In this week’s episode, Joy dives into one of the toughest decisions a business owner can face: letting someone go. But before you hand out the pink slip, there’s a critical question you need to ask—is this a people problem or a process problem?

Joy unpacks how to spot the root of underperformance and shares a practical framework for diagnosing whether the issue lies with the individual or the systems they’re working within. You’ll learn how to approach the situation with clarity, reduce costly turnover, and strengthen your leadership muscle.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone managing a team, building a business, or navigating difficult personnel decisions with confidence and care.

In this episode, Joy breaks down what it means to think like a CFO and how to bring that mindset into your business planning. She walks through how to thoughtfully reflect on the past quarter—what worked, what didn’t, and what you can learn from it—to make smart, forward-thinking decisions.

You'll hear how to shift from being a reactive business owner to a proactive one by identifying problems early, creating intentional strategies to address them, and building in time for reflection. Joy also shares real-world examples of how we guide clients through this process at Aligned CPA to set them up for sustainable growth.

Whether you’re heading into Q2 or Q4, this is your roadmap to confident, strategic planning.

In today’s episode, Joy takes a moment to reflect on the wins, lessons, and challenges from last quarter—and why that reflection is a key move every CEO should make. She also shares powerful tactics to carry into the new quarter so you can show up stronger, lead with clarity, and continue growing your business with intention.

If you’re ready to elevate how you lead and level up how you operate, this episode is for you.

As mentioned in the episode, here’s your handout with all the questions we discussed.

In this episode, Joy dives into the common cash flow challenges that many business owners face and shares practical strategies to improve your financial health and peace of mind. We break down the concepts of cash inflow and outflow, explaining what they really mean for your business and how you can optimize them.

As mentioned in the episode, here is your Cash Flow Worksheet Template to help you put these strategies into action.

If you’re looking to get a better handle on your finances and see a more stable bank balance, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we break down what KPIs are, why they matter, and how to track them effectively. Understanding the right metrics can help you make better business decisions and drive growth.

Whether you're a startup, entrepreneur, or seasoned business owner, understanding your metrics is key to making informed decisions and scaling effectively.

As mentioned in the episode, grab your free KPI Scorecard here to start tracking your numbers like a pro!

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode!

Every business owner hits that moment—when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Maybe cash flow is tight, your team is struggling, or you’re overwhelmed with too many problems at once. In this episode of Upleveling, we dive into how to take accountability, shift your mindset, and create a plan to move forward.

If you're feeling stuck, unsure where to go next, or just need a reality check, this conversation is for you. Learn practical steps to regain control, make better decisions, and build resilience in your business.

Hit play and let’s get back on track!

What separates top-performing CEOs from the rest? In this inaugural episode of Upleveling: The CEO Advantage, host Joy Lutz breaks down the six key traits that drive business success—from making fast decisions to leveraging data and intuition. Whether you're looking to scale, build a high-performing team, or optimize your business strategy, these insights will help you lead with confidence and take your business to the next level.

Welcome to Upleveling, the podcast for business owners who want to grow, optimize, and take things to the next level. In this short intro episode, we’ll break down what this podcast is about, why we created it, and what you can expect from future episodes.

If you're looking for insights, strategies, and real conversations about running a successful business, you’re in the right place.

Hit subscribe and check out our first two episodes to dive in!