Awarepreneurs - #1046: Awarepreneurs Interview with Brian Thompson

🔖 Titles

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1. Leaning In: Building Profitable, Mission-Driven Businesses During Turbulent Times with Brian Thompson 2. Foundations for Thriving: Mission, Values, and Financial Strength in Impact Entrepreneurship 3. Navigating Uncertainty: Financial Strategies for LGBTQ and Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs 4. Embracing Change and Community: Resilient Social Entrepreneurship with Brian Thompson 5. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Leaning In as an Impact-Focused Business Leader 6. Building Movements and Legacies: Balancing Profit and Purpose in Uncertain Times 7. From Tax Attorney to Impact Advisor: Brian Thompson on Leading with Mission and Values 8. Financial Foundations for Impact Entrepreneurs Facing Economic and Social Turbulence 9. Strengthening Your Mission-Driven Business: Marketing, Networks, and Financial Resilience 10. How Leaning In and Community Support Drive Success for Diverse Entrepreneurs

💬 Keywords

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mission driven business, social entrepreneurship, financial planning, LGBTQ entrepreneurs, tax strategy, business advisory, impact investing, purpose driven business, underrepresented communities, economic uncertainty, emergency fund, cash flow management, marketing strategies, resilience in business, profit first model, values alignment, business foundations, diversity in finance, legacy wealth, racial wealth gap, community building, business adaptation, client acquisition, entrepreneurial mindset, business challenges, business opportunities, social impact, cash flow tracking, financial independence, business growth

💡 Speaker bios

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Brian Thompson’s passion for tax law was sparked during his second year of law school, when he discovered a fascination with the intricacies and exceptions of the tax system. The subject’s complexity resonated so deeply that Brian briefly considered leaving law school to become an accountant instead. It was only after an advisor assured him that he could pursue tax as a lawyer that he remained on his path. That pivotal moment set Brian’s commitment to practicing tax law—a career where he combines his love for finances with his legal expertise.

ℹ️ Introduction

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Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs! Today’s conversation is all about resilience, purpose, and building a business that’s rooted in who you are—especially in turbulent times. Host [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) sits down with [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), founder of Brian Thompson Financial LLC and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast. As a Black queer financial advisor, [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) brings a wealth of expertise from his years as a tax attorney and now as a financial planner specifically supporting LGBTQ and mission-driven entrepreneurs. In this episode, [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) dive into what it means to “lean in” rather than “lean out” when the social and economic climate feels unstable. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) shares his own professional journey—how a passion for tax law, a personal family experience, and witnessing gaps in financial services for underrepresented communities led him to create his firm. Together, they explore tangible strategies for entrepreneurs facing uncertainty, from clarifying mission, vision, and values to maintaining financial fundamentals like cash flow and emergency funds. You’ll also hear honest reflections about navigating fear, finding strength in community, and why staying true to your purpose is not just inspiring, but essential for long-term impact and profitability. If you’re searching for actionable insights to help your business thrive while staying true to your values—especially during challenging times—this episode is for you.

