Taxes shouldn’t blindside you every April—and if they do, it’s time to fix the process. In this episode of Upleveling, we dive into the mindset shifts and simple strategies that will help you avoid tax surprises, protect your cash flow, and make confident financial decisions year-round. From building a tax-saving cadence to why $0 tax bills might actually be hurting your long-term goals, this episode is a must-listen for growth-minded business owners.

How do you keep your best people? In this episode, we dive into why retention is your real growth engine—and how to build a workplace A-players don’t want to leave. We’ll cover the 5 keys to a great culture, how to create calm, and what top talent needs to stay. If you’re tired of starting over, this one’s for you.

Great teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional onboarding, clear expectations, and continuous development. In this episode, we break down how to design a 30/60/90-day plan, instill your company culture, build strong systems, and use KRAs and KPIs to guide performance. Learn how to equip your team with the tools and clarity they need to thrive—because when your people grow, your business grows.

Hiring the right person for the right role isn’t luck—it’s a system. In this week’s episode of Upleveling, we continue our People Framework series by walking you through a proven hiring playbook. From building a written hiring plan to screening for values and using a final decision checklist, you’ll learn how to stop winging it and start running a repeatable process that ensures you hire once, right. If you’ve ever struggled with bad hires or rushed decisions, this episode is your roadm...

This week we kick off our People Framework series with Part 1: Attracting – How to Get the Right People to Notice You. If you’ve ever said, “I just can’t find good people,” this episode is for you. We break down why great candidates do exist—and how you can position your business so they actually notice you. From shifting your mindset about hiring, to building an employer brand that stands out, to practical tactics like creating a Careers Page that sells, we’ll walk you through how to a...

In this heartfelt episode, Joy honors the legacy of her late mentor, Teresa Morgan—a trailblazing attorney and unapologetic builder of women. Through personal stories, Joy shares how one woman’s encouragement, confidence, and connections helped shape her life and career. This episode dives into what real mentorship looks like, how to be a mentee worth investing in, and why it’s your responsibility to prove you're ready for the opportunities you're asking for. Whether you're looking for ...

AI isn’t here to replace you, it’s here to make life and business easier. This episode explores simple ways to use AI in everyday life, highlights custom GPTs that save time at Aligned, and shows how to build a team culture of curiosity. Start small, stay curious, and let AI multiply your effectiveness.

In this episode, we’re talking all about what it means to live and lead with intention. We share how setting clear goals and building intentional habits has shaped our success, both personally and professionally, and how you can apply the same tools in your own life. From yearly vision-setting to daily non-negotiables we walk you through practical strategies that will help you get clear on what you truly want and take consistent action to achieve it. Whether you’re a business owne...

Most business owners set ambitious goals. Whether it's scaling revenue, growing a client base, or hitting that next big milestone. But why do so many fall short? In this episode, we dive into a critical mindset shift: moving your focus from the outcome to the activity that creates the outcome. Whether you're aiming for your first $1M year or just want to move the needle, this episode will challenge you to trade wishful thinking for intentional action. Don’t just chase the goal, own the ...

Feel like you don’t have time to understand your financials? In this short and practical episode, we break down a 5-minute monthly checklist that every business owner should review when they receive their financial reports. You’ll learn exactly what numbers to look at, why they matter, and how to use them to make smarter decisions, without spending hours in spreadsheets. Whether you're trying to improve cash flow, stay on top of expenses, or prepare for growth, this quick guide will hel...

In this episode of Upleveling, we're flipping the script on what it really means to lead. Growth doesn’t eliminate problems, it upgrades them. And the faster you learn to solve those bigger, messier challenges, the faster your business grows. We’re diving into: Why problem-solving is the CEO’s real job titleHow resilience is built through decision-making repsTools and tactics for making better, faster decisionsA simple mindset shift that could change how you lead foreverIf you're feeling stuc...

Is time management really the key to productivity—or just a well-marketed myth? In this episode, Joy breaks down why traditional approaches often fall short and what actually helps you get more done. She covers smarter strategies like time blocking, energy management, delegating tasks, and setting clear boundaries. If you're ready to stop feeling busy and start feeling effective, this one’s for you.

Most business owners think growing revenue is complicated, but it really comes down to three simple levers. In this episode, we break down each one and explain how you can use them to increase revenue immediately. Whether it's bringing in more clients, increasing the value of each transaction, or encouraging repeat business, these classic levers are straightforward and effective. You'll walk away with practical tactics you can apply today to start seeing results. If you want help identi...

In this week’s episode, Joy dives into one of the toughest decisions a business owner can face: letting someone go. But before you hand out the pink slip, there’s a critical question you need to ask—is this a people problem or a process problem? Joy unpacks how to spot the root of underperformance and shares a practical framework for diagnosing whether the issue lies with the individual or the systems they’re working within. You’ll learn how to approach the situation with clarity, reduce cost...

In this episode, Joy breaks down what it means to think like a CFO and how to bring that mindset into your business planning. She walks through how to thoughtfully reflect on the past quarter—what worked, what didn’t, and what you can learn from it—to make smart, forward-thinking decisions. You'll hear how to shift from being a reactive business owner to a proactive one by identifying problems early, creating intentional strategies to address them, and building in time for reflection. J...

In today’s episode, Joy takes a moment to reflect on the wins, lessons, and challenges from last quarter—and why that reflection is a key move every CEO should make. She also shares powerful tactics to carry into the new quarter so you can show up stronger, lead with clarity, and continue growing your business with intention. If you’re ready to elevate how you lead and level up how you operate, this episode is for you. As mentioned in the episode, here’s your handout with all the questi...

In this episode, Joy dives into the common cash flow challenges that many business owners face and shares practical strategies to improve your financial health and peace of mind. We break down the concepts of cash inflow and outflow, explaining what they really mean for your business and how you can optimize them. As mentioned in the episode, here is your Cash Flow Worksheet Template to help you put these strategies into action. If you’re looking to get a better handle on your fin...

In this episode, we break down what KPIs are, why they matter, and how to track them effectively. Understanding the right metrics can help you make better business decisions and drive growth. Whether you're a startup, entrepreneur, or seasoned business owner, understanding your metrics is key to making informed decisions and scaling effectively. As mentioned in the episode, grab your free KPI Scorecard here to start tracking your numbers like a pro! We hope...

What separates top-performing CEOs from the rest? In this inaugural episode of Upleveling: The CEO Advantage, host Joy Lutz breaks down the six key traits that drive business success—from making fast decisions to leveraging data and intuition. Whether you're looking to scale, build a high-performing team, or optimize your business strategy, these insights will help you lead with confidence and take your business to the next level.

Every business owner hits that moment—when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Maybe cash flow is tight, your team is struggling, or you’re overwhelmed with too many problems at once. In this episode of Upleveling, we dive into how to take accountability, shift your mindset, and create a plan to move forward. If you're feeling stuck, unsure where to go next, or just need a reality check, this conversation is for you. Learn practical steps to regain control, make better decisions, and bu...