How to Keep Your Day Job with the Morning Star Consultants offers no-nonsense coaching, practical advice, and the support you need to elevate your skills, discover your passion, and become the leader you were always meant to be.
Whether you're looking to expand your impact, scale up, or simply find your footing, Morning Star is here to guide you on your journey.
We dive deep into conversations with leaders who are not only experts in their field but are also passionate about their work—whether they're driving change in the not-for-profit sector or leading small to medium businesses. These individuals know what it takes to not just keep their day job but to thrive in it.
We also explore essential topics like business and leadership development, volunteerism, and board governance, offering insights that are both actionable and inspiring.
Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or someone navigating the challenges of not for profit management, you'll find something valuable here. And if you're just here for the entertainment, we've got that covered too—because at Morning Star, we believe in making work both meaningful and enjoyable.
How to Keep Your Day Job is Hosted by Lisa Goss, Founder and CEO of Morning Star Consultative Services, this monthly podcast brings together a team of seasoned professionals. Lisa’s wealth of experience—from frontline healthcare to executive leadership—drives transformative outcomes for the organizations she serves. Alongside her is Staci, the voice of reason and the go-to list maker, who's always ready to roll up her sleeves and push the team into new arenas. And, of course, Geraldine, the glue that holds it all together.
Through Morning Star Consultative Services, Lisa and her team provide unparalleled expertise in areas such as system transformation, strategic planning, leadership, management and workplace culture. From executive onboarding and recruitment to crisis management and board governance, Morning Star is your partner in building a sustainable and compassionate organizational future.
So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, eager to climb the ladder, or just looking to land your dream job, you're in the right spot. Tune in and discover how you, too, can keep your day job—and love it.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer, or agency. The views and opinions expressed are for general information purposes only and should not be considered as individual professional advice. Any reliance on the information provided is at your own risk.
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You’re trying to stay present. Your inbox, workload, and everyone else’s “quick question” have other plans.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa Goss explores mindfulness for real life: noticing when you’re overwhelmed, pausing before reacting, and setting boundaries that protect your time, energy, and capacity to care.
From constant interruptions and difficult conversations to the work you carry home, we explore practical ways to respond with intention, offer yourself compassion, and recognize when you need rest or support. We introduce the STOP technique—Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed—and discuss why caring deeply doesn’t require being constantly available.
Because sometimes keeping your day job starts with taking a breath before hitting send.
For education and reflection; this episode does not provide medical or psychological advice.
Suggested Reading
Wherever You Go, There You Are — Jon Kabat-Zinn. Bringing mindfulness into everyday life.
Full Catastrophe Living — Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness practice in the context of stress and difficult experiences.
Self-Compassion — Kristin Neff. Responding to yourself with kindness when things are difficult.
Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout — Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. Practical exercises for depletion and recovery.
Atlas of the Heart — Brené Brown. Finding language for emotions and experiences.
The Burnout Challenge — Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter. Understanding the working conditions that contribute to burnout.
Dare to Lead — Brené Brown. Courageous conversations, values, and leadership.
Selected References
Mindfulness and attention Mrazek, M. D., et al. (2013). Mindfulness training improves working memory capacity and GRE performance while reducing mind wandering. Psychological Science, 24(5), 776–781. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612459659
Acceptance and stress Lindsay, E. K., et al. (2018). Acceptance lowers stress reactivity: Dismantling mindfulness training in a randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29040891/
Attention and task switching Rubinstein, J. S., Meyer, D. E., & Evans, J. E. (2001). Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 27(4), 763–797. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.27.4.763
Empathy and compassion Sinclair, S., et al. (2017). Sympathy, empathy, and compassion: A grounded theory study of palliative care patients’ understandings, experiences, and preferences. Palliative Medicine, 31(5), 437–447. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5405806/
Moral distress Deschenes, S., Gagnon, M., Park, T., & Kunyk, D. (2020). Moral distress: A concept clarification. Nursing Ethics, 27(4), 1127–1146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020909523
Connect with Morning Star Exchange If today’s episode got you thinking, we’d love to connect. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, regulated professional, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, Morning Star Exchange is here to help.
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
Season 6 / Episode #2 - Building a Budget: Because “Hope for the Best” Gets Expensive
Business Budgeting: Know Your Costs, Plan Your Pay
Being busy doesn’t always mean your business is making enough to pay you. In this episode, Lisa Goss, MBA, walks through building a practical business budget so you can understand your costs, set realistic revenue goals and see what’s actually available to pay yourself.
Using a registered massage therapy practice as a service-based business example, Lisa brings the numbers to life with lessons business owners across industries can adapt. We cover commonly missed expenses, the difference between revenue and take-home pay, calculating your break-even point, and planning for taxes, slower months, emergencies and time away.
Whether you’re creating your first budget or revisiting an existing one, this session will help you build a simple monthly routine and make more informed decisions about your pricing, workload and business.
🎙️ How to Keep Your Day Job
Practical conversations about work, leadership, business and all the human stuff that comes with it.
📬 Connect with Morning Star Exchange If today’s episode got you thinking, we’d love to connect. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, regulated professional, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, Morning Star Exchange is here to help.
Your Brain Has Opened an Investigation: ADHD, RSD & the Imaginary Workplace Crisis
Your boss says, “Can we talk?”
That’s it. Three words.
And somehow, 30 seconds later, your brain has opened an investigation, reconstructed the timeline, reviewed six months of emails, identified three possible suspects and concluded that you should probably update your résumé.
Welcome to rejection sensitivity at work.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa explores ADHD, rejection sensitivity and the very convincing stories our brains can create when information is missing.
We’re talking about the unanswered email. The oddly worded text. The performance feedback. The client who chose someone else. The meeting invitation you didn’t get. And, of course, the deeply hostile period after “Okay.”
You’ll hear why rejection sensitivity doesn’t always look like an emotional reaction. Sometimes it looks like over-preparing, over-explaining, people pleasing, avoiding difficult conversations, keeping every receipt and arriving at a 15-minute meeting with enough supporting documentation to testify before a parliamentary committee.
More importantly, we’ll talk about what you can actually do when your brain starts building a case.
How do you separate what happened from what you think it means? How do you slow down your response without dismissing what you’re feeling? And how do you handle criticism, disagreement and uncertainty without turning them into evidence that something is wrong with you?
Because sometimes there really is a problem. And sometimes... they were just in a meeting.
🎙️ How to Keep Your Day Job Practical conversations about work, leadership, business and all the human stuff that comes with it. 📬 Connect with Morning Star ExchangeIf today’s episode got you thinking, we’d love to connect.Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, regulated professional, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, Morning Star Exchange is here to help. 🌐 Website morningstarexchange.ca📧 Email 📱 Instagram @morningstarexchangeinc📘 Facebook Morning Star Exchange💼 LinkedIn Morning Star Exchange🎙️ Follow How to Keep Your Day Job For practical conversations about work, leadership, business, and all the human stuff that comes with it. Morning Star Exchange Inc.
Season 5 / Episode #12 - Before the Rush: Is Your Organization Ready for September?
Before the Rush: Is Your Organization Ready for September?
September is often the real beginning of the business year.
As summer comes to an end, organizations shift into high gear. Boards resume meeting, projects restart, clients return, healthcare appointments increase, fundraising ramps up, and businesses begin preparing for year-end. Yet many leaders enter the busiest season of the year without taking the time to prepare their organizations for what's ahead.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa Goss and Staci Bailey explore why the most successful organizations don't simply work harder—they prepare differently.
Together, they take listeners on a walk through their organization, from the parking lot to the boardroom, looking at the people, systems, finances, technology, policies, and leadership practices that create capacity before the pressure begins.
Whether you lead a non-profit organization, own a small business, operate a healthcare or clinical practice, or work as an independent professional, this episode offers practical ideas to help you reduce stress, strengthen your operations, and enter the fall season with greater confidence.
Instead of reacting to the rush, learn how to prepare for it.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why September is the real "New Year" for many organizations
How to identify operational blind spots before they become problems
Simple ways to strengthen systems, leadership, and organizational capacity
Why preparation—not perfection—is the key to a successful busy season
One leadership challenge you can complete this week to help your organization thrive through the months ahead
Because healthy organizations don't happen by accident—they happen by design.
Season 5 / Episode #11 - Leadership Happens Between People: Why Putting People First Still Drives Results
Leadership Happens Between People Why Putting People First Still Drives Results
What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't authority, strategy, or expertise—but human connection?
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job, Lisa Goss sits down with Morning Star Consultive Services Senior Project Strategist Dave Nerada for an engaging conversation about leadership, relationships, and the people behind organizational success.
Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, Dave shares insights gained from leading organizations ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to complex, multi-brand enterprises serving millions of customers annually. Together, Lisa and Dave explore why trust, authentic relationships, and meaningful human connection remain at the heart of effective leadership.
The conversation touches on leadership in times of change, building strong organizational cultures, balancing operational excellence with people-centered leadership, and why the strongest results often come from putting people first. Listeners will hear practical reflections on leading teams, strengthening workplace relationships, navigating complexity, and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive.
Whether you're a business owner, executive, manager, board member, or emerging leader, this episode offers valuable insights into the human side of leadership and the lasting impact of investing in people.
Guest: Dave Nerada Senior Project Strategist, Morning Star Consultive Services
Areas of Expertise: • Business Growth Strategy • Operational Improvement • Leadership Development • Change Management • Strategic Planning & Execution • Customer Experience & Loyalty • Supply Chain • Organizational Transformation
Season 5 / Episode #10 - Money Talks & Lemonade Stands: Understanding Your Financial Infrastructure
Finance can feel overwhelming, but understanding your financial infrastructure is one of the most important foundations for any business, non-profit, association, or professional practice.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with The Morning Star Consultants, Lisa Goss sits down with Ahmed Elsayed of Right Solutions Inc. to break down the fundamentals of financial systems in a practical, approachable way.
Together, they unpack:
The three core financial statements and what they actually tell you
Why cash flow matters more than many people realize
Common bookkeeping and GST mistakes businesses make
The importance of monthly reconciliation and financial review
How poor financial infrastructure creates stress, confusion, and risk
Why strong systems create clarity, confidence, and freedom
Using simple real-world examples — including the “Lemon Stand Principle” — Lisa and Ahmed explain complex financial concepts in a way that is accessible, practical, and grounded in real operations.
A special shoutout to Ahmed Elsayed and the team at Right Solutions Inc. for their ongoing support in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax solutions for businesses and organizations across Manitoba and beyond.
Whether you’re a business owner, Executive Director, board member, entrepreneur, or someone trying to better understand your numbers, this episode is designed to help you build stronger financial foundations.
📍 Based on the presentation “Finance 101: Understanding Your Financial Infrastructure” presented by Ahmed Elsayed and Lisa Goss.
Lisa Goss, MBA
Morning Star Consultive Services Business and Life Strategists
We’re stepping away from teaching and into a real conversation about what’s happening behind the scenes at Morning Star right now.
We’ve crossed 10,000 downloads this month (thank you — truly), and at the same time, we’re in the middle of a big season of growth. Conferences, governance work, complex client files… and now, a new event space that we’re building from the ground up.
And it’s not small.
We talk about what it actually looks like to take the next step in business — the risk, the responsibility, and the reality that growth doesn’t come wrapped in a neat, polished package.
We also get into the tension between business decisions and values. What it means to build something that’s financially sustainable, while still staying true to making space accessible for nonprofits, charities, and community.
This isn’t a how-to episode.
It’s a real one.
If you’re in a season where things feel big, messy, or uncertain — you’re not alone.
We’re right there too.
📬 Contact Us
Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?
Year-end doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, reactive, or… slightly chaotic.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with the Morning Star Consultants, we walk through what it actually takes to prepare for a year-end audit in a way that is organized, intentional, and grounded in strong governance.
Using Morning Star’s Audit Preparation Checklist as a foundation, we break down what auditors are really looking for—and how to have it ready before they even ask.
We also dive into one of the most overlooked (but critical) pieces of the audit process: 👉 the Board and Management Questionnaire
This tool isn’t just paperwork—it’s a governance signal. It demonstrates oversight, accountability, and that your organization understands its roles and responsibilities at both the Board and operational levels.
We also unpack:
The different types of audit and financial engagements (audit, review, compilation—and why they matter)
How legislation and your governing Act shape your reporting obligations
The connection between governance, compliance, and financial transparency
Why a clean audit starts months before year-end—not at the last minute
This episode is for: ✔️ Executive Directors & CEOs ✔️ Board Members & Treasurers ✔️ Anyone responsible for financial oversight in a non-profit, charity, or association
If you’ve ever felt unsure about what auditors actually need—or how to show up prepared—this episode will help you move from scrambling to structured.
Key Takeaway
A strong audit isn’t just about numbers—it’s about governance, systems, and telling a clear, accountable story of your organization.
Note: if you are sharing any information with the auditor that is covered by privacy legislation, get consent first!
Season 5 / Episode #7 - It’s Not What You Call Them. It’s How You Treat Them.
What’s the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?
Hint: it’s not what you write in the contract.
In this episode of How to Keep Your Day Job with the Morning Star Consultants, Lisa and Staci unpack one of the most misunderstood — and most expensive — mistakes organizations make: worker misclassification.
Because here’s the truth: If you control their schedule, direct their work, supply their tools, and integrate them into your operations… calling them a “contractor” doesn’t magically make it so.
In this episode, we break down:
The real test used to determine worker status
Why invoices don’t equal independence
The financial risks of getting it wrong
Governance blind spots boards often miss
How to structure working relationships properly
This conversation is practical, honest, and maybe just a little sarcastic — because sometimes the gap between what organizations say and what they do is… significant.
If you run a business, sit on a board, hire consultants, or think you’ve found a clever workaround to payroll obligations, this episode is for you.
Because in the end:
It’s not what you call them. It’s how you treat them.
📬 Contact Us
Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?
Structure Over Stress is a practical, plain-language podcast for self-employed Canadians who want fewer financial surprises and more control over their business.
Hosted by Lisa Goss of Morning Star Consultive Services and Ahmed Elsayed of Right Solutions Financial, Tax & Accounting, this podcast breaks down what most people are never taught - how business structure, tax planning, and financial systems directly impact stress, cash flow, and long-term security.
Each episode tackles real issues like:
Self-employed vs incorporated — and when it actually matters
The “CPP shock” no one budgets for
What CRA allows, what it disallows, and what it audits first
Deductions vs capital assets (and why that distinction matters)
Why messy systems create tax risk — and how to fix them
How structure, systems, and compliance create financial safety
This is not hype, shortcuts, or “write-offs gone wild.” It’s honest conversations grounded in real practice, Canadian tax rules, and governance-level thinking.
Educational, not advice. Practical, not scary. Built for people who want their business to support their life — not run it.
Ahmed Elsayed is the founder of Right Solutions Inc., an accounting and tax services firm supporting small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and charities. He specializes in bookkeeping, payroll administration, and compliance-focused financial operations. Ahmed collaborates with Morning Star Consultive Services as a contract consultant, supporting strong financial systems and statutory compliance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Management, a Certificate with Honours in Applied Accounting, the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation, and is completing the CPA pathway.Right Solutions Inc.
Contact Information:
💼 LinkedIn - Morning Star Exchange
Morning Star Exchange Inc. Building Capacity. Creating Impact.
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide medical or mental health advice.
Discussions about ADHD, rejection sensitivity, emotional regulation, workplace experiences, and leadership are provided for general education and reflection. Individual experiences vary, and not everything discussed will apply to every person with ADHD.
If you have questions or concerns about ADHD, your mental health, medications, diagnosis, or treatment, please speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
The views and examples shared are general in nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualized professional advice.
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
📬 Connect with Morning Star
If today's episode got you thinking, we'd love to connect.
Whether you're a nonprofit organization, charity, clinical practice, small business, or leadership team looking to strengthen your organization, we're here to help.
Don't forget to follow, rate, and review How to Keep Your Day Job wherever you listen to podcasts. Every follow, rating, and review helps more leaders discover the show.
⭐ Meet the Hosts
Lisa Goss, MBA Founder & CEO, Morning Star Consulting Executive Advisor | Fractional Executive Office | Speaker
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
Dave believes that strong operations and meaningful relationships are not competing priorities—they are the foundation of lasting success.
For more information about Morning Star Consultive Services, visit our website or connect with us on social media.
Morning Star Consultive Services Business and Life Strategists
📍 Address: 93 Lombard Avenue, Suite 103 📞 Phone: 431-807-9679 ext. 800 🌐 Website: Business and Management Consultant - Winnipeg, Manitoba 📧 Email: info@morningstarconsultant.com 🎙 Podcast: How To Keep Your Day Job — with The Morning Star Consultants
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
📬 Contact Us
Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
If you’re choosing to operate as an independent contractor, start with the right financial foundation — clear bookkeeping, tax planning, and compliance systems matter.
Morning Star collaborates with Ahmed Elsayed, founder of Right Solutions Inc., an accounting and tax services firm supporting small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and charities. Ahmed provides bookkeeping, payroll administration, and tax services with a strong compliance lens.
If you reach out, mention Morning Star to receive preferred pricing.
Contact Information
Right Solutions Inc. – Accounting & Tax Solutions 📧 ahmed@right-solutions.ca
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
Right Solutions Inc. - Accounting and Tax Solutions
📧 Email: ahmed@right-solutions.ca
📞 Phone : 416-520-0544
This podcast is for general education and planning purposes only. It does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and listeners should consult their own professional advisors regarding their specific situation.
📬 Contact Us
Want support building systems that actually work for your organization?
This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by any company, employer or agency. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Morning Star makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered individual professional advice, nor is any guest or presenter speaking for any entity where they are not the sole proprietary.
