The Key Difference Between Working ON vs. IN Your Business

In this enlightening conversation, Jeff Tanner from Acclara dives into the nuances of business management and strategy. He reflects on his own journey, sharing stories from his time leading a prominent workers’ compensation company and the lessons he’s learned about the importance of both day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

Throughout the discussion, Jeff delves into:

The subtle yet crucial differences between working “on” your business (strategic planning, foreseeing challenges) versus being deeply embedded “in” it (daily operations, client interactions).

Personal anecdotes from his time in the workers’ compensation sector, highlighting both its accomplishments and the inevitable industry changes over the years.

The common challenges many businesses face, especially when inundated with daily tasks and responsibilities, and the struggle to find time for strategic introspection.

His perspective on consultants’ roles. He touches on the potential value they can bring, not just in identifying issues but in offering sustainable solutions and transferring knowledge.

This episode provides a balanced mix of Jeff’s personal experiences combined with broader business insights, making it a must-watch for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of business dynamics and growth strategies.

Recent Episodes

As the world faces historic labor shortages, an increase in burnout, and record-high turnover, organizations are confronting a leadership reckoning. In May 2024, Gallup found that more than 50 percent of U.S. employees were actively searching for new jobs or watching for openings. Taken together, these trends signal a clear and growing breakdown in…

Career advice in finance and accounting often centers around promotions, titles, and compensation. But in an era where professionals frequently change jobs every few years—the average American worker now stays in a role for less than four years—industries are facing growing talent shortages and reevaluating what long-term career success looks like. The question many…

Leadership right now feels heavier than it did just a few years ago. Teams are stretched, expectations are high, and many employees are quietly disengaged. In fact, Gallup’s 2025 U.S. data shows that only about 31% of employees are actively engaged at work, leaving the majority feeling disconnected or indifferent. For CEOs and senior…