It’s often said that success in business and career growth comes down to working harder and seizing opportunities as they arise. But what if the real key lies in something far more strategic?

A Structured Approach to Strategy 

In this episode, Divya Parekh sits down with Carl J. Cox, CEO of 40 Strategy & 40 Accounting, a business strategist, author, and podcast host who has helped countless leaders scale their businesses and advance their careers with a structured approach to strategy.

Together, they’ll explore the hidden patterns behind business success and professional growth—unpacking the frameworks that separate high-achievers from the rest. They’ll uncover how strategic planning, alignment, and execution can lead to exponential career and business breakthroughs—helping professionals and leaders take control of their paths with confidence.

Join us for an episode that will challenge how you think about career success and business growth.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation! 

• 01:12 Introduction with a story about kindness and the significance of relationships and giving back. Introduction of the show and guest Carl J. Cox.
• 03:04 Carl’s childhood story and valuable advice received about education and career which influenced his future.
• 04:32 Carl’s educational path and how he chose accounting as a career due to finding intrigue in the complexities of the profession. 05:50 The importance of starting with a great first job and the reality of hard work in career development.
• 09:02 Discussion about the challenges of work-life balance and finding joy and success in one’s work.
• 14:48 Financial strategies for young professionals and the importance of having a financial vision aligned with career goals.
• 20:20 Impact of financial success on giving back and personal fulfillment.
• 21:13 Role of organizations during layoffs and the importance of having strategies to protect engaged employees.
• 27:53 The value of keeping great people in organizations and understanding and supporting employees’ real personal goals.
• 31:29 Carl’s strategy for nurturing and cultivating team members.
• 34:08 Carl’s vision for himself and his company for the next three years, including his big hairy audacious goal (BHAG).
• 38:33 Closing remarks and contact information for Carl J. Cox.