Scaling a People-Centric Business with Max Friar at Calder Capital

In this episode, I sit down with Eric McGrath, CEO of Facial Lounge Group, to explore how building a Culture of Psychological Safety can power high-growth companies. Ranked No. 2,345 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Facial Lounge Group has transformed its leadership and performance by prioritizing an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and voice ideas. Eric shares how cultivating a Culture of Psychological Safety leads to better collaboration, innovation, and resilience within fast-growing teams. We dive into practical strategies leaders can use to reinforce this culture while scaling operations. Tune in to discover how a Culture of Psychological Safety can fuel sustainable growth and unlock your organization’s full potential.

In this episode, I discuss the vital concept of leading with intention, focusing on self-reflection and key questions for personal growth: "Who are you being that gets in the way of what you want?" and "Who are you becoming as a leader?" As a CEO coach at Core Elevation, I've learned that my clients seek insight over traditional accountability. I share practical tools for documenting intentions that guide effective leadership, illustrated through a case study of a VP navigating a performance challenge by embodying her intentions. I emphasize that intentionality influences all interactions, laying the groundwork for lasting growth and offering resources for further development in leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Dobak, Founder and CEO of Standard Information, to explore how embracing a Hands-Off Culture can be a powerful driver of startup growth. Ranked No. 1684 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Standard Information has thrived by giving its people the freedom to make decisions, take ownership, and innovate without constant oversight. Greg shares how cultivating a Hands-Off Culture leads to increased trust, faster execution, and stronger team performance. We dive into the practical steps leaders can take to build autonomy while staying aligned with company goals. If you're looking to fuel innovation and scale your business, don’t miss this conversation on how a Hands-Off Culture can transform the way your team works.

Quiet Quitting is a silent issue that can erode your company culture and performance if left unaddressed. In this episode, I share how to have tough conversations about Quiet Quitting before it becomes a bigger problem. I’ll walk you through practical ways to re-engage team members, set clear expectations, and foster real commitment. Addressing Quiet Quitting isn't just about performance—it's about leadership, clarity, and accountability. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience working with CEOs and their executive teams. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies, I’ve developed frameworks and insights to help you and your company grow.

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Ricketts, founder and CEO of Lawnline Marketing, to unpack how scaling a Specialized Company through systems, culture, and AI drives remarkable growth. Under Tony’s leadership, Lawnline Marketing secured the No. 306 spot on the 2024 Inc. As the leader of a specialized agency focused on the green industry, Tony shares how concentrated expertise and tailored processes helped Lawnline expand to support over 200 lawn and landscape businesses nationwide. We dig into how a Specialized Company leverages AI tools to automate content creation while preserving high-quality, industry-focused output. Tony emphasizes the importance of a strong cultural foundation—built intentionally—to sustain a Specialized Company as it scales. Tune in to learn how specializing strategically can give your business a competitive edge and set the stage for scalable success.

In this episode, I explore how growing companies can effectively maintain their culture as they scale. Drawing insights from my experience with over 800 CEOs from the Inc. 5000, I address the challenges that arise when transitioning from small teams to larger organizations. I argue that attempting to preserve the original culture can be misguided; instead, leaders should focus on adaptability while upholding core values. I emphasize the importance of establishing clear values, aligning new talent with these principles, and viewing hiring as fostering a shared mission. Additionally, I discuss the necessity of evolving cultural values to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and market demands. I invite listeners to connect for resources that can aid in cultivating an environment where growth and culture harmoniously coexist.

In this episode, I sit down with Marcos Rivera, CEO of Pricing I/O, to explore how Adaptable Leadership drives rapid expansion in fast-growing companies. Marcos shares how embracing Adaptable Leadership has allowed Pricing I/O to secure a spot at No. 1,915 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, thanks to a 27% three-year revenue growth. We dive into real-world examples of Adaptable Leadership, including how he adjusts strategies in response to changing market conditions and team needs. Marcos provides actionable insights on empowering leaders to stay flexible, decisive, and resilient as their companies expand. Tune in to learn how mastering Adaptable Leadership can help your organization scale intelligently and sustainably.

In this episode, I dive into the biggest Mistake When Scaling that I see leaders make—and how you can avoid it. If you're growing fast, it’s easy to focus only on sales or systems, but ignoring the human side is often the critical Mistake When Scaling. I’ll walk you through the leadership shifts that are essential as your team expands and your company evolves. I’ve coached hundreds of founders and CEOs through this journey, and today I’ll share specific strategies to help you stay ahead of the most common Mistake When Scaling. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience working with CEOs and their executive teams. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies, I have developed frameworks and insights to help you and your company grow.

In this episode, I sit down with Max Friar, founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital, to explore how building a People-Centric Business has fueled the firm's impressive growth. Max shares how prioritizing team development, transparency, and a culture of ownership has been key to scaling a People-Centric Business in the competitive M&A industry. We discuss the systems and leadership philosophies that have enabled Calder Capital to thrive, even amid economic headwinds. Ranked No. 1,409 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Calder Capital has achieved a remarkable 346% growth since 2020, a testament to the power of a People-Centric Business model

In this episode, I sit down with David Fan, founder and CEO of Fanale Drinks, to explore how Strategic Leadership Development has been instrumental in scaling his boba tea supply business. David shares how prioritizing Strategic Leadership Development enabled him to build a resilient team, adapt to market shifts, and sustain rapid growth. We delve into the specific leadership frameworks and mindsets that helped Fanale Drinks evolve from a small Hayward-based startup to a national supplier of boba ingredients and equipment. David emphasizes that Strategic Leadership Development isn't just about personal growth—it's about cultivating a culture that empowers others to lead. Tune in to learn how intentional leadership practices can drive long-term success in fast-growing companies.