Most business owners set ambitious goals. Whether it's scaling revenue, growing a client base, or hitting that next big milestone. But why do so many fall short? In this episode, we dive into a critical mindset shift: moving your focus from the outcome to the activity that creates the outcome.

Whether you're aiming for your first $1M year or just want to move the needle, this episode will challenge you to trade wishful thinking for intentional action. Don’t just chase the goal, own the process.

Feel like you don’t have time to understand your financials? In this short and practical episode, we break down a 5-minute monthly checklist that every business owner should review when they receive their financial reports.

You’ll learn exactly what numbers to look at, why they matter, and how to use them to make smarter decisions, without spending hours in spreadsheets. Whether you're trying to improve cash flow, stay on top of expenses, or prepare for growth, this quick guide will help you feel more confident and in control of your business finances.

In this episode of Upleveling, we're flipping the script on what it really means to lead. Growth doesn’t eliminate problems, it upgrades them. And the faster you learn to solve those bigger, messier challenges, the faster your business grows.

We’re diving into:

• Why problem-solving is the CEO’s real job title
• How resilience is built through decision-making reps
• Tools and tactics for making better, faster decisions
• A simple mindset shift that could change how you lead forever

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like the problems never end, this one's for you.

Is time management really the key to productivity—or just a well-marketed myth?

In this episode, Joy breaks down why traditional approaches often fall short and what actually helps you get more done. She covers smarter strategies like time blocking, energy management, delegating tasks, and setting clear boundaries. If you're ready to stop feeling busy and start feeling effective, this one’s for you.

Most business owners think growing revenue is complicated, but it really comes down to three simple levers. In this episode, we break down each one and explain how you can use them to increase revenue immediately. Whether it's bringing in more clients, increasing the value of each transaction, or encouraging repeat business, these classic levers are straightforward and effective. You'll walk away with practical tactics you can apply today to start seeing results.

If you want help identifying which lever will move the needle fastest in your business, reach out to Aligned CPA and we’ll help you build a simple plan that works.

In this week’s episode, Joy dives into one of the toughest decisions a business owner can face: letting someone go. But before you hand out the pink slip, there’s a critical question you need to ask—is this a people problem or a process problem?

Joy unpacks how to spot the root of underperformance and shares a practical framework for diagnosing whether the issue lies with the individual or the systems they’re working within. You’ll learn how to approach the situation with clarity, reduce costly turnover, and strengthen your leadership muscle.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone managing a team, building a business, or navigating difficult personnel decisions with confidence and care.

In this episode, Joy breaks down what it means to think like a CFO and how to bring that mindset into your business planning. She walks through how to thoughtfully reflect on the past quarter—what worked, what didn’t, and what you can learn from it—to make smart, forward-thinking decisions.

You'll hear how to shift from being a reactive business owner to a proactive one by identifying problems early, creating intentional strategies to address them, and building in time for reflection. Joy also shares real-world examples of how we guide clients through this process at Aligned CPA to set them up for sustainable growth.

Whether you’re heading into Q2 or Q4, this is your roadmap to confident, strategic planning.

In today’s episode, Joy takes a moment to reflect on the wins, lessons, and challenges from last quarter—and why that reflection is a key move every CEO should make. She also shares powerful tactics to carry into the new quarter so you can show up stronger, lead with clarity, and continue growing your business with intention.

If you’re ready to elevate how you lead and level up how you operate, this episode is for you.

As mentioned in the episode, here’s your handout with all the questions we discussed.