Behind The Numbers

Behind The Numbers

By Behind The NumbersBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
Download on the App Store

Behind The Numbers episodes

  • How to Turn Managers Into Leaders – Brian Walch
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring why strong managers are the backbone of every successful organization. Dave is joined by Brian Walch, owner of Shift Focus Coaching and Consulting, who draws on his diverse career—from software development to executive coaching—to reveal what it really takes to turn managers into influential leaders.
    Dave and Brian unpack the most common mistakes companies make when developing managers, the essential leadership skills every manager needs, and the tricky transition from being a peer to becoming the boss. They also dive into how empathy and emotional intelligence impact performance, culture, and retention—and why investing in managers can pay off in a big way.
    If you’re an aspiring manager, a seasoned leader seeking to grow, or part of an organization striving for a stronger leadership culture, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can put to work immediately.
    ----more----
    About Our Guest:
    Brian Walch is a certified executive coach, writer, and speaker. As the owner of Shiftfocus Coaching and Consulting, he helps organizations develop their managers and build best-in-class management cultures. Before launching his own practice, he spent 25 years at a growing national consulting firm where he worked with clients in HR, IT, Finance, Operations, and the C-suite. As a partner, he filled diverse leadership roles in HR, business development, operations, and project execution. He built a comprehensive employer branding and recruiting program and spearheaded employee retention and development initiatives.  
    In addition to his business experience, he has led projects that have transformed small businesses, modernized government agencies, and improved enterprise-wide systems and processes.  Today, Brian uses his experience with people and systems to develop tools and programs to empower managers to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave
    33 min
  • Mastering Public Speaking for Career Success – Juanita Wheeler
    Public speaking is one of the most common fears in business—but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring the business value of public speaking with Juanita Wheeler, a TEDx speaking coach, strategist, and expert in persuasive communication.
    Juanita shares her journey from introvert to speaker and coach, revealing how mastering communication can drive career growth, support business development, and build powerful personal brands. We unpack why presentation skills matter in today’s marketplace—and how you can use them to stand out.
    You’ll learn how to:
    Overcome fear and anxiety around public speaking
    Craft impactful, memorable messages
    Use slides with intention—not as a crutch
    Connect with your audience authentically
    Leverage speaking opportunities to grow your influence
    Whether you’re pitching investors, leading a team, or building your reputation in the marketplace, this conversation will help you speak with confidence—and purpose.
    About Juanita Wheeler:
    Juanita Wheeler has coached over 100 TEDx speakers in addition to CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, researchers and change-makers to deliver presentations worthy of their great ideas.
    Juanita is a public speaking coach, speechwriter, the CEO and Head of Speaker Coaching at TEDxBrisbane and the Founder of Full & Frank.
    Juanita has over two decades of speaking experience, is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Queensland, and a Global Fellow with the Atlantic Fellows based out of Oxford University. Juanita has three Masters degrees (two in business and one in social change leadership).
    Connect with her here: https://linktr.ee/fullandfrank
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALL
    44 min
  • Transforming HR with Data: Human Capital as a Strategic Investment – Dr. Solange Charas
    What if HR could be measured with the same rigor as finance?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re diving into how human capital can—and should—be treated as a value-creating investment. Dave is joined by Dr. Solange Charas, founder of HC Moneyball, co-author of Humanizing Human Capital, and professor at Columbia University.
    Dr. Charas shares how HC Moneyball is equipping human capital practitioners with the quantitative tools they need to speak the language of finance—helping shift HR from a qualitative support function to a strategic business partner.
    You’ll hear insights on:
    Why aligning HR with financial metrics is essential for earning a seat at the executive table
    The impact of AI on workforce management and decision-making
    How to calculate and apply key metrics like HCROI
    The global movement toward standardized human capital reporting
    How to reframe the workforce from a cost center to a driver of business value
    This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, CFOs, and HR professionals looking to bridge the gap between people and performance.
    ----more----
    About Solange Charas:
    In this enlightening episode of Behind the Numbers, host Dave Bookbinder welcomes Dr. Solange Charas to discuss the significant role of human capital in driving business success. Dr. Shirah, a professor at Columbia University and founder of HC Moneyball, shares her expertise on preparing human capital practitioners with quantitative skills to transform HR from a qualitative to a more data-oriented function.
    The conversation explores the importance of HR professionals speaking the language of finance to gain a strategic seat at the table, the impact of artificial intelligence on human capital, and how HC Moneyball helps organizations perceive human capital as an investment rather than an expense. Additionally, Dr. Charas introduces her co-authored book "Humanizing Human Capital," which combines future HR perspectives with data analytics for value creation.
    With insights into the global landscape of human capital reporting and metrics, the episode breaks down crucial formulas like the HCROI and offers a roadmap for improving workforce efficacy. The discussion also addresses challenges and opportunities within HR functions and the need for a business-minded approach to human capital management.
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
     
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
     
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
     
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
     
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want
    40 min
  • Smart Scaling Strategies for Business Owners – Andrea Beach
    What’s stopping your business from scaling? It might be a revenue bottleneck—and Andrea Beach knows how to fix it.
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Andrea Beach, CEO of Growth Concierge and founder of 22 companies, shares how her membership-based model gives businesses access to a team of seasoned entrepreneurs—without the overhead of full-time hires.
    Andrea explains how to identify and remove growth roadblocks, streamline operations, and build a culture that supports long-term success. She also explores the psychology of leadership and why understanding human behavior is critical to scaling smart.
    This episode is a must-listen for founders and business leaders ready to accelerate growth without sacrificing culture or control.
    ----more----
    About our Guest:
    Andrea Beach is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist specializing in scalable growth, technology innovation, and consumer behavior. In addition to having founded over 21 companies herself, she has helped CEOs and business owners scale efficiently while reducing risk. As founder of the TC Network, Andrea provides a special operations – meets - white glove service for companies looking to grow without adding overhead. She has worked with Fortune 500 brands, advised hundreds of growth-stage companies. As an in-demand speaker and media commentator, Andrea is passionate about helping leaders unlock growth, leverage technology, and work smarter—not harder.
     
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
     
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
     
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
     
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
     
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it
    32 min
  • Unlocking the Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Mindfulness – Sid Mohasseb
    Can mindfulness actually make you a better business leader?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re exploring a transformative approach to entrepreneurship with Sid Mohasseb—author, TEDx speaker, angel investor, and self-described Entrepreneur Philosopher. As the founder of Anabasis Academy, Sid offers a powerful framework that blends mindfulness and business strategy to unlock human potential.
    Sid shares why he believes everyone has the capacity to be an entrepreneur—not just in starting companies, but in how we approach decisions and change. He breaks down his philosophy of mindfulness as a tool for active awareness—a way to confront our biases, manage emotions, and ultimately make smarter choices in business and life.
    We also discuss how organizations can thrive when they operate as platforms supported by five key pillars: employees, customers, partners, investors, and society. Sid brings these ideas to life with compelling stories and actionable insights that challenge conventional thinking.
    If you're ready to rethink your approach to leadership, decision-making, and value creation, this episode is for you.
    About Our Guest:
    Sid Mohasseb is known as the “Entrepreneur philosopher.”  Sid is twice best-selling author (“You Are Not Them: The Authentic Entrepreneurs Way” and “The Caterpillar’s Edge: Evolve, Evolve Again and Thrive in Business”), a university professor at both engineering and Business School, a 2 time TED speaker, an advisor to fortune 500 leaders and an innovation thought leader who has built multiple companies and invested in many more. Sid is the founder of the Anabasis Academy, a global movement fusing mindfulness and entrepreneurship. He is a frequent contributor to Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, USAToday, Fox, Independent, Foreign Policy, Globe, London School of Economics, and Harvard Business Review.
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    BEHIND THE NUMBERS
    35 min
  • Building a $100 Million Business That Runs Without You – Stewart Ervin
    What separates businesses that scale from those that stall?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re joined by Stewart Ervin, founder of Bracket Management and creator of Built to Run: The $100 Million System. Stewart specializes in business turnarounds and operational systems designed to align finance and operations—so businesses can scale efficiently and maximize value.
    Stewart shares a practical playbook for helping owners break through growth ceilings by focusing on:
    Clean financials that tell the real story
    Core process reviews that improve efficiency
    Forward-looking forecasts that drive decision-making
    Drawing from deep experience in the manufacturing sector, Stewart explains how fractional CFO services can deliver C-suite-level insights without the full-time cost. He also discusses how smart pricing, cost optimization, and cultural alignment can unlock new levels of profitability.
    Whether you're building toward an exit or just trying to regain control, this episode delivers actionable insights for creating a business that runs—without running you.
    ----more----
    About Our Guest:
    Stewart Ervin, founder of Bracket Management and creator of the Built to Run: The $100M System™ — a no-fluff, execution-first operating system for real businesses that are stuck, scaling, or preparing for exit.
    With over 25 years of experience in finance, operations, and manufacturing leadership, Stewart has helped companies break through profit ceilings, eliminate chaos, and drive results — not just reports. His clients, typically owner-led businesses between $1M and $100M, see an average 36.7% increase in revenue and a 27.9% increase in net profit.
     
     
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
    Su
    30 min
  • Becoming CEO: What No One Tells You – David Roche
    What does it really take to succeed as a first-time CEO?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we're cutting through the theory and getting real about leadership at the highest level. Dave Bookbinder talks with David Roche—former CEO, startup chair, and author of Become a Successful First-Time CEO—about the lessons no one teaches you before stepping into the top role.
    David shares his journey from working in a U.S. textile company to leading major retailers like HMV and Borders. Along the way, he opens up about the growing pains of leadership, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the critical role that mentors and coaches played in his development.
    This episode dives deep into:
    What it really means to be CEO—not just in title, but in mindset
    How to lead with empathy and build high-trust teams
    The leadership traps that trip up even smart, driven people
    Why relationship skills often matter more than technical skills
    How gender dynamics shape leadership—and how to lead with awareness
    Whether you're already leading or preparing to, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership—and give you the tools to lead with confidence and clarity.
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
     
    About Our Guest:
    David Roche is Non-Exec Chair of London Book Fair, Chair of the publishing tech start-up Libraro, and an ambassador and senior advisor to PEN International, the worldwide association of writers that defends freedom of expression and promotes literature globally. He is also a professional executive coach and mentor with his own company, Grey Area Coaching, and works with first-time CEOs across many sectors.
    David’s latest book, Become a Successful First-Time CEO, was published in March 2024 and is an Amazon number one bestseller. He also lectures at the National Film and Television School. David has thirty years of board experience including as CEO of both Borders & BOOKS etc, Product Director of both Waterstones and HMV, and Group Sales and Marketing Director of HarperCollins Publishing. He was also President of the Booksellers Association of UK & Ireland, and co-founder and co-chair of the Publishers Association/Booksellers Association Liaison Group. David was Chair of the writing agency New Writing North for nine years, standing down at the end of 2024 when NWN won Trustee Board of the Year in the North East Charity Awards.
    David was also a long-term trustee and interim chair of UK’s largest literary charity, BookTrust, and Chair of the Publishing Industry digital news service BookBrunch. David has also acted as a literary agent to a select few authors, sits on several advisory boards, and had two books of his own published.
     
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and to
    37 min
  • From Chaos to Control: How a Fractional CFO Can Transform Your Business – Jim Emerich
    What does it take to bring financial clarity to a growing business?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re cutting through the noise with Jim Emerich, founder and CEO of Backbone CFO, to talk about how businesses can move from financial chaos to control—and why a fractional CFO might be the key to making it happen.
    Jim shares hard-earned insights on when a company is ready for financial leadership beyond bookkeeping, and how strategic forecasting, cash flow modeling, and dynamic financial planning can transform operations. He breaks down his "chaos to control" framework, anchored by five core pillars: cash, profit, people, systems, and position.
    If you're advising business owners—or you are one—you'll want to hear this conversation. It’s packed with practical guidance for creating a more stable, scalable, and ultimately more valuable company.
    About Our Guest:
    Jim Emerich is the founder of and CEO at Backbone CFO. His professional career boasts many accomplishments, including Chief Financial Officer at Parts Life Inc. During his time at PLI, he led efforts to acquire DeVal Life Cycle Support as well as LC Engineers, Inc. and successfully integrated both companies into the PLI family. He has closed financing deals including acquisition, real estate, working capital and equipment financing. Though he experienced an exciting career trajectory, in his heart he knew small business was always near and dear. This passion ultimately led him to focus on launching Backbone CFO with the primary purpose of creating clarity for growth-minded business owners.
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
     
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
    🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
    🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
    🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
    🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
    💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
    🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
    Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
    34 min
  • The Five Stages of Leadership – Liz Weber
    What separates effective leaders from those who stall out? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we explore the answer with leadership strategist Liz Weber—author, speaker, and founder of Weber Business Services.
    Liz unpacks the core ideas from her latest book, Something Needs to Change Around Here: The Five Stages to Leveraging Your Leadership. She breaks down the leadership development journey, from “doing” the work to effectively “leading” others—and why most people get stuck in stage two. If you've ever struggled with delegation, role clarity, or stepping back to truly lead, this conversation offers a clear roadmap forward.
    Dave and Liz also explore:
    The most common leadership transition traps
    Why succession planning isn’t about family—it’s about fit
    The critical role of organizational culture in developing talent
    How self-awareness and strategy combine to drive performance
    Whether you're a business owner, advisor, or aspiring leader, you’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately.
    About Our Guest:Liz has been named a Top Leadership Influencer by LeadersHum, a Top HR Influencer to Watch by HR Exchange Network, and a Top HR Influencer by BambooHR. She is one of fewer than 100 people in the U.S. to hold both the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designations; the highest earned designations in two different professions. 
    As the President of Weber Business Services, LLC, a management consulting, training, and speaking firm, Liz provides strategic and succession planning, executive coaching, and leadership training to boards, business owners and leadership teams, as well as to associations and government agencies. 
    Liz holds an MBA in International Business and has extensive association leadership experience. She has served six years as a national board director, and three years as a national foundation trustee and as the presidential appointee to the Global Speakers Federation.
    Liz has supervised business activities in 129 countries and has presented in over 20 countries. In addition to writing more than ten leadership books, and her monthly Leadership Insights blog, Liz posts to social media daily.Liz was also  named one of 2025 Top 30 Global Gurus for Leadership along with Simon Sinek and John Maxwell. So, when Liz Weber talks, her clients listen.Liz is an advisor to boards, owners, and C-Suite teams. She’s a leadership, strategic and succession planning consultant, author, and speaker. 
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
     
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Thi
    41 min
  • Rethinking Executive Presence: Authentic Leadership in a Changing World – Katherine Lazaruk
    Is “executive presence” still about polished suits and boardroom bravado—or has the definition evolved?
    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, we’re unpacking the future of leadership with Katherine Lazaruk, founder of Lazaruk Consulting and author of Executive Being: Humanizing Business One Leader at a Time.
    Katherine is on a mission to redefine what it means to lead in today’s workplace—one that demands authenticity, adaptability, and a more human approach to business. Together, we explore why “bringing your whole self to work” is more than a catchphrase, how leaders can show up with credibility and vulnerability, and why outdated norms around appearance and behavior no longer serve the modern professional.
    We also discuss:
    How toxic positivity undermines trust and performance
    What generational shifts mean for leadership expectations
    The balance between authenticity and professionalism
    Why the old playbook for executive presence is due for a rewrite
    Whether you're leading a team, advising clients, or looking to evolve your own leadership style, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it really means to show up—and stand out.
    About Katherine Lazaruk
    Katherine Lazaruk is a professional presence expert who helps leaders and their teams walk the walk, talk the talk and look the part. She is passionate about achieving gender parity in her lifetime and through her coaching, consulting, and speaking, she works with women and champions of women to get more women into senior leadership faster. Recognizing that we are currently in a shifting paradigm, she works within the system to change the system for teams and individuals alike to create a kinder, gentler, and more effective world.
    Katherine holds degrees in Voice Performance and Education, holds her second level international designation of Certified Image Professional (CIP) with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coach Federation (ICF). She has also been Vice-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council Advisory Committee with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and served for six years as the Secretary of the AICI Canada Chapter Board. She has been a member of the nominations committee for the YWCA Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards and volunteered with two of their programs for women, sharing her expertise on professional presence and currently serves on the Global DEI Committee for AICI. She is the author of "Executive Being: Humanizing Business One Leader at a Time.”
    About the Host:
    Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
     
    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
    He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
    Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
    He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
    🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Number
    39 min

About Behind The Numbers

From the publisher's feed

Go Behind The Numbers to Learn What Matters Most in Business