Growth Think Tank - podcast cover

Growth Think Tank

Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Grgenehammett.com
Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company. Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.
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Episodes

Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott at Alliant Consulting

In this episode, we explore Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott, President of Alliant Consulting. Under Christa's leadership, Alliant Consulting has achieved significant growth, earning the No. 4,509 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how establishing a Scalable Foundation for Growth has been pivotal in their success, enabling the company to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Christa shares insights into the strategies and practices that have allowed All...

Mar 31, 202519 minEp. 1182

Scaling Culture to Drive Growth with Brett Turner at Kalon Creative

In this episode, we delve into the significance of Scaling Culture with Brett Turner, Co-founder and CEO of Kalon Creative. Under Brett's leadership, Kalon Creative has earned the No. 4,421 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, reflecting their remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. We explore how Scaling Culture has been instrumental in their success, enabling them to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Brett shares insights on the strategies and practices that have allowed Kalon Crea...

Mar 27, 202524 minEp. 1181

Redefining Startup Growth with Kyle York at York IE

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle York, co-founder and CEO of York IE, to discuss Redefining Startup Growth in today's dynamic business landscape. Under Kyle's leadership, York IE has achieved remarkable success, securing the No. 1,031 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list with a three-year revenue growth of 493%. We explore how Redefining Startup Growth involves innovative strategies and a hands-on, tech-enabled approach to advising and investing. Kyle shares actionable insights on how startups c...

Mar 24, 202522 minEp. 1180

Scaling Leadership with Anders Jones at Facet

In this episode, I sit down with Anders Jones, co-founder and CEO of Facet, to delve into the intricacies of scaling leadership in today's dynamic business environment. Under Anders' guidance, Facet has achieved remarkable growth, securing the No. 961 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We explore how scaling leadership principles have been pivotal in Facet's success, emphasizing the development of leaders at every organizational level. Anders shares actionable insights on fostering a culture that ...

Mar 20, 202526 minEp. 1179

Scaling through Culture with John Williams at JCW Creative

In this episode, I sit down with John Williams, CEO of JCW Creative, to explore the concept of scaling through culture and its impact on business growth. Under John's leadership, JCW Creative has experienced remarkable success, earning a spot at No. 3,258 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how scaling through culture helps businesses build strong, aligned teams that drive performance and innovation. John shares key insights and actionable strategies that leaders can implement to foster a cul...

Mar 17, 202528 minEp. 1178

Scaling with the Right People with John McKenna at Peachtree VA

In this episode, I sit down with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, to discuss the importance of Scaling with the Right People and how it impacts business growth. As the leader of Peachtree VA, John has helped countless businesses scale efficiently by building strong, dedicated teams. We dive into the strategies for hiring, developing, and retaining top talent to ensure long-term success. John shares insights on how Scaling with the Right People leads to increased productivity, better company cu...

Mar 13, 202524 minEp. 1177

Being an Adaptable Leader and Having an Adaptable Culture with Jake Brenner at ShipLab

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Brenner, CEO of ShipLab, which ranked No. 1,775 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, to explore the significance of being an Adaptable Leader in today's fast-paced business environment. Jake shares insights into how embracing adaptability has been crucial to his leadership style and ShipLab's success. We discuss strategies for cultivating an Adaptable Leader mindset and fostering a company culture that thrives amidst change. Jake provides practical tips on how leader...

Mar 10, 202522 minEp. 1176

Leverage Your Whole Self for Creative Leadership with Lawrence Armstrong at Ware Malcomb

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Armstrong, Chairman at Ware Malcomb, to explore the power of Creative Leadership and how leaders can bring their whole selves to the table. Larry shares insights from his extensive experience in architecture and design, emphasizing how authenticity and innovation drive business success. We discuss the importance of fostering a culture of Creative Leadership, where teams feel empowered to think outside the box and push boundaries. Larry also breaks down prac...

Mar 06, 202529 minEp. 1175

Your Inner Critic Is an Asshole with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach

In this episode, I explore the pervasive concept of the inner critic—the negative voice that often cultivates self-doubt and fear, obstructing our growth. I share my own experiences with this "asshole," recognizing its tendency to exploit our vulnerabilities while emphasizing that it shouldn't dictate our actions. The discussion highlights the significance of identifying this inner dialogue, especially during pivotal moments in our lives and careers. Through anecdotes from my work with ambitious...

Mar 03, 20254 minEp. 1174

Having a Culture Created with Education for Growth with Ryan Hutchins at Peak Business Valuation

In this episode, I talk with Ryan Hutchins, founder and president of Peak Business Valuation, about the intersection of leadership, education, and business growth. Ryan discusses the overlooked risks small business owners face and the crucial role of leadership in navigating these challenges. He shares insights on business valuation, the company’s impressive growth, and the importance of hiring for a growth mindset. Our conversation also touches on the dynamics of running a business with a spous...

