Her Ceo Journey

What is the definition of success? If you’re a mission-driven business for good, you know that success is about more than just the bottom line. However, you need to make a profit in order to survive and make a positive social impact. That’s where employee ownership comes in. Employee-owned businesses do better on average than their standard counterparts, and also do good for society.In this episode, Alison Lingane provides insights into the benefits of employee-owned companies. She also discusses ways to get into employee ownership, its financing structure, and the financial institutions to support the transition. Finally, she explains the relevance of financial record keeping, financial forecasting, and transition planning to various ownership structures.If you’re interested to know how your business can engage more employees and create a positive impact in the community, then tune in to this episode!Episode Highlights:[05:04] Alison’s Journey in Project Equity[06:26] Building a Program for the Urban Youth [

Raising capital often entails giving up some measure of control over your company. Granting investors ownership isn’t always a bad thing, but when it happens, your business might drift further and further away from your company vision. As mission-driven entrepreneurs, that isn’t acceptable. Thankfully, there is a solution: alternative ownership.In this episode, Camille Canon, the co-founder and executive director of Purpose US, helps us navigate the tricky maze of ownership, governance, and money. She explains the concepts in ownership structure and alternative finance. Lastly, she clears up misconceptions about raising capital, reveals the secrets to creating a sustainable model for your business, and gives insight into the minds of investors.Episode Highlights[04:00] Camille’s Journey in Purpose US[06:37] What Problem Does Purpose US Address?[09:13] At What Stage Does Purpose US Help Entrepreneurs?[12:35] Does Being Series A Matter?[14:47] Firebrand Bakery: A Sustainable Model[17:27] Finding The Right Inves

Owning a business isn’t as easy as starting one and calling yourself the owner—you need to structure it to suit the company’s needs. There are lots of models that you can use, each with unique benefits, drawbacks, and advantages. Some companies prefer a cooperative model—it places great significance on camaraderie and information transparency. If your company values employee empowerment, you might want to use the cooperative model.In today’s episode, Amanda Bybee conducts an in-depth discussion of employee ownership and the cooperative model. From her firsthand experience and extensive knowledge, she shares the benefits and values of adopting employee ownership. Amanda also explores the issues, challenges, and strategies in a cooperative model and how it empowers people.If you're curious and want to find out if an employee ownership and cooperative model is right for you, then tune in to the full episode!Episode Highlights[05:00] Amanda’s Journey[07:18] What Made Amanda Join Namaste Solar?[09:58] The Pow

You may be excited to consider a cooperative model. If you’ve seen our case studies, you know how effective and useful they are. However, there's more to it than restructuring and diversifying your ownership—you also need to know the legal considerations, including tax and revenue allocations. In the United States, there are still several states with poor co-op laws. Do the research and know where your cooperative can work best. Linda Phillips joins us in this episode to discuss the cooperative model from the perspective of an attorney. She shares valuable information you need to have for transitioning to a cooperative model. Cooperatives are not for everyone, so you should know what you're getting into before setting one up.Episode Highlights:[03:57] Linda’s Journey as an Attorney[05:35] How Co-ops are Different from Social Enterprises[07:09] The Different Types of Cooperatives[09:06] Why Startups Should Consider Cooperatives [10:33] When to Consider a Transition [13:38] Are Worker Cooperatives You

Cooperatives are a great way to share not only profits but also responsibilities amongst a group of individuals. It’s often known for its one member, one vote rule. But did you know that hierarchy within a cooperative can be flexible according to the employees’ needs and desires? In this episode, we are joined by Corey Kohn, Dojo4 co-founder and co-op member. She shares how their software company transitioned from a traditional business model to a cooperative. While she initially had doubts about the cooperative model, its transformational effects on their employees’ engagement and their company’s growth solidified her trust in their decision. If you’re curious about how the cooperative model benefits founders, employees, and even communities, then this episode is for you! Episode Highlights[05:39] Corey’s Journey in Dojo4[08:02] Dojo4’s Transition Into a Cooperative Model[11:08] Employees’ Concerns About the Transition [15:14] Why Transition Anyway? [19:23] How the Cooperative Model Supports Future Growth [2

As a mission-driven founder, you want to make sure that the mission and purpose of your business do not get lost over time. After all, you want your business for good to provide excellent products or services to your customers for years to come. Luckily, there are different ownership models you can explore. Alternative ownership or steward ownership is a concept that can help ensure that your company’s decision-making processes are in line with your mission. You can also ensure independence. In this episode, we’ll be exploring the perpetual purpose trust model with Natalie Reitman-White. Learn how the perpetual purpose trust can stock ownership and transfer it to a trust with a well-defined mission. Find out why this model allows you to share the profits and returns not only with your shareholders but also with your stakeholders. Finally, identify the considerations you’ll need to transition to the trust model in your business.If you want to make sure your business stays on track for its purpose no matter wha

As a mission-driven founder and business owner, you want to know that your company’s mission is still being carried out despite you not being active in it any longer. You may worry that as you exit, your business may be controlled by entities that aren’t in line with how you intended for your business to run. The founder’s dilemma may also trouble you. That is, you wonder if you’ll have to choose between liquidity and legacy. We’re here to tell you that your concerns are heard, and there’s a great way to address them.This episode’s guest tells us that you can choose both liquidity and legacy. Sarah Joannides joins us in Her CEO Journey™ to share the beauty of steward ownership. With steward ownership, you can lock down your business’s purpose and independence. Through it, you can empower and give value to your stakeholders, rethink your company’s profits, and ensure the health and vitality of your ecosystem.  If you’re a founder or business owner that wants to be prepared for your business’s future, then this

Many mission-driven female founders fear having debt in their business. However, when done right, taking on debt financing is actually a great way to grow and expand your business. One way to conquer your fear of going into debt financing is to plan your steps before you even approach a lender. In particular, it would benefit you to have a debt and interest repayment plan in place. Through this, you know what to expect in your business’s financials. In this solo episode, I’ll show you how to think like a CFO when crafting your debt and interest repayment plan. We’ll dive deep into the financial questions that you need to ask yourself. Our end goal is to create a realistic financial forecast that determines whether or not debt financing is suitable for your business. So tune in to know more about how you can think like a CFO so that you can plan smartly for the growth and profitability of your business! Episode Highlights:[00:00] Why You Should Plan for Debt Repayment Before Going into Debt Financing[02:16] Th

As a female founder and CEO, you might think that debt in your business is a bad thing. However, did you know that if you’re running a business, chances are, you likely already have business debt? One form of business debt is paying your suppliers a few days after they send an invoice. Now, this is a type of short-term debt financing strategy. There are many other ways you can leverage business debt finance to build and grow your business. You just need to learn how.In this episode, I’ll discuss the calculations you need for determining if your business is ready to take on debt as a financing strategy. Debt doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, there’s a wealth of possibilities you can explore if you have the right mindset. So tune in to this episode to learn more!Episode Highlights[01:35] Business Debt and Debt Financing[03:09] Thinking Like a Lender Tip #1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio[04:36] Thinking Like a Lender Tip #2: Business Debt-to-Income Ratio[05:25] Thinking Like A Lender Tip #3: Assessing Debt Paymen

Many founders shy away from debt financing because of a lack of knowledge. However, debt financing can be beneficial to businesses with a steady cash flow and existing assets. When you play your cards right, you can secure financing for your business without having to give any ownership away. In this episode, I’ll show you how to match your short-term and long-term capital needs to the right debt financing option. Then, I’ll give you 10 options for how you can finance your business, depending on your situation. Finally, I’ll show you the keys to securing any type of financing. Once you get these right, you can save your business from paying higher interest rates while also fulfilling your needs. Tune in to the full episode to know how you can grow your business through debt financing! Episode Highlights: [01:12] Choosing a Financing Strategy[02:14] Short-Term versus Long-Term Capital Needs[02:39] Equity Financing versus Debt Financing[03:55] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #1: Trade Credit[04:43] Short-Term

Having a trademark is fundamental to protecting your business assets and potential growth.A challenge that comes with growing your business is protecting ownership of your primary assets. And you can do this all by creating an identity that sets yourself apart from your competitors.In this episode of Her CEO Journey™, trademark agent and lawyer Cynthia Mason talks about the value of trademarks and how many business owners can benefit from registering for one. She discusses why a trademark is essential to assets and ownership. She also shares some great advice on naming your business, especially when you want to stand out. Finally, we learn about how to register for a trademark and common misconceptions around trademarks.Tune in to find out more about how trademarks can bring value to your business!Here are Three Reasons Why You Should Listen to the Full Episode: Learn about the benefits of having a registered trademark for your business.You will discover the common misconceptions of business owners concerning

Financing is a requirement for the growth of your business. However, traditional financing may not be the best option for the nature of your business. Luckily, there are different options available to you. Your unique ideas, processes, and technology can be protected in the form of IP. You can then leverage this IP portfolio for debt financing. Through this process, you’re able to scale up and attract more investment opportunities.Lesley Gouldie of Thornhill Medical joins us in this episode to discuss how her company leveraged IP-backed financing to ensure their growth. We learn why Thornhill Medical chose an alternate commercial lender over a traditional one for their financing strategy. We also find out the process of obtaining IP-backed financing and how we can use this to attract the right investors. Finally, we get some great advice on hiring a CFO or financial advisor and scaling strategically. Do you want to know how you can use IP for debt financing as a growth strategy for business? Then, tune in to

Many companies don’t realize the value of their intellectual property. Leveraging assets, such as an IP portfolio, is necessary for scaling businesses for growth. These days, venture capital investors, like BDC Capital, open opportunities for companies to receive IP-backed financing.In this episode of Her CEO Journey™, Lally Rementilla joins us to explain how IP-backed financing can scale your business. She also shares with us how her company provides financial support to businesses through their processes of valuation of IP portfolios.Tune in to learn how IP-backed financing can help grow your business!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out about the different types of IP-backed financing for intellectual property protection.Learn about the valuation process and how to create an IP portfolio.Determine the key factors in acquiring financing deals, protecting your intellectual properties and assets, and earning patents.Episode Highlights[05:51] Lally’s Journey[09:15] Joining

Filing and acquiring patents is not an easy feat. The process is expensive, time-consuming, and intricate. With so many things to consider, it's easy to be discouraged. However, it's important to remember that IPs are of great value to your company. If you want to become an industry leader, it's beneficial to learn how to patent your ideas.In this episode, Susan Blanchet shares first-hand knowledge on developing an effective IP strategy. We learn why you should invest in IP and how you can leverage your IP strategy for financing. We also find out how patent agents, strategists, and industry advisors can help you through the process.Listen to the full episode to know how to figure out the pieces necessary to develop the best IP strategy.3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Gain a concrete idea of how to patent an idea. Learn how you can segment your IP.Understand the role of patent agents, strategists, and industry advisors in formulating your IP strategy.Episode Highlights[05:38]

Intellectual property allows founders and CEOs to have a firm hold of their business ideas and trade secrets. You may not realize it, but these intellectual assets hold intrinsic value. They help keep you competitive and innovative in an ever-changing market. That’s why it’s important to protect these assets with an IP strategy.Cassandra Derham joins us in this episode for an insightful chat on this matter. We learn the six strategic pillars of IP and examples of their uses. Next, we find out their importance and how we can apply these pillars to small businesses. Finally, Cassandra identifies some ways you can explore to use your IP assets for financing. Tune in to learn more about how to protect and leverage IP so you can scale your business!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn about the six pillars of IP strategy.Discover how to protect your intellectual property, specifically, how to establish your know-how.Find out how to create an IP strategy that will help sustain your

Filing for intellectual property rights is unfamiliar terrain for some founders and CEOs. Beyond developing an IP strategy, most aren’t aware of its value and what it entails for their businesses. However, taking this precaution to safeguard your business is critical. It can not only save you money in the long run, but it can also provide you with many growth opportunities.Isi Caulder, a patent lawyer with experience planning IP rights for businesses, joins us in today's episode. She describes how she went from being an engineer to becoming a patent lawyer and why she chose to specialize in intellectual property. Isi also goes over the types of intellectual property, their value, and how we can apply for them. Later on, we learn what it takes to develop a sound IP strategy and how this can be attractive to investors. Finally, we understand the importance of working with a patent lawyer and how their expertise can help you ensure your company’s growth. Tune in to the episode if you want to learn about int

Most people believe that bootstrapping is only applicable to early startups. However, bootstrapping can also be a valuable financial strategy for businesses in the growth stage. In this solo episode, we learn the definition of bootstrapping and how it’s different from getting outside investment. Then, we discuss the three instances when it makes sense for founders to bootstrap. Finally, we find out seven practical and actionable tips to bootstrap for business growth. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make the best financial decisions based on what aligns with your purpose. So tune in to this information-packed episode to learn more!3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn the definition of bootstrapping.Understand when it is appropriate to use bootstrapping for funding business growth.Find out concrete tips on how you can bootstrap your business growth to success.Episode Highlights[01:58] What is Bootstrapping?[02:47] Bootstrapping for Growth Purposes[03:40] Reason #1: Your Social Impact

When thinking about growing businesses, you may often think it requires heavy financing. However, not having investors doesn't mean that your company cannot scale. There are many financing options available to you. For a business that wants to focus on its impact and purpose, slow growth may be the right fit for you.Slow growth means that you're strategic about where you put your finances. You invest in your purpose; you also use your profits as a tool to intensify your impact on people and the planet. This is precisely what Badger does.Rebecca Hamilton, Badger’s family owner and co-CEO, joins us in this episode. We learn the company’s background and its secrets to success and stability. Rebecca also shares how strategic planning and financial planning factor into the equation. Finally, we reexamine the importance of having a CFO guide you through your company’s finances. Tune in to get great insights that you can readily apply to your business to ensure its success and stability! Here are three rea

Businesses exist to provide value to customers while earning profit in the process. Until recently, this approach took the form of pursuing profit at all costs. Nowadays, more businesses are committing to incorporating social and environmental objectives into their plans. It is possible for businesses to grow and profit while minimizing adverse impacts on people and the environment. The key is strategic thinking and innovation.As the founder of Meliora Cleaning Products, Kate knows this well. A company committed to using safe ingredients in its products, Meliora aims to positively impact the planet. In this episode, Kate discussed the approach she takes to ensure that sustainability is included in all aspects of her business operations. She also talks about lean manufacturing and just-in-time inventory as strategies to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Finally, we discuss the importance of knowing your numbers and determining the right time to hire a CFO.If you want to know what it takes to maintain a pro

All businesses begin with a purpose. Purpose serves as the heart of your business. Your business and the decisions you make should always reflect that purpose. Thus, it significantly impacts the entirety of your business — from the materials you choose for your products to the financial decisions you need to make.For Lindsey and Alison, their purpose of providing an environment-friendly alternative to plastic bottles and their desire to reduce their carbon footprint forms the core of their company, Plaine Products. They kept their goal in mind from start to finish, and you can see it reflected in all of their business decisions.Tune in to the episode for an insightful discussion on creating long-term profit and supporting your business with alternative financing. In this activity, you will gain a clearer perspective on making decisions that will benefit your purpose and profits.3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:You will find out how much plastic waste has been damaging our planet and how we