Episode 24: From CPA to Empowerment Coach: Building a Business with Heart and Strategy

Episode 24: From CPA to Empowerment Coach: Building a Business with Heart and Strategy

 

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I reconnect with my longtime yoga friend, Francesca Zampaglione, a former CPA who made a bold pivot from the accounting world into entrepreneurship. From crunching numbers at Deloitte and the CPA Association to launching Dressed Smart and becoming a professional speaker and empowerment coach, Francesca shares her incredible journey of reinvention.

 

We dive into:

 

• How immigrant roots and childhood experiences shaped her love for accounting
• Why she founded Dressed Smart to teach young professionals how to show up with confidence The connection between personal presentation (how you dress) and mindset
• How she overcame a childhood speech impediment to become a sought-after speaker
• What small businesses need to know about cash flow, accounting basics, and getting help before it's too late
• The real cost of uncomfortable shoes (yes, we went there!)
• How she now supports remote teams with coaching that keeps employees feeling seen, heard, and cared for
• Why your tribe is just as important as your product when you’re starting out
• The business lesson that changed everything: “Do what you do best and outsource the rest”
• Why taking on the wrong client can hurt more than help
• How to approach hiring and team-building: “Hire slow, fire fast”

Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to make sense of your numbers, a founder struggling to support your remote team, or someone thinking about making a career shift, Francesca’s story will inspire you to trust your instincts, invest in your growth, and never underestimate the power of being seen.

 

Connect with Francesca:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tofrancesca/ Website: https://francescazampaglione.com/

Website: https://dressedsmart.com/

Instagram: @_francesca_zampaglione

Podcast: Office Flip Flops — 115 evergreen episodes of empowerment, leadership, and real-world insight

 

Quote to Remember:

"Time is money and money is time. Don’t take on a client who drains your energy. You won’t have anything left for the ones who deserve it." 

 

If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!