Empowering Entrepreneurs

Learn the strategic moves Dave Behar and the ION Network made to launch major brands, lead media networks, and succeed in entrepreneurship.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with serial entrepreneur Dave Behar, founder and CEO of Behar Brands and ION Network. This episode is perfect for aspiring business owners, creative professionals, and anyone interested in building and scaling brands across multiple industries.

In this episode:

• Dave Behar shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped his mindset and the early lessons he absorbed about work ethic, opportunity, and pursuing your own path.
• Learn the inside story of building Team Greek and iDig, scaling from college startups to nationwide apparel and licensing brands, and the decisions behind lucrative business exits.
• Get an unfiltered look at the reality of selling a business: what went right, what Dave Behar wishes he’d done differently, and lessons in dealing with post-exit valleys.
• Hear how Dave Behar launched ION Network, his vision for enabling others to share their message, and why continual innovation, fun, and supporting a great team are key to long-term success.
• Take away actionable insights about recognizing market voids, maintaining a work-life balance as an entrepreneur, and crafting a brand that resonates with millions.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Top Takeaways:

• The power of spotting overlooked market opportunities and acting quickly
• How entrepreneurial resilience means learning from both peaks and valleys
• Strategies for successful exits—and avoiding common pitfalls when selling
• Building sustainable businesses with passion, purpose, and play
• The importance of evolving from doing it all yourself to enabling others to succeed

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Struggling with your bookkeeping process? Discover how to transition to a professional accounting team without fear or hassle.

Ever had those moments where your numbers just aren’t making sense, or things don’t show up on time?

Julie Smith talks about that “uh-oh” feeling and what it’s like to realize you might need help. Glenn Harper reassures us that embarrassment is totally normal, but it shouldn’t stop you from making the change you need. They break down what the transition really looks like. From evaluating your current setup (no judgment!) to how their team does all the heavy lifting so you don’t have to stress.

You'll hear stories about what it means for entrepreneurs to actually hand off the books, how a professional team can be a real partner for your business, and why, according to Glenn Harper, no one regrets finally getting their finances organized. If you’ve ever wondered what switching accountants is really like, or just want to spend more time doing what you love in your business, this episode is for you!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key takeaways for entrepreneurs:

• Don’t let embarrassment hold you back. As Glenn Harper shared, recognizing issues in your bookkeeping is common. When you know better, you can do better. For yourself, your team, and your clients.
• You don’t have to figure it out alone. The transition to a new system isn’t as daunting as it seems. Our team picks up the heavy lifting, giving you clear expectations and minimal to-dos for a seamless change.
• Focus on your strengths. Let professionals handle the numbers, so you can spend your valuable energy on what you do best and grow your business with confidence.

Moments

00:00 Organized onboarding and change management

03:47 Value of hiring a professional CPA

06:50 Benefits of professional bookkeeping services

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

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Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Learn how effective bookkeeping, accounting, and proactive financial strategies can transform your small business from the inside out.

Ever wondered if bookkeepers are just folks with pocket protectors and stacks of green paper? Julie Smith and Glenn Harper bust that myth wide open, talking through how bookkeepers do way more than just punch numbers. They’re the ones making sure your money is in the right places, your expenses actually make sense, and no one’s accidentally (or not-so-accidentally) shopping for themselves on the company card.

They also dig into what happens when business owners wait till the last minute to figure out their finances (hint: it’s not good). And why getting proactive with your bookkeeping and working with accountants all year can help you actually grow instead of just stressing every tax season. Glenn Harper shares insider tips on turning those “write-offs” into real savings. No weird “girl math” or sitcom-level confusion required.

Whether you’re googling bookkeeping for the first time or trying to level up your systems, this episode breaks everything down in a way that’s easy to get, with plenty of laughs along the way.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The core functions of a bookkeeper versus an accountant, and when you need each
• Why internal controls are essential for protecting your business from errors and fraud
• The real story behind business write-offs and how to maximize legitimate tax deductions
• The pitfalls of once-a-year bookkeeping and how monthly financial statements empower better decisions
• How investing in professional advice can dramatically improve your company’s financial health

Moments

00:00 Delegating financial tasks in a company

05:21 Maximizing tax write-offs in business

08:27 Importance of proactive bookkeeping

10:34 Understanding the value of feedback

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Are your business financials a mess? Learn the basics of bookkeeping and when to call in the pros.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle a topic most people find a little boring, but trust us, it’s way more important than you think: bookkeeping. Whether you’re running a new side hustle out of your garage or you’ve got a team behind you, how you handle your books sets the tone for your whole business.

Glenn Harper starts off with a quick trip back in time (hello, Leonardo da Vinci’s accountant buddy!) to show how bookkeeping is the OG business tool. And then he brings it right back to today’s realities.

You’ll hear why categorizing your expenses matters, what can go wrong if you skip proper reconciliation, and how choosing the right system (like QuickBooks) can save you serious headaches down the road.

Why do so many owners start out doing their own books? When should you call in a pro? And what are the classic mistakes that trip people up before they even realize there’s a problem? With real talk about how bookkeeping mess-ups can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary stress, this episode is packed with tips on setting up your system right, knowing when to ask for help, and actually understanding what your financial statements are telling you.

PureTax, LLC

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The origins and purpose of bookkeeping—and why every business needs it (00:00)
• How to properly categorize income and expenses to avoid costly mistakes (01:32)
• The role of reconciliation and why it’s essential for accurate financial statements (03:10)
• When to handle bookkeeping internally, when to hire a bookkeeper, and when to bring in an accountant (04:13, 12:32)
• Red flags that signal it’s time to get professional help—and the real costs of getting it wrong (11:13, 14:25)

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Discover how behavioral science expert Kurt Nelson helps entrepreneurs master mindset, team leadership, and motivation in this insightful episode.

What sets thriving entrepreneurs apart? We look into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurial success with Kurt Nelson, PhD, founder of the Lantern Group, podcast co-host, and behavioral science expert.

From humble Midwestern beginnings and ice cream shop lessons to advising Fortune 500 companies and solo entrepreneurs alike, Kurt shares eye-opening perspectives on how the right mindset and emotional intelligence drive lasting impact.

In this episode, you’ll get:

• Key lessons from Kurt’s journey. Why understanding human behavior is essential for business success
• Real-life stories tackling burnout, uncertainty, and how to reset your entrepreneurial drive
• The science of motivation: why non-cash incentives can outperform cash, and how leaders can build high-performing, resilient teams
• Practical strategies for developing self-awareness, overcoming limiting behaviors, and building supportive company cultures
• The rising importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the age of AI and remote work

Packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs at every stage, this conversation will help you simplify challenges, improve decision-making, and become a better leader, no matter your business size.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Three key takeaways for entrepreneurs and leaders:

• Human behavior is the heart of business. Whether working with a Fortune 500 or a five-person startup, success depends on understanding how people think, feel, and make decisions. Behavioral science isn’t just theory, it’s your competitive advantage.
• Self-awareness unlocks growth. The best leaders don’t just manage others, they reflect deeply on their own actions, biases, and communication patterns. Bringing a mirror to your habits may be the most challenging step, but it’s the foundation for meaningful change and leadership impact.
• EQ will set you apart in an AI-powered world. As technology levels the playing field on technical intelligence, emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes the new differentiator. Building trust, connection, and empathy is more critical than ever. Your team and clients can feel the difference.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Learn the inside story of immigration, startups, and entrepreneurship with leading immigration attorney Tahmina Watson.

What does it take to turn the challenges of immigration into entrepreneurial success? Tahmina Watson, founder of Watson Immigration Law, Forbes Business Council member, author, and advocate, sits down with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith to discuss her own immigrant journey, the realities of U.S. immigration law, and the mindset required to build both a meaningful business and life.

In this candid conversation, listeners will learn:

• The personal story behind Tahmina’s move from the UK to America and starting over as a legal professional 02:48
• How her experiences led her to become a specialist in immigration law for entrepreneurs and startups 07:43
• Practical insights into visa options and the unique barriers immigrant entrepreneurs face in the U.S. 27:05
• What it really takes to launch and grow a values-driven law firm, including team building and business lessons 33:01
• Methods for balancing entrepreneurship, meaningful work, and self-care, plus Tamina’s surprising passion for bird photography 40:42

Whether you’re an aspiring immigrant founder, a business owner, or someone passionate about social impact, Tahmina’s transparency and expertise will inspire you to turn personal challenges into professional purpose.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the path from immigrant to entrepreneur requires resilience, support, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities.
• The U.S. immigration system for entrepreneurs is complex and constantly evolving, and understanding visa options and legal nuances is critical.
• Building a business as an immigrant includes unique stressors; having a mission and outlets like bird photography can sustain long-term success.
• Authorship and advocacy can amplify your impact beyond client work and open unexpected doors.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Many entrepreneurs mistake task completion for true business growth—discover the biggest lie holding you back.

Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of feeling productive by crossing tasks off their to-do lists—but is that really growing your business? In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith bust through the biggest lie most entrepreneurs tell themselves.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

• Don’t confuse task completion with business building: Many entrepreneurs spend their time on easy tasks instead of strategic growth activities (00:29-01:32).
• Prepare for the necessary pivot: Being stuck in routines can make it difficult to adapt when your business needs a change (00:45).
• Identify your real product or service: It’s easy to mistake what you sell (e.g., homes) for what you truly provide (e.g., the dream of homeownership) (02:09-03:02).
• The path of least resistance isn’t the best route: Doing what’s comfortable often prevents substantial progress (01:37).
• Growth requires doing the hard things: Embrace the challenging tasks if you want your business to thrive (01:47-01:49).

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the biggest lie entrepreneurs tell themselves? - Glenn Harper explains it’s believing they are running a business, when they’re just completing tasks (00:29).
2. Why do entrepreneurs get stuck doing easy tasks? - According to Julie Smith, easy tasks are enjoyable and offer the path of least resistance, making them an easy comfort zone (01:37).
3. How can being task-focused hurt your business? - It can prevent you from pivoting quickly or prioritizing activities that actually drive growth and revenue (01:47).
4. What does it mean to misunderstand your product or service? -Glenn Harper shares that entrepreneurs often think they’re selling a product (like a house) instead of the real value (a dream or lifestyle) (02:09).
5. What can help entrepreneurs shift their mindset? - Focus on doing the hard, strategic things and be prepared to pivot—don’t let comfort tasks hold you back from growth (01:49).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Discover practical strategies for managing different leadership styles in your business with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith.

Are you struggling to collaborate with a business partner, co-founder, or leadership team member whose style drastically differs from yours? In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal how they’ve navigated—and leveraged—their drastically different decision-making approaches for long-term entrepreneurial success.

From explosive, quick-action responses to measured, methodical problem-solving, they break down the realities of working with opposites. Listeners will find actionable insights and plenty of practical analogies (including grenades, tanks, and sandboxes!) to guide their own leadership growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The pros and cons of assertive vs. methodical decision-making styles 00:33
• Why understanding your partner’s conflict resolution style is key to business success 01:31
• How to pause, communicate, and choose the right approach for each situation 05:26
• Tips for listening actively and separating the problem from the people involved 07:03
• When to escalate—and when to soothe—conflicts for the best business outcomes

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to understand different leadership styles in entrepreneurship? - Understanding various leadership styles allows business partners and leaders to work together effectively, adapt to different situations, and make better decisions as a team 01:16.
2. What are common challenges when partners have different decision-making styles? - Partners may struggle with disagreements, misunderstand communication, or take conflicting actions, which can cause tension or disrupt progress 00:33.
3. How can entrepreneurs resolve conflicts arising from style differences? - By pausing before reacting, openly communicating intentions, and listening to each other’s perspectives, entrepreneurs can choose the most effective solution for each scenario 05:26.
4. Is one leadership style better than another in business? - No single style is always right; both assertive and nurturing approaches have value, and circumstances dictate which is most effective 01:33.
5. What practical steps can leaders take to improve collaboration with different styles? - Actively listen, separate the problem from the individual, discuss potential resolutions together, and be willing to try both approaches as appropriate 07:03.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Learn what makes entrepreneurial conversations with family, staff, and funders so challenging, and how to address them confidently.

Starting—or growing—a business isn't just about grit and hustle. Sometimes, the toughest part is having difficult conversations with the people who matter most. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith look into what makes these moments so challenging and how to approach them with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition Talks Are Critical: Whether it's telling your employer you're leaving, sharing your dream with your spouse, or explaining your vision to friends and family, it's tough to put your entrepreneurial drive into words others understand (Glenn Harper at 00:33).
• Confidence Is Contagious: How you frame your plan—confidently presenting your vision and preparation—shapes how much support you’ll receive from those around you (Julie Smith at 02:29).
• Tough Conversations Never End: Success and failure both require direct discussions, whether it's about reinvesting in the business or facing setbacks with transparency and a plan (Glenn Harper at 04:40, 05:18).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

FAQ's About How Entrepreneurs Handle Hard Talks With Family and Teams

What are the hardest conversations entrepreneurs face when starting a business?

The hardest conversations entrepreneurs face often involve telling employers, spouses, children, and friends about their decision to leave stable jobs and pursue a new venture, as discussed by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. These talks are challenging because others may not understand the entrepreneur's mindset or vision, making it difficult to articulate their reasons and address doubts 00:33–01:23.

How should entrepreneurs approach discussing their new venture with family and supporters?

Entrepreneurs should approach discussions with family and supporters by clearly communicating their vision, having a confident plan, and directly addressing potential concerns or objections. Glenn Harper recommends presenting a well-thought-out strategy, explaining the financial plan, and specifying the support needed, which helps make these conversations easier and more productive 02:07–02:21.

Why is confidence important when explaining your entrepreneurial decisions to others?

Confidence is crucial when explaining entrepreneurial decisions because it reassures supporters and helps them believe in the venture. As Julie Smith explains, when entrepreneurs lack confidence, others may also doubt the plan, but a clear, purposeful vision encourages buy-in and support from those around them 02:29–02:45.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

The Real Reasons Small Mistakes Kill Businesses Today

Have you ever wondered why so many promising businesses quietly fail—not from catastrophic mistakes, but from tiny, often overlooked missteps?

In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal the small things that slowly erode business success: lack of purpose, scattered focus, and the avalanche of overwhelming opportunities.

Through candid conversation, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights, they dissect why even the most driven entrepreneurs can lose their way without a clear vision and decisive action.

If you're tired of feeling stuck or distracted in your business journey, this episode will challenge your thinking and reignite your determination. Discover how pausing for clarity could be the most powerful tool for business survival. And why sometimes, the things you ignore are the ones killing your dreams.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Define your purpose early and let it guide every major business decision.
• Don’t let opportunities turn into distractions—capture ideas, but finish your current race first.
• Take intentional time to reflect, focus, and see beyond today’s fires toward long-term success.

FAQ's

What small habits or decisions are causing businesses to fail today?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explain that a lack of purpose, unclear decision-making, and constantly chasing new opportunities without direction are small but critical reasons businesses struggle or fail. Entrepreneurs often lack awareness around profit, inventory, and their actual goals, leading to poor daily decisions.

How can entrepreneurs avoid getting distracted by too many opportunities?

Glenn Harper suggests entrepreneurs should clearly define their main goal, make intentional decisions, and set aside new opportunities for later instead of jumping on every idea immediately. Staying focused helps ensure consistent progress toward the primary objective rather than being derailed by distractions.

Why is having a clear purpose so crucial for business success?

According to Glenn Harper and Julie Smith, a clear purpose allows entrepreneurs to answer every other business question and make better decisions. Purpose acts as a guiding star, helping teams prioritize actions and avoid decision paralysis or distraction by less important opportunities.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus