Her CEO Journey™: The Business Finance Podcast for Mission-Driven Women Entrepreneurs

If you're building a mission-driven business, there's one particular number you definitely need to check. Understanding this number will quickly pinpoint any issues in your business and determine if you're building a sustainable, profitable venture.

In this episode of Her CEO Journey, we demystify the significance of this essential metric for business vitality: Gross Margin.

Join our host Christina Sjahli as she unveils the power of this metric, teaches you how to calculate it in minutes, and explains what it tells you about your pricing, costs, and overall financial sustainability.

Access the path to informed decision-making and build a thriving business that resonates with your purpose!

Listen and move from panic to power.

Key Takeaways:

• Gross Margin Explained: It's a profitability indicator representing revenue minus the direct cost of delivering your service or product.
• Calculating Gross Margin Percentage: Revenue minus Cost of Goods Sold divided by Revenue.
• Interpreting Your Gross Margin:
  • Below 30%: Potential issues with pricing or cost of goods sold (too high or too low).
  • Too High Cost of Goods Sold: May indicate missing costs or unadjusted pricing.
  • Too Low Cost of Goods Sold: May indicate incorrect pricing not reflecting all costs.
• Resources for Further Exploration:
  • Listen to our Pricing Series (Episodes 160-163) on Her CEO Journey
  • Profit Reimagined's Fractional CFO Services

Profit Reimagined CFO services can be a game-changer when it comes to understanding and optimizing your gross margin and pricing strategy.

A fractional CFO brings deep financial expertise to the table by analyzing your financial data to pinpoint areas where your cost of goods or services sold might be inflated or where your pricing might not be fully capturing your value.

Having a fractional CFO will help you develop strategies to streamline your operations, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and implement data-driven pricing models that ensure you're covering your costs and generating healthy profits.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:54] Introduction to the importance of a single number for business health.
• [01:33] Understanding Gross Margin.
• [02:45] Calculating Gross Margin Percentage and why it is important.
• [03:25] Interpreting Your Gross Margin: What a low percentage tells you.
• [05:20] Resources for further exploration on pricing and financial solutions.

Resources:

• Connect with Christina Sjahli on LinkedIn
• Check out Profit Reimagined's Fractional CFO Services
• Turn your purpose into profit, visit our Website and LinkedIn
• Discover if our Fractional CFO Services are your perfect fit by taking this quiz.

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Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Do you ever find yourself feeling anxious, even though your business is profitable?

Perhaps this unease stems from uncertainties about your cash flow – a crucial financial aspect that often confuses many mission-driven CEOs.

Fear not!

This episode of Her CEO Journey serves as your comprehensive cash flow masterclass, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to confidently manage your business's financial health.

Join our founder, Christina Sjahli, as she delves into practical techniques for closely monitoring your operating cash flow.

Christina will walk you through the art of cash flow management, empowering you to take proactive control of your business's financial well-being.

By the end of this episode, you'll be a cash flow pro, ready to:

• Extend your runway and breathe a sigh of relief.
• Make sound decisions based on real financial data.
• Prioritize effectively and stay true to your mission.

Are you ready to become a cash flow master? Let's get started!

Bonus: We've got a Practical Guide for Busy Founders like you with even more cash flow wisdom and common forecasting mistakes to avoid. Grab it in the show notes!

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Profitability is a crucial indicator of a healthy business, but it's not the only factor for financial stability. Efficiently managing cash inflows and outflows is the secret to maintaining healthy cash flow.

1. Profitability Matters: Profit is important, but it doesn't guarantee a business will have enough cash on hand to operate smoothly.
2. Cash Flow Management is Key: The real "core principle" is in managing cash flow effectively. This involves ensuring a steady stream of incoming cash (inflows) while minimizing unnecessary outgoing cash (outflows).

• The 3 types of cash flow every CEO should understand (investing, financing, and operating - we'll focus on the big kahuna: operating cash flow)
• How to monitor your cash flow and discover your runaway date (the day the well runs dry!)
• The power of cash flow modeling: play "what-if" with your finances and prepare for anything!

Episode Highlights

• [00:54] Cash Flow as a concept and a process
• [01:15] Big mistake: use bank balances to manage cash flow
• [02:44] The three types of Cash Flow: investing, financing and operating.
• [03:38] Three Operating Cash Flow steps
• [04:00] Monitor Cash Flow and find your runaway date
• [04:30] Manage Cash Flow
• [05:30] Model Cash Flow

Resources

• Connect with Christina Sjahli on LinkedIn
• Check out Christina’s Fractional CFO Services
• Explore Profit Reimagined and discover how you can turn purpose into profit: Website and LinkedIn

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Imagine this: You've built a thriving business, your sales are climbing, and on paper, you're incredibly profitable.

But then, reality hits.

Payroll day arrives, and suddenly you're scrambling to find the cash to cover it. Does this scenario sound familiar?

It's what many founders experience—the profit versus cash flow paradox.

While profit might seem promising, cash flow tells the real story about your business's financial health.

In this episode, our founder and host of Her CEO Journey, Christina Sjahli will clarify the difference between profit and cash flow.

Christina will explain why profit and cash flow don't always go hand-in-hand, and equip you, a mission-driven founder, with the knowledge to use both effectively for wise and sustainable business decisions.

Ditch the financial frustration and join us as Christina reveals the secrets of true financial health for your business!

Key Takeaways:

• Profit (net income): The remaining amount after deducting all costs from revenue. It reflects the profitability of your business model, marketing strategy, pricing, and cost management.
• Cash flow: The movement of money in and out of your business. It tells you about your cash collection habits, supplier credit utilization, inventory levels, and external financing needs.
• Profit doesn't equal cash: Profit is calculated based on accrual accounting (revenue recognized at sale, even if cash hasn't been received), while cash flow reflects actual cash movement.
• Profitability and cash flow are independent: A profitable business can have negative cash flow and vice versa.
• Founders need both: Analyze both profit and cash flow to make informed decisions about your business.

Episode Highlights

• The story behind profit: How a healthy profit indicates a strong business model, effective marketing, and efficient cost management.
• The cash flow conundrum: Why founders might struggle with cash flow despite showing a profit on paper.
• Accrual accounting vs. cash accounting: Understanding the timing difference between revenue recognition and cash receipt.
• Profit vs. cash flow stories: How each metric provides valuable insights into your business health.
• Why both matter: The importance of using both profit and cash flow analysis for effective business management.

Resources

• Connect with Christina Sjahli on LinkedIn
• Check out Christina’s Fractional CFO Services
• Explore Profit Reimagined and discover how you can turn purpose into profit: Website and LinkedIn

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Patrice's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, showcasing the profound impact of blending passion, purpose, and strategic planning to build a successful and meaningful business.

In this episode of Her CEO Journey, our host Christina Sjahli welcomes Patrice Mousseau, founder and CEO of Satya Organics, a company dedicated to creating effective and sustainable skincare products.

Patrice unfolds her inspiring journey from media personality to entrepreneur, driven by a personal need to find natural remedies for her daughter's eczema. She delves into Satya Organics' commitment to social good, building a diverse workforce, and navigating the dynamic world of international expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• From passion to purpose: Patrice's journey underscores how personal experiences can ignite entrepreneurial ventures.
• Values-driven business: Satya Organics prioritizes quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, demonstrating that businesses can be profitable while making a positive impact.
• Building a diverse team: Patrice emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that empowers individuals from different backgrounds.
• Going global: Expanding internationally comes with its own set of challenges, but Patrice believes it can be less daunting than expected by focusing on connecting with advisors and then finding the right partners and aligning with your values.
• Strategic growth: Patrice's experience showcases the importance of a balanced and thoughtful approach to financial strategy, utilizing various resources to achieve sustainable growth.

Episode Highlights

• [04:33] Patrice's journey from media personality to founder of Satya Organics.
• [08:14] Cultivating a business culture centered on purpose, values and sustainability.
• [10:14] Evolution of the product and packaging always at service of community and environment.
• [14:19] Sourcing simple and high quality is the key.
• [17:50] Prioritizing opportunities that align with your values while letting go of those that don't.
• [21:32] The crucial role of advisors in business international expansion growth.
• [24:51] Top recommendation: work on your margin for healthy finances
• [30:20] Partnering with suppliers that align with the mission and values.
• [33:10] Patrice's proudest moment on her impact journey.
• [36:50] Returning to the community to drive innovation.

Resources

• To learn more about their products and mission visit Satya Organic’s Instagram and Website
• Connect with Patrice Mousseau on LinkedIn
• Connect with Christina Sjahli on LinkedIn
• Explore Profit Reimagined and discover how you can turn purpose into profit: Website and LinkedIn

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Dionne Laslo-Baker, the founder and CEO of Deebee’s Organics, is a fellow certified B Corp dedicated to revolutionizing snacks. With a background in medical science and as a mother, she embarked on a mission to provide organic, flavorful, and nutritious snacks for families.

In this episode, Dionne delves into the highs and lows of growing a business from scratch. She offers valuable insights into overcoming regulatory hurdles, embracing cultural diversity, and the pivotal role of advisors in business expansion.

But what truly sets Dionne's story apart is her unwavering commitment to a purpose-driven culture and sustainable business practices, which has not only propelled Deebee’s Organics to international success but also made a lasting impact on the industry.

Tune in to this episode of Her CEO Journey to discover more about Dionne’s path to building a sustainable global enterprise while staying true to her core values.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Learn how advisors can influence your business in the long term and where to find the ones you need.
• Explore the importance of fostering a purpose-driven culture in your business and how it can mitigate risks.
• Discover strategies for managing your business on a global scale, especially when dealing with foreign markets.

Episode Highlights

• [02:36] Dionne Laslo-Baker’s CEO Journey
• [06:42] Creating a Culture
• [12:14] From Science to Snacks to Scale
• [16:17] The Critical Role of Advisors in Business
• [23:12] Focusing on One Market
• [28:23] Supplier Diversity
• [34:59] Differing Challenges at Different Levels of Success
• [38:26] Dionne’s Proudest Moment On Her Impact Journey

Resources

• Get organic treats from Deebee’s Organics
• Connect with Dionne Laslo-Baker: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Amanda Klucowicz serves as a Senior Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada. She is dedicated to helping Canadian businesses break into international markets. With EDC's tailored tools and solutions, navigating global waters becomes more manageable, ensuring not only profitability but also the long-term security of your company.

In this episode, Amanda delves into crucial topics such as EDC's criteria for Canadian companies, the customized solutions they offer, and essential preparations for business owners venturing into international markets.

Customized solutions are especially vital for businesses committed to social impact or seeking B Corp certification, as their challenges often differ significantly from traditional businesses.

Join us on Her CEO Journey to explore EDC's strategies for global market entry.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Discover how EDC tailors assistance specifically for your Canadian business.
• Prepare effectively for partnering with EDC to enter international markets.
• Explore which of EDC's solution buckets is the right fit for you.

Episode Highlights

• [02:20]Amanda Klucowicz’ Journey
• [05:21] What EDC Does for Canadian Businesses
• [09:10] The EDC Experience
• [12:59] EDC’s Solutions
• [24:08] What a Business Should Know Before Approaching EDC
• [33:58] International Business: It’s Possible

Resources

• Work with Export Development Canada
• Connect with Amanda Klucowicz: LinkedIn
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Meet Ashlee Froese, the driving force behind Froese Law, serving as its Founder and CEO. Leading this cross-border legal firm, Ashlee adeptly steers through diverse industries, specializing in key areas like branding, corporate, and commercial law.

Ashlee embarked on her legal journey with a clear mission: to empower clients with comprehensive information for informed business decisions and to demystify the legal space, making it accessible to a broader audience.

In this episode of Her CEO Journey, Ashlee Froese delves into the intricacies of contract writing for international business. While local contracts might seem straightforward with all parties governed by local laws, the international landscape introduces complexities such as:

• Which laws apply?
• How does culture come into play?
• Does ethical approach vary between countries?

Join us in this episode of Her CEO Journey to learn the nuances behind contract writing on the international stage.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Learn the essential elements that go into writing contracts for international business.
• Discover the several factors a company must contemplate before venturing onto the global stage.
• Understand the nuanced approach required for negotiations and drafting a business contract with international counterparts.

Episode Highlights

• [03:01] Ashlee Froese's CEO Journey
• [08:18] Fundamental Requirements for International Operations
• [12:53] Nuances in Domestic Vs International Contracts
• [17:09] Talking Strategy With Clients
• [18:24] The Cultural Component
• [19:55] Protecting Client Interests
• [25:22] International Considerations for B Corps
• [29:49] The Strategy Behind Contract Writing
• [33:40] Negotiating From Step One

Resources

• Work with Froese Law
• Connect with Ashlee Froese: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!

Navigating the global landscape is crucial for Canadian businesses due to the country's relatively small population — which means that most of your customers and clients are outside the country.

In this episode, Sara Wilshaw, Chief Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, shares her expertise in guiding local companies towards international success. She sheds light on leveraging the Trade Commission Service for market entry beyond Canada.

Whether you're a Canadian or international company, Sara's insights in this Her CEO Journey episode offer valuable guidance for those venturing into international business.

Tune in to discover key considerations for companies transitioning from local to global markets.

3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Gain insights into the role of Canada's Trade Commission Service in supporting international business.
• Understand what your company needs to know before entering markets abroad.
• Explore the specific challenges faced by women-owned businesses when operating globally.

Episode Highlights

• [03:37] Sara Wilshaw's Journey to Becoming Chief Trade Commissioner
• [07:34] Taking Businesses to the International Stage
• [11:16] What the Trade Commission Does to Support Businesses
• [15:04] Entering the International Market
• [18:34] Challenges Women-Owned Businesses Face When Going International
• [21:01] Going International: A Walkthrough
• [27:26] Becoming an International Business
• [28:53] Diversification and Inclusion
• [34:50] The Story of WaterShed Monitoring

Resources

• Work with the Trade Commission Service
• Connect with Sara Wilshaw: LinkedIn
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

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Write a review and share this with your friends.

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with the team at any time.

Ever wondered where your money really goes?

As a purpose-driven business, you do your best to put your money toward your mission and the world you envision. But every business relies on money, and that involves systems, like processing fees.

A virtual CFO can help track every cent of your business's finances. You might be surprised to find a significant percentage going to something as ordinary as processing fees.

That's where Shizuka Buckley of Giv Local steps in. Processing fees are okay—they're crucial in today's business world. But Shizuka turns those fees into a force for good in her communities.

Join us in this episode to learn more about what goes on in payment processing and how Shizuka is changing it for the better!

3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Find inspiration in Shizuka’s drive to create a payment company that works not for profit, but for the mission.
• Learn how to overcome the challenges inherent to running a nonprofit.
• Clarify the opacity surrounding payment processing — and what that means for your business.

Episode Highlights

• [02:40] Shizuka’s CEO Journey
• [06:48] The Muddiness Of Payment Processing
• [10:42] What Sets Giv Local Apart
• [15:50] The Challenges Of Doing Things Differently
• [18:43] How Giv Local Works
• [21:03] Growing Giv Local

Resources

• GivLocal
• Connect with Shizuka Buckley: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Write a review and share this with your friends.

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with the team at any time.

In many companies, the main goal is to maximize profits, often overlooking the needs of people and the environment. But that's neither sustainable nor ethical.

Liz Rojic experienced this in the fashion industry and bravely decided to challenge the norm. With MZ Made, she crafted a business model that prioritizes mutually beneficial relationships for both the company and its artisans.

As entrepreneurs, our focus should be on creating a positive impact rather than just chasing the highest profits.

In this episode of Her CEO Journey, Liz shares her experiences in building a company grounded in humanism.

She emphasizes the importance of adhering to core principles, even in the face of challenges.

Join us to gain insights into the significance of cultural values in products, the concept of slow fashion, and how to establish a company that truly embodies its values.

3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Learn what it takes to create a humanist company that puts people and the planet ahead of profit.
• Find inspiration in Liz’s journey of creating a slow fashion brand founded on the principles of fair trade.
• Discover the kind of funding that’s best for small businesses for good.

Episode Highlights

• [03:21] Liz Rojic's CEO Journey
• [07:58] A Question of Practicality
• [15:10] Putting Profit Last in a Labour of Love
• [19:10] Keeping Principles First
• [20:42] Funding That Fits Your Values
• [26:39] Rooted in Justice and Fair Trade
• [28:43] The Living Wage As A Human Right
• [30:48] How to Price For The People

Resources

• Use discount code: HERJOURNEY on the MZ Made online shop
• MZ Made
• Connect with Liz Rojic: LinkedIn
• Connect with Christina Sjahli: LinkedIn
• Find out about Profit Reimagined: LinkedIn | Website

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Write a review and share this with your friends.

Connect With the Profit Reimagined

Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with the team at any time.