C-Suite Secrets

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with entrepreneur JP Revel to discuss the realities of building and scaling a business. JP shares how an unexpected layoff early in his career pushed him toward entrepreneurship and how that moment reshaped his perspective on job security and risk. JP walks through his journey from IT professional to freelancer to founder of a software development company. Along the way he learned the hard truth that technical expertise does not automatically translate into business leadership. One of his biggest breakthroughs came from learning the concept of “delegate and elevate,” recognizing that founders often become the bottleneck in their own businesses. The conversation explores the challenges founders face when transitioning from doing the work to leading a team. JP shares how reading The E-Myth helped him realize he needed to step away from writing code in order to truly grow his company. JP also shares the story behind launching his second company, Major Major Marketing, which was inspired by his experience working with talent in the Philippines during the pandemic. What began as hiring virtual assistants evolved into a mission driven marketing agency focused on creating opportunities for Filipino professionals while reinvesting profits into local communities. Heather and JP discuss how meaningful work, strong culture, and fair treatment of global teams can create both social impact and stronger business outcomes. The episode also dives into practical insights around marketing ROI, founder mindset, and the importance of community for entrepreneurs. JP emphasizes that marketing success rarely happens overnight and typically requires sustained effort over a year to properly measure results. Throughout the conversation, both Heather and JP stress the importance of surrounding yourself with experts, peer groups, and mentors who help you grow as a leader and avoid the isolation many founders experience.   Bio:   I've been doing this at Lelander since 2010. Prior to that, I spent over a decade as a solo freelancer mostly working with agencies. Then add another decade of working at top agencies across the country in technology. No wonder I'm mostly bald - I already pulled out my hair so you don't have to! To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jprevel/ http://lelander.com MajorMajor.Marketing Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist  

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with entrepreneur and agency leader Kevin Maude to unpack what it really takes to build, pivot, and sustain a business over the long term. Kevin shares his 30 plus year entrepreneurial journey, from launching early digital initiatives to running a 22 year video production company and evolving into a results driven marketing agency model. He explains how lowering barriers to entry in video production forced a strategic pivot and why agencies must adapt quickly to shifting market economics. A central theme of the conversation is measurable ROI. Kevin outlines how his team builds strategy first by defining objectives, key metrics, and engagement benchmarks. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics like likes and views, he emphasizes community growth, meaningful engagement, and conversion driven alignment as true indicators of success.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://westcoastcontent.com/   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Barbara O Stephenson, Agency Principal of 300FeetOut, for a candid conversation about branding, leadership, AI, and building a resilient business. Barbara shares her journey from COO to entrepreneur after acquiring the agency during a recession. She opens up about the mindset shift required to move from executing someone else’s vision to creating her own and the lessons she learned while scaling the company through economic downturns and the pandemic. A core theme of the episode is clarity. Barbara explains that branding is not a logo or color palette but the strategic foundation of a business. Without clarity on vision, values, and audience, companies struggle to differentiate and convert. She introduces her four hour Brand Sprint process and explains how founders can gain strategic clarity before investing in design and messaging. The conversation also explores the rapid evolution of search from SEO to AI driven discovery including AEO and GEO. Barbara breaks down what business owners need to focus on to remain visible including technical website foundations, structured writing, keyword strategy, and building authority across platforms. Heather and Barbara discuss the responsible use of AI in marketing. Barbara emphasizes that AI is an augmenter, not a replacement. When properly trained, it amplifies expertise. When misused, it magnifies confusion and produces generic content. Authenticity and voice remain irreplaceable assets. The episode concludes with insights on financial discipline, shifting from project based revenue to retainers for stability, navigating COVID in a dense market like San Francisco, and the importance of staying aligned with your values instead of chasing trends.   BIO:   Barbara sets the bar high for helping clients build authentic brand-centric interactions that are hard-hitting and impactful in the marketplace. With a focus on basic brand authenticity and how it needs to incorporate inclusion and accessibility, Barbara’s tenure has included work with SAP, Visa, and Roche/Genentech, as well as various venture capital, finance, and biotech firms. Her work in travel and lifestyle means she has worked with a multitude of lifestyle and arts organizations, technology startups, and hospitality clients on all levels of their projects from strategy to project management. She has served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the NorCalHSAMI board, as Vice Chair of the Visual Media Alliance (VMA), has been a WebAward Judge for 10 years, and is a part of WPO, Provisors, AMA, and AIGA organizations. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: http://300feetout.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraostephenson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/300feetout  https://www.instagram.com/300feetout/?hl=en   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Matt Schalsey, founder of Perfect Hire, to break down what is actually broken in recruiting and how founders can rethink hiring, headcount strategy, and ROI. Matt shares his journey from entrepreneurial kid selling pencils to HR tech founder building a next generation applicant tracking system. The conversation dives into why recruiting has historically been treated as a cost center, how AI should actually function in HR, and what founders get wrong about culture, hiring, and talent planning. This is a tactical discussion for operators who want clarity, efficiency, and measurable impact from every hire.   Bio:   Matt Schalsey is the CEO and founder of Perfect Hire, the people-first talent platform helping companies hire smarter and faster with AI-powered tools and human-first processes. A lifelong sales and recruiting leader, Matt’s on a mission to fix broken hiring systems and put people back at the heart of talent acquisition.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: http://www.theperfecthire.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schalsey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-perfect-hire https://www.instagram.com/the.perfect.hire/   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes:   In this special episode of C Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons announces the launch of OneRoom, a joint venture created in partnership with commercial lending expert Jen West, founder of Wild Fig Commercial Lending. For the first time, listeners are given an inside look at the boardroom, where financial clarity, capital strategy, and executive level decision making come together. Heather and Jen break down a recurring issue they both observe from different sides of the table. Profitable and growing founders are often operating reactively, without a defined capital strategy, without true financial clarity, and without understanding how lenders assess risk. This episode explores the difference between reactive operators and financially minded CEOs, and why clarity, structure, and mindset ultimately determine whether capital becomes a strategic advantage or a financial burden.   Bio:   Jen West is the CEO and founder of Wild Fig Commercial Lending, a commercial lending strategist, real estate investor, and creative finance expert with more than a decade of experience.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WildFigFinancial/ Website:  http://www.wildfigcommerciallending.com   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Most business owners think profit will tell them if things are working. CFOs know better. In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons breaks down what it actually means to think like a CFO — even if you don’t have a finance background. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need to “fix everything.” You need to see clearly. Heather explains why profit is a result, not a strategy — and why most founders can’t outwork a broken model. If everything runs through you, you don’t have a scaling problem… you have a structure problem. This episode will help you shift from reacting to numbers to interpreting them — so you can make decisions that actually make your business easier to run. This is the identity shift from operator to Financially Minded CEO. 🔑 What You’ll Learn Why profit is the result of effective management — not hustle Why most founders become the bottleneck (without realizing it) The difference between looking at numbers and interpreting them Why you don’t need a financial background to run a strong business The one question that simplifies everything: “What decision would make this business easier to run?” How CFOs see outcomes before they show up Why it’s not about the numbers — it’s about the quality of your questions How to recognize early warning signs before profit drops ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to C-Suite Secrets 00:45 – Understanding Business Finances Like a CFO 01:43 – Money Is More Than Accounting 03:41 – The Emotional Weight of Financial Decisions 05:11 – The Real Role of a CFO 07:23 – Numbers Tell a Story (If You Know How to Read It) 09:02 – Future-Focused Decision Making 11:42 – Profit vs. Result: The Critical Shift 14:14 – The Decisions That Drive Profitability 15:48 – Recognizing Early Warning Signs 16:04 – Thinking Like a CFO 18:53 – Profit Is a Lagging Indicator 💬 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ All Links: https://heatherparsons.com/links 👥 Join the C-Suite Insiders Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁 Free Resource Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth Investment Readiness Checklist: https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with J. Daks, founder of Hexagon IT Solutions, for a candid conversation on how software development has evolved and what leaders must prioritize to drive real business outcomes. Jay shares why successful technology initiatives start with a deep understanding of client needs and why the industry is moving away from feature-driven builds toward outcome-based solutions. He unpacks the growing role of AI in modern software development, the critical importance of compliance in regulated industries, and the key metrics executives should focus on to measure success. The discussion also explores leadership at scale, the long-term cost of technical debt, and why properly vetted contracts are essential for protecting both growth and innovation. Jay closes by reflecting on the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and the insights that continue to shape his approach to building sustainable, high-impact technology solutions.   Bio:   Daks J is a technology entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Hexagon IT Solutions, a global software and AI-driven technology company headquartered in Utah, USA. With over 16 years of experience, he specializes in building scalable, business-focused software platforms that help organizations modernize operations and execute with clarity.   Founded in 2007, Hexagon IT Solutions was created to move beyond one-size-fits-all systems and deliver custom, outcome-driven software solutions. Under Daks’s leadership, the company has evolved into a multi-entity technology group delivering CRM platforms, AI solutions, enterprise integrations, and custom applications across industries including construction, finance, healthcare, and professional services.   Daks is known for his hands-on product leadership, deep technical understanding, and ability to bridge strategy with execution. He works closely with enterprise clients and teams across the US, UK, UAE, and India to turn complex requirements into practical, scalable systems. Through his thought-leadership initiative “Innovate with Daks/Hexagon,” he shares insights on AI adoption, product execution, and building systems that create real business impact.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daksj/ Website:  https://hexagonitsolutions.com/ https://linqhive.com - We are providing a 90 days free usage. Connect with me:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links     Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Amber Field, COO of Strudel AI, to unpack what truly drives execution, focus, and scalability inside early-stage and growing technology companies. With a career spanning IBM, National Geographic, Capital One’s Innovation Lab, and multiple venture-backed startups, Amber brings a rare blend of technical depth, operational rigor, and practical leadership insight. She shares how her background in project management shaped her leadership style, why focus often matters more than hustle, and how founders can avoid common operational and financial missteps before they become painful. The conversation dives deep into how early-stage companies should think about product versus sales, how to run discovery calls that actually inform growth, and why many founders overinvest in tools too early. Amber also offers a grounded, real-world perspective on using AI as a force multiplier without losing human judgment, critical thinking, or institutional knowledge. Listeners will walk away with actionable frameworks for prioritization, time management, agile execution, budgeting decisions, and team development, along with a refreshing reminder that strategy, not shiny tools, is what sustains long-term value creation.   Bio:   Amber Field is the Chief Operating Officer at Strudel AI, a Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of the book, Agile Discovery & Delivery: A Survival Guide for New Software Engineers & Tech Entrepreneurs. She has been an executive leader in tech, agile proponent, and engineer for her entire career at a number of organizations including IBM, National Geographic, Oracle Utilities (formerly Opower), Capital One, and Singlewire Software. Amber frequently speaks at conferences and blogs at amberrfield.com. She lives in Madison, WI.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://amberrfield.com/  https://www.strudelbots.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-field-3ba796b/ Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist  

Show Notes:   In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with serial entrepreneur, sales strategist, and SaaS founder Charles Bernard for a focused conversation on leadership, revenue growth, and the evolving role of AI in modern businesses. Charles shares his journey from growing up in the UK to building and leading two interconnected companies in the U.S., a sales consultancy and a SaaS platform designed to improve collaboration across revenue teams. Together, Heather and Charles explore what it takes to manage multiple businesses, why managing up is essential for scaling leaders, and how delegating responsibility rather than tasks can dramatically improve organizational effectiveness. They dive into how AI is reshaping sales, customer experience, and internal decision making. Charles shares real world examples of AI driving measurable ROI through improved customer satisfaction and operational scalability, while addressing concerns about AI replacing human roles. Instead, he reframes the conversation around the need for leaders and sales professionals to evolve toward deeper subject matter expertise, consultative selling, and buyer centric engagement. Heather and Charles also unpack leadership under pressure, discussing scarcity versus growth mindsets, the importance of honest communication during uncertainty, and why trust and transparency outperform false optimism. Charles draws on two decades of experience in a peer advisory group, highlighting the value of outside perspective, accountability, and avoiding the echo chamber that often traps founders. The episode closes with practical guidance for struggling sales teams, including simplifying pipelines, addressing goal fatigue, and removing unnecessary complexity. Charles leaves listeners with a core entrepreneurial lesson: err on the side of action, avoid becoming the bottleneck, and empower your team to lead. This episode is a must listen for founders, executives, and operators navigating growth, AI adoption, and leadership in an increasingly complex business environment.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbernard1/ www.collavia.com Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist  

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with Paul Price, owner of Argyle Executive Forum and a seasoned CEO with deep experience in private equity, marketing services, and executive leadership. Paul shares his journey from working as an operating CEO for private equity-backed companies to acquiring and scaling his own executive events business. The conversation explores the realities of ownership, the weight of decision-making when it’s your own capital on the line, and why adaptability, not perfection, is the defining trait of successful entrepreneurs. Key topics include leadership styles and avoiding bottlenecks, aligning with investors and boards, and the importance of clear goals, communication, and organizational alignment. Paul offers candid insights into what separates strong exits from failed ones, the hidden challenges of working with private equity partners, and the dangers of delaying hard decisions. Heather and Paul also discuss why cash flow and balance sheet literacy matter more than vanity revenue metrics, how marketing and sales must be treated as systems, and why focus and speed have become non-negotiable in today’s business environment. The episode closes with practical advice on scaling sustainably, raising capital before you need it, and leading with clarity in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a must-listen for founders, executives, and operators navigating growth, capital, and leadership at scale.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn.com/in/paulnprice www.argyleforum.com Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Cara Kuhn, former corporate talent acquisition leader turned healer and coach, to explore the intersection of ambition, identity, and sustainable success. Cara shares her journey from a 20+ year corporate career to founding a purpose driven healing and coaching practice for high performing women. Together, Heather and Cara unpack what happens when external success no longer feels fulfilling, and why many driven professionals reach a point where staying the same feels riskier than changing. The conversation dives deep into themes that resonate strongly with founders, executives, and senior leaders, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, burnout, control, boundaries, and the difference between healthy drive and trauma driven ambition. Cara explains how nervous system regulation and self awareness play a critical role in leadership, decision making, and long term performance, especially for analytical thinkers who may be skeptical of “woo” concepts. Heather and Cara also discuss practical ways leaders can apply this work in real life, from pausing before reacting, to celebrating small wins, setting boundaries without guilt, and letting go of control to enable team and business growth. They address common misconceptions in the healing space, including quick fix promises and spiritual bypassing, and emphasize that true growth requires both inner work and intentional action. This episode is especially relevant for women navigating midlife transitions, entrepreneurship, leadership roles, and periods of personal and professional reinvention. Cara leaves listeners with actionable guidance on clarity, intention setting, mentorship, and trusting yourself enough to take the first step before you feel “ready.” Listeners will walk away with a grounded, practical understanding of how healing and self leadership directly impact confidence, pricing, boundaries, and the ability to scale both life and business.   Bio:   Cara Kuhn is a Talent Acquisition Leader and Business Owner. She turned her love of coaching and developing high performing teams over the past two decades into her own business. Now she helps guide women to achieve more clarity, confidence, and conviction in who they are so they can feel more connected to their purpose and experience abundance in their lives.  To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carakuhnhealing https://carakuhnhealing.com/awakentoabundance   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist  

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons is joined by Sean Vassilaros, a seasoned entrepreneur and SaaS founder, for a deep conversation on trust, character, and what truly drives long-term business success. Sean shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building and selling a highly regulated SaaS platform for remote clinical trials to advising university students and launching an HR technology company focused on one critical hiring question: can this person be trusted? Drawing from decades of experience hiring hundreds of employees, Sean explains why traditional interviews, references, and personality assessments fail to measure the most important predictor of success, character. The discussion explores how trust impacts hiring, leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and company culture. Heather and Sean examine the rising challenges leaders face in a world shaped by AI, automation, and surface-level credentials, emphasizing the growing importance of critical thinking, integrity, and consistency between who someone is at work and who they are outside of it. Sean breaks down how relationship-based data, observable behaviors, and peer insights can provide a more accurate picture of a candidate’s character than resumes or interviews alone. Together, they discuss red flags leaders should watch for, the financial cost of bad hires, and why hiring for values is no longer optional for founders who want to scale sustainably. The episode closes with a candid reflection on leadership, accountability, and the long-term value of telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. This conversation offers founders and executives a thoughtful framework for building stronger teams, faster decisions, and more resilient organizations.   Bio: Sean Vassilaros is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to leveraging technology for societal impact. At the heart of his work is a commitment to character, integrity, and family. As CEO of KANNY, Sean is transforming hiring practices through peer-driven character checks. KANNY's advanced technology gathers feedback from colleagues, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s character while maintaining privacy. This approach addresses a critical gap in talent acquisition, helping build teams grounded in integrity and trust. Sean’s entrepreneurial journey began at 21 when he co-founded his first company during the dotcom era. Two years later, he sold the company and joined a prestigious Los Angeles agency to hone his skills in the travel, entertainment, and healthcare industries. His career continued with notable IT and communications consulting roles before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Ignite Health (now part of Syneos Health). In 2012, Sean co-founded THREAD, a company focused on decentralized clinical trials. Under his leadership, THREAD revolutionized healthcare research, collaborating with brands like Apple, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Duke University. Today, Sean remains an owner and board observer at THREAD, maintaining ties to its continued success. Sean also serves on the Board of Directors for Spectrum Science, a healthcare agency focused on health and science communication. As an Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University, he mentors engineering students and leads international projects through the Creative Inquiry program. Philanthropy is central to Sean’s life. He founded the Hailey Mayz Foundation in honor of his daughter, providing therapy to thousands of special needs children for over a decade. He serves as Chairman of the Board, guiding its strategic vision.   Sean also chairs the board of OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad), the organization featured in the 2023 film The Sound of Freedom. He led the organization as interim CEO during a critical year, inspiring meaningful global change through his leadership. Sean Vassilaros is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to leveraging technology for societal impact. At the heart of his work is a commitment to character, integrity, and family. As CEO of KANNY, Sean is transforming hiring practices through peer-driven character checks. KANNY's advanced technology gathers feedback from colleagues, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s character while maintaining privacy. This approach addresses a critical gap in talent acquisition, helping build teams grounded in integrity and trust. Sean’s entrepreneurial journey began at 21 when he co-founded his first company during the dotcom era. Two years later, he sold the company and joined a prestigious Los Angeles agency to hone his skills in the travel, entertainment, and healthcare industries. His career continued with notable IT and communications consulting roles before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Ignite Health (now part of Syneos Health). In 2012, Sean co-founded THREAD, a company focused on decentralized clinical trials. Under his leadership, THREAD revolutionized healthcare research, collaborating with brands like Apple, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Duke University. Today, Sean remains an owner and board observer at THREAD, maintaining ties to its continued success. Sean also serves on the Board of Directors for Spectrum Science, a healthcare agency focused on health and science communication. As an Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University, he mentors engineering students and leads international projects through the Creative Inquiry program. Philanthropy is central to Sean’s life. He founded the Hailey Mayz Foundation in honor of his daughter, providing therapy to thousands of special needs children for over a decade. He serves as Chairman of the Board, guiding its strategic vision. Sean also chairs the board of OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad), the organization featured in the 2023 film The Sound of Freedom. He led the organization as interim CEO during a critical year, inspiring meaningful global change through his leadership.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanv/ https://www.kanny.com/ sean@kanny.com Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with Austin Reed, founder of Horizon Developments, to unpack how automation, AI, and smart systems can help small and mid sized businesses scale without burning out their founders. Austin shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the early growing pains of hiring too slowly, learning how to manage people, and building systems that allow sales and delivery to scale at the same time. He breaks down the most common low hanging automation opportunities he sees in businesses, including admin tasks, customer onboarding, CRM and ERP connections, reporting, and data management. The conversation dives into real world examples of automation wins, including how one client saved 20 to 30 hours per week by replacing manual processes with custom dashboards. Heather and Austin discuss why automation should solve real business problems rather than simply adding more technology, and how better data visibility leads to stronger decision making and improved financial outcomes. Austin also shares his perspective on the future of SaaS, micro SaaS products, and AI driven development. He explains why human oversight, security, and scalability still matter, even as AI accelerates software creation. The episode closes with insights on leadership, protecting founder time, building offshore and near shore teams, and the importance of persistence, mentorship, and thoughtful partnerships in entrepreneurship. This episode is packed with actionable insights for founders looking to automate intelligently, scale sustainably, and design a business that supports both growth and freedom.   Bio: Austin Reed is the founder and CEO of Horizon Development, an automation and software agency specializing in custom Django/React web apps, AI-powered workflows, and N8N systems for SMBs. With over a decade of programming experience, he’s built a reputation for turning messy business operations into scalable, automated machines. Austin also runs a fast-growing YouTube channel teaching automation, AI, and agency building to thousands of students, helping creators and entrepreneurs turn technical skills into real revenue.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.youtube.com/@horizonsoftwaredev https://www.linkedin.com/in/automationsexpert https://horizon.dev Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this episode, Heather talks with Dan Salganik, Co-Founder of VisualFizz, about the realities of growing an agency, stepping into the full CEO role, and reshaping a business through strategic focus. Dan shares his journey of letting go of day-to-day client work, trusting his team, and protecting his time so he can focus on sales, long-term initiatives, and aggressive revenue goals. He explains how freeing himself from weekly project execution allowed his agency to rapidly launch major campaigns, rebuild branding, and expand their pipeline. Heather and Dan explore the value of calendar boundaries, the importance of quiet thinking time, and the challenges of prioritization when you are running multiple ventures. Dan also breaks down how niching down transformed VisualFizz’s lead quality, credibility, and scalability. He explains how the agency organically carved out two strong verticals in B2B and cannabis by following proven success paths. The conversation turns personal as Dan shares his commitment to one hundred travel days per year, the tradeoffs of entrepreneurship, and his belief that freedom, focus, and intentional business design are the keys to a fulfilling life. The episode closes with his advice for entrepreneurs finding their niche, building quality first, and pursuing the opportunities that feel both natural and scalable. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansalganik/ Website:  https://www.visualfizz.com/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Elena Czarnowski, founder of Kid Laboratories, former tech executive, educator, and author of Future Proof Kids in Ten Minutes a Week. Elena opens up about her journey from a 15 year career in technology to launching a fast growing education company focused on digital literacy, financial literacy, STEM, and responsible AI use for kids ages 5 to 14. Heather and Elena dive into why early financial literacy matters, how STEM education builds confidence, and how parents can introduce both in simple, practical ways, without feeling overwhelmed. Elena shares stories from her own children, illustrating how quickly kids absorb value centered financial lessons and how developing digital literacy can become a superpower rather than a distraction. They also discuss intentional tech use, delayed gratification, and how parents can shift the narrative from dopamine driven screen time to responsible, skill building technology habits. Elena introduces her R Cubed Method for guiding kids through learning and AI usage, and explains why AI education needs to become as normal as traditional subjects. This episode is packed with actionable tips for parents, entrepreneurs, and educators who want to raise confident, capable, financially wise kids ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.   Bio:   Elena Czarnowski is an educator, curriculum designer, and founder of Kid Laboratories, a learning company that helps families raise future-ready kids. After years working in both tech and teaching, she saw that students weren’t getting the real-world skills they need. So she created simple, 10-minute lessons that build digital literacy, financial literacy, and character strength—the three foundations kids need in an AI-driven world. Her upcoming book, Future-Proof Kids, gives parents easy, fun tools they can use at home to help their children grow confident, capable, and resilient. Blending research with real family life, Elena brings a warm, playful approach to modern parenting and believes every child can become a creative, empowered problem-solver.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPJVf_TkVsB/ Website:  http://www.kidlaboratories.com   Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes: In this powerful second half of the conversation, Heather and John dive deeper into the realities of raising capital, managing investor expectations, and navigating the long, often unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship. John shares candid stories of funding rounds falling apart, investors over-committing, and how macroeconomic events, even ones unrelated to your business, can completely derail a raise. Together, they unpack essential lessons for founders: How to assess investor credibility (and why you must ask what’s actually in their fund). Why performance-based agreements are crucial when bringing in advisors or capital raisers. The long-term responsibility of a cap table—and why founders must be intentional about who they bring in for the next 5–10 years. Why exits almost always take longer than you think and how messy and unpredictable they truly are behind the scenes. When (and whether) a founder should walk away from a struggling product or venture. The emotional realities of the founder journey—trust, loyalty, pivoting, sunk cost, and staying aligned with your life priorities. John also opens up about hard personal lessons, including liquidating savings, relocating because of a failed investor commitment, the importance of financial buffers, and protecting family stability—even while taking big swings. This episode is a candid look at the grind, grit, and grey areas of entrepreneurship that rarely get talked about.   Bio:   John Bentley, II is a fractional CTO with over 35 years of hands-on experience with technology. He is a serial entrepreneur passionate about early-stage startups. He travels the Product Journey and guides others on the paths that lead from Idea to Market.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://linkedin.com/in/johnbentleyii https://www.instagram.com/prdjrn Website:  https://prdjrn.com   🎁The Basecamp Review is a one-hour assessment of a product/startup idea, followed by a Route Report that provides concrete recommendations for advancing the idea to market as a product/service. The Basecamp Review is $500, and I will provide listeners a 90% discount. The offer code will be CSUITESECRETS   https://prdjrn.com/lp/css-2025   Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with serial entrepreneur and fractional CTO John Bentley, II, a technologist turned multi-business founder who’s spent decades helping startups build smarter, scale faster, and avoid the costly pitfalls that sink most early-stage products. John shares his journey from programming on a TRS-80 at age 10, to corporate leadership at Sprint, to launching multiple tech ventures including SpotOn.Pet, 10XTS, and his fractional CTO practice. He breaks down the biggest mistakes founders make when building products, why 80% of software is never used, and what a real MVP should look like (hint: it’s far less than you think). John also introduces his framework for a Micro Convertible Offering (MCO),  a powerful way to validate market traction before sinking money into development. He and Heather dive deep into customer research, early adopter psychology, product-market fit, and how to de-risk software development as a non-technical founder. Whether you're preparing for your first product build or scaling a growing startup, this episode delivers tactical, founder-friendly insights you can apply immediately.   Bio:   John Bentley, II is a fractional CTO with over 35 years of hands-on experience with technology. He is a serial entrepreneur passionate about early-stage startups. He travels the Product Journey and guides others on the paths that lead from Idea to Market.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://linkedin.com/in/johnbentleyii https://www.instagram.com/prdjrn Website:  https://prdjrn.com   Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons dives into one of the biggest myths in business — the idea that revenue equals freedom. She explores the common struggles entrepreneurs face when they’re growing but not gaining control, and shares how financial clarity, strategic decision-making, and understanding cash flow can help business owners escape the “revenue trap.” Heather discusses how to align profit and purpose, price confidently, and make decisions that build freedom instead of stress. Whether you’re scaling, stabilizing, or just getting started, this episode will help you see your business through a smarter, calmer financial lens — and remind you that you don’t have to do it alone.   Highlights:  01:01Revenue vs. Freedom: The Core Issue 01:52Understanding Control and Clarity in Business 02:01The Revenue Trap: Understanding the Entrepreneurial Struggle 03:19From Emotion to Intention: Making Data-Driven Decisions 04:38Understanding Profitability and Value 05:39The Power of Weekly Financial Check-Ins 06:07Aligning Cash Flow with Business Goals 06:32The Importance of Financial Clarity 07:31Key Metrics for Business Success   Connect with me: Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Jonathan W. Buckley, a Silicon Valley veteran and fractional CMO who has helped dozens of enterprise tech startups build repeatable, predictable revenue engines. Jonathan shares hard-earned insights from decades of working with early-stage companies, including what separates the startups that go public from those that stall out. He and Heather unpack the realities behind Series A and B funding, the dangers of premature scaling, and why understanding your ideal customer profile (ICP) can make or break your go-to-market strategy. From exposing "non-arm’s-length" sales to building ethical, high-trust teams, this conversation is a masterclass in sustainable startup growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways Fractional leadership matters: Hiring full-time senior talent before achieving revenue predictability can drain resources and stall growth. Beware premature scaling: A true MVP must be validated by arm’s-length, repeatable sales—not just “friends and family” buys. Data drives direction: Understanding your ICP and buyer personas is critical for positioning and messaging that actually converts. Fiduciary responsibility in startups: Founders and advisors must maintain transparency with investors and report issues early. The culture advantage: Start building company culture before you scale—it directly impacts trust, sales, and team performance. Chaos kills ROI: Lack of process and structure prevents startups from getting the most out of fractional teams and funding.   Bio:   Enterprise Tech Strategist, Former CMO & VPM of Tech Companies Both Public and Private, Principal Consultant at The Artesian Network, Fractional CMO & CEO. Jonathan combines 25+ years of executive experience with a track record of transforming marketing and GTM across SaaS, cloud, and AI ventures globally. He supports scale-ups and enterprise clients across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.jonathanwbuckley.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwbuckley/ Website:  http://www.artesiannetwork.com/   Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist  

Show Notes In this insightful episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Sanjai Marimadaiah, founder of Rasa Growth and veteran of tech giants like IBM, HP, Oracle, and Sun Microsystems. Together, they unpack what it really takes to scale a business in today’s fast-moving world — from understanding your customer’s true needs to leading with purpose and heart. Sanjai shares lessons from his 20+ years in the tech and startup ecosystem, reflecting on the evolution of leadership, pricing strategy, and AI’s disruptive potential. His perspective blends deep technical expertise with a systems-thinking approach to growth — and a clear reminder that “business is common sense.” Episode Highlights From Silicon Valley to Startups: How Sanjai transitioned from system software engineer to Chief Product Officer and growth strategist — and why he calls himself a “systems thinker for growth.” Business Is Common Sense: Why even the most complex industries succeed when leaders get back to basics: understanding their market, serving customers, and communicating clearly. Know Your Customer — Deeply: Sanjai explains why founders must go beyond their tech or product to study how customers actually live and work. → “Customers aren’t buying your product. They’re buying a solution to their problem.” The Pricing Perspective: Pricing isn’t a finance function — it’s a reflection of how well you understand value. Sanjai breaks down how perceived vs. real value can make or break profitability. The Power of Simplicity: Heather and Sanjai discuss how clarity in communication—like an “eighth-grade readability test”—translates into better customer connection and higher conversions. AI & the New Era of Disruption: Why Sanjai believes GenAI is the next big revolution after the web boom, and how leaders can stay hands-on to truly understand its impact. Leadership with Humanity: Drawing on examples from Satya Nadella, Steve Jobs, and his own personal journey, Sanjai emphasizes the role of empathy, spirituality, and self-awareness in great leadership. Bio:   Sanjai Marimadaiah is a business growth strategist and AI transformation advisor with over two decades of leadership experience driving product-led and customer-centric growth across global technology firms. He has scaled HP’s Big Data business from $2M to $80M+, repositioned DiffusionData as a high-performance Kafka alternative, and guided go-to-market transformations for SaaS and infrastructure companies. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Website: http://www.RASAGrowth.com LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaim1 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/RASA Growth  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/RASAGrowth/   Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders https://heatherparsons.com/links   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist