Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue - it’s a leadership issue, a risk management issue, and increasingly, a business value issue. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, cybersecurity expert, author, and security analyst Robert Siciliano explains why the greatest threat to most organizations isn't technology -it's human behavior.

Drawing on decades of experience investigating cybercrime and helping organizations protect themselves, Robert shares how criminals exploit what he calls the "human blind spot" through fear, urgency, trust, and manipulation. From the early days of AOL scams to today's AI-powered voice cloning, deepfakes, and sophisticated phishing attacks, he reveals how cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics while targeting the same human vulnerabilities.

Dave and Robert discuss why cybersecurity awareness training often fails, how organizations can build a Strategic Human Firewall, and why security must become personal before it becomes organizational. They also explore practical strategies business owners and leaders can implement immediately, including stronger authentication practices, better employee education, and creating a culture of situational awareness.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, advisor, or anyone concerned about protecting digital assets and organizational trust, this conversation offers valuable insights into managing risk in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

Key Topics Discussed:

About Our Guest:

Recognized as the media’s go-to cybersecurity expert and creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™, Robert Siciliano is a private investigator, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and the CEO of Protect Now, LLC. As one of the nation’s most trusted voices on cybercrime and identity theft, he has built an unparalleled media track record, appearing on over 500 television shows, contributing to over 1,000 radio programs, and being featured as an expert source in over 3,000 articles. A fierce advocate for personal and professional security, Robert is the architect of the CSI Protection certification and a bestselling author who strips away technical jargon to deliver "straight talk" solutions.

His expertise is regularly sought by every major network—including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and The Today Show—where he empowers millions of viewers to protect their data, privacy, and wealth from modern threats. The Strategic Human Firewall™ moves beyond technical cybersecurity training to behavioral governance, acknowledging that software alone cannot stop AI-driven "perfect lies". It addresses the "Human Blindspot," a vulnerability where humans are hardwired to trust digital senses (eyes and ears) that AI now easily exploits. Grounded in the reality that "All Security is Personal," this approach defines security not as abstract compliance, but as fundamental safety—akin to physical security measures designed to prevent violence.

Because nothing is more personal than an identity, when individuals learn to defend their personal lives against "Digital Frankensteins" or deepfake family emergencies, engaging in security in a professional environment becomes instinctive rather than forced. By translating these personal instincts into corporate habits, protecting company data is more achievable. Connect with Robert here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsiciliano/

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as a trusted provider for independent business valuations, corporate asset appraisals, and exit planning advisory and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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 helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

Why do expensive corporate recognition programs, automated anniversary emails, and branded company swag so frequently fail to keep employees from walking out the door?

In this episode, host Dave Bookbinder sits down with renowned psychologist, leadership expert, and bestselling author Dr. Paul White. Together, they pull back the curtain on the global phenomenon he co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman: The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (over 800,000 copies sold at the time of recording).

Dave and Dr. White dive deep into the data-backed science of human motivation, drawing a sharp line between performance-based recognition and person-based appreciation. Whether you are managing a Fortune 500 team, navigating a complex family business, or leading a fully remote workforce, this episode provides the ultimate roadmap to drastically reducing turnover and boosting discretionary effort.

The ROI of Feeling Seen: Why authentic appreciation has three times more influence on employee retention than traditional compensation.

The 5 Languages Deep Dive: A breakdown of how Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Tangible Gifts, and Physical Touch manifest in a professional environment.

Why the "Points Catalog" Backfires: The psychological reason automated, transactional reward programs make employees feel less valued.

"People don't just want to be recognized for what they do for the company's bottom line; they want to be valued for who they are as human beings."

----more----

About Our Guest:

Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, author, and speaker who “makes work relationships work.” He has written articles for and been interviewed by the BBC News, Business Week, the New York Times, Entrepreneur.com, Fast Company, and Forbes.

Dr. White is the coauthor of the best-selling book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which has sold over 800,000 copies (written with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the #1 NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages) and has been translated into 25 languages.

As a speaker and trainer, Dr. White has taught around the world, including North American, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. His expertise has been requested by PepsiCo, Microsoft, NASA, L’Oreal, the Mayo Clinics, Princeton University, the Salvation Army, and numerous other multinational organizations.

Based on extensive research, Dr. White has developed practical ways for leaders and employees to communicate authentic appreciation that leads to increased employee engagement, lower staff turnover, more positive work environments, and higher productivity.

Additionally, Dr. White and Dr. Chapman have created an online assessment (taken by 475,000 individuals and available in nine languages) to identify the specific ways each person prefers to be shown appreciation. You can email him here: [email protected]

 About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as a trusted provider for independent business valuations, corporate asset appraisals, and exit planning advisory and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

----more----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!

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with strategy expert Rich Horwath, founder of the Strategic Thinking Institute, about what it really means to “be strategic” in today’s business environment. Rich explains why strategy is not the same as goals, planning, or tactics, and shares his definition of strategy as “possessing insight that leads to advantage.”

The conversation explores the biggest reasons strategy breaks down inside organizations, how leaders get trapped in tactical thinking, and the warning signs that indicate a company may be operating without true strategic direction. Rich also introduces his framework built around acumen, allocation, and action - and explains how leaders can apply it to improve decision-making and long-term performance.

Dave and Rich discuss the connection between strategic clarity and enterprise value, the role of tradeoffs in leadership, lessons from companies like Blockbuster, and how AI may accelerate both opportunity and competitive risk. Rich also shares practical habits leaders can implement immediately, including insight journaling, accountability around learning, and creating a shared language of strategy across the organization.

To learn more about Rich Horwath, visit Strategy Skills or connect with Rich Horwath on LinkedIn.

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:

Rich Horwath is the founder and CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute where he serves leadership teams as a strategy workshop facilitator, strategic executive coach, and keynote speaker. His mission is to help executive teams think, plan, and act strategically to set direction, create advantage, and achieve their goals. Rich is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today national bestselling author of eight books, and his work has been featured in publications including Fast Company, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review.

He has been described by Chief Executive Magazine as “the world’s foremost expert on strategic thinking.” As a former chief strategy officer and professor of strategy at the graduate level, he is able to bring a practical, real-world approach based in strong foundational principles to help executives develop their strategic capabilities.

Rich has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX TV to share his perspectives on current business strategy issues. In addition to his work facilitating strategy workshops for leadership teams and providing executive coaching services and strategic counsel, he is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for groups ranging from 10 to 10,000. Rich has helped more than a quarter million leaders around the world develop their strategic capabilities in pursuit of his vision to teach the world to be strategic.

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

Technology problems rarely start with technology. They start with leadership decisions, culture, and treating IT as an afterthought instead of a strategic asset.

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Keith Tessler of CMIT Solutions about why smart companies are shifting from reactive IT support to proactive technology management and how those decisions directly impact risk, resilience, scalability, and enterprise value.

The conversation explores the biggest cybersecurity threats facing small and mid-sized businesses today, including phishing attacks, business email compromise, and the growing misuse of remote-control software by bad actors. Keith shares practical, low-cost protections every business should implement, including two-factor authentication, password managers, employee awareness training, and stronger internal controls.

Dave and Keith also discuss:

Whether you’re preparing your company for growth, protecting it from disruption, or thinking about a future exit, this episode delivers actionable insights on how technology decisions can strengthen both operational performance and business value.

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:

A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Keith says he learned more at the family dinner table than from his MBA courses. So it's no surprise he dove into the family business with gusto, taking it from a small, regional player to a nationwide company that became the largest firm in that industry. But after 25 years of 100-hour weeks, he sold that business and spent a couple of years coaching CEOs -  leaders of companies that ran the gamut from small tech start-ups to $3 billion corporations.

 While he loved that work, he couldn't shake the technology itch. So today, Keith has hit his stride as the owner of CMIT Solutions in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, a business that marries his love of technology with his passion for helping businesses find better paths to successful growth. 

 If you want fresh perspectives on leadership, tech, and business, follow Keith on LinkedIn. And if you want to put tech headaches in the rearview mirror and work with an IT team you can love, reach out to Keith here. He's always ready to talk tech support, business growth, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and much more. 

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

Why do businesses stall - even when demand is strong? Often, it comes down to leadership bottlenecks.

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with executive coach and author Daria Rudnik about what happens when leaders become the constraint on growth—and how to fix it.

Daria shares how to recognize an overloaded leader, the impact it has on team performance and business value, and why so many organizations struggle to build truly self-sufficient teams.

The conversation breaks down her CLICK framework: Clear Purpose, Linking Connections, Integrated Work, Collaborative Decisions, and Knowledge Sharing; with practical examples from a cybersecurity team and a telecom call center. She also offers a simple question leaders can use immediately to start shifting how their teams operate.

Dave and Daria explore how AI is changing team dynamics, decision-making, and communication—and why human judgment and critical thinking are becoming even more valuable.

If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building stronger teams, developing leaders, and creating a business that can scale beyond you.

About Our Guest:

Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Coach who helps overloaded leaders build high-trust, self-sufficient teams so they get better results with less burnout. She’s the award-winning author of CLICKING and co-author of The AI Revolution, and the creator of Aidra.AI, an AI-powered coach for leaders. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte pro, Daria brings her many years of global leadership experience to every conversation. Connect with her here: https://dariarudnik.com/

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

What do championship teams understand about trust, culture, and performance that most businesses miss—and how can leaders apply those lessons to drive real results?

Host Dave Bookbinder talks with Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and author Joel Goldberg about what business leaders can learn from nearly 30 years inside Major League Baseball organizations. Drawing from his books Small Ball Big Dreams and Small Ball Big Results, Joel shares behind-the-scenes insights from the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.

This conversation explores how trust and culture drive high-performing teams, why listening and vulnerability are leadership advantages -not weaknesses -and how accountability shows up when it matters most. Joel also breaks down his concept of “small ball” - the consistent, repeatable habits that don’t show up in the stats but ultimately determine long-term success in both sports and business.

If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor looking to build a stronger culture, improve leadership effectiveness, and create sustainable performance, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Championship teams don’t rely on talent alone - they build trust, reinforce culture, and execute consistently. The same principles apply in business, where long-term value is created not just through financial performance, but through the strength of the organization behind it.

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:

Joel Goldberg is a two-time author, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and keynote speaker with 30 years of experience covering amateur and professional sports. As the longtime TV host for the Kansas City Royals, he’s interviewed baseball’s biggest stars and uncovered the leadership, trust, and culture that drive championship teams. Joel has covered four World Series, two Super Bowls, and numerous NHL playoff games, giving him a front-row seat to the mindset and habits of elite performers. But his work goes beyond sports. He translates these insights into powerful lessons on leadership, trust, teamwork, and culture that apply to business and life. His latest book, Small Ball Big Dreams, explores how small, intentional actions lead to big results in both sports and business. He's the host of the podcast Rounding The Bases.  Find Joel’s books and links at joelgoldbergmedia.com.

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

DEI is often treated as a social initiative - but in reality, it’s a core business issue that directly impacts performance, decision-making, and enterprise value.

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Michael Bach about why diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility belong at the center of business strategy. We explore how inclusion influences profitability, talent retention, and long-term value creation - and what happens when companies get it wrong.

Michael breaks down the fundamentals of inclusive leadership, including awareness of bias, cultural competence, understanding privilege, and empathy - and connects them to real business outcomes. We also discuss how leaders can measure inclusion in a meaningful way, using data and leading indicators tied to employee engagement, customer experience, and innovation.

For business owners and advisors, this conversation offers practical insight into where to start, what to prioritize, and how to think about DEI as an ongoing driver of business performance - not a one-time initiative.

About Our Guest:

Michael Bach is an author, speaker and thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work. In 2023, he was named as one of the 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping The Future by CIO Views Magazine.

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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 helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

Why do leaders make poor decisions - even with more data, better tools, and AI?

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment - not just data, tools, or experience - is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance.

The conversation explores how leaders can operate effectively in real time, avoid common decision-making blind spots like projecting their own thinking onto others, and better identify and leverage the unique strengths within their teams to improve performance.

They also examine generational dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership strategy in the age of AI. Rather than reacting with fear or taking a hands-off approach, John explains how leaders can adopt AI with intention - using clear strategy, guardrails, and human judgment to drive better outcomes.

John shares practical frameworks for building confidence, including “name it, tame it, reframe it,” and reinforces a critical leadership principle: trust is the foundation of performance, retention, and long-term value creation.

The episode closes with a clear takeaway - leaders who actively build and restore trust will make better decisions, strengthen their teams, and create more resilient, higher-performing organizations.

About Our Guest:

Big John Little has built a career as an Executive Leadership Performance Coach around 3 key outcomes:

John has been a leader of people and business for more than 25 years across multiple industries.

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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 helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

In a world dominated by digital communication, many leaders and organizations are struggling with a fundamental challenge - how to build genuine human connection.

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Nick Adkins, founder of the global PinkSocks Life movement, about how a simple act - gifting a pair of pink socks - sparked a worldwide movement centered on empathy, kindness, and meaningful connection.

We explore what it truly means to “see” another person, why that idea resonates so deeply, and how leaders can foster stronger relationships in both business and life.

Nick shares the origin story of PinkSocks, the philosophy behind the movement, and practical ways anyone can begin building deeper, more authentic connections starting today.

About Our Guest:

Nick Adkins is the Founder of Pinksocks Life, a global movement focused on spreading love & kindness.and author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. He wrote the book because the world needs more reminders of our shared humanity…..more connection, kindness, and love. 

In a time when things can feel divided and overwhelming, this book is about coming back to what truly matters: seeing one another, hearing one another’s heart speak, and choosing kindness in every now.

Pinksocks is global community of over 300,000 happy smiley people who are united in changing the world from the ground up, with heart speak, hugs, and gifting. All proceeds from the book go to Pinksocks Life, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support its mission of spreading connection, kindness, and love around the world…..the good things that make life beautiful. #pinksocks

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors 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

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!

Can performance-based pay outperform the traditional hourly wage model? And what does that mean for productivity, culture, and ultimately, business value?

On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Michael Fortenberry, co-founder of Protiv, explains how shifting from time-based pay to performance-based compensation is changing the game—particularly for contractors and hourly workforces.

Michael shares how Protiv’s model brings transparency to labor budgets by putting real numbers in front of field teams—and then rewarding them for beating those targets. The result is a measurable shift in behavior: stronger communication, increased accountability, and a culture where workers think and act more like owners.

This conversation goes beyond compensation mechanics to explore the connection between incentives, leadership, and enterprise value. You’ll also hear practical insights on the metrics that matter most—like gross profit, revenue per labor hour, and rework—and the unintended consequences leaders need to manage, including the risk of unhealthy competition.

Looking ahead, Michael discusses how technology, including AI-driven labor forecasting, is poised to further reshape the trades—and why that creates both urgency and opportunity for business owners.

Who this episode is for:

About Our Guest:

Michael Fortinberry is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience transforming the construction, real estate, and technology sectors. Having founded nine companies, he has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to modernize traditional industries, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. From his early days growing up on the family farm, to a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he then earned a BS in Chemistry from Florida State University, Mr. Fortinberry’s journey reflects discipline and adaptability.

As President of RealPage, the nation’s leading real estate technology platform, he scaled innovative solutions that redefined industry standards. Later, as an executive at Fortune 500 company PPG, he spearheaded the growth of technology-driven service platforms. In recent years, he founded two technology-focused construction firms in New York City, employing hundreds and introducing advanced systems to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His latest venture, Protiv, is a groundbreaking platform that optimizes production-based incentives for hourly workers in landscaping and construction, driving efficiency and workforce engagement. Mr. Fortinberry’s expertise in applying technology to blue-collar industries offers actionable insights for businesses navigating digital transformation.

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

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!