Mission Driven Business

Diverse entrepreneurs share their experiences, strength, and hope to help mission-driven businesses thrive. In a series of intimate conversations, attorney and CFP Brian Thompson and his guests provide practical steps to create businesses with impact and profit.

Why You'll Never Find Balance in Your Business 04/28/2026

Why You'll Never Find Balance in Your Business Balance is one of the most talked about goals in entrepreneurship, and one of the most elusive. In this episode, Brian Thompson gets honest about why balance isn't something you achieve once and move on from, and why chasing that perfect equilibrium might be the wrong goal entirely. Coming off a particularly intense tax season, Brian shares what his own body was telling him, and what it made him realize about the way entrepreneurs expect themselves to show up all year long. What Does Business Balance Actually Look Like? This year's tax season hit differently for Brian. For the first time, he experienced consistent sleep disruption throughout the season, something he had never dealt with before. Between the pressure of high-stakes returns, a new employee on the team, and pushing his workouts harder than his body could handle, something had to give. When his body started reacting in a new way, he took it as a signal that something was off. That signal led him back to a question he keeps returning to: what does balance actually mean for a business owner, and is it even something we should be chasing? Businesses Are Never Truly In Balance Businesses tend to operate in seasons more than an overall balance like we’ve been told. There are sprint seasons: the launches, the deadlines, the tax seasons, the big projects. There are maintenance seasons marked by: steady work, consistent systems, and reliable routines. And there are recovery seasons: where rest, reflection, and reconnection take priority. The mistake entrepreneurs make is expecting to show up the same way in all three - same energy, same output, same routines, regardless of what the season is actually asking for. When that doesn't happen, it's easy to feel like something is wrong. Most of the time, you're just in a different entrepreneurial season. Questions Mission-Driven Businesses Should Be Asking These questions rarely come up in conversations about entrepreneurship. Brian suggests that you ask yourself: Who are you when your business is asking more of you than you feel comfortable giving? When the stakes are high and the pressure is constant and your body is pushing back, do you push harder? Do you ignore the signals? Do you keep up the appearance that everything is fine? That pattern of faking it is something Brian wants to change the conversation around. Three Things to Consider When Looking for Balance Brian leaves listeners with three practical areas to reflect on when it comes to finding a version of balance that actually works. Identify your entrepreneurial season and cycles Ask yourself honestly, “Am I in a sprint, a maintenance phase, or a recovery season right now?” Your expectations and capacity should match the season you’re actually in, not some idealized version of what balance is supposed to look like. Build self-awareness around your warning signs Start paying attention to the signals your body and mind are sending you. For Brian this year, the signal was sleep. For you it might be irritability, lack of focus, avoiding decisions, overworking, or underworking. Those signals tend to show up early, and the sooner you recognize them, the easier it is to adjust before they become bigger problems. Create a reset ritual for self-care, mental health, and productivity Brian's current reset is attending a financial planning conference in San Diego. A chance to step out of the day-to-day, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and work on the business rather than in it. A reset doesn't have to be elaborate. It just needs to bring you back to yourself with more energy and appreciation than you left with. Your Action Step Take a moment to reflect on two questions: What season are you in right now, and where might you need to give yourself a little more flexibility and grace? Balance is something you come back to, adjust, and renegotiate based on what your life actually needs in the moment. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another entrepreneur who might need the reminder. And as always, keep building your mission-driven business. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40994685

How to Bet on Yourself and Build a Business Around Freedom 04/21/2026

How to Bet on Yourself and Build a Business Around Freedom Building a business around freedom is more than a financial decision, it's a deeply personal one. In this episode, Brian Thompson sits down with Kyra Mitchell Lewis, a brand strategist, marketer, podcast host, and founder of and , to talk about what it truly means to bet on yourself. Kyra shares how more than 20 years in corporate marketing led her to a pivotal moment of liberation, how she built a thriving consulting business in under a year, and why keeping an open mind has been one of her greatest entrepreneurial assets. A Business Built Around Purpose Kyra defines a mission-driven business as one built around a deeper purpose that guides every decision and serves people meaningfully while still generating enough revenue to sustain the work. Her definition mirrors her own entrepreneurial journey. After more than two decades in corporate marketing, managing large teams and climbing the ladder, Kyra found herself increasingly disconnected from the impact she wanted to have. The money was good, but it no longer felt like her. Then she was laid off. Rather than feeling devastated, she felt free. Betting on Yourself Her husband, himself an entrepreneur, wasn't immediately convinced. He asked whether she was going to look for another corporate job. Her answer was firm: absolutely not. She gave herself six months to prove what she had always believed she was capable of. Before long she was earning more than she had in her corporate role and doing it on her own terms. The anxiety she had braced for never arrived. In its place was trust: in herself, in her skills, and in something bigger than the numbers. The Power of Staying Open One of the most compelling threads of this conversation is Kyra's willingness to let her business evolve. She didn't launch with a perfectly defined business plan. Studio Wonderwell grew organically from the marketing expertise she had spent decades building, but she never forced herself into a single box. Along the way she discovered a love for facilitating group conversations around relationships and communication. As Brian puts it, following the spark matters. Knowing what lights you up and staying open to where it leads is one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do. Practical Lessons for Building a Business Kyra distills her first six months into a handful of lessons that are as practical as they are grounding. Start with a clear purpose statement at the core of everything you do, even if the work around it continues to shift. Have lots of conversations and let people know what you do, because opportunities come from visibility. Build repeatable systems and workflows early, using tools like AI to automate the administrative tasks that drain your time and focus. Design offers that genuinely address a pain point. Set boundaries, not just with clients but with yourself, because entrepreneurial energy and ideas are abundant and protecting your focus is what keeps the work sustainable. Celebrate the Progress In six months of building, Kyra hadn’t stopped to say to herself, “you did a good job”. During the conversation, she reflected on the people who had reached out about corporate roles along the way, and on the fact that she had chosen, every time, to bet on herself instead. As Brian reminds her, there is no finish line to wait for. The business is being built right now, and real life is happening right now. Taking a moment to acknowledge how far you have come is part of the work. Resources + Links Connect with Kyra Mitchell Lewis , , Socials: , , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40903370

How to Prepare for Next Year's Taxes Without the Stress 04/14/2026

How to Prepare for Next Year's Taxes Without the Stress Tax season doesn't have to be a scramble, but for most business owners, it is. In this episode, Brian Thompson offers a simple, practical system for taking the stress and surprise out of taxes by shifting from a once-a-year reaction to a year-round strategy. If last episode left you wondering whether you missed something, this one is your action plan. Start With a Mindset Shift Before getting into tactics, Brian makes an important reframe: taxes are not a once-a-year event. They are a year-round strategy. This matters especially for mission-driven business owners who are growing quickly, navigating variable income, and making values-based decisions with their money. The goal is to build a system that supports your business all year long, not just get through the filing season. A Simple Four-Step System to Prepare for Next Year’s Taxes Once the mindset shift is in place, Brian walks through four focused areas that make the biggest difference in tax planning. Know your numbers If you don't know your revenue, expenses, or profit, everything else becomes a guess. Get your bookkeeping in order and review your numbers monthly, not just at tax time. Monthly profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and reconciliation reports give you the clarity to estimate taxes accurately, spot opportunities earlier, and make better decisions overall. Build a tax habit For self-employed business owners, making estimated tax payments is non-negotiable, and yet it's one of the biggest sources of stress. Brian's recommendation is to set aside a percentage of income every single month rather than scrambling quarterly to find the money. Start with 15% of gross revenue and adjust up or down based on your profit margin. The key is consistency, ideally in a separate account that's ready when you need it. Plan around the big levers A few tax strategies tend to move the needle most for small business owners. Brian highlights SALT deductions, which may now offer new planning opportunities with recent changes and could make itemizing worthwhile if you're paying state and local taxes, mortgage interest, or making charitable contributions. Retirement contributions through a solo 401k or SEP IRA are among the biggest benefits available to solo entrepreneurs, reducing taxable income while building wealth at the same time. Health insurance and HSA contributions deserve attention too. The HSA stands out as one of Brian’s favorite savings vehicles, offering a triple tax benefit: a deduction on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. Schedule a mid-year tax check-in Schedule a check-in around June or July and ask three questions: How is my income tracking? Am I on pace with my tax payments? Are there opportunities I should act on now? Waiting until February, March, or April means there's very little you can do about the numbers at that point. One mid-year meeting can prevent surprises, penalties, and missed opportunities. Your Action Step Pick one of these four areas to improve on this month, just one. Maybe it's cleaning up your books, opening a dedicated tax savings account, or putting a mid-year check-in on the calendar. Small, consistent improvements are what actually reduce stress over time and build a financial system that supports your business, your growth, and your life. If you found this episode helpful, share it with another business owner who's tired of feeling surprised at tax time. Resources + Links Mid-year check-in episodes: Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40802880

