CEO Numbers Network with Danielle Hayden
Making money and understanding your finances are two very different things. CEO Numbers Network is here to close that gap. Hosted by Danielle Hayden, former corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., every episode breaks down the financial strategy that most business owners never had access to. Profit, cash flow, real decision-making. The kind of thinking that actually moves a business forward.
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The S Corp Move to Stop Overpaying the IRS
08/11/2026
The S Corp Move to Stop Overpaying the IRS
You've built a profitable business, and you're still handing more of it to the IRS than you need to. The real reason usually traces back to your structure. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I'm continuing our mid-year tax check-in series with a deep dive into business structure. Profitable business owners often keep paying self-employment tax long after their structure has stopped making sense. I break down the three signs that tell you you're ready for an S corp and the reasonable compensation rule the IRS requires once you make that switch. I also share a client story about what it actually took to get her ready, because the profit number alone wasn't enough. You will learn the three signs that tell you you're ready for an S corp, plus the reasonable compensation rule the IRS enforces once you make the switch. If you have ever wondered why your CPA never brought up an S corp, or worried you might be underpaying yourself the wrong way, this episode shows you exactly where to look. 👉 Discover how our tax team can help you know if you're ready for an S corp: Key Takeaways 00:00 The cost of delaying decisions 1:54 Why self-employment tax costs more 3:19 How S Corp changes taxes 5:02 The $75,000 net profit benchmark 6:40 Why finances must stay separate 7:53 The reasonable compensation rule Resources 📥 Download our free mid-year tax check-in checklist: 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen Next 👉 👉
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Why Your Tax Bill Keeps Growing (Even When You Pay On Time)
08/04/2026
Why Your Tax Bill Keeps Growing (Even When You Pay On Time)
Safe harbor protects you from an IRS penalty, but it doesn't protect you from a bigger tax bill when your business grows. This episode of CEO Numbers Network explains the difference, and what to do about it before next April. I explain safe harbor, the IRS rule that protects business owners from an underpayment penalty, and why it's often mistaken for a complete tax plan. I walk through the exact math the IRS uses to calculate what you owe throughout the year, and I share two real client stories, one who paid faithfully and still got a surprise bill, and one who had never paid estimated taxes at all. I also break down the tax reserve, a separate number based on this year's income that safe harbor alone doesn't cover, and I give you three concrete steps to close that gap before your next tax season. You will learn what safe harbor actually protects you from and how the tax reserve closes the gap it leaves behind. If you have ever paid every estimated tax payment on time and still gotten a bill you didn't expect, this episode will show you exactly why, and what to do differently before next April. 👉 Discover how our tax team can build your tax reserve alongside your safe harbor payments: Key Takeaways 00:00 Why paying on time still bites 02:18 What Safe Harbor covers 04:28 Growing faster than your tax plan 05:18 The Safe Harbor floor mistake 05:29 Two client stories on the gap 07:24 The tax reserve formula 10:29 The CEO question to ask 11:44 Three steps to close the gap Resources 📥 Download our free mid-year tax check-in checklist: 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen Next 👉 👉
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Your CPA Did Everything Right, and It's Still Costing You
07/28/2026
Your CPA Did Everything Right, and It's Still Costing You
Your CPA can file a perfectly accurate return every year and still never once ask you the question that actually changes what you owe. That's how the entire accounting industry built the job, and I think it's the wrong way to run a business. I've spent my career watching business owners treat tax filing and tax planning as the same job. They're not, and that confusion is exactly why I built an entire second practice, KSA Tax Partners, around the difference. In this episode, I walk through the six-area mid-year check-in we run with every client there, business structure, benefits, retirement contributions, tax projections, estimated payments, and deductions, plus a real client story where three of those areas were missed entirely because no one was looking forward on their behalf. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I make the case for a standard I think every business owner should hold their advisors to, one that goes beyond filing and into real planning. You will learn exactly what that standard looks like in practice, and how to tell whether your current advisor is meeting it. If you have ever sensed that your CPA is doing everything right and something is still missing, this is the conversation that closes that gap before the year runs out. 👉 Discover how our tax support can help you plan ahead, not just file on time, Key Takeaways: 00:00 The CPA Question Nobody Asks 1:21 Filing vs Planning 2:37 Why Fall, Not April 3:04 The Six-Part Tax Snapshot 5:39 Three Missed Tax Moves 7:03 The Boardroom Standard Resources: 📥 Download our free mid-year tax check-in checklist: 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen Next: 👉 👉
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The CEO Strategy For Building A Full Money Team
07/21/2026
The CEO Strategy For Building A Full Money Team
You have your financial statements. But do you actually know what to do with them? Most of us were taught to check our numbers after the month is already over. That's the moment I want to change for you. In this episode, I walk through the four ways business owners make decisions and why most of us default to reacting instead of planning. I share the three shifts I use in my own business. Two of them are about your numbers: using them instead of just knowing them, and looking ahead instead of only looking back. The third is about your role, moving from expert to CEO. I also break down the four roles every money team needs and share what happened when one of our clients built her ten year vision and finally felt confident enough to hire. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down why your budget alone isn't enough to guide your decisions. You will learn the four decision making styles I see most often, plus the three shifts that move you from reactive to strategic. I also walk through the four roles you need on your money team. If you have ever made a big decision off pure gut instinct or panicked after one bad month, this episode will help you build a process you can actually trust. 👉 Discover how our Tteam can help you build a budget you actually use, Key Takeaways 00:00 Four decision-making styles for CEOs 02:38 Bookkeeping and budget drive decisions 04:11 Financial whiplash kills business confidence 07:46 Build your 10-year vision first 10:26 Growing past $800K by hiring 13:32 Building a strong money team Resources 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen Next 👉 👉
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What Outgrowing Your Business Actually Looks Like
07/14/2026
What Outgrowing Your Business Actually Looks Like
After eleven years, we admitted the business we had on paper wasn't the business we had actually built. This episode is what outgrowing your own business actually looks like, from the inside. We rebranded Kickstart Accounting into three divisions, Kickstart Bookkeeping, Nvision CFO, and KSA Tax Partners, and in this episode I explain why, starting with the one thing I want to clear up immediately: we did not sell the business. Our VP of Operations Victoria joins me to talk through how we knew it was time to rebrand, the three financial phases every business owner moves through on the way to building real value, and why bookkeeping still has to be the foundation of every other financial decision. We also get into what a done-with-you model looks like compared to done-for-you, and why building something that can survive without you matters more than staying profitable alone. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, Victoria and I walk through the real story behind our rebrand and what building a valuable business actually requires. You will learn the three financial phases every business owner moves through and why bookkeeping still has to be the foundation before you can build real value. If you have ever felt like your business outgrew the brand you built it under, this episode will show you what it actually takes to build something that can run without you. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you plan your next 10 years, not just last month: Key Takeaways 00:00 No Sale, No New Ownership 04:00 The Designer Note Behind the Rebrand 06:00 No Budget Without Bookkeeping 08:00 Envision CFO's 1, 3, and 10-Year Plans 10:00 A 10-Year Recommitment to Kickstart 11:00 Building a Business That Could Be Sold 13:00 Confirming the Same Leadership Team 15:00 Kickstart Kit and the Done-With-You Model Resources 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next 👉 👉
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The Reforecast Mistake Costing You the Rest of the Year
07/07/2026
The Reforecast Mistake Costing You the Rest of the Year
You made a plan back in January. By July, your business probably looks nothing like it. In this episode, I walk through mid-year financial reforecasting for small business owners, including a 3-step process for updating a budget using year-to-date data. I share the boardroom accountability standard, three questions I use to evaluate what happened, why it happened, and what to do next. I also share two real client examples, one who adjusted her plan after a team member left and one who had to build new infrastructure after hitting her revenue goal early. I explain why revising your budget mid-year is normal and does not mean you failed. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down the reforecasting tool I've used every year since my corporate CFO days to lead the back half of the year with confidence. You will learn the three-question boardroom standard, the signs that mean it's time to update your budget, and the three-step process for reforecasting your numbers. If you have ever felt like your original budget doesn't match your business anymore, this episode gives you the tool to update it without feeling like you failed. 👉 Need help re-forecasting? Discover how our CFO services can help your business for the back half of the year: ✅ Download the Key Takeaways 01:00 Why Every CEO Reforecasts 02:22 What Reforecasting Really Means 03:43 The Boardroom Accountability Standard 05:47 5 Signs To Reforecast 08:42 The 3-Step Reforecast Process 11:50 Real Client Success Stories Resources 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen Next 👉 👉
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How to Audit Business Expenses Like a CFO (5-Step Method)
06/30/2026
How to Audit Business Expenses Like a CFO (5-Step Method)
You can't grow a business you can't defend. Every line item on your P&L deserves a real answer when someone asks why it's there. For years as a corporate CFO, I learned a framework for reviewing business expenses that I now use with every Kickstart Accounting client. It is a step-by-step method for small business owners who feel like their profit is leaking somewhere but cannot see exactly where. I walk through how to pull every vendor in your business, grade each one against your actual operations, and create an action plan you can defend. By the end you will know exactly how to bring boardroom-level accountability to your business spending. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down the expense grading framework into 5 steps any business owner can execute this week. You will learn how to audit every vendor in your business and apply the A/B/C grading system that CFOs use in boardroom reviews. If you have ever felt overwhelmed looking at your P&L or signed up for subscriptions you can no longer defend, this episode gives you the framework to take ownership back. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you audit every expense in your business: ✅ Download the Mid-Year Checklist: Key Takeaways: 00:00 The CFO Boardroom Standard for Business Expenses 04:18 Step 1: Pull Every Vendor From the Last 12 Months 05:02 Step 2: The A/B/C Grading System Every CEO Needs 06:55 Step 3: Defend Every Expense Like You're Presenting to a Board 08:20 Step 4: Keep, Consider, or Cut Every Vendor 09:25 Why High Profit Margins Can Signal a Problem Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next 👉 👉
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The Mid-Year Reset Your Business Is Begging For
06/23/2026
The Mid-Year Reset Your Business Is Begging For
Everyone tells you to work on your business instead of in it. Nobody hands you the agenda for what that time is actually supposed to look like. In this episode, I walk you through the exact 90-minute midyear CEO session I have run on my own business every year for 11 years. This is a step-by-step financial review for small business owners who want to check in on their numbers before the second half of the year. I cover how the session changes depending on your financial stage, what to review on your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, how to check your tax reserve against what you have actually paid, and how to reforecast your budget for the next six months. Whether your books need a cleanup or you are casting a 10-year vision, this episode gives you the full agenda. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break the session down by financial stage: foundation, empowered, and visionary. You will learn how to review your P&L and balance sheet like a CFO, how to check your payroll, owner pay, contractor W-9s, and tax reserve, and how to reforecast the back half of the year against your long-term goals. If you have ever blocked time to work on your business and ended up answering emails instead, this episode gives you the exact agenda to make those 90 minutes count. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can guide you through your midyear review: 👉 Download the Mid-Year Checklist: Key Takeaways 00:00 What "work on your business" actually means 00:58 Block 90 minutes. Become the CEO. 01:33 The three financial tiers explained 01:38 Foundation stage: clean books first 03:35 Empowered stage: review your P&L like a CFO 05:00 Payroll, owner pay, and contractor W-9s 07:33 The 25% tax reserve and mid-year check 08:24 Balance sheet: cash, debt, owner's draws 10:43 Visionary stage: 10-year, 3-year, 1-year 12:19 Reforecast the back half with your money team Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next 👉 👉
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Balance Sheet Mistakes Draining Your Business
06/16/2026
Balance Sheet Mistakes Draining Your Business
How do you know if your business is actually building wealth, or just keeping you busy? The answer lives on a report most small business owners ignore: the balance sheet. I break down how to read it as a CEO, what assets, liabilities, and equity actually mean for your company, how much cash a healthy business should keep on hand, how to use debt strategically, and why owner's draws can drain long-term value. I also explain why minimizing taxes as your only financial strategy is one of the biggest mistakes I see, and what that does to your company's worth. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I share the four principles I use with our CFO clients to evaluate financial health. You will learn how to spot the trends that signal whether your business is gaining strength or losing it. If you have ever wondered why your business looks profitable on paper but does not feel valuable, this episode will give you the clarity you have been missing. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you build real long-term value: Key Takeaways 00:00 The Report You're Ignoring 02:45 Equity Is Your Wealth Score 03:15 The Tax Minimizing Mistake 04:43 Build a Cash Cushion 06:06 Protect Your Equity 08:24 Evaluate Every Decision Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next 👉 👉
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Why You're Stuck: The Three Phases Of Financial Support
06/09/2026
Why You're Stuck: The Three Phases Of Financial Support
You're not stuck because you're lazy. You're stuck because the support you picked doesn't match the stage you're actually in. In this episode, I walk through the three financial phases I've watched business owners move through over 11 years at Kickstart: Foundation (where you need clean books and visibility), Empowered (where you start using your numbers to lead), and Elevation (where you bring in forecasting and strategy). The phases aren't tied to revenue, they're tied to how you lead and how you make decisions. Once you know which phase you're actually in, you can stop chasing random financial advice and finally get the support that fits. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down what each phase looks like in real life, the signs that tell you which one you're in, and the kind of support that makes sense at each stage. You will learn how to spot the phase you're in, why DIYing the wrong solution keeps you stuck, and what financial leadership looks like once your books are no longer the bottleneck. If you have ever followed financial advice that worked for someone else but didn't move the needle for you, this episode will explain why and give you a clearer path forward. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can match the right support to the stage you're in: Key Takeaways 00:00 The Wrong Support Is Costing You 01:47 Phase One: Foundation, Trust Your Numbers 03:21 Phase Two: Empowered, Lead With Numbers 04:34 Phase Three: Elevation, Reports to Strategy 06:04 Find the Right Support for Your Stage Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next 👉 👉
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Why You're Profitable But Have No Cash
06/02/2026
Why You're Profitable But Have No Cash
You look at your financials and the numbers show a profit. You look at your bank account and the balance doesn't match. You start wondering what you're missing. Most small business owners don't realize how much their accounting method is shaping what they see on their financial statements. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting in plain language. I explain how each method reports revenue and expenses, why that gap between profit and cash exists, and how to tell which method actually fits your business right now. I also share a recent client story about a tax accountant's well-intentioned switch to accrual that created bigger problems a year later. You will learn why your profit and your cash rarely match, how large inventory purchases can cause big monthly swings in your numbers, and why a tax saving strategy that just pushes an expense to next year isn't actually a strategy. If you have ever looked at your books and thought "wait, how am I profitable but I have no cash?", this episode will give you the clarity to understand what your financials are actually telling you. 👉 Discover how our bookkeeping services can help you choose the right accounting method for your business: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Profitable But Broke? Here's Why 00:19 The Accounting Lens Shaping Your Decisions 01:30 Cash Basis Accounting, Explained Simply 01:54 Why Your Sales Don't Match Your POS 02:39 How Expenses Hit on Cash Basis 02:57 Accrual Accounting and Matching Revenue 04:37 Cash vs Accrual: How to Choose 05:23 The Real Pros and Cons of Cash Basis 07:04 What You Need Before Switching to Accrual 09:23 The Tax "Strategy" That Backfires Next Year Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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Building a Business Worth Selling: The 7-Step Framework
05/26/2026
Building a Business Worth Selling: The 7-Step Framework
Most small businesses can't be sold, even when they're profitable. The reason is that they were built around the owner instead of built for value. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I share a real client story about a business owner who came to me ready to sell and found out her business had no resale value. She had been minimizing profit for years to lower her taxes and running personal expenses through the company, and the strategies that felt smart while she was building it were the exact things blocking her exit. I walk through the 7-step framework I use with my CFO clients to shift from operating a business to owning an asset that can run without you. You will learn what makes a business valuable to a buyer, why tax-minimization strategies can backfire when it's time to sell, how to standardize your offers, how to build recurring revenue, and how clean financials drive the kind of value that gives you options 3 to 5 years from now. If you have ever wondered why your profitable business still feels like a trap, or how to position your company so you have the option to sell, scale, or step back, this episode will show you exactly where to start. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you build a business with long-term value: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Why Most Small Businesses Aren't Sellable 01:30 How Tax Strategy Destroys Business Value 02:31 Operator vs. Owner Mindset Shift 06:23 Focus on One Core Offer 07:25 Build a Repeatable Process 08:35 Build a Team That Runs Without You 09:10 Build a Sales Engine 10:03 Standardize Your Offers 10:57 Recurring Revenue Drives Business Value 11:36 Create a CEO Vision and Plan Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The Write-Offs That Are Devaluing Your Business
05/19/2026
The Write-Offs That Are Devaluing Your Business
Most business owners are doing one of two things at tax time, and both are costing them. Either they are leaving real deductions on the table, or they are chasing every write-off they see online and putting their business at risk. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I walk through the tax strategy mindset shift that separates business owners who feel ready at tax time from the ones who scramble. I share the story of a client whose previous accountant told her to spend down her cash to lower her tax bill, which left her taking on massive debt right before opening a new store. I cover what actually counts as a deduction, the categories most owners forget, and the strategies that get abused online. You will walk away with a clear filter for every business expense and a better understanding of how tax decisions impact the long-term value of your business. You will learn what makes a business expense ordinary and necessary, how to spot the tax advice that puts your business at risk, and the strategic deductions most owners overlook. If you have ever felt unsure about what you can deduct, worried you are missing something, or pressured to spend money just to lower your tax bill, this episode will help you take ownership of your tax strategy and build a business that holds its value. 👉 Stop guessing at deductions. Build a tax strategy aligned with your real business goals: Key Takeaways: 00:00 The Tax Deduction Mistake 00:55 What You're Actually Taxed On 02:00 The Ordinary And Necessary Rule 02:56 Spending To Save Backfires 04:52 Align Strategy With Business Goals 05:31 The Deduction Checklist 06:42 Separate Business And Personal 10:56 The Travel Write-Off Trap 13:48 The Augusta Rule Truth 16:45 Deduct More Or Show Profit Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The CEO Response to a Losing Month
05/12/2026
The CEO Response to a Losing Month
You sat down to review your numbers and your business is losing money. Before you start cutting everything and questioning your worth, there is a better way to respond. In this episode, I walk through the exact framework my team uses inside Kickstart Accounting when a client's business is losing money. I cover how to identify whether a loss is short term, seasonal, or long term, how to find the real root cause, and how to build a strategy that does not overhaul your entire business at once. The episode is for small business owners who have opened their P&L, seen red, and need a clear process for what to do next instead of reacting out of fear. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down my five-step framework for responding to a losing month with clarity instead of panic. You will learn how to categorize the type of loss you are facing, how to identify what actually caused it, and how to pick one focused change that moves your business forward. If you have ever opened your income statement, seen a loss, and felt your stomach drop, this episode will give you the language and the process to respond like a CEO instead of spiraling. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you respond to a losing month with data instead of panic: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Why Panicking Over a Loss Costs You More Than the Loss Itself 01:37 How to Identify Short Term, Seasonal, and Long Term Losses 03:11 The Questions to Ask When You're Diagnosing the Root Cause 05:34 Why You Should Treat This Like a Board Meeting Presentation 06:48 The One Rule That Stops a Losing Month from Spiraling 08:08 How Your Energy as a CEO Sets the Tone for Your Team 10:15 The Difference Between Coaching and Consulting 10:34 Why You're Not Failing, You're Missing Clarity Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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Why Your "Tax Savings" Are Killing Your Business
05/05/2026
Why Your "Tax Savings" Are Killing Your Business
I'm recording this on April 15th, the tax deadline, and I just got a surprise tax bill from my own accountant with almost no communication leading up to it. That experience reminded me exactly why we built KSA Tax Partners the way we did, because there's a real difference between a tax preparer and a tax partner, and most business owners don't know which one they actually have until something goes wrong. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I get raw about what worked this tax season, what didn't, and the real story behind a December tax strategy that left a client unable to fund her second location. I share why your money team should include four separate people for checks and balances, why your financials need to reflect the actual cost of running your business, and why I'm pushing back on the tax influencer advice telling you to write off your entire life. You will learn how to tell the difference between a tax preparer and a true tax partner, the four roles every business owner needs on their money team, and how to spot a December tax strategy that will create a cash flow problem in January. If you have ever followed tax advice that felt smart in December and broke your business in January, this episode will reframe how you think about tax strategy entirely and help you build a plan that protects your cash instead of draining it. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you build a tax strategy that protects your cash and supports your growth Key Takeaways 00:35 The 4-person money team every business owner needs 01:17 Why your bookkeeper should not be your tax accountant 02:09 The tax deadline email that changed everything 03:51 Why KSA files extensions on purpose 04:54 How a tax week actually works 07:21 The truth about tax influencers 08:52 Why your tax strategy should match your core values 10:08 The December bonus strategy that backfired 11:11 Why writing off all your profit is the wrong move 12:32 What worked this tax season and what did not Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The CEO Playbook for Scaling Without Stress
05/04/2026
The CEO Playbook for Scaling Without Stress
Something new is coming, and if you're a small business owner who's tired of making financial decisions on gut feeling, you'll want to be here for it. CEO Numbers Network launches tomorrow. Hosted by Danielle Hayden, former corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., this is the show that brings boardroom-level financial strategy to small business owners who are ready to lead with their numbers. Expect real conversations about profit, cash flow, decision-making, and what it actually takes to run a business like a CEO. Just the financial clarity you've been looking for. If running your business has ever felt more like guessing than leading, come back tomorrow. The first episode drops soon and it starts here. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you lead your business with better numbers: Resources: 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on
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The Problem with Profit First And What to Do Instead
04/28/2026
The Problem with Profit First And What to Do Instead
If Profit First is supposed to reduce financial stress, why do so many business owners feel more overwhelmed after setting it up? Multiple accounts, confusing percentages, and overdraft fees were not part of the pitch. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, Danielle Hayden cuts through the noise around Profit First and explains what a simpler, proven cash management system actually looks like for small business owners. You will learn how to build financial clarity using four core accounts, how to set aside the right amount for taxes based on net income, and how to stop moving money weekly and start making CEO-level decisions monthly. If you have ever felt behind on your cash flow or unsure whether your money system is helping or hurting, this episode will give you a straightforward path forward. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can simplify your cash management and help you lead with clearer numbers: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Why Profit First sounds shiny but gets complicated 00:45 How the Profit First envelope system works 01:42 The hidden cost of moving money weekly 02:32 The four bank accounts every business owner needs 02:54 Why tax reserves should be based on net income 03:56 How to build a rainy day fund you touch quarterly 04:47 Why you don't save for profit, you create it 05:33 Never wait to save up before investing 05:59 The budget tool that replaces Profit First 06:48 Your real CEO job isn't transferring cash Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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10 Profit Strategies Every CEO Should Be Using Right Now
04/21/2026
10 Profit Strategies Every CEO Should Be Using Right Now
Most businesses that look successful are expensive behind the scenes. Tight margins, no breathing room, and a CEO wondering where all the money went. This episode is for small business owners dealing with financial stress and money anxiety while revenue keeps growing. Danielle Hayden, a former corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, shares the profit strategies she has refined over 11 years working with thousands of small business owners. The conversation covers how to diagnose where profit is leaking, the order of operations for fixing it, and how to build margin back into a business that feels stretched thin. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, Danielle breaks down the fastest profit levers available to a CEO right now and how to decide which one to pull first. You will learn how pricing, team utilization, cash flow timing, and expense control each shape your bottom line, and how to spot which one is costing you the most. If you have ever looked at your revenue and wondered why it does not feel like success, this episode gives you the clarity and the action steps to change that. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you build a profitable business with intention: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Build Profit on Purpose 01:06 The 1% Pricing Shift 02:04 Lead Your Team to Profit 04:32 Control Your Cash Flow Timing 06:28 Stop the Profit Leaks 08:14 Build a Cash Rhythm 09:00 Know Your Profit Driver Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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When Your Numbers and Your Instincts Tell Different Stories
04/14/2026
When Your Numbers and Your Instincts Tell Different Stories
Your gut says things are fine. Your numbers say something different. That tension is real, and it shows up in almost every business. This episode covers what your numbers are actually communicating when instinct and data don't line up. Danielle walks through how to use the Healthy Percentage Worksheet as a guardrail rather than a rule, and how the Start, Stop, Continue framework helps you turn that information into a real decision. If you've ever felt confident in your business and then been caught off guard by the financials, this gives you a concrete way to move forward. You will learn how to read what your numbers are actually telling you, when to trust your instincts as a CEO, and how to use that clarity to make better decisions for your business. If you have ever looked at your financials and felt confused, or felt confident in your business only to be caught off guard by your numbers, this episode will help you find clarity and step more fully into your role as a CEO. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can help you lead with both data and vision: Key Takeaways: 00:00 When Gut and Numbers Don't Agree 00:20 Business Is Art and Math 00:42 What a Fitness Tracker Taught Me 01:12 What We Hear on Financial Review Calls 02:28 Healthy Percentage Worksheet: Guardrail, Not a Rule 03:42 The Start, Stop, Continue Framework 05:06 Leading With Data and Vision as a CEO Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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When Your Values Are Clear, Feedback Can't Shake You
04/07/2026
When Your Values Are Clear, Feedback Can't Shake You
Have you ever received feedback from a client and felt your stomach drop? That's not weakness — it's a signal your foundation needs work. When your values aren't defined, every opinion feels bigger than it is. A client comment, a bad month, a shift in the market — all of it feels personal. With that foundation in place, feedback becomes a tool instead of a trigger. In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden shares what 11 years of building Kickstart Accounting has taught her about core values. You will learn how to identify the core values that actually run your business, why values are an operating standard and not a branding exercise, and how to use them as a filter the next time something feels uncomfortable. If you have ever found yourself reacting to feedback instead of leading through it, this episode will give you the clarity to change that. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Why client feedback feels destabilizing 00:20 What unclear values cost your leadership 01:06 Why Danielle left corporate finance 02:14 How Kickstart's five core values show up daily 03:20 The biggest mistake CEOs make with core values 03:36 Why values can't shift when someone questions you 04:50 How team development reflects healthy leadership 05:19 The CEO filter for defining your values 06:00 Building a firm that stands on values Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The Quarterly Financial Review Every CEO Should Be Running
03/31/2026
The Quarterly Financial Review Every CEO Should Be Running
Most business owners are so focused on the day-to-day that the bigger picture never gets looked at. In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden walks through exactly how to run a quarterly financial review — and why it's one of the most important things you can do as a CEO. Instead of reacting to slow weeks or tough months, a quarterly review gives you the structure to zoom out, find the real patterns in your business, and decide where you're going next. You will learn what to review each quarter, from revenue and operating expenses to cash flow, compensation, and net income, and how to use that information to lead your business with intention. If you have ever felt like you're running your business without a clear financial direction, this episode will give you a repeatable process to change that. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key takeaways: 00:00 Reacting vs. reviewing your numbers 01:24 How to run a quarterly financial review 02:28 What your revenue is actually telling you 03:38 How operating expenses reveal your priorities 04:46 Profit vs. revenue — what healthy profit looks like 06:24 Cash flow and protecting your business 07:42 How to review compensation 08:22 Setting your next 90-day priorities Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The 3 Financial Checkpoints Every CEO Should Follow
03/24/2026
The 3 Financial Checkpoints Every CEO Should Follow
Most business owners know they should be looking at their numbers. But the real question is: which numbers, and when? In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden explains the simple financial rhythm every business owner should follow to stay in control of their business finances. Instead of trying to analyze everything all the time, Danielle breaks down how to structure your financial reviews so they actually support better decisions. You will learn what numbers to review weekly, monthly, and quarterly and how each review plays a different role in running a stable and profitable business. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by your financial reports or unsure what you should actually be looking at, this episode will help you simplify the process and lead your business with more clarity and confidence. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Why business owners feel overwhelmed by their numbers 00:26 The real problem: no financial rhythm 01:16 Weekly financial review: protecting cash 02:57 Monthly review: stepping into CEO leadership 03:32 The 3 most important financial metrics 04:30 Looking for financial patterns in your business 04:54 Quarterly review: strategy and stability 05:20 Cash reserves, taxes, and paying yourself 06:06 The most important takeaway from this episode Resources: ✨Download The Ultimate Dashboard for Business Owners for FREE 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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7 Simple Levers to Increase Your Profit Right Now
03/17/2026
7 Simple Levers to Increase Your Profit Right Now
Profitability doesn't require a dramatic business overhaul. It requires the right levers, pulled consistently. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting Inc., walks small business owners through 7 actionable profit levers drawn from her years in the CFO seat for large organizations, now translated for where you are today. You'll walk away knowing exactly what to look at in your numbers, which one thing to adjust first, and how 1% changes across pricing, volume, expenses, cost of goods sold, labor, receivables, and payables can compound into meaningful profit growth. This episode is part of a series on building a financially sound business. If you've been asking "I know I need to work on my numbers, but where do I start?" this is your answer. 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction: You don't need a massive overhaul 00:45 Why small, consistent changes compound faster than big swings 01:25 The concept of 1% improvements from Scaling Up 02:41 Lever 1: Pricing — what a 1% increase actually looks like 04:10 Lever 2: Volume — it's not just about new clients 04:52 Lever 3: Operating Expenses — ask a better question 06:05 Lever 4: Cost of Goods Sold — the rule of three quotes 07:48 Lever 5: Accounts Receivable — bill early, bill often 08:40 Lever 6: Accounts Payable — strategic use of payment terms 09:26 Lever 7: Direct Labor — utilization vs. slashing pay 11:05 Outro: Choose one lever and build from there 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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Revenue Is Up. So Why Does Cash Feel Tight?
03/10/2026
Revenue Is Up. So Why Does Cash Feel Tight?
Are cash flow problems making growth feel risky? If your revenue is climbing but profit keeps disappearing, this episode will show you exactly what to fix first. In this episode of Business by the Books, Danielle Hayden breaks down the 65-20-15 framework — the exact system Kickstart Accounting uses with CFO clients to help small business owners scale without draining cash or funding growth with debt. If you've been avoiding your numbers or making financial decisions based on stress instead of strategy, this is your starting point for building real financial clarity as a CEO. You'll learn: Why cash flow problems persist even when revenue is growing How to use the 65-20-15 framework to protect profit while scaling The bookkeeping mistakes that make this framework impossible to apply What to do when your current revenue can't fund growth yet How to stop guessing with money and start thinking like a CEO Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro 00:15 Why growth without a framework drains profit 01:35 Bucket 1: Operating Expenses (65%) 02:25 Bucket 2: Savings (20%) 03:25 Bucket 3: Intentional Growth (15%) 04:10 How to apply the 65-20-15 framework to your income statement today 06:55 What to do when your revenue can't fund growth yet 07:10 Outro Resources: ✨CFO Services | ✨Check Your Books | ✨Book a Call | Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: ✨Instagram | ✨YouTube | ✨Facebook |
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Under 15% Profit? Your Business Is at Risk
03/03/2026
Under 15% Profit? Your Business Is at Risk
There’s one number every business owner needs to know… and it might surprise you. Net profit isn’t just what’s left at the end of the year—it’s the heartbeat of a sustainable, healthy business. Today on Business by the Books, we’re diving deep into why 15% net profit is the sweet spot, how too much or too little profit can signal imbalance, and what small business owners can do to protect and grow their money. You’ll learn: Why net profit matters more than revenue How “too much” profit can actually hurt your business The owner behaviors that impact profit most: hiring, time management, and money mindset How to protect your profit before investing, paying yourself, or saying yes to new opportunities Why tracking net profit monthly is essential for long-term sustainability 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key Takeaways: 00:00 The one number you need to track 03:14 The dangers of low profit margins 05:30 Why 15% is the sweet spot 07:13 How small businesses can improve profit 08:01 Outro 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The 3-Year Growth Plan Most Business Owners Never Build
02/24/2026
The 3-Year Growth Plan Most Business Owners Never Build
There comes a point where what worked before stops working… Watching the numbers. Reacting to problems. Making decisions as they come up. Real growth requires a different role. The CEO role. Today on Business by the Books, I’m breaking down the shift from managing what has already happened to leading what comes next with the help of specialized CFO services. This episode is for the owner who is ready to think bigger, plan long term, and step into the visionary role. You’ll learn: The difference between bookkeeping and CFO support Why vision without structure creates chaos The 5-step planning framework from 10-year vision to quarterly milestones The key metrics CEOs track to stay focused and on plan Why you shouldn’t carry your business alone 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: Key Takeaways: (00:00) Intro (1:23) Bookkeeping vs. CFO support (02:00) The framework you need (02:30) Your 10-year goals (02:51) Your 3-year direction (03:29) Your 1-year budget (04:51) The importance of accountability and support (6:12) Outro 📈 Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow us on Listen next: 👉 👉
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Money Mindset - Run Your Finances Like The 1%
02/17/2026
Money Mindset - Run Your Finances Like The 1%
Are you working harder than ever but still feel stuck? Your money mindset might be holding you back. You see, the difference between a struggling business and a successful one isn’t income. It’s how the CEO thinks about money. Today on Business by the Books, we’re breaking down the mindset shifts I see over and over again in the top 1% of business owners we work with. We’re talking about what separates reactive financial behavior from strategic decision-making. You’ll learn: Why playing it safe with your money is holding you back How successful owners put their money to work The mindset shifts that will push you into the 1% 🎧 Episode 262 of Business By The Books Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro 01:29 Stop Using Your Business as a Tax Shelter 02:29 Treat Your Business as an Asset 03:25 Invest In Personal Growth 03:50 Buy Back Your Time 04:26 Build Real Liquidity 05:40 Play the Long Game 07:13 Out Additional Resources: 📈Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow Kickstart on Listen next: 👉 👉
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The 5 things I'd do this year if I wanted to ruin my business
02/10/2026
The 5 things I'd do this year if I wanted to ruin my business
Most businesses don’t fail overnight. They’re slowly dismantled by habits that feel reasonable in the moment. In this episode, I break down five patterns that quietly sabotage growth, from pivoting too quickly and avoiding your numbers to isolating yourself and letting old money stories drive decisions. These habits don’t always feel risky, but over time they create blind spots, emotional decision-making, and stalled progress. If you want to lead your business with more clarity and confidence this year, this episode will help you see what needs to change and what to leave behind. 🎧 Episode 261 of Business By The Books Key Takeaways: Pivoting too fast stalls results (00:47) Avoiding numbers leads to reactive decisions (02:23) Isolation creates blind spots (05:56) Old money stories quietly run the business (10:23) Additional Resources: 📈Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow Kickstart on Listen next: 👉 👉
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4 Balance Sheet Red Flags - The Risk of not Understanding your Balance Sheet
02/03/2026
4 Balance Sheet Red Flags - The Risk of not Understanding your Balance Sheet
Cash is the number one reason small businesses fail, and it usually happens quietly. In this episode of Business By The Books, I walk you through four balance sheet red flags I see business owners ignore all the time, even when revenue and profit look strong. We talk about why the income statement alone can create a false sense of security, how debt and owner draws quietly drain cash, and what warning signs to watch for before financial stress takes over. My goal is to help you understand what your balance sheet is actually telling you so you can take action with clarity and confidence as a CEO. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer perspective on what it really means to grow into your role as CEO. 🎧 Tune in. Episode Timestamps Why cash is the number one reason businesses fail The Enron example and why revenue can hide real risk Red flags #1 and #2: Debt, assets, and growing balances Red flags #3 and #4: Owner draws, cash erosion, and stalled growth Additional Resources: 📈Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow Kickstart on Listen next: 👉 👉
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11 Lessons in 11 Years
01/27/2026
11 Lessons in 11 Years
After 11 years in business, I’ve learned this: becoming a CEO isn’t a finish line. It’s a practice. The lessons that shape you most don’t come from perfect plans or polished systems. They come from starting before you feel ready, trusting yourself through uncertainty, asking for help, navigating loneliness, and continuing to grow even when leadership feels heavy. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the lessons that mattered most and how they’ve shaped the way I lead today. This episode is for business owners who are learning as they go and want to lead with more clarity and confidence. We talk about: Why waiting for perfect almost always slows progress Why you don’t have to do everything yourself to be a strong leader Why leadership can feel lonely and why support actually matters Why reflection and celebration are part of sustainable growth By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer perspective on what it really means to grow into your role as CEO. 🎧 Tune in. Additional Resources: 📈Book a strategy call with Danielle’s team at Kickstart: 👉 Discover how our CFO services can transform your finances and align them with your future goals: 👉 Check your books 👉 Visit the 👉 Follow Kickstart on Listen next: 👉 👉
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