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.

touchstoneadvisors.com

linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

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.

touchstoneadvisors.com

linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production