Scaling With People

Send us a text Have you ever felt like your business has become a prison of your own making? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation with Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules, we dive deep into the stark difference between building a business that drains your soul versus one that fills it with purpose and joy. Leslie shares her journey as an "accidental entrepreneur" who transformed from dreading Monday mornings to being energized by them. Her powerful insight that "there's no profit fairy" challenges the common misconception that profits magically appear once you've worked hard enough or grown big enough. Instead, she reveals the critical dance between growth and scalability that most business owners misunderstand. The most enlightening part of our discussion explores how growth actually devours cash while making essential foundational investments that don't immediately show returns. Like renovating an older home, you're putting money into improvements behind the walls that pay dividends over time. Meanwhile, scalability is where you truly "rake it in" – giving one and getting ten back. Understanding this partnership completely transforms how you approach building your business. We also tackle the identity crisis that comes with evolving as a business owner. The transition from doing the work yourself to leading others through it challenges your self-worth and requires letting go of the adrenaline rush that comes from checking items off your list. As Leslie notes, this transformation happens repeatedly throughout your entrepreneurial journey – with your first employee, when you're no longer servicing clients directly, and eventually if you sell or transition your business. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to escape the prison of a business that's consuming rather than serving you, this conversation provides the perspective shift you need to build a business aligned with your vision and values. Take that first baby step today, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish over time.

Send us a text Click the customized link to get a free sample of Brad's book, purchase options, and schedule time on his calendar: https://bradenglert.com/scalingpeople/ Ever wondered why some professionals seem to effortlessly build powerful networks while others struggle to make meaningful connections? In this thought-provoking conversation, Brad Englert, former Accenture partner and CIO at the University of Texas at Austin, reveals his three-principle framework for expanding your sphere of influence. Drawing from over three decades of leadership experience, Brad explains why understanding goals and aspirations forms the foundation of meaningful professional relationships. He shares candid stories about sitting down with direct reports to map their five-year career trajectories and how this seemingly simple conversation transformed his ability to develop talent. The discussion extends beyond theory as Brad reveals how this principle helped him identify potential CIOs within his own team and prepare them for future leadership roles. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Brad dives into his second principle - setting and managing expectations. Through vivid anecdotes about navigating demanding bosses and protecting personal boundaries (including an illuminating story about protecting a family vacation to Australia despite project pressures), listeners gain practical tools for maintaining healthy professional relationships without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Brad's third principle - genuinely caring about others' success - might sound obvious, but his implementation strategies, including building a network of 90 relationships across the university, demonstrate how systematic relationship cultivation transforms organizational outcomes. Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or expanding your professional reach, this episode offers concrete strategies for creating lasting influence. As Brad memorably puts it, "the people you're working with today might be your customer 25 years from now" - a powerful reminder that intentional relationship building isn't just good manners; it's career-defining strategy. Listen now to discover how these principles can transform your approach to professional connections and unlock new possibilities for collaboration and growth.

Send us a text Corporate governance. Those two words alone can make even the most confident entrepreneur break out in a cold sweat. But what if I told you it doesn't have to be complicated, boring, or something only Fortune 500 companies need to worry about? My conversation with corporate governance consultant Anoushka from Marcelino Marie Solutions completely transformed my understanding of this critical business function. Far from being a bureaucratic burden, governance is simply about having documented systems for decision-making. "Think about corporate governance. Just reduce it down to what is the system that you have in place to make decisions," Anoushka explains, cutting through the intimidation factor immediately. The reality is that every business faces risks - whether it's half your team getting sick (hello, pandemic lessons), your payroll manager suddenly quitting, or having too many key employees traveling on the same plane. Having simple, clear processes documented before emergencies strike can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a business-ending catastrophe. And the documentation doesn't need to be complex - in fact, simpler is better when it comes to creating systems people will actually use. Anoushka recommends starting with whatever keeps you up at night. Is it financial reporting? Employee turnover? Safety concerns? Begin there, document your process clearly, and build from there. The key is taking baby steps rather than trying to create comprehensive governance structures overnight. Even better, leverage your team's expertise and use tools like AI to help maintain and retrieve your documentation when needed. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this episode offers practical guidance for creating the governance foundation your business needs to weather unexpected challenges and scale successfully. Listen now, and turn what seems intimidating into your competitive advantage.

Send us a text Entrepreneur Hans Kullberg takes us on a deeply personal journey that intertwines professional pivots with profound personal tragedy. As a father of five and serial entrepreneur, Hans reveals how his path through finance, FinTech, and education ultimately led him to tackle critical gaps in pediatric healthcare. The conversation explores Hans' experience developing products for developmental pediatrics, where he discovered a troubling statistic: while 20% of children have developmental delays, only 3% receive diagnoses before age three. This three-year gap represents not just $1.5 million in additional lifetime care costs, but dramatically different outcomes for the children themselves. Hans shares the valuable lessons learned through multiple product pivots - from targeting pediatricians to recognizing employers as the true stakeholders bearing both healthcare costs and workplace productivity impacts. His insights on identifying your true "ideal customer profile" offer practical wisdom for any entrepreneur navigating market fit challenges. The most powerful segment comes when Hans reveals how personal tragedy shaped his current mission. After losing his daughter Aviva to unexplained medical complications despite consulting numerous specialists, Hans made a heartbreaking promise: "Daddy doesn't know what happened, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure no other parent has to feel this way." This promise became Avocado Health - a platform delivering trusted, evidence-based parenting information via text message when parents need it most, rather than leaving them to rely on "Dr. Google" at 2 AM. Hans articulates his vision to become "the most trusted parenting platform on the planet" by bridging the gap between accessible but unreliable information and trustworthy but inaccessible medical expertise. For entrepreneurs facing setbacks or searching for their purpose, Hans offers this powerful reminder: "One characteristic for a very successful founder is being relentlessly resilient... getting back up, but doing it in a much smarter way, making sure you're learning from every single past failure."

Send us a text Tired of pouring money into digital ads with questionable returns? Imagine commanding a room of your ideal clients for 30-45 minutes, positioning yourself as the trusted expert they need. That's the power of strategic speaking for brand building, and it's a game-changer for founders and business leaders. In this illuminating conversation with Blair Bryant Nichols, owner of BBN Creative Management, we unlock the secrets to leveraging speaking opportunities as your most potent marketing tool. Blair reveals why the traditional conference booth approach pales in comparison to securing a speaking slot, where you gain undivided audience attention and accelerate the know-like-trust curve that converts prospects into clients. One of the most surprising insights? Stop speaking at industry events dominated by your peers and competitors. Instead, identify where your ideal clients gather and position yourself as the singular expert voice in that room. "If you're in HR tech, don't just go to HR tech conferences—go to finance events and be the one HR tech speaker," Blair advises, sharing how this strategic positioning dramatically increases your stand-out factor and conversion potential. For those hesitant to step onto stage, Blair offers practical wisdom for overcoming stage fright and building your speaking platform, even without prior experience. Learn how authentic storytelling creates emotional connections that drive business relationships, and discover specific techniques to make your message memorable long after your presentation ends. From crafting compelling narratives to understanding audience psychology, this episode provides a roadmap for transforming speaking engagements into a powerful brand-building engine. Ready to amplify your voice and authority? Connect with Blair on Instagram or LinkedIn at Blair Bryant Nichols for a free 30-minute strategy call about your speaking journey. Speaking begets more speaking—start your journey now and watch your brand and business grow.

