Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about how much finance knowledge and learning a founder needs as they get a business started. She emphasizes that while finance is crucial, it is not the sole focus of a business. Christa discusses the various functions within a business, particularly the role of General and Administration (G&A), and how they support overall operations (and how Finance is a part of G&A). She encourages a holistic approach to understanding business functions and stresses the importance of learning the basics of finance without overemphasizing it. The episode concludes with resources for further learning and a reminder that business is a collaborative effort.

 Key Takeaways

 ·       Learn as much as you need to add value in your role.

·       Finance is important but not the only function in business.

·       Market analytics are critical for understanding business success also.

·       Finance is a lagging indicator of performance.

·       Leading indicators are key to understanding business health.

·       Business is a team sport with various roles to play.

·       Shift your mindset to see business as a system of functions.

·       Learn the basics of finance for personal and business success.

·       Be good to your financial planning team; they are there to help.

·       Take a holistic approach to business functions. 

 Additional Resources

Calculate your startup costs. (n.d.). U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs

 Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 6). 13 Basics of Small Business Finance to Know (Plus their Benefits). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/business-finance-basics

 selfLearn-en. (2023, May 22). business finance 101, learn business finance basics, fundamentals, and best practices [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAyxE7ylot0

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the essential functions and responsibilities of a Board of Directors (BODs). She talks about how BODs serve as oversight bodies, the importance of matching board composition with organizational needs, and the evolving functions of boards as companies grow, and a BOD’s responsibility to constructively steward an organization through challenges, too. Christa emphasizes the traits and characteristics that make for effective board members, the legal and ethical responsibilities they hold, and the dynamics of crisis management within board settings. The conversation highlights the critical role of BODs in steering organizations towards success and the importance of maintaining a functional and effective board.

Key Takeaways

·       BODs serve as an oversight and governing body for organizations.

·       The composition of a BOD should align with the organization's needs and maturity.

·       As organizations grow, the complexity of their operations increases.

·       Key traits for board members include teamwork, learning capacity, and crisis management.

·       Legal and ethical responsibilities are crucial for BOD members.

·       Good boards get the job done, while great boards create high value.

·       BODs must focus on the success of the organization, not personal agendas.

·       The reputation of a BOD directly impacts the company's reputation.

·       Independence is crucial for board members to evaluate organizational performance objectively.

·       Good boards get the job done, while great boards create high value fast.

 Additional Resources

BoardSource. (2025, August 4). Board Member Roles and responsibilities | BoardSource. https://boardsource.org/fundamental-topics-of-nonprofit-board-service/roles-responsibilities/

Chen, J. (2025, May 17). Board of Directors: Definition and role. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/boardofdirectors.asp

Segal, T. (2020, March 27). Evaluating the board of directors. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/analyst/03/111903.asp

Smith, P. (2023, January 15). 9 attributes of effective board directors — Future Directors. Future Directors. https://www.futuredirectors.com/insights/the-9-best-attributes-of-effective-board-directors

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

 In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking what aspects of a business are commonly overlooked by founders. She emphasizes the critical importance of having an executable plan, understanding customer needs, having a sound perspective on business, and the necessity of detailed planning for success. Christa also discusses the unique traits of founders and how they can impact business outcomes, highlighting that success is not solely based on personality but also on effective planning and execution.

 Key Takeaways

·       Founders often overlook the need for a detailed executable plan.

·       Understanding customer demand is crucial for business success.

·       Leadership skills are essential for successful founders.

·       Commitment and clarity are vital for founders.

·       Planning is essential for scaling and expanding a business.

·       The personality traits of founders do not solely determine their success.

·       Luck and timing play a significant role in entrepreneurship.

·       Effective communication of the business idea is vital for attracting support.

·       Founders should be ready to articulate their vision clearly.

·       Founders should avoid rushing into product development without a plan.

·       The early job of a founder is to build a plan that creates value.

 Additional Resources

Corasaniti, M. (2025, March 13). 10 reasons why startups fail (and how to avoid them). RingCentral Blog. https://www.ringcentral.com/us/en/blog/why-startups-fail/

 Kerr, S. P., PhD, Kerr, W. R., Xu, T., Wellesley College, Harvard Business School, NBER, Wellesley College, Harvard Business School, & NBER. (2017). Personality Traits of Entrepreneurs: A Review of Recent literature (Working Paper 18-047). https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication Files/18-047_b0074a64-5428-479b-8c83-16f2a0e97eb6.pdf

Write your business plan. (n.d.). U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of outsourcing, explaining that every business engages in outsourcing to some extent, emphasizing the importance of leveraging outsourcing to enable businesses to focus on their core competencies: what they do best. The key to outsourcing is being intentional about what stays in-house and what gets handed off. She shares relatable examples from areas like logistics and PR, and walks the listeners through how to decide what to outsource and when, and offers additional guidance on making informed outsourcing decisions based on business objectives and risk assessment. As with all episodes, Christa wraps up the episode by providing additional resources for further learning on the topic.

Key Takeaways

·       All businesses outsource and should outsource.

·       Outsourcing has a different meaning for different people.

·       Outsourcing allows companies to better focus on their core competencies.

·       Outsourcing decisions should consider both short-term and long-term needs.

·       Situational needs often drive outsourcing decisions.

·       Examples of common outsourcing is Public Relations and Logistics.

·       Evaluate the benefits versus risks of outsourcing.

·       Short-term and long-term perspectives are essential in outsourcing.

·       Resources are available to understand outsourcing better.

·       Resources are available for deeper insights into outsourcing.

Additional Resources

Buia, C., Heyning, C., Lander, F., & Nearmap/Getty Images. (2018). The risks and rewards of outsourcing [Journal-article]. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Metals%20and%20Mining/Our%20Insights/The%20risks%20and%20rewards%20of%20outsourcing/The-risks-and-rewards-of-outsourcing.pdf

Fulfillrite. (2024, June 3). What is a 3PL? Third-Party Logistics Explained Simply & Clearly. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFiyLkhFHLA

Shea, K. (2023, April 11). What You Need to Know About Doing Your Own PR vs. Handing Over the Reins. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/should-i-outsource-my-business-pr-or-do-it-myself-it/446669

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common question of why so many startups fail. She explores the assumptions about founders, the importance of vision and mission, market fit, business management, and effective leadership in startup success. She discusses how founders are often driven by a deep belief in the vision for their business and mission of their product(s) rather than a tolerance for risk. Christa emphasizes that while startups face numerous challenges, many failures can be avoided with proper preparation, support, and workforce talent.

 Key Takeaways

·       A strong vision and mission are crucial for startup success.

·       Poor market fit can lead to startup failure.

·       Effective leadership is key to navigating startup challenges.

·       Investors play a significant role in startup success.

·       Not all founders are equipped to run a business well (but investors should be).

·       Attracting and retaining solid talent is essential for startups.

·       Preparation and support can reduce the risk of failure.

·       Startups require a balance of planning and flexibility.

 Additional Resources 

O’Neal, C. C. (2025, May 30). Top traits of an effective leader [for startups and beyond]. University of San Diego Online Degrees. https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/effective-leadership-skills/

Eisenmann, T. (2021, May 1). Why start-ups fail. https://hbr.org/2021/05/why-start-ups-fail

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Overview | LinkedIn. (n.d.). https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s--chamber-of-commerce/

Kerr, S. P., PhD, Kerr, W. R., Xu, T., Wellesley College, Harvard Business School, NBER, Wellesley College, Harvard Business School, & NBER. (2017). Personality Traits of Entrepreneurs: A Review of Recent literature (Working Paper 18-047). https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/18-047_b0074a64-5428-479b-8c83-16f2a0e97eb6.pdf

Also: Scroobious (https://www.scroobious.com/) is a platform I mentioned in the episode that “…connects early-stage founders, angel investors, and service providers to increase economic growth and innovation.” (note: I know the founder; however, I have no financia

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the various funding models available for startups, understanding which model aligns best with a founder's objectives and business goals. She reviews the misconceptions surrounding funding, the significance of ownership and leverage, and the complexity of products in determining funding needs. She also highlights the common misconception that venture capital is the only funding option and encourages entrepreneurs to explore a mix of funding sources tailored to their business and growth needs. 

Key Takeaways

·       The best funding model is one that enables building value for success.

·       Funding options are more diverse than most founders realize.

·       Understanding your business objectives is crucial for determining an appropriate funding model.

·       Pace and timing are important considerations in funding.

·       Ownership and leverage impact funding decisions.

·       Size and complexity of a product influence funding needs.

·       Funding needs evolve as the business grows.

·       Mixing and matching funding sources is common among startups.

·       Venture capital is not the only path for funding.

Additional Resources

Byers, A. (2024, August). Venture Capital Diversity – Women Founders | Feed | LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7224045893371523074/

Bulatova, I. (2024, July 31). MailChimp Business Model & Revenue Model to Consider For Own Startup. You Are Launched. https://blog.urlaunched.com/mailchimp-business-model-revenue-model/

Cohen, R. (2020, January 1). The founder of Chewy.com on finding the financing to achieve scale. https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-founder-of-chewy-com-on-finding-the-financing-to-achieve-scale

O’Connor, C. (2012, June 5). How Spanx became a Billion-Dollar business without advertising. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2012/03/12/how-spanx-became-a-billion-dollar-business-without-advertising/

Staff, C. (2025, July 24). Free grants and programs for small business. CO- by US Chamber of Commerce. https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs

Startup financing. (n.d.). The Hartford. https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/strategy/startup/money

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's dilemma about whether to prioritize product development or seek funding for a prototype. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market research, protecting intellectual property, and building value before approaching investors. That puts you in a position of strength. The conversation explores various funding strategies, including seed funding and the significance of prototypes in demonstrating product viability. She also provides perspective on how to keep the future potential of a product in perspective. 

Key Takeaways

·       A prototype can demonstrate practical application and market potential.

·       Seed funding is often used to prove the concept of a product.

·       Freedom to operate allows for unhindered product development.

·       Intellectual property protection is essential before seeking funding.

·       Funding can help develop a prototype, but self-funding is also an option.

·       Prototypes can sometimes be funded without prior development.

·       De-risking a product increases its value to potential investors.

·       Building value in a product is key before attracting investors.

·       Investors look for future value in a product when considering investment.

·       Self-funding a prototype can strengthen your position with investors.

·       Early product protection saves time and enhances negotiation power.

Additional Resources

Elliott, J. (2023, March 10). When to share your invention prototype. CO- by US Chamber of Commerce. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/when-to-share-your-invention-prototype

Federallabs. (2019, March 27). Understanding Intellectual Property (IP) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqZJPuyK9VY

WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization. https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/

WIPO PAGE FOR THE USA: Country. (n.d.). https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/details.jsp?country_code=US

WIPO PAGE FOR PATENTS: Patents. (n.d.). Patents. https://www.wipo.int/en/web/patents

WIPO PAGE FOR IP: What is Intellectual Property (IP)? (n.d.). About-ip. https://www.wipo.int/en/web/about-ip

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo introduces a new series focused on business basics, addressing common questions about how to learn about business. The episode itself explores the fundamentals of learning about business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal learning objectives and how they shape the learning process. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal learning objectives and suggests various resources and methods for acquiring business knowledge, including real-world examples of startups and turnaround efforts. Christa also highlights the significance of continuous learning in the business world and encourages listeners to explore various media and resources to enhance their understanding of business fundamentals.

 Key Takeaways

·       How you learn about business basics depends on your objectives.

·       Consider what you want to achieve with your learning.

·       Focus on startup learning to grasp essential business concepts.

·       Shorter form learnings can enhance personal enrichment.

·       Studying turnaround efforts can provide valuable insights.

·       Starting with a startup perspective simplifies learning about business basics.

·       Focus on topics of interest to deepen your knowledge.

·       Utilize free resources for learning.

·       Business research is now more accessible and applicable.

·       Observation is a powerful tool for learning about business.

·       Continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving business landscape.

 Additional Resources

Sites that offer free online education (search for “business basics” courses):

edX: edX. (n.d.). Enroll in online courses with certificates | edX .https://www.edx.org/courses?q=free+online+courses

 Harvard: Catalog of courses. (n.d.). Harvard University. https://pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free

 MIT: MIT OpenCourseWare. (n.d.). MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/

MOOC (part of edX): Mooc.org. (n.d.). MOOC.org | Massive Open Online courses | An EDX site. https://www.mooc.org/

 Stanford: Veena. (2022, December 7). Free online courses | Stanford online. StanfordOnline. https://online.stanford.edu/free-courses

 The Open University: Open learning. (n.d.). Open Learning. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses

 Other Resources:

 [Ernst & Young] Campaign Sample page. (n.d.).

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In the Season 3 opener of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common intimidation felt by individuals entering the business world and engaging in business concepts, particularly those from non-business backgrounds. She emphasizes that business is fundamentally about understanding people and processes, and that anyone can learn the necessary skills to succeed while navigating the business world without formal training. Christa debunks myths surrounding business expertise, encouraging listeners to embrace their curiosity and recognize their inherent business acumen. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to integrate business principles into everyday life, ultimately breaking down the barriers that make business seem exclusive or intimidating.

Key Takeaways

·       Understanding business is not limited to those with formal education.

·       The perception that business is hard is a common misconception.

·       Everyone has the potential to be a business person.

·       Being good with people is essential for business success.

·       Business knowledge can be learned and applied immediately.

·       You don't need an MBA to understand business.

·       Curiosity is more important than confidence in learning business.

·       Recognizing business principles in daily life can reduce intimidation.

·       Asking questions in a workplace can enhance understanding of business.

·       Business principles are present in everyday life. 

Additional Resources

Sites that offer free online education (search for “business basics” courses):

edX:

edX. (n.d.). Enroll in online courses with certificates | edX.https://www.edx.org/courses?q=free+online+courses

 Harvard: 

Catalog of courses. (n.d.). Harvard University.https://pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free

 MIT:

MIT OpenCourseWare. (n.d.). MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/

 MOOC (part of edX):

Mooc.org. (n.d.). MOOC.org | Massive Open Online courses | An EDX site.https://www.mooc.org/

 Stanford:

Veena. (2022, December 7). Free online courses | Stanford online. StanfordOnline. https://online.stanford.edu/free-courses

The Open University:

Open learning. (n.d.). Open Learning. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses

Otherwords by Storied: 

Storied. (2025, May 22). Where did cringey corporate jargon come from? | OtherWords [

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about the decision to leave a job to pursue career growth. She explores the dynamics of personal engagement and fulfillment in the workplace, the difference between jobs that are merely transactional and those that provide deeper meaning, and the importance of recognizing when to move on. Christa emphasizes the need for individuals to assess their career ambitions and the compatibility of their current workplace and how they view their job. This includes recognizing when it’s time to move on. She also provides resources for navigating career transitions and highlights the significance of treating employees well for organizational success.

Key Takeaways

·       Only you can determine when you should leave.

·       It's better to walk toward a new job than run from a bad one.

·       Work is a big part of who we are.

·       Engagement in work leads to higher organizational performance.

·       For many employees, the “time to leave” clock starts ticking when employees feel unfulfilled.

·       Recognizing when to leave is crucial for career growth.

·       Good management treats employees well for better performance.

·       Career transitions are common, especially in mid-career stages.

Additional Resources

Herrity, J. (2025, June 6). 15 Signs It’s time to quit your job. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/signs-it%27s-time-to-quit-your-job

Kelly, J. (2025, May 7). How to successfully navigate the three stages of your career. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/05/06/how-to-succeesfully-navigate-the-three-stages-of-your-career/

Setiya, K. (2019, March 1). Facing your Mid-Career crisis. https://hbr.org/2019/03/facing-your-mid-career-crisis

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
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Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.