In Hard Times, the Right Leadership is Essential

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates Inc. (Ranked No. 717 in 2025), to explore his powerful concept of precise leadership, a leadership style centered on clarity, accountability, and understanding what truly motivates your team. Chris shares how his military background shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing direct communication, adaptability, and ownership at every level of an organization. As companies grow, maintaining agility and alignment becomes more challenging, and Chris breaks down how leaders can overcome these obstacles with intentional messaging and a culture of transparency. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or manager looking to improve team performance and communication, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:24 The Role of AI in Consulting 5:56 Military Leadership to Business 10:58 Transitioning to Precise Leadership 14:49 Understanding Precise Leadership 16:45 The Importance of Accountability 18:41 Maintaining Agility in Growth 20:30 Reflection on Leadership Principles 👤 About Chris Gonzalez Chris Gonzalez is the Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates, a veteran-owned consulting firm specializing in strategy, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement. A former U.S. Marine, he brings a leadership style rooted in clear communication, accountability, and mission-driven results, helping organizations scale and improve performance. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: https://training.coreelevation.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: https://growththinktank.com/

This episode explores the essential role of leadership in challenging business environments. I reflect on my journey as a founder and coach, emphasizing resilience and the importance of maintaining vision during turbulent times. Through personal anecdotes, including a significant setback in my sports tour company in 2010, I illustrate how adversity can be transformed into growth opportunities. I introduce the mantra "life happens for you, not to you," encouraging a shift from victimhood to empowerment. Key themes include rising above chaos, leading by example, and fostering a collaborative culture in leadership to alleviate burdens. My goal is to support leaders in navigating hardships and emerging stronger. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:02 Hard Times, Right Leadership 2:31 Leadership Insights for Entrepreneurs 4:16 Embracing Change and Resilience 6:14 Tools for Overcoming Challenges 7:15 Leading Through Breakdown Moments Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Andy White, co-founder of Closinglock (ranked No. 135 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), to talk about what it really means to "scale trust" as your company grows. Andy shares how trust isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a key driver of performance, stronger culture, and deeper employee engagement, and we explore how giving teams real autonomy paired with transparent communication can unlock better results. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring, explaining why he prioritizes character over experience, and highlights the continued importance of in-person interactions for building genuine connections. We wrap up by discussing how openly sharing business challenges with your team can actually bring people closer together and spark more creative, effective solutions. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:26 Closing Lock Overview 6:49 The Future of Real Estate Transactions 7:37 Scaling Trust in Business 11:28 Hiring for Trust and Growth 13:33 Macro Management Style 15:06 Building a Trusting Culture 16:27 Qualities of a Great Hire 19:17 Assessing Learning Mentality 20:38 Strategies for Scaling Trust 23:16 The Role of Transparency 27:58 Concluding Thoughts on Trust About Andy White Founder and CEO of Closinglock, a fast-growing technology company focused on protecting money in real estate transactions. With a background in engineering and a PhD in computer engineering, Andy brings a deep technical perspective to solving one of the industry's most critical challenges: fraud in money movement. Under his leadership, Closinglock has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, reflecting its rapid growth and strong market impact. Andy is known for his focus on building a high-trust, high-performance culture, where transparency, autonomy, and continuous learning are at the core. He believes in hiring for character over experience and empowering teams to take ownership, scale themselves, and drive meaningful impact across the organization. Passionate about innovation and leadership, Andy is committed to modernizing the real estate transaction process while fostering a culture where people and performance grow together. How to Connect with Andy White: LinkedIn: Andy White https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-closinglock/ Company Website: Closinglock https://www.closinglock.com Get In Touch with Andy: https://www.closinglock.com/contact/ Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I explore a challenge many growing companies face: founder dependency. Once a business grows beyond about 20 employees, founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of every decision. While that level of involvement helped in the early days, it can eventually lead to burnout, slower decision-making, and limited innovation across the team. I talk about why this happens and how leaders can start recognizing the signs that they're too embedded in day-to-day operations. I also break down what it looks like to shift from a founder-driven company to a team-driven one. When authority is decentralized and leaders are developed inside the organization, companies often become more resilient and even more valuable without needing to generate additional revenue. This episode is an invitation for founders to move from being the primary doer to becoming the builder of leaders. If you're ready to create more autonomy and sustainable growth inside your company, I also share how you can join our upcoming workshops to learn practical strategies for making that transition. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:05 Founder Dependency Awareness 3:50 Breaking the Founder Dependency Cycle 7:47 Recognizing the Leadership Shift 11:45 Transitioning to a Team-Driven Approach 12:59 Unlocking Team-Driven Growth Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast https://growththinktank.com/  

On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address cultural issues early, build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and truly understand what your customers want, especially in the meat industry. He also dives into the importance of honest customer discovery, hiring the right people, and creating a team environment where collaboration, ownership, and accountability thrive. Matthew also shares practical tips on listening to your team, even in the small things, and why these simple wins can have a big impact on morale and engagement. He closes with advice for leaders on maintaining reasonable expectations, staying adaptable, and continually reinventing themselves and their businesses to navigate growth successfully. If you're a founder or CEO looking to scale without losing your culture or your sanity, this episode is full of actionable insights. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:12 The Journey of Swine Tech 9:31 Defining Scaling Smart 11:30 Building a Strong Foundation 15:56 Hiring the Right Talent 21:24 The Cost of Tolerating Culture 24:14 Key Takeaways for CEOs Key Takeaways ✅Culture is foundational small issues left unchecked can derail growth. ✅True product-market fit comes from deeply understanding your customers' real problems. ✅Growth requires balance: business goals, customer satisfaction, and your team's well-being. ✅Hiring isn't just about talent; it's about mindset and alignment with your mission. ✅Small gestures, like payroll frequency or listening to feedback, can significantly improve morale. ✅Leaders must embrace flexibility, continuous learning, and reinvention to sustain growth. If you're looking to scale your business without losing your culture or your mind, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lessons learned the hard way. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and executives looking to lead innovation with purpose, scale responsibly with AI, and build cultures where people feel empowered to think About Matthew Rooda Matthew Rooda is the Founder & CEO of SwineTech, an ag-tech company developing automation and data solutions to improve pig care and farm efficiency. He is also the host of the Popular Pig Podcast, where he interviews global leaders in the swine industry. Rooda has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and is an MBA graduate from Johns Hopkins University. LinkedIn: Matthew Rooda (LinkedIn) Company Website: SwineTech Get In Touch with Matt: https://swinetechnologies.com/contact/

In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance business value for investors. As a CEO coach, I emphasize transitioning to a team-driven culture that fosters stability and effective communication. I provide actionable insights to help leaders build sustainable growth that persists beyond their involvement. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:09 Introduction to Key Person Risk 1:38 Understanding Your Value in Business 4:06 Transitioning from Work to People Focus 4:55 The Importance of Team-Driven Leadership 5:59 Exploring Solutions to Key Person Risk 6:40 Conclusion and Next Steps The Hidden Threat to Business Value: Key Person Risk If the success of a company depends heavily on one individual — often the founder or CEO — the business becomes less valuable to investors or buyers. A company that cannot operate smoothly without its leader signals higher risk, which typically leads to lower valuation multiples. Gene challenges leaders to ask themselves a tough question: If you're the most valuable person in your company, how valuable is the company itself? Moving from Doer to Leader Reducing key person risk requires a shift in leadership identity. Instead of being the primary driver of sales, marketing, or operations, CEOs must transition from task-focused work to people-focused leadership. This shift can be uncomfortable. Founders often feel they can do things faster or better themselves, which keeps them stuck in daily execution. But long-term growth depends on developing decision-makers across the organization. Gene describes this transition as crossing a "leadership ravine" — moving from hands-on contributor to strategic leader who builds systems, confidence, and problem-solving capacity in others. Building a Company That Runs Without You A business becomes more valuable when it is team-driven rather than founder-dependent. Investors and buyers look for: Strong leadership at multiple levels Clear communication and alignment systems Accountability structures Empowered employees who make decisions Processes that continue generating customers and results without the CEO's involvement When these elements are in place, the company can operate smoothly even if the founder steps away — dramatically increasing scalability and valuation potential.

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I chat with Peter, the CEO of Your Your Money Line, about People First Leadership and its role in enhancing organizational success. We discuss the vital link between employee well-being and performance, highlighting financial health as a key stress reducer. Peter emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, and open communication in fostering a supportive team culture, leading to improved collaboration and reduced turnover. Our conversation reveals that prioritizing people is both a moral and strategic necessity for sustainable growth in businesses. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:08 The Importance of Financial Well-being 6:25 Defining People First Leadership 7:47 Building a People First Culture 12:10 Values That Shape Leadership 16:02 Challenges in Implementing Leadership Values 22:22 The Impact on Bottom Line Key Takeaways ➤󠁯People-first leadership drives performance.  ➤󠁯Employee financial stress directly impacts productivity. ➤󠁯Empathy is a leadership skill, not a personality trait. ➤󠁯Growth requires courage and accountability. ➤󠁯Feedback is an act of care.  ➤󠁯Culture and accountability must coexist. ➤󠁯Retention is the clearest ROI of people-first leadership. About Peter Dunn: Peter Dunn (aka Pete the Planner) is an award-winning financial expert and leader in financial wellness. As CEO and founder of Your Money Line, he has helped shape the employee financial-benefits space. A longtime columnist for USA TODAY, author of multiple books, and host of Pete the Planner Show, Dunn is a trusted national voice on money and workplace financial health. He has also been named one of Indiana's most influential leaders by the Indiana Business Journal. How to Connect with Peter Dunn: LinkedIn: Peter Dunn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petetheplanner/ Company Website: Your Money Line https://www.yourmoneyline.com Blog & Media: https://www.yourmoneyline.com/hr-and-benefits-resources

In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that "What got you here won't get you there," as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets and strategies as their businesses scale. Through a client's growth story, I highlight the importance of strategic shifts and personnel changes to meet new challenges. I encourage leaders to continuously reassess their approaches and balance operational tasks with empowering their teams, reinforcing that effective leadership is a dynamic and evolving journey. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:28 The Challenge of Growth 5:52 Evolving as a Leader 7:14 The Importance of Transformation 8:38 Conclusion and Next Steps Key Takeaways • What helps you start a business can eventually slow its growth • Scaling requires upgrading your team, strategy, and leadership mindset • Complexity grows faster than most CEOs expect • The best leaders evolve early — not when things break • A CEO's real job is building leaders, not doing everything themselves Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human element required for meaningful communication. Kirsten shares her perspective on building a culture of innovation, highlighting collaboration, embracing failure as a learning tool, and leading with purpose. We also discuss Jeenie's mission-driven approach to leadership, the importance of hiring for values alignment, and the successes of managing a diverse, fully remote team. Our conversation offers a compelling look at the future of Jeenie and underscores how effective leadership empowers people, nurtures creativity, and drives collective innovation. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 2:08 Leading Innovation 10:23 Core Leadership Principles 16:35 Embracing AI in Business 17:35 Creating a Culture of Innovation 23:20 Wrapping Up Insights Follow me on Twitter @genehammett Website: www.genehammett.com About Kirsten Baker Kirsten Brecht Baker is CEO & Co-Founder of Jeenie, an AI+Human multilingual and multicultural platform powering the next generation of smart-tech and AI for more inclusive communication. A Wharton MBA and serial entrepreneur, she has built and scaled ventures across SaaS, tech, and global market development. She is an Ernst & Young 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year, and made the top lists of Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company for leading in equity, innovation, and human connection. She is also a member of YPO, the SAFE-AI Task Force, INC. Leadership Forum, and Fast Company's Impact Council. How to Connect with Kirsten Baker: LinkedIn: Kirsten Baker  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-brecht-baker/ Company Website: Jeenie, Inc. https://jeenie.com/ Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As businesses scale, leaders who invest in their teams reduce micromanagement, relieve burnout, and unlock collective performance. I also announce a free training for CEOs focused on overcoming burnout and building businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement. This episode is an invitation to adopt the multiplier mindset for long-term, scalable success. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:55 Shift from Operator to Multiplier 2:55 The Role of a CEO Coach 4:17 Developing Leadership Across the Company 4:56 Upcoming Free Training Invitation From Operator to Multiplier CEO Most CEOs approach growth by working harder, refining strategy, or hiring more people. While these tactics can create short-term gains, they often lead to burnout, time scarcity, and rising costs. Operator-style leadership eventually hits a ceiling; there are only so many hours in a day, and only so much energy to give. True, sustainable growth requires a different lens. The real constraint isn't effort, strategy, or headcount, it's how the CEO shows up as a leader. What Multiplier CEOs Do Differently A Multiplier CEO shifts focus from "What can I do?" to "How do I engage and develop my team?" Instead of solving every problem personally, they build alignment, strengthen leadership systems, and empower others to make decisions. This mindset allows the business to grow beyond the founder. Small improvements come from working harder, but long-term, scalable growth comes from multiplying the capability and ownership of the entire organization. Building Leadership That Scales Multiplier CEOs intentionally develop leaders across the company so the business no longer depends on a single hero. They create shared leadership language, accountability systems, and decision-making frameworks that enable people to lead confidently. When leadership is distributed, CEOs regain space to think strategically, step away when needed, and avoid burnout. This episode isn't a how-to; it's an invitation to reflect. If growth feels heavy or burnout is creeping in, it may be time to embrace the multiplier shift. Key Takeaways Sustainable growth doesn't come from working harder it comes from multiplying leadership and capability across your team. Operator-style leadership creates short-term gains but eventually leads to burnout, time constraints, and rising costs. Multiplier CEOs shift their focus from solving problems themselves to engaging, developing, and empowering others. Hiring alone is not leverage; leadership systems, alignment, and accountability create true scale. Businesses that grow beyond the founder are built by developing leaders at every level—not by relying on a single hero. Adopting the multiplier mindset allows CEOs to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on long-term impact. Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.  Explore More: training.coreelevation.com  Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast