AmiSights: Financing the Future For Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

In this new edition of the AmiSights Podcast, dive into the world of emotional intelligence with Virginia Knudsen! Learn how self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication can elevate your leadership skills and enrich your relationships.

"Emotional intelligence is composed of self-awareness, who am I, and why do I react the way I react, and how do my behaviors and reactions affect others?"

Today's episode explores a passion for personal and professional development rooted in the company's mission, the vision of building a thriving community for business owners, leaders, and CEOs, and the distinction between IQ and EQ—with a special emphasis on the power of emotional intelligence.

Connect with Virgina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaknudsen/

Check out BOAR: https://boarcommunity.com/

Recorded on 11/6/2025

In this week's episode of the AmiSights Podcast, we dive straight into one of the biggest questions shaping our future: How will AI redefine the way we work, create, and compete? Joe Apfelbaum breaks down the rapid acceleration of AI technologies and what it means for marketers, content creators, podcasters, and anyone trying to stay relevant in a digital-first world. From job displacement to the rise of machine-generated content, Joe offers a candid look at how AI is reshaping expectations—and why understanding digital strategy will become a critical skill for every professional. Whether you're excited about the possibilities or wary of the shift, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about the future of work.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeapfelbaum/

Recorded on 11/4/25

We're kicking off a new series on the AmiSights Podcast — The Rundown, where we break down the stories making waves in small business, SBA lending, and entrepreneurship. When big news breaks, The Rundown delivers. In these special episodes, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share timely insights on what's happening in the world of small business lending—and why it matters to you.

In this first installment, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share real-time insights from the NAGGL Annual Conference — set against the backdrop of a government shutdown that's sending ripple effects across the lending industry.

What happens when Washington stops? For many small businesses, it means stalled approvals, frozen funding, and uncertainty about the future. Ami and Lynn discuss how shutdowns disrupt SBA operations, what lenders are experiencing on the ground, and why collaboration within the industry matters more than ever during uncertain times.

"We live as part of an ecosystem that runs on the SBA," says Ami Kassar. "It's a reminder of the far-reaching implications of this program — and how we all make our living by supporting and helping borrowers through it."

The main topics of today's episode include:

• Government shutdowns create ripple effects throughout the lending ecosystem.
• SBA lenders face stalled deals and client uncertainty during shutdown periods.
• Conferences like NAGGL play a vital role in maintaining connection and clarity amid disruption.
• Staying informed — and united — helps the industry adapt when Washington goes quiet.

Recorded on 11/3/2025

This past summer, MultiFunding hit an incredible milestone — $1 billion in total loans funded. The final deal that pushed us over the top came from a business we're especially proud to support. In this special edition of the AmiSights Podcast, Lynn and I sit down with Senior Director of Business Financing, Fran Miller, who led the deal at MultiFunding, along with his client — Jennifer Scarbrough, owner of Misty Mountain Soap Company. Jennifer shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and triumphs along the way.

"We wanted to take a chance on ourselves for once. Everything you do is a learning experience and drives you forward. In the end, it all worked out for us."

The main topics of today's episode include how Jennifer and Kyle partnered with Fran and MultiFunding to secure financing for their business purchase, the importance of clear communication between business owners, lenders, and advisors throughout the lending process, and the lessons learned while navigating the due diligence process.

Check out Misty Mountain Soap Company: https://mistymountainsoap.com/

Recorded on 10/23/2025

In this conversation, Ami Kassar interviews ⁠LaVonna Roth⁠, the founder of Shine, who shares her journey from education to empowering leaders through her unique methodology. LaVonna discusses the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence in leadership, as well as her experiences as a keynote speaker.

"I have been given different gifts. I shine in a different way, just like they do. But when we come together, we're unstoppable in that way," she said. "We light up individually. We each have our own shine, but when we synchronize together, that is when we actually elevate at the highest level. We create that synchronicity together."

The main topics of today's episode will be how to stay focused on what you do best rather than on what you need to improve, why it is important to use your strengths and passions and delegate everything else, and how Lavonna built her business organically through word of mouth, referrals, and repeat business.

