De-stress Your Business

E158: Create Awesome Case Studies Even If You Hate Writing

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. 
 
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Helpful resources:
Accountancy Playbook - Win More Ideal Clients: https://discover.airmanual.co/resources/win-more-ideal-clients
Alexis 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/tennick
More Playbooks: https://www.airmanual.co/resources

E157: How to Make Technology Actually Work in Your Firm

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.

E156: Process in Practice, From Alexis’s Session at the ACCA Roadshow

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 Processes
01:40 Challenges in Recruitment and Onboarding
03:47 Personal Journey and Business Success
07:12 Common Struggles in Accountancy Practices
11:22 Strategies for Hiring A Players
14:37 Making It Easy to Do a Great Job
20:47 Client Onboarding Process
25:09 Key Takeaways and Conclusion
 
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Helpful resources:
Participate in the research and get your FREE playbook: https://airmanual.link/get-your-SOP

E155: Navigating Your Way to a Stress-free Business Sale, With Richard McMullan

Are you overwhelmed by the thought of selling your business?
 
It’s a lot—confusing 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 you’ve built. If all of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s time to rethink how you approach your exit.
 
Today we have Richard McMullan on the podcast. He’s the brilliant mind behind The Business Exit Blueprint. He’s also guided 130+ business owners to transform their exit strategies—helping them scale companies from £1M to £20M and boost value by an average of 40%—and turn overwhelming challenges into clear opportunities for a more relaxed and profitable future.
 
In today’s podcast you’ll:
 
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 you’re ready to flip the script on exit headaches and set yourself up for a smoother, smarter transition, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
 
#DeStressYourBusiness #BusinessExits #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #RichardMcMullan
 
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Helpful resources:
Richard’s LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mcmullan/
Richard’s website- https://aurelius-advisory.com/
Richard’s 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

E154: Talking to Employees About Poor Performance, Without the Stress

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

E153: Should I Fire Them or Give Them Another Chance?

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.
 
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Helpful resources:
 
- Get the playbook for resolving unsatisfactory employee performance at https://www.airmanual.co/resources 

E152: Why HMRC and Tax Causes So Much Stress and How to Tackle It, with Paul Aplin OBE

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, we’re 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:👉 How to simplify your tax processes and save time.👉 Practical tips for confident communication with HMRC.👉 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 won’t want to miss!
What’s 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

E151: How to Handle Customer Feedback Without the Stress, With Rachel Harris

Customer feedback can be a gift—or a challenge. For service businesses, mastering how to handle it is key to improving your offering and keeping clients happy. But what’s the best way to respond to tough criticism without defensiveness or ensure glowing praise doesn’t go unnoticed?
 
In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Rachel Harris, aka “accountant_she,” 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 composure
Amplify positive feedback to boost morale and attract new clients
Build 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 business—not against it.
 
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Helpful Resources:
Accountant_She on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountant_she/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@accountant_she
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/accountantshe
Rachel’s Website: https://www.accountantshe.com/

E150: Supporting Teams Through Mergers and Other Changes, With Nikki Adams

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, it’s a nightmare—morale crumbles, resistance grows, and the stress of trying to hold it all together feels insurmountable.
 
That’s why we’re talking to Nikki Adams, the Joint Managing Director of Ad Valorem Group and a leader who’s 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 Ignition’s 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 Nikki’s guidance
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to manage a merger without losing your team—or your sanity—this episode is for you.
 
Don’t miss this game-changing conversation on De-stress Your Business!
 
#DeStressYourBusiness #Leadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #ChangeManagement #NikkiAdams #TeamSuccess #EmployeeEngagement
 
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Helpful resources:
Nikki on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiadamsadvalorem/?originalSubdomain=uk
Ad Valorem: https://www.advaloremgroup.uk/
ETL Global: https://www.etl-global.com/

E149: End Financial Stress Forever, With Mike Michalowicz

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 isn’t enough to cover next month’s bills, let alone unexpected expenses. 
 
Whether it’s missing payroll, delaying crucial inventory purchases, or facing hefty tax bills unprepared, these scenarios can shake even the most seasoned business owner. It’s not just about managing finances; it’s about securing peace of mind in a world where cash flow is king.
 
This week on “De-stress Your Business,” we’re 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.
 
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Helpful resources:
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/
Website- https://mikemichalowicz.com/ /  https://www.mikemotorbike.com 
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/?hl=en
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/MikeMichalowiczFanPage/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeMichalowicz
X- https://twitter.com/mikemichalowicz?lang=en
Mike’s Books- https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Michalowicz/author/B002E4G0CC?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Profit First UK: https://profitfirstuk.co.uk/
Recommended book: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie