Thinking that moves you forward.

For private business owners who are ready to see their business differently. And themselves.

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Business Independence

Ready to go deeper?

The Diagnostic shows you where your business really stands. The Maturity Chart shows you what to do about it.

Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

Board Governance: A Live Podcast

Tina joins a panel of nonprofit leaders and governance experts to share real-world insights about board service, executive director relationships, fiduciary responsibilities, and the unique challenges nonprofits face in this live podcast recording.

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Written Tina Dao Written Tina Dao

Start with the End in Mind

Here's what nobody tells you about exiting a business: it's a form of grief and loss. And here's the thing about loss, it doesn't create your problems. It magnifies what's already there.

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Written Tina Dao Written Tina Dao

The Founder Energy Gap

When your business feels off but you can't pinpoint why, the problem might not be your time—it's your energy. Discover how founder energy misalignment quietly erodes business value.

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

A conversation: The Three Acts of Life

What does an opera have in common with your life and business? More than you think. Alan Fuhs and Tina unpack the “three acts” of life, sharing lessons on feedback, messy transitions, and why succession planning matters. Their honest conversation sheds light on how to navigate intermissions, embrace uncertainty, and write the next chapter with intention.

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Written Tina Dao Written Tina Dao

The Three Acts of Life

Every business owner I meet is living somewhere in their own three-act story, … thinking about succession planning, you're likely approaching your own Second Intermission—that messy, behind-the-curtain period between your building years and your legacy act.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: Business Partnerships

This discussion highlights the journey of Alan Fuhs and Tina Dao, co-founders of Liberated Leaders, as they formalized their business partnership with the guidance of Robin Funsten, a facilitator. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentionality, vulnerability, and a strong foundation in building successful business relationships, mirroring the dedication often seen in long-term marriages.

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

A conversation: Duct Tape and WD-40

Alan Fuhs and Tina Dao explore how the balance between quick fixes and long-term strategy can shape a business’s future. Using the metaphor of duct tape and WD-40, they reveal the five D’s that influence longevity — offering insights every entrepreneur and business leader can use to build resilience and innovation.

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