Feb 27, 202521 minEp. 1173

More Effective Leadership Means Practicing Leadership Skills with Gene Hammett

Great leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about practicing leadership skills consistently to inspire and guide your team. In this episode, I’ll dive into why the best leaders don’t just rely on experience but actively work on practicing leadership skills to improve their impact. I’ll share insights from my work with top CEOs and executives on how daily habits and intentional development can shape stronger, more effective leadership. Leadership is a skill that requires dedication, n...

Feb 24, 20255 minEp. 1172

Shift Your Mindset for Leadership with Gene Hammett

Your mindset shapes how you lead, make decisions, and inspire those around you. In this episode, I explore why shifting your Mindset for Leadership is crucial to driving success and growth in your organization. I’ll share insights from my years of coaching high-level executives on how adopting the right Mindset for Leadership can help you overcome challenges, build stronger teams, and unlock new levels of performance. It’s not just about strategies—it’s about thinking differently to lead effecti...

Feb 20, 20257 minEp. 1171

CEO Leadership Habits with Gene Hammett

In this episode, I explore the key habits that CEOs should adopt to improve their effectiveness and leadership within fast-growing companies. I underscore the significance of daily practices like praising employees specifically to enhance morale and foster a culture of recognition. Weekly, I recommend reviewing calendars to optimize time management and reduce unproductive meetings. For monthly routines, I stress the value of one-on-one meetings that serve both as check-ins and coaching sessions,...

Feb 17, 20256 minEp. 1170

How Leaders Have Effective Tough Conversations - The Encouragement Meeting with Gene Hammett

In this episode, I explore the critical skill of effective communication for leaders, particularly in managing tough conversations that can significantly shape a company's direction. Drawing from my experience as an executive coach, I discuss observed challenges faced by CEOs in guiding their teams through uncertainties and aligning efforts around new opportunities. I introduce the concept of the "encouragement meeting" from my book, which emphasizes the importance of follow-up communication to ...

Feb 13, 20254 minEp. 1169

How Leaders Prioritize Your Life with Rob Shallenberger at Becoming Your Best Global Leadership

In this episode, Rob Shallenberger, author of "Do What Matters Most," shares his insights on prioritizing our lives for greater personal and professional fulfillment. Drawing from his experience as an Air Force F-16 pilot and a leadership trainer, Rob emphasizes the importance of effective time management, revealing that 68% of people struggle with prioritization. He introduces the transformative habit of pre-week planning—an approach that encourages individuals to proactively design their sched...

Feb 10, 202530 minEp. 1168

Too Much of A Good Thing Gets In the Way of Your Leadership with Gene Hammett at Core Elevation

In this episode, I discuss the complexities of leadership and the drawbacks of excessive niceness. Drawing from my experience as an executive coach, I illustrate how being overly compassionate can hinder accountability and effectiveness, using a client's transition to private equity as a case study. I emphasize the importance of self-awareness and encourage feedback tools, like 360-degree reviews, to identify blind spots. Ultimately, I highlight the necessity for leaders to evolve by balancing f...

Feb 06, 20257 minEp. 1167

Scaling by Innovation with Justin Superstar at BMP Creative

In this episode, we explore the innovative strategies employed by Justin Johnson, the founder of BMP Creative, a thriving social media agency that has seen significant growth in recent years. Justin shares insights into his journey of scaling the company from a small team to nearly 30 employees while emphasizing the importance of innovation as a driving force behind their success. At the heart of BMP Creative's growth lies a unique internal tool called the Busy-O-Meter, designed to foster transp...

Feb 03, 202527 minEp. 1166

Using OKRs to Align Your Team with Ben Lamorte with OKRs.com

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Lamorte, a leader at OKRs.com, to explore the power of Using OKRs to bring alignment and focus to your team. OKRs.com specializes in helping organizations achieve clarity and measurable success through well-defined Objectives and Key Results. Ben shares actionable strategies for Using OKRs to foster accountability, drive performance, and keep teams aligned with company goals. We also discuss the challenges leaders face when implementing OKRs and how to overco...

Jan 30, 202524 minEp. 1165

Leadership Self-Awareness with Gene Hammett at Core Elevation, Inc.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of self-awareness for leaders and liken it to a car's dashboard for assessing leadership health. I offer practical tools for enhancing self-awareness, such as personal reflection and soliciting candid feedback from teams. Emphasizing the value of 360-degree feedback with external facilitation, I highlight how it uncovers blind spots and strengths, fostering authentic team engagement. Ultimately, I encourage leaders to embrace self-awareness as a transfor...

Jan 27, 20256 minEp. 1164

Leadership Principles From a CMO, Trish Nettleship at NCR Voyix

In this episode, I sit down with Trish Nettleship, Chief Marketing Officer at NCR Voyix, to discuss key Leadership Principles that drive success in both marketing and organizational growth. NCR Voyix, recognized for its innovation and impact, exemplifies how great leadership fosters excellence across teams. Trish shares actionable insights on Leadership Principles that prioritize communication, collaboration, and customer focus. We explore how these principles can help leaders inspire their team...

Jan 23, 202524 minEp. 1163

Building a Culture by Design with Robert Levin at Work Better Now

In this episode, I chat with Robert Levin, co-founder of Work Better Now, about the importance of Culture by Design in building strong, effective teams. Work Better Now, recently ranked no. 114 on the INC 5000 list, is a leader in providing talented virtual assistants to support business growth. We explore how intentionally creating a Culture by Design fosters engagement, accountability, and alignment across teams. Rob shares strategies leaders can use to shape their culture proactively rather t...

Jan 16, 202524 minEp. 1162

How Leaders Get into Flow State to Be Hyper Focused with Dr. Jason Jones

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jason Jones about flow state—defined as a peak cognitive condition of deep focus and clarity. We address the challenges leaders face in today’s distraction-filled environment and explore the four key phases of entering flow: struggle, release, flow, and recovery. Dr. Jones shares practical strategies to overcome flow blockers and identify triggers that promote this productive state. He also introduces his coaching program, the Flow Advantage, aimed at helping lea...

Jan 13, 202529 minEp. 1161

Leadership Lessons from Scaling SaaS Business Mohit Bhakuni at Contify

In this episode, I speak with Mohit Bhakuni, CEO of Contify, about invaluable leadership lessons gained from Scaling SaaS Business ventures. Contify, a leader in market and competitive intelligence, has achieved notable success, earning a position #495 in the SaaS 1000 rankings. We discuss the unique challenges of Scaling SaaS Business models, including streamlining operations, building scalable teams, and maintaining a customer-centric approach. Mohit shares actionable insights for leaders look...

Jan 09, 202524 minEp. 1160

Creating a Culture of Trust with Atul Singh at The Shelf

In this episode, I talk with Atul Singh, CEO of The Shelf, about the transformative power of building a culture of trust within an organization. Ranked No. 1461 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, The Shelf has become a leader in influencer marketing by fostering a team environment rooted in trust and collaboration. We discuss the essential elements of a culture of trust, including open communication, transparency, and accountability, and how they contribute to long-term success. Atul shares actionable s...

Jan 06, 202521 minEp. 1159

Building Growth by Bringing in the Right People with Nelson Tepfer at ProCFO Partners

In this episode, I sit down with Nelson Tepfer, Managing Partner at Pro CFO Partners, to explore how bringing in the right people is essential for building sustainable growth. Ranked No. 613 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, ProCFO Partners has thrived under Nelson’s leadership by assembling exceptional talent to drive business success. We discuss the importance of identifying, attracting, and retaining top performers who align with your company’s vision and values. Nelson shares actionable strategies ...

Jan 02, 202525 minEp. 1158

Empowerment Culture Drives Performance with John Baird at Vouched

In this episode, I sit down with John Baird from Vouched to discuss how an Empowerment Culture can unlock peak performance and drive business growth. As Chief Executive Officer, John has played a critical role in shaping Vouched, ranked No. 141 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list for its impressive growth trajectory. We dive deep into the strategies leaders can implement to foster an Empowerment Culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and trust among team members. John shares actionable insigh...

Dec 30, 202423 minEp. 1157

Connecting Purpose and Passion with Brett Arndt at Experience Fresh

In this episode, I sit down with Brett Arndt, Founder & CEO of Experience Fresh, to explore the power of Connecting Purpose and passion to drive success in business and life. Experience Fresh, ranked No. 403 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, has exemplified the impact of aligning purpose with company culture and strategy. Brett shares actionable insights on how Connecting Purpose can inspire teams, build resilience, and fuel long-term growth. We discuss strategies for creating meaningful connection...

Dec 26, 202423 minEp. 1156

The Power of Focus and Customer Alignment with Steve Holm at Copper

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Holm, CEO of Copper, to uncover The Power of Focus and how it drives customer alignment and business success. As the company ranks No. 556 on the 2024 SAAS 1000 list, Steve shares insights from his leadership at Copper, focusing on aligning team efforts with customer needs. We explore how The Power of Focus enables businesses to streamline operations, prioritize effectively, and create lasting relationships with customers. Steve provides actionable tips to ...

Dec 23, 202426 minEp. 1155

Culture Matters and It's Everyone's Responsibility with Jamie Hubbard at Boart Long Year

In this episode, Jamie Hubbard from Boart Long Year dives into why culture matters and how it impacts every level of an organization. Together, we explore the shared responsibility of building a strong workplace culture and how aligning values with actions leads to long-term success. Jamie highlights that when leadership and employees embrace that culture matters, the results are innovation, collaboration, and trust. We also discuss practical steps for fostering a culture that thrives even in th...

Dec 19, 202426 minEp. 1154

Employee Contribution over Titles with David Snider at Harness Wealth

In this episode, I chat with David Snider, CEO of Harness Wealth, about the importance of valuing Employee Contribution over traditional job titles in building dynamic, growth-oriented teams. Ranked No. 192 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, Harness Wealth has excelled by creating a culture where contributions are prioritized, fostering innovation and agility. David shares actionable insights on how to shift the focus from hierarchy to impact, enabling teams to reach their full potential. We explore how...

Dec 15, 202423 minEp. 1153
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