Embracing Risk and Navigating Success: A Journey with Marla DiCarlo

Badass Women in Business

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In this inspiring episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy are thrilled to welcome Marla DiCarlo, an accomplished business and financial consultant with over three decades of accounting expertise and the co-owner of BizNavigators. Marla's storied career has seen her at the helm of Raincatcher as CEO and co-owner, earning accolades such as #1 Business Broker by Inc. Magazine, Best Workplace in 2020, and a spot at #376 on the Inc. 5000 List in 2021. Her leadership in the small business community is further cemented by her recognition among the Denver Business Journal’s Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses.

Born into a lineage of entrepreneurs, Marla's journey spans a multitude of business disciplines, including accounting, Fractional CFO services, M&A, finance, and management. Her voice is a beacon of guidance for small business associations like Inc., SCORE, SBDC, SBA, and more. Marla shares the invaluable lessons learned from her tenure as Director of Accounting for an M&A and investment group from 2000 to 2008, where she led new business deals, investments, and financing with notable groups such as Credit Suisse First Boston and Madison Dearborn Partners.

The episode delves into Marla's transition from her role in mergers and acquisitions to founding a fractional CFO, accounting, and bookkeeping company in 2009, which she eventually sold to a private equity group in 2016. Marla's narrative is rich with insights into the power of decision-making, the importance of embracing risks, and the learning curves that shape a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Listeners will benefit from Marla's profound advice on driving business value through financial performance, growth potential, and unique selling propositions. Her personal story of selling Raincatcher and founding BizNavigators illuminates the strategic planning necessary for a fulfilling and prosperous business exit and transition.

This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs at any stage, offering wisdom on overcoming fear of mistakes, strategic financial planning, and the significance of understanding business financials for long-term success. Marla DiCarlo's journey from a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a venerated leader in the small business space is a compelling story of risk-taking, strategic foresight, and relentless passion for the world of business.
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