Episódios
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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. -
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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. -
Unlock the secrets to thriving as a startup founder with the wisdom of Claudia Scott from Startup Junkie. Discover how to break free from the myth of the multitasking founder and harness the power of community, mentorship, and strategic events to propel your business forward. Claudia shares invaluable insights into the vibrant ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas, emphasizing the vital role of networking opportunities like lunch-and-learn sessions and the exciting Startup Crawl. It's not just about survival; it's about flourishing in an environment that celebrates innovation and collaboration.
Explore the delicate balance between confidence and humility as a founder, and learn why delegation is key to sustainable growth. We dive into the mental and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, from relinquishing control to maintaining a healthy life-work balance to avoid burnout. As we navigate the future landscape of startups, Claudia sheds light on the economic trends and emerging technologies that could shape your entrepreneurial journey. With a focus on maximizing available resources, this episode inspires you to actively engage with supportive organizations and fortify your path to success. -
Can active listening transform your leadership style? Discover the power of lifelong learning and the essence of effective leadership in today's episode of Scaling with People. Join us as Susanne Mueller, author of "50 Shades of Lipstick Leadership," reveals her insights on the pivotal role of leadership coaching and the inspiring stories of 50 women from diverse backgrounds. Susanne shares how surrounding yourself with supportive people and embracing self-care, drawn from her marathon and Ironman experiences, can be game-changers in achieving personal and business growth. We also discuss the resilience of female entrepreneurs during the pandemic and the key takeaways from their journeys.
Looking to enhance your entrepreneurial productivity? In the second half of our conversation, we dive into practical strategies for setting boundaries and boosting efficiency. Discover the mental clarity that mundane tasks can provide and the benefits of outsourcing to reduce stress and scale your business. We'll share actionable tips like designating a no-computer day and leveraging technology to manage off-hours communication. Plus, learn how simple pleasures like laughter, chocolate, and coffee can maintain a positive mindset while you patiently build something beautiful. Don't miss these valuable insights from Susanne Mueller to help you lead and grow your business effectively. -
Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling professional and personal life with Chad Brown on this episode of Scaling with People. We promise you’ll rethink the elusive work-life balance myth as Chad introduces his dynamic concept of integration. Picture balancing a broomstick—constant, small adjustments are key! We discuss how blending business demands with personal life can alleviate stress and lead to more harmonious living.
Curious about building genuine trust within your team? Chad delves into the importance of mature trust, differentiating it from blind or immature trust. Through effective onboarding, regular check-ins, and tough conversations, we explore how proactive measures can foster a thriving, empowered workforce. Learn how leaders can enhance employee engagement and leverage their instincts to address issues early for long-term success.
Finally, we tackle the common pitfalls founders face, from the myth of time scarcity to the challenges of "solo syndrome." Chad offers actionable advice on focus, delegation, and viewing employees as more than transactional assets. We wrap up with an inspiring discussion on overcoming personal limitations, urging founders to stay true to their future goals and avoid stagnation. Don’t miss these game-changing insights that could transform your leadership approach! -
Ever wondered how scientific principles can directly impact business growth? Join us as Jennifer Huberty, a fractional Chief Science Officer, takes us through her journey from academia to shaping the future of wellness at Calm. Learn how she built a robust science team, published nearly 50 papers, and navigated the challenges of starting her own business. Jen shares her insights on the crucial role of resilience and the ups and downs of being a CEO, while emphasizing the importance of scientific validation in today's business strategies.
Discover practical advice on integrating scientific principles in resource-conscious settings, even within industries like furniture retail. Explore the benefits of fractional models for accessing high-level expertise, and find out how to align scientific objectives with business goals for actionable outcomes. Get inspired by real-world examples that highlight the importance of asking the right questions to understand customer behavior, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of managing people and operations as a leader. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for any entrepreneur or business leader looking to leverage science for success. -
Curious about how a leader transitions from the fashion world to the realm of wellness innovation? Join us as Cedar Carter, the CEO of The Good Patch, unveils her remarkable journey from the apparel industry to spearheading a startup that's revolutionizing wellness with wearable patches. Cedar shares the story of how she connected with the founders through her network and the strategic decision to bring in experienced leadership for scaling the business. Discover the ingenious concept behind The Good Patch, delivering essential vitamins to address daily stress, sleep, and energy challenges, and gain insight into the critical importance of founders recognizing their strengths and hiring to fill gaps.
In our conversation, we also tackle the pressing issues of employee engagement and HR practices in the era of remote work. Cedar provides practical strategies for maintaining personal connections, such as virtual team-building activities and social Slack channels, to keep the team cohesive. She highlights the significance of occasional in-person meetings to fortify relationships and communication, especially for younger employees missing the camaraderie of office life. The concept of "breaking bread" emerges as a powerful tool for building trust and understanding within teams. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for leaders navigating the nuances of remote work environments. -
Unlock the secrets of modern growth marketing with insights from Akash, a leading growth and transformation consultant, in our latest episode. Wondering how AI can turbocharge your marketing strategies while ensuring every dollar you spend adds value to your bottom line? Look no further. Akash shares invaluable wisdom on harnessing data-driven strategies and emphasizes the importance of CEOs having a baseline understanding of marketing to steer their companies towards sustained success. You'll uncover the common pitfalls to avoid and understand why continuous optimization is the keystone of effective marketing.
Explore the transformative power of AI tools like never before. Akash and I dive into specific technologies such as Jasper AI for seamless content creation and Dream Studio for innovative image development. Imagine boosting your productivity while enhancing creativity simultaneously—AI makes it possible. From utilizing ChatGPT's Omni version for diverse business tasks to staying ahead in the ever-evolving AI landscape with expert consultation, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. The future of marketing is here, and it's powered by AI.
Finally, we tackle the intricate challenges of talent strategy and AI implementation, especially pertinent for startups with budget constraints. Akash offers practical advice on leveraging consultants and fractional services to gain strategic advantage without the need for full-time hires. Learn how to inspire a culture of adaptability in your team, empowering them to embrace AI and other groundbreaking technologies. Through real-world examples and personal experiences, we discuss how to effectively integrate these tools to boost team productivity and drive long-term success. Don't miss this episode packed with strategies to navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape. -
Ready to transform your business growth tactics? We bring you an enlightening session with Charleh Knighton, a seasoned fractional CMO who has navigated the realms of AI, software manufacturing, and engineering. Charleh sheds light on three pivotal strategies to boost business growth: generating new business, preventing client churn, and assembling a stellar team. Discover why adapting team skillsets during different growth stages is crucial, and hear Charleh's candid take on the tough decisions that companies face when evaluating and possibly replacing key team members for the next phase of growth.
The power of AI in marketing is undeniable, and Charleh brings this to life with practical insights and real-world examples. From optimizing SEO strategies to crafting engaging content, Charleh reveals how AI tools can streamline your marketing efforts. Imagine boosting your efficiency with tools like ChatGPT while maintaining top-notch quality in your content creation. Learn the significance of expert intervention at critical stages to ensure your marketing material meets both editorial and SEO standards. Charleh ’s client example in industrial pipe freezing provides a tangible illustration of how AI can transform traditional marketing approaches.
Harness the power of effective messaging and website development to drive your marketing and sales success. Charleh emphasizes the importance of framing your product to highlight its benefits and truly addressing your audience's pain points. Get practical advice on focusing on the outcomes your product or service provides rather than the product itself. Tailoring web development to your business needs is complex, but Charlie’s insights provide a clear path forward. As we wrap up, Charleh shares thought-provoking insights that promise to leave you with valuable takeaways and a sense of anticipation for our future episodes. -
Ever wondered how outsourcing your accounting and financial operations could be the key to scaling your small business? Join us as we uncover insightful growth strategies with Jayson Kruger, founder of Signature Analytics. Learn how Jason turned his vision into a thriving company with over 70 employees, and discover the critical role that outsourced CFO advisory services can play for businesses outgrowing their initial infrastructure. Jason emphasizes the need to understand every facet of your business—from sales and marketing to HR and operations—to better manage and support your team members. He also shares his thoughts on cultivating an authentic culture that promotes both personal and professional success for employees.
From mastering cash flow management to transitioning from basic bookkeeping to sophisticated financial operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your business. Jason highlights the importance of accurate financial reporting, proactive communication with banks and investors, and the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide decision-making. We delve into essential topics such as preparing for funding, understanding client concentration, and optimizing your management structure. Whether you're looking to secure investment, improve profitability, or simply gain better financial visibility, Jason's expertise will provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Tune in to transform your business's financial and accounting practices. -
What happens when success doesn't bring satisfaction? Join us on Scaling with People as we uncover the extraordinary life of Alan Lazaros. Alan opens up about his tumultuous childhood, marred by the loss of his father and stepfather, and the financial struggles that followed. In an effort to cope, he threw himself into the pursuit of success, achieving significant financial milestones only to find himself feeling empty. A near-fatal car accident became a turning point, prompting Alan to reassess his priorities and seek a life filled with both professional achievements and personal fulfillment.
Ever felt confident in your professional skills but hesitant in social settings? This episode dives into the dual concepts of competence courage and social courage. I share my own journey of excelling in academic and career milestones while grappling with fears of abandonment that impacted my self-worth. We discuss how these insecurities can lead to misunderstandings, where confidence is often mistaken for arrogance. Our conversation brings to light the importance of identifying where you stand—whether you're already successful and fulfilled or on a quest to align the two—and how metrics and various thinking modalities can guide you towards success.
Meet the Business Star Framework, a crucial model for 21st-century entrepreneurship comprised of branding, marketing, sales, client delivery, and community. We break down the unique challenges business owners face in balancing these elements and the importance of forming partnerships with complementary skill sets. As we explore the less glamorous realities of entrepreneurship, we stress the need for self-awareness and question whether this demanding path is truly right for you. For those unwavering in their entrepreneurial spirit, we offer encouragement to continue; for others, a moment of reflection may be in order. Join us for an eye-opening episode filled with practical insights and heartfelt stories. -
Are you ready to transform your startup's approach to employee benefits? Join us on today's episode of Scaling with People as we sit down with Jeremy Vesta, a ten-year veteran in the healthcare sector, to unlock the secrets behind successful benefit programs for startups. Jeremy provides a wealth of knowledge on the necessity of early prospecting to build a strong customer pipeline and shares why maintaining a healthy skepticism in business transactions is crucial. Hear firsthand about his experiences with a cost-saving healthcare product and the challenges of conveying its value to clients. Learn why early market feedback and strategic planning are essential in refining your offerings.
But that's not all! We also dive into creative strategies for maximizing benefits in a startup environment. Discover the advantages of implementing HSA-qualified high deductible health plans to manage costs effectively while still providing robust benefits to your team. Jeremy discusses how startups can leverage their unique, personal nature to promote a family-like atmosphere and foster career development opportunities, making smaller-scale benefit plans more appealing. We tackle the rising tide of healthcare costs and offer practical solutions for balancing affordability with attractiveness to potential hires. Listen in for Jeremy’s thought-provoking insights on lifestyle-related health problems and their broader implications on healthcare expenses. This episode is packed with actionable advice and expert perspectives you won't want to miss! -
Unlock the secrets to mastering the recruiting life cycle with our esteemed guest, Jordan Burton, a leading talent acquisition expert. Join us on this episode of Scaling with People as Jordan demystifies the essential stages of recruiting, from defining the role to successfully onboarding new hires. You'll learn why a clear role definition is crucial, the risks of cultivating a monoculture, and how effective onboarding can prevent costly turnover.
Dive into the nuances of interviewing with Jordan as he shares his wealth of knowledge on creating an interactive dialogue, the power of discussing candidates' real-life experiences, and the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental approach. Discover practical tips for building rapport, avoiding hypothetical questions, and recognizing subtle "pink flags" without letting bias distort your judgment. We also highlight why thoughtful interview scheduling and hiring for unique skills are game-changers.
Finally, we explore the art of building rapport with potential hires, especially for startup founders. Jordan reveals how genuine curiosity and enthusiasm can attract top talent, even against bigger competitors. Learn how minor tweaks in self-awareness can make a significant difference and get introduced to Talgo on Demand, a program designed to hone your hiring skills through mock interviews and feedback. Tune in for actionable insights that will elevate your hiring practices and help you build a high-performing team. -
Prepare to navigate the intricate stages of founder growth with invaluable insights from Scott Ritzheimer, who has played a pivotal role in starting nearly 20,000 organizations. Scott joins me, Gwenevere, on Scaling with People to dissect the founder's journey, from pre-launch excitement to post-exit reflections. We'll uncover the seven distinct growth stages and discuss the pivotal transitions that can make or break a founder's path to success. Using a captivating football analogy, Scott offers a unique perspective on how founders can effectively shift roles to lead their teams to victory.
Ever wondered why excelling in one stage can make it harder to succeed in the next? It's a paradox many founders face, and we delve deep into this phenomenon. Scott and I explore the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and emphasize the necessity of having a compelling reason for enduring the hardships. Reflecting on past actions and reassessing their relevance to current challenges can help founders prepare for future demands, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve without succumbing to frustration or exhaustion.
As we wrap up our discussion, the focus shifts to the crucial transition from founder to CEO. Often a challenging and intimidating leap, this stage is vital for long-term success. We underscore the importance of building a supportive team, delegating tasks, and embracing the CEO role with a compelling vision for the organization's future. Tune in to gain practical advice and emotional support from Scott's extensive experience, making this episode an essential listen for any founder or CEO looking to scale their business effectively. -
Ever wondered what it truly takes to scale a startup beyond just having a great product? Join us as we sit down with tech veteran Oshri Cohen, who's been in the trenches for 25 years, to uncover the secret ingredient – people. In "Scaling With People," Oshri shares his wisdom on why selecting a technical co-founder is about more than just coding prowess. He delves into the crucial traits of business acumen and versatility across functions like marketing, sales, and customer service. We also break down the evolving role of a CTO through a startup's lifecycle, where the shift from coder to visionary leader is often fraught with challenges.
In the chapters "Building an Effective Startup Team" and "Empowering Your Startup Team," Oshri takes us through the strategic balance of generalists and specialists to maximize team performance. Learn how expert consultants can elevate your team's capabilities without breaking the bank. Plus, discover the pivotal role of the founder in creating a productive work environment, and why autonomy can trump over-management. Finally, Oshri emphasizes the true role of a CTO — not as a decision-maker, but as a facilitator who removes obstacles and fosters open dialogue, thereby empowering the team. Tune in for actionable insights on trust, collaboration, and leadership that can transform your startup's trajectory. -
Victoria Pelletier, a trailblazer in the business world, shares her extraordinary leadership journey that began at just 14 years old. As an executive in business-to-business professional services and now the Chief Operating Officer at a global green energy startup, she recounts the challenges she faced as a young, queer, female leader. Victoria's transformation from the "Iron Maiden" to a leader embracing authenticity and vulnerability offers valuable lessons on how being true to oneself can revolutionize leadership effectiveness and relationships. She also teases her upcoming third book, a testament to her ongoing commitment to leadership and personal growth.
This episode of Scaling with People delves into the heart of modern leadership. We explore the importance of leading with strategic intentionality by understanding an organization's current state and developing targeted strategies for leadership development, inclusion, and employee engagement. Victoria underscores the pivotal role of middle managers and the necessity of fostering a sense of belonging among diverse talents. As we navigate the complexities of leadership in an era of technological advancements, her insights emphasize transparent communication, emotional intelligence, and continuous, meaningful conversations to maintain employee engagement and create inclusive environments. Don't miss this chance to gain practical strategies for effective leadership in today's fast-paced world. -
Ever wondered what it takes to scale your startup from seed to Series C? Beth Nevins from Developa.io joins us to reveal her proven strategies for building a world-class founding team and crafting a unique value proposition. Beth shares the crucial mindset shifts founders need as they transition from hands-on roles to full-time leadership, along with insights on managing multiple teams and hiring the right leaders. She also dives into the post-COVID strategic decisions surrounding remote versus in-office work, emphasizing sustainable growth and profitability as key goals.
Creating a high-performance culture in a resource-constrained startup can seem daunting, but Beth has some actionable advice. We discuss practical ways to empower and upskill your team while avoiding burnout, stressing the importance of conscious leadership and continuous recognition. Founders play an essential role as cultural custodians, and we explore how they can model and maintain a motivational work environment. Outdated performance measurement methods are examined, with an emphasis on evolving how performance is evaluated and nurtured to keep the team aligned and driven.
Navigating organizational design in a fast-growing startup comes with its own set of complexities. Beth highlights the delicate balance between internal promotions and external hires and the necessity of establishing a management training playbook early on. We delve into the differences between managerial skills and leadership qualities, stressing that both are needed for scalability. The conversation also touches on the transition of founders to full-time leadership roles and the significance of strategic recruiting in fostering a high-performance culture, especially in today's post-COVID landscape. Join us for this enriching discussion and gain valuable insights to help your startup thrive. - Mostrar mais
