In this insightful episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, host Mike Michalowicz sits down with Billie Anne Grigg at Profit First Professionals, to explore how the Profit First methodology reshaped her approach to business, bookkeeping, and client success. Before discovering Profit First, Billie Anne spent many years running a traditional bookkeeping firm—helping clients build budgets, analyze cash flow, and reconcile their books—only to watch them still struggle with profitability. Everything changed when she read Profit First. The system translated financial theory into real-world behavior, giving entrepreneurs a clear, intuitive way to manage money using bank accounts rather than spreadsheets. She and Mike discuss how the framework moves professionals from enforcers of budgets to trusted allies in profitability, and why true transformation begins when advisors experience the system for themselves. Listen in!

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to explore why traditional marketing models are failing—and how to fix them. Drawing from her new book, Unchained, Sara explains how small businesses can avoid AI-driven chaos, build strategy-first marketing plans, and stop blindly outsourcing without direction. Whether you're overwhelmed or just getting started, this conversation will help you simplify your marketing, reconnect with your customers, and create authentic content that actually converts.

In this special episode, Mike Michalowicz gets personal. He opens up about life beyond business—sharing heartfelt stories about his family, the joy of watching his kids grow into kind, connected adults, and the ups and downs that shaped his journey. Mike also talks about how every book he writes starts with something he’s trying to figure out for himself—like overcoming fear of public speaking, learning to be a better leader, and escaping the trap of hustle culture. It’s honest, funny, and full of the real-life moments behind the entrepreneurial spotlight.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz and co-host Amy dive deep into one of the most critical—yet underappreciated—business dynamics: the powerful partnership between visionaries and integrators. Through stories from Mike’s career and the surprising history of Henry Ford and James Couzens, you'll discover why operational excellence is just as important as innovation—and how both roles are essential for scalable, sustainable growth.

In this powerful second half of a two-part series, Mike Michalowicz is joined by Donna Lyons, President and Co-Founder of Pumpkin Plan Your Biz, to reveal the counterintuitive strategy that helps entrepreneurs grow profits by reducing their client base. Donna breaks down the “Top Client Assessment,” a practical method to identify and remove unprofitable, time-draining customers so you can scale by focusing on your most valuable clients. They explore real-life stories—including a bold business owner who dropped 80% of his clients and tripled revenue in three months—and discuss how to niche down, price for value, and eliminate services that don’t align with your strengths. Whether you're struggling with burnout, scope creep, or low-margin clients, this episode gives you a roadmap to build a leaner, more profitable business—without working more.

In this powerful episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz sits down with Donna Leyens, President and co-founder of Pumpkin Plan Your Biz, to unpack what actually works for coaches and consultants who want to help small businesses grow — profitably and sustainably. Together, they explore how the Pumpkin Plan methodology has evolved over 12 years into a powerful, crowd-tested system that delivers repeatable success for business strategists and their clients. You’ll hear why applying the framework to your own business first is the secret to gaining credibility, building empathy, and delivering transformational results.

In this powerful continuation of Mike Michalowicz’s conversation with Adrienne Dorison, co-founder of Run Like Clockwork, they dive deep into what it truly takes to design a business that can run without you—literally. Mike and Adrienne unpack the transformational benefits of the "four-week vacation" challenge, not just for entrepreneurs, but for teams and clients too. They explore how empowering employees, building operational independence, and practicing regular “business fire drills” can turn your business from a dependency into a well-oiled machine. Adrienne also introduces her Fractional COO Certification Program, helping businesses access top-tier operational leadership without the full-time price tag. Whether you're dreaming of your own unplugged escape or just ready to escape the daily grind, this episode gives you the roadmap to get there.

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship Simplified Podcast, host Mike Michalowicz is joined by Adrienne Dorison, co-founder of Run Like Clockwork, a company dedicated to helping CEOs design businesses that run like clockwork. Based on Mike’s business book Clockwork, Adrienne shares valuable insights on how business owners can step away from the day-to-day operations and still ensure their companies thrive. Adrienne talks about the challenges of business owners who love their work but often struggle with burnout, offering advice on how to build a business that functions without their constant involvement. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to get out of the weeds and design a business that runs smoothly without you, this episode is packed with actionable tips and advice to help you get there.

In part two of this compelling series, All In author and Entrepreneurship Simplified host Mike Michalowicz welcomes back Danielle Mulvey, founder of The All In Company. Together, they dive deeper into how business owners can raise the bar across their organization and retain exceptional employees by going "all in." Danielle shares innovative strategies—from calculating true employee benefits to out-of-the-box recruiting via industry workshops—that empower you to identify, attract, and keep five-star talent. If your “hair’s on fire and you need to hire”—or if you're ready to stop settling and start scaling—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Danielle Mulvey, founder of The All In Company, shares her groundbreaking approach to hiring and how businesses can transform their recruitment processes. Danielle discusses the five-star hiring system that allows you to find and hire candidates who are not only qualified but are the perfect cultural fit for your organization. Through customized assessments, benchmarks, and a deep understanding of what makes the ideal candidate, Danielle explains how her company helps businesses hire smarter, faster, and more effectively. She highlights the importance of not settling for mediocre hires and shows how focusing on quality over quantity leads to long-term success. If you’ve struggled with traditional hiring methods or need to fill positions fast without sacrificing quality, listen in for actionable strategies for turning your hiring process into a competitive advantage. Danielle Mulvey’s insights will help you build the dream team your business deserves.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz introduces the core ideas behind his upcoming book, The Money Habit, which explores practical and impactful strategies for mastering personal finances based on Profit First's principles. Mike shares the importance of cultivating better money habits and reveals a sneak peek into some of the key topics the book will cover. From managing subscriptions to understanding the psychological effects of credit cards, Mike discusses how small shifts in your financial habits can lead to big changes in your financial wellbeing. Tune in to get valuable insights that will help you take control of your money!

