In this episode, we get into the numbers, and not in a boring way.

Chartered accountant and business strategist Laura Powner joins Mike to unpack how entrepreneurs can use financial data as a launchpad for sustainable growth and eventual exit.

If you've ever felt like you're winging it with your pricing, don't know what your data's really saying, or are overwhelmed by the idea of building a business that could actually be sold… this one's for you.

Laura blends finance, strategy, and systems thinking to help six-figure founders grow and scale businesses that don’t just generate revenue, they build wealth.

What We Cover:

Why most founders are chasing leads when they should be mining assets they already have

The real reason people avoid looking at their numbers (and what to do about it)

Common gaps that kill profitability—and how to plug them

How to build a business that someone else actually wants to buy

What your accountant should be doing for you (but probably isn’t)

Why launching a course as your first product is often a huge mistake

How to think about pricing from an ROI perspective (not insecurity or guessing)

What due diligence in a sale really looks like (spoiler: it’s intense)

The mindset shift that helps you act like a business owner, not just a service provider

💥 Laura’s Top Quotes:

“Most people attach their self-worth to their numbers, which makes them scared to look.”

“Everyone has a vision, but no one can tell me where they’re actually at today.”

“You need to build a business that someone else can run the day after you sell it.”

“People give up too soon, they post once, get no clients, and think it didn’t work.”

Connect with Laura:

Discover the hidden leaks draining your revenue with Laura Powner's free Profit Leaks Detector quiz.

Laurapowner.com – access all her businesses here

The Final Five

1. If you could gift one business/marketing/mindset book to someone, what would it be and why?

📚 Traction by Gino Wickman – Even if you’re a one-person business, read it. It’ll show you how to run like a real company.

2. We’re going for a coffee and I’m buying. What’s your order?

☕ Ginger tea (no caffeine allowed!).

3. You’re hosting a dinner party for 3 people (living or dead). Who’s coming and why?

Louise Hay – for shaping her mindset during a pivotal career moment

Jason Manford – to keep the laughs coming

Gino D’Acampo – someone’s gotta cook!

4. You can delete one social platform forever. Which one?

🗑️ TikTok – no hesitation.

5. What’s your best piece of advice for someone starting out who wants to be where you are?

"Do the hard yards. Get involved. Talk to people. Ask what their problems are. You can’t build something meaningful if you skip the messy middle."

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