and technical experts who want to become more clear, confident, and memorable communicators. Clarisse shares practical insights on how to simplify your message, reduce rambling, deliver naturally without sounding scripted, manage nerves, use breathwork to calm the nervous system, and build stronger presence in both in-person and virtual settings.What You’ll LearnWhy communication is critical for business successHow to make your message more clear, concise, and memorableWhy many professionals over-explain, and how to fix itHow to deliver a message naturally without sounding scriptedWhy nerves are not always bad and how to use that energy effectivelyHow breathwork can improve voice, confidence, and presenceThe difference between speaking in person and speaking on cameraWhy technical professionals and introverts can benefit from communication coachingHow a strategic rehearsal partner can help prepare for high-stakes momentsWhy strong communication helps business owners create more trust, connection, and opportunityOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that confident speaking is not about becoming someone else. It is about amplifying the best parts of your natural communication style while learning tools to stay calm, clear, and connected when it matters most.If you have ever struggled with public speaking, presentation nerves, rambling, filler words, virtual meetings, sales conversations, or delivering your message with confidence, this episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away.

June 3, 2026Episode 428 min

Scaling Smarter with Global Talent: How Conscious Outsourcing Helps Businesses Grow

Finding the right people is one of the biggest challenges business owners face today. Hiring is expensive, talent is hard to find, retention is difficult, and many growing companies struggle to build the team they need without overextending their budget.In this episode of Business by the Bay, host Ajay Saini sits down with Mike Birdsall, entrepreneur, advisor, and business builder with DOXA Talent, to discuss how companies can scale through global talent, better operational execution, and a more conscious approach to outsourcing.Mike shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building businesses in website design, sports technology, and subscription boxes to helping companies solve workforce challenges through ethical offshore staffing. He explains why DOXA Talent focuses on “conscious outsourcing” — finding skilled global professionals, treating them fairly, paying them well, and creating long-term success for both clients and team members.This conversation goes beyond cost savings. Mike explains how businesses can use global talent to remove bottlenecks, improve efficiency, strengthen back-office operations, and build scalable systems. He also discusses the importance of culture fit, clear job descriptions, KPIs, remote management, cybersecurity, HR support, and retention.Whether you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, founder, or growing company looking to scale, this episode offers practical insights into how remote staffing and outsourcing can help you build a stronger, more efficient business.What You’ll Learn:Why hiring and retaining talent has become harder for small businessesHow global talent can help companies scale more efficientlyThe difference between traditional offshoring and conscious outsourcingWhy culture fit, KPIs, and process clarity matter in remote staffingHow DOXA Talent recruits dedicated full-time professionals in the Philippines and ColombiaThe importance of cybersecurity, HR support, and employee retentionWhy business owners should identify the tasks that keep slowing down growthMike’s advice on success, entrepreneurship, pivoting, and continuous learningIf you are struggling to find the right people, afford the right talent, or free yourself from tasks that hold your business back, this episode will help you think differently about building your team.

May 14, 2026Episode 335 min

Why Most People Struggle with Money and How to Fix It

Money is something we all deal with every single day. Yet almost no one is ever taught how to manage it.In this episode of Business by the Bay, Ajay sits down with money coach Crystal Rigley Janis for a refreshingly honest conversation about why so many people, regardless of income, feel overwhelmed, stressed, and stuck when it comes to money. What makes this conversation powerful is how real it gets.Crystal shares her journey from working in wealth management to becoming a high school teacher, and eventually building a mission around helping people transform their relationship with money. Along the way, she highlights a truth most of us experience but rarely talk about: You can make good money, and still feel completely lost.What You’ll LearnWhy people feel anxious and overwhelmed about moneyThe emotional side of finances (stress, shame, identity)Why even high earners can live paycheck to paycheckThe difference between looking “rich” and actually building wealthWhy budgeting feels difficult and how to make it workHow defining your dreams changes your financial decisionsMoney is not the goal. It’s a tool.Most people don’t struggle because they don’t earn enough. They struggle because they were never taught the skill of managing money. And like any skill, it can be learned.Anyone who feels like their money disappears every monthProfessionals earning well but not building wealthPeople who have tried budgeting but couldn’t stick with itAnyone looking for clarity, control, and confidence with moneyCrystal Rigley Janis is a money coach and founder of Dreamz on Fire. With a background in wealth management and over 15 years in education, she helps individuals break out of financial stress and build a life aligned with their goals.Most people wait for “more money” to fix their situation. This episode explains why that approach doesn’t work, and what actually does.Key TakeawayWho This Episode Is ForAbout the GuestFinal Thought

May 8, 2026Episode 231 min

Leadership Coaching for Business Growth

In this episode of Business by the Bay, Ajay speaks with leadership coach Thomas Rosenberg about how business owners and executives can improve performance by focusing on the human side of leadership.With over 25 years of experience, Thomas explains why most business challenges are not just operational, they are rooted in mindset, communication, and behavior. He shares how leaders can identify blind spots, build trust within teams, and develop the self-awareness needed to navigate change effectively.This episode covers key topics including leadership coaching, team dynamics, conflict management, decision-making under pressure, and how to create scalable growth by aligning people, processes, and purpose.If you are a small business owner, executive, or entrepreneur looking to improve leadership skills, increase productivity, and build a stronger organization, this episode provides practical insights and a fresh perspective on growth.

May 4, 2026Episode 134 min

Small Business Operations Systems: How to Organize, Scale, and Grow Efficiently

Kim described a challenge that many small business owners quietly struggle with, operational chaos. While most businesses focus on growth strategies, marketing, and sales, the reality is that many of the real bottlenecks exist behind the scenes. Missing processes, lack of documentation, and inconsistent workflows often lead to missed details, communication breakdowns, and a constant cycle of “putting out fires.”Kim shares insights from her experience working with business owners across industries, highlighting a key theme: it’s rarely a lack of effort that holds businesses back, it’s a lack of structure.The conversation dives into practical approaches to bringing clarity and organization into a business, including the importance of documenting processes, building repeatable systems, and identifying which tasks truly require the owner’s attention. Together, Ajay and Kim also discuss the mindset shift needed to move from doing everything yourself to creating a business that can operate efficiently and sustainably.This episode is especially valuable for business owners who feel overwhelmed by day-to-day operations, are struggling to scale, or are looking to create a more structured and resilient organization. Key Takeaways: Why lack of structure, not lack of effort, is the root cause of many business challengesThe importance of documenting processes to create clarity and consistencyHow to identify tasks that should be delegated or outsourcedThe role of systems and workflows in building a scalable businessWhy businesses should be built in a way that allows continuity and long-term growth

April 1, 2026Episode 1632 min

You’re a Target: How AI and Cyber Threats Are Reshaping Small Businesses

In this episode, Joe Popper of Popper Tech Team, who is known as the “OG IT and AI guy.” shares what business owners must understand about technology, cybersecurity, and AI before it’s too late.From real-world stories of $100K cyber fraud incidents to practical insights on hyper-automation, Joe breaks down how businesses can dramatically improve efficiency while staying protected in an increasingly risky digital landscape.Joe explained:Why small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks (not just big corporations)How AI-driven automation can turn 60-minute tasks into 5-minute winsThe real dangers of business email compromise (BEC) and phishing attacksWhy “I’m too small to be targeted” is the most expensive assumption you can makeHow to evaluate if your IT setup is truly secure or just “good enough”Why outsourcing IT may be one of the smartest strategic decisions for growing businessesHow to approach AI without fear and turn it into a competitive advantageJoe also shares a powerful mindset shift: the biggest limitation in business often isn’t external, it’s what happens “between your ears.”

March 11, 2026Episode 1529 min

Don’t Wait for a Crisis: The Importance of Planning Senior Living Early

Choosing the right care for aging parents is one of the most emotional, and often overwhelming decisions families face. Yet many families wait until a crisis forces the conversation.In this episode of Business by the Bay, host Ajay Saini sits down with senior living expert Wes Whittemore, who brings over 17 years of experience in senior living operations, sales, and leadership.Having been raised by his grandparents, Wes brings a deeply personal perspective to helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions: finding the right care solution for aging loved ones.The conversation explores the real challenges families face, from denial and delayed planning to understanding the different types of senior living communities available today.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why most families wait too long before planning senior care• The key differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and residential care homes• How loneliness can impact senior health more than smoking• The emotional challenges adult children face when helping parents transition to care• What to look for when evaluating a senior living community• Why listening and empathy are the most important skills in senior care• Practical advice on how to start planning early and avoid crisis decisionsKey Takeaway: The biggest mistake families make? Waiting until an emergency forces a decision.The earlier families start exploring options, the more control seniors have over their independence, lifestyle, and future care.If you’re caring for aging parents or planning your own future, this conversation will give you clarity, perspective, and practical guidance.