Send us a text Dive into an insightful discussion on how to navigate the complexities of marketing from the perspective of Katie Smith of Wild Path Consulting. In this episode, we unpack the essential elements of building a long-term marketing strategy that emphasizes relationship-building over quick sales. Discover the importance of setting clear business goals, understanding customer needs, and transitioning through the various phases of customer engagement to build lasting trust. Katie draws on her extensive experience as a fractional chief marketing officer to share actionable insights that every founder and CEO can implement. We explore the significance of authenticity in brand identity and how understanding your customer journey is crucial for effective marketing.  Are you tired of the pressure to be everywhere at once? Join us as we emphasize the importance of staying focused on one marketing strategy at a time for sustainable growth. Tune in for practical advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a new perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s ever-evolving market. Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to help us improve!

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to scaling your business with an insightful conversation featuring B2B SaaS expert Vanessa Sierra. Vanessa guides us through the complexities of integrating AI into marketing strategies, underscoring both its challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Learn how the concept of "going slow to go fast" can transform your approach, allowing you to refine your messaging and strategy with precision. Vanessa's expert insights reveal how AI can be a powerful ally in amplifying your strategic vision without diminishing the irreplaceable value of human insight.  Explore the fine art of leadership balance, where empowering your team with creative freedom can lead to remarkable business success. Vanessa and I discuss the necessity of fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and upskilling, particularly with AI tools, to enhance both individual and company growth. As we navigate the evolving business landscape, the episode emphasizes the importance of seasoned leadership and strategic cohesion. By understanding the potential pitfalls of over-relying on AI, we highlight the need for a robust strategic framework to maintain brand cohesion and alignment with company goals. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode packed with actionable insights to propel your business forward.

Send us a text Unlock the secret to brand growth through podcasting as we welcome Liz Brooks, an insightful PR specialist from Interview Valet. Discover how podcasting can revolutionize your public relations strategy by providing an accessible, informal platform that builds genuine connections with audiences. Liz and I explore the power of storytelling and the necessity of clear goals when appearing as a podcast guest, making it possible to reach new and diverse audiences in a meaningful way. We dive into the benefits of targeting smaller, more engaged audiences over large, indifferent ones, using a fascinating analogy from the music industry to illustrate this point. As we navigate the evolving landscape of podcasting, we discuss the innovative blend of human research and data analysis to select the ideal podcasts for clients and the exciting initiatives to develop a comprehensive impact score for shows. Liz shares her expert insights on maintaining personal relationships with podcast hosts and the creative strategies required to tackle niche topics. We emphasize the importance of adaptability in campaigns, especially in today's post-COVID world, underscoring how podcasting can be a valuable asset for business growth. Join us for this engaging conversation that promises to enrich your understanding of leveraging podcasting in the dynamic realm of brand development.

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to extraordinary customer experiences with our special guest, Blake Grewal, founder of Bold Growth. We explore the often-overlooked potential of data and technology in transforming how businesses interact with their clients. Through the lens of scorecards and critical metrics like net promoter scores, Blake shares how businesses can streamline their focus and unearth opportunities for growth. Discover how mapping every interaction across the customer journey not only identifies areas for improvement but also integrates technology seamlessly to enhance services, whether you’re in the service or product sector. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, prioritizing customer experience is a game-changer for startups and small businesses alike. With Blake's insights, we navigate the delicate balance between leveraging AI for productivity and maintaining the human touch that's so vital to customer satisfaction. Avoid the chaos of tech bloat by fully utilizing existing tools before jumping onto the next shiny new thing. By automating low-priority tasks, your business can transition from a reactive to a proactive stance, leading to happier employees and more satisfied customers. We'll also dive into the common pitfalls small businesses face with technology adoption and how simplicity can lead to success. Blake shares his entrepreneurial journey and the significance of staying grounded in tangible goals while being agile in response to customer feedback. Experience firsthand the power of innovative tools like Typeform and Unsurvey in making feedback collection more interactive and insightful. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies designed to elevate your business's customer experience through the effective use of data and technology. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to redefine how you view customer interactions.

