About Dan:

Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business.

With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game.

In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss:

• Know Your Opponent: Use Data Like a Poker Tracker
• Play the Hand You’re Dealt: Analyze Real vs. Planned Results
• Fold or Raise: Adjust Staffing Based on Revenue Fluctuations
• Read the Table: Identify Top Variances Monthly
• Leave Emotions at the Table: Make Data-Driven Decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Like a poker player using HUD stats, business owners need real-time visibility into their numbers, and guessing won’t cut it—data reveals the real story behind your performance.
• Variance analysis helps you catch shifts early and respond before you're too committed to the wrong strategy.
• Dan’s staffing case showed that fixed expenses during slow seasons can cripple your stack, but strategic adjustments, like flex staffing, can be your winning bluff.
• Let the data call the shots, not your pride or fear of being wrong.
• Poker success comes from adaptability—and so does business growth, but if you’re not evaluating and evolving, you’re just waiting to be outplayed.

"Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees, because you're so in it every day.” — Dan Dollevoet

Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game.”

Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book

About the book:

High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success.

Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today!

Connect with Dan Dollevoet:

Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/

https://danthecfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.