How to Optimize Your Tax Return for More Business Tax Savings 04/07/2026

How to Optimize Your Tax Return for More Business Tax Savings In this episode, Brian Thompson discusses key insights from the recent tax season, highlighting trends, surprises, and strategic opportunities for business owners to optimize their tax planning and financial health. Your tax return is not something to file and forget. If you pay attention, your tax return gives you a roadmap for what to do better this coming year. Brian also gives real-life examples of two clients that stood out this tax season. Understanding Unexpected Tax Outcomes One of the most significant stress points during tax season is the unexpected tax outcome. Many business owners were pleasantly surprised this year, either owing less than they anticipated or receiving larger refunds than expected. However, it's crucial to remember that a refund is not a reward and a tax bill is not a punishment. It simply reflects the reconciliation of what you owe versus what you've already paid. Increased Interest and Dividend Income This year also saw a spike in interest and dividend income for many business owners due to significant investment gains and the movement of cash into higher-yield savings accounts. While these gains are beneficial, they can also lead to increased taxable income, resulting in a higher tax bill than anticipated. Many individuals fail to account for all forms of income when calculating their estimated taxes, leading to potential penalties. It’s vital to consider every aspect of your income when planning your tax estimates. Planning for Underpayment Penalties Self-employed individuals, in particular, have reported a rise in underpayment penalties. This situation can occur even if you make estimated payments but fail to do so on time or for the correct amount. If your income has increased but your estimated payments have not adjusted accordingly, the IRS will catch up with you. To avoid these pitfalls, ensure your estimated tax payments reflect your actual income. Regularly review and adjust your estimates as necessary to avoid surprises come tax season. How to optimize your tax return next year Benefits of increased SALT deduction This year, many clients experienced unexpected results due to changes in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. For example, one high-income business owner noticed a significant drop in their tax bill, while another client could itemize deductions for the first time ever, despite having no mortgage interest. This is a huge shift for high-income earners in high-tax states. Since this is new, this is your opportunity to become proactive. Plan ahead and strategize around the timing of payment or entity-level tax elections. Maximizing Retirement Contributions One area where many business owners fall short is maximizing their retirement contributions. Many do not take full advantage of their solo 401(k)s or SEP IRAs, either out of lack of knowledge or because they think it's too late to contribute. Remember, these accounts can significantly reduce your taxable income while helping you build long-term wealth. Don’t let procrastination or confusion keep you from maximizing your retirement contributions. You can still contribute until the filing deadline, so take advantage of this opportunity to lower your taxable income. Self-employed health insurance This is another area where proactive planning makes a huge difference. I’ve seen people miss these deductions or owe money unexpectedly. Make sure you review your Schedule 1 to ensure you are making the most of your deductions. The Importance of Bookkeeping The state of your bookkeeping is foundational to your tax return. Messy records can lead to missed deductions and poor decision-making, turning tax season into a stressful experience. Clean and organized books not only simplify tax planning but also improve cash flow and strategic deductions. If your books weren't well-maintained this year, take the time after tax season to ensure everything remains in order. Regular reviews will make tax time far less daunting in the future. Your Action Step Your tax return is not just a document to file away. It’s a roadmap that highlights where you can improve and where opportunities have been missed. Take 30 minutes and review your tax return with this question: “What surprised me and why?” Was it a higher tax bill, a missed deduction or something you didn’t understand? Every surprise is something you can fix next year. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40635245

S-Corps Explained: Tax Savings, Trade-Offs, and What No One Tells You 03/24/2026

S-Corps Explained: Tax Savings, Trade-Offs, and What No One Tells You The S-Corp question is one of the most common Brian hears from entrepreneurs, but the answer is almost never as simple as the internet makes it sound. In this episode, Brian Thompson breaks down what an S-Corp actually is, how the potential tax savings work, and the real-world trade-offs that often get left out of the conversation. Whether you're considering the election for the first time or revisiting the decision, this episode gives you the context you need to make an informed choice. What is an S-Corp? First, an important clarification: an S-Corporation is not a business structure, it's a tax election. Your business might legally be an LLC or a partnership, but you elect to have the IRS tax it under Subchapter S of the tax code. That election allows business income to pass through to the owner's personal tax return rather than being taxed at the corporate level. The key difference for most small businesses comes down to how payroll and self-employment taxes are handled. How Do S-Corps Save on Taxes? When you run a business as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, your net profits are generally subject to self-employment tax of 15.3%, which covers Social Security and Medicare. With an S-Corp election, you pay yourself a reasonable salary (which is subject to payroll taxes) but any profits above that salary can be taken as distributions, which are generally not subject to self-employment tax. A straightforward example: on $200,000 in net profit, splitting it evenly between salary and distributions could save roughly $15,000 in payroll taxes. That's the number people are chasing when they talk about S-Corps. S-Corps Trade-offs The savings aren't guaranteed, and there are two major caveats. First, reasonable compensation. The IRS requires S-Corp owners who work in the business to pay themselves a reasonable salary before taking distributions. Reasonableness evaluation is based on your experience, role, time devoted to the business, and what comparable professionals earn. For service-based businesses where the owner is the primary revenue generator, this requirement can significantly limit how much income can realistically be treated as distributions. Second, administrative costs. Running an S-Corp means running payroll for yourself, filing a separate S-Corp tax return, issuing a K-1, maintaining better corporate records, and typically paying more for accounting and tax preparation. For some businesses the extra steps are worth it. For others, the time and cost eat too much into the savings. State and Local Tax Considerations for S-Corps For many entrepreneurs, particularly those in cities where a large share of LGBTQ business owners live, state and local taxes add another layer of complexity. Brian breaks down the specifics: Illinois S-Corps pay a 1.5% personal replacement tax; California S-Corps pay 1.5% on net income with an $800 minimum franchise tax; New York State imposes a fixed dollar minimum tax based on gross receipts; and New York City doesn't recognize the federal S-Corp election at all, meaning city-level corporate taxes of up to 8.85% can still apply. Washington DC has its own franchise tax currently at 8.25%. If you operate in Chicago, LA, San Francisco, New York, or DC, these rules need to be part of your analysis. The PTET Opportunity Despite the complications, Brian is clear: he recommends S-Corps for many clients when the numbers make sense. And there's an additional tool worth knowing about — the pass-through entity tax, or PTET. Created in response to the federal SALT cap, which limited state and local tax deductions on individual returns to $10,000, the PTET election allows the business itself to pay state income tax at the entity level, where it can often be fully deductible for federal purposes. The SALT cap increased to $40,000 in 2025, which reduces the urgency of this workaround for some. But for higher income business owners, PTET can still create meaningful additional savings on top of the payroll tax benefits. The Right Questions to Ask About S-Corps Instead of asking "should I become an S-Corp?", Brian reframes the question: Does an S-Corp make sense for my business? The considerations that matter include what type of business you run, how much profit you actually generate, whether revenue is produced primarily by you or a broader team, your willingness to handle the administrative requirements, the state and city tax rules where you operate, and how the decision fits into your broader tax and retirement planning. You also don't have to decide on day one. Many entrepreneurs start under simple tax treatment and elect S-Corp status once the business becomes profitable enough for it to make sense. Your Action Step This week, take three steps: look at your most recent business profit, estimate what a reasonable salary might look like for your role, and have a conversation with your tax advisor or financial planner about whether the numbers actually work in your specific situation. Your tax strategy should support your business strategy, not the other way around. The S-Corp election can be a powerful tool for the right business, but like most things in tax planning, context is everything. If you have any questions about S-Corps, to see what your options are. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40420865

Budgeting Series #3: A Guide to Building Your Financial Strategy 03/17/2026

Budgeting Series #3: A Guide to Building Your Financial Strategy Awareness and acceptance lay the groundwork, but nothing changes until you take action. In this final episode of the budgeting series, Brian Thompson brings the framework full circle by focusing on what to actually do with your numbers. Because understanding your finances and accepting where you are is only powerful if it leads somewhere. This episode is about making intentional, strategic decisions that move your mission-driven business forward. Start With Vision, Not Spreadsheets Before diving into tactics, Brian starts with something that might surprise you in a budgeting conversation: vision. Your budget is more than a financial document. It's a reflection of the business and life you want to build. Do you want a lean lifestyle business with flexibility and freedom? A growing company with employees and systems? A business optimized for profit so you can invest, travel, or retire early? There's no wrong answer. But the budget you build should reflect your vision, directing your money toward what matters most to you. The Three Financial Levers Once you and your vision, the path forward becomes clearer. Brian outlines three levers every entrepreneur can pull. The Income Lever. Sometimes the most straightforward way to improve your financial picture is to focus on revenue growth. That might mean raising your prices, adding new services, improving your marketing, or increasing your capacity to serve more clients. The Expense Lever. Reducing expenses doesn't mean slashing everything or operating from a scarcity mindset. It means asking thoughtful questions: Are there subscriptions or tools you're no longer using? Services you could renegotiate? Expenses that don't actually move the business forward? As Brian noted in the , sorting expenses from highest to lowest can reveal a lot. Sometimes one or two adjustments can significantly improve your financial flexibility. A Combination of Both. Most of the time, the right answer lives somewhere in the middle. A small price increase combined with trimming a few unnecessary expenses can create a surprisingly big impact on both sides of the equation. The Profit First Framework For clients looking for a practical system to manage cash flow, Brian recommends the Profit First model. Rather than treating profit as whatever is left over after expenses, Profit First flips the equation so you are allocating income intentionally across four key categories from the start: profit, owner's pay, taxes, and operating expenses. Setting percentages for each category and revisiting them quarterly creates guardrails that keep your business financially healthy and enforces a powerful mindset shift: profit is no longer an afterthought. It becomes a priority. Give Yourself Permission to Have a “Building Year” For anyone feeling pressure to make every year better than the last, Brian offers a grounding reminder: business growth is not a straight line. Some years are building years. Maybe you hired your first employee, invested in new systems, launched a new service, or restructured your client roster. In those years, expenses often increase before revenue catches up. And that's okay. Sometimes investing now is exactly what creates something better later. Your Action Step Look at the numbers you gathered during and ask yourself one question: which lever do I need to pull right now? Do you need to focus on increasing income, reducing expenses, or a combination of both? Then identify one intentional change you can make this month. Just one. Small, consistent decisions are what ultimately build strong businesses. Thank you for following along with this three-part budgeting series. If there's one takeaway from awareness, acceptance, and action, it's this: budgeting isn't about restriction. It's about clarity, compassion, and intentional decision making. When you , , and take thoughtful action, you give your mission-driven business the foundation it needs to thrive. If you found this series helpful, share it with a fellow entrepreneur — and as always, Brian welcomes your questions and insights on . Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40420750

Building a Profitable Practice with Authenticity and Heart 03/10/2026

Building a Profitable Practice with Authenticity and Heart Rooted in identity, community, and purpose is what it truly means to build a business with heart. Brian Thompson sits down with Kala Lacy, an EMDR-trained yoga psychotherapist and founder of , a holistic wellness practice centered on Black and queer people of color. Kala shares how she turned her own healing journey into a thriving private practice, why niching down with radical specificity was the key to her success, and what inspired her newest venture: , a mentorship community for Black, queer, and trans clinicians building aligned private practices. A Business With Heart Kala defines a mission-driven business as a business with heart. One that is striving to create a positive impact and isn't solely focused on profit. Her path into mental health began with her own early experiences and a curiosity about what healing could look like if it were created with someone like her in mind. She entered the field through yoga, which she found integrated naturally and powerfully with therapy, and The Well Healing grew from there, shaped by what her community asked of her. The Power of Showing Up Authentically Kala's journey wasn't without self-doubt. In graduate school, she felt pressure to whitewash who she was in order to be taken seriously as a clinician. It was a professor who openly claimed a Black feminist lens in her work that gave Kala the permission she needed to believe there was space for her in this field. Brian connects this deeply to his own story, reflecting on how seeing a Black gay CFP early in his career gave him the confidence to pursue his own path. Representation, they agree, changes everything. Niching Down and Finding Your People Kala is intentional about naming Black, queer, and trans clinicians as the specific community she serves, even when she had reservations. The result? Nine out of ten people who reach out to her are already aligned. Her private practice went from part-time to where she wanted to be in about a year and a half. As Brian puts it, the more specific you get, the easier it is to find your people and for your people to find you. Introducing the Wellspring Care Collective Kala's newest endeavor is , a monthly mentorship group for Black, queer, and trans mental health clinicians building private practices. The collective offers weekly connection, learning on topics specific to private practice, guest speakers, community support, and space to show up as their full selves. Kala is candid about why this matters: grad school teaches you how to be a therapist, not how to run a business. The collective bridges that gap by offering both practical entrepreneurial skills and an affirming community. Resources + Links Connect with Kala Lacy: , , , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40335295

Budgeting Series #2: A Guide to Money Mindset Shifts 03/03/2026

Budgeting Series #2: A Guide to Money Mindset Shifts Money isn't just math and for most entrepreneurs, it never has been. In this episode, Brian Thompson continues the budgeting series with part two: acceptance. Building on , Brian explores the emotional side of budgeting and why looking at your numbers without shame or judgment is just as important as looking at them at all. Why Financial Acceptance Is the Missing Piece Once you have your numbers, you're naturally going to have feelings about them. Money is tied to your upbringing, your fears, your identity, and your sense of security. Brian sees it constantly in his client work: people come to meetings with shame, and leave relieved when they don't get one. So many entrepreneurs carry money baggage — internalized messages from family, society, and past financial mistakes. The inner critic says you should have started sooner, charged more, or be further along by now. Acceptance means pausing that voice and recognizing that wherever you're starting from is exactly the right place to begin. Five Money Mindset Shifts to Practice Brian outlines five concrete shifts to help entrepreneurs face their finances with curiosity and compassion instead of guilt and defensiveness. Replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of shaming yourself for a spending decision, ask what was going on in your life or business that made it feel necessary at the time. Recognize your defensiveness. Money touches on security and identity, so defensiveness is normal, but it can keep you from learning. When you notice it, pause and breathe. Know your money story. What did you learn about money growing up? What beliefs are you still carrying that may no longer serve you? Bringing them into the light is the first step to releasing them. Practice self-compassion. Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself about money? Probably not. Give yourself the same grace. Remember that facing it doesn't require shame, just courage and kindness. You can't change what you don't face, but you don't have to face it harshly. The Power of Finally Exhaling Some of Brian's most meaningful client moments happen in budget sessions. Not because the numbers are great, but because clients finally feel seen and understood. Some have broken down in tears, not from devastation, but from relief. The fear and avoidance they'd been carrying for years turns out to be heavier than the numbers themselves. As Brian puts it, you can't build something beautiful on a foundation of shame. But when you accept where you are, you give yourself a place to stand. Your Action Step This week, set aside time to journal on one or more of these questions: What emotions come up when I look at my finances? What messages about money did I carry growing up? What would it feel like to release judgment? You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to be honest. If you want to share a reflection, Brian welcomes DMs on . Next episode, the series moves into action: taking your awareness and acceptance and turning them into intentional, strategic decisions. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40288715

Budgeting Series #1: A Guide to Financial Awareness 02/24/2026

Budgeting Series #1: A Guide to Financial Awareness Budgeting doesn't have to be intimidating, but it does have to be intentional. In this episode, Brian Thompson kicks off a brand new solo series on budgeting for entrepreneurs, approaching the topic through three lenses: awareness, acceptance, and action. The episode is the first and most foundational step: Awareness. Whether you're a new business owner or a seasoned mission-driven entrepreneur, understanding where your money is actually going is the starting point for everything else. Why Financial Awareness Comes First Every January, Brian's inbox fills up with clients asking to connect about their budgets. It's a ritual he takes seriously in his own life too. This time of year offers a rare advantage: a full year of real data and a fresh set of goals. Before you can make smart decisions about where you're headed, you need an honest look at where you've been. A Three-Step Framework for Financial Awareness To get there, Brian walks through three concrete steps: tracking your income, reviewing your expenses, and understanding your cash flow. Track Your Income The foundation of financial awareness is tracking. You can't manage what you don't measure. Start by understanding exactly where your money is coming from. Break down income by client, look at the consistency of your monthly revenue, and identify any seasonal patterns. That data doesn't just inform your budget; it shapes your marketing, hiring, and service delivery decisions too. Review Your Expenses Next, take a deep dive into your expenses to gain clarity. Ask yourself which expenses align with your values, which help you grow, which are essential to serving clients, and which could be eliminated or renegotiated. Understand Your Cash Flow Cash flow keeps your business alive. Ask yourself: Are you regularly dipping into savings or credit cards to cover operations? Do you have a cash reserve for emergencies? Are you paying yourself a regular profit distribution? If cash flow feels tight, it may be time to revisit your pricing, your payment terms, or the consistency of your revenue streams. Tools to Make Financial Awareness Easier QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave are great for automated tracking and categorization, or Excel and Google Sheets for a more hands-on approach. Tune in as Brian previews the Profit First Framework — a method of allocating funds into key buckets like profit, taxes, and owner's pay — which will get a deeper treatment in the action episode. His biggest tip? Hire a bookkeeper. Bookkeeping is too important to keep pushing to the back burner, and editing someone else's work is always easier than starting from scratch. Your action step Set aside 60 minutes this week to review your income and expenses from last year. Use whatever tool works for you, and look for patterns, surprises, and opportunities. If you're feeling brave, share one insight with Brian on Instagram at . In the next episode, the series continues with acceptance — letting go of shame and judgment around money so you can focus on what you can actually control. Resources + Links , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40158280

How Veterans Are Transforming Into Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs 02/17/2026

How Veterans Are Transforming Into Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs Julie Austin and Matthew Cain share their journey in leveraging their military backgrounds to assist veterans in transitioning to entrepreneurship through their podcast Dogtags to Ownership. We explore the definition of mission-driven businesses, the importance of community & networking, and the personal experiences that shaped their call to service. The discussion also touches on the significance of identity, the challenges faced during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and how their backgrounds influence their current endeavors. The episode concludes with insights on partnership dynamics and key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Essence of a Mission-Driven Business Julie defines a mission-driven business as one that embodies a deep sense of purpose and passion. It’s not just about making profits; it’s about waking up every day with a drive to make a difference. Both Julie and Matt share a commitment to helping veterans transition into fulfilling careers, which their podcast serves a vital role in. They help veterans find meaningful work instead of merely passing time in jobs that don’t inspire them. A mission-driven business must not only fulfill its owner’s passion but also create a positive impact in the community. Lessons from Military Service Julie and Matt share their experiences in the military, which have profoundly influenced their understanding of leadership and community service. In this episode they discuss how the skills and values learned during their service translate effectively into the business environment. For instance, the ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex situations is invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. Finding Purpose Through Adversity The discussion also touches on the challenges veterans face during their transitions. Julie candidly shares her experience with the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, which was a significant barrier for many LGBTQ service members. She reflects on the internal struggle of being true to oneself while serving in the military. However, the repeal of this policy allowed for greater openness and inclusion, fostering a more supportive environment for veterans today. This change parallels the mission-driven ethos of creating spaces where individuals can be authentic and contribute their best selves. The Importance of Community and Connection Emphasis on the importance of community was a big theme in our discussion. Their mission is to connect veterans with valuable resources and mentorship opportunities that can help them thrive in the civilian world. By sharing experiences and knowledge, they create a supportive network that empowers veterans to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions. Resources + Links DogTags to Ownership: , , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/40090375

Transform Your Business with an Annual Client Audit 02/10/2026

Transform Your Business with an Annual Client Audit Understanding your client relationships is more crucial than ever in today's fast-paced business environment. The that can help you gain clarity on your client base, enhance your business relationships, and ultimately drive growth. In this episode, Brian Thompson focuses on how a thoughtful client audit can transform your business. He emphasizes that this process is not about hastily cutting ties with clients but rather about thoughtfully evaluating client relationships to enhance business growth and personal well-being with a simple three-step process. The Importance of a Client Audit The concept of an Annual Client Audit may seem uncomfortable at first, but it can lead to significant positive changes in your business. Brian shares a compelling story about a client who went from burnout to a newfound clarity and joy in his work, and even an increase in revenue through higher charges to those valuable clients. Not all revenue is created equal. Some clients energize you, while others leave you questioning your business decisions. Identifying your Ideal Clients Every client interaction teaches you something valuable. Brian encourages business owners to reflect on their client relationships by asking key questions: Who energizes you? Who pays on time? Who respects your boundaries? Conversely, who causes anxiety when they reach out? This reflection is crucial for defining your ideal client and shaping your marketing strategy. A Simple Three-Step Process for Your Client Audit To conduct an effective Annual Client Audit, Brian outlines a straightforward three-step process: Make a List: Document every client you've worked with over the past year. Score: Rate each client on a scale from one to five based on criteria such as revenue, energy drain, alignment with your mission, ease of communication, enjoyment of the work, and whether they are worth the effort. Categorize: Group clients into three categories - Core Clients (those you would clone), Neutral Clients (acceptable but not ideal), and Drain Clients (high maintenance and misaligned). This structured approach allows you to make informed decisions about which clients to keep, develop, or let go, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling business. Your action step to understanding your client base Set aside 30-60 minutes and go through the Annual Client Audit process. Use it to reset your client relationships and start the year with clarity and confidence. If you’ve already done your , this is your next step to align your time and energy with your vision. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/39888235

Reclaiming Your Time with Boundary-setting 02/03/2026

Reclaiming Your Time with Boundary-setting In this solo episode, Brian Thompson outlines practical steps for business owners to take back their time, including auditing their calendars, defining a 'hell yes' filter for opportunities, using scripts to say no gracefully, and starting small with boundary-setting. He stresses that reclaiming time is an ongoing practice that requires accountability, energy tracking, and celebrating small wins. By protecting their time, entrepreneurs can create space for joy, clarity, and purpose in their lives and businesses. Why do boundaries around time management matter Time is your most valuable resource. You can always make more money, but you can't make more time. And when you waste your time or give it away without thinking, you're robbing yourself of energy, creativity, and alignment. Also, busy does not equal productive. Entrepreneurs often confuse packed schedules with being effective, but being intentional with your time is what leads to real impact. In addition, burnout is real. When you say yes to everything, you eventually hit a wall. Your body knows, your creativity dries up, and your business suffers. Intentional time equals aligned action. When you reclaim your time, you make space for work that lights you up, moves your mission, and actually grows your business. 4 ways to take back your time as a business owner Here are four ways to start taking your time back, starting this week. Audit your calendar. Pull up last month's calendar and look at every meeting, task, or obligation. Highlight what you want more of and flag what needs to go. Define your hell yes filter. Hell yes may be easy to define in some circumstances, but with most things in life, there's a lot of gray. When a new opportunity comes in, check: does it support one of my values or goals? If not, it's a no, or at least a not right now. Use scripts to say no. You don't have to ghost people or be rude. You don't owe anyone an explanation, justification, or apology. Not wanting to is reason enough. You're allowed to protect your time because it matters to you, period. Scripts can be helpful training wheels, but over time, your no will stand on its own. Start small. If saying no feels scary, start with something low stakes, decline in casual coffee, shorten a meeting by 15 minutes, or block one morning a week to focus on work. Small wins build your boundary-setting muscle. How to stay on track with protecting your time Making this commitment is nothing without accountability. Reclaiming your time isn't a one-and-done move. It's a practice. Do a weekly time check. What drained me this week? What felt aligned and energizing? What do I want to do differently next week? Journaling or voice noting works wonders here. Track energy, not just time. Rate how you feel after each meeting or task. Patterns will emerge and they'll guide your decisions. Get an accountability buddy. Whether it's a business coach, friend, or mastermind group, share your hell yes commitment with somebody. Have them check in with you monthly. Celebrate every win. Each time you say no to something that's not aligned, pause and celebrate. You protected your time and your peace. I'll leave you with this. You are the steward of your time, not your clients, not your email box, not your calendar, you. The more you protect your time, the more space you create for joy, clarity, and purpose. Your mission deserves that, and you deserve that. Your action step to setting boundaries and taking back your time Schedule a 30-minute calendar audit this week. Look at what's a hell yes and what's not, then make one change. That's all it takes to begin. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , Follow & review the podcast: on and 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/39886260

Close The Books, Open The New Year 12/23/2025

Close The Books, Open The New Year In this solo episode, Brian breaks down one of the most overlooked but essential parts of running a mission-driven business: year-end bookkeeping. You’ll learn a simple, practical framework for cleaning up your books, organizing your finances, and setting up systems that actually support you and your business. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by accounting software, unclear categories, or messy receipts, this episode will help you start the new year with clarity and confidence. Episode Highlights Why year-end bookkeeping is a big deal The way you close this year directly affects how you start the next one. Clean books make tax season easier, help you avoid missed deductions, and give you a real-time view into how your business is doing. 3 steps to get your books in order There are three, key steps to get your books in order before the end of the year: Clean up the basics: Dig deeper into the fundamentals, including double checking your business and personal expenses are separate, removing overwhelm from your chart of accounts, reconciling your accounts, organizing your receipts and documentation, removing old or inactive accounts, and making payroll corrections. Review your financial reports: Analyze your Profit & Loss (Income Statement) report, Balance Sheet, and Reconciliation report for accuracy, red flags, and wins. Prep for tax season and next year: Review your accounting method, confirm expense categories, talk to your tax professional, plan upgrades, and schedule monthly processes. Take action now Don’t delay on getting your books in order. If you manage your own books, block 60-minutes on your calendar this week for a year-end bookkeeping session to work through the 3-step process, and if you work with a professional, schedule time for a year-end review. Even if you only complete one task, that’s progress. Resources + Links Accounting Software: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/39513720

How To Define Your Niche with Theresa Pablos 12/09/2025

How To Define Your Niche with Theresa Pablos Brian Thompson chats with Theresa Pablos, CFP®, about the early-stage realities of building a business. A former journalist and freelance marketer, Theresa transitioned careers to financial planning in 2023 and ultimately earned the CFP® certification mark in 2025. She recently joined as an Associate Financial Advisor and is just starting to build her client base. In this episode, Theresa and Brian discuss the excitement, fear, and the uncomfortable but necessary work of defining a niche. You’ll get practical tips for finding your target audience, learn how to provide real value, and get reflection tools to help you grow and scale your own business. Episode Highlights Defining your niche starts with understanding your “why.” Choosing a niche allows business owners to serve clients more deeply, efficiently, and sustainably. Before you figure out who you want to serve, you need to identify why you want to build a business and what you like to do. Theresa knew she wanted a people-oriented career that made complex data easy to understand and improved people’s lives. After some deep reflection, she discovered values-based financial planning as a career that could help her and others use their resources to create more freedom in their lives. “I want to build my book of business because I want freedom and because I want to be an expert on a topic,” Theresa said. Identify your target customers and provide them with value. Once you’ve defined your why, you need to identify the type of person that you want to serve. While Theresa is still figuring it out, she’s thinking about focusing on being a financial planner for creative solopreneurs or a financial planner for tech employees and other professionals who earn equity compensation. However, knowing who you want to serve is only half of the equation. It’s equally important to ensure the services you offer solve a real pain point for your target audience. “A lot of my clients seems to fall into this creative solopreneur category, and something I’ve been reflecting on is that if you’re a creative solopreneur, you have a need for financial planning in a way that justifies you going out and actually hiring me or someone else,” Theresa said. “While I enjoy working with stock options, a lot of tech employees are DIYers and aren’t actively seeking advice unless something big happens to trigger the need.” Don’t let fear of making the wrong decision stop you. After you know how you want to serve your target customers, it’s time to test out your solutions. One way to do that is by having 100 conversations, as recommended by . And if you’re nervous, like Theresa, then you just have to do it scared. “My takeaway is that I just need to trust myself and that being nervous is part of the process,” she said. “Fortunately, my journalism background very well prepared me to get a lot of ‘Nos’ from people, and that’s okay because you have to get the ‘Nos’ to get the ‘Yeses.’” Resources + Links Equalis Financial: , , Theresa Pablos, CFP®: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/39333295