March 3, 2026Episode 1428 min

Tax Planning vs. Tax Filing: What Smart Business Owners Do Differently

Most business owners don’t have a tax problem. They have a tax planning problem.In this episode of Business by the Bay on KDOW radio 1220 AM, Ajay sits down with Emily Tsai, CPA and Founder of Meridian Tax Advisors, to discuss why so many entrepreneurs and high earners are overpaying in taxes, and don’t even realize it.After rising to Senior Manager at a Top 10 national accounting firm, Emily saw a troubling pattern:1. Large firms focus on the biggest clients.2. Small firms focus on data entry.3. And the middle market gets overlooked.So she built something different, a high-touch advisory firm focused on strategic tax planning, wealth preservation, and long-term financial alignment.In this conversation, we explore:• Why 75% of CPAs retiring in the next decade creates both risk and opportunity• The costly mistake many business owners make with entity structure• Why “doing it yourself” with AI can result in expensive IRS surprises• How proactive quarterly planning can save tens of thousands annually• The difference between compliance and true tax strategy• Why your CPA should function as your financial quarterback• When to transition from sole proprietor to S-Corp or LLC• How to think about stock compensation (RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs) strategicallyIf you are a small business owner, high-income professional, real estate investor, startup employee with stock compensation, or someone who feels like they’ve “outgrown” their current CPA, then this episode is essential listening.Tax strategy isn’t about March 15th or April 15th. It’s about building financial clarity before the year ends.Connect with Emily Tsai, CPA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilytsaicpa/Listen now and ask yourself: is your tax professional filing history or helping you shape your financial future?

February 19, 2026Episode 1336 min

Finding your voice in business with John Maybury

John Maybury, a New Zealand–based communication coach and former radio broadcaster who now helps small business owners in New Zealand and the U.S. speak with clarity, confidence, and impact.John shares his deeply personal journey from growing up around entertainers and dreaming of a career in broadcasting, to developing a severe stutter at age 11 that shook his confidence. Through years of theater, voice training, and persistence, he overcame his stutter and eventually worked for a decade in radio as an announcer, voice artist, and newsreader. His experience shaped his mission: to help others find their voice, because he had to find his.The conversation explores a key challenge many small business owners face: they struggle to clearly articulate the problems they solve. John notes that most business owners cannot succinctly describe their value in a way that resonates. He emphasizes that effective communication starts with identifying specific client problems, stated simply and clearly, and then sharing short, outcome-focused success stories. Instead of explaining “how” they fix problems, business owners should focus on the results they deliver.John outlines three core content pillars for service-based businesses:Personal stories to build connection and trust.Client success stories to demonstrate proven results.Educational insights to show depth of expertise.He explains that people buy from people, especially in service businesses. So it is essential to build “know, like, and trust” with people.The discussion also covers practical growth tools for small business owners: public speaking, video content, and podcasts. John suggests that podcasts can be used strategically, not necessarily to build a massive audience, but as a relationship-building tool by interviewing ideal clients.When hiring a communication coach, John advises business owners to look beyond credentials and focus on fit. Follow potential coaches online, observe their style, and schedule conversations. Results matter, but so does connection.John describes his coaching approach as authentic, direct, and fun. He uses baseline assessments, focuses on the biggest areas for improvement, and emphasizes practice, rehearsal, and storytelling over technical jargon.The key takeaway: Confidence comes from doing. Clear messaging drives conversions. And communication, when done well, becomes a powerful growth engine for small businesses.

January 12, 2026Episode 1235 min

Why Every Business Relationship Comes Down to One Question: Can I Trust You?

In this episode, Ajay Saini speaks with Scott Carley, a leadership consultant, speaker, and author of Can I Trust You? Scott spoke about trust, leadership, and personal transformation in business and life. Scott shares his unconventional journey from formal training in theology and decades as a pastor and church growth consultant, to a major personal failure that shattered trust and forced him to rebuild his life, relationships, and career from the ground up. Scott explains how that experience led him into the business world, where he has spent the past 25 years helping organizations strengthen leadership teams, navigate growth, and integrate cultures during mergers and acquisitions. Central to his work is the concept of a “Trust Credit Score”, a practical framework that recognizes that people are constantly, often subconsciously, asking one critical question in every interaction: Can I trust you?He breaks trust down into five measurable areas:Vibe (how you show up and your body language),Motives and agenda,Values,Skillset and expertise, andTrack record and results.Scott explains how individuals and teams can score themselves or others in these areas to identify gaps, build trust intentionally, and improve collaboration and performance. The conversation also explores how understanding personality differences helps teams appreciate diverse working styles rather than seeing them as personal conflicts. Scott shares how trust frameworks and “courageous conversations” allow leaders to address issues directly, keep people “in character” in their roles, and maintain high-performing, energized teamsThe episode concludes with Scott’s advice for business owners: real success starts with personal growth. Investing in yourself through coaching, masterminds, reading, and reflection creates internal change that naturally spills over into stronger leadership and better business outcomes. Scott emphasizes that even small, consistent habits, like reading or listening to books for 10 minutes a day, can compound into life-changing results over time