Your Next Move

In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. staff reporter Brian Contreras sits down with Paul Goldman, founder and CEO of music copyright administration company Music, ranked No. 2,959 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. Based in Nashville, Music helps artists, publishers, and rights holders navigate the complex world of royalties, copyright, and intellectual property through a technology platform that manages more than 25 million copyrights worldwide.

Paul shares how the company evolved from a scrappy startup into a growing industry player, why the next phase of growth requires a different approach to capital and asset management, and how founders must shift from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy as their businesses mature. He also discusses the challenges of scaling company culture, lessons learned from navigating sudden industry disruptions, and why resilience matters more than ever in today's business environment.

Plus, Paul explains how Music's patented AI technology is helping untangle the massive data challenges behind music royalties and why he believes the future of the music industry depends on creating more balanced relationships between technology platforms, rights holders, and creators.

In this episode of Your Next Move, Inc., staff reporter Ali Donaldson sits down with Susan Sutherland, founder and CEO of Just Events Group, the parent company behind JustRight Destination Management and Just Marry, ranked No. 1,326 on the 2025 Inc. 5000.

Susan reflects on leading an events company through the uncertainty of COVID, the explosive return of in-person experiences, and why human connection remains the foundation of her business. She shares lessons on building a people-first culture, maintaining transparency during difficult times, and creating career growth opportunities that keep employees engaged in a high-pressure industry.

The conversation also explores the role of AI in event planning, the challenges of scaling a service-driven company, the realities of working alongside family members, and the trends shaping the future of events—from immersive experiences to changing food-and-beverage preferences among younger generations. Susan offers an honest look at leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what it takes to sustain growth when success depends on both relationships and trust.

In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, recorded live at the Inc. 5000 Conference, Inc. staff reporter Chloe Aiello sits down with Ronica Cleary, founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, an award-winning public relations firm specializing in earned media.

Cleary breaks down what “earned media” really means—and why credibility, not clicks, remains the most powerful currency for growing companies. Drawing on her background as a former journalist, she explains how brands can position themselves as truly newsworthy, navigate an increasingly complex media landscape, and measure ROI in a space where impact isn’t always easy to quantify.

The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping PR workflows and newsrooms, why SEO and generative search are becoming essential growth drivers, and how Cleary has evolved her go-to-market strategy beyond traditional networking. She shares candid insights on scaling a service business, building a strong remote culture, and adapting to the shift from traditional media toward podcasts and digital platforms.

Looking ahead, Cleary outlines her vision for growth—doubling revenue while staying laser-focused on delivering high-impact earned media—and reflects on what it takes to remain indispensable in a rapidly changing communications industry.

Building a brand that lasts requires understanding consumer behavior. Consumer expectations are constantly evolving, and building trust requires more than simply following trends. This episode explores how to achieve sustainable success, featuring insights from two industry pioneers, Joy Mangano and Manish Chandra, who’ve built enduring brands by understanding their audiences while adapting to change.

In this episode of Your Next Move, recorded live at the Inc. 5000 Conference in Phoenix, Inc. senior writer Sam Blum sits down with Kimberly Furrh, founder of Furrh & Associates, a certified public accounting firm ranked No. 4454 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list.

Furrh shares how she built her business from a side hustle in her living room into one of the largest accounting firms in Southwest Oklahoma—growing through strategic acquisitions, word-of-mouth referrals, and a bold expansion into business coaching. She explains why today’s entrepreneurs don’t just need tax preparation—they need education, guidance, and a “safe space” to ask the questions they’re often too embarrassed to raise.

The conversation dives into the realities behind rapid growth, from managing thousands of clients with a lean team to hiring ahead of demand and reshaping company culture to prioritize learning and service. Furrh also breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—from misunderstanding what’s tax deductible to improperly managing LLC structures—and why those missteps can have serious consequences.

Plus, she offers a candid take on AI in accounting, the ongoing shortage of CPAs, and the lessons she learned the hard way after a devastating data loss nearly derailed her firm.

For founders navigating growth—or just trying to get their financial footing—this episode offers practical insights on scaling smart, staying connected to your customers, and building a business that meets entrepreneurs where they are.