Ask Christa!

Ask Christa!

By Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.MBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationHow ToManagement
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Ask Christa! episodes

  • Ask Christa! What Are Some Tips to be More Focused at Work? (S4E40)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo answers the listener question about tips to stay more focused at work. Christa explores what “focus” really means, then emphasizes the importance of making it personal, understanding how our own definition of focus can transform the way we approach work. She shares practical, research-backed strategies for boosting concentration, reducing workplace distractions, and managing stress. You’ll also learn why meaningful “brain breaks” matter, how self-care directly impacts productivity, and some simple adjustments you can make to your environment and daily rhythm to sharpen attention.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Defining what focus means to you is an important step to improving it.

    ·       Self-care—sleep, nutrition, movement—is essential for sustaining focus.

    ·       Meaningful breaks reset your brain and improve performance.

    ·       Stress management is key to protecting both focus and productivity.

    ·       Physical health directly influences mental focus and workplace performance.

    ·       Give your brain a break by pacing and changing between inputs (learning, listening, consuming information) and outputs (creating, writing, speaking).

    Additional Resources

    Jackson Kerchis. (2024, June 15). Why it’s important to take breaks during work: Improve focus + Lower stress [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCSbdaFosIE

    Lyubykh, Z., & Gulseren, D. B. (2023, May 31). How to take better breaks at work, according to research. https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-to-take-better-breaks-at-work-according-to-research

    Albulescu, P., Macsinga, I., Rusu, A., Sulea, C., Bodnaru, A., & Tulbure, B. T. (2022). “Give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLoS ONE, 17(8), e0272460. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272460

     Study shows how taking short breaks may help our brains learn new skills. (2025, April 1). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-shows-how-taking-short-breaks-may-help-our-brains-learn-new-skills

    focus. (2025). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focus

     Caravan: word of the day. (n.d.). [Video]. Thesaurus.com. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/focus

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    12 min
  • Ask Christa! Why do I hate deadlines so much? (S4E39)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking, “why do I hate deadlines so much?” She explores the psychological and environmental factors that contribute to stress and aversion to deadlines, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual perceptions and realities of workload and time. Christa discusses how organizational culture and resource availability can impact employees' feelings towards deadlines, and she offers strategies for reframing one's relationship with deadlines to foster a healthier work environment. Additionally, she provides resources for further reading on the subject.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       People have varying reactions to deadlines based on individual perceptions.

    ·       Work environments significantly influence how deadlines are perceived.

    ·       Stress management is crucial when dealing with deadlines.

    ·       Deadlines can serve as a framework for prioritizing tasks and clarity.

    ·       Chronic urgency can disrupt workflow and employee motivation.

    ·       Reframing deadlines can lead to a more positive work experience.

    ·       Understanding the reasons behind deadlines can improve workplace dynamics.

    ·       Resources are available for those looking to better manage deadlines.

    ·       A lack of resources can lead to a negative perception of deadlines.

    ·       Not everyone thrives under constant pressure; some may freeze up.

    ·       Learning from peers can help improve deadline management.


    Additional Resources

    Fang, D., & Maglio, S. J. (2024). On time or on thin ice: How deadline violations negatively affect perceived work quality and worker evaluations. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 185, 104365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2024.104365

    How misperceptions of deadlines, urgency influence time management and performance. (2018, May 31). The Hub. https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/05/31/meeting-deadlines-time-management-behaviors/

    Roeder, L. (2015, July 21) Why we stopped assigning deadlines - and started getting more done because of it.. MeetEdgar. https://meetedgar.com/blog/why-we-stopped-assigning-deadlines-and-started-getting-more-done-because-of-it

    ---------------------
    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    13 min
  • Ask Christa! How Can I Better Manage Anxiety at Work? (S4E38)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concerns about managing anxiety in the workplace, particularly in the context of an upcoming reorganization. She emphasizes the importance of understanding anxiety as a natural response to uncertainty and offers practical strategies for managing stress, including leveraging workplace resources. Christa also underscores the importance of supportive management, and highlights leveraging workplace resources where available. She provides three key steps to empower listeners when they are feeling anxious because of work changes they feel they have no control over, and reminds the listeners that there are always actions they can take as pathways to managing stress and anxiety. The conversation highlights the role of personal strengths and value in mitigating anxiety, as well as resources available for mental health support.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Anxiety at work is common, especially during uncertain times.

    ·       Effective communication from leadership can reduce employee anxiety.

    ·       Utilizing workplace resources like EAPs could be helpful and useful for employee anxiety.

    ·       Chronic anxiety can stem from a stressful work environment.

    ·       Recognizing your value in the workplace can empower you.

    ·       Self-care practices can help reduce anxiety levels.

    Additional Resources

    Anxiety and Stress Resources:

    Anxiety. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety

    Clark, M. (2025, July 17). Navigating anxiety. Project Healthy Minds. https://app.projecthealthyminds.com/mental-health-challenges/navigating-anxiety?

    Coping with stress at work. (2024, October 22). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress

    CliftonStrengths®: Gallup, Inc. (2019, September 21). CliftonStrengths. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx

    The Big Five Test: Quick Video: Abby Medcalf PhD. (2024, May 16). Take this research- based test to discover your big five personality traits [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDnaV2fKLoo

    The Big Five Test: Information and Link: Huseby, E. M. (2024, April 30). History and background of the Big Five Test. Free Open-source BigFive Personality Traits Test. https://bigfive-test.com/articles/big_five_test_history_and_background

    ---------------------
    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    21 min
  • Ask Christa! How Can I Improve Collaboration in My Team? (S4E37)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving team collaboration amidst growing organizational challenges. She distinguishes between collaboration and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and effective communication. Christa provides insights into common misconceptions about collaboration, such as equating it with consensus, and offers practical strategies for managers to foster a collaborative environment. The episode concludes with resources for enhancing collaboration skills in the workplace.

     

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Collaboration is about working together to achieve shared goals.

    ·       Many confuse collaboration with cooperation or consensus.

    ·       Effective collaboration requires clear communication of shared goals.

    ·       Stress and time pressure can reduce collaboration among team members.

    ·       Collaboration can be learned and practiced, regardless of natural tendencies.

    ·       Direct communication with team members can resolve collaboration issues.

    ·       Resources for improving collaboration skills are widely available. 

     

    Additional Resources

     

    Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, July 24). Collaboration Skills: Examples and Ways to Improve them. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/collaboration-skills

     

    Limited, S. (2024, April 23). Collaboration skills: How to improve them and examples for your resumé. SEEK. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/collaboration-skills-how-to-improve-them-and-examples-for-your-resume

    ---------------------
    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    13 min
  • Ask Christa! How Can I Improve My Presentation Skills? (S3E36)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving presentation skills as a way to advance their career. Christa emphasizes the importance of connection with the audience, every-day practice, rigorous preparation, and finding one’s unique style. She discusses the complexities of communication, the typical pressures of presenting, strategies for designing and conducting effective presentations. The episode concludes with resources for further development in presentation skills.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Nerve wracking work like presenting makes us nervous, but it can also make us better.

    ·       Perspective is your best friend in overcoming presentation anxiety.

    ·       Practice is essential, not just in front of people but in everyday situations.

    ·       Communication at its core is about connecting with the audience.

    ·       Effective presentations require understanding the audience's needs.

    ·       Style matters; find a presentation style that feels natural to you.

    ·       The magic sauce for effective presentations is making a connection with your audience.

    ·       Investing time in improving presentation skills is worth it for professional growth.

    ·       Communication is complex and influenced by many factors.

    ·       Know the purpose and objectives of your presentation.

    ·       Design your presentation with the audience's time in mind.

    ·       Utilize resources like Toastmasters for skill development.

    Additional Resources

    Frommer, D., & Frommer, D. (2022, July 21). The hidden structure of the Apple keynote. Quartz. https://qz.com/261181/the-hidden-structure-of-the-apple-keynote

    Vogel, W. H., & Viale, P. H. (2018, July 1). Presenting with confidence. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6505544/

    Toast Masters International: https://www.toastmasters.org/ 

    Toast Masters Resources: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources

     

    ---------------------
    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    17 min
  • Ask Christa! How can I run meetings better? (S3E35)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenges of effective meeting management, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding the purpose of meetings, and fostering a culture of respect—especially a respect for time. She provides practical tips for structuring effective meetings, ensuring they serve the team's needs rather than the meeting owner's needs. She also discusses the cultural implications of frequent, unproductive meetings and offers resources for improving meeting practices. As with all Ask Christa! episodes, she also shares additional resources for further learning on best practices in meeting management.

     

    Key Takeaways

    ·       There are many resources available for improving meetings.

    ·       Preparation is key to running effective meetings.

    ·       Meetings should serve the team's needs, not just the owner's.

    ·       Understanding the purpose of a meeting is crucial.

    ·       Clear objectives help anchor participants to a common mission.

    ·       Avoid overloading the agenda to keep meetings focused.

    ·       Respecting participants' time is essential for a positive culture.

    ·       Encourage open communication and “opt out / swap out” about meeting attendance.

    ·       Status updates can often be communicated without meetings.

    ·       Creating a culture of respect can enhance meeting effectiveness.

    ·       A culture of respect for time is crucial for effective meetings.

    ·       Status updates can often be communicated without meetings.

    ·       Utilize resources to enhance meeting effectiveness.

    ·       Block time for focused work when teams know they cannot book you to improve productivity.

     

    Additional Resources

    enpact. (n.d.). MEETING CULTURE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE. https://enpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/meeting-culture-best-practice-guide.pdf

    Holding effective & efficient meetings. (2025, May 20). Administration. https://adminvc.ucla.edu/news/holding-effective-efficient-meetings

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    14 min
  • Ask Christa! What Do Executives Do? (S3E34)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about the role of executives in any size organization. She explores the fundamental responsibilities of executives, emphasizing the importance of accountability, communication, decision-making, performance, and efficiency. She also reviews the traits that make effective leaders, especially executives, and talks about the significance of executives enabling strategy execution. Christa also highlights the significance of understanding organizational dynamics and setting expectations for executive behavior, while providing resources for further learning about executive roles. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with their executives and low-risk ways to improve workplace dynamics.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       The basics of business can often be overlooked.

    ·       Executive roles vary based on organizational objectives.

    ·       True efficiency involves reducing waste, not just cutting costs.

    ·       Executives must communicate effectively to manage employee angst.

    ·       Impulse control is crucial for effective leadership.

    ·       Leadership training is essential for organizational success.

    ·       Executives should enable their teams to succeed.

    ·       Understanding executive responsibilities can improve employee engagement.

    ·       Setting clear expectations for executives is important.

    ·       Building relationships with executives can enhance workplace dynamics.

    Additional Resources

    Executive jobs - What are they and how to get one. (n.d.). ZipRecruiter. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Executive/What-Is-How-to-Become

     Herrity, J. (2025, January 29). What is an executive? (With titles & salaries). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-executive-titles

     Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 5). What does an executive do? (Examples of roles and duties). Indeed Career Guide. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-executive-do

     TEDx Talks. (2024, May 23). Why do we celebrate incompetent leaders? | Martin Gutmann | TEDxBerlin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU06c7f9fzc

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present 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.

    19 min
  • Ask Christa! How Much Finance Should I Learn? (S3E33)

    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 - Present 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.

    18 min
  • Ask Christa! What Do Boards of Directors Do? (S3E32)

    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 - Present 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.

    19 min
  • Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (6/6) - What Areas of a Business Do Founders Overlook? (S3E31)

    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! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources…