With experience from Google’s recruiting front lines to playing a pivotal role at Google Ventures, Maximos Lih offers firsthand insights into what it means to build, scale, and reinvent not just companies, but yourself.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where we talk about the journeys of visionary leaders who dare to break the mold. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Maximos Lih, founder and CEO of Emboldened LLC—a dynamic executive coach known for guiding leaders out of their comfort zones and into game-changing growth.

From his early days navigating cultural transitions as an immigrant, to a unique academic journey in cognitive science and the rise and fall of civilizations, Maximos Lih shares how his background shaped a distinctive approach to leadership and innovation.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Maximos Lih turns challenges into entrepreneurial advantages, why understanding the "secret language" of venture and leadership opens doors, and how his vision for human-first growth drives his work today.

Whether you’re at a crossroads or ready to take the leap, this conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and the mindset shifts that empower entrepreneurs to thrive—without settling for mediocrity.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for fellow leaders and entrepreneurs:

Your background is your superpower. Navigating different cultures and systems teaches adaptability and unique leadership skills (07:47, 17:19).
Execution beats ideas, every time. The best product doesn’t guarantee success—the right strategy, culture, and understanding the “secret language” of your industry are often what set winners apart (26:36, 32:04).
Human-first leadership matters. AI and technology are tools, but true business transformation happens when you center people, empathy, and shared growth (38:20, 48:42).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Maximos Lih's Lessons from Google to Executive Coaching