Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder Podcast By Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder cover art

Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder

Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder

By: Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder
Listen for free

Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder explores what really drives business success and business value.

You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” But the most important drivers of value don’t always show up on a spreadsheet.

Hosted by business valuation expert and best-selling author Dave Bookbinder, the show goes beyond financial statements to examine the leadership, decision-making, strategy, and execution issues that determine how businesses grow, scale, and sustain value. Through conversations with executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, listeners gain practical insight into finance, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, technology, and organizational culture.

Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder is listened to in more than 100 countries and has been recognized globally, earning two best-in-category podcast awards.

The numbers tell the story, but the people bring it to life. ~ Dave Bookbinder

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Why Leaders Make Bad Decisions (and How Better Judgment Drives Business Value) - John Little

    Why Leaders Make Bad Decisions (and How Better Judgment Drives Business Value) - John Little
    Apr 14 2026
    Why do leaders make poor decisions - even with more data, better tools, and AI? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment - not just data, tools, or experience - is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance. The conversation explores how leaders can operate effectively in real time, avoid common decision-making blind spots like projecting their own thinking onto others, and better identify and leverage the unique strengths within their teams to improve performance. They also examine generational dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership strategy in the age of AI. Rather than reacting with fear or taking a hands-off approach, John explains how leaders can adopt AI with intention - using clear strategy, guardrails, and human judgment to drive better outcomes. John shares practical frameworks for building confidence, including “name it, tame it, reframe it,” and reinforces a critical leadership principle: trust is the foundation of performance, retention, and long-term value creation. The episode closes with a clear takeaway - leaders who actively build and restore trust will make better decisions, strengthen their teams, and create more resilient, higher-performing organizations. Who this episode is for Business owners and entrepreneurs navigating growth and changeAdvisors, consultants, and executives focused on leadership and performanceAnyone interested in improving decision-making, team effectiveness, and business outcomes About Our Guest: Big John Little has built a career as an Executive Leadership Performance Coach around 3 key outcomes: Overcoming the limiting beliefs that create bottlenecks in your career growth and promotion potentialDeveloping a personal leadership brand that elevates your visibility within your organization and industryProviding models and frameworks to become confident, authentic leaders in your life and career John has been a leader of people and business for more than 25 years across multiple industries. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY! Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World - Nick Adkins

    The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World - Nick Adkins
    Apr 7 2026
    In a world dominated by digital communication, many leaders and organizations are struggling with a fundamental challenge - how to build genuine human connection. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Nick Adkins, founder of the global PinkSocks Life movement, about how a simple act - gifting a pair of pink socks - sparked a worldwide movement centered on empathy, kindness, and meaningful connection. We explore what it truly means to “see” another person, why that idea resonates so deeply, and how leaders can foster stronger relationships in both business and life. Nick shares the origin story of PinkSocks, the philosophy behind the movement, and practical ways anyone can begin building deeper, more authentic connections starting today. What You’ll Learn How a simple gesture became the global PinkSocks Life movementThe meaning behind the powerful phrase “I see you”Why human connection is more important than ever in a digital worldPractical ways to build meaningful relationships in everyday lifeWhat leaders often misunderstand about kindness and human interaction Key Takeaways Connection isn’t about technology - it’s about intentionSmall acts of kindness can have a disproportionate impactPeople want to feel acknowledged, valued, and seenLeadership starts with empathy, not authority About Our Guest: Nick Adkins is the Founder of Pinksocks Life, a global movement focused on spreading love & kindness.and author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. He wrote the book because the world needs more reminders of our shared humanity…..more connection, kindness, and love. In a time when things can feel divided and overwhelming, this book is about coming back to what truly matters: seeing one another, hearing one another’s heart speak, and choosing kindness in every now. Pinksocks is global community of over 300,000 happy smiley people who are united in changing the world from the ground up, with heart speak, hugs, and gifting. All proceeds from the book go to Pinksocks Life, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support its mission of spreading connection, kindness, and love around the world…..the good things that make life beautiful. #pinksocks About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • How Performance-Based Pay Can Transform Productivity and Workplace Culture - Michael Fortinberry

    How Performance-Based Pay Can Transform Productivity and Workplace Culture - Michael Fortinberry
    Mar 24 2026
    Can performance-based pay outperform the traditional hourly wage model? And what does that mean for productivity, culture, and ultimately, business value? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Michael Fortenberry, co-founder of Protiv, explains how shifting from time-based pay to performance-based compensation is changing the game—particularly for contractors and hourly workforces. Michael shares how Protiv’s model brings transparency to labor budgets by putting real numbers in front of field teams—and then rewarding them for beating those targets. The result is a measurable shift in behavior: stronger communication, increased accountability, and a culture where workers think and act more like owners. This conversation goes beyond compensation mechanics to explore the connection between incentives, leadership, and enterprise value. You’ll also hear practical insights on the metrics that matter most—like gross profit, revenue per labor hour, and rework—and the unintended consequences leaders need to manage, including the risk of unhealthy competition. Looking ahead, Michael discusses how technology, including AI-driven labor forecasting, is poised to further reshape the trades—and why that creates both urgency and opportunity for business owners. Who this episode is for: Business owners, contractors, and advisors who want to improve profitability, align incentives, and build a more accountable, high-performing workforce. About Our Guest: Michael Fortinberry is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience transforming the construction, real estate, and technology sectors. Having founded nine companies, he has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to modernize traditional industries, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. From his early days growing up on the family farm, to a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he then earned a BS in Chemistry from Florida State University, Mr. Fortinberry’s journey reflects discipline and adaptability. As President of RealPage, the nation’s leading real estate technology platform, he scaled innovative solutions that redefined industry standards. Later, as an executive at Fortune 500 company PPG, he spearheaded the growth of technology-driven service platforms. In recent years, he founded two technology-focused construction firms in New York City, employing hundreds and introducing advanced systems to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His latest venture, Protiv, is a groundbreaking platform that optimizes production-based incentives for hourly workers in landscaping and construction, driving efficiency and workforce engagement. Mr. Fortinberry’s expertise in applying technology to blue-collar industries offers actionable insights for businesses navigating digital transformation. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.” Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries. 🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know 🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook 🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter 🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more. 💡 Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers 🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
No reviews yet