In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx chats with Shay Bacani, the Founder and CEO of Censure Financial, to dive into the world of business growth, scaling, and acquisition. Shay shares her journey from growing up in Chicago with a stock-exchange-savvy father to becoming a Fractional CFO who helps businesses raise funding, multiply wealth, and navigate the path to acquisition.

Together, Jessica and Shay discuss the critical importance of understanding your financial story, leveraging debt to fuel business growth, and positioning your company for scalability. Shay breaks down the stages of raising capital, from pre-seed to Series A, and offers actionable insights for women entrepreneurs on overcoming fears around giving up equity or taking on debt. They also highlight key financial mistakes businesses make, why proprietary assets are crucial for long-term success, and the strategic benefits of acquiring other companies to accelerate growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Shay’s expertise—tune in now!

Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment

Highlights:

• (01:37) Shay's journey from corporate finance to launching her own firm.
• (03:46) Understanding the limitations of bootstrapping and the benefits of raising capital.
• (06:44) A breakdown of pre-seed, Series A, and beyond: When and how to raise funds.
• (09:47) Equity vs. debt: Deciding which approach works best for your growth strategy.
• (14:09) The importance of crafting a compelling financial narrative to attract investors.
• (17:30) Why proprietary assets and innovations are key to long-term business value.
• (25:12) Reframing debt as a strategic growth tool and overcoming the stigma associated with it.
• (28:31) Lessons from successful businesses and governments: Using debt to accelerate growth.
• (30:00) Shay’s top three lessons for entrepreneurs: Stay adaptable, prioritize exceptional customer experiences, and trust your instincts.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Connect with Shay:
Instagram: @centurefinancial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaybacani/ 

Website: https://centurefinancial.com/ 

In this episode of the Millions Were Made podcast, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas tackle the increasingly vital topic of personal branding for CEOs and founders. They explore why building a strong personal brand is essential in today’s entrepreneurial landscape and provide actionable insights on how to create one that aligns with your company’s values while staying authentic.

They address key questions, including whether every founder needs a personal brand, how to start building one effectively, and the metrics to measure its impact on your business. They also discuss common pitfalls, such as inconsistency and ego-driven branding, and share strategies to avoid these challenges.

Whether you’re looking to expand your influence, attract new opportunities, or position yourself for long-term success, this episode offers valuable guidance for building a personal brand that supports and enhances your entrepreneurial journey.

Take your leadership to the next level by developing a personal brand that amplifies your business success. Tune in now!

Highlights

• (01:04) The growing importance of personal branding for founders and CEOs in a competitive business environment.
• (02:18) Practical steps to build a personal brand that reflects your values and business mission.
• (05:25) Strategies for maintaining privacy while cultivating a professional public image.
• (06:08) Selecting the right platforms—LinkedIn, Instagram, or others—to establish and maintain your presence.
• (09:09) Avoiding the common mistake of inconsistent messaging and why authenticity matters.
• (11:57) Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of your personal branding efforts.
• (13:50) How to balance personal ambitions with strategic business goals when building a personal brand.
• (15:40) Why scaling your personal brand is like growing a company—and why starting small isn’t a bad thing.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx sits down with Robyn Spangler—a serial entrepreneur who has built not one, not two, but THREE thriving businesses in the functional medicine and wellness space. From founding The Clear Skin Lab to launching her practitioner training program and a successful product line, Robyn shares the strategies, challenges, and insights that have propelled her career forward.

They explore the importance of niching down, the power of storytelling in building a brand, and how to effectively manage multiple businesses while staying focused on the big picture. Robyn also discusses her approach to hiring and team-building, the necessity of understanding your numbers as a CEO, and the pivotal role relationships play in long-term success.

Whether you’re scaling your business or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration from one of the industry's top leaders.

Highlights:

• (01:35) Robyn’s inspiring leap into entrepreneurship and how her personal health journey shaped her mission.
• (03:08) Why passion and purpose are critical drivers for building a sustainable business.
• (06:10) The importance of storytelling and authenticity in building trust with your audience.
• (09:25) How narrowing her focus to skin health established Robin as an authority in functional medicine.
• (11:55) The creation of Robyn’s practitioner training program and its industry-wide impact.
• (17:48) Lessons learned in launching Ravi, a product line that reflects years of expertise and market research.
• (22:16) Robyn’s systems and strategies for managing three businesses while maintaining balance.
• (24:59) Hiring with intention: Robyn’s process for building a mission-driven team.
• (27:55) The critical role of financial literacy for CEOs at every stage of business growth.
• (29:17) Robyn’s advice for new entrepreneurs: Embrace the learning curve and trust your ability to adapt.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Connect with Robyn:
Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of Millions Were Made Podcast, Jessica Marx steps into the guest seat for an insightful conversation with Ali Brown. Jessica recounts her transition from leading a billion-dollar healthcare startup to building a boutique business consultancy that thrives on strategic growth and client results.

Jessica shares the hard-earned lessons from her high-stakes corporate experience, offering valuable insights on how to recession-proof your business, make bold decisions in uncertain times, and prioritize profitability over vanity metrics. Drawing from her unique blend of corporate expertise and entrepreneurial success, Jessica delivers actionable strategies for building a sustainable, scalable business—while still having time for the moments that matter most.

Whether you're navigating growth, reassessing your business model, or simply looking to regain clarity and confidence in your leadership, this episode is a masterclass in how to thrive in any market condition.

If you think manifesting is a business plan, Jessica has a few words for you—tune in now!

Highlights:

• 01:57) Scaling an $8 billion healthcare startup and the lessons learned from high-stakes leadership.
• (04:36) Why leaving corporate was essential for Jessica’s family and personal fulfillment.
• (07:10) Challenges unique to women entrepreneurs in today’s economy and how to overcome them.
• (08:26) Jessica’s three-step approach to thriving in uncertain times.
• (12:36) Recession strategies: Why now is the time to invest in your business.
• (15:35) Data-driven decision-making: Why gut feelings alone won’t grow your business.
• (16:58) Adapting your business model to meet changing market demands.
• (18:19) The importance of profitability and reducing owner dependency for long-term success.
• (25:59) The ultimate reward: Designing a business that allows for personal freedom and family time.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

In this episode of the Millions Were Made podcast, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas tackle listeners' questions about optimizing business operations for sustainable growth. They explore key strategies to streamline processes, save costs, and scale your company to seven and eight figures without sacrificing quality or team morale.

Learn how to evaluate headcount efficiency, implement automation that enhances—not detracts from—your customer experience, and avoid common pitfalls like misaligned team roles or short-sighted software investments. Plus, Brooke asks the tough questions about balancing automation with a personal touch and the key considerations when hiring a COO.

Don’t let inefficiencies hold back your growth. Tunein now!

Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment

Highlights

• (01:08) How to identify areas of overspending on headcount and improve cost efficiency.
• (02:34) The role of industry-specific software in optimizing workflows and scaling operations.
• (04:35) Dispelling fears about automation and maintaining a high-quality customer experience.
• (06:00) How streamlining routine processes benefits both customer satisfaction and employee morale.
• (08:30) Avoiding the pitfalls of overloading employees with unrelated tasks and misaligned roles.
• (12:44) Understanding the ideal timing and qualifications for bringing on a COO.
• (16:22) Why ongoing process evaluation is essential for sustainable growth and long-term operational success.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment

Join Jessica Marx in this episode of the Millions Were Made Podcast, where they delve into the intricacies of business scaling. From dissecting common pitfalls hindering growth to uncovering strategies for maximizing profitability, Jessica and Brooke leave no stone unturned. 

They explore why many companies struggle to surpass the million-dollar revenue mark, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving market dynamics and buyer psychology. Through real-world examples and actionable advice, they illuminate the significance of understanding consumer lifetime value and avoiding the allure of vanity metrics. 

Discover the hidden gems of business performance audits and gain invaluable insights into what truly drives scalability in today's competitive landscape.

Tune in now to unlock the secrets to scaling your business to seven figures!

Highlights

• (00:57) The main reasons why companies struggle to scale beyond the million-dollar revenue mark, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing economics and buyer psychology.
• (03:17) How buyer psychology is evolving and what are the necessity for businesses to anticipate market shifts rather than relying solely on past strategies.
• (06:16) The balance between focusing on revenue and profit and the significance of understanding the profitability of projects and clients.
•   (08:45) The areas where million-dollar businesses often leave money on the table, highlighting the importance of maximizing customer lifetime value and avoiding spreading resources too thin.
•   (11:47)b The red flags for scalability and profitability that potential buyers look for in businesses, emphasizing the importance of having a well-documented, scalable structure.
• (16:40) The contrasts of the portrayal of entrepreneurship on social media with the reality of the grind and hard work involved in building successful businesses.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Welcome back to the Millions Were Made podcast! In this episode, Jessica Marx is joined by her Chief Integration Strategist, Brooke Dumas, to guide you through crafting a winning strategy for Q1 and beyond.

Jessica shares insights on key areas such as setting clear annual goals, aligning your team with your vision, and leveraging data to optimize your marketing and sales performance. You’ll also learn how to identify and address inefficiencies within your team, embrace emerging trends like AI, and unlock the potential of current and past clients to create immediate wins.

Packed with expert advice and strategic recommendations, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with confidence and make 2025 your most profitable year yet—tune in now!

Subscribe to Millions Were Made and leave a review with your top takeaway! Have specific questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Follow and message us on Instagram @millionsweremade.

Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment

Highlights:

• (01:20) Essential steps every founder should take on January 1st to achieve their annual goals.
• (03:16) Strategies to secure your annual expenses in Q1 and set the pace for a profitable year.
• (04:59) How to leverage key metrics for improved marketing and sales alignment.
• (06:13) The importance of team alignment, transparency, and incentive programs for optimal performance.
• (09:39) How to address underperformance within your team effectively and decisively.
• (13:29) Leveraging AI and emerging trends to stay competitive in 2025.
• (16:29) Tapping into past and current clients for quick wins and enhanced customer lifetime value.
• (19:14) Simplifying your offers for increased clarity and profitability.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

In this episode of Millions Were Made Podcast, Jessica Marx sits down with her longtime client and friend and client, Stephanie Stewart. Stephanie is a former ER Physician Assistant turned med spa entrepreneur and mom. Stephanie’s journey from the bustling halls of a trauma center to owning a successful aesthetics practice is nothing short of inspiring. Together, they delve into the realities of breaking free from burnout, navigating early entrepreneurial missteps, and scaling a business in a crowded market without losing focus on family.

Stephanie shares the pivotal moments that led her to trust her gut, scale back on "paper-perfect" deals, and redefine success to fit her life and family goals. Expect insight into how she built a dedicated team, established work-life boundaries, and strategically invested in her business while creating real personal wealth.

If you're juggling growth, family, and your sanity—or just looking for actionable tips on running a multi-seven-figure business while still having time to breathe—this one's for you.

Ready to rethink what "growth" really means? Tune in!

Highlights

• (00:57) Stephanie’s transition from ER trauma to med spa owner and entrepreneur.
• (01:51) A personal car accident at 15 inspired Stephanie to pursue medicine.
• (05:24) Turning furloughs into full-time business growth.
• (08:38) Self-funding and bootstrapping her way to success.
• (09:49) Investing in team to create a loyal, capable workforce.
• (12:03) Extensive onboarding as a way to ensure safety, quality, and brand consistency.
• (18:08) Letting go of perfectionism and delegating effectively to the team.
• (19:41) Recognizing seasons of life and aligning business decisions accordingly.
• (22:24) Embracing the part-time mom role and balancing work-life priorities.
• (26:26) Focusing on quality over quantity in business and personal life.
• (28:44) The freedom entrepreneurship brings to say no and pursue passions.
• (34:00) Stephanie’s advice: Act like a CEO, prioritize meaningful relationships, and trust your gut.
• (35:56) Stephanie’s heartfelt gratitude to Jessica for her transformative mentorship.
• (34:00)Stephanie’s advice and heartfelt gratitude.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Connect with Stephanie Stewart
Instagram: @theaestheticmethod

Welcome back to the Millions Were Made podcast! In this episode, Jessica Marx is joined by her Chief Integration Strategist, Brooke Dumas, to explore the art of restructuring your offer suite for maximum impact and profitability. They dive into key topics such as understanding profit margins across different offers, the strategic role of lead-gen offers, and how to effectively price your services and products. 

They also discuss common mistakes businesses make with their offer suites, from overwhelming potential clients with too many options to lacking transparency in pricing and results. Learn how to simplify your offer suite, improve profitability, and ensure your pricing aligns with your business goals.

Don’t miss out on these expert insights that could transform your business strategy. For more tips and to submit your questions for future episodes, follow us on Instagram at @millionsweremade.

Tune in and elevate your offer suite today!

 
Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment

Highlights

• (01:09) Should all offers have similar profit margins, or should there be variations?
• (02:25) Explanation of team-heavy offers, like website design, and their lower profit margins.
• (03:17) “Cash influx offers” that can periodically boost revenue.
• (04:30) Should a lead-generation offer be profitable, or is breaking even acceptable
• (05:00) Lead-generation offers should still be profitable as conversion rates are often low.
• (06:27) Common issues seen in offer suites when conducting business audits.
• (07:22) Lack of transparency in pricing and unclear value propositions are common mistakes.
• (08:38) How to determine if an offer is priced too high or too low.
• (08:49) Importance of understanding real costs before setting pricing for offers.
• (10:55) Evaluating all costs, including packaging and logistics, to avoid pricing mistakes.
• (11:18) Advice to work with a financial professional, like a bookkeeper or CFO.
• (12:55) Recommended number of offers varies by business model, but generally, fewer is better.
• (13:48) How to analyze the profitability of individual offers, especially in a detailed way.
• (16:20) Importance of tracking data, analyzing team involvement, and getting outside perspective.
• (18:08) Structuring price increases gradually can enhance buyer and seller confidence.
• (19:09) Gradual pricing changes help business owners feel confident and nurture new buyers.

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

In this episode of the Millions Were Made podcast, Jessica Marx sits down with Matt Smith and Matt Budden, the Founders of WORTTTH Advisory. They share their invaluable insights on building a thriving financial firm and the wide array of services they offer.

Matt and Matt dive deep into their approach to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners, emphasizing the importance of financial education, accurate forecasting, and sustainable growth strategies. They offer expert advice on preparing for business sales, navigating common pitfalls in forecasting, and overcoming economic challenges.

Discover their strategies for valuing and scaling small businesses, the need for strong financial performance, and how to build sustainable structures that minimize owner dependency. They also explore the impact of technology and global trends on future success, highlighting the need for businesses to remain agile and forward-thinking.

Don’t miss out on their tips for avoiding costly mistakes and seizing opportunities in today’s fast-paced market.

Listen now to get ahead in your business journey!

Highlights

• (00:31) The importance of understanding financial metrics in business operations.
• (03:00) The journey of WORTTTH’s founders from friendship to building a financial advisory firm.
• (04:27) Bringing a relational approach to financial advising, making it accessible for clients.
• (06:12) The need for accurate and organized financial records when planning a business sale.
• (08:09) Setting realistic financial goals with optimistic targets as secondary objectives.
• (10:08) The importance of updating financial forecasts periodically to reflect current conditions.
• (16:09) Strategies for navigating economic uncertainties, with adaptable financial planning.
• (20:05) Leveraging creativity in business operations to address workforce and market challenges.
• (22:42) Understanding EBITDA and its relevance in business valuation for potential sales.
• (25:36) Addressing over-reliance on the business owner and succession planning as key to valuation.
• (28:09) Building a business model that operates independently of the owner’s constant involvement.
• (30:02) Adopting technology for streamlined and potentially global business operations.
• (32:47) Shifts in leadership emphasizing cultural understanding and employee engagement.
• (34:31) Common financial pitfalls, including uninformed loan choices, inadequate marketing investment, and dependency on agencies.
• (37:33) Encouraging business owners to seek accountability partnerships for decision-making support.
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Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx   

Website: Million Were Made

Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier

Connect with Matt & Matt

Website: worth.com
Instagram: @worttth