Balanced Insights

In this episode of Balanced Insights, we welcome Maggie Colwell, a board-certified art therapist and the founder of Chiron Art Therapy. Maggie shares her inspiring journey from a 15-year career in commercial insurance to pursuing her passion for art therapy. She discusses how creative expression can support mental health, especially in processing trauma, and how art therapy provides a nonverbal wa...

In this episode of Balanced Insights, we welcome Chris Hearn, a visionary strategist who seamlessly blends technology, community, and creativity in his work. From business strategy to nonprofit consulting and augmented reality, Christopher shares how he stays true to his purpose while operating in multiple spaces. At the heart of his mission? Creating a better world for the next generation. Christ...

In this episode of Balanced Insights , CEO Sierra Thomas reflects on the season of gratitude and intentionality as we enter November. She highlights the power of community, both in business and personal life, especially with major events like the upcoming U.S. presidential election and Thanksgiving around the corner. Sierra dives into the latest financial news, discussing how U.S. consumers are an...

In this episode of Balance Insights , Sierra wraps up October by reflecting on key themes for finishing the year strong. She emphasizes the importance of shedding habits and commitments that no longer serve us, aligning with the power of letting go. Drawing from personal insights, she compares shedding to growth, noting that clearing the old makes room for new opportunities. Sierra encourages list...

In this episode of Balanced Insights , Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, reflects on her challenging week managing client deadlines and tax extension requests. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and recalibration in both personal and business life to finish the year strong. Sierra offers valuable insights, discussing strategic decision-making inspired by successful entre...

In this episode of Balance Insights , Sierra continues her October series focused on end-of-year preparation. She emphasizes the importance of proactive planning in business and personal life, advocating for a balance between professional ambitions and individual well-being. Sierra shares her practices, like taking time off in December for rejuvenation. She stresses the need to set boundaries and...

In this episode of Balanced Insights , Sierra Thomas dives into the critical importance of Q4 for businesses and individuals alike. As the year's final quarter begins, she offers actionable strategies for companies to prepare for a strong year-end finish. Sierra also highlights personal planning tips for goal-setting and financial readiness as 2024 comes to a close. Plus, get up-to-date tax extens...

In this episode of Balanced Insights , Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, reflects on the importance of extending grace in both business and personal life as she celebrates the company's ninth anniversary. After a hectic week filled with client meetings, extended tax preparations, and teaching engagements, Sierra shares how the concept of grace has become a cornerstone of her leader...

In this episode of Balance Insights, Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, delves into the theme of resilience, discussing its critical role in both business and personal life. She emphasizes how resilience helps navigate challenges. Sierra also explores the importance of income diversification, using Selena Gomez's success with Rare Beauty as an example of how branching into new indus...

In this episode of "Balanced Insights," Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, kicks off the new season with a reflection on change and growth, both personally and professionally. As Touché celebrates its nine-year anniversary, Sierra emphasizes the importance of embracing new beginnings and committing to self-care, especially as we transition into the fall season. Chanda Davis, CEO of...

In our season finale, Sierra reflects on Memorial Day and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. She shares insights on the power of presence and its impact on personal and professional lives. The episode dives deep into practical business strategies, including performing customer-based audits to drive revenue growth and fostering a workplace culture prioritizing mental health. As w...

This week, we delve into the essence of vulnerability and the unexpected joys it can bring into our lives. Sierra challenges listeners to let their guard down, embrace the unknown, and discover the beauty in surrendering control. As we gear up for a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend, we honor the brave individuals who have served our country and encourage reflection and connection with loved ones. I...

In Episode 14 of the Balanced Insights Podcast, we begin by reflecting on the recent celebration of Mother's Day, a time to honor the nurturing women and mother figures in our lives. This episode encourages listeners to embrace gratitude and cherish memories, whether through reflection, present moments with loved ones, or personal journeys. Sierra emphasizes the importance of these positive em...

As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month and Small Business Month, we highlight the importance of prioritizing our well-being while celebrating the resilience and innovation of businesses. From reframing our perspective on failure to managing our mental and emotional resources effectively, we provide practical tips and insights to help entrepreneurs thrive in both their personal and profession...

This episode unpacks vital discussions on how financial education impacts everyone from families to economies worldwide. Sierra also delves into strategic business growth for 2024, providing actionable tips for entrepreneurs aiming to expand and thrive. With candid conversations from her role as treasurer at the Tri-Village Chamber of Commerce to expert analysis on the evolving role of CFOs, Sierr...

Sierra shares her relief and joy as tax season wraps up at Touche Financial Solutions. Sierra offers last-minute tax advice for those scrambling to meet the deadline, including how to file for extensions and avoid penalties. Amidst the tax talk, she reflects on the recent eclipse, describing it as a magical experience that reminded her to embrace the present moment. Sierra’s enthusiasm is palpable...

As spring blooms, Sierra invites listeners to embrace April's spirit of renewal, urging individuals and businesses to reassess and revitalize their goals and strategies. In alignment with April's designation as Financial Literacy Month, Sierra passionately underscores the crucial role of financial education in personal and societal well-being. She offers practical advice for spring-cleanin...

Join us on "Balance Insights" with Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, for a special Easter episode filled with gratitude and reflection. Dive into the stories of resilient businesses like Caswell and Macy, learning how adaptability and innovation drive longevity. Sierra also sheds light on the importance of nurturing a supportive and inclusive workplace, addressing the risks of alie...

In this episode, we delve into the heart of tax season, offering timely reminders and essential tips for staying on top of your financial obligations. As we approach the final days of this demanding period, we underscore the importance of meeting with tax professionals and ensuring your financial documents are in order. Beyond taxes, we shift our focus to personal growth, emphasizing resilience an...

Sierra shares her own experiences and the collective wisdom of her team as they navigate the challenges of tax season deadlines, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, self-care, and maintaining well-being. The episode delves into practical strategies for managing work stress, such as micro-productivity, which involves breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones to comb...

Join us on Balanced Insights for a heartening journey into the importance of self-care and effective workload management. Sierra shares a personal story of hitting a burnout point and the transformative power of taking a break, emphasizing the critical need for rest and recharge, particularly for those in high-stress professions like accounting and finance. Delving into the theme of self-care, the...

This week, we're dialing down the intensity of our usual business discourse to touch upon a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: self-care and healthy boundaries in the workplace. In an era where the hustle culture is increasingly questioned, we explore how embracing a better work-life balance is not just a personal choice but a growing trend among professionals, especially millennials...

The key takeaways from this episode are: Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans : The episode begins with information on the SBA's 60-day goodwill exception for PPP and EIDL loans, aimed at helping small businesses facing financial hardships post-pandemic. Borrowers who took out less than $100,000 can avoid collections by communicating their difficulties to the SBA and may qualify for reduc...

In this episode of "Balanced Insights," host Sierra Thomas, CEO of Touché Financial Solutions, delves into the crucial intersection of marketing and finance, a topic often overlooked by business owners. She emphasizes the importance of viewing marketing not just as an expense but as an integral investment in a company's future revenue and brand value. Highlighting an article about Co...

The episode begins with a discussion on an article by April Hancock, a small business owner in Columbus, Ohio, who shares her journey of pivoting her business, JaeLuxe Shoetique, from a physical storefront to an entirely online model in response to the pandemic and changing market conditions. Hancock's story highlights the importance of adaptability and the significant role e-commerce played in su...