Jessica Marx joins me to share how she helped scale a biotech company to a multi-billion-dollar acquisition—and why she’s now on a mission to help small business owners build companies that run without them. We dive into what makes a business truly scalable, the most common reasons entrepreneurs burn out, and how to turn your business into an asset instead of a job. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to exit—or just step back—this episode is for you.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[01:30] How Jessica went from a corporate career to a risky biotech startup (and why a folding table didn’t scare her)

[04:00] What it really takes to scale a company—and why her corporate experience was the opposite of most women’s

[06:55] Inside the multi-billion-dollar acquisition and what she learned reporting to legendary CEOs

[08:45] Why fast growth is often a red flag—and how to avoid building a business that self-destructs

[11:30] The one belief shift that changed how Jessica helps small business owners scale (without sacrificing freedom)

[17:10] How Jessica supports high-achieving entrepreneurs to create businesses that run without them

[20:00] Tactical ways to remove yourself from the “everything” seat in your company

Listen to Related Episodes:

• Scaling Your Business Effectively with Jereshia Hawk
• How to Create Team Systems and Operations That Simplify Scaling and Growth

Connect With Jessica Marx:

Jessica Marx is a powerhouse business strategist, speaker, and host of the Millions Were Made podcast. With a background in commercial real estate and biotech startups, she scaled a company from startup to multi-billion-dollar acquisition, overseeing a 500+ person sales division. Today, she helps 7- and 8-figure entrepreneurs build sellable, sustainable businesses that don't rely on them to survive. She’s passionate about transforming burnout-prone businesses into true assets that provide freedom, impact, and—yes—massive ROI.

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode580

Ever feel like you're doing everything but getting nowhere? In this episode, I dive into how I reclaimed my time, energy, and CEO role by doing a time audit (yes, it's annoying—and yes, it's worth it), delegating what no longer served me, and creating intentional blank space on my calendar. Spoiler alert: focus is the real F-word in business. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start scaling with clarity, this one’s for you.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:50] Why focus is the F-word entrepreneurs need most

[02:50] The power of a Time Audit (yes, even if it’s Annoying)

[03:47] A powerful way to align team productivity with company vision.

[04:47] Working myself out of a job (and why it matters)

[05:50] The Uncomfortable Truth About Blank Space on Your Calendar

[06:57] The 3 questions every visionary leader should ask before launching the next thing.

Listen to Related Episodes:

• How to Double Your Energy and Focus with Tanessa Shears

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode579

Let’s be real—taxes aren’t sexy… but keeping your money? That is hot.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Karlton Dennis, a licensed tax strategist who’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs stop overpaying the IRS and start building generational wealth.

From tax write-offs to entity structure to real estate hacks—you name it, Karlton breaks it down with energy, clarity, and humor. (Yes, we actually laughed while talking about tax codes. Who knew?)

And here’s what makes Karlton different: He doesn’t just focus on taxes. He helps you think like a CEO and build a wealth plan that aligns with your vision.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why your business structure matters more than you think (S-corp vs LLC vs sole prop—oh my!)
• How to LEGALLY write off things like your home, travel, kids, and even your car 🚗
• The tax strategies you need to know before you hire your first employee
• Why the tax code isn’t “rigged”—it’s a blueprint for how to operate your business
• How wealthy people use taxes to build empires (and how you can too)

This conversation isn’t about loopholes or sketchy advice—it’s about understanding the rules of the game and using them intentionally.

Whether you're just starting out or hitting 7-figures, Karlton shares insights that can put real money back in your pocket. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a notebook for this one. 📓

P.S. Karlton even flipped the script on ME in this conversation—and gave me some clarity around my business structure. So if you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or CEO-in-the-making… don't skip this episode.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[06:48] Why the tax code is designed to help business owners (and how to use it to your advantage)

[12:36] The difference between an LLC and an S-corp—and when it’s time to switch

[21:42] How to legally write off business trips, your home, and even your children

[28:19] Why wealthy people pay less in taxes—and how you can apply the same principles

[36:55] Common mistakes entrepreneurs make that cost them thousands

[45:20] The real power of tax strategy: freedom, flexibility, and generational wealth

Connect With Karlton Dennis:

Karlton Dennis is a licensed tax strategist, real estate investor, keynote speaker, and content creator who specializes in helping business owners reduce their tax burden, increase profitability, and build long-term wealth.

With millions of views across social media and a reputation for making complex financial strategies simple and relatable, Karlton is the go-to expert for entrepreneurs who want to grow smarter (not just harder).

He runs a tax firm and offers education and consulting programs to help founders—from solopreneurs to multi-million-dollar CEOs—design tax strategies that serve their lifestyle and legacy.

Learn more at: karltondennis.com

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode578