What if the key to thriving as a mission-driven entrepreneur during turbulent times isn’t playing it safe, but leaning in with even greater clarity and authenticity?

BIO: Brian Thompson is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make. As a financial advisor, business strategist, and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more than just a business. They’re building movements, communities, and legacies. He helps them bring clarity and structure to their finances so they can grow with confidence and stay rooted in their purpose.

Before launching his firm, Brian spent nearly a decade as a tax attorney. That background, paired with his own entrepreneurial experience, informs a planning approach that’s inclusive, strategic, and grounded in real life.

As a Black, queer financial advisor, Brian is especially passionate about creating space for diverse voices in business and finance—and showing that profit and purpose don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Transcript of Leaning In Rather Than Leaning Out with Brian Thompson

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Key Takeaways in Leaning In Rather Than Leaning Out with Brian Thompson

Leaning In as an Act of Courage and Strategy

In turbulent and hostile social climates, especially for underrepresented communities, purpose-driven entrepreneurs are encouraged to "lean in"—to authentically embrace who they are and the mission that drives them—even when doing so feels unsafe or risky. This leaning in is not only a bold act of self-affirmation, but it is essential for long-term resilience, thriving, and impact.

"You being able to really lean in on who you want to serve, who you want to be in the business that you type want to build is especially important right now because people are watching, right?... So to me, it's a time to really lean in to who you are and what you do and who you want to serve and really focusing on that. So when clients are scared, I say, yes, we're scared, but we're going to lean in." (Brian Thompson, 00:07:00 - 00:07:47)

Mission, Vision, and Values as the Foundation

Building a resilient, impact-driven business starts with crystal clarity around mission, vision, and values. Brian Thompson emphasizes that entrepreneurs must intentionally define and document these foundations—even revisiting and relying on them as practical guides during times of uncertainty. This clarity enables strong alignment and decision-making, rather than reactive responses to external pressures.

"In a time when times like this, when you...Your values are tested, and you have to go back and say, all right, so this is what I said. I. This is what I said I stand for. Is this really true?...Clarity and alignment are key to making sure that you're building a solid foundation for your business." (Brian Thompson, 00:08:43 - 00:09:14)

Financial Fundamentals and Adaptability Are Essential

Sound financial planning and adaptability are crucial to weathering systemic challenges and market disruptions. Brian Thompson advocates for proactive financial management, using specific models (like Profit First), tracking cash flow, and having robust emergency funds. These fundamentals—combined with a willingness to adapt and experiment in areas like marketing—help businesses survive and even thrive in unpredictable conditions.

"I don't feel like I have changed my advice. I feel like it just sinks in a bit more now when I talk about having three to six months of an emergency fund, making sure that you can get through two quarters of no income and figuring out how to build that if we need to...It's really the fundamentals that I preached and preached and preached that really shine through in this moment because they're needed." (Brian Thompson, 00:36:54 - 00:37:40)

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