Discover the transformative power of storytelling with communication expert Jason Anthoine in our latest episode of Scaling with People. With over 35 years of experience, Jason joins me, Gwyneth McCreary, to uncover strategies that bring founders and leaders closer to their teams. Ever wondered why storytelling is pivotal in aligning your employees with the company's mission and vision? Dive into the world of organizational storytelling and learn why even repetitive stories can be fresh and inspiring for new hires. Gain insights into the art of communicating across diverse backgrounds and experience levels, ensuring your message resonates effectively. We also unravel the intricacies of authenticity in leadership communication, highlighting the importance of genuine interaction over polished perfection. Jason and I tackle common challenges, such as misinterpretations and unexpected reactions, and share tips on leveraging key influencers within your organization to enhance message clarity. Whether you're visiting different locations or addressing sensitive topics, understanding local concerns is crucial. Finally, explore a framework focused on informing, involving, and inspiring, designed to elevate employee experience and culture. Join us for a treasure trove of actionable insights that promise to enhance your communication strategy and foster meaningful connections with your team.

Unlock the secrets of transforming dreaded performance reviews into powerful motivators with our special guest, Carla Fowler. Explore how leaders can set crystal-clear objectives and embrace the concept of "brutal focus" to prevent burnout and enhance impact. By clearly defining priorities and translating visions into actionable language, leaders not only steer their teams more effectively but also show employees how their efforts are vital to the organization's success. We delve into the strategies for preparing performance evaluations in advance, ensuring that reflection and thoughtful planning drive the process, turning this routine task into an opportunity for growth and motivation. Ever wondered how to thrive in the unstructured learning environment of a startup? We tackle this challenge by exploring the importance of a personal learning process, contrasting it with traditional learning methods. Learn from Carla as she shares key strategies for identifying valuable resources and setting structured learning goals, all while maintaining a "feed forward" approach to management, fostering a growth-oriented dialogue. Discover how consistent action and flexible strategy adjustments can lead to high performance, allowing you to reach both personal and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance productivity or redefine your approach to learning, this episode is packed with actionable insights to guide your journey.

Unlock the keys to propelling your business forward with strategic financial insight in our latest episode of Scaling with People. Featuring Kevin Appleby, a visionary in finance team development, we explore the critical juncture when founders should bring finance experts on board. Discover why delegating transactional finance tasks early can free you to concentrate on transformative activities like investor relations and product innovation. Kevin sheds light on the indispensable role of strategic finance expertise during pivotal fundraising phases, from crafting dependable financial forecasts to leveraging industry contacts for securing funding. This episode is your guide to understanding how integrating finance professionals into your startup can provide a compelling strategic edge. In our deep dive into professional growth, we spotlight Grow CFO’s Future CFO program, a unique 12-month experience designed to catapult finance professionals into top-tier leadership roles. Through practical, interactive workshops held over Zoom, this program equips aspiring CFOs with crucial skills, while we stress the importance of nurturing existing talent alongside new hires in rapidly scaling companies. From our conversation, learn how hands-on experiential courses can transform finance roles at every level, from controllers to seasoned CFOs. As a founder, I share a crucial lesson on embracing flexibility and strategy pivots to drive business success. Tune in to tap into insights that could redefine your approach to financial management and career advancement.

Unlock the power of emotional intelligence in business success with insights from our special guest, Jennifer Gardner, an esteemed attorney and influence expert. Ever wondered how understanding emotional dynamics can transform your leadership skills and decision-making? Jennifer shares her journey and expertise, highlighting the pivotal role of storytelling and emotional intelligence in effectively leading and influencing others. Discover how empathy and self-awareness can help craft messages that resonate with people's fears and aspirations, and hear about a groundbreaking legal case where these skills made all the difference in advocating for a client. Conquer your fear of public speaking and the anxiety of being judged by embracing and understanding these challenges. We explore practical techniques like grounding, breathing, and the strategic use of pauses to enhance communication clarity and presence. Jennifer provides invaluable advice on engaging your audience and avoiding jargon to ensure your message is not only heard but felt. By finding and focusing on your purpose, you'll learn how to connect more deeply with any audience, becoming a relatable and effective communicator. These insights promise to transform the way you approach speaking and influence others, leaving a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.

Unlock the secrets of effective decision-making with insights from Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment, as he joins me, Gwinniver Curry, to share his expertise on transforming business growth strategies. Discover how to break the cycle of micromanagement that often stems from necessity, not choice. Drawing on the wisdom from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow," we explore the subconscious nature of decisions and the critical need for organizations to invest in decision-making skills beyond mere execution. This is your chance to learn how to elevate your team's performance and drive your organization to new heights. Our conversation also sheds light on the power of empowerment and how it can counteract the pitfalls of micromanagement, such as employees' constant need for approval and lack of ownership. By establishing a common foundation and recognizing diverse perspectives, we present practical strategies and compelling anecdotes on fostering a culture that encourages proactive decision-making. Through patience and persistence, you can nurture empowered teams that contribute significantly to business growth. Don't miss this engaging discussion that promises to equip leaders with the tools to enhance decision-making and empower their organizations.

 Unlock the secrets of masterful storytelling in business with our guest, Mickie Kennedy, the visionary founder of eReleases. Discover how Mickie transformed his approach to press releases by embracing compelling narratives that not only captured media attention but also fueled business growth. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs, especially those in tech, as Mickie shares invaluable lessons on crafting strong, humanizing elevator pitches that captivate both media and potential employees. Get ready for insights into overcoming storytelling challenges and leveraging personal stories for impactful communication. But that's not all—explore the strategic power of PR for startups and learn why timing is everything. Find out how to build trust and credibility before jumping into paid advertising, and why choosing the right industry-specific PR firm can make all the difference. Mickey also uncovers the art of DIY PR efforts, including using AI to draft press releases that stand out. Plus, get inspired by a creative case study of a local auto repair shop that harnessed the power of surveys for media buzz and SEO success. Packed with strategies and success stories, this episode is your guide to using storytelling and PR as engines for sustainable business growth. 

Unlock the secrets to achieving balance in the frenetic world of entrepreneurship with insights from our esteemed guest, Allie Stark. Allie, a veteran in health and wellness, shares her expertise on regenerative leadership and its critical role in fostering sustainable work environments amidst the chaos of modern productivity demands. Discover how reverse engineering goals into tangible steps can stave off burnout and lead to enduring success. As we navigate the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who often juggle too much, we delve into the importance of human connection and well-being as foundational elements of a thriving business culture. Witness the transformative power of adversity as we share two compelling stories of professional reinvention. Hear about a client who turned personal health challenges, including a battle with breast cancer, into a purpose-driven venture by creating an innovative exercise product. Reflecting on my own journey from a corporate ejection to business ownership, we explore the dynamics of career transitions and the significance of aligning roles with personal strengths. We also discuss the distinctions between startup environments and larger corporations, emphasizing the need for honest conversations about fit and alignment. This episode is a testament to the idea that embracing change can lead to growth and new beginnings for both individuals and businesses.

Eric Holtzclaw, a seasoned technologist turned entrepreneur, joins us to reveal the stark realities behind the allure of startup successes. As we explore his career journey from IBM to founding Liger, a marketing powerhouse born from a merger, Eric shares candid insights into the grit behind the glam. He warns against the romanticized perception of entrepreneurship and stresses the importance of learning from experienced business builders to navigate the inevitable hurdles and personal sacrifices involved. Eric's own experiences serve as a testament to the value of understanding both triumphs and failures on the entrepreneurial path. Ever wondered what it takes to stand out in the crowded startup space? Eric illuminates the vital marketing trends that can set a business apart, particularly focusing on the BATCOM concept where conversion reigns supreme. We dissect the essentials of maintaining brand consistency, which is often overlooked in favor of constant rebranding—an approach that can hinder long-term success. Our conversation draws lessons from major brands that excel at consistency, offering a guide for smaller businesses to follow, while also spotlighting the delicate balance between experimentation and maintaining a steady brand identity. In a world where B2B marketing can often feel stale, Eric's innovative strategies offer a breath of fresh air. He draws attention to the challenges marketing departments face, including limited resources, and emphasizes the need for creative campaigns that cut through the noise. By blending humor with practical advice, Eric showcases how engaging marketing efforts can captivate even the most distracted audiences. We also touch on the core ingredients for entrepreneurial success—consistency and awareness—while highlighting the pivotal role of conscious leadership in fostering healthy and productive work environments.

Unlock the secrets to scaling your business successfully with insights from Jody Grunden, a trailblazer in the accounting industry. Discover how he pioneered the Virtual CFO Services concept and transformed his traditional accounting firm into a remote powerhouse, eventually leading to its acquisition by a larger firm. Listen as Jody candidly shares the lessons he learned about setting the right pricing strategies that align with value, which not only fueled considerable growth but also attracted top-tier talent.  Jody takes us on a fascinating journey through the challenges and successes of transitioning to a fully remote operation. From initial skepticism among employees to gaining industry recognition, his story underscores the power of adaptability and resilience. We explore how embracing remote work opened doors to new growth opportunities, and how scalable processes and delegation played crucial roles in this transformation. Jody also highlights the importance of mentorship by involving junior team members in client interactions, empowering them to develop leadership skills and build strong client relationships. Finally, tap into the entrepreneurial mindset with guidance on profit-focused accounting metrics and the art of trusting your instincts. Learn about the key financial metrics that drive informed decision-making and ensure business stability. Jody shares a thought-provoking story about a missed opportunity, reminding us all of the importance of taking decisive action and trusting our gut in business ventures. Let this conversation inspire you to seize opportunities, embrace change, and confidently scale your business to new heights.

What if the secret to uplifting communities lay in a simple game of golf? Join us in a captivating conversation with Chandler Russ, the trailblazing founder of the Sunflower Golf Foundation. Chandler's journey from a career at UPS to launching a nonprofit inspired by his grandmother's legacy is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how he has turned the sport of golf into a powerful catalyst for community positivity and nonprofit support, raising over $80,000 and engaging 90 golfers per tournament in just one year. Chandler shares candid insights into the entrepreneurial spirit within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the liberating mindset of accepting 80% as "good enough." Our discussion takes a deeper look into the heart of building strong relationships in business. We explore frameworks like Corner 4 relationships, which advocate for brutal honesty and mutual care to foster a collaborative environment in startup teams. Whether working with family or trusted friends, Chandler and I underscore the significance of shared values and a clear mission to guide the team like a sailboat. As we wrap up, we reflect on the profound impact of kindness in everyday interactions, offering listeners an uplifting message to carry forward. Chandler's story is a compelling reminder of the positive influence we can have through kindness and collaboration.

What happens when we focus too much on self-expression and not enough on truly listening? Join me and Grace Gavin, co-founder of KnowHonesty, as we dissect this modern communication pitfall and navigate the nuances of building genuine business relationships. Drawing from Grace's compelling encounter with a tech vendor, we examine the crucial difference between knowing what we want versus what we need, and how honest dialogue can pave the way for shared success. If you've ever wondered how to strike the delicate balance between honesty and openness while fostering effective team dynamics, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. We dive into the art of setting clear communication expectations through the concept of "the agreement," ensuring everyone is on the same page from the get-go. This isn't just about avoiding misunderstandings—it's about crafting a strong foundation for long-term collaboration. Explore practical tools to sharpen your communication skills, including the transformative power of "tell me more" and shedding the "fake you" facade. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of pausing to genuinely engage with others, promising to reshape how you interact in both personal and professional spheres.