The Price of Civilization

Daneen Ashworth entered Human Resources after identifying a critical gap in support for small to midsized businesses. With a background in Psychology and Special Education, she brings expertise in advocacy, compliance, organizational development, and tailored workforce solutions. She holds aPHR, SHRM-CP, PHRca, and 6 Working Genius certifications and is the Founder and CEO of Compass HR. In 2017, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. Daneen serves as Chair of the Southwest Riverside County Biz PAC and remains actively engaged in legislative developments through ongoing collaboration with policy groups and local government leaders.

Josephia Rouse is the Chief Visionary Officer and Director of Business Operations for Divorce With a Plan, a Maryland family law firm built around the belief that divorce is not just a legal process — it is a major life transition that requires clarity, compassion, and strategy. Through her work as the CVO and Director of Business Operations, Josephia helps guide the firm in their efforts to help individuals and families through some of the most emotionally and financially stressful moments of their lives with a focus on informed decisions, practical planning, and rebuilding for the future.

In this episode of The Price of Civilization, Josephia joins Pietro Canestrelli to discuss the unexpected overlap between divorce and tax issues, including how planning, communication, and the right professional guidance can help people avoid costly mistakes and move forward with greater confidence.

Laura Bender is the owner of Pro Balanced Books, Inc. and a CPA with over 25 years of experience supporting small businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of San Diego and specializes in bookkeeping and advisory services that help business owners stay organized, informed, and in control of their finances. Laura provides tailored bookkeeping solutions designed to keep financial records accurate, up to date, an compliant. In addition to day-to-day bookkeeping, she offers strategic advisory support by helping clients understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and make confident, data driven decisions. Her approach is hands-on and relationship-driven, ensuring each client receives clear communication, reliable systems, and financial insight that supports long term growth.

Episode 1 Guest: Michael Klein, CPA with MPK Advisors & CPAs

In the premiere episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with CPA, business advisor, and non-profit specialist Michael Klein to discuss the powerful intersection of purpose, business, and financial stewardship. Drawing from a remarkable background that includes studies at UC Berkeley, work with the United Nations and the U.S. State Department, and years of experience serving businesses and nonprofits, Michael shares the journey that led him to build MPK Advisors & CPAs.

My name is Volker Jaeckel, known as Coach VJ, and I founded FocalPoint Business Coaching Temecula Valley after 40 years in international business across the U.S., Germany, and Italy. I spent the last 17 years as a CMO-level executive in automotive digital marketing before stepping into full-time coaching. I am a Brian Tracy International FocalPoint Coach, a TTI-certified DISC Behavioral Analyst and Facilitator, a Professional Certified Marketer through the AMA, and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional from the Digital Marketing Institute in Dublin. He authored The Digital Dealership in 2014 and co-authored How to Survive and Thrive II in 2025 with Reebok co-founder Joe Foster. Coach VJ holds the only 5-star Google review rating among internationally certified business and executive coaches, as well as DISC facilitators and trainers, in the Inland Empire and Riverside County.