In this episode of Ambition Aligned, host Devon Coombs, CPA, sits down with Shane Clark, a CPA who transitioned from a high-stress job with 75-hour work weeks to running a successful and family-centered tax practice in Los Angeles. Shane shares his journey from working at a big accounting firm to joining his father's small tax firm and the nuances of balancing professional ambitions with a fulfilling personal life. This conversation covers essential financial topics, such as tax strategies for high earners, the benefits of starting your own business, and the practical steps to avoid lifestyle creep. Shane also discusses the importance of setting and sticking to long-term goals, smart retirement planning, and the advantages of small business ownership. Don't miss this practical and insightful discussion loaded with wisdom from someone who has successfully navigated the path to financial freedom while maintaining a balanced life.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:39 Meet Shane Clark: From Burnout to Thriving01:38 Shane's Journey: From Big Firm to Family Business05:52 Balancing Work and Life: Shane's Approach10:53 The Importance of Setting Goals17:06 Devon's Career Shift and Reflections21:52 Tax Strategies for High Earners26:00 Transitioning from W2 to Business Ownership26:26 Tax Benefits for Business Owners27:25 Maximizing Retirement Contributions30:26 Strategic Financial Planning32:09 Lifestyle Choices and Financial Freedom37:10 Tax Strategies for Business Owners42:26 Common Tax Misconceptions44:57 Rapid Fire Questions47:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us on this episode of Ambition Align where we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Claire, the CEO and founder of Kipsy. With over 10 years of experience transitioning from Deloitte to BlackLine, then to a startup, and finally founding her own company, Claire shares invaluable insights. Find out about her innovative approach to leadership, the importance of maintaining a customer-first mindset, and how persevering through challenge after challenge brought Kipsy to where it is today. Learn about the behind-the-scenes of building and scaling a tech company, navigating mentorships, finding the right co-founder, and the essential lessons on maintaining work-life balance. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation!

00:00 Introduction to Success and Learning

00:18 Expensive Mistakes and Organizational Truths

00:34 Interview with Claire: Journey to Founding Kipsy

01:52 From Deloitte to BlackLine: Career Pivot

03:34 The Importance of Tools and Culture in Audit

06:55 Joining Lilt for Hands-On Experience

17:29 The Catalyst for Starting Kipsy22:05

Building Kipsy: From Idea to Execution

31:20 The Journey to the First Customer

33:01 Building Trust Through Feedback

38:57 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years

42:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

47:01 Fundraising and Strategic Decisions

54:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

What if the biggest risk in your business wasn’t the idea—but the people you partner with?In this raw and practical episode of Ambition Aligned, Nickolaus Violin, founder & CEO of Konnekted, shares the behind-the-scenes journey of launching a flexible workspace business—and what nearly destroyed it. From real estate deals gone wrong to navigating ruthless landlords and delayed permits, Nick opens up about trust, betrayal, startup resilience, and the lessons he wishes he learned sooner.We also unpack:Why you should never trust a handshake (and what to do instead)How to protect yourself in business partnerships—even with friendsWhat makes or breaks a co-working startupWhy lawyers are non-negotiable (and no, ChatGPT can’t replace them)How to recognize the line between optimism and delusion as a founderThis is a masterclass in calculated risk, humility, and building something that actually serves the modern professional.🔗 Learn more about Nickolaus and Konnekted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickolausviolin/📣 Want more founder stories & practical leadership insights? Like, comment, and subscribe.Website: https://devoncoombs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/#StartupLessons #RealEstateDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #AmbitionAligned