The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 100: 10 Conversations That Changed My Business And My Life
Release Date: 09/16/2025
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 100: 10 Conversations That Changed My Business And My Life
Mission Driven Business
Brian Thompson marks a major milestone with Episode 100 of the Mission Driven Business podcast! In this special retrospective, Brian reflects on 10 standout episodes that made a lasting impact and continue to resonate in his business and life. Whether you’re new to the podcast or a long-term listener, Episode 100 captures the heart of the conversations that Mission Driven Business is all about. Episode Highlights 1. Mike Michalowicz put profit first In , Mike Michalowicz flipped the traditional profit formula, redefining how business owners can approach cash flow. Mike’s episode gave...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 99: How To Do A Mid-Year Money Check
Mission Driven Business
Brian Thompson returns for a solo episode packed with practical advice to help entrepreneurs take charge of their numbers. In this mini masterclass, you’ll learn how to use your profit and loss, balance sheet, and reconciliation reports more effectively. Whether you love or loathe spreadsheets, this episode gives you the tools to pause, reflect, and make strategic financial decisions to set yourself up for success in the second half of the year. How To Conduct A Mid-Year Financial Review 1. Reconcile and clean up your books First, set aside at least 90 minutes to focus without distractions....
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 98: Don’t Make These 4 Startup Mistakes With Amy Cosper
Mission Driven Business
Brian Thompson chats with Amy Cosper, former Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, award-winning journalist, and author of the new book, “The Ultimate Guide to Startup Success.” In this episode, Amy brings fierce honesty, contagious energy, and deep wisdom about what it really takes to build a mission-driven business in uncertain times. You’ll also hear some of the biggest legal and financial mistakes founders make and be reminded why entrepreneurship can be a radical act of hope and defiance. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses don’t have to be altruistic. Amy describes a...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 97: How To Stay Visible When It Feels Safer To Hide
Mission Driven Business
In this special and timely episode, Brian Thompson calls on fellow mission-driven business owners to embrace their identities and own their values. Highlighting real messages from clients, Brian explores the challenges and uncertainties facing entrepreneurs, especially those from LGBTQ+ backgrounds and other marginalized groups. He challenges the myth that being neutral is the safest option in the current political environment and shares practical steps to get clear and bold about who you are and what you bring to the table. Episode Highlights Your identity is an asset -- not a liability....
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 96: Writing Your Own Business Story With Faye Ziegeweid
Mission Driven Business
Brian Thompson chats with Faye Ziegeweid, founder and CEO of Queen Fayzel, a greeting card company for people who want to send messages that are unique, sassy, and sincere. Faye built her values-aligned greeting card company after realizing she couldn’t be her authentic self in her old career as a public health project manager. In this episode, Faye gets real about the personal side of entrepreneurship, including how self-discovery and personal growth are necessities for sustainable growth. She also shares how articulating your values clearly can attract the right clients and create a...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 95: Empowering The LGBTQ+ Community With Sean Ebony Coleman
Mission Driven Business
Brian Thompson chats with Sean Ebony Coleman, founder and CEO of Destination Tomorrow, a grassroots agency and LGBTQ+ center in the Bronx borough of New York City. Destination Tomorrow empowers the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ community members through educational, financial, support-based, housing, and health programs. On the episode, Sean details how he and his organization are addressing some of the real challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. He also shares how he starts his mornings to stay focused and touts the value of lived experience for organizations. Episode Highlights Mission-driven...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 94: Marketing With Partners And Purpose With Erika Rodriguez
Mission Driven Business
Brian chats with Erika Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Nadi Marketing and co-founder of Tidal Pages. Erika specializes in partnership marketing for sustainable and purpose-driven businesses. In this episode, she shares how being laid off led her to entrepreneurship, the power of niching down, and how authentic partnerships can amplify your impact. Erika also details why email should be a top marketing priority and how joy, connection, and community have shaped her businesses. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses prioritize sustainability. Erika defines a mission-driven business as one...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 93: Harnessing The Power Of Small To Create Global Impact With Masami Sato
Mission Driven Business
Brian chats with Masami Sato, founder and CEO of B1G1 (Buy1GIVE1), a Certified B Corporation that empowers businesses to make giving an inherent part of every business transaction. As an experienced social entrepreneur and speaker, Masami champions the "Power of Small" -- the belief that even the smallest acts of giving, when done consistently and collectively, can create meaningful change. In this episode, Masami shares how her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to create B1G1 and how staying rooted in her mission helped her build a business that supports more than 450 high-impact projects...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 92: 6 Pillars of Successful Brand Messaging with Ashlee Sang
Mission Driven Business
Brian chats with Ashlee Sang, a values-aligned brand messaging strategist and consultant who equips visionaries to clarify and amplify their message. Drawing on her background in anthropology, Ashlee brings a values-centered approach to brand development, content creation, and marketing strategy. In this episode, she details common challenges faced by values-driven founders, shares her six pillars of successful brand messaging, and gives a few quick tips to get your brand’s story out of your head and into the world. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses are “why”-driven...
info_outline
The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 91: Deductible Business Expenses That Can Save You Thousands
Mission Driven Business
As an entrepreneur, you know that every dollar counts, so today we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that can save business owners thousands of dollars: deductible business expenses. In this episode, we’ll cover what makes an expense deductible, the savings that come with deductions, unexpected deductions, and the importance of bookkeeping. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how to make the most of your expenses and keep your money in your business. Episode Highlights Deductible expenses must be ordinary and necessary. Deductions are powerful. Every dollar you...
info_outlineBrian Thompson marks a major milestone with Episode 100 of the Mission Driven Business podcast! In this special retrospective, Brian reflects on 10 standout episodes that made a lasting impact and continue to resonate in his business and life. Whether you’re new to the podcast or a long-term listener, Episode 100 captures the heart of the conversations that Mission Driven Business is all about.
Episode Highlights
1. Mike Michalowicz put profit first
In Episode 7, Mike Michalowicz flipped the traditional profit formula, redefining how business owners can approach cash flow. Mike’s episode gave language and structure for something many business owners struggle with.
2. Brian Thompson opened up on the mic
In Episode 8, Brian got personal about how and why he started his own firm, Brian Thompson Financial. It was the first time he allowed himself to really be open on the mic, talking about fear, imposter system, and the drive to create something meaningful.
3. George Kinder asked the right questions
In Episode 14, George Kinder’s thoughtful and grounded presence shone through as he advocated for life planning, which connects a financial plan to an individual’s most meaningful goals. His three Kinder Questions have helped many people get clear about what they want their lives to look like.
4. River Nice led with empathy
In Episode 20, River spoke so clearly about how marginalized communities -- especially the LGBTQ+ community -- experience guilt or shame around money. The episode is a powerful reminder that empathy can be a superpower.
5. Anjali Jariwala wrote a new entrepreneurial story
In Episode 42, Anjali Jariwala shared how she built a thriving financial planning firm, only to turn around and write a children’s book that broke sales records. It’s a powerful reminder you can build whatever business you want -- and that your business can evolve with your creativity.
6. Krish Himmatramka proposed using profit for good
In Episode 57, Shark Tank alum Krish Himmatramka proved you can build a business for-profit and for-impact. His ethical engagement ring company commits to its values every step of the way.
7. LaSean Smith talked to 100 customers
In Episode 69, LaSean Smith advised new entrepreneurs to have 100 conversations in order to build a business that people actually want to use. If you’re early in your business, LaSean’s advice is clear, tactical, and values-based.
8. Hugo E. Gomez looked before he leaped
In Episode 79, Hugo E. Gomez tested his business idea and built a proof of concept before making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship.Now his business is thriving by serving a market overlooked by mainstream brands.
9. Channyn Lynne Parker taught philosophy
In Episode 83, Channyn Lynne Parker got poetic, talking about purpose, letting your path unfold, and trusting yourself even when it’s hard. But Channyn really stands out for turning the children’s song “Row, row, row your boat,” into a life philosophy.
10. Masami Sato showed that small actions make a big impact
In Episode 93, Masami Sato shared how she started her company with a toddler in her kitchen and built it into a global force for good. Her company, B1G1, is built on the idea that small actions, done consistently, can change the world.
Resources + Links
-
Episode 42: Creating The Products You Want with Anjali Jariwala
-
Episode 57: Going from Startup to Shark Tank with Krish Himmatramka
-
Episode 69: Building A Business For Financial Independence with LaSean Smith
-
Episode 83: Braving Discomfort to Live Your Purpose with Channyn Lynne Parker
-
Episode 93: Harnessing The Power Of Small To Create Global Impact With Masami Sato
-
Brian Thompson Financial: Website, Newsletter, Podcast
-
Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes
About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast
Brian Thompson, JD/CFP, is a tax attorney and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit.
On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.