CEO DESK

Beyond the 401(k) — Alternatives for the High-Earning Entrepreneur
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

Beyond the 401(k) — Alternatives for the High-Earning Entrepreneur

For many business owners, maxing out a 401(k) feels like progress. But for high-income earners, it often isn’t enough. Contribution limits and tax rules create a ceiling that prevents the plan from keeping pace with earnings, leaving significant growth potential untapped.Savvy entrepreneurs don’t settle. They explore alternatives — strategies that go beyond the traditional system while offering tax efficiency, control, and flexibility.1. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) PlansNQDC plans allow business owners and executives to defer income beyond 401(k) limits. Unlike qualified plans, these arrangements are highly customizable:You can determine how much to defer, within your business’s cash flow capacity.They can be structured for future tax advantages, often allowing tax-deferred ...
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Outgrowing the 401(k) — What Smart Business Owners Do Next
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT

Outgrowing the 401(k) — What Smart Business Owners Do Next

For decades, the 401(k) has been the cornerstone of retirement planning for employees and business owners alike. It’s simple, familiar, and widely available. But for high-income business owners, the traditional 401(k) quickly hits a ceiling.Contribution limits and income caps mean that even diligent savers leave significant wealth-building potential untapped. For example, in 2025, most employees are limited to $23,500 in annual contributions, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for those over 50. While this works for the average worker, it barely scratches the surface for entrepreneurs and executives earning six or seven figures.Recognize the LimitsThe first step in overcoming the 401(k) ceiling is awareness. Business owners must understand exactly how much they can contribute ...
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Redefining Retirement — Part 1: Breaking the 401(k) Myth
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

Redefining Retirement — Part 1: Breaking the 401(k) Myth

For decades, business owners have been told a simple story about retirement:Save diligently in your 401(k), trust the market, and someday, you’ll have enough to retire comfortably.But here’s the uncomfortable truth — that story was never written for entrepreneurs.The Problem with Traditional Retirement AdviceThe traditional retirement model is built on uncertainty.Most business owners are saving into a system they don’t control, one built on deferred taxes and unpredictable policy shifts.A 401(k) doesn’t eliminate taxes — it delays them.When you finally retire and begin taking withdrawals, you’re not just accessing your savings; you’re entering a new tax bracket.And if tax rates go up — as history suggests they will — you’ll pay more in taxes than you ever saved in deferrals.That’s not pla...
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From Employee to Owner: How Each Generation Views the Pinnacle of Business Success
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, OPERATIONS, SUCCESSION

From Employee to Owner: How Each Generation Views the Pinnacle of Business Success

Ownership is often seen as the ultimate milestone in a career. Yet, how different generations view ownership—whether of a business, equity, or leadership responsibility—varies greatly. For some, it’s about financial independence and stability; for others, it’s about purpose, innovation, or leaving a legacy. Understanding these perspectives allows leaders to shape succession strategies and opportunities that motivate everyone on the team.Baby Boomers: Ownership as LegacyBoomers often view ownership as the reward for decades of loyalty and hard work.For many, it represents stability, wealth accumulation, and something to pass on to the next generation.Ownership is tied closely to personal identity and leaving a mark on the company and community.Gen X: Ownership as IndependenceGen X sees owne...
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Work Ethics, Branding, and Vision: A Multi-Generational Lens
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, MARKETING, STRATEGY, SUCCESSION

Work Ethics, Branding, and Vision: A Multi-Generational Lens

In today’s workplace, four generations are shaping the way business gets done. Each group brings its own ideas about what work should look like, how brands should communicate, and why a company’s vision and mission matter. When leaders understand these differences, they can unify employees around a shared purpose without ignoring the unique strengths of each generation.Work Ethic Across GenerationsBaby Boomers: Known for loyalty and a willingness to put in long hours, Boomers often see work as a duty and a source of pride. Hard work and visible dedication are how they measure success.Gen X: More independent and results-oriented, this group values efficiency over hours spent. Their ethic is rooted in accountability, with a focus on balancing personal and professional life.Millennials: Drive...
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Conversations That Count: Building Bridges Between Generations in Business
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, HR, PE/VC, RETIREMENT

Conversations That Count: Building Bridges Between Generations in Business

Today’s workplace is more age-diverse than ever before. Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are working side by side, often with very different communication styles and approaches to business. While this mix can create friction, it also offers enormous potential for innovation, problem-solving, and growth—if leaders know how to foster the right conversations.Why Conversations Across Generations MatterWhen different generations approach a task, they often bring contrasting viewpoints.Boomers may prefer face-to-face meetings and structured communication.Gen X tends to value direct, results-oriented discussions.Millennials lean toward collaborative brainstorming.Gen Z often communicates quickly and effectively through digital platforms.Left unmanaged, these differences can create misu...
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Generations in the Workplace: Understanding Work-Life Balance Across Ages
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CEO DESK, FEATURED

Generations in the Workplace: Understanding Work-Life Balance Across Ages

Work-life balance has become one of the most important topics in today’s workplace, but how it’s defined looks very different depending on the generation. From Baby Boomers who grew up in a culture of “earning your stripes,” to Gen Z who prioritize mental health and flexibility, every age group brings its own expectations to the table.For business leaders, understanding these perspectives isn’t just a matter of empathy—it’s a strategic necessity. A workplace that can blend and respect these generational differences will be better equipped to attract, engage, and retain top talent.Baby Boomers: Loyalty and Dedication Above AllBorn between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers often built their careers on the idea that hard work and long hours were the surest path to success. For many, loyalty to an e...
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Growth and Fairness — Two Things Every Employee Wants
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, HR

Growth and Fairness — Two Things Every Employee Wants

Employees don’t just work for a paycheck. They want to grow and feel treated fairly. When you focus on these two things, your team becomes more motivated, loyal, and productive.Why Growth and Fairness Matter1. Growth keeps people engaged.Employees want to learn new skills, take on challenges, and improve. If they feel stuck, they may look elsewhere.2. Fairness builds trust.People notice when rules, pay, and promotions are handled fairly. Fair treatment creates respect for leadership and the company.3. Growth + fairness = loyalty.When employees see opportunities to grow and know they are treated fairly, they’re more likely to stay long-term.Simple Ways to Support Growth and Fairness1. Offer small training opportunities.It doesn’t need to be expensive. Short online courses, lunch-and-learns,...
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Listening as a Strategy — How to Hear Your Employees the Right Way
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, HR

Listening as a Strategy — How to Hear Your Employees the Right Way

Good leaders don’t just talk — they listen. And listening isn’t just being polite. It’s a powerful way to improve your business.When employees feel heard, they feel respected. And respected employees work harder, stay longer, and come up with better ideas.Why Listening Matters1. People want to be heard.Everyone has ideas or concerns. If they feel ignored, motivation drops.2. Listening uncovers problems early.Frontline employees often notice inefficiencies or customer issues before management does.3. It encourages better solutions.When employees feel safe to share ideas, you get more creative, practical solutions for your business.Simple Ways to Listen Every Day1. Check in regularly.Even a quick 5-minute conversation can make a difference. Ask how work is going or if they need support.Examp...
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Leadership by Example — Setting the Tone for Your Team
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, HR

Leadership by Example — Setting the Tone for Your Team

A workplace isn’t just about rules, schedules, or tasks. It’s about how people feel when they’re there. And a lot of that comes from the tone set by leaders.Whether you run a small team or a large company, your behavior influences everyone else. Teams mirror what they see at the top.Why Leadership Tone Matters1. Your mood sets the mood.If you’re calm, positive, and respectful, your team is more likely to act the same way. If you’re stressed, negative, or frustrated, that spreads too.2. Leaders shape culture.Culture isn’t posters on the wall — it’s what happens day-to-day. How you handle problems, treat people, and communicate is what really defines your workplace.3. Teams perform better when leaders lead well.A positive, solution-focused leader inspires confidence, encourages teamwork, and...
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