⁠Connect with LaVonna⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonnaroth/

Recorded on 9/19/2025

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we speak with Certified Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer Amy Holtz, who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders build their businesses and achieve their goals. She explains how EOS changed her own life.

"Running a business is a lot of fun until it's not. Often, your business starts to run you instead of you running your business. It's crucial to find a balance and ensure you're steering the ship, not just reacting to the waves."

The main topics in today's episode include why, even though EOS Implementers can work with clients virtually, in-person sessions are often more effective for team building and accountability; why Rule No. 1 for any business is maintaining steady cash flow and how that impacts growth and stability; and why, when choosing a coach or EOS Implementer, it's important to speak with several options instead of settling on the first one you meet.

Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykholtz/

Recorded on 8/29/25

In this week's edition of the AmiSights podcast, Lane Kawaoka—Accredited Investor, Podcaster, Developer, and Syndicator with $2.1B AUM—shares his journey from a six-figure engineering salary to becoming a successful real estate investor and author. He discusses his book, The Wealth Elevator, which outlines the stages of financial growth and the importance of adapting to market changes. Lane also highlights the significance of working with competent operators and the potential pitfalls of diversification.

"You put your eggs in one basket and watch it like a hawk. As you get more sophisticated, you keep learning and become an expert in one strategy. It's crucial to focus and refine your approach."

Key topics in this episode include Lane's transition from managing small rental properties to acquiring larger apartment complexes and why focusing and refining strategies is essential, the importance of diversifying investment portfolios to balance risk and opportunity as net worth grows, and the critical role of having the right operators in business ventures, particularly when expanding beyond real estate into other industries.

Connect with Lane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/

Recorded on 8/20/25

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, Joey Coleman discusses the critical importance of employee retention and experience, emphasizing that the first 100 days of an employee's journey are crucial for their long-term engagement.

"When we think of employee experience and customer experience, they're actually two sides of the same coin. As we improve one and polish one up, the other one increases in value and shine as well. And vice versa. If your employee experience is going down and down, I can almost guarantee that your customer interactions are getting more and more negative as well."

Today's episode explores the importance of customer and employee retention, drawing on insights from Joey Coleman's books Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee Again. It also addresses the challenges and strategies of maintaining company culture and employee engagement in a virtual, global work environment, while highlighting the powerful connection between employee experience and customer experience—and how strengthening one can directly enhance the other.

Connect with Joey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycoleman1/

Recorded on 8/12/25

In this week's editing of the AmiSights Podcast, we speak with ⁠Alana Winter⁠, Executive Coach and Retreat Facilitator. Tune in as we discuss the significance of clarity in business operations and the necessity of effective communication within teams. Alana also shares her insights on how to implement structures like the RACI matric to improve accountability and efficiency in business. "Most people wait to ask for help until it's too late. A growth coach isn't going to help you when you can't meet payroll. At that point, the founder can't be delusional and has to be honest with themselves and recognize the real situation that they're in."

The main topics of today's episode include how a client can align with the right coach to fit their needs, how to recognize early when it's time to seek help rather than waiting too long, and why it is essential to address the underlying reasons that created the original problem before moving on to the next step.Learn more about Alana: https://alanawinter.com/

Recorded on 7/28/25

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Michael Sharp, founder of Sharp Financial, an integrated financial management company. This discussion touches on the challenges of navigating uncertainty in business, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the rewarding experiences of coaching youth basketball.

"People are looking for advice, not just services. As technology evolves, the real value lies in guiding clients through uncertainty and helping them feel secure about their future. It's about providing comfort and confidence, ensuring they navigate challenges with resilience and foresight."

The main topics of today's episode include a look at why even the most talented employee might not be the right fit if they don't apply themselves. We'll also explore the journey from accounting to coaching, and the valuable lessons learned throughout that transition. Finally, we'll discuss how he built his company with long-term sustainability in mind, rather than simply creating it to flip for a quick return.

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-h-sharp-cpa-6127a071/

Check out Sharp Financial: https://www.sharpllc.com/

6/13/2025