What does it take to go from a buttoned-up CPA to a bold, strategic business leader winning the world of financial services? Growth isn’t just about numbers — it’s about vision, adaptability, and the courage to take bold steps forward.

In this episode, we chat with Bart Davis, CEO and co-founder of 512Financial, about his journey and what it’s like to be a first-time CEO, why speed matters more than perfection, and how fractional services are helping small businesses do more with less.

You’ll discover:

• Insider strategies for leveraging financial insights for business growth

• Navigating the challenges of becoming a first-time CEO

• Innovative approaches to outsourcing critical business functions

• The role of AI in modern financial services

• Practical advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders

Tune in and get inspired to rethink what financial leadership looks like.

Show Notes:

Bart Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/

512Financial: https://512financial.com/

Resources:

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

Door No. 3 Instagram

Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

As a business leader, you know the importance of building trust, credibility, and differentiation for your organization. But have you considered how developing your personal brand as a strategic business influencer can unlock new levels of impact and growth?

In this episode, we sit down with Paige Velasquez Budde, Partner & CEO at Zilker Media and an expert in helping executives and entrepreneurs amplify their thought leadership. Paige shares a transformative framework for recognizing your unique potential and aligning your personal and professional goals.

You'll discover:

• The common misconceptions that hold leaders back from personal branding (and why they're wrong)

• A step-by-step process for creating your "Influence ID" to build a mission-driven, authentic brand

• Practical tips for managing online presence and first impressions to accelerate trust

• How to leverage your expertise and experience to drive greater impact beyond your company

Whether you're preparing for a business exit, looking to recruit top talent, or simply want to expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to embrace your role as a strategic business influencer. Get ready to unlock your full potential and take your leadership to new heights!

Show Notes:

• Paige Velasquez Budde LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigevelasquez/

• Influence ID - 5-step process for building an authentic, mission-driven brand

• Brand Power Score - https://zilkermedia.com/brand-power-score-quiz/

• Zilker Media - https://zilkermedia.com/ an Austin-based agency building people-driven brands

• "The Strategic Business Influencer" - upcoming book by Paige Velasquez Budde

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

Door No. 3 Instagram

Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

This year has been a journey through inspiring conversations with industry leaders across banking, skincare, plant-based foods, and beyond. In this episode of the Listen Loudly Podcast, we look back to stories that reveal not just the strategies behind iconic brands but the human grit, passion, and innovation driving them forward. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a team in a global organization, this episode will help you learn how leaders made their mark in the industries they’re in.

Show Notes

The ROI of Purpose: An Interview with Haley Rushing from The Purpose Institute www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwzSb5UBqk0

Embracing a Challenger Spirit to Ignite Change: An Interview with Nicole Rex from Dell www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEBImDriXo0

Lean Into Growth: An Interview with Jason Bronstad www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kf60sW6LJM

The Evolving Leader: An Interview with Amy Gordinier from Skinfix www.youtube.com/watch?v=barMJOrurJA

How to Scale a CPG Brand: An Interview with Rich Rodríguez-Mahé www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DsZgfAyBaw

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

Door No. 3 Instagram

Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn