ABA Business Leaders

By Stephen & April SmithBusiness Entrepreneurship Science Social Sciences

ABA Business Leaders episodes

August 13ABA Business Leaders Podcast: Empathic Leadership and Supporting RBTs
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Mallory and Jennifer to discuss empathic leadership and the experience of RBTs and other frontline ABA professionals.
The conversation covers workplace culture, burnout, recognition, career development, professional growth, and the importance of applying the principles of reinforcement to your own team. They also discuss the emotional connection technicians develop with clients and how small acts of appreciation can make a meaningful difference.
In this episode:
Supporting and valuing RBTs
Workplace culture and burnout
Recognition and positive reinforcement
Career development and CEUs
The idea of a "dead-end job"
Supporting technicians through client transitions
Building a culture of appreciation
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Podcast Production
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
56 min
August 06National Wellness Month: I Hate My Job!
In this special National Wellness Month re-release, Stephen and April Smith revisit one of the most honest conversations they've had about burnout, workplace culture, and the realities of working in ABA. Inspired by real posts shared across Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and other online communities, they react to the frustrations, challenges, and ethical dilemmas that many RBTs, BCBAs, and ABA professionals experience every day.
Drawing on their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA company, Stephen and April discuss why so many clinicians feel unsupported, where business owners often go wrong, and how ethical leadership creates better outcomes for both staff and clients.
Whether you're a clinician, practice owner, or aspiring ABA entrepreneur, this episode offers an honest look at the issues affecting the industry, along with practical insights on building a healthier workplace.
In this episode:
Why Stephen and April decided to react to real ABA workplace stories
Common reasons ABA professionals say they "hate their job"
The impact of burnout, poor leadership, and unrealistic expectations
Ethical challenges facing RBTs and BCBAs
How business owners can improve staff retention and workplace culture
Why advocating for yourself and your clients matters
Creating sustainable, values-driven ABA businesses
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline:
📞 (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
1 hr 1 min
July 30Training and Supervision with Allyson Wharam
How much training should an RBT receive before working with clients? Is online training as effective as in-person instruction? And why are so many talented clinicians leaving the ABA profession?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Allyson Wharam to discuss how effective staff training directly impacts clinical quality, employee retention, supervision, and long-term business success. Drawing on research, real-world experience, and lessons from working with ABA organisations across the industry, the conversation explores why organisations need to move beyond minimum compliance and instead build intentional learning systems that develop confident clinicians and stronger leaders.
Whether you're launching a new ABA practice or managing multiple locations, this episode offers practical insights into creating a culture where employees continue learning, supervisors are equipped to lead, and businesses retain great people for the long term.
In this episode you'll learn:
How top ABA firms win with great training
Why smart course design beats the format
Must-know rules for staff training
How growth keeps your best staff
How to build high-performing RBTs, BCBAs, and leaders
How coaching drives better results
How to create a culture that keeps growing
Sponsored by MarginKeepers
This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers, the accounting firm built specifically for ABA businesses. From bookkeeping and payroll to financial reporting and strategic guidance, they helps practice owners understand their numbers, improve profitability, and make confident business decisions.
Learn more:https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Have a question for Stephen and April?
📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links
MarginKeepers
https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
57 min
July 23Is ABA Cancelled?
Is ABA Canceled? What Every ABA Business Owner Needs to Know
With social media full of headlines asking whether ABA is "getting canceled" or if the industry is in crisis, it's easy for business owners to feel uncertain about the future. In this episode, Stephen and April tackle those concerns head-on.
Rather than focusing on fear, they explore what's really happening in the ABA industry, why increased scrutiny isn't necessarily a bad thing, and how ethical providers can position themselves for long-term success. From documentation and billing practices to clinical quality and leadership, this conversation is a practical reminder that strong businesses are built on strong foundations.
This episode is for ABA practice owners, clinical directors, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build an ethical, sustainable, and compliant business. Whether you're just starting your practice or leading an established organization, Stephen and April share practical insights to help you navigate industry changes with confidence while continuing to deliver high-quality care.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why increased oversight of ABA providers is happening.
Whether the ABA industry is truly "in trouble."
The difference between unethical providers and ethical business owners.
Common compliance and documentation mistakes that create unnecessary risk.
Why quality assurance should become part of your regular operations.
How small operational improvements can protect your practice.
Why business owners shouldn't make decisions based on fear or social media narratives.
Free resources available to help strengthen your ABA business.

