#271 – From Tactics to Systems: What Great Leaders Do

In this solo episode, I explore a question that’s been on my mind for a long time: what actually separates an adequate leader from a good one, and a good one from a great one?I use football as an analogy, not to glorify sports leadership clichés, but to illustrate a distinction that shows up everywhere. In business. In manufacturing. In engineering. In organizations that win once, versus those that win consistently.An adequate leader operates at the tactical level. They make good decisions in the moment. They motivate. They call decent plays. They can win games with the right inputs.A good leader operates at the strategic level. They game plan. They understand matchups. They align tactics to strengths and weaknesses. They win more often.But the leaders who succeed year after year are doing something fundamentally different. They are designing systems.Using the Michigan Wolverines’ path to the 2023 national championship as a concrete example, I break down how Jim Harbaugh and his staff stopped optimizing plays and started optimizing the entire organization around a clear objective. Recruiting. Strength training. Scheme. Coaching roles. Player profiles. Even quarterback selection. Everything was designed to work together toward a specific outcome.This episode is about leadership as organizational design. About why “great people” alone are not enough. About why the right person in the wrong system still fails. And about the leader’s real job: creating a structure where people can exercise judgment, take ownership, and succeed without constant direction.This is a working hypothesis, not a manifesto. But it’s one I believe matters deeply for anyone responsible for building teams, systems, and results that last.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build—better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn – Kevin MacLeod

In this solo episode, Brandon breaks down one of the most overlooked drivers of team performance: a leader’s ability to understand the true nature of the work their function is responsible for. Most leaders want high performance and a great environment, but few achieve it. Brandon argues that the root cause isn’t effort, tactics, or leadership style, it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of the function, the type of thinking required for the work, and the capabilities of the people doing it.He unpacks why environments get overwhelmed and inconsistent, why the usual fixes don’t work, and why two failure modes (overwhelmed people in roles that are too big for them, and high-capability people stuck in roles that are too small) destroy momentum and culture.Brandon shares why leaders must define their function’s true responsibility, break down the real cognitive demands of the work, and understand their people at a deeper level. This is the foundation that makes every other leadership practice actually work.Topics Covered• Why overwhelm and inconsistency are symptoms, not causes• The real responsibility of a function inside a business• How leaders collapse different kinds of thinking into “tasks”• Why some people drown and others suffocate• How to define, scope, and assign work correctly• Why capability alignment is the foundation of great culture• What leaders must understand to develop people effectivelyConnect with BrandonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneckMusic CreditIntro and outro music – Slow Burn – Kevin MacLeodSubscribe & FollowApple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

This solo episode is about a question that sits at the center of my work and my life. What is real impact. Not the buzzword. The kind that actually changes the direction of someone’s life.I break down impact from first principles. What it is. How you create it. Why it is more than reach or scale. Impact comes from the quality of what you are doing, the number of people you touch, the depth of the change, the duration of that change, and the way that change moves through other people over time.I also talk through the three ways impact shows up in practice. Direct service to real people. The formation and development of people around you. And building systems, structures, and institutions that keep working long after you stop touching them.From there, I get into how to choose a domain that actually moves the needle. You need to be working on something that touches human flourishing. You need leverage through people or systems. It has to fit your real comparative advantage. And it has to be neglected enough that your effort actually matters.That lens points somewhere most people overlook. The industrial base. Manufacturing. Real operations with real humans and real constraints. A place that shapes the daily lives of millions of people, that has been underserved for decades, and that is full of leverage for someone who can think abstractly and also build in the physical world.I share why I believe this is where my gifts can do the most good. Not as a rationalization, but as the conclusion of a first principles analysis of where impact actually comes from.If you are wrestling with meaning, purpose, or where to direct your best effort, this episode should give you something to think about.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn – Kevin MacLeod

Quincy Lee, founder and CEO of Electric Era, joined to talk about what it takes to build a durable business in an unforgiving industry.Electric Era is scaling in the EV space. But what stood out most is how Quincy thinks. His focus isn’t on growth at all costs, but on building a company that’s hard to kill. That phrase became a central thread of the conversation: how to anticipate failure modes before they appear, design systems that can withstand them, and create the cultural and technical resilience to adapt as conditions change.We also dug into hiring and storytelling, including why narrative matters more than most people think. Quincy and I talked about how truth and story interact, why narrative control shapes perception and value, and how founders and leaders can tell their story authentically without distortion.Quincy also highlighted two new products designed to improve reliability and the overall EV charging experience, RetailEdge and HaloAI. Two big takeaways:Building a resilient organization is about systematically reducing your exposure to failure—technically, financially, and culturally.The story you tell matters as much as the product you build. Narrative is how people make sense of what you’re doing.This isn’t just an EV conversation. It’s about how to build companies that last.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build—better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn – Kevin MacLeod

