Afleveringen
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Alexis Kingsbury interviews Ron Baker, author and founder of VeraSage Institute, about why tracking time and billing by the hour harms professional services firms by distorting behavior, reducing margins, and undermining innovation.
Ron explains the âtransformation economyâ as a shift beyond services and experiences toward guiding clients from a current state to a desired future identity. He argues firms should market and price around transformation rather than tasks.
He describes how subscription models change pricing, KPIs, and financial thinking toward lifetime value, recurring revenue, and churn. He says the biggest barrier is unlearning cost-accounting and timesheet mentalities.
They discuss how AI reduces rote compliance work, increases pressure on hourly models, and frees up time for deeper client relationships. They also explore alternative metrics such as net promoter score, turnaround time, and âhigh satisfaction days,â as well as the need for specialization and stronger referral networks.
Timestamps
00:00 Timesheets Kill Innovation01:13 What Is Transformation03:33 Selling the Outcome05:38 Subscription Done Right08:27 Why Leaders Resist Change13:38 Compliance AI and Opportunity15:21 The Case Against Time Tracking16:50 Four Timesheet Myths18:46 Cost Accounting Is Broken23:03 Pricing Value, Not Cost24:21 Timesheets Kill ROI25:07 Upfront Pricing and Cashflow26:00 Better KPIs Than Utilization27:07 Leading Indicators That Matter28:44 High Satisfaction Days29:52 Managing for Outcomes34:10 Transformation Economy for Compliance35:52 AI Commoditization Pressure37:07 Specialize and Build Networks38:17 Quickfire and Closing Takeaways43:47 Resources and Farewell
Links
⢠Ron Baker â LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldbaker/⢠Ron Baker â X (Twitter): https://x.com/RonBaker⢠Ron Baker â Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonaldJBaker⢠VeraSage Institute: https://verasage.com/⢠The Soul of Enterprise Podcast: https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/⢠Threshold Now: https://thresholdnow.com/⢠Timeâs Up! The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms (Ron Baker & Paul Dunn): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119578881⢠The Firm of the Future (Ron Baker & Paul Dunn): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118354807⢠Implementing Value Pricing â Ron Baker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118096301⢠Pricing on Purpose â Ron Baker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119120842⢠Wealth and Poverty â George Gilder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594034010⢠AirManual Resources & Playbooks: https://airmanual.co/resources
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Six months ago, Alexis built a 100% AI accountancy practice called Accrual Intentions. He called it an experiment. What he didn't say at the time: he was hoping it wouldn't work.
In this honest follow-up to Episode 164, Alexis shares what he's processed since â the board meeting that ran in eight minutes, the failures that turned out to be management errors rather than AI errors, and the data that suggests professional services firms have about eighteen months before the compliance work their juniors do today is largely automated.
The question isn't whether AI will change your firm. It's whether you'll be ready to manage it when it does.
Links:
Episode 164 of De-stress Your Business, "I Built a 100% AI Accountancy Firm. It Nearly Put Me in Prison.": https://youtu.be/Q3pBqi9bexUMatt Shumer's article, Something big is happening: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/something-big-happening-matt-shumer-so5he/METR charts on AI ability: https://metr.org/blog/2025-03-19-measuring-ai-ability-to-complete-long-tasks/Accrual Intentions, the book: https://www.accrualintentions.com/book -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Alexis shares the full behind-the-scenes story of building Accrual Intentions â a 100% AI-powered accountancy firm with 11 AI team members. The AI team completed a 7-month roadmap of 91 tasks and 107 deliverables in just 4 hours, with only 7 requiring human decisions. But the experiment also revealed serious dangers: a ÂŁ43,000 profit-and-loss error stated with total confidence, terms of business that would have constituted a criminal offence, and every client-facing document pointing to someone else's website. The episode explores what this means for the future of accounting and the emerging skill of managing AI teams rather than doing the work yourself.
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Mergers and acquisitions can spark exciting growth â but they also bring chaos, uncertainty, and a lot of stress. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, weâre joined by Alex Black, Director of Client Services and Innovation at Ad Valorem, a fast-growing accountancy firm now part of the ETL Group. Alex shares how heâs helped teams navigate the stress of change â from integrating cultures and standardising processes, to preparing teams for powerful innovations like AI. Youâll learn:What causes stress during mergers â and how to ease itHow to overcome resistance when introducing changeWhy standardising workflows is critical for innovationWhat leaders often get wrong about growth and acquisitionsThis episode is packed with real-world lessons from someone whoâs been at the frontline of fast change â and still kept the team engaged, productive, and open to the future. Whatâs your approach to handling stress during periods of change? Let us know in the comments! #DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #ChangeManagement #TeamAlignment #AlexBlack #Innovation #AIAdoption Helpful resources: Ad Valorem: https://www.advaloremgroup.uk/ ETL Global: https://www.etl-global.com/ Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexblackacca/
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In this episode of De-Stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury delves into the often unexpected and challenging people problems every business leader faces. From marital disputes to sudden resignations, Alexis emphasizes the importance of strong line management in navigating these issues. He shares practical advice on building trustful, open relationships between managers and their teams, and highlights the significance of regular one-to-ones and creating a no-blame culture. Learn how to prepare for crises and support your employees effectively, ensuring your business remains resilient even when life throws curveballs. --- Helpful resources: Playbook for Managing Employee Performance (including guidance on great 1-2-1 meetings): https://discover.airmanual.co/resources/unsatisfactory-performance-playbook
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Catherine Morgan was a financial adviser with all the right credentials. She had the qualifications, the clients, and years of experience helping others manage their money. But in her own life, money felt unsafe. She was stuck in cycles of overspending, shame, and fear. Not because she didnât know how to manage money, but because her nervous system was reacting to something deeper. Thatâs when she realised the problem wasnât knowledge. It was trauma. So she stepped away from the traditional finance world, retrained in trauma healing, money psychology, and coaching, and started doing the work that had been missing all along. Today, sheâs an award-winning coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the global top 0.5% podcast Itâs Not About the Money, with more than 600,000 downloads and a mission to help one million women feel safe and empowered around money. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Catherine shares: Why so many smart, successful people still sabotage themselves financially How money trauma hides in patterns like undercharging, overspending, and avoidance What it means to feel safe with money â especially for ADHD and neurodivergent minds The internal stories that keep us stuck, and how to rewrite them Real transformations Catherine has witnessed â including her own If money stress keeps showing up in your life or business, even when youâre doing everything âright,â this episode will give you a new way to understand it â and a path forward. #destressyourbusiness #CatherineMorgan #moneytrauma #financialstress #adhdawareness #neurodivergentleaders #emotionalresilience #businessgrowth #healingjourney #entrepreneurship--- Helpful resources:Website- https://catherinemorgan.com/LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-morgan/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/catherinemorganmoney/?hl=enBook- âItâs not about the moneyâ- https://catherinemorgan.com/free-book-its-not-about-the-money/Podcast: It's Not About The Money: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/its-not-about-the-money/id1449065629Money Quiz: https://catherinemorgan.com/quiz
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What separates good managers from truly great leaders? In this episode, Alexis Kingsbury sits down with leadership expert William C. Davis, who brings over 38 years of experience across corporate America, the military, and government. Together, they dive deep into the mindset shifts that transform leadershipâfrom focusing on tasks to building genuine relationships and trust. William shares powerful stories and practical advice on:The difference between managing, leading, and âbeing the bossâWhy self-awareness and emotional intelligence are essential for modern leadersHow to build a culture of trust and ownership in your teamThe challenges and opportunities of leading new generations, including Gen ZReal-life examples of leadership failures and how to fix themThe keys to retaining top talent and reducing stress for everyoneWhether youâre a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence, empathy, and impact. If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, and share! Leave a comment with your favorite takeaway or question for William. #Leadership #Mindset #Teamwork #DeStressYourBusiness #podcast #LeadershipDevelopment --- Helpful resources:Website: https://www.williamcdavis.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573023334183Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamcharlesdavis64/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcharlesdavis/
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In Episode 159 of De-Stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury shares simple yet impactful ways to enhance your employee onboarding process. He emphasizes the significance of first impressions, providing actionable advice on how to make new hires feel excited, valued, and ready to contribute. From pre-start communication to thoughtful touches on the first day, Alexis highlights the importance of making new employees feel welcome. This episode is packed with practical tips, including setting up tools, personalizing the experience, and fostering early connections. Learn how to turn your onboarding process into a memorable and efficient experience, ultimately improving retention and creating brand ambassadors. Access the full employee onboarding playbook at airmanual.link/playbooks for more detailed templates and checklists. --- Helpful resources: Playbook on how to Onboard a New Employee: https://discover.airmanual.co/resources/onboard-a-new-employee-playbook (it is tailored to Accountancy firms, but the principles apply to all businesses)
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In this episode of De-Stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury explores how professional services firms can easily create compelling case studies using AI. Despite the value of case studies, firms often avoid them due to the time and effort required. Alexis introduces a streamlined approach using a simple checklist and AI prompts to convert rough notes into polished case studies. Learn the steps to gather essential information, prompt AI for drafting, and finalize case studies efficiently, enabling even junior staff to handle the task. --- Helpful resources:Accountancy Playbook - Win More Ideal Clients: https://discover.airmanual.co/resources/win-more-ideal-clientsAlexis speaking at Accountex 2025: https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/event/how-to-get-the-best-out-of-your-people-even-if-theyre-terrible/Example of a case study created using this approach: https://airmanual.link/case-study/tennickMore Playbooks: https://www.airmanual.co/resources
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In this episode of De-Stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury explores why great technology often fails in businesses despite its potential for significant impact.
He breaks down common myths and excuses for tech adoption failures and introduces a seven-step tech adoption process designed to ensure your team not only has the tools but uses them effectively to solve real business problems.
Alexis also shares insights on how to align processes with technology, obtain cross-business buy-in, and provide structured training to achieve long-term success.
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Helpful resources:
- Get the playbook and interactive checklist at airmanual.link/das25 for step-by-step guidance. -
In this episode of the De-stress Your Business podcast, Alexis Kingsbury shares insights from his ACCA Roadshow presentation on how to build scalable systems, delegate work, and enhance client experiences in accountancy practices. Using real-life examples, Alexis discusses the necessity of processes, common pitfalls, and strategies for improvement. Learn how to effectively onboard new clients, improve recruitment, and create a thriving business environment with less stress. Get actionable tips and hear inspiring stories of how effective process implementation can transform lives and businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Processes01:40 Challenges in Recruitment and Onboarding03:47 Personal Journey and Business Success07:12 Common Struggles in Accountancy Practices11:22 Strategies for Hiring A Players14:37 Making It Easy to Do a Great Job20:47 Client Onboarding Process25:09 Key Takeaways and Conclusion --- Helpful resources:Participate in the research and get your FREE playbook: https://airmanual.link/get-your-SOP
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Are you overwhelmed by the thought of selling your business? Itâs a lotâconfusing valuations, succession plans, and tax pitfalls may be keeping you up at night. Maybe you feel trapped by the legal and financial headaches that turn what should be a smooth transition into a nerve-wracking ordeal. Or maybe the mere idea of letting go leaves you anxious about your future and the legacy youâve built. If all of this sounds familiar, youâre not aloneâand itâs time to rethink how you approach your exit. Today we have Richard McMullan on the podcast. Heâs the brilliant mind behind The Business Exit Blueprint. Heâs also guided 130+ business owners to transform their exit strategiesâhelping them scale companies from ÂŁ1M to ÂŁ20M and boost value by an average of 40%âand turn overwhelming challenges into clear opportunities for a more relaxed and profitable future. In todayâs podcast youâll: Discover how to break down the exit process and tackle the parts that stress out business owners Hear real-life stories of pivoting strategies and spotting early warning signs Get practical tips on balancing day-to-day operations with long-term exit planning Learn offbeat advice that cuts stress and unlocks new opportunities If youâre ready to flip the script on exit headaches and set yourself up for a smoother, smarter transition, you wonât want to miss this conversation! #DeStressYourBusiness #BusinessExits #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #RichardMcMullan --- Helpful resources:Richardâs LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mcmullan/Richardâs website- https://aurelius-advisory.com/Richardâs book- https://aurelius-advisory.com/the-business-exit-blueprint-book/Book recommendation- Living at the summit, by Tom Hill: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Summit-Novel-Approach-Exceptional/dp/0966782135
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In this episode of De-stress Your Business, host Alexis Kingsbury discusses how to effectively manage conversations about employee performance issues.
He outlines a three-step framework to address underperformance without causing stress, awkwardness, or defensive reactions. Through specific feedback, clarifying the impact of mistakes, and setting clear expectations for improvement, Alexis provides actionable steps to enhance employee performance and maintain team morale.
01:08 Why Leaders Avoid Performance Conversations
01:29 The Consequences of Avoidance
02:17 Setting Clear Expectations
02:59 Giving Specific Feedback
04:07 Focusing on the Impact
04:58 Setting Clear Expectations for Improvement
06:01 Handling Pushback Calmly
07:24 Reinforcing Accountability
08:00 Conclusion and Next Steps
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Helpful resources:
- Get a playbook for resolving unsatisfactory performance available at www.airmanual.co/resources -
In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury dives into assessing and resolving employee underperformance. He discusses the importance of using performance data over gut instinct, signs that indicate potential improvement, and when to consider firing an employee. Alexis also covers the significant costs of keeping underperformers, creating structured improvement plans, and the consequences of inaction. Tune in for practical advice on maintaining high team morale and productivity. --- Helpful resources: - Get the playbook for resolving unsatisfactory employee performance at https://www.airmanual.co/resources
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For many business owners, dealing with HMRC and tax compliance is one of the most stressful parts of running a business. The fear of making mistakes, the pressure of deadlines, and the complexity of the system can feel overwhelming.
In this episode, weâre joined by Paul Aplin OBE, a trailblazer in tax and business strategy. With decades of experience and a leading role in the Making Tax Digital initiative, Paul shares practical advice for reducing tax-related stress and avoiding common pitfalls.
We cover:đ How to simplify your tax processes and save time.đ Practical tips for confident communication with HMRC.đ Tools and strategies to reduce the anxiety of compliance.
Whether you dread tax deadlines or want to feel more in control of your business finances, this episode is packed with actionable insights you wonât want to miss!
Whatâs your approach to managing tax stress in your business? Let us know in the comments!
#DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #TaxCompliance #BusinessStrategy #HMRC
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Helpful resources:
- Paul Aplin OBE on Twitter / X: https://x.com/PaulAplinOnTax- Paul Aplin OBE on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/paulaplinontax.bsky.social- Paul Aplin OBE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-aplin-obe-a799bb13/- Resources on how to get your processes sorted: https://www.airmanual.co/resources
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Customer feedback can be a giftâor a challenge. For service businesses, mastering how to handle it is key to improving your offering and keeping clients happy. But whatâs the best way to respond to tough criticism without defensiveness or ensure glowing praise doesnât go unnoticed? In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Rachel Harris, aka âaccountant_she,â shares her proven process for handling customer feedback in a way that fuels growth and reduces stress. Rachel, an award-winning accountant and advocate for small businesses, reveals how to:Respond to negative feedback with professionalism and composureAmplify positive feedback to boost morale and attract new clientsBuild a culture of continuous improvement through actionable insights Whether feedback stresses you out or gets lost in the day-to-day, this episode will give you practical strategies to make it work for your businessânot against it. --- Helpful Resources:Accountant_She on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountant_she/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@accountant_sheYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/accountantsheRachelâs Website: https://www.accountantshe.com/
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Mergers can tear teams apart⌠when they are trying to bring teams together! Uncertainty spreads like wildfire, leaving employees anxious about their jobs and leaders scrambling to restore focus. Productivity plummets as confusion and fear take hold. The best talent starts eyeing the exit, while the rest are stuck wondering if their contributions even matter. For leaders, itâs a nightmareâmorale crumbles, resistance grows, and the stress of trying to hold it all together feels insurmountable. Thatâs why weâre talking to Nikki Adams, the Joint Managing Director of Ad Valorem Group and a leader whoâs been in the trenches of business transformation for over two decades. Nikki has built award-winning teams, steered organizations through complex mergers, and implemented strategies that turn chaos into collaboration. Recognized as a Xero Mid-Size Firm of the Year winner and one of Practice Ignitionâs Top 50 Women in Accounting, Nikki is known for her ability to unite teams, reduce stress, and make even the most daunting transitions a success. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, we dive into: The first steps leaders must take to calm employees and regain control during a merger How to avoid the classic mistakes that stress employees and kill morale Strategies Nikki uses to turn resistant teams into unified powerhouses Real-life examples of mergers that went from disaster to triumph under Nikkiâs guidance If youâve ever wondered how to manage a merger without losing your teamâor your sanityâthis episode is for you. Donât miss this game-changing conversation on De-stress Your Business! #DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #ChangeManagement #NikkiAdams #TeamSuccess #EmployeeEngagement --- Helpful resources:Nikki on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiadamsadvalorem/?originalSubdomain=ukAd Valorem: https://www.advaloremgroup.uk/ETL Global: https://www.etl-global.com/
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Worried about your business running out of money? This common fear among entrepreneurs goes beyond mere inconvenience; it strikes at the heart of your ability to operate and grow. Imagine the stress of looking at your financial statements, realizing there isnât enough to cover next monthâs bills, let alone unexpected expenses. Whether itâs missing payroll, delaying crucial inventory purchases, or facing hefty tax bills unprepared, these scenarios can shake even the most seasoned business owner. Itâs not just about managing finances; itâs about securing peace of mind in a world where cash flow is king. This week on âDe-stress Your Business,â weâre joined by Mike Michalowicz, a titan in the entrepreneurial community and the creator of the Profit First formula. With a track record of founding and selling multiple multi-million dollar businesses before his 35th birthday, Mike has dedicated his career to teaching other entrepreneurs how to achieve the same success. His Profit First system has been applied by hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide, radically improving their cash management and ensuring their financial health. In this episode, Mike shares: Effective strategies to prevent financial panic at the end of each financial period, Real-world success stories of businesses that implemented Profit First and transformed their financial health, Step-by-step actions you can take immediately to start building financial security in your business. Tune in to episode 149 with Mike Michalowicz to learn how to turn your financial anxiety into a story of success. --- Helpful resources:LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/Website- https://mikemichalowicz.com/ / https://www.mikemotorbike.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/?hl=enFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/MikeMichalowiczFanPage/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeMichalowiczX- https://twitter.com/mikemichalowicz?lang=enMikeâs Books- https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Michalowicz/author/B002E4G0CC?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueProfit First UK: https://profitfirstuk.co.uk/Recommended book: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
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What do you do when everything is falling apart? Your entire team walks out, leaving you with no one to lean on and years of expertise wiped out overnight. Clients are questioning your ability to deliver, peers are skeptical of your vision, and the sheer weight of rebuilding feels impossible. Worse yet, you canât help but wonderâwas it all your fault? Did you push too hard, fail to communicate, or simply choose the wrong people? Thatâs exactly what Eriona Bajrakurtaj facedâand conquered. As CEO of Majorâs Accounts and founder of Volt Digital Transformation, Eriona didnât just survive the collapse of her teamâshe turned it into the foundation for a thriving digital empire. Today, she leads a fully digital accounting practice serving over 1,600 clients, has pioneered cutting-edge systems that future-proof businesses, and is recognized as a trailblazer in digital transformation. Her story is one of resilience, bold decisions, and proving skeptics wrong at every turn. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Eriona shares: How she bounced back after losing her team during a digital transformation The bold moves she made to build a more agile and aligned workforce Her strategies for navigating skepticism from industry peers Why embracing challenges can lead to your biggest breakthroughs. If youâve ever felt like your business was on the brink, this episode will inspire you to rethink setbacks and come back stronger.--- Helpful resources:LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriona-bajrakurtaj-19922006/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/eriona_bajrakurtaj/Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@eriona_majors_accountsMajorâs Accounts- https://majorsaccounts.com/Volt Digital Transformation: https://www.voltdigital.ai/Recommended book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Guy Kawasaki
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In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury tackles the often stressful end-of-year annual planning process. He provides practical tips for simplifying the process, aligning your team around shared goals, and creating an actionable plan for 2025. Alexis highlights the importance of using quarterly reviews, effective tools like SWOT analysis and OKRs, and obtaining structured input from your team. He also shares strategies to keep your planning flexible and focused, ensuring continuous progress and engagement throughout the year. 00:00 Introduction: De-stress Your Annual Planning01:46 Why Annual Planning Feels Stressful02:50 Preparing for Annual Planning Throughout the Year04:21 Tools and Templates for Effective Planning07:55 Aligning Your Team and Gathering Input09:45 Structuring Your Annual Planning Meeting12:17 Creating an Action Plan14:09 Communicating and Adapting Your Plan15:45 Conclusion and Resources --- Helpful resources: - Template for your annual planning meeting: https://airmanual.link/annual-planning-agenda
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