Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann, founder and CEO of Growth Drive, discusses the importance of community engagement among business advisors, the integration of AI in business methodologies, and the potential for collaboration with law firms. The conversation also covers the creation of mastermind groups for business owners, updates on …

While we're working on our next podcast series to help you improve your German, here’s a short mini-lesson to keep your German fresh! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Thomas from the Coffee Break German team. We'll be exploring useful German vocabulary for talking about summer clothes, perfect for the sunny season! ☀️ We’ll also look at key phra…

Summary This conversation explores various themes related to growing and managing advisory businesses. It covers technical issues, scheduling for reviews, strategies for growth, the importance of valuation, and the challenges faced by the accounting profession. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective management, networking, and collaborati…

Summary The conversation revolves around the development of use cases for the Growth Drive initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and understanding client needs. Participants discuss the distinction between use cases and case studies, the planning for an upcoming summit, and the value of community engagement in…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann, founder and CEO of Growth Drive, discusses the importance of community engagement among business advisors, reflections on the AICPA Growth Forum, and the evolving role of technology and private equity in the accounting industry. The conversation also covers upcoming conferences, the integration of DCF …

Summary This conversation explores the complexities of family-owned businesses, focusing on the dynamics of ownership, the challenges of transitioning leadership, and the importance of communication. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on navigating these issues, emphasizing the need for preparation and understanding individual goa…

Mark and Thomas return for the final episode of Season 1 of Scenes! A quiet afternoon at the café allows the narrator to enjoy a peaceful moment—until an unexpected visitor arrives. Heinz shows up at an unusual time, surprising not only the narrator but also Charlotte, who has never met him before. As Charlotte and Heinz strike up a conversation, t…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann, founder and CEO of Growth Drive, discusses the importance of community engagement among business advisors, the sharing of resources, and the evolution of training and certification in the advisory space. The dialogue covers insights from recent conferences, the cultural shifts within accounting firms, …

Mark and Thomas return with episode nine of Scenes! At lunchtime, the café is lively as guests enjoy coffee and fresh pastries. But at a small table by the window, a young woman is lost in thought—until a phone call brings her to tears. While Erna is busy with a broken cash register, the narrator decides to step in, offering a simple act of kindnes…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann and his guests discuss the role of AI in business consulting, emphasizing the importance of human interaction, the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, and the evolving landscape of the CPA profession. They explore how AI can enhance data management and decision-making but caution against over-reli…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann and his colleagues discuss the Growth Drive system, focusing on how business advisors can help clients achieve growth, value, and profitability. They explore the importance of strategic clarity, team alignment, and effective execution leadership in driving business success. The discussion also emphasize…

Mark and Thomas return with another engaging episode of Scenes! As the late shift winds down, Felix insists on staying longer, keeping busy while the narrator locks up. But when asked why he’s avoiding going home, he finally confesses—he’s dropped out of university but hasn’t told his parents yet. Felix knows they’ll be disappointed, and as an only…

Mark and Thomas return with another Chapter of Scenes! Every day at exactly three o’clock, Charlotte arrives at the café for coffee, cake, and conversation. Today, she shares the latest neighbourhood gossip—though Erna is, as always, far more discreet with such things. Meanwhile, another customer is quietly adjusting to a big change—her youngest so…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann and his guests discuss the importance of community in business advisory, the impact of AI on consulting practices, and the significance of intellectual property. They share insights from the Growth Drive Summit, emphasizing the need for thought leadership and client engagement. The discussion also highl…

Mark and Thomas return with an emotional new episode of Scenes! It’s late in the evening, and Johanna is still sitting at her table, lost in thought. She’s usually happy to chat with Erna, but today, something is different. After some gentle encouragement, Johanna finally admits what’s been bothering her—her close university friend Nadine is leavin…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann and his colleagues discuss the intricacies of business advisory services, focusing on client engagement, strategic intent, and the importance of understanding unique business structures. They explore the concept of 'secret sauce' in business valuation and the emotional aspects of transitioning from busi…

Summary In this conversation, the participants discuss the challenges and strategies involved in business advisory, particularly focusing on the Growth Drive system. They explore client engagement, the importance of referrals, and the need for businesses to reinvent themselves to overcome growth plateaus. The discussion also highlights the role of …

Mark and Thomas return with another lively episode of Scenes! This time, the gentlemen’s weekly Canasta match takes centre stage — especially as Heinz keeps winning, much to Siegfried’s frustration! While the game unfolds, the café is quieter than usual, giving the narrator time to clean the clogged coffee machine. But just as it’s taken apart, two…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandmann and various speakers discuss the intricacies of business advisory, focusing on the importance of proper discovery, the challenges faced by value advisors, and the need for collaboration among specialists. They emphasize the emotional aspects of client relationships and the necessity of building trust an…

Mark and Thomas return with another engaging episode of Scenes! In this Chapter, the café is busier than usual for a weekday, and among the customers, something special is happening. At the large family table, a young woman seems anxious while her boyfriend reassures her. Her elegantly dressed parents sit across from them, clearly unimpressed. But …

summary In this engaging conversation, George Sandman and his team discuss the importance of community engagement within the Growth Drive network. They explore the upcoming Growth Drive Summit, emphasizing collaboration, workshops, and the significance of understanding buyer preferences. The discussion also highlights the value of niche specializat…

Summary The conversation revolves around the Growth Drive community, emphasizing the importance of being net givers, focusing on client engagement, and the need for financial advisors to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. The speakers discuss the significance of maintaining control over one's business, the impact of happiness on…

Mark and Thomas are back with another episode of Scenes! In this chapter, the café is busier than ever, as customers fill the space on a sunny Sunday. Regulars enjoy their routines, new visitors discover Erna’s charm, and the rhubarb cake disappears faster than ever. While Erna thrives on the lively atmosphere, chatting and sharing her wisdom, Feli…

Mark and Thomas return with the next chapter of Scenes! As heavy rain pours down, Johanna rushes into the café, drenched and frustrated. A dedicated law student, she usually enjoys studying here, but today, her soaked textbooks and looming deadlines leave her feeling overwhelmed. Erna, always quick to notice when someone needs support, offers comfo…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandman and his colleagues discuss the integration of AI into business advisory services, emphasizing its potential to enhance client services and drive growth. They explore the importance of strategic capacity, EBITDA, and multiples in determining business value, while also addressing the challenges of unlockin…

Join Mark and Thomas at the start of an exciting new story! In this first chapter of Scenes, our latest course for intermediate German learners, we visit Erna’s cosy café by the park, where regular customers and unexpected surprises make each morning unique. We meet Heinz, a long-time patron known for his punctuality and unwavering routine. Every d…

Summary The conversation delves into the complexities of client demand, referral systems, and the sales function, emphasizing the importance of innovation and market disruption. Participants discuss strategies for identifying ideal clients, the significance of triage in client selection, and the potential of performance fees to enhance client commi…

We’re about to launch four brand-new intermediate German language course - Scenes from the Coffee Break Café. Imagine yourself in a charming café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive new course, you’ll follow a compelling story set in a local café and build your languag…

Summary In this conversation, George Sandman and his colleagues discuss various strategies for enhancing client engagement and communication within the Growth Drive framework. They explore the importance of clarity in client interactions, effective documentation of business goals, and the balance between advisory and execution roles. The discussion…

Summary The conversation revolves around the themes of building a profitable advisory business, the future of financial planning, strategic planning, and the role of growth advisors. The speakers discuss the importance of educating business owners, crafting effective messaging, and guiding clients through their growth journey. They emphasize the ne…

Summary: In this week's conversation George Sandman, founder and CEO of Growth Drive, discusses the importance of business advisory, community networking, and strategic planning for business owners. The conversation covers the enhancements in the C3D course, the significance of exit planning, and the role of mentorship in guiding business owners. A…

Summary: The conversation revolves around the C3D course, its structure, content, and the importance of community engagement and mentorship in the learning process. Participants discuss the emotional aspects of client interactions, the significance of understanding client motivations, and strategies for effective engagement. The dialogue emphasizes…

We have reached the last clue of our virtual treasure hunt Die große Coffee Break Schatzsuche 2024, which will lead us to the final location! Test your German and detective skills as Mark and Thomas reveal everything you need to know to determine the last destination. Remember to submit your entry form listing the location from each episode to be i…

It's time for the third clue of Die große Coffee Break Schatzsuche 2024, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Using the interesting facts provided by Thomas and your language skills, can you work out where checkpoint number three is? In case you missed it - everyone who correctly identifies the four mystery locations will win a free month's sub…

We're back with the next episode of Die große Coffee Break Schatzsuche 2024, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! In this episode join Thomas and Mark as they reveal clue number two and take us one step closer to our final location. As we continue through this mini series we'll discover further clues, solve the mystery and you could be in with …