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Business Budgeting: Know Your Costs, Plan Your Pay

Being busy doesn’t always mean your business is making enough to pay you. In this episode, Lisa Goss, MBA, walks through building a practical business budget so you can understand your costs, set realistic revenue goals and see what’s actually available to pay yourself.

Using a registered massage therapy practice as a service-based business example, Lisa brings the numbers to life with lessons business owners across industries can adapt. We cover commonly missed expenses, the difference between revenue and take-home pay, calculating your break-even point, and planning for taxes, slower months, emergencies and time away.

Whether you’re creating your first budget or revisiting an existing one, this session will help you build a simple monthly routine and make more informed decisions about your pricing, workload and business.

🎙️ How to Keep Your Day Job

Practical conversations about work, leadership, business and all the human stuff that comes with it.
 
  
📬 Connect with Morning Star Exchange If today’s episode got you thinking, we’d love to connect. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, regulated professional, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, Morning Star Exchange is here to help.
  
🌐 Website - morningstarexchange.ca

📧 Email -  [email protected]

📱 Instagram -  @morningstarexchangeinc

📘 Facebook -  Morning Star Exchange

💼 LinkedIn -  Morning Star Exchange

Morning Star Exchange Inc. Building Capacity. Creating Impact.

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This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide medical or mental health advice.

Discussions about ADHD, rejection sensitivity, emotional regulation, workplace experiences, and leadership are provided for general education and reflection. Individual experiences vary, and not everything discussed will apply to every person with ADHD.

If you have questions or concerns about ADHD, your mental health, medications, diagnosis, or treatment, please speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

The views and examples shared are general in nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualized professional advice.

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This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Before the Rush: Is Your Organization Ready for September?

September is often the real beginning of the business year.

As summer comes to an end, organizations shift into high gear. Boards resume meeting, projects restart, clients return, healthcare appointments increase, fundraising ramps up, and businesses begin preparing for year-end. Yet many leaders enter the busiest season of the year without taking the time to prepare their organizations for what's ahead.

In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa Goss and Staci Bailey explore why the most successful organizations don't simply work harder—they prepare differently.

Together, they take listeners on a walk through their organization, from the parking lot to the boardroom, looking at the people, systems, finances, technology, policies, and leadership practices that create capacity before the pressure begins.

Whether you lead a non-profit organization, own a small business, operate a healthcare or clinical practice, or work as an independent professional, this episode offers practical ideas to help you reduce stress, strengthen your operations, and enter the fall season with greater confidence.

Instead of reacting to the rush, learn how to prepare for it.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why September is the real "New Year" for many organizations
• How to identify operational blind spots before they become problems
• Simple ways to strengthen systems, leadership, and organizational capacity
• Why preparation—not perfection—is the key to a successful busy season
• One leadership challenge you can complete this week to help your organization thrive through the months ahead

Because healthy organizations don't happen by accident—they happen by design.

📬 Connect with Morning Star

If today's episode got you thinking, we'd love to connect.

Whether you're a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, we're here to help.

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com

📧 Email
[email protected]

📱 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive

📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive

💼 LinkedIn
Morning Star Consulting
https://www.linkedin.com/company/morning-star-consulting

🎙️ Follow the Podcast

Don't forget to follow, rate, and review How to Keep Your Day Job wherever you listen to podcasts. Every follow, rating, and review helps more leaders discover the show.

⭐ Meet the Hosts

Lisa Goss, MBA
Founder & CEO, Morning Star Consulting
Executive Advisor | Fractional Executive Office | Speaker

Staci Bailey
Strategic Advisor | Leadership Coach | Events Specialist

💬 Have a Topic You'd Like Us to Cover?

Send us your questions, ideas, or real-world leadership challenges. Your topic might inspire a future episode!

📧 [email protected]

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This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Leadership Happens Between People
Why Putting People First Still Drives Results

What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't authority, strategy, or expertise—but human connection?

In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa Goss sits down with Morning Star Consultive Services Senior Project Strategist Dave Nerada for an engaging conversation about leadership, relationships, and the people behind organizational success.

Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, Dave shares insights gained from leading organizations ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to complex, multi-brand enterprises serving millions of customers annually. Together, Lisa and Dave explore why trust, authentic relationships, and meaningful human connection remain at the heart of effective leadership.

The conversation touches on leadership in times of change, building strong organizational cultures, balancing operational excellence with people-centered leadership, and why the strongest results often come from putting people first. Listeners will hear practical reflections on leading teams, strengthening workplace relationships, navigating complexity, and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, manager, board member, or emerging leader, this episode offers valuable insights into the human side of leadership and the lasting impact of investing in people.

Guest: Dave Nerada
Senior Project Strategist, Morning Star Consultive Services

Areas of Expertise:
• Business Growth Strategy
• Operational Improvement
• Leadership Development
• Change Management
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Customer Experience & Loyalty
• Supply Chain
• Organizational Transformation

Connect with Dave:
📧 [email protected]

Dave believes that strong operations and meaningful relationships are not competing priorities—they are the foundation of lasting success.

For more information about Morning Star Consultive Services, visit our website or connect with us on social media.

Morning Star Consultive Services
Business and Life Strategists

📍 Address: 93 Lombard Avenue, Suite 103
 📞 Phone: 431-807-9679 ext. 800
 🌐 Website: Business and Management Consultant - Winnipeg, Manitoba
📧 Email: [email protected]
🎙 Podcast: How To Keep Your Day Job — with The Morning Star Consultants

Strategic | Operational | Foundational

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This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Finance can feel overwhelming, but understanding your financial infrastructure is one of the most important foundations for any business, non-profit, association, or professional practice.

In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with The Morning Star Consultants, Lisa Goss sits down with Ahmed Elsayed of Right Solutions Inc. to break down the fundamentals of financial systems in a practical, approachable way.

Together, they unpack:

•  The three core financial statements and what they actually tell you 
•  Why cash flow matters more than many people realize 
•  Common bookkeeping and GST mistakes businesses make 
•  The importance of monthly reconciliation and financial review 
•  How poor financial infrastructure creates stress, confusion, and risk 
•  Why strong systems create clarity, confidence, and freedom 

Using simple real-world examples — including the “Lemon Stand Principle” — Lisa and Ahmed explain complex financial concepts in a way that is accessible, practical, and grounded in real operations.

A special shoutout to Ahmed Elsayed and the team at Right Solutions Inc. for their ongoing support in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax solutions for businesses and organizations across Manitoba and beyond.

Whether you’re a business owner, Executive Director, board member, entrepreneur, or someone trying to better understand your numbers, this episode is designed to help you build stronger financial foundations.

📍 Based on the presentation “Finance 101: Understanding Your Financial Infrastructure” presented by Ahmed Elsayed and Lisa Goss. 

Lisa Goss, MBA

Morning Star Consultive Services
Business and Life Strategists

📍 Address: 93 Lombard Avenue, Suite 103
 📞 Phone: 431-807-9679 ext. 800
 🌐 Website: Business and Management Consultant - Winnipeg, Manitoba
📧 Email: [email protected]
🎙 Podcast: How To Keep Your Day Job — with The Morning Star Consultants

Strategic | Operational | Foundational

Ahmed Elsayed

Right Solutions Inc.
Accounting and Tax Solutions

 📧 Email: [email protected]
 📞 Phone: 416-520-0544
 🌐 Website: Right Solutions Inc.

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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This episode is a little different.

We’re stepping away from teaching and into a real conversation about what’s happening behind the scenes at Morning Star right now.

We’ve crossed 10,000 downloads this month (thank you — truly), and at the same time, we’re in the middle of a big season of growth. Conferences, governance work, complex client files… and now, a new event space that we’re building from the ground up.

And it’s not small.

We talk about what it actually looks like to take the next step in business — the risk, the responsibility, and the reality that growth doesn’t come wrapped in a neat, polished package.

We also get into the tension between business decisions and values. What it means to build something that’s financially sustainable, while still staying true to making space accessible for nonprofits, charities, and community.

This isn’t a how-to episode.

It’s a real one.

If you’re in a season where things feel big, messy, or uncertain — you’re not alone.

We’re right there too.

📬 Contact Us

Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com/
📧 Email
[email protected]
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive
🔗 LinkedIn (Company Page)

LinkedIn: Morning Star Consulting | LinkedIn

Check out Staci on Instagram @DefineYourFabulous

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Year-end doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, reactive, or… slightly chaotic.

In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with the Morning Star Consultants, we walk through what it actually takes to prepare for a year-end audit in a way that is organized, intentional, and grounded in strong governance.

Using Morning Star’s Audit Preparation Checklist as a foundation, we break down what auditors are really looking for—and how to have it ready before they even ask.

We also dive into one of the most overlooked (but critical) pieces of the audit process:
 👉 the Board and Management Questionnaire

This tool isn’t just paperwork—it’s a governance signal. It demonstrates oversight, accountability, and that your organization understands its roles and responsibilities at both the Board and operational levels.

We also unpack:

•  The different types of audit and financial engagements (audit, review, compilation—and why they matter) 
•  How legislation and your governing Act shape your reporting obligations 
•  The connection between governance, compliance, and financial transparency 
•  Why a clean audit starts months before year-end—not at the last minute 

This episode is for:
 ✔️ Executive Directors & CEOs
 ✔️ Board Members & Treasurers
 ✔️ Anyone responsible for financial oversight in a non-profit, charity, or association

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what auditors actually need—or how to show up prepared—this episode will help you move from scrambling to structured.

Key Takeaway

A strong audit isn’t just about numbers—it’s about governance, systems, and telling a clear, accountable story of your organization.

Note: if you are sharing any information with the auditor that is covered by privacy legislation, get consent first! 

📬 Contact Us

Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com/
📧 Email
[email protected]
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive
🔗 LinkedIn (Company Page)

LinkedIn: Morning Star Consulting | LinkedIn

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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What’s the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?

Hint: it’s not what you write in the contract.

In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with the Morning Star Consultants, Lisa and Staci unpack one of the most misunderstood — and most expensive — mistakes organizations make: worker misclassification.

Because here’s the truth:
If you control their schedule, direct their work, supply their tools, and integrate them into your operations… calling them a “contractor” doesn’t magically make it so.

In this episode, we break down:

• The real test used to determine worker status
• Why invoices don’t equal independence
• The financial risks of getting it wrong
• Governance blind spots boards often miss
• How to structure working relationships properly

This conversation is practical, honest, and maybe just a little sarcastic — because sometimes the gap between what organizations say and what they do is… significant.

If you run a business, sit on a board, hire consultants, or think you’ve found a clever workaround to payroll obligations, this episode is for you.

Because in the end:

It’s not what you call them.
It’s how you treat them.

📬 Contact Us

Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com/
📧 Email
[email protected]
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive
🔗 LinkedIn (Company Page)

LinkedIn: Morning Star Consulting | LinkedIn

If you’re choosing to operate as an independent contractor, start with the right financial foundation — clear bookkeeping, tax planning, and compliance systems matter.

Morning Star collaborates with Ahmed Elsayed, founder of Right Solutions Inc., an accounting and tax services firm supporting small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and charities. Ahmed provides bookkeeping, payroll administration, and tax services with a strong compliance lens.

If you reach out, mention Morning Star to receive preferred pricing.

Contact Information

Right Solutions Inc. – Accounting & Tax Solutions
 📧 [email protected]

 📞 416-520-0544

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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Structure Over Stress is a practical, plain-language podcast for self-employed Canadians who want fewer financial surprises and more control over their business.

Hosted by Lisa Goss of Morning Star Consultive Services and Ahmed Elsayed of Right Solutions Financial, Tax & Accounting, this podcast breaks down what most people are never taught - how business structure, tax planning, and financial systems directly impact stress, cash flow, and long-term security.

Each episode tackles real issues like:

• Self-employed vs incorporated — and when it actually matters
• The “CPP shock” no one budgets for
• What CRA allows, what it disallows, and what it audits first
• Deductions vs capital assets (and why that distinction matters)
• Why messy systems create tax risk — and how to fix them
• How structure, systems, and compliance create financial safety

This is not hype, shortcuts, or “write-offs gone wild.” It’s honest conversations grounded in real practice, Canadian tax rules, and governance-level thinking.

Educational, not advice. Practical, not scary. Built for people who want their business to support their life — not run it.

Ahmed Elsayed is the founder of Right Solutions Inc., an accounting and tax services firm supporting small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and charities. He specializes in bookkeeping, payroll administration, and compliance-focused financial operations. Ahmed collaborates with Morning Star Consultive Services as a contract consultant, supporting strong financial systems and statutory compliance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Management, a Certificate with Honours in Applied Accounting, the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation, and is completing the CPA pathway.Right Solutions Inc.

Contact Information:

Right Solutions Inc. - Accounting and Tax Solutions

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone : 416-520-0544

This podcast is for general education and planning purposes only. It does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and listeners should consult their own professional advisors regarding their specific situation.

📬 Contact Us

Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com/
📧 Email
[email protected]
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive
🔗 LinkedIn (Company Page)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/morning-star-consultive-services/

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary. 

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As the year comes to a close, we’re pulling back the curtain on a powerful — and often under-used — tools inside non-profits, charities, and small organizations: Microsoft Teams.

In this year-end episode, Lisa and Staci talk candidly about why Teams is more than just “another platform,” and how, when used well, it can quietly transform how organizations communicate, document decisions, protect institutional memory, and work sustainably — especially on tight budgets.

We cover:

• Why Teams is often underutilized (and misunderstood)
• How to structure Teams so it actually supports your work instead of creating noise
• Practical guidance on Teams vs. Zoom — and when each makes sense
• Simple, realistic ways to improve consistency, clarity, and collaboration
• How good systems reduce burnout, risk, and year-end chaos

This episode is also a reflection on the close of the year at Morning Star — what we’ve learned, what we’ve seen across the sector, and why strong foundations matter more than ever heading into a new year.

Whether you’re wrapping up your fiscal year, preparing for board transitions, or simply trying to start the next chapter with more clarity and less overwhelm, this conversation is about working smarter, not harder — and building systems that last.

✨ Practical. Honest. Grounded in real organizational life.

✨ Designed for charities, non-profits, and mission-driven teams.

📬 Contact Us

Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?

🌐 Website
https://morningstarconsultant.com/
📧 Email
[email protected]
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/morningstarconsultive/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/morningstarconsultive
🔗 LinkedIn (Company Page)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/morning-star-consultive-services/

Support the show

This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.