You Can’t Change What You Don’t Track 11/25/2025

You Can’t Change What You Don’t Track Brian Thompson loves a good spreadsheet, and in this episode, he’s sharing some of his best tips for tracking metrics in a manageable, mission-aligned way. You’ll learn how intentional tracking can help mission-driven entrepreneurs gain clarity, celebrate progress, and make better decisions. Drawing inspiration from investor and writer Sahil Bloom’s Five Types of Wealth, Brian offers practical tools to help you track progress without it becoming a full-time job. Episode Highlights Tracking creates accountability Tracking transforms assumptions into awareness. If you’re not measuring something, it’s easy to tell yourself stories — I think I’m doing okay, or I feel behind. But those stories may or may not be true. Tracking brings reality into focus, creating accountability, strategy, and visible progress, shifting from emotional decision-making to data-informed clarity. Five types of wealth to track for mission-driven entrepreneurs Sahil Bloom is an investor, writer, and entrepreneur whose framework for thinking of wealth in five key domains — time, physical, mental, social, and financial wealth — can also be adapted for entrepreneurs building mission-driven businesses. Tracking across all areas of wealth can give you a holistic picture of your business and your life. Time Wealth: How intentionally do you use your time? Are you working on your business or just in it? Social Wealth: Who are you connecting with? Do your clients, colleagues, or communities energize you or make you cringe? Mental Wealth: Are your decisions aligned with your purpose? Do you set time aside for a regular check-in on your mental well-being? Physical Wealth: Are you prioritizing rest, nourishment, and movement? Are you moving throughout the day? Financial Wealth: Do your finances support your ability to stay mission-driven and resilient? Are you able to meet all of your obligations? Start small and make it yours Tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. To prevent overwhelm, pick one area to focus on first and use simple tools such as journaling, scorecards, spreadsheets, or apps to help you track your progress. Remember: The key is consistency, not perfection. Designate a specific day and time to review your data and choose a cadence you can stick to. Build your own Wealth Dashboard As a bonus, consider building a simple “Wealth Dashboard” to visualize your progress. Using tools like Google Sheets or Notion, log weekly or monthly metrics for each wealth category and spot imbalances before they become problems. Resources + Links by Sahil Bloom dashboards by Mike Michalowicz time tracker Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/39163465

Building Businesses with Purpose and Profit with Rachel Bernier-Green 11/11/2025

Building Businesses with Purpose and Profit with Rachel Bernier-Green Brian Thompson chats with Rachel Bernier-Green, founder and CEO of the Economic Justice Consortium, a Chicago-based firm that helps mission-driven businesses sustain and amplify their impact through financial and operational excellence. A recovering public accountant turned social entrepreneur, Rachel has dedicated her career to closing the racial wealth gap and redefining what it means to lead with purpose and profit. In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in public accounting, to running a social enterprise bakery that partnered with Whole Foods and Starbucks, and now guiding other entrepreneurs in building sustainable, values-driven businesses. She opens up about burnout, courage, and the lessons learned from failure, as well as how she helps clients reject hustle culture and build wealth for their communities. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses focus on impact and income. Rachel defines a mission-driven business as one that “has a focus other than profit maximization.” Whether seeking to improve the environment, society, or treatment of employees, mission-driven businesses aim to make a positive net impact. “People think if they have a greater purpose, they also don’t need to focus on profit,” Rachel said. “If you lose that focus on profit, your mission ceases to exist.” Turn loss into leadership. Rachel’s first entrepreneurial endeavor came when she left a toxic corporate environment and turned to baking as a stress outlet. Her bakery partnered with regenerative farms and hired previously incarcerated individuals, creating jobs that reduced recidivism in her Chicago community. Nine years after starting her first company, a combination of a tragic ceiling collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately led to the business's closure. While it felt like a failure at the time, the experience led her to a bigger purpose — founding the Economic Justice Consortium to help other mission-driven businesses build sustainable success. “There are some things you can only learn by going through a business that ends,” she said. “I do think that business needed to come to an end for me to do the work that I’m doing now, which will have a much more significant impact on the world.” Track your Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Economic Justice Consortium offers fractional CFO services and consulting services for operational systems and big-picture strategy. The firm also relies heavily on the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) strategic framework, which breaks down specific objectives based on the larger company mission and vision. “We actually utilize our task management tool to track those objectives,” she said. “It incorporates a level of accountability. There’s an internal dashboard that the entire team has access to in real time, and they can see whether we’re on track or not on track with any of our OKRs.” Rebuke hustle culture. Rachel recommended the book “Laziness Does Not Exist” by Chicago professor Devin Price, which challenges the culture of overwork and redefines productivity. The book explores how the American work culture is misaligned with data science on productivity and has transformed how Rachel approaches her work and her expectations for her team. “Hustle culture is very damaging on so many levels,” she said. “The book challenged me so much I had to sit down and come back to it because I had always prided myself on my work ethic and putting in the hours.” Resources + Links accounting software by Mike Michalowicz by Jack Stack and Bo Burlingham by Devon Price Ph.D. Rachel Bernier-Green: Economic Justice Consortium: , , , , , The Purpose Profit Shift Podcast: , , Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/38989665

The Power of Clarity 10/27/2025

The Power of Clarity Brian Thompson takes a deep dive into one of the most important tenets for mission-driven business owners: clarity. Clarity may sound simple, but it’s not easy. If done well, clarity can be the foundation for building a business that truly supports your mission and your life. Once you find clarity, everything else becomes easier, and this episode gives you tips on how to do just that. Episode Highlights Clarity enables mission-driven entrepreneurs to build their business around their life. Building a business — particularly a mission-driven one — is filled with ambiguity. There’s no single blueprint or one-size-fits-all formula. Without clarity, decisions feel overwhelming. But with clarity, decisions become faster and more intentional. You build a business that fits your life, instead of trying to fit your life around your business. The Discovery process cultivates clarity. In Brian’s financial planning business, the first phase is the Discovery process, which includes three key meetings: the Get Organized meeting, the Vision meeting, and the Knowledge meeting. Rather than creating a rigid five-year plan, entrepreneurs design a framework that allows for flexibility, growth, and evolution. Clarity isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Without clarity, you’re stuck in reactive mode, chasing whatever opportunity lands in your inbox and making decisions based on fear. Intentional planning brings clarity, and clarity empowers action. If you’re feeling pulled in too many directions, ask yourself: Do I know what I want? Do I have a plan that aligns with my values? Am I building a business that supports your life, or one that consumes it. Resources + Links Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/38801690

101 Sketches To Start Meaningful Conversations with Carl Richards 10/14/2025

101 Sketches To Start Meaningful Conversations with Carl Richards Brian Thompson chats with Carl Richards — Certified Financial Planner™, creator of The New York Times “Sketch Guy” column, and bestselling author of “” and “.” Carl’s simple Sharpie sketches have transformed how millions of people think and talk about money. In his latest book, “”, he shares 101 drawings and essays designed to spark deeper conversations about money, values, and what matters most. In this conversation, Brian and Carl dive into the emotional side of money and debate whether money actually can buy happiness. Episode Highlights A good sketch can start a conversation. Carl said the impetus behind his new book is simple: we’re not talking about money in the right way. Instead of focusing on financial “noise” like markets and TV pundits, he wanted to give people tools to have conversations that align money with their values. “Really good financial decisions happen when we make a little bit of meaning out of money,” Carl said. “We’re getting clear about our purpose.” Money = feelings. Carl’s first sketch in the book, and arguably the most powerful, is simply, “Money = Feelings.” He emphasized that money evokes an emotional response, whether that’s anxiety, freedom, or joy. “We’re not talking about spreadsheets and calculators,” Carl said. Order can be powerful. Bringing order to chaos can provide a sense of control when life feels overwhelming. Whether it’s finally sorting through a pile of unopened mail or cleaning the garage, creating a sense of order can help ease anxiety and overwhelm. “There are so many global things going on that are out of our control,” Carl said. “If you feel nervous or scared, go clean the garage, do the dishes, do something that gives you a sense of control and order.” Money can buy happiness — if you spend it right. Can money buy happiness? Carl believes the answer is yes — if you know how to spend it. Money spent on meaningful experiences with loved ones or exerting more freedom over your time is money well spent. “Nobody wants more money,” he said. “They want what they think money will give them, and if you don’t do the work to figure out the difference, then more money won’t buy you happiness.” Resources + Links Carl’s newest book: “” Bulk order “” and save an additional 5% by using the code YourMoney5 at checkout Carl’s other books: and Carl’s podcast: The online community of financial planners Carl’s Follow Carl Richards Online: , , , Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/38575035

10 Conversations That Changed My Business And My Life 09/16/2025

10 Conversations That Changed My Business And My Life 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 language and structure for something many business owners struggle with. 2. Brian Thompson opened up on the mic In , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/38234745

How To Do A Mid-Year Money Check 08/26/2025

How To Do A Mid-Year Money Check 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. Before analyzing anything, make sure your books are clean: Start with reconciliation: Check that your accounting software matches your actual bank transactions and credit card balances. Review your categories: Go through your chart of accounts to ensure expenses are correctly categorized. Review your balance sheet: Ensure your cash balances, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities align with what you expect. If not, dig deeper to understand why. 2. Analyze your profit and loss statement Run a profit and loss (P&L) report for the period from January through June and analyze the data: Analyze your revenue: Compare your actual revenue to your goals and prior years. If you offer multiple types of service, break down which ones are driving your revenue and which ones may be underperforming. Analyze your expenses: Look for surprises, categories that you are over budget in, and for subscriptions or tools you no longer use. Calculate your gross and net profit: Ensure you are maintaining healthy margins, and if margins are shrinking, find out why. Look for trends: When looking at the big picture, make sure all the pieces fit together. For instance, if you’re spending more on marketing as an expense, you’d expect to have a corresponding higher revenue. 3. Examine your cash flow Cash flow is not just about what you earn -- it’s also about what you keep. Use the following steps to make sure cash is flowing into and out of your business strategically: Check your bucket allocations: If you use the bucket system, ensure you are still transferring funds consistently to your various business accounts and that your percentages are still realistic based on current revenue. Review your operating cash flow: Ensure cash is coming in faster than it’s going out and that you aren’t relying too heavily on credit to cover gaps. Check your accounts receivable: This step is one of the easiest ways to increase your cash flow quickly by following up on outstanding invoices and consistently enforcing your payment terms. Evaluate large expenses: Consider whether you should delay or accelerate spending based on your cash position. 4. Use your mid-year review to propel your business forward Once you understand your numbers in detail, it’s time to turn your insights into action: Set or reset financial goals: Use your findings to update your targets for the second half of the year. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and tied to your broader vision. Identify quick wins: Look for easy adjustments that make a big difference. Small changes now can have a significant impact on your year-end results. Improve your systems: Make a plan to fix systems that aren’t working. Good systems reduce mental load and improve accuracy. Communicate with stakeholders: Share your findings with your team, financial advisor, or coach. Reflect and celebrate: Take a moment to reflect on what is working, and celebrate the fact that you’re engaging in this process. Resources + Links Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/37957625

Don’t Make These 4 Startup Mistakes With Amy Cosper 08/12/2025

Don’t Make These 4 Startup Mistakes With Amy Cosper 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 mission-driven business as one fueled by a higher purpose, but she’s careful to clarify that purpose doesn’t have to be altruistic. “Having a mission-driven or purpose-driven company is what you stand for,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be altruistic, but it is what you believe in.” The mission should be the company’s soul that emanates out to the branding, business plan, and revenue streams. As a consultant to startup founders, Amy routinely sees that entrepreneurs struggle with finding clarity. “If you don’t have clarity in what your company does, it’s going to be really hard to find your purpose,” she said. Avoid common legal and accounting mistakes. Because entrepreneurs are visionary, they often overlook important, practical needs. Amy shared four, common mistakes she hopes future founders will avoid: Not maintaining accurate books from the start: While you may not want to think about the numbers, it’s important to do accurate accounting as a business owner. Not getting an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN): Your EIN is like a Social Security number for your business and should be tied to your entity. Giving your business short-sighted name: Naming your business after a fleeting trend or something specific to a geographic region becomes problematic when you want to grow. Not understanding how to structure partnership and operating agreements: If you don’t plan for how a business will get split up or choose an appropriate business structure, you’re setting yourself up for headaches when it’s time to pivot. “My hope for the book is that entrepreneurs and founders don’t make the same mistakes that I made,” Amy said. ”When you’re creating something new, or you’re disrupting a known way of thinking, you’re not thinking about how to structure an operating agreement or whether it’s better as an LLC or S Corp. My advice is to take a pause and do a little bit of research.” Just start. Amy knows people who have been about to launch their business for 20 years. While it’s scary to take the first step, she encouraged want-to-be entrepreneurs to just start. “You get to make your own destiny,” she said. “You’re in charge.” Resources + Links “” Amy Cosper: Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/37770705

How To Stay Visible When It Feels Safer To Hide 07/22/2025

How To Stay Visible When It Feels Safer To Hide 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. Mission-driven businesses are facing very real and sometimes existential threats: the sudden loss of federal funding, the risk of becoming political targets, and being asked to remove terms like LGBTQ and racial equity from mission statements. When under pressure, it may feel like the safest option is to remain neutral, but neutrality actually erodes trust. “When someone sees themselves in your language, branding, or leadership, it builds a bridge faster than any marketing funnel ever could.” Your core community should never have to wonder where you stand. In a time of rising government hostility toward civil rights protections, customers, donors, and employees are noticing which companies are scaling back their offerings and which CEOs are saying less, not more. When companies backpedal from their commitment to equity and inclusion, they often lose the very people they claim to support. “When we talk about staying visible, it’s not about being provocative -- it’s about staying anchored. It’s about making sure your core community never has to wonder where you stand.” 4 strategies to stay true and stay standing To navigate this moment with courage and conviction, consider these four steps to practically and proactively affirm your values without jeopardizing your sustainability: Conduct a visibility audit: Review every touchpoint of your business and ask whether you have gone quiet out of fear and if your language needs to be updated for clarity or protection. Update compliance protocols: Work with legal counsel to audit your DEI and HR policies, review whistleblower protocols, and ensure you’re accurately documenting civil rights compliance. Strengthen your financial resilience: Prepare for the next financial crisis now by revisiting your income allocations, building an emergency reserve, and mapping out income diversification. Communicate your values internally and externally: Create talking points that affirm your mission and explain any language shifts to reassure your community you still serve their needs. Write your mission-rooted business affirmation. When fear is loud, clarity must be louder. Open your notes app or a journal, write down the following sentence, and fill in the blanks with your truth. I started this business to serve __________. I believe in __________. Even in this moment, I choose to stay rooted in values by __________. I will lead with clarity and courage. You don’t have to disappear to survive. It’s exhausting to defend your humanity while running payroll, applying for grants, and trying to build a thriving business. But this moment isn’t just about defense, it’s about creating a legacy. “Let your business be one of the lights that didn’t go out. Let your clarity be the thing that gives someone else permission to speak up. Let your strategy be what helps you survive and thrive without compromise.” Resources + Links Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/37501695

Writing Your Own Business Story With Faye Ziegeweid 07/08/2025

Writing Your Own Business Story With Faye Ziegeweid 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 culture of accountability. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses lead with their “why.” To Faye, mission-driven businesses infuse their “why” into everything the company does. From product design to customer communications, mission-driven businesses focus less on what they do and more on why they’re doing it. “It’s less about what the business is providing and more about why it’s providing that thing,” she said. “Sometimes we’re afraid to stay what we stand for or are worried about alienating customers.” State your values -- and show how you live them. Queen Fayzel’s website is unique because it not only states the company’s values but also shares how it puts those values into practice. For instance, the company lives its value to “Make Connections” by donating 3% of profits to organizations making an impact. “I want people to know what this business is about, but I also want people to understand how I’m putting those values into practice in my business,” Faye said. Personal growth is part of the process. When Faye left her job in public health project management to start Queen Fayzel, she not only changed careers but also started on a journey of personal growth. Founding a company forced her to learn essential business skills and how to navigate moving forward without the illusion of certainty. “I thought I had a lot of things to learn about the business, but then I realized I had a lot to learn about myself and how I function,” she said. Accountability makes the journey less lonely. Faye emphasized the importance of connecting with fellow entrepreneurs for community and accountability. Whether it’s checking in with a business owner friend or joining a more formal business group, it’s paramount to find ongoing support from people who understand exactly what you’re going through. “Especially if you’re a solopreneur, it is so lonely sometimes, and it’s really hard to be your own motivator,” she said. “When you’re in a lower spot, having a group of people to be there is so important.” Resources + Links Queen Fayzel: , , , Faye Ziegeweid: Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/37330995

Empowering The LGBTQ+ Community With Sean Ebony Coleman 06/24/2025

Empowering The LGBTQ+ Community With Sean Ebony Coleman 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 businesses solve real problems. Sean defines a mission-driven business as one that aligns every decision to its core purpose to solve real problems. For him, that means creating a safe, affirming space for the Black and brown LGBTQ+ community through Destination Tomorrow and his consulting company. “It’s about solving real problems, especially for marginalized people, and making a tangible impact,” he said. “I’m trying to meet the need where we find it.” Let lived experience lead. Sean believes in breaking down gatekeeping and elevating community voices that are often overlooked. His nonprofit prioritizes hiring people with lived experience and offering holistic services -- from workforce development to financial literacy -- to build long-term self-sufficiency. “Lived experience should count just as much as academic accomplishments,” he said. Bet on yourself and don’t give up. Sean’s advice for entrepreneurs who are just getting started is to bet on yourself and don’t give up. To start Destination Tomorrow, he cashed out a 401(k). He then had to see the “nos” he encountered as opportunities for growth. “Too many people give up on their dreams before they get to a yes,” he said. “A ‘no’ is just a ‘not right now.’” Self-care is just as important as hustling. Black and brown communities, particularly in LGBTQ+ spaces, often don’t have a safety net. When you’re grinding to build your business, you also need to prioritize time to rest and recenter. For Sean, that means starting his morning with prayer and meditation and keeping a weekly therapy appointment on his calendar. “Starting a business is stressful, so how are you managing that stress?” he asked. “Go in with a plan to make sure you’re prioritizing your self care.” Resources + Links Sean Ebony Coleman: , , , Destination Tomorrow: , , , Trans N Action: Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/37130205

Marketing With Partners And Purpose With Erika Rodriguez 06/10/2025

Marketing With Partners And Purpose With Erika Rodriguez 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 that prioritizes sustainability throughout the entire product lifecycle -- from who makes the products to how they’re disposed of. “They don’t create the product just to make profits,” she said. “They actually think about the whole lifecycle of their product and about more of the people in the planet that they serve.” Niching down makes marketing easier. When Erika started Nadi Marketing in 2020, she offered a full suite of marketing services: websites, blog posts, social media, and events. But after deciding to follow what brings her joy, she niched down to specializing in partnership marketing for sustainable businesses. She’s now seen as an expert in her field and the work itself has become a lot easier for her. “It made me target my marketing more, and it’s putting me as the expert,” she said. “The client work has been so much easier because I enjoy that work.” Partnership marketing allows for mutual growth. Erika defines partnership marketing as collaborating with another business to create a marketing campaign, product, bundle, or other shared initiative. The goal is to build relationships that benefit both parties and align with shared values. “If we can find businesses the right partners, then they can make partnerships specifically for impact,” she said. “We can do so much more together.” Build your community. Building a business is not easy, which is why Erika hopes that all entrepreneurs have a community to support them during tough times. During the pandemic, Erika built her social media community by organically connecting with people on Instagram, which turned into IRL relationships. She encouraged other business owners to lean on the partners they have in their communities. “Start with the connections and partners that you have,” she said. “Everyone has a network already, but maybe you’re not leveraging it.” Resources + Links “” by Simon Sinek Erika Rodriguez: Nadi Marketing: , , , Tidal Pages: , , , Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/36931550

Harnessing The Power Of Small To Create Global Impact With Masami Sato 05/22/2025

Harnessing The Power Of Small To Create Global Impact With Masami Sato 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 across 50 countries. Episode Highlights Mission-driven businesses keep showing up for their purpose. Masami believes that every founder can start a business with an idea to solve a particular challenge or address an opportunity. However, mission-driven businesses stay committed to their original purpose over time. “Mission-driven businesses continue to show up and make decisions based on that original mission, rather than getting sidetracked by all other things,” Masami said. A strong mission can’t be replaced. Today’s entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to lead with their mission, according to Masami, since it’s one part of the business that can’t be replicated or automated by AI. The mission is also what attracts aligned customers, team members, and partners to the company. “Mission is the part that cannot be replaced by other things,” Masami said. “That’s where the greatest opportunity lies.” Start small and build a consistent impact. Masami’s mission for B1G1 actually started as a question: What if every time business is done, something great happens to create a better world collectively? As the owner of a food company at the time, Masami’s answer was to donate one meal for every meal she sold. That small act grew into a much larger business idea and led Masami to create a platform of impact-driven business entrepreneurs who integrate impact and kindness into their everyday business actions. “We realized that there is opportunity for other businesses like us,” Masami said. “Over the last nearly 18 years, businesses working with us have created more than 365 million impacts in the world.” Letting go is different than giving up. Masami shared her powerful story of resilience, including starting a business while raising a newborn, navigating financial hardship, and even giving birth to her second child in her commercial kitchen sink. Her turning point came when she chose to let go of her growing food business in order to fully commit to B1G1. “Letting go and giving up are different things,” she said. “I decided to sell our business and put everything into this idea to start the B1G1 enterprise.” Resources + Links Ashlee Sang: , , B1G1: , , , , , Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/36677640

6 Pillars of Successful Brand Messaging with Ashlee Sang 05/13/2025

6 Pillars of Successful Brand Messaging with Ashlee Sang 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 businesses. Ashlee defines a mission-driven business as one deeply rooted in its reason for being, also known as its “why.” “A mission-driven business is a group of people, or a solopreneur, who have a really, really clear reason for being -- a really clear why -- that is driving them toward every single decision,” Ashlee said. If the mission is the “why” of the business, then Ashlee’s sweet spot is working with the “how” of the business: its values. “Values-driven is the operating system; it’s the mechanism,” Ashlee said. “If I can always point back to core values, then I always know it’s in alignment.” Businesses evolve through experimentation. Ashlee started her entrepreneurial career as a freelancer on the side while working in nonprofits and NGOs. Through years of experimentation, she discovered and refined her niche of values-aligned messaging and now encourages her entrepreneur clients to embrace their own trials. “No matter how well prepared you are, no matter how much research you’ve done, no matter how firm your plan is, there are so many other factors at play,” she said. “One of my favorite things about business is we sort of get paid to experiment.” Clear messaging builds clarity and confidence. After more than six years in the business, Ashlee has noticed her clients commonly struggle with feeling too scattered to find the common threads in their work or being too close to their work to articulate it clearly. Clear brand messaging can overcome these challenges because it creates a cohesive experience for clients, partners, and team members. “We can all write an email,” Ashlee said. “We can all slap together something on a website. But are we really going in with intention, thinking about those tiny details and the big picture? … The idea is a lot less important than the experience we’re creating for people.” Follow the six pillars for a successful brand messaging strategy. Ashlee defines brand messaging strategy as how a business wants to be known, and she’s narrowed a successful brand messaging strategy to six core components: Brand statement Mission statement Values Voice Audience Key differentiators Together, these elements serve as the root system that informs all marketing, operations, and external communications for a business. “I like to think of a brand as a tree, so the messaging strategy is the root system holding everything else up,” she said. “Brand messaging strategy is the focus and intention of the brand you are building.” Resources + Links Ashlee Sang: , , , Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/36545365

Deductible Business Expenses That Can Save You Thousands 04/01/2025

Deductible Business Expenses That Can Save You Thousands 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 deduct reduces your taxable income, directly lowering the amount of taxes you owe. However, in order to deduct a business expense, two key rules must be satisfied: the expense must be ordinary and necessary. To be ordinary, the expense must be common and accepted in your industry, such as a yoga mat for a yoga instructor. To be necessary, the expense must be helpful and appropriate for your business operations. Before you write off something, ask yourself whether a business like yours typically needs this type of expense and does it serve a legitimate business function? If the answer is yes, you may have a deduction on your hands. Don’t forget unexpected deductions. While rent and office supplies may come to mind as deductible business expenses, consider whether these unexpected events apply to you: Pet expenses -- If a dog protects your office or warehouse, the dog’s food, training, and vet bills may be deductible. Coaching -- Hiring a business coach, taking leadership training, and even going to therapy for stress management related to business all might qualify as expenses needed to run and lead a company. Your home office -- If you have a dedicated space in your home exclusively used for business, you can write off some of your rent, utilities, and internet costs. Marketing and promotions -- Hosting an industry event, running a giveaway, collaborating with influencers, and paying for digital ads all count as deductible expenses as long as they are directly tied to promoting your business. Work-related attire -- Buying branded uniforms or specialized attire for your business are legitimate business expenses. Business retreats -- If you take your team on a business retreat to strategize and improve company culture, that expense could be deductible. Make sure you document the business purpose with an agenda and good notes. Good bookkeeping is just as important as knowing the rules. Without solid record keeping, you might miss valuable deductions or struggle to justify an expense in the event of an audit. Here are some tips to keep your books in order: Separate personal and business finances -- Keeping separate personal and business bank accounts and credit cards makes tracking deductible business expenses much more manageable. Use accounting software -- Accounting software, such as Quickbooks or Wave, can help automate tracking, helping to ensure nothing gets overlooked when tax season rolls around. Save your receipts -- The IRS requires proof of deductions, so keep digital or physical copies of receipts and invoices. Work with a professional -- A professional bookkeeper or accountant can help you keep your financial records accurate and compliant. Resources + Links Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/35954785

Re-Releasing Episode 52: An Expert's Guide To Understanding The 1120-S Tax Form 03/11/2025

Re-Releasing Episode 52: An Expert's Guide To Understanding The 1120-S Tax Form It’s tax season crunch time, so we are resharing a timely episode debunking the 1120-S tax return. In this episode, Brian will walk you through the S-Corporation income tax return to help you better understand what you’re filing and hopefully catch mistakes before it’s too late. He provides a section-by-section analysis of Form 1120-S and highlights key areas that business owners and tax professionals make mistakes. Episode Highlights Part 1: Heading, Income, Deductions, Tax and Payments Most of this information is drawn from your business’s Profit and Loss Statement. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the first page: Calendar year: The very top of the form asks for the calendar year. If the corporation has a calendar year-end, leave this blank. If a fiscal year or short year put in the appropriate dates. Address: Underneath the calendar year, the form asks for a name and address. Use the name set forth in the charter or other legal documents, such as your Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter. Item A: Located to the left of the address, Item A asks for your S election effective date. You should have a letter from the IRS (CP 261) with your S-Corp starting date. This date should stay the same every year. Item B: Your business activity code. This code shows the IRS exactly what you do. Item C: Item C only applies if you have assets of $10 million or more. Most of the time, Item C will not be checked. Item D: Put your EIN in Item D. Make sure to verify it’s correct before you file your form. Item E: Your date of incorporation should match the articles of incorporation. This date may or may not be the same date as your S-election. Like the S-election date, the date of incorporation won’t change. Item F: Total assets at the end of the year. Item G: If the corporation is electing to be an S-Corp beginning with the current filing tax year, check the appropriate box. If the S-Corp did not already file the S-Election, attach Form 2553 with the return. Item H: These boxes should be self-explanatory. Check the boxes that apply. Item I: Enter the number of shareholders in the firm (e.g. yourself and your partners). Item J: Most of the time, Item J will not be checked. If you believe that one of the Item J items applies, follow up with your tax accountant. Income: Report gross revenue your business has earned for the year and any additional income or interest income that you may have incurred. Only report trade or business income. Do not list rental income, portfolio income, or tax exempt income (those go on your Schedule K). Expenses: Report all deductions on your Profit and Loss statement. Pay special attention to the following lines: Line 7: Compensation of officers should have something on it. S-Corporations must pay shareholder/employee reasonable compensation for services rendered, and failing to put reasonable compensation could lead to an IRS audit. Also included on this line are fringe benefits, including employer contributions to health plans and group term life insurance, for shareholders/employees owning more than 2% of the corporation stock. If your S-Corp has total receipts of $500,000 or more, you’ll need to attach Form 1125-E to explain what was paid to each officer. Line 8: Salary and wages paid to employees (other than officers) of the corporation. Line 17: An S-Corporation can deduct contributions made for its employees under a qualified pension, profit sharing, annuity, SEP plan, Simple plan, or any other retirement deferred compensation plan. This includes shareholders/employees owning more than 2% of the corporation stock. Line 18: Employee fringe benefits provided to officers and employees owning less than 2% go on this line, such as health insurance, disability insurance, and educational assistance. Line 19: Line 19 includes any other deductions. There should be an attached statement, and it should match your profit and loss. The numbers should be close to your Profit and Loss statement. Taxes and payments: In general, an S-Corporation does not pay taxes at the corporate level, so this section will be blank. Signature: It’s important to sign the return only after verifying all of the information, including the following sections. Part 2: Schedule B This section is mostly self-explanatory questions. Make sure to read and understand each question. Below are two lines to pay special attention to: Box 1: This easy-to-miss box can change your entire return if you’re not careful, since it’s where you select whether you’re a cash or accrual basis taxpayer. Once you choose an accounting method, you generally cannot change without approval from the IRS. Box 2: Here is where you explain what you do. Part B is an either/or question, so state whether you sell products or services. Also, if you hire contractors, say yes to question 14 -- and hopefully you got out your 1099 forms by January 31. Part 3: Schedules K and K-1 Schedule K reports the pro rata share items in total for the Corporation. Schedule K-1, which you receive in your personal name, reports the percentage of pro rata share items allocable to each shareholder. Lines 1-17 on Schedule K correspond to Boxes 1-17 on Schedule K-1. Most items on Schedules K and K-1 are self-explanatory and come from other parts of the return. Part 4: Schedule L This is where many taxpayers make a mistake. Schedule L matches your business’ balance sheet and should agree with your books and records. If it doesn’t, find out why before you file. The first two columns match what your accounts were at the beginning of the year and should match what the accounts were at the end of last year. If this is your first year filing an 1120-S return, these two columns should be blank. The second two columns are for what the accounts had on December 31 of the previous year and will carry over to next year’s return. Some of the most common assets on Schedule L are: Line 1: Write the amount of cash in your bank account on the last day of the year. Line 7: Loans to shareholders are loans from the corporation to the shareholder. Keep in mind, these loans need to be documented and should have a repayment schedule and interest rate. Line 10a: Buildings and other depreciable assets are fixed assets that the business owns that have been depreciated, such as real estate, furniture, or machinery Some of the most common liabilities on Schedule L are: Line 18: Other current liabilities are expenses incurred at the end of the year but not paid until January of the next year. Current expenses often include wages, state taxes, federal taxes, and payroll taxes payable at the end of the year. Line 19: Loans from shareholders are loans from the shareholder to the corporation. As with the other loans, these loans should be documented and include a repayment schedule and interest rate. Line 22: The par value or stated value of the capital stock issued by the corporation. This amount stays the same each year unless the S-Corporation issues additional stock after incorporation. The corporate charter or minutes should identify the stock. Line 23: Enter the beginning and ending balances of additional paid-in capital. This includes the amount contributed to the S-Corp by shareholders for which the corporation did not issue stock or amounts contributed in excess of the stated or par value. Line 24: This section is especially tricky. You should base the retained earnings on the S-Corporation’s books and records. Most of the time, retained earnings should match the Accumulated Adjustments Account (AAA), other adjustments account (OAA), and previously taxed income (PTI) balances on Schedule M-2. Line 27: This line represents the total liability and shareholders equity. This line must match line 15. If you answered “yes” to question 11 on Schedule B that your total receipts were less than $250,000 and total assets were less than $250,000, then you aren’t required to file a Schedule L. However, it may be beneficial to file Schedule L anyway because it will be crucial for future balance sheets. Part 5: Schedules M-1 and M-2 Schedule M-1 helps explain discrepancies between the books and your tax return. This section should explain any differences you notice. Some common items reported on Schedule M-2 include: Meal expenses (100% on books, 50% on taxes) Entertainment (100% on books, 0% on taxes) Life insurance premium expense (100% on books, 0% on taxes) Certain fines and penalties (100% on books, 0% on taxes) Political contributions (100% on books, 0% on taxes) Book depreciation expense (100% on books, 0% on taxes) Tax depreciation expense (%0 on books, 100% on taxes) Tax-exempt income (100% on books, %0 on taxes) Schedule M-2 tracks the income and losses and separately states items that the shareholder should report on their tax return. Resources + Links Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/35623255

Your 6-Step Checklist To Close The Books On 2024 12/24/2024

Your 6-Step Checklist To Close The Books On 2024 Ready to end the year with a gift to your future self? In this special episode, Brian guides you through a six-step process to close out 2024 and set yourself up for success in 2025. You’ll tidy your finances, get a jump start on thinking about taxes, evaluate your business performance, and set strategic goals. Your Year-End Business Review Checklist Step 1: Close Out Your Financials Closing out your financials may sound dry, but it’s imperative to get right. Review your books -- Review your profit and loss for the year for any discrepancies, outstanding invoices, or payments that need to be paid. Make sure you have the correct categories for your transactions to save you a headache when you prepare next year’s tax return. Reconcile your accounts -- Every month, but especially at the end of the year, you should reconcile your financial accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and loans, to reveal unaccounted expenses or hidden fees. Analyze your cash flow -- Review your cash flow to see what you owe and who owes you. You can also get a clear picture of whether you can defer income to next year or incur more expenses this year to save on taxes. Review your payroll -- Ensure wags, taxes, and benefits are accurate and that Bonuses are accounted for with proper tax withholding. Step 2: Evaluate Your Tax Position Once your financials are in place, it’s time to shift to taxes. Consider year-end tax deductions -- Incur expenses for purchases like office supplies, software, professional services, and equipment you will have in the coming year. Review your retirement contributions -- Don’t miss your opportunity to make employee contributions to your Solo 401(k) before the December 31 deadline. Plan for next year’s taxes -- Project what your tax liability might look like next year, plan for potential quarterly tax payments, and evaluate whether you might qualify for tax credits or deductions. Also, start gathering important information for tax forms, such as 1099 NECs and W2s. Step 3: Reflect On Business Performance Once the numbers are in order, it’s time to review the past year of business performance and make meaningful adjustments. Review key metrics -- Identify the key metrics for your business, determine whether or not you hit them, and analyze why or why not. Analyze client data -- Come up with your ideal client profile but remember that high paying isn’t the same as high value. Employee performance reviews -- If you have a team, conduct an annual performance review to acknowledge achievements, identify areas for improvement, and set clear expectations for next year. Step 4: Refine Your Vision, Mission, and Values Let’s dig deeper into your mission, vision, and values, which are at the heart of mission-driven businesses. Reassess your mission and vision -- Ask whether your mission or vision has evolved or shifted and update your mission and vision statements if necessary. Clarify your core values -- Just like with your mission and vision, reflect on your core values and update them if necessary. Step 5: Set Strategic Goals For 2025 After reflecting on the past, let’s look forward by setting achievable, flexible goals. Set SMART goals -- Aim to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Break down goals into actionable steps -- Know the next, right step to make your goals less overwhelming and chart a clear path forward. Build in flexibility - The market, economy, and client needs are always evolving. Build checkpoints into your plan and make course corrections as needed. Step 6: Tidy Organizational Processes Don’t overlook the operational side of your business to save yourself headaches and hours in 2025. Audit your systems and tools -- Review the software, apps, and systems you are using, take note of the tools you aren’t using, and automate repetitive tasks. Organize digital files -- Organize digital files in clearly labeled folders to easily find essential documents. Review contracts and legal documents - Check that your contracts and legal documents with vendors, clients, and employees are up-to-date and compliant. Resources + Links Brian Thompson Financial: , , Follow Brian Thompson Online: , , , , 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. /episode/index/show/missiondrivenbusiness/id/34597385

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