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

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 [23:07] How the Cooperative Model Changed Dojo4[26:37] How Dojo4 Embraced the Shift to the Cooperative Model[29:51] Accounting and Financial Structure [36:10] Corey’s Advice on Transitioning Into a CooperativeEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesLearn more about alternative ownership through Christina Sjahli’s Weekly Blog:Rethinking Profit as a Business Owner and Using Your Business for Good with Steward OwnershipTransitioning to the Perpetual Purpose Trust Model: What You Need to Know to SucceedDownload the Financial Modelling Guide so you can show investors how your company is going to look in the future! Dojo4: Website I Github I Twitter I Instagram     Corey Kohn: LinkedIn I Twitter I Email 

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 what, then this episode is for you! Episode Highlights[05:55] Natalie’s Journey [09:28] Organically Grown Company’s Growth [11:52] The Perpetual Purpose Trust Model [17:13] How the Trust Model Works [21:38] Balanced Stakeholder Representation [22:45] How Shareholders Come In  [27:34] Investors in the Trust Model [29:59] How Conventional Business Models Work  [33:13] Other Stewardship Models  [36:15] The Golden Share Model[39:45] How Purpose Should Drive the Company[44:21] Transition to  the Trust Model [51:46] Changes in the Legal Structure[53:24] Finding Investors to Support the Transition[59:16] How to Look for Investors and Lenders [1:04:05] Know Your Purpose Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesVisit Christina Sjahli’s website! Learn more about alternative ownership through her Weekly Blog.Rethinking Profit as a Business Owner and Using Your Business for Good with Steward OwnershipDownload the Financial Modelling Guide so you can show investors how your company is going to look in the future! Organically Grown Company RSF Social Finance Natural Investments Purpose Evergreen CapitalThe Russell Family FoundationKelley FoundationOregon Community Foundation Alternative Ownership Advisors: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Natalie: LinkedIn   

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 episode is for you!Episode Highlights[05:59] Sarah’s Journey [08:40] The Founders’ Dilemma of a Business Owner[09:21] About Steward Ownership[10:53] The Founder and Business Owner’s Options Under Steward Ownership[12:58] When Does Steward Ownership Make Sense?[15:40] Preparing for the Transition to Steward Ownership[18:29] Financing Steward Ownership[23:27] The Four Major Models of Steward Ownership[29:40] Choosing the Right Form of Steward Ownership[31:23] When to Consider Steward Ownership [37:38] Giving Up Control in Private Equity vs Steward Ownership[40:22] The Profitability of Steward Ownership Businesses[44:57] Steward Ownership for Technology Companies[48:28] Steward Ownership Business vs Public Benefit Corporation[51:52] Steward Ownership Around the World[52:52] The 1, 2, 3s of Steward Ownership[55:30] Sarah’s Parting WordsEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesDownload the Forecasting Guide so you can create an improved finance strategy for your business!Exit to CommunityPurpose EconomyAlternative Ownership AdvisorsConnect with Sarah: LinkedIn | Email

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] Think Like a CFO Step #1: Create a Debt Schedule[03:15] Think Like a CFO Step #2: Review Historical Financial Results[05:29] Think Like a CFO Step #3: Clearly Identify the Assumption to Build the Forecast[06:51] Think Like a CFO Step #4: Create the Forecast[08:02] CFO Services that Will Help You Go Through Debt FinancingEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.

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 Payment[05:49] The Importance of a Financial Forecast[06:51] Making Proactive and Strategic Business DecisionsEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesVisit Christina Sjahli’s website for related episodes on the Her CEO Journey™ Podcast.The Circular Approach: Decreasing Plastic Waste with a Sustainable Business - The Journey of Plaine ProductChanging the Future of Business: Slow Growth and Sound Financial Planning are the Secrets - The Journey of BadgerUnderstand whether your needs fall under long term debt financing or short term debt financing with the previous episode of Her CFO Tips:Her CFO Tips: Financing Strategy Based on Short-Term versus Long-Term Capital NeedsDownload the Debt Service Coverage Ratio Calculator, so you can see if your business can handle debt! 

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 Financing Needs Option #2: Overdraft Financing[05:06] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #3: Revolving Loan[05:27] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #4: Invoice Financing[06:24] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #5: Purchase Order Financing[06:39] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #6: Inventory Financing[07:06] Short-Term Financing Needs Option #7: Payables Financing[07:56] Long-Term Financing Needs Option #1: Equipment Financing[08:36] Long-Term Financing Needs Option #2: Project-Based Financing[09:00] Long-Term Financing Needs Option #3: IP-Backed Financing[09:35] Keys to Any Financing Strategy[10:03] Why Female Founders are Reluctant to Choose Debt FinancingEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesVisit Christina Sjahli’s website for related episodes on the Her CEO Journey™ Podcast.Invoice Factoring: Financing Your Business Recovery and Growth with Prestige Capital - The Journey of Rachel HershChanging the Future of Business: Slow Growth and Sound Financial Planning are the Secrets - The Journey of BadgerGrowing Your Business with IP-Backed Financing - The Journey of Lally RementillaDownload the Forecasting Guide so you can create a better and improved financial forecast for your business!

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 trademarks.Cynthia shares her advice on the step-by-step process of how to trademark a name.Episode Highlights[04:41] Cynthia’s Journey [05:30] What is a Trademark?[08:38] What Makes A Good Name [11:17] The Small Business Perspective on Personal Names[14:16] Selling Your Business Under a Personal Name[17:03] Types of Trademarks[18:01] Trademarking Your Methodology[21:40] Deadlines for Registering to Trademark a Name[24:33] Using the ™ Symbol[28:37] How to Trademark a Name[34:04] The Value of Having a Trademark Agent[36:39] Your Trademark Channel [38:30] Doing Research Before Using a Name[39:06] Common Misconceptions About Trademarks[43:32] Registering a Trademark without a Lawyer or Agent[47:15] Benefits of Registering Your TrademarkEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesGrowing Your Business with IP-Backed Financing - The Journey of Lally RementillaScaling Your Business and Attracting Investors: How IP-Backed Financing Can be Your Growth Strategy for Business - The Journey of Lesley GouldieDownload the Forecasting Guide so you can create an improved finance strategy for your business!Find out more information on trademarks from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.Mason PC TrademarksMarkably®Connect with Cynthia: LinkedIn

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 this episode to learn more!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out the difference between debt financing versus equity financing.Learn how you can prepare for IP-backed financing as a growth strategy for your business.Determine critical steps in the financial planning process when scaling up.Episode Highlights[05:04] Lesley’s Journey[06:35] Why IP Matters to Thornhill Medical[08:39] The Basics of Patents[09:49] Thornhill Medical’s IP Strategy[10:44] Thornhill Medical’s Financing Strategy: Debt Financing with Quantius[12:49] IP-Backed Financing as a Growth Strategy for Business[14:08] Why They Didn’t Get Financing from a Regular Bank[16:56] Debt Financing versus Series A Equity Financing as a Growth Strategy for Business [20:18] Making the Company More Attractive to Investors[21:02] Preparations Needed for IP-Backed Financing[23:51] Financial Planning Process During Company Hypergrowth[26:47] The Importance of Having a Financial Background as a CEO[27:32] Why Startups Should Consider Working with a CFO[29:53] Lesley’s Final Advice on Scaling StrategicallyEnjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeReady to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.ResourcesUnlocking Financial Opportunities with IP: How to Patent an Idea - The Journey of Susan BlanchetGrowing Your Business with IP-Backed Financing - The Journey of Lally RementillaDownload the Forecasting Guide so you can create a better and improved financial forecast for your business!Thornhill MedicalConnect with Lesley: LinkedIn