In this episode, I discuss the key components of creating a transferable company that thrives independently of its current leadership. I outline five essential elements: a strong, inspiring vision; effective communication through regular executive meetings; robust accountability systems that empower team members; distributed leadership to avoid dependency on a single individual; and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational continuity. I emphasize the importance ...
Jul 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1212
In this episode, I sit down with Eric McGrath, CEO of Facial Lounge Group, to explore how building a Culture of Psychological Safety can power high-growth companies. Ranked No. 2,345 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Facial Lounge Group has transformed its leadership and performance by prioritizing an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and voice ideas. Eric shares how cultivating a Culture of Psychological Safety leads to better collaboration, innovation, and resilience within fast...
Jul 10, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1211
In this episode, I discuss the vital concept of leading with intention, focusing on self-reflection and key questions for personal growth: "Who are you being that gets in the way of what you want?" and "Who are you becoming as a leader?" As a CEO coach at Core Elevation, I've learned that my clients seek insight over traditional accountability. I share practical tools for documenting intentions that guide effective leadership, illustrated through a case study of a VP navigating a performance cha...
Jul 07, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1210
In this episode, I sit down with Greg Dobak, Founder and CEO of Standard Information, to explore how embracing a Hands-Off Culture can be a powerful driver of startup growth. Ranked No. 1684 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Standard Information has thrived by giving its people the freedom to make decisions, take ownership, and innovate without constant oversight. Greg shares how cultivating a Hands-Off Culture leads to increased trust, faster execution, and stronger team performance. We dive into the...
Jul 03, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1209
Quiet Quitting is a silent issue that can erode your company culture and performance if left unaddressed. In this episode, I share how to have tough conversations about Quiet Quitting before it becomes a bigger problem. I’ll walk you through practical ways to re-engage team members, set clear expectations, and foster real commitment. Addressing Quiet Quitting isn't just about performance—it's about leadership, clarity, and accountability. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years ...
Jun 30, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1208
In this episode, I sit down with Tony Ricketts, founder and CEO of Lawnline Marketing, to unpack how scaling a Specialized Company through systems, culture, and AI drives remarkable growth. Under Tony’s leadership, Lawnline Marketing secured the No. 306 spot on the 2024 Inc. As the leader of a specialized agency focused on the green industry, Tony shares how concentrated expertise and tailored processes helped Lawnline expand to support over 200 lawn and landscape businesses nationwide. We dig i...
Jun 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1207
In this episode, I explore how growing companies can effectively maintain their culture as they scale. Drawing insights from my experience with over 800 CEOs from the Inc. 5000, I address the challenges that arise when transitioning from small teams to larger organizations. I argue that attempting to preserve the original culture can be misguided; instead, leaders should focus on adaptability while upholding core values. I emphasize the importance of establishing clear values, aligning new talen...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1206
In this episode, I sit down with Marcos Rivera, CEO of Pricing I/O, to explore how Adaptable Leadership drives rapid expansion in fast-growing companies. Marcos shares how embracing Adaptable Leadership has allowed Pricing I/O to secure a spot at No. 1,915 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, thanks to a 27% three-year revenue growth. We dive into real-world examples of Adaptable Leadership, including how he adjusts strategies in response to changing market conditions and team needs. Marcos provides acti...
Jun 19, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1205
In this episode, I dive into the biggest Mistake When Scaling that I see leaders make—and how you can avoid it. If you're growing fast, it’s easy to focus only on sales or systems, but ignoring the human side is often the critical Mistake When Scaling. I’ll walk you through the leadership shifts that are essential as your team expands and your company evolves. I’ve coached hundreds of founders and CEOs through this journey, and today I’ll share specific strategies to help you stay ahead of the m...
Jun 16, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1204
In this episode, I sit down with Max Friar, founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital, to explore how building a People-Centric Business has fueled the firm's impressive growth. Max shares how prioritizing team development, transparency, and a culture of ownership has been key to scaling a People-Centric Business in the competitive M&A industry. We discuss the systems and leadership philosophies that have enabled Calder Capital to thrive, even amid economic headwinds. Ranked No. 1,409 o...
Jun 12, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1203
In this episode, I sit down with David Fan, founder and CEO of Fanale Drinks, to explore how Strategic Leadership Development has been instrumental in scaling his boba tea supply business. David shares how prioritizing Strategic Leadership Development enabled him to build a resilient team, adapt to market shifts, and sustain rapid growth. We delve into the specific leadership frameworks and mindsets that helped Fanale Drinks evolve from a small Hayward-based startup to a national supplier of bob...
Jun 09, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1202
In this episode, I sit down with Brian Hunter, founder and CEO of Tiny Rhino Group, to explore how Radical Transparency can be a powerful force in building a thriving company culture. Brian shares how embracing Radical Transparency has helped his team foster trust, accountability, and alignment across all levels of the organization. We discuss the challenges and breakthroughs that come with leading openly and how Radical Transparency can accelerate performance in fast-growth environments. Tiny R...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1201
In this episode, I share key insights from my journey of over 1,200 conversations with leaders from rapidly growing companies. A central theme emerges: prioritizing employees is essential for delivering exceptional customer experiences. I illustrate how a people-first approach fosters a culture where employees feel valued, leading to enhanced service. I take a moment to celebrate the milestone of 1,200 episodes, reflecting on the growth and learning that has occurred through engaging discussions...
Jun 02, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1200
In this episode, I sit down with Chris Hare, Founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at The Storied Future, to explore the transformative power of Story Telling In Leadership. Chris shares how Story Telling In Leadership can align teams, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful change within organizations. We delve into the process of building a new narrative that resonates with stakeholders and propels companies forward. Through real-world examples, Chris illustrates how Story Telling In Leaders...
May 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1199
In this episode, I discuss the journey of Ray Reyes, founder of Coastal Growth Services, who launched his business during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his experiences overcoming financial fears, evolving from a home office to a team of 65 employees in just four years. Ray highlights the crucial mindset shifts from technician to strategic leader, the importance of delegation after a personal health scare, and how mentorship fuels growth. He reflects on the joy of helping his team succeed and ...
May 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1198
In this episode, I engage with Daria Leshchenko, co-founder and CEO of Support Your App, to discuss the challenges and strategies of business growth in the customer service sector. Daria shares her journey, highlighting the struggles of early entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that drove her company's expansion, particularly into the tech industry. We delve into the significance of diversification and establishing standard operating procedures to maintain stability amid unforeseen changes....
May 22, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1197
In this episode, I dive into the transformative journey of leadership, drawing from my experiences as a former CEO and coach. I highlight the common challenges leaders face regarding time and energy, and I share actionable strategies to empower teams and shift focus from daily tasks to developing others. By discussing the five levels of leadership, I emphasize the importance of continual growth and reflection. I encourage listeners to identify their energy drains and rethink their leadership app...
May 19, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1196
In this episode, I and, Manfred Mahrle, explore the transformative power of positive intelligence for CEOs facing the challenges of leadership. I discuss the importance of adopting a "sage mode" mindset, drawing an analogy to the conflict between Darth Vader and the Jedi. Through my journey from a two-decade corporate career to founding ActiMind, I emphasize the necessity of overcoming fear to achieve fulfillment and innovation. I unpack the foundational elements of the sage mindset, such as emp...
May 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1195
In this episode, we speak with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of History IT, a pioneer in creating digital archives for museums, libraries, and historical societies. We explore effective leadership in mission-driven companies, focusing on trust and clear vision as foundational elements. Kristen shares her journey in building History IT, sparked by her passion for history and the urgency of digital transformation, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how a strong com...
May 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1194
In this episode, I speak with Jacqui Chew, managing director of iFusion Consulting, about the marketing challenges of fast-growing companies. We discuss the identity crisis organizations face as they evolve, leading to a disconnect between their original value and current offerings. Jacqui highlights that unclear narratives often mask the real issue of differentiation in a competitive market. We explore the significance of voice-of-the-customer exercises to gain valuable insights and emotional d...
May 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1193
In this episode, I address how leaders often become bottlenecks in their organizations by clinging to tasks that could be delegated. Through a client story, I illustrate the impact of a hands-on approach to decision-making on personal and team growth. We discuss the difference between transactional leaders and those who empower their teams, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment. Listeners are invited to join my workshops for practical strategies to elevate their leaders...
May 05, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1192
In this episode, I sit down with Evan Katz and Josh Roberts, co-founders of Very Special Games, to delve into the principles of Trust-Based Leadership and its pivotal role in their company's success. Evan and Josh share how Trust-Based Leadership has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, enabling their small team to create engaging party games like Ransom Notes and Charty Party. We explore how Trust-Based Leadership has guided their decision-making processes ...
May 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1191
In this episode, I chat with John Williamson, founder and CEO of Songfinch, a platform that transforms personal stories into custom songs. We discuss the challenges of leading an innovative brand in the music and gifting industry, focusing on the importance of resilience and transparency in leadership. John shares key moments that fueled Songfinch's remarkable growth, including the shift to emotionally-driven marketing strategies and the operational tactics that supported this success. He emphas...
Apr 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1190
In this episode, I sit down with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses, to explore the transformative power of humble leadership in building a purpose-driven brand. Jensen shares how embracing humble leadership has guided Ombraz from its inception to becoming a standout in the eyewear industry. We delve into how humble leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and a strong company culture. Under Jensen's guidance, Ombraz has not only revolutionized sunglasses design but also earned #124...
Apr 24, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1189
In this episode, I share the real benefits of executive coaching and why it could be the key to unlocking your next level of leadership. Executive coaching is more than just advice — it's a powerful way to gain clarity, uncover blind spots, and accelerate your growth as a leader. I’ve worked with hundreds of CEOs and their teams, and I’ve seen firsthand how executive coaching can help leaders create high-performing teams and drive lasting results. If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in exe...
Apr 21, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1188
In this episode, I sit down with Levi McClendon, Founder and CEO of OptSpot, to explore how to build and sustain a thriving remote culture. Under Levi’s leadership, OptSpot has achieved significant growth, earning the 1786 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We delve into the strategies and practices that have enabled OptSpot to foster a thriving remote culture, ensuring team cohesion and productivity across distances. Levi shares insights on maintaini...
Apr 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1186
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I explore the transformative journey that led me to become a CEO coach, beginning with a defining moment in 2010 when I faced the loss of my business and home. I discuss how this challenging experience prompted deep introspection and reassessment of my values and purpose. Emphasizing the growth that can emerge from adversity, I share insights gained from my decade in corporate America and my transition into coaching, driven by a desire to positively impact oth...
Apr 14, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1186
In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moran, CEO and founder of Solar Negotiators, to discuss the challenges and strategies of scaling a business while retaining your culture. Chris shares how Solar Negotiators has expanded its operations, completing nearly 60 projects a month, without compromising the core values that define their success. We explore the importance of retaining your culture during periods of rapid growth and how it impacts employee satisfaction and customer experience. Chris p...
Apr 10, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1185
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Oldford, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of Million in the Red, to discuss the crucial leadership shifts required for scaling a business. Scott shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles and how he developed the strategies that help entrepreneurs grow sustainably. We dive deep into the leadership shifts that separate struggling businesses from those that thrive, focusing on mindset, decision-making, and team alignment. Scott provides actionable i...
Apr 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1184
In this episode, I sit down with Ethan King, co-founder and CEO of Zeus' Closet, to explore five innovative ways you can leverage AI to Improve Your Leadership. Ethan shares his journey from a starving artist to a celebrated CEO, embodying the spirit of small business innovation and resilience. citeturn0search1 We discuss how integrating AI to Improve Your Leadership can enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and foster a more dynamic team environment. Ethan provides practical insigh...
Apr 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1183
