On this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo interviews Phil Gafka, founder of LEAP Coaching. Phil breaks down the real roadblocks that keep business leaders stuck, and how to overcome them. From cultivating a bold vision to building a strong culture and staying committed when things get tough, Phil shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to grow as a leader and grow your company. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs ready to move beyond survival mode and toward something meaningful and transformative.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why thinking bigger is the key to escaping stagnation
• How to develop vision, culture, and clarity of purpose
• The difference between managing and leading
• Why blind spots and baggage block your progress
• The one guarantee Phil gives clients that transforms their culture
• How to stay committed even when results take time

Key Topics Discussed:

• Vision vs. mission: how to set direction and stay aligned
• Self-awareness and the importance of building around your strengths
• How a toxic team member can hold back your entire organization
• The role of leadership mindset in fostering innovation
• Trust-building in high-stakes coaching relationships
• The real difference between a solid plan and one that actually works

Call Us:
(305) 692-5531

In this candid and insightful conversation, Dave Lorenzo sits down with litigator Brian Haussmann to unpack the emotional and financial landmines business owners face when disagreements turn into disputes. Whether it's a clash with a partner, vendor, or client, Brian brings years of experience in business divorce and partnership litigation to offer strategies that reduce damage, de-escalate conflict, and protect enterprise value. They dive into real stories, including the infamous garbage can tale, to illustrate just how irrational business conflicts can get, and what smart operators do to stay above the fray.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why litigation is a massive distraction for business owners
• The emotional traps in partnership disputes (and how to avoid them)
• The importance of removing “matters of principle” from business decision-making
• What makes a good litigator (hint: it’s not who yells the loudest)
• The role of personal trust and objectivity in legal counsel
• Real-life stories of business breakups and how emotions cloud judgment
• How to defuse high-stakes situations with calm, clear strategy
• Why good partnership agreements are essential—especially between spouses
• When and how to use mediation effectively
• How to spot a stubborn client headed for disaster (and what to do about it)

Three Takeaways:

1. Plan for the breakup before you ever fight: Every business relationship needs a clear dispute resolution process and aligned incentives from the beginning. Don’t wait until emotions are high to figure it out.
2. Structure drives harmony: Compensation, governance, and responsibilities need to be explicitly spelled out and updated as the business grows or evolves.
3. Get the right lawyer early: A seasoned litigator who understands the cost and chaos of going to court can help you evaluate options before things spiral.

Connect with Brian Haussmann:
📞 312-762-9471

Host:
Dave Lorenzo, Founder of Exit Success Lab

Closing Thought:
Disagreements are inevitable. Destroying your business over them isn’t. This episode shows you how to navigate conflict with clarity, composure, and strategic foresight.

Dave Lorenzo sits down with employment law expert Susan Lorenc to break down the legal landmines every business owner needs to avoid when managing employees. Whether you’re running a startup or managing a growing enterprise, this is a masterclass in staying compliant, avoiding lawsuits, and building a healthy, productive workplace.

Susan shares clear, practical advice on everything from handbooks to harassment claims, remote work risks, classification confusion, and the fine print of background checks. This is not theoretical legal talk. These are real-world solutions to real problems.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why most employee handbooks cause more problems than they solve
• The legal difference between “fun” and “harassment” in the workplace
• How to safely fire someone in today’s ultra-sensitive environment
• Why hiring independent contractors can blow up your business
• The truth about managing remote workers (and what you can legally do)
• How one background check can lead to a lawsuit if you don’t follow protocol

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common employer mistakes that trigger legal action
• Quid pro quo vs. hostile work environment harassment
• Why “off the clock” behavior still exposes you legally
• The hidden risks of hiring someone as a “contractor”
• Legal limitations of background and credit checks
• How to vet employees without violating privacy laws
• How remote work has shifted employer responsibilities
• Illinois-specific regulations (relevant nationwide in principle)

Links and Resources:

• Contact Susan Lorenc: slorenc@thompsoncoburn.com
• Thompson Coburn LLP: https://www.thompsoncoburn.com
• Revenue Roadmap Guide (Free Download): www.RevenueRoadmapGuide.com
• Call Cendrowski Corporate Advisors: (866) 717-1607

Call to Action:
If you're a business owner or professional dealing with employee issues, don’t wait for a crisis. Connect with Susan Lorenc to get your employment practices in order. And download the Revenue Roadmap Guide for a proven strategy to build your professional services business the right way.