❇️ Key topics and bullets

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Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode, with main topics and detailed sub-topics outlined under each: --- **1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest** - Overview of Awarepreneurs podcast and host intro - Welcome and introduction of [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) - [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B)’s professional background and mission **2. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B)’s Origin Story** - Law school experience leading to interest in tax and finance - Personal story: Family’s financial hardship after father’s passing - Transition from tax attorney to financial advisor for LGBTQ and mission-driven entrepreneurs - Early focus on marriage equality and LGBTQ financial planning - Shift toward serving business clients and business strategy **3. Building a Purpose-Driven Business: Foundations and Values** - Working proactively with clients rather than reacting to crises - Emphasizing mission, vision, and values as essential for business building - Exercises and approaches to clarifying mission, vision, and values - Importance of written core values and regular revisiting **4. The Current Climate for Mission-Driven and LGBTQ+ Businesses** - Increased uncertainty, volatility, and fear in business climate - Clients’ experiences of funding loss and societal backlash - Importance of holding space for fear and anxiety - Emphasis on community, safety, and collective support **5. Strategies for Leaning In During Challenging Times** - Viewing identity as an asset, not a liability, in business - Returning to and acting upon mission, vision, and values during difficulty - Maintaining business clarity and alignment for resilience **6. Balancing Impact and Profitability** - Addressing the tension between making an impact and maintaining profit - Building a foundation for sustainable growth in turbulent times - Cash flow management and the “Profit First” approach - Core elements: Profit, owner’s comp, taxes, operating expenses **7. Marketing as a Fundamental Business Lever** - The necessity for robust marketing, especially when organic growth stalls - Transitioning from passive to active client acquisition strategies - Examples of shifting marketing practices and iterating on strategy - Building resilience through marketing innovation **8. The Power of Community and Networks** - Critical role of networks/ecosystems for entrepreneurs in uncertain times - Supporting one another and building collective impact - Personal stories about belonging, collaboration, and community systems **9. Adapting to Change and Navigating Uncertainty** - Iterative approaches: Build, measure, learn - Embracing the need for adaptability and resilience in an evolving business landscape - Learning from past challenges (e.g., past economic downturns, COVID) **10. Financial Fundamentals for Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs** - Establishing and maintaining cash flow clarity and emergency funds - Financial tracking and clean bookkeeping - Understanding and balancing income versus expenses - Revisiting foundations during storms (“if you build for a hundred-year storm…” analogy) **11. Looking Forward: Anticipating the Future** - Vision for the next five years: deepening impact and honing alignment - Navigating the unknown while staying rooted in values and mission - Creating a balanced, values-driven life and business **12. Final Thoughts and Calls to Action** - Encouragement to focus on business fundamentals - Message of hope, collective action, and resilience - Resources for connecting with [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) and extending the conversation --- This structure captures the natural flow of the podcast: starting with backgrounds, moving into current realities, exploring practical strategies, and concluding with visionary and actionable insights.

📚 Timestamped overview

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00:00 Building Financial Impact Without Stress

06:27 "Empowerment Through Authenticity"

08:06 Defining Vision, Values, and Impact

11:32 "Attracting and Retaining Ideal Clients"

16:44 Adapting for Sustained Success

20:05 "Power of Community Connections"

21:38 "Building Community, Together"

24:32 "Grateful for Community Leadership"

29:15 Fractional Support for Impact Ventures

31:14 "Turning Roadblocks Into Stepping Stones"

34:49 Resilience Through Uncertain Times

38:31 "Solid Foundations Weather Storms"

42:11 "The Five Types of Wealth"

46:19 "Building Impact with Bold Strategies"

🎞️ Clipfinder: Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps

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Brian Thompson 00:03:24 00:03:34

Empowering LGBTQ Financial Well-being: "I started Brian Thompson Financial in 2016, and I first focused on LGBTQ couples because at that time, marriage equality was coming to pass, and it was a really big thing for us."

Brian Thompson 00:06:22 00:06:26

Viral Topic: Rising Fear and Uncertainty in Marginalized Communities
"I understand your fear, I understand what's going on and it's a scary time."

Brian Thompson 00:06:52 00:07:11

Embracing Authenticity in Business: "I tell people your, who you are is an asset, not a liability. Especially when you're trying to build a business. You can't serve everyone. So you being able to really lean in on who you want to serve, who you want to be in the business that you type want to build is especially important right now because people are watching, right?"

Brian Thompson 00:08:06 00:08:50

Viral Topic: The Power of Defining Core Values
"I need to have 5 to 7 values written down so I can go back to them and use them as guides. In a time when times like this, when you. Your values are tested, and you have to go back and say, all right, so this is what I said."

Brian Thompson 00:09:09 00:09:14

Viral Topic: Building a Solid Business Foundation
Quote: "Clarity and alignment are key to making sure that you're building a solid foundation for your business."

Brian Thompson 00:12:25 00:12:26

Viral Topic: How to Overcome Client Loss and Stay Confident
"I now am not freaking out, not panicking, because I know that I can do this, I know that I can get more clients because we've had a solid foundation of marketing and pitching to the."

Brian Thompson 00:22:00 00:22:11

Building Community Through Connection: "When I found you and met you, I was like, oh, wow, this is so heartening and invigorating to know that Paul is out here doing the work and we're all in this together, right? We're all one piece of the puzzle."

Brian Thompson 00:31:45 00:31:49

Turning Roadblocks into Stepping Stones: "Each of these stumbling blocks were a stepping stone for me to build a better business."

Brian Thompson 00:35:44 00:35:58

Overcoming Uncertainty and Fear: "it's okay to be scared, it's okay to be anxious, it's okay to not know what's going to happen and move anyway and do it and keep trying, keep iterating, keep building, measure and learning until you find something that, that fits and helps you succeed."

Brian Thompson 00:42:26 00:42:55

Viral Topic—Empowerment and Balance in Success: I feel very grateful to have this business and to be able to show other people that they can have it to other people that look like me, other people that felt like they didn't have a voice or they didn't have power and they couldn't get in these rooms that you can do it and helping them build. And I'm excited to see what happens five years from now because where I'm now has been so unexpected. But I feel like if I keep aligned and keep clear on the direction that I want to go and the impact that I want to have, amazing things will happen.

🎬 Reel script

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In this session, I got to sit down with Brian Thompson, founder of Brian Thompson Financial, to talk about what it means to truly lean in as an entrepreneur, especially in turbulent times. We dug deep into the power of mission, vision, and values, how clarity builds resilience, and why your identity is an asset, not a liability. Brian shared practical strategies for financial stability, marketing, and the importance of community and adaptability. If you’re building a mission-driven business, now is the time to lean in, get clear, and weather any storm together.

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

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Just finished listening to the latest Awarepreneurs episode featuring Brian Thompson and it’s packed with real wisdom for mission-driven entrepreneurs navigating turbulent times. Brian shares how his journey from tax attorney to financial advisor was shaped by personal experience—and why he’s passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ and diverse founders. The conversation with host [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) really hit home the importance of leaning in to purpose, especially now. Here are my top 3 takeaways for impact-driven business leaders: - **Your values are your compass:** Get clear about your mission, vision, and values—they’re not just buzzwords. As Brian emphasized, having these written down provides clarity and alignment, especially when the road gets rocky. - **Financial foundations matter:** From cash flow management to building a robust emergency fund, Brian urges entrepreneurs to track their finances intentionally, adopt systems like profit-first, and prepare for the unexpected. Strong foundations help you weather even the toughest storms. - **Authenticity attracts opportunity:** In challenging climates, your unique identity and purpose are assets. By leaning into who you are, you’ll attract ideal clients and partners, build enduring communities, and open up new avenues for impact—even in uncertain times. Feeling inspired? Connect with Brian and check out his podcast “Mission Driven Business” for more actionable insights. Building a values-driven company isn’t just possible; it’s how we thrive together. #MissionDriven #SocialEntrepreneurship #LGBTQBusiness #FinanceTips #Leadership #Awarepreneurs

🗞️ Newsletter

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**Subject: Leaning In: Building Resilient, Impactful Businesses in Turbulent Times** Hello Awarepreneurs community, Our latest episode features an inspiring and timely conversation between host [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and guest [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), founder of Brian Thompson Financial LLC and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast. **Episode Highlight: “Leaning In Rather Than Leaning Out”** As many of us know, these aren’t the easiest times for mission-driven businesses, especially those serving underrepresented communities. In this episode, [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) shares his personal journey from tax attorney to entrepreneurial financial advisor, and how the right mindset and fundamentals can help us not only survive but thrive when facing uncertainty and adversity. Here are a few key takeaways from the conversation: **1. Foundations Matter—Now More Than Ever** [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) reminds us that in times of chaos, it’s essential to revisit and strengthen the basics: mission, vision, and core values. He shared exercises he uses with clients to clarify these foundations, ensuring they serve as a compass during tough times. **2. Who You Are Is an Asset, Not a Liability** Especially for LGBTQ+ and marginalized founders, [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) emphasizes that your identity and values are strengths that attract your ideal clients. Lean into them and let them guide your business decisions. **3. Cash Flow & Financial Resilience** Financial fundamentals such as managing cash flow, having a robust emergency fund, and keeping clean books are critical. If you’re unsure about your financial foundation, start by tracking your income, expenses, and building reserves. **4. Adapt, Iterate, and Market Your Impact** The landscape is changing, and businesses that relied on word-of-mouth or repeat clients now need to embrace marketing and visibility. Whether it’s podcasts, social media, or newsletters—keep trying new avenues to connect with your community. **5. Community Matters** Turbulence is easier to navigate when you’re plugged into a supportive network. Reach out, share your wins and challenges, and remember that you’re not alone. As [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) says, “It’s not about me, it’s about us.” **6. Opportunity In Uncertainty** Despite the fear and difficulty, opportunities are waiting for leaders willing to step up and stay true to their mission. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) both urge us to see today’s obstacles as stepping stones—not roadblocks. **Tune in for wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement for traversing these turbulent times.** Listen to Brian’s podcast, Mission Driven Business, and connect with him at BTFinancial.com. For more resources and guidance, visit paulzelizer.com. Let’s keep leaning in—building movements, communities, and legacies rooted in profit and purpose. With gratitude, The Awarepreneurs Team P.S. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with those who could benefit. Community is how we grow! --- *Ready to deepen your impact or strengthen your financial strategy? Reach out for personalized support and let your values guide your business forward.*

🧵 Tweet thread

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🔥 THREAD: How Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs Thrive in Uncertain Times 1/ 🚀 On the AwarePreneurs podcast, [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) sits down with [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), a Black queer financial advisor passionate about helping LGBTQ+ and mission-driven founders turn their businesses into powerful movements & lasting legacies. 2/ [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B)'s story began with a love of tax law in grad school—paired with a personal mission to protect his own family from predatory financial advisors. That journey inspired his purpose: proactively guiding founders, not just cleaning up their messes later. 3/ "Your identity is an asset, not a liability," says [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B). Especially when your mission is under threat, it's time to LEAN IN. In a world watching which brands stand firm, wavering from your values can cost you trust—and money. 4/ What does "leaning in" look like? [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) has clients get crystal clear on: - Mission - Vision - Values (Write them down—5 to 7 core values!—so you can revisit them when things get tough.) 5/ Once your foundation is solid, then come the tactics: ✅ Get obsessed with your cash flow—Profit First model all the way! ✅ Dedicate a portion of revenue to emergency funds, owner's compensation, taxes, & ops. ✅ If leads slow, double down on marketing. (Content, podcasting, ideal client outreach—you need to be SEEN.) 6/ Don’t forget: change is inevitable. What worked five years ago won’t cut it today. The pros adapt, iterate, and don’t get stuck in one channel or tactic. "Build, measure, learn, repeat," says [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B). 7/ Hard times may bring fear, especially for underrepresented founders. But as [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) and [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) agree: COMMUNITY keeps you going. Find your people. Share stories. Lean on each other for strength & strategy. 8/ When turbulence hits, it’s the fundamentals that save you: ▫️ Solid finances ▫️ Mission/values alignment ▫️ Tracking what matters (clients, cash, REAL impact) ▫️ Flexibility to pivot when needed 9/ "It’s not about me—it’s about us," [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) shares. Your business isn’t just a means to profit; it’s a lever for generational wealth AND community transformation. 10/ Final takeaway, especially if times feel rough: ➡️ This storm won’t be the last. But if your foundations are strong, you’ll weather it—and come out stronger, with even more impact. 🙌 If you’re a mission-driven entrepreneur, now’s your moment. Lean in. Stick to your values. Keep building. We’re in this together. 🔁 RT to inspire someone in your network! #MissionDriven #Entrepreneurship #LGBTQBusiness #ImpactBiz #SocialEntrepreneur #AwarePreneurs

❓ Questions

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Absolutely! Here are 10 discussion questions inspired by the conversation between [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) in this episode of Awarepreneurs: 1. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) emphasizes the importance of "leaning in" rather than "leaning out," especially during difficult times. What does "leaning in" mean to you as an entrepreneur, and how might you apply it in your own business or organization? 2. Both speakers talk about the intersection of profit and purpose in business. Do you agree that “who you are is an asset, not a liability”? How does authenticity play into the long-term success of mission-driven businesses? 3. Mission, vision, and values were highlighted as foundational for navigating uncertainty. Have you taken the time to clearly articulate these for your own work? How do they guide your decision-making, especially under pressure? 4. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) shares that many of his clients from underrepresented communities are facing increased fear and uncertainty. How can business leaders create and hold safe spaces for their communities and clients during turbulent times? 5. The episode mentions that “you can’t change what you don’t track.” What are the most important things to track in your business right now, and how do you use that information to adapt? 6. Marketing is described as a commonly overlooked area for established social entrepreneurs—especially when referrals previously came easily. How has your approach to marketing shifted as your business or sector has evolved? 7. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) shared his story of building community and networks in New Mexico. How does your own network or ecosystem support your resilience as an entrepreneur or leader? How can you strengthen it? 8. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) notes that entrepreneurs should prepare financially for “100-year storms.” What steps can businesses take to build more robust foundations in today’s climate of frequent disruptions? 9. Both speakers reflect on the difficulty—and necessity—of embracing change and uncertainty. How do you personally manage the “gray areas” in your work, and what habits help you keep moving forward? 10. The theme “it’s not about me, it’s about us” was echoed throughout the episode. In what ways can you center community and collective impact in your leadership, even while working toward your own business goals? These questions are designed to inspire reflective conversation and practical insights based on the rich discussion in the episode.

🪡 Threads by Instagram

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1. Leaning in during turbulent times isn’t just about resilience—it's about honoring who you are and what you value. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) reminds us: your identity as a founder is your greatest asset, not a liability. 2. Impact and profit are not mutually exclusive. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) urges us to keep our vision, mission, and values clear and upfront. Clarity in purpose is the foundation for a thriving, profitable business. 3. Feeling scared or uncertain as you lead your mission-driven business? [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) says: Acknowledge the fear, remember you’re not alone, and lean into your community for support and strength. 4. Cash flow management, emergency funds, and tracking the basics aren't glamorous—but these are the bedrock that help mission-driven founders weather the toughest storms. Don’t skip the fundamentals! 5. Change is constant. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) encourages us to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. The best entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to adapt, iterate, and keep going, together.

SEO Description Summary

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In this Awarepreneurs episode, financial advisor Brian Thompson shares how LGBTQ and mission-driven entrepreneurs can thrive during turbulent times. Hosted by Paul Zelizer, they discuss leaning into values, building solid financial foundations, and creating impact-driven businesses while navigating uncertainty, funding challenges, and societal pushback. Learn strategies for resilience, growth, community, and authentic leadership.

