A CFO's Diary - Pathways to Growth

In this episode host Don Cameron delves into the dramatic and instructive story of Clearly LASIK whose founders Joseph King and Michael Mockovak made headlines, and sadly not for the right reasons.
Don is joined by Daniel Kultin, who shares his firsthand account of the rise and fall of the company. From internal conflicts to shocking headline grabbing developments, this episode is a compelling exploration of the extreme consequences that can arise from mismanagement. Daniel's journey from an IT student to an FBI informant provides a unique perspective on the essential components needed for growth and stability.

Chapters

(1:50) Daniel's roots in IT.
(4:40) Making a leap in his career and joining Clearly LASIK. 
(7:00) Expanding the business, the 'Starbucks' model.
(10:32) The challenges of roll out.
(12:53) When conflicting directions erode the chain of command.
(18:05) Challenges in leadership lead to an exit.
(21:40) Problems persist: Profit share & partnership
(26:00) Daniel's debrief: What could have prevented the decline?
(30:50) His advice for young professionals.


Links:

What is A CFO's Diary - Pathways to Growth?

In each episode, we take people through what we call a ‘discovery call’ during which we learn about their business, its opportunities, potential areas of development, and strategies to move forward, including those they may have missed. Using this discovery call format in each episode, I speak with folks I’ve met over the years whom I’ve learned from, to revisit these journeys. We won’t hold anything back and will reveal crucial strategies, insights, and potholes to avoid—all vital for the success of any business, regardless of its size.