Empowering Entrepreneurs

Hosted by Glenn Harper

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Aug 2026

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Join Glenn Harper and Julie Smith as they help you build your brand and gain confidence as an entrepreneur. Explore key topics like business growth, mentorship, and overcoming challenges. Their guests bring intriguing and entertaining clarity to help you increase your confidence in building your business (and enjoy your journey doing it). Drive your passion, grow your business, and empower your journey today!

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August 26, 202657 min

How Tahmina Watson Helps Immigrant Entrepreneurs Achieve Their American Dream

Learn the inside story of immigration, startups, and entrepreneurship with leading immigration attorney Tahmina Watson. What does it take to turn the challenges of immigration into entrepreneurial success? Tahmina Watson, founder of Watson Immigration Law , Forbes Business Council member, author, and advocate, sits down with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith to discuss her own immigrant journey, the realities of U.S. immigration law, and the mindset required to build both a meaningful business and life. In this candid conversation, listeners will learn: The personal story behind Tahmina’s move from the UK to America and starting over as a legal professional 02:48 How her experiences led her to become a specialist in immigration law for entrepreneurs and startups 07:43 Practical insights into visa options and the unique barriers immigrant entrepreneurs face in the U.S. 27:05 What it really takes to launch and grow a values-driven law firm, including team building and business lessons 33:01 Methods for balancing entrepreneurship, meaningful work, and self-care, plus Tamina’s surprising passion for bird photography 40:42 Whether you’re an aspiring immigrant founder, a business owner, or someone passionate about social impact, Tahmina’s transparency and expertise will inspire you to turn personal challenges into professional purpose. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Takeaways: Navigating the path from immigrant to entrepreneur requires resilience, support, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. The U.S. immigration system for entrepreneurs is complex and constantly evolving, and understanding visa options and legal nuances is critical. Building a business as an immigrant includes unique stressors; having a mission and outlets like bird photography can sustain long-term success. Authorship and advocacy can amplify your impact beyond client work and open unexpected doors. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

August 12, 20264 min

Stop Confusing Tasks for Business Growth

Many entrepreneurs mistake task completion for true business growth—discover the biggest lie holding you back. Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of feeling productive by crossing tasks off their to-do lists—but is that really growing your business? In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith bust through the biggest lie most entrepreneurs tell themselves. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Key Takeaways Don’t confuse task completion with business building: Many entrepreneurs spend their time on easy tasks instead of strategic growth activities (00:29-01:32). Prepare for the necessary pivot: Being stuck in routines can make it difficult to adapt when your business needs a change (00:45). Identify your real product or service: It’s easy to mistake what you sell (e.g., homes) for what you truly provide (e.g., the dream of homeownership) (02:09-03:02). The path of least resistance isn’t the best route: Doing what’s comfortable often prevents substantial progress (01:37). Growth requires doing the hard things: Embrace the challenging tasks if you want your business to thrive (01:47-01:49). 5 Frequently Asked Questions What is the biggest lie entrepreneurs tell themselves? - Glenn Harper explains it’s believing they are running a business, when they’re just completing tasks (00:29). Why do entrepreneurs get stuck doing easy tasks? - According to Julie Smith, easy tasks are enjoyable and offer the path of least resistance, making them an easy comfort zone (01:37). How can being task-focused hurt your business? - It can prevent you from pivoting quickly or prioritizing activities that actually drive growth and revenue (01:47). What does it mean to misunderstand your product or service? - Glenn Harper shares that entrepreneurs often think they’re selling a product (like a house) instead of the real value (a dream or lifestyle) (02:09). What can help entrepreneurs shift their mindset? - Focus on doing the hard, strategic things and be prepared to pivot—don’t let comfort tasks hold you back from growth (01:49). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

August 5, 20269 min

Understanding Conflicting Business Decision-Making Styles

Discover practical strategies for managing different leadership styles in your business with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. Are you struggling to collaborate with a business partner, co-founder, or leadership team member whose style drastically differs from yours? In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal how they’ve navigated—and leveraged—their drastically different decision-making approaches for long-term entrepreneurial success. From explosive, quick-action responses to measured, methodical problem-solving, they break down the realities of working with opposites. Listeners will find actionable insights and plenty of practical analogies (including grenades, tanks, and sandboxes!) to guide their own leadership growth. What you’ll learn in this episode: The pros and cons of assertive vs. methodical decision-making styles 00:33 Why understanding your partner’s conflict resolution style is key to business success 01:31 How to pause, communicate, and choose the right approach for each situation 05:26 Tips for listening actively and separating the problem from the people involved 07:03 When to escalate—and when to soothe—conflicts for the best business outcomes This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. 5 Frequently Asked Questions Why is it important to understand different leadership styles in entrepreneurship? - Understanding various leadership styles allows business partners and leaders to work together effectively, adapt to different situations, and make better decisions as a team 01:16. What are common challenges when partners have different decision-making styles? - Partners may struggle with disagreements, misunderstand communication, or take conflicting actions, which can cause tension or disrupt progress 00:33. How can entrepreneurs resolve conflicts arising from style differences? - By pausing before reacting, openly communicating intentions, and listening to each other’s perspectives, entrepreneurs can choose the most effective solution for each scenario 05:26. Is one leadership style better than another in business? - No single style is always right; both assertive and nurturing approaches have value, and circumstances dictate which is most effective 01:33. What practical steps can leaders take to improve collaboration with different styles? - Actively listen, separate the problem from the individual, discuss potential resolutions together, and be willing to try both approaches as appropriate 07:03. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

July 29, 20268 min

How Entrepreneurs Handle Hard Talks With Family and Teams

Learn what makes entrepreneurial conversations with family, staff, and funders so challenging, and how to address them confidently. Starting—or growing—a business isn't just about grit and hustle. Sometimes, the toughest part is having difficult conversations with the people who matter most. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith look into what makes these moments so challenging and how to approach them with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Transition Talks Are Critical: Whether it's telling your employer you're leaving, sharing your dream with your spouse, or explaining your vision to friends and family, it's tough to put your entrepreneurial drive into words others understand (Glenn Harper at 00:33). Confidence Is Contagious: How you frame your plan—confidently presenting your vision and preparation—shapes how much support you’ll receive from those around you (Julie Smith at 02:29). Tough Conversations Never End: Success and failure both require direct discussions, whether it's about reinvesting in the business or facing setbacks with transparency and a plan (Glenn Harper at 04:40, 05:18). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . FAQ's About How Entrepreneurs Handle Hard Talks With Family and Teams What are the hardest conversations entrepreneurs face when starting a business? The hardest conversations entrepreneurs face often involve telling employers, spouses, children, and friends about their decision to leave stable jobs and pursue a new venture, as discussed by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. These talks are challenging because others may not understand the entrepreneur's mindset or vision, making it difficult to articulate their reasons and address doubts 00:33–01:23. How should entrepreneurs approach discussing their new venture with family and supporters? Entrepreneurs should approach discussions with family and supporters by clearly communicating their vision, having a confident plan, and directly addressing potential concerns or objections. Glenn Harper recommends presenting a well-thought-out strategy, explaining the financial plan, and specifying the support needed, which helps make these conversations easier and more productive 02:07–02:21. Why is confidence important when explaining your entrepreneurial decisions to others? Confidence is crucial when explaining entrepreneurial decisions because it reassures supporters and helps them believe in the venture. As Julie Smith explains, when entrepreneurs lack confidence, others may also doubt the plan, but a clear, purposeful vision encourages buy-in and support from those around them 02:29–02:45. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

July 22, 20266 min

How Chasing Every Opportunity Can Ruin Your Business

The Real Reasons Small Mistakes Kill Businesses Today Have you ever wondered why so many promising businesses quietly fail—not from catastrophic mistakes, but from tiny, often overlooked missteps? In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal the small things that slowly erode business success: lack of purpose, scattered focus, and the avalanche of overwhelming opportunities. Through candid conversation, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights, they dissect why even the most driven entrepreneurs can lose their way without a clear vision and decisive action. If you're tired of feeling stuck or distracted in your business journey, this episode will challenge your thinking and reignite your determination. Discover how pausing for clarity could be the most powerful tool for business survival. And why sometimes, the things you ignore are the ones killing your dreams. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. 3 Key Takeaways: Define your purpose early and let it guide every major business decision. Don’t let opportunities turn into distractions—capture ideas, but finish your current race first. Take intentional time to reflect, focus, and see beyond today’s fires toward long-term success. FAQ's What small habits or decisions are causing businesses to fail today? Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explain that a lack of purpose, unclear decision-making, and constantly chasing new opportunities without direction are small but critical reasons businesses struggle or fail. Entrepreneurs often lack awareness around profit, inventory, and their actual goals, leading to poor daily decisions. How can entrepreneurs avoid getting distracted by too many opportunities? Glenn Harper suggests entrepreneurs should clearly define their main goal, make intentional decisions, and set aside new opportunities for later instead of jumping on every idea immediately. Staying focused helps ensure consistent progress toward the primary objective rather than being derailed by distractions. Why is having a clear purpose so crucial for business success? According to Glenn Harper and Julie Smith, a clear purpose allows entrepreneurs to answer every other business question and make better decisions. Purpose acts as a guiding star, helping teams prioritize actions and avoid decision paralysis or distraction by less important opportunities. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

July 15, 20265 min

Scaling Up or Staying Small: The Truth About Business Growth

Success doesn’t have to mean “big.” Shape your business to fit your own vision and happiness, not someone else’s expectations. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss the age-old question: is bigger always better when it comes to business? As they talk about the pressures entrepreneurs face to constantly scale and grow, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explore why some of the best businesses intentionally stay small — focusing on profitability, purpose, and personal satisfaction over sheer size. Together, they uncover the importance of quiet reflection, defining your own vision for success, and tuning out the noise from social media and peers. Whether you dream of running a multinational company or a boutique operation, this episode will help you clarify your goals and find fulfillment on your entrepreneurial journey. Here are 3 key takeaways for any business leader considering their next move: Define Your Own Success - Don’t let external noise dictate your goals. Ask yourself what truly makes you happy and fulfilled in your business (03:00). Is it maximizing profits, impacting more clients, or maintaining flexibility and control? Intentional Planning is Essential - Growth for growth’s sake isn’t always the answer. Carve out quiet time away from daily tasks (preferably on a mountain, according to Glenn Harper!) to reflect on the future you want and map a path to get there (02:19). Scaling Requires Support - If growth is your goal, don’t go at it alone. Building a great team or hiring experienced consultants can make scaling more manageable and successful (01:31; 04:04). This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. FAQ's Is it better for a business to stay small or try to scale up? Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss that "better" depends on the entrepreneur's vision and goals. Some find more satisfaction and profitability by staying small, while others thrive by scaling up and building large teams 00:33 01:58. Ultimately, choosing the right path means assessing personal happiness and business objectives rather than blindly following growth trends. How can entrepreneurs decide what size they want their business to be? Glenn Harper recommends entrepreneurs spend quiet, uninterrupted time away from daily tasks to reflect deeply on what makes them happy and what they truly want their business to be 02:19 02:50. By tuning out outside noise and societal expectations, they can clarify their own definitions of success before committing to growth or staying small. What steps should business owners take before scaling their company? Before scaling, Glenn Harper suggests entrepreneurs clarify their vision, assemble the right team, and seek guidance from experienced consultants 01:26 04:04. He emphasizes that attempting to scale alone is very difficult, so learning from others can dramatically improve the process. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

April 22, 202654 min

Nick Averia on Sustainable Growth and Entrepreneurial Freedom

Whether you’re feeling burned out or seeking inspiration for sustainable growth, this conversation delivers hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and legacy. We sit down with Nick Averia, founder of Agency Acquisitions and a seasoned entrepreneur with a global story. From his multicultural upbringing between Vancouver and Chile, to building a career spanning DJing, corporate roles, and ultimately launching and scaling businesses, Nick shares pivotal lessons on buying back your time, building resilient companies, and the true value of systems and team development. Tune in as Nick reveals why preparing your business for sale is a game-changing strategy—even if you’re not planning to sell—and how harnessing efficiency, AI, and ongoing learning has transformed his journey and those of his clients. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Moments 04:58 Traveling to Chile as a kid 07:11 Sports differences in Chile vs Canada 09:40 Learning English in Chile 12:51 Traveling within the US 16:28 Balancing DJ work with college 20:01 Striving for top grades 24:39 Buying back time early on 26:05 The value of compound learning 30:01 Time management and efficiency tips 33:20 Learning through books and mentors 37:50 AI hype and current limitations 40:11 Shifts in online trust 43:49 Client transformation timeline 47:46 Improving margins and training staff 49:45 Achieving financial independence 52:13 Supporting entrepreneurs and giving back Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs: Buy Back Your Time : Outsourcing tasks—both at home and work—can free you to focus on higher-value opportunities and personal growth (23:15, 24:33). Make Your Business Sale-Ready : Preparing your company as if you’re going to sell it (even if you’re not) forces you to systematize, build leadership, and reduce owner-dependence—unlocking freedom and higher value (45:15-47:10). Human+AI is the Future : Leverage AI for efficiency where possible, but don’t sacrifice the human touch—trust and relationships remain at the heart of sustainable business growth (35:16-41:22). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

April 15, 202651 min

Maximos Lih's Lessons from Google to Executive Coaching

With experience from Google’s recruiting front lines to playing a pivotal role at Google Ventures, Maximos Lih offers firsthand insights into what it means to build, scale, and reinvent not just companies, but yourself. Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where we talk about the journeys of visionary leaders who dare to break the mold. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Maximos Lih, founder and CEO of Emboldened LLC —a dynamic executive coach known for guiding leaders out of their comfort zones and into game-changing growth. From his early days navigating cultural transitions as an immigrant, to a unique academic journey in cognitive science and the rise and fall of civilizations, Maximos Lih shares how his background shaped a distinctive approach to leadership and innovation. In this episode, you’ll hear how Maximos Lih turns challenges into entrepreneurial advantages, why understanding the "secret language" of venture and leadership opens doors, and how his vision for human-first growth drives his work today. Whether you’re at a crossroads or ready to take the leap, this conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and the mindset shifts that empower entrepreneurs to thrive—without settling for mediocrity. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Here are 3 key takeaways for fellow leaders and entrepreneurs: Your background is your superpower. Navigating different cultures and systems teaches adaptability and unique leadership skills (07:47, 17:19). Execution beats ideas, every time. The best product doesn’t guarantee success—the right strategy, culture, and understanding the “secret language” of your industry are often what set winners apart (26:36, 32:04). Human-first leadership matters. AI and technology are tools, but true business transformation happens when you center people, empathy, and shared growth (38:20, 48:42). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

April 8, 20265 min

The Real Reason Your CPA Doesn’t Return Calls in Tax Season

Whether you crave deeper conversations or just need that quick compliance fix, this episode will help you understand how to build a partnership with your CPA that goes the distance. Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about one of the most common questions facing business owners and taxpayers during tax season—why isn't my CPA calling me back? In this episode, they break down the differences between compliance-focused CPAs and those who act as year-round advisors, highlighting the importance of proactive communication and relationship-building. They explore practical advice for listeners struggling to connect with their tax professionals, discuss strategies for navigating the busy tax season, and offer tips on getting the most value from your CPA relationship—beyond just filing your returns. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Key takeaways: Know your CPA’s role: If your relationship is focused only on compliance (just getting the return filed), expect limited time for deep conversations during tax season. Building an ongoing advisory relationship means vital conversations happen all year, not just in April. Communicate efficiently: During these busy weeks, keep your questions direct and to the point. Save in-depth discussions for after the filing deadline, or consider filing an extension to create space for them (03:03). Plan for next year: If you felt rushed or frustrated, use this as an opportunity to find a CPA who prioritizes year-round communication and proactive advice (01:51, 03:48). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

April 1, 20264 min

How Smart Planning Makes Tax Season a Breeze for Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re dodging your tax returns or dreaming of reviewing them from a beach, this episode will empower you to take control of your numbers. Welcome to another edition of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about the anxiety-inducing world of tax season. They candidly unpack why taxes are so stressful for many entrepreneurs and highlight the vastly different experiences between those who plan ahead with a tax advisor and those who avoid their numbers until the last minute. They share key insights on transforming tax-time dread into stress-free confidence and explain why knowledge truly is power when it comes to managing your finances. Here are their top 3 takeaways to transform your tax season stress into confidence: Choose an Advisor, Not Just a Preparer: Working with a tax advisor who collaborates year-round ensures you aren’t left guessing in April. An advisor helps you plan ahead and avoid unwanted surprises. Replace Fear with Curiosity: Taxes don’t have to be terrifying. When you gain knowledge and engage with your tax situation, you shift from anxiety to empowerment. Become a smarter taxpayer by asking questions and seeking to understand your numbers. Plan Ahead for Predictable Results: Proactive planning means no frantic scrambling or dread. Our clients who plan throughout the year often find themselves enjoying spring break stress-free, knowing their results are exactly as anticipated. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account . Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus