RESOURCES

Beyond the 401(k) — Customized Strategies for Certainty and Control
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT

Beyond the 401(k) — Customized Strategies for Certainty and Control

If your retirement strategy depends on the market, your peace of mind depends on luck. Many high-income business owners rely on traditional 401(k)s, IRAs, or other qualified plans—but these options are built for the masses, not for those who have created significant wealth.Volatility, contribution limits, and lack of flexibility make standard retirement plans less than ideal for executives and business owners with unique financial goals. The solution? Customized, non-qualified strategies that give control, certainty, and opportunity.The Myth of Market-Tied RetirementMany financial advisors tout the “average 7% return” over time—but averages hide the reality of market swings. For example:A 7% average could mean several years of losses, followed by recovery.There’s no guarantee you’ll have i...
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The Double Bonus Approach — Reward Leadership, Build Wealth
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

The Double Bonus Approach — Reward Leadership, Build Wealth

Compensation isn’t just about paying a salary—it’s about creating a strategy that aligns corporate goals with long-term financial growth. Many business owners want to reward top executives, retain key talent, and reduce their tax burden—but struggle to find a solution that does all three.Enter the Double Bonus Strategy, a sophisticated approach that turns executive benefits into a wealth-building engine, while simultaneously providing tax advantages for the company.The Challenge: Retention and RewardTop performers are the backbone of any successful business. Losing key leadership can derail operations, hurt revenue, and undermine long-term strategy.Traditional bonuses are one-time rewards, and while appreciated, they don’t always provide long-term security for executives or tax benefits fo...
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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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How to Lead High-Income Employees
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, RESOURCES

How to Lead High-Income Employees

They expect more — and they deliver more. Here’s how to keep them focused, motivated, and loyal.If you manage high-income employees, you know they work differently.They move fast.They ask questions.They want freedom, not hand-holding.And they want to know there’s more waiting for them — more growth, more ownership, more opportunity.It can feel like a lot. But here’s the upside:These employees are your edge.They raise the bar. They take initiative. They push your company forward.Your job isn’t to control them — it’s to lead them.Here’s how to do it well.So, how do you manage that without burning out or losing them?Let’s break it down:Clarity is CurrencyHigh earners don’t like ambiguity.They want to know:What’s expected of me?What does success look like here?What’s the path forward — and how...
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From Chaos to Clarity: When to Bring in an Interim Executive Before It’s Too Late
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, OPERATIONS, PE/VC, RESOURCES

From Chaos to Clarity: When to Bring in an Interim Executive Before It’s Too Late

Business doesn’t always unfold in neat, manageable chapters. Sometimes, it feels more like a storm—sudden departures, stalled growth, missed financial targets, operational breakdowns, or leadership gaps that leave teams uncertain and stretched thin.In those moments, the clock is ticking. And waiting for the “right time” to fix what’s broken is often the fastest route to deeper dysfunction.That’s when the smart move is to bring in an interim executive—a seasoned leader with the tools, calm, and clarity to stabilize, rebuild, and redirect. Crisis Doesn’t Wait for a Hiring Cycle When a key executive suddenly exits…When your financials no longer tell a clear story…When internal systems can’t keep up with external demand…When your team is working hard but progress is stalled…You do...
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Unlock Executive Power Without Full-Time Overhead
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, RESOURCES, STRATEGY

Unlock Executive Power Without Full-Time Overhead

Why Fractional Leadership from Consult Encompass Is the Smart Move for Growing Businesses In today’s fast-paced business climate, agility is king. As companies scale, pivot, or prepare for new opportunities, the need for seasoned executive leadership becomes critical. But for many small to mid-sized firms, hiring full-time C-suite talent can feel like a luxury—costly, complex, and often out of reach.Enter Consult Encompass: the elite provider of fractional executive services that empowers your business with top-tier leadership—without the full-time commitment. What Is a Fractional Executive? A fractional executive is a senior leader—like a CFO, CTO, or COO—who works with your business on a part-time or project-based basis. You get the expertise, strategy, and vision of a...
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Mental Health at Work: A Strategic Imperative for Business Leaders—This Month and Beyond
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CEO DESK, FEATURED, PE/VC, RESOURCES

Mental Health at Work: A Strategic Imperative for Business Leaders—This Month and Beyond

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, more than ever, the business world must stop and reflect—not just with intention, but with action.While public awareness campaigns encourage individuals to "speak up" and "reach out," there's a critical audience that must listen, lead, and lay the groundwork for lasting change: business leaders.Because mental health isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a workplace reality. And in a high-stakes, fast-paced economy, leaders can no longer afford to separate employee wellbeing from organizational performance.Why Mental Health Can No Longer Be IgnoredThe data is staggering:1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.76% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition in the past year.Mental health-...
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The Business Case for Mental Health: Why Leaders Must Prioritize Wellbeing at Work
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FEATURED, PE/VC, RESOURCES

The Business Case for Mental Health: Why Leaders Must Prioritize Wellbeing at Work

In the relentless pursuit of profit, innovation, and competitive edge, one essential driver of long-term success is often overlooked: mental health. As business leaders, we’ve long measured productivity by output, revenue, and growth. But in today’s climate—where burnout is on the rise and workplace disengagement is at record highs—there’s a growing realization that mental wellness isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a business imperative.The Hidden Costs of Poor Mental HealthWork-related stress, anxiety, and depression cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. In the U.S. alone, companies see billions in absenteeism, presenteeism (being physically present but mentally distant), and turnover linked to mental health struggles.Yet the impacts run deeper th...
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Why Should My Business Have a Business Plan?
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BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, PE/VC, RESOURCES

Why Should My Business Have a Business Plan?

A well-crafted business plan serves as the foundation upon which successful enterprises are built. While many entrepreneurs are eager to dive directly into operations, dedicating time to developing a comprehensive business plan yields substantial benefits that influence both immediate performance and long-term sustainability. This article examines the critical reasons why your business should prioritize creating and maintaining a formal business plan.Strategic Direction and Organizational AlignmentA business plan articulates your company's mission, vision, and core objectives, establishing a clear sense of direction for all stakeholders. This documented strategy ensures that organizational decisions consistently align with overarching goals rather than reacting to momentary circumstances.W...
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