In this episode, Harman Johnston explains how established business owners can increase consistent owner’s pay without increasing revenue by changing from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset and using Profit First style allocations. She challenges the formula of revenue minus expenses equals profit and shows how expenses often rise with revenue unless pay is protected. Using a $120,000 per month example, she outlines allocating percentages to profit, tax, owner’s pay, and operating expenses to reveal pricing, expense, or margin issues. She highlights three common leaks reducing take home pay: expense creep, emotional spending, and lack of weekly financial visibility. Harman shares her own shift to making owner’s pay non negotiable, tightening expenses, improving pricing, and leading with clearer numbers. The episode closes with a practical audit of the last three months of owner’s pay and an invitation to book a discovery call to build a structure that supports paying yourself first.

 

00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO (Show Intro & What to Expect)

01:00 Today’s Topic: Pay Yourself More Without More Revenue

01:39 Why ‘More Revenue’ Doesn’t Fix Owner Pay (The Real Problem)

02:26 Operator vs CEO: The Mindset Shift to Paying Yourself First

03:12 Let’s Get Practical: A Simple Allocation Example ($120k/month)

04:03 When the Numbers Don’t Fit: Pricing, Expenses & Margin Reality Check

04:45 The 3 Silent Leaks Shrinking Your Take-Home Pay

05:31 My Story: The Day I Made Owner Pay Non‑Negotiable

06:29 What You Actually Want: Clarity, Separate Accounts & Peace of Mind

07:19 Takeaway + Action Steps (Review 3 Months of Pay)

07:41 Call to Action + Closing: Build a Structure That Pays You Now

 

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🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
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📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
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