UGLY TALK: COLLECTING SKILLS TO BE AN OPERATOR

You can build the product. Close customers. Run the team. Then open the books and realize you have no idea where the cash went.
About this Event

You can build the product. Close customers. Run the team. Then open the books and realize you have no idea where the cash went.

Revenue looks healthy. Payroll is due. Cash says otherwise. That gap gets expensive fast.

This Ugly Talk gets into the finance mistakes founders usually learn after they cost something. You will hear what to watch, what to ask, and which numbers need your attention now.

🎯 Why you should be in this room.

• Know which numbers deserve your attention every week.
• See where cash flow problems hide before they become emergencies.
• Learn what to ask an accountant before signing the next check.
• Understand which finance tasks a founder still needs to own.
• Catch common accounting mistakes before they cost you time, cash, or sleep.

💬 What's on the table.

• The numbers that matter: What to check weekly and what can wait.
• Cash flow warning signs: Where trouble shows up before the account gets uncomfortable.
• Accounting mistakes: The shortcuts that create bigger cleanup bills later.
• Reading the business: What the numbers reveal about pricing, hiring, and growth.
• Owning the finance function: What to delegate and what every founder still needs to understand.

🤝 Who's hosting it.

Phil Slabine - Founder, Not Dorks Accounting & Finance

Phil Slabine is co-founder of Not Dorks Accounting & Finance, a managed service firm providing early-stage and growth companies with the support they need. He spent 15 years in corporate accounting, most recently as corporate controller at a fast-growing robotics company, before leaving to build his own business. He spends most of his time on the unglamorous parts of building a business — cash runway, pricing, and the plumbing of your financial model — and thinks that since founders have to do accounting anyway, they might as well get amazing value out of it. Based in Boston.

🙋 Who's getting in.

• Boston founders building with real money on the line.
• Operators responsible for budgets, cash flow, and the next hard call.
• Founders who can sell the vision but still avoid the spreadsheet.
• Advisors who help early-stage companies clean up financial messes.

⭐ About Ugly Talk

Started in 2019, Ugly Talk has been transforming business setbacks into breakthrough "aha!" moments by hosting unfiltered, no-nonsense events where battle-tested entrepreneurs share their raw lessons and insights.

With a growing presence in cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami, we've built a vibrant community of thousands of founders and industry leaders making a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

Official Website: UglyTalk.com

📢 Important Notice for Ugly Talk Attendees

Admission & Confirmation

Attendance is by approval only. Approved guests will receive a confirmation email along with a calendar invite. Invitations are non-transferable. Additional event details will be shared as the event approaches.

Code of Conduct

By attending, you agree to:

• Maintain respect and professionalism, adhering to all venue rules, policies, and applicable laws.
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, unwelcome sexual advances (verbal or physical), intimidation, or inappropriate photography/recording.
• Report any violations to the event hosts immediately.

Violations may result in immediate removal from the event and exclusion from future invitations.

Liability & Risk

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The event organizers, hosts, sponsors, and venue are not liable for personal injury, lost or stolen belongings, or any other damages incurred during the event.

Media Consent

By attending, you grant the event organizers and affiliated entities the right to capture, use, and distribute photos, videos, and audio recordings of you for promotional, marketing, and other lawful purposes, including digital and print media, advertising, and social media. You waive any right to inspect or approve the final materials and release all claims related to their use.

Communications

By registering, you agree to receive marketing and promotional communications from Ugly Talk and its co-hosts, partners, and sponsors. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Agreement

If you do not agree to this Code of Conduct, please refrain from attending the event.

🚀 Join us to stay updated on upcoming Ugly Talk events!

• 📨 Join the newsletter
• 📸 Follow us on IG
• 🌐 Official website