Have a question for Stephen and April?
📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: www.mkmaudio.com

Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
52 min
July 16 The Cost of Saving Money in Your ABA Business
Saving money sounds like good business. But what happens when being frugal starts costing you more in lost time, staff frustration, compliance risk, and burnout?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith unpack the hidden cost of underinvesting in your ABA business. Drawing from their own experience of piecing together free and low-cost systems, they explore why the cheapest option is not always the most cost-effective one.
Have a Question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here:
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
52 min
July 09 Top 5 Employee Handbook Policies Every ABA Business Needs
Ever wondered why handbooks are so crucial to ABA business success? A strong employee handbook helps create consistency, protects your business, and gives your team confidence in how your organization operates.
In this episode, Stephen and April Smith continue their discussion on building the operational foundations of a successful ABA practice by breaking down five essential policies every employee handbook should include. From confidentiality and electronic communication to social media, safety procedures, and mandatory reporting, they explain why clear expectations reduce risk and improve accountability across your organization.
Whether you're launching your first ABA company or refining your existing systems, this episode offers practical guidance to help protect both your business and your employees.
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

Have a question for Stephen and April?
📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
52 min
July 02Podswap: In the Field with Allyson Wharam
A Special Podcast Swap with Allyson's In the Field Podcast
This week, April and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared and the ABA Business Leaders Podcast joined Allyson's In the Field: The ABA Podcast for a special podcast swap episode.
April and Stephen share the story behind building and operating their ABA practice for 12 years before transitioning into full-time consulting. The conversation explores the realities of starting an ABA business, scaling sustainably, building leadership teams, creating operational systems, and maintaining ethical profitability.
The episode also discusses the challenges of delegation, founder identity, work-life boundaries, and why many BCBAs® are unprepared for the leadership demands of business ownership.
Key Topics
✔ Starting an ABA practice without a business background
✔ Why founders need a clear vision before scaling
✔ Building systems that support delegation and growth
✔ The relationship between profitability and ethical practice
✔ Developing BCBAs into effective leaders
Key Takeaways
You don't know what you don't know when starting a business.
Vision should guide growth, not follow it.
Systems create consistency, scalability, and freedom.
Profitability supports ethical clinical practice.
Leadership skills must be intentionally developed.
Founder identity should extend beyond the business itself.

Resources & Links
Grab Stephen’s Book Here!: "The ABA Business Leader's Guide: How to Start, Grow, and Sustain an Ethical ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul" by April and Stephen Smith
Free Consultation Booking Link & Business Essentials List
Listen to Allyson’s Podcast
SideKick Learning
ABA Business Leaders Support Group:
55 min
June 25 System That Support ABA with Brian Lopez
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Dr. Brian Lopez, PhD, BCBA, licensed clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, and Director of Psychological Services and Research at JumpStart Autism Collective.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in autism services, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Lopez explains why better outcomes for ABA learners require more than strong clinical programming. From early diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration to telehealth innovation and scalable service delivery, he shares how providers can build systems that support children, families, clinicians, and communities.
What Systems Best Support ABA Learners?
Dr. Lopez explains how coordinated systems connecting diagnostics, ABA therapy, healthcare providers, schools, families, and community resources create stronger learner outcomes.
Why Is Early Autism Diagnosis So Important?
Early diagnosis helps families access services sooner, reduce delays in intervention, and support better developmental outcomes for children with autism.
How Can ABA Providers Improve Access to Care?
The conversation explores how telehealth, operational systems, and innovative service models are expanding ABA services to underserved and rural communities.
Why Does Collaboration Matter in ABA?
Dr. Lopez highlights the importance of collaboration between psychologists, BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and families in supporting learner success.
What Can ABA Business Owners Learn From This Episode?
Listeners will gain insights into leadership, sustainable growth, scalable systems, and maintaining clinical quality while expanding services.
Have a Question for Stephen and April?
📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
---------
Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to launch or grow a podcast for your business?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
Resources & Links
SILNA:
https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
1 hr 18 min
June 18 The Power of ABA and Speech Therapy with Rose Griffin
What happens when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, founder of ABA Speech, to discuss the intersection of speech therapy and applied behavior analysis.
The conversation explores common misconceptions between disciplines, how ABA companies can successfully integrate speech services, and why communication goals should be developed through genuine interdisciplinary collaboration. Rose also discusses the importance of developmental milestones, AAC implementation, ethical collaboration, and her upcoming book designed to help professionals better support communication development.
How can BCBAs and Speech-Language Pathologists work together more effectively?
Rose explains why collaboration between ABA and speech professionals can be challenging and shares practical strategies for building stronger interdisciplinary partnerships that improve outcomes for autistic learners.
Should ABA companies hire Speech-Language Pathologists?
Learn the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for ABA organizations looking to integrate speech therapy services into their practice, including what leaders should know before hiring an SLP.
What communication skills should behavior analysts understand?
Rose discusses foundational communication development, language milestones, joint attention, AAC, and why understanding speech and language development helps BCBAs create more effective interventions.
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
Resources & Links
Pre-order link of Rose Griffin’s book: https://abaspeech.lpages.co/say-it-with-me-book-page/
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
36 min
June 11Nervous System Regulation, Authentic Leadership, and the Humanity Behind ABA
What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection?
In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.
Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.
Questions To Be Answered
What is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?
Why is authenticity important?
How does emotional suppression affect leaders?
Are we too focused on compliance?
How can you regulate during stress?
Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth?
Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
MarginKeepers:
https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
1 hr 6 min

About ABA Business Leaders

From the publisher's feed

You started an ABA practice because you wanted to provide good services. Now you are also responsible for hiring, payroll, billing, training, supervision, policies, and making sure there is enough…

money to keep it all going. Somewhere in there you are supposed to have a life too.

We get it. We ran an ABA practice for nearly 10 years, and we know what it feels like when the business depends on you to hold everything together.

ABA Business Leaders is hosted by April and Stephen Smith, the owners of 3 Pie Squared. We talk about the practical work of starting, running, and growing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice. That includes the decisions that affect your staff, your families, your finances, and the quality of the services you provide.

Some problems look simple until you start looking at where they came from. A billing issue may have started at intake. A staff performance issue may come back to unclear expectations or training that never included a competency check. A full schedule can look great while the company is struggling to make payroll. These are the kinds of things we talk through.

Along with our guests, we share experiences, ask questions, and discuss what owners and leaders can do to build better systems. You’ll hear conversations about:

Starting an ABA practice: Planning, startup costs, credentialing, choosing funders, and building the foundation before taking on more than you can support.
Hiring and supporting staff: Recruiting, onboarding, training, supervision, feedback, accountability, and helping people understand what is expected of them.
Billing and financial health: Claims, denials, cash flow, funder rates, expenses, and understanding whether the services you provide are financially sustainable.
Quality and ethics: Looking beyond billables to consider treatment quality, staff support, family communication, and the pressures that influence everyday decisions.
Policies, compliance, and audit preparation: Turning requirements into processes people can follow and keeping documentation from becoming something you scramble to fix later.
Leadership and growth: Delegating, tracking useful measures, developing leaders, and getting information out of the owner’s head so the team can do its work.
Technology and practice management: Making scheduling, documentation, communication, training, and billing easier to manage without creating more work for everyone.

We also talk about the strain of ownership. It is difficult to support your team when you are burned out, making every decision, and fixing the same problems every week. Hiring more people or adding more clients does not automatically fix that. You need to understand what is breaking down and build systems that your team can actually use.

Whether you are preparing to open your doors, managing an established practice, or leading a team, our goal is to give you something useful to think about and bring back to your company. We want more ABA businesses that can provide quality care, support their staff, pay their bills, and keep doing that over time.

Learn more about our training, handbooks, consulting, credentialing, billing services, and practice management software at 3piesquared.com.