Most conversations about work-life balance start with the wrong question.We assume the goal is to limit work, to keep it from taking too much of our lives. So we optimize for time, energy, and boundaries, all while treating work as something to manage or escape.In this solo episode, Brandon challenges that premise. He steps back to ask a more fundamental question:What is work actually for?Brandon explores how work can serve as both a platform for growth and a vehicle for contribution. It's one of the few arenas where we can test our capabilities, develop judgment, and apply our gifts in ways that genuinely help others.He shares why fulfillment doesn’t come from balance or hours worked, but from alignment — integrating work, family, and personal development into a single system aimed at growth, love, and service.This isn’t a prescription. It’s an exploration into what it means to live and work well.Why “work-life balance” starts from the wrong assumptionDefining the real problem: what role work plays in a life well livedHow work creates the feedback loops that drive capability and maturityThe connection between growth, love, and contributionHow alignment replaces balance as the goalWhy work is something to steward, not escape“Work isn’t something to balance against life. It’s one of the primary ways we learn how to live it.”If this episode sparks reflection — or disagreement — Brandon would love to hear from you.Reach out on LinkedIn or at buildingbetterpod.com.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build. Better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn - Kevin MacLeod

What does it take to build a business that isn’t just profitable today, but valuable, resilient, and meaningful over the long term?In this episode, I sit down with Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). Scott and his team work with advisors across the country to help business owners align their business, personal, and financial goals—not just to prepare for a future exit, but to live better as an owner right now.We cover:Why exit planning is less about a transaction and more about designing a good life.The generational differences in how Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials think about success, meaning, and legacy.Why 75% of owners regret selling their business—and how to avoid being one of them.The “four Cs” of decentralizing a business beyond the founder: human, customer, structural, and cultural capital.How to find and lean into your company’s true competitive advantage.The range of exit paths—from PE firms and ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) to employee buyouts and family transitions.Scott also shares his own leadership journey scaling EPI, and the lessons he’s drawn from reshaping culture, vision, and values inside his own company.If you’re a founder, executive, or advisor navigating questions of value, succession, and legacy—this one is worth your time.Resources Mentioned:Exit Planning Institute: earncepa.comOwner Readiness research: ownerreadiness.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Kashani, Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Serve is pioneering autonomous sidewalk delivery at scale—with hundreds of robots already operating in major U.S. cities and thousands more on the way.Ali and I dive into the complexity of autonomy: the technical challenges, the economics, the regulatory and consumer adoption hurdles, and the leadership required to make sense of it all. He shares how Serve is approaching innovation, why their technology and go-to-market path is unique, and what it takes to attract, empower, and retain world-class talent in such a fast-moving space.We also talk about the bigger picture—why last-mile delivery has lagged so far behind other logistics revolutions, and why the sidewalk may hold the key to a generational leap in productivity and sustainability.About Ali KashaniAli Kashani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, the leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company. He previously co-founded and led robotics efforts at Postmates, which was later acquired by Uber, before spinning out Serve as an independent company in 2021. Under Ali’s leadership, Serve has scaled to one of the largest fleets of urban delivery robots in the world and became a publicly traded company in 2023. Ali is a repeat entrepreneur with a deep background in AI and robotics, and he has been a leading voice on the future of autonomy, urban mobility, and responsible AI deployment.Connect with AliLinkedIn: Ali KashaniServe Robotics: serverobotics.comConnect with MeLinkedIn: Brandon BartneckPodcast: Building Better with Brandon BartneckPJ Wallbank Springs: pjws.comEdison Manufacturing & Engineering: edison-mfg.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew shares the story of Grace’s evolution from a single-product company to a broad portfolio serving the world’s most advanced manufacturers. We dig into his approach to innovation, leadership, and attracting top talent. And we explore the balance between listening to customers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.Drew also shares candid lessons from leading a family business, building high-performance teams, and staying deeply involved as a CEO while empowering his people to deliver.This one blends product, culture, and leadership in a way that I think will resonate with anyone building and leading in manufacturing.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Grace Technologies grew from a single product to five complementary product linesWhy customer-driven innovation and quick iteration often beat “pure R&D”The importance of purpose, selection bias, and A-players in building a great cultureDrew’s philosophy on leadership—balancing involvement with empowermentHow to attract and retain top talent by being specific about what makes your company uniqueThe role of energy infrastructure in U.S. competitiveness and industrial growthAbout Drew AllenDrew Allen is President & CEO of Grace Technologies Inc., a pioneer in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, consistently ranked as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces. He also founded Maple Studios, the first venture studio in eastern Iowa, and serves on advisory boards for Atom Power, Proxxi, and YPO Iowa. Drew led the acquisition of Civionics Inc. (now Percēv) and received the National Association of Manufacturers’ Next-Generation Leadership Award in 2020.Connect with DrewLinkedIn: Drew AllenGrace Technologies: graceport.comEmail: [email protected]

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a challenge he sees everywhere — in his own work, at PJ Wallbank Springs, and in the broader world of leadership and business. The tension between attention and depth.It’s easy to get attention without substance. It’s also possible to have real substance without anyone noticing. But if you want to make a lasting impact, you need both. Brandon explores why that balance is so difficult to achieve, and why ignoring either side limits your reach and influence.He shares an unexpected example from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, Push — a song that works on the surface as a catchy, joyful story, but rewards the listener who digs deeper. It’s a case study in the “Trojan horse” approach: earning attention in a way that opens the door for real substance.If you’re leading teams, building products, telling your company’s story, or simply trying to make your work matter, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to bridge the gap between flash and foundation.Topics Covered:Why attention and depth often feel like they’re in conflictHow depth without visibility limits your impactThe “Trojan horse” concept and why it worksLessons from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, PushApplying this balance in leadership, engineering, and businessWhy earning attention isn’t self-promotion — it’s part of the workLinks & Resources:Learn more about PJ Wallbank Springs: https://pjws.comLearn more about Edison: https://edison-mfg.comShow notes and full episodes: https://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetterFollow the podcast:Apple Podcasts

The automotive aftermarket often flies under the radar—but it plays a major role in advancing engineering, manufacturing, and performance. In this episode, Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA and PRI, joins me to explore how the specialty automotive sector is driving innovation across ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen, and beyond.We dive into how SEMA supports manufacturers with hands-on product development, CAD data, vehicle scanning, emissions testing, and ADAS calibration. Mike also shares his perspective on regulatory trends, technology-neutral advocacy, and what makes the SEMA Show such a powerful platform for connection and growth.If you care about how products actually get developed—and how small and mid-size companies are building the future of transportation—this conversation is for you.About MikeMike Spagnola is the President & CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PRI (Performance Racing Industry). Before stepping into this leadership role, Mike built and sold multiple companies in the automotive aftermarket, led product development efforts, and served on SEMA’s board. He’s a hands-on car guy who understands the needs of manufacturers, retailers, regulators, and racers alike.About SEMASEMA is a nonprofit trade association that supports over 7,000 member companies across the automotive aftermarket. From CAD access and regulatory guidance to emissions labs and the world-renowned SEMA Show, their mission is to help small and mid-sized companies grow and compete globally.Key Topics:What the automotive aftermarket actually is—and why it mattersSEMA Garages and how they help manufacturers develop, test, and certify productsNavigating CARB, EPA, and emissions compliance for performance partsWhy access to CAD data and pre-release vehicles is a game changerWhat happens to ADAS systems when you modify ride height, tires, or wrap a carHow SEMA advocates for a technology-neutral approach (ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen)Behind the scenes of the SEMA Show—and what success really looks likeThe real impact of aftermarket innovation on the transportation ecosystemChapters:Mike’s Background and Passion for the IndustryWhat SEMA Is and Who They SupportHow the SEMA Garages Enable Product DevelopmentNavigating Emissions Compliance and CARB RegulationsADAS Technology, Vehicle Modification, and Future StandardsProtecting the Industry Through Advocacy and EducationThe SEMA Show and What Makes It WorkClosing Reflections on Innovation, Community, and Impact