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship Simplified Podcast, Mike Michalowicz and Amy Cartelli explore the importance of identifying and truly understanding your ideal customer. They discuss how to break free from biases, refine your audience, and build a brand that fosters genuine connections. The conversation highlights collaboration, values-driven marketing, and strategies to create lasting impact with the right audience. Tune in for practical insights on attracting, serving, and growing with your ideal customers.

In this episode we dive into the challenge every entrepreneur faces—knowing what to fix next. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to solve everything at once, but true progress comes from identifying the one key issue that will move your business forward...the next right fix to make. We explore how ego can cloud decision-making, why outside perspectives are invaluable, and how data-driven insights can reveal your biggest bottleneck. Tune in for actionable advice on simplifying your entrepreneurial journey and making smarter business decisions.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz takes a deep dive into real small businesses, analyzing their models, strengths, and challenges. He breaks down what makes a business truly successful—whether it’s building customer loyalty, creating memorable experiences, or standing out in a crowded market. At the same time, he highlights common pitfalls that hold entrepreneurs back and offers insights on what they can do to grow smarter and stronger. He also shares lessons from his own journey—starting a business at 23, making early mistakes, and learning the hard way. Listen in!

In this episode, we explore the immense value of mastermind groups for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Mike shares his personal experience with masterminds, reflecting on how these collaborative groups have fueled his growth, innovation, and success. From legendary masterminds like the Vagabonds (Ford, Edison, Firestone) to modern groups such as YPO, EO, and Mike's own Edison Collective, Mike discusses the unique power of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who challenge and support you. Through this insightful conversation, Mike explains how masterminds can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, brainstorm ideas, and achieve greater success by leveraging the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of the group. Whether you’re building a business or looking to level up, this episode highlights the importance of collaboration and the powerful impact masterminds have on entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of failure through the lens of some of history’s most inspiring stories. From Thomas Edison’s perseverance in inventing the light bulb to Walt Disney’s journey from bankruptcy to becoming the epitome of creativity, we uncover the valuable lessons failure can teach us. This episode challenges you to embrace failure as a stepping stone, reframe rejection, and focus on persistence, creativity, and the power of constraints. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or creative thinker, these stories and strategies will inspire you to navigate setbacks and achieve breakthroughs.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, hosts Mike Michalowicz and Amy Cartelli dive into invaluable business lessons inspired by Taylor Swift's meteoric success. From handling criticism and building a dedicated community to leveraging data for decision-making, this conversation explores how entrepreneurs can apply these strategies to their own ventures. Listen in!

In this episode, we delve into the art and science of public speaking, sharing essential tips and techniques to help you captivate any audience. From finding opportunities to speak, to crafting impactful messages to managing nerves and delivering with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable advice for speakers of all levels. We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of authentic connections, and strategies for turning fear into fuel. Whether you're preparing for your first speech or aiming to polish your skills, this episode equips you with tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you know that the stress of it all can wreak havoc on your mental health. In this episode, Mike and Amy explore the profound impact of small, intentional actions on mental wellness and personal growth. From the reflective practice of journaling to the calming effects of mindfulness and meditation, learn how simple habits can help process emotions, quiet the mind, and foster a sense of clarity. The importance of seeking support when needed can’t be emphasized enough. Whether turning to trusted resources, enlisting the help of a friend, or consulting a professional, we emphasize that no one should navigate mental health challenges alone. This episode serves as a reminder that even the smallest steps can lead to transformative outcomes.

In this episode, we dive into the invaluable benefits of team retreats for businesses. Whether in person or virtual, retreats offer more than just a break from the office – they create a space for creativity, collaboration, and personal connection. Mike and Amy share insights into how these retreats foster innovative brainstorming, expand team dynamics, and promote a sense of unity and shared purpose. From structured activities like silent brainstorming to casual downtime for personal reflection, team retreats provide opportunities for cross-functional support, new skill acquisition, and a deeper understanding of team members' strengths. Learn how quarterly and annual retreats have transformed the way companies work together, sparked new ideas, and helped employees feel more connected to their company's mission. With practical tips on planning, balancing work and downtime, and making sure everyone feels included and comfortable, this episode will inspire business owners and managers to consider implementing their own retreats for enhanced team cohesion and company growth.