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Today’s guest, Beau Atkins, founder of Evolve Family Law, and I agree — billing by the hour is bull****. The outdated model of charging by the hour? Dead. May 2020 marked the end of that nonsense for Beau’s firm.

Law firms have long resisted the entrepreneurial mindset, clinging to archaic structures instead of operating like the best-run businesses. But here’s the truth: clients aren’t buying your time. They’re seeking certainty, peace of mind and solutions.

At Evolve Family Law, Beau has built something different — quite possibly the only law office in the world using value-based pricing with payment plans. Instead of justifying price by the clock, he factors in experience, the local economy and client needs, creating a sliding-scale pricing model that actually makes sense.

And let’s stop using the F-word (fee). Price isn’t just a charge — it’s an investment. Clients deserve the power to make informed decisions about that investment, just like in any other industry.

When you see a flaw in the model, you change it. Beau’s mindset isn’t just for lawyers — whether you’re an accountant, shop owner, or consultant, look beyond your industry. Learn from the best entrepreneurs and apply those principles to your own business.

If you need family law assistance, reach out to Beau Atkins at Evolve Family Law.

What’s Inside:
—Why billing by the hour has to die.
—An “Evolved” value-based pricing for law.
—Empowering clients to assess risk on investment.
—Looking to outside industries to improve your business.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Evolve Family Law: http://www.evolvelaw.ca/
—Beau Atkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-atkins-105a273b/
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

In this follow-up conversation with Krista Clive-Smith, we dive deeper into personal branding and its critical role in shaping your life and career. If you missed Part 1 (Episode 18), we recommend starting there, where we introduced two foundational frameworks, The Triangle and The Model.

Krista highlights that personal branding is the business model of the future. It’s your ultimate competitive advantage—something nobody else can duplicate. Your unique essence, experiences, and purpose form the cornerstone of this strategy.

Krista walks us through a powerful Venn diagram with four intersecting circles: Innate qualities, Learned skills, Life experiences & adversity, and finally Desires & calling. At the very center, these align to reveal your pathway to Purpose. Krista encourages you to explore your intuition, trust your hunches, and take small but meaningful risks. The changes might not be drastic—often, they’re small shifts that create a big impact over time.

Krista reframes the concept of a career, reminding us that it’s not just a job—it’s the body of work you create throughout your lifetime. She challenges us to align (and realign) our life choices to reflect the season we’re in and the life we want to lead.

Krista emphasizes the importance of answering three questions to shape your personal brand and career path:

—What life do you want to lead?
—What business do you want to be in?
—Who do you want to serve?

The first two questions are deeply interconnected, continually reflecting and influencing one another. As for the third, Krista suggests that the people you’re meant to serve are often a former version of yourself—someone who needs what you’ve learned along your journey.

Personal branding isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you can create a meaningful impact in the world. Step into your purpose with courage, align your work with your calling, and watch your life and career transform.

What’s Inside:
—What is the business model of the future?
—The competitive advantage of the unique YOU!
—A venn diagram toward purpose.
—Three critical questions of alignment.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Krista Clive-Smith: https://www.kristaclivesmith.com/
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Maximizing your PR visibility is all about leveraging on-screen opportunities to tell your story effectively—and Kerry Barrett is here to help you master it. With more than 20 years in the news industry, from small-town Texas to big city NYC, Kerry has the on-camera experience. She breaks down the difference between advertising, where you “pay to play,” and PR, which is about earning media publicity through your expertise. In this exploratory meeting, Kerry breaks down the essentials of using on-camera PR to your advantage.

One of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face in PR is crafting a pitch that resonates. Many pitches fall flat because they’re framed from a marketing perspective rather than a news angle. The key, Kerry explains, is to focus less on yourself and more on what value you bring to the audience. It’s about telling the story behind what you’re trying to accomplish and framing your pitch in a way that grabs attention. Thoughtful interview preparation—complete with layered answers, impactful sound bites, and a clear focus on three main takeaways—makes all the difference.

Kerry also emphasizes the importance of adaptability. The interviewer likely isn’t an expert in your field, so it’s up to you to steer the conversation. Pivot questions as needed and avoid overwhelming the audience with information. Instead, highlight your three core points, ensuring your audience walks away with the message you want to deliver. For more personalized training, Kerry offers a one-on-one video coaching course. Reach out to her on LinkedIn to get started!

What’s Inside:
—How to maximize your PR visibility.
—What’s the difference between advertising and PR?
—How to effectively pitch a PR opportunity.
—How to pivot questions for your best interview yet.
—The rule of 3 when it comes to sharing information with an audience.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—kerry@Kerrybarrett.com
—Kerry Barret on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/KerryBarrett
—Kerry Barrett on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IAmKerryBarrett/#
—MBA CPA : http://www.mbacpa.ca

Darren Mitchell of Control and Compound breaks down life insurance facts you didn’t even know were available—insights you can use to build your wealth. To become truly wealthy, you need to invest in yourself, your business, and your real estate. When you’re not investing, you’re giving up control of your money to the bank.

Life insurance has two components: the death benefit and the cash value. By lowering the death benefit, you can raise the cash value, creating a powerful financial tool that multiplies your money. This allows you to stay in control, seize opportunities, and handle emergencies effectively.

On the podcast, Darren explores term life insurance, permanent insurance, and whole life policies. Did you know only 1% of term life insurance policies pay out in Canada? Whole life insurance, however, can help maximize wealth by creating a cash-value asset that grows tax-free. This asset provides benefits such as tax-free growth, cash surrender value that doesn’t lose value, and no impact on your credit score.

For those unfamiliar with these concepts, Darren emphasizes that financial education is crucial. Different life insurance policies serve different needs depending on your goals and life stage. At Control and Compound, the focus is on optimizing the cash value asset to work for you—even though it means less payout for them. Their goal is to ensure your insurance plan aligns with your broader financial picture, empowering you to build a secure and prosperous future.

What’s Inside:
—What you didn’t know about life insurance?
—How to use life insurance to control your money and build wealth.
—Creating a cash value asset with life insurance.
—Understanding the difference between term, permanent, and whole life insurance.
—Financial education to ensure your insurance is the right fit.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Free Resources for Listeners: Expert Investor Academy | Control and Compound Financial: https://www.controlandcompound.com/the-mba-way-podcast
—Control and Compound (@controlandcompound) on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en
—Control and Compound on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfW2enuzdBWgc2FduqGUiWw
—Control and Compound (@controlandcompound) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/
—Control and Compound: https://www.facebook.com/controlandcompound
—Control and Compound Financial: https://www.controlandcompound.com/
—How Real Estate Investors Use Infinite Banking to Multiply Their Returns Webinar: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/real-estate-instant-access?_ga=2.243018443.830516902.1727655006-1076446690.1726453037
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Paul Aemisegeo’s journey to founding Payroll Mart is a testament to entrepreneurial grit and vision. Just after college, Paul discovered he “didn’t fit the ADP mold,” a realization that led him to a successful path in benefits and insurance. This experience gave him invaluable insights into the payroll industry, highlighting key challenges: the lack of personalized solutions for clients and the transactional approach of salespeople focused solely on closing deals.

Paul’s deep understanding of benefits and payroll inspired him to create a business that prioritized relationships over transactions. His philosophy? Sales should deliver value that outlasts the contract.

Through Payroll Mart, Paul embodies entrepreneurship by transforming low productivity into meaningful outcomes. He shares the highs and lows of his journey, emphasizing three keys to success:

1. Create value before expecting it—success starts with solving real problems.
2. Burn the boats, take the island—fully commit to your vision.
3. Be a relationship builder—people are the heart of business.

Paul also stresses the power of ideas: “Write them down, never let anyone tell you you’re crazy, and never think you have too many!”

If you’re seeking innovative payroll solutions or entrepreneurial inspiration, connect with Paul via LinkedIn or email at Paul@payrollmart.com. His story proves that breaking the mold can lead to exceptional results.

What’s Inside:

—Embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship.
—Why it’s okay to not fit the mold!
—3 keys to entrepreneurial success.
—Paul Aemisegeo’s entrepreneurial journey.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—PayrollMart: http://www.payrollmart.com
—ShuttleHR: http://www.shuttlehr.com
—Paul Aemisegeo – PayrollMart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaemisegeo
—MBA CPA : http://www.mbacpa.ca

Guest, friend, and inspiring human Krista Clive-Smith breaks down the power of personal branding in today’s episode. Personal branding, she explains, is not about ego; it’s about aligning your authentic self and personal story, distinct from your business ventures and organizations.

Krista introduces the “Personal Branding Triangle,” which outlines the three core principles of a personal brand, which are what you DO, what you KNOW, and what you ARE, all framed within a growth-oriented mindset. This concept emphasizes working with healthy belief systems and a mindset focused on growth and expansion.

Once we’ve defined a personal brand, we explore what it means to flip the traditional structure of company branding. By placing personal branding at the top, we separate it from the organizational brand. Krista reminds us that change is inevitable, and if we entangle our identity too closely with our company, rather than the other way around, we create risk and limit our options.

Taking time to establish a personal brand enables our authenticity and humanity to shine through, which in turn is reflected in our companies’ cultures. Krista leaves us with a powerful analogy: our personal brand is like a theme park, and our business ventures are the distinct lands within this cohesive personal brand.

Krista has generously offered to connect with listeners as a “go-giver.” You can reach out to her via email or learn more by visiting her website.

What’s Inside:

—What is personal branding?
—Three core principles of your personal brand.
—Why we should separate our personal brand from our company brand.
—How an authentic personal brand reflects in company culture.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Krista Clive-Smith: https://www.kristaclivesmith.com/
—Krista@kristaclivesmith.com
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Susan Latremoille advocates a holistic approach to financial advisory, addressing a key issue: many people reach retirement or other major life transitions only to feel less fulfilled than expected. Through Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors, she trains and empowers financial advisors (and accountants and lawyers) to recognize the deeper challenges people face and guides them in helping clients prepare effectively for life after a career. As well as helping those pre-planning, on the cusp, or already retired.

Life transitions—retirement, selling a business, or stepping away from work—can disrupt a person’s social connections, identity, purpose, and structure (SIPS). Without thoughtful planning, these changes often lead to isolation, illness, and other adverse effects. While the “honeymoon phase” of retirement feels exciting, it eventually leaves many wondering, “What’s next?”. Susan is on a mission to retire the word retirement. It’s just the next chapter.

Susan suggests that preparing for life’s next chapter is like working with a trainer; it’s a best practice that ensures a smoother transition. Her Ironclad Process is designed to help clients build a “happiness portfolio” by connecting their financial and life goals. Her “rich life” philosophy centers on three key principles: live well, give back, and leave a legacy.

By creating a comprehensive life plan, followed by a financial plan and suitable products, clients can cultivate a truly fulfilling life. Retirement isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to write a new, purpose-driven chapter.

What’s Inside:
—Why we need to RETIRE the word Retirement.
—SIPS, the common challenges that come with transitioning from your career.
—How financial advisors can assist with your happiness portfolio.
—The three pillars of a “Rich Life”.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors: http://www.nextchapterlifestyleadvisors.com/
MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Brian Stephenson is what we like to call a “recovering lawyer,” and his business partner is a “recovering accountant.” Together, they created Lakepoint Capital Partners, a commercial lending specialty firm with a mission to make debt work for business owners rather than against them.

The ideal clients for Lakepoint are those looking to acquire new facilities, optimize existing ones, or possibly acquire smaller businesses. Lakepoint accesses an array of private institutional lenders for real estate lending and collaborates with banks, credit unions, and long-standing lenders with whom their clients already have relationships. In a challenging industry environment where capital is harder to access and debt is difficult to obtain, even for bankable clients, Lakepoint works with all the banks that want to work with you, ensuring you get the best deal. For entrepreneurs, being told what to do can feel like a death sentence, so Lakepoint helps structure flexibility and a range of possibilities with lenders.

There are many advantages to having pre-approval in your back pocket, so even if you’re not ready for a deal just yet, Lakepoint can guide you in putting together a robust legal and financial team to position you for future lending. Many businesses have untapped assets that allow them to access the right type of debt. Get the debt that works for you and the future you want.

What’s Inside:
—How to make your debt work for you.
—The ideal client for Lakepoint Capital Partners.
—The value in debt flexibility and preapproval.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Lakepoint Capital: https://www.lakepointcapital.ca/
—brian@lakepointcapital.ca
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Ross Derrick is the owner of Derrick’s Steakhouse, a 1950s-inspired steakhouse with a modern flair. Entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to create value and contribute to the world, and that’s exactly what Ross does. After a decade of side hustles, his entrepreneurial journey wasn’t a choice — it was a necessity. When faced with a major holiday where he couldn’t get the day off to spend time with his daughter and was unable to find a babysitter, he knew he had to make a change. So, he took a bold step, secured an investment, and launched what is now a restaurant group known for its renowned culture of positivity.

Ross admits, “I’m not great at anything, but I’m good at a lot of things,” which allows him to rely on the expertise and creativity of his employees. His approach of listening to his staff fosters a sense of cohesiveness and empowerment within his business. By prioritizing a positive work environment over just delivering a great customer experience, Ross has built a company where people actually enjoy working. You might wonder — what’s his secret formula? Ross credits his leadership style to a heavy dose of empathy, leading with his heart, trusting his intuition and believing in his team. He cares about people, and they can feel that.

The hospitality industry is unique. Some employees build lifelong careers, while others are just passing through. Regardless of the path, it’s a field where you can learn a lot about professionalism and life. You can enjoy this atmosphere at any of Ross’s establishments: Broken Anchor Kitchen, Broken Anchor Catering, Globe Café and Restaurant, and, of course, Derrick’s Steakhouse.

What’s Inside:
—An entrepreneurial journey born through drive and necessity.
—The major impact of empathy and positivity in leadership.
—The unique possibilities of the hospitality industry
—A restaurant group with renowned culture and guest experience.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Derrick’s Steakhouse: https://www.derrickssteakhouse.ca/
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca

Anyone running a brand anywhere must embody an entrepreneurial spirit. Today’s guest, Kristin Holomis, Founder of Le Dog Company, exemplifies this perfectly. Le Dog is a premium orthopedic leather dog bed company, born from Kristin’s passion for both dogs and style.

Being a business owner and entrepreneur is about identifying gaps in the market and creating value to fill them. Kristin describes her niche as ‘White Space’—while there are markets for “disposable” dog beds, well-known luxury brands, and comfort-centric options, Le Dog offers something unique: a blend of style and function. As the only non-launderable pet bed on the market, the brand has achieved a 30% return customer rate, highlighting the impact of her product.

So, what does the future hold for Le Dog? For entrepreneurs, building energy and passion behind a brand is key. Kristin aims to achieve this by fostering a community of loyal, like-minded dog owners, which she’s already started through her Ambassador Program. Thanks to Kristin, MBA listeners can “Live the Le Dog Life” with a 20% discount using the MBAWAY20 code on the Le Dog Company website.

What’s Inside:
—The importance of entrepreneurial spirit.
—Finding “White Space” to create value in the world.
—Using community building to create loyal customers and a lasting brand story.
—A special discount for listeners at Le Dog Company.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Le Dog Company: http://www.ledogcompany.com
—kristin@ledogcompany.com
—MBA CPA: http://www.mbacpa.ca