LinkedIn Thought Leader post

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Certainly! Here are two LinkedIn posts in the requested tone, style, and format, featuring [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) as a thought leader and drawing upon the Awarepreneurs interview with Brian Thompson: --- 1. Is resilience the new must-have for social entrepreneurs? How do mission-driven founders thrive in turbulent times? What if your business could balance impact and profit—even when the world feels uncertain? We explored these questions on the latest Awarepreneurs episode, where [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) interviewed Brian Thompson, founder of Brian Thompson Financial. As [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) shared, “Getting both impact and profit at high degrees in very turbulent waters has been difficult. I’m getting inbound from people all over the world, not just in the US, that it’s not as simple as maybe it was five years ago.” Our discussion centered on the tension—and synergy—between purpose and financial sustainability. The biggest takeaway: Use your mission, vision, and values as your compass. Build clarity, craft your foundation, and don’t neglect the power of marketing to reach those who need you most. How are you aligning purpose and profitability in your business today? Share your approach, and tune in to the full conversation for practical strategies on navigating uncertainty as a social entrepreneur. --- 2. Did you know New Mexico is home to one of the largest per capita sovereign wealth funds in the US—and is the first minority-majority state? How can social innovators leverage local ecosystems for community impact? What if your network could open doors to unprecedented opportunities for change? During his recent interview on Awarepreneurs, [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) shared, “I am directly in conversations with the people who are making decisions … Our leadership has been investing … oil and gas revenues into this asset. I get it about people leaving, and it’s easier to be … But I tell that story—if I were to leave, from a distance I can’t have the same kind of leadership role and be in the conversations that I’m currently being invited into.” We discussed the importance of building networks, finding your place in vibrant ecosystems, and cultivating teams rooted in shared values. Key insight: Don’t go it alone. Connect, listen, and step into bold conversations centered on collective impact. How are you tapping into local or global networks to grow your impact? Join the dialogue and listen to the full episode for inspiration on leading with courage and community in challenging times. ---

Key takeaways

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1. Leaning In as an Act of Courage and Strategy In turbulent and hostile social climates, especially for underrepresented communities, purpose-driven entrepreneurs are encouraged to "lean in"—to authentically embrace who they are and the mission that drives them—even when doing so feels unsafe or risky. This leaning in is not only a bold act of self-affirmation, but it is essential for long-term resilience, thriving, and impact. "You being able to really lean in on who you want to serve, who you want to be in the business that you type want to build is especially important right now because people are watching, right?... So to me, it's a time to really lean in to who you are and what you do and who you want to serve and really focusing on that. So when clients are scared, I say, yes, we're scared, but we're going to lean in." ([Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), 00:07:00 - 00:07:47) 2. Mission, Vision, and Values as the Foundation Building a resilient, impact-driven business starts with crystal clarity around mission, vision, and values. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) emphasizes that entrepreneurs must intentionally define and document these foundations—even revisiting and relying on them as practical guides during times of uncertainty. This clarity enables strong alignment and decision-making, rather than reactive responses to external pressures. "In a time when times like this, when you...Your values are tested, and you have to go back and say, all right, so this is what I said. I. This is what I said I stand for. Is this really true?...Clarity and alignment are key to making sure that you're building a solid foundation for your business." ([Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), 00:08:43 - 00:09:14) 3. Financial Fundamentals and Adaptability Are Essential Sound financial planning and adaptability are crucial to weathering systemic challenges and market disruptions. [Brian Thompson](/speakers/B) advocates for proactive financial management, using specific models (like Profit First), tracking cash flow, and having robust emergency funds. These fundamentals—combined with a willingness to adapt and experiment in areas like marketing—help businesses survive and even thrive in unpredictable conditions. "I don't feel like I have changed my advice. I feel like it just sinks in a bit more now when I talk about having three to six months of an emergency fund, making sure that you can get through two quarters of no income and figuring out how to build that if we need to...It's really the fundamentals that I preached and preached and preached that really shine through in this moment because they're needed." ([Brian Thompson](/speakers/B), 00:36:54 - 00:37:40)

Leading question

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What if the key to thriving as a mission-driven entrepreneur during turbulent times isn’t playing it safe, but leaning in with even greater clarity and authenticity? These are just a few of the provocative questions we explored with Brian Thompson on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A).

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