In This Episode of Business Lunch, we unpack why the real power in AI isn’t the model itself—but the protocols wrapped around it. Even advanced AI systems still get things wrong 15–20% of the time, which makes unchecked automation a serious business risk. The winners aren’t chasing smarter models; they’re building structured decision systems that catch errors, manage leverage, and define when humans step in.

We explore how companies use tools like RAG and multi-layer “triple-check” frameworks to dramatically reduce AI error rates, why stabilizing decision-making must come before accelerating it, and how operating leverage—done right—can either amplify profits or protect downside. The big takeaway: well-designed AI protocols are becoming a new form of intellectual property, increasing predictability, transferability, and valuation by creating true founder-independent businesses.

In short, the future advantage isn’t faster AI—it’s better thinking systems.

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Resources:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

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In This Episode of Business Lunch, join Ryan Deiss and I in this enlightening episode of Business Lunch, where they delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of accounting and finance. We discuss how entrepreneurial optimism can clash with the harsh realities of financial reporting. Learn how to navigate these challenges and foster a productive relationship with your CFO to ensure your company's financial health.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Entrepreneurial Optimism vs. Financial Realism

01:36 – Why Accounting Reporting Shapes Company Culture

02:37 – Switching from Cash to Accrual Accounting

03:17 – When Financial Reports Become Depressing

05:41 – Fixing the Reporting Process

08:29 – Avoiding Obstacles: A Common Entrepreneurial Pitfall

09:54 – Support Your Team… or Change It

12:19 – Leadership’s Role in Financial Clarity

17:34 – Preparing for Exit & Upgrading the Finance Team

20:17 – Why Accounting Method Changes Can Distort Profit

27:03 – Restructuring Contracts to Fix Revenue Recognition

31:54 – Challenging Accounting Assumptions

37:15 – The Importance of Cash Flow Over Profit

40:54 – Don’t Let Accounting Wag the Dog

43:10 – Final Thoughts & Outro

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Resources:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode of Business Lunch, we walk you through the ins and outs of managing business finances. We explain the potential pitfalls of keeping more than a month's worth of operating expenses in the account. We explain how that can lead to complacency and unnecessary spending. We also explain how business can cover unexpected events and tricky payroll situations, like those pesky months with three payroll cycles or prepaying for holidays. We go beyond the glamor of being an entrepreneur to the real details behind the scenes.

Highlights:

"We're very big on lifestyle and freedom and all those kinds of things. But it's also important to acknowledge that it's not a perfect situation very often."

"There are times when things are absolutely amazing. And there's times when things could frankly be a hell of a lot better. And I think that's called life. I think that's called entrepreneurship"

"If we're buying a business, I hate the agreement part. I love negotiation and strategy. But when it comes to reading a 75-page document, I just absolutely can't stand it."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Operating Account Insight

01:15 - Personal Calendar Reflection

02:15 - Acknowledging Imperfections

03:15 - Loving Strategy but Hating Legal Work

06:52 - The Reality of Entrepreneurship

07:39 - Cyclicality in Business

08:54 - Handling Excess Profit

10:20 - Minimum Operating Reserve

10:37 - Importance of Operational Cash

10:44 - Prepaying Payroll Challenges

Connect with me on social:

• TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here
• Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here
• Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here
• LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here
• Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here

Resources:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Your CEO Dashboard

Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!

CEO Dashboard