Creating a Category of One Business Through Visionary Leadership and Relentless Execution with John Bradford at PetScreening

In this episode, John Bradford, CEO of Pet Screening, ranked No. 879 on the Inc. 5000 in 2025. Joins Gene Hammett to talk about what it really takes to build a "category of one" business. Bradford shares how visionary leadership and relentless execution go hand in hand, why founders must be honest about the size of their total addressable market, and how underestimating demand can limit growth. He draws on Pet Screening's success in helping landlords manage pet policy compliance amid America's growing pet population, while also unpacking the importance of strong core values, genuine team engagement, and empowering individuals to contribute to sales in a collaborative culture. Along the way, Bradford reflects on learning from mistakes, taking full responsibility as a leader, and using real market feedback to sharpen strategy, offering practical, experience-driven insights for entrepreneurs focused on long-term growth and leadership. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:01 The Birth of Pet Screening 6:18 Creating a Category of One 8:10 Common Mistakes in Creating a Category 10:49 The Essence of Relentless Execution 12:27 Core Values That Drive Success 14:36 Living Your Values in Practice 16:27 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes 19:18 Conclusion and Call to Action Building a Category of One Starts with the Market John Bradford, CEO of Pet Screening, joins Gene Hammett to discuss what it takes to build a true category-of-one business, starting with the importance of market size. Bradford stresses that even the best ideas fall flat if they do not address a meaningful total addressable market (TAM). He cautions entrepreneurs against underestimating market potential, noting that ideas aimed at small audiences often remain side projects rather than scalable companies. A strong vision must be matched with a market large enough to support long-term growth. Solving a Real Problem at Scale Bradford explains how Pet Screening emerged from his background in property management and technology, identifying a widespread problem landlords face in managing pet policies. With roughly 160 million pets in America and a growing number of pet-owning households, the demand is substantial. Pet Screening's software helps landlords ensure pet policy compliance while reducing fraudulent emotional support animal claims, positioning the platform as a trusted, nationwide solution in the housing industry. Visionary Leadership, Core Values, and Execution The conversation turns to leadership, where Bradford shares how strong core values and daily execution shape company culture. He emphasizes that values must be lived, not just stated, and highlights Pet Screening's focus on equal opportunity, making an impact, and keeping work enjoyable. Bradford also underscores relentless execution, encouraging every team member to understand and support the product, including participating in sales. This shared ownership drives efficiency, creativity, and alignment across the organization. Learning from Mistakes and Listening to the Market Bradford openly discusses the role of mistakes in entrepreneurship, advocating for accountability at the leadership level rather than blame within the team. This approach builds trust and encourages innovation. He also highlights the importance of market feedback, urging founders to seek honest input beyond friends and family to refine ideas and validate demand. The episode concludes with practical insights on how visionary leadership, execution, feedback, and ownership intersect to drive sustainable growth, reinforcing that leadership and scaling are inseparable. Key Takeaways Vision alone is not enough successful category-of-one companies pair bold leadership with disciplined execution. Market size matters; even strong ideas struggle without a sufficiently large total addressable market (TAM). Solving a real, widespread problem creates momentum and positions a business for scalable growth. Core values must be demonstrated through daily actions to foster trust, engagement, and accountability. Involving the entire team in understanding and supporting sales strengthens alignment and execution. Effective leaders own mistakes, creating a culture where learning and innovation thrive. Market feedback is a strategic asset and should come from diverse, unbiased sources. Long-term growth is driven by the integration of leadership, culture, and continuous refinement of strategy. 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, we're diving into something every organization talks about but few truly master urgency. I share what I've learned coaching CEOs about why urgency matters so much and how clarity, energy, and ownership all work together to create real momentum. We'll talk about setting clear goals, getting people emotionally connected to the work, and helping teams feel genuinely invested in the outcomes. You'll also get a chance to gauge your own urgency score and pick up a few simple ways to boost it. And along the way, I'll touch on how coaching can help leaders and teams move faster, stay focused, and keep growing. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:07 Introduction to Urgency 2:21 Creating Clarity for Urgency 5:51 Energizing Your Team 8:05 Fostering Ownership and Accountability 10:11 The Urgency Formula for Growth Why Urgency Matters More Than Ever In this episode, I dig into the idea of urgency, why it's such a powerful driver of growth and momentum, and why so many organizations quietly lose it over time. Drawing from my work as a CEO coach, I talk about a common issue I see: urgency fading at the executive level and slowly rippling through the entire company. I also introduce the three interconnected elements that shape a culture of urgency clarity, energy, and ownership, and how they set the tone for everything that follows. The Three Ingredients of a High-Urgency Culture Urgency isn't just about moving fast—it's about creating an environment where people feel motivated and empowered to act. I break down the three elements that fuel this: Clarity: Without clear priorities, standards, and success metrics, teams struggle to know where to focus. I talk about the importance of transparent conversations around goals, milestones, and expectations so everyone understands the path forward. Energy: This isn't a buzzword; it's the emotional charge that moves teams into action. When employees feel connected to their work and understand its purpose, engagement skyrockets. I share ways organizations can build energy—like communicating meaning and celebrating small wins to keep momentum alive. Ownership: Beyond responsibility, ownership is about personal investment and proactive accountability. I discuss how leaders can create a culture where team members genuinely feel the work belongs to them—and why that shift changes everything. Assessing Your Urgency and Raising It I challenge listeners to calculate their own urgency score using a simple formula built around clarity, energy, and ownership. This diagnostic helps leaders pinpoint where urgency is thriving and where it needs immediate attention. From there, I offer guidance on turning those insights into real, actionable improvements. I wrap up by inviting leaders who want deeper support to consider coaching as a tool for unlocking their team's full potential—because building urgency isn't a one-time task; it's an ongoing journey. Key Takeaways Urgency drives growth and momentum—but it often weakens at the top and spreads throughout the organization. Clarity is the foundation of urgency; teams need clear priorities, expectations, and definitions of success. Energy fuels action by connecting people emotionally to their work and reinforcing purpose through communication and small wins. Ownership creates accountability, encouraging team members to take proactive responsibility rather than simply completing tasks. The three elements—clarity, energy, and ownership—work together to form a high-urgency culture. Leaders can assess their team's urgency using a simple score based on these three components. Improving urgency is an ongoing process, and coaching can accelerate progress and unlock organizational potential. 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

2025 list of fastest-growing companies. Jeff shares how values-driven leadership shapes every aspect of his organization, from strategic decisions to daily client interactions. He breaks down the core values that guide his team's growth, reliability, communication, and respect, and explains how embedding them into company culture fuels consistent, high-quality performance. Jeff also dives into the evolving role of AI in streamlining operations and elevating service, while underscoring the importance of empowering employees through critical thinking and autonomy. The conversation wraps with a powerful reminder: clearly defined values aren't just ideals, they're essential tools for sustainable growth and effective leadership. 3:42 Meet Jeff Soha 4:02 Soha Capital and Its Mission 4:29 The Impact of AI on Services 6:08 Success Through Values 6:50 Evolving Company Values 9:44 The Importance of Core Values 12:23 Defining Core Values 14:06 Practical Applications of Values 17:05 Commitment to Reliability 18:54 Weekly Review Process 23:46 Decision-Making with Values 26:23 Empowering Decision-Making in Leadership 27:30 Conclusion and Takeaways Building a Business on Values In this episode, Gene sits down with Jeff Socha, founder of Socha Capital, to talk about what values-driven leadership really looks like in practice. Jeff explains how Socha Capital helps successful entrepreneurs through family office services, from tax reduction and legal planning to investment and risk management. Gene highlights the importance of having values that actually live inside an organization, not just words written on a wall, and Jeff shares how this philosophy drives everything they do. How AI Supercharges Their Client Experience The conversation shifts into technology, where Jeff breaks down how artificial intelligence has changed the game at Socha Capital. Instead of replacing people, AI helps the team work smarter, speeding up research, boosting problem-solving, and allowing them to craft customized solutions faster than ever. For a company dealing with complex financial and legal strategy, that efficiency makes a real difference. Values That Drive Growth (Literally) Jeff has a remarkable track record: three different companies have landed on fastest-growing company lists, including the Inc. 5000. Gene digs into how values played a part in that success. Jeff shares Socha Capital's four core values: growth, reliability, communication, and respect, and explains how they show up in real decisions like hiring, firing, and internal operations. These aren't slogans; they are the compass for everything the team does, reinforced through weekly reviews, reporting systems, and clear expectations around accountability. Teaching Leaders to Think for Themselves One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Jeff's philosophy on developing leadership within his team. Instead of giving answers right away, he encourages employees to think through decisions using the company's values as their guide, especially when he's not in the room. This approach builds autonomy, confidence, and critical thinking. Jeff also talks about how he shaped these values over years of personal reflection and mentoring, grounded in the belief that "everything will grow at the rate that you do." The episode closes with Gene and Jeff agreeing on one big idea: values aren't abstract concepts, they're practical tools. When leaders live by them, they create alignment, resilience, and long-term growth for everyone involved. Key Takeaways Values must be lived, not laminated. Jeff emphasizes that core values only matter when they're actively practiced and used in decision-making not just written down. AI boosts productivity without replacing people. Socha Capital uses AI to accelerate research and problem-solving, allowing the team to spend more time on high-value client work. Growth starts with the leader. Jeff's philosophy "everything will grow at the rate that you do" highlights the importance of personal development for organizational success. Accountability drives reliability. Weekly reviews, clear reporting systems, and action-tracking help maintain consistent performance across the company. Empowered teams make better decisions. Jeff encourages employees to use the company's values as a framework for independent decision-making, building confidence and critical thinking. Values guide people decisions. Hiring, firing, and everyday leadership all tie back to Socha Capital's four core values: growth, reliability, communication, and respect. Sustainable success is values-driven. Gene and Jeff agree that long-term growth depends on leaders who embody and operationalize their values daily. 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  

Today's guest, Houri Tamizifar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynuria Inc. and Inc. 5000 honoree (Rank No. 2502), joins the show to discuss the growing importance of Leadership Adaptability and the evolving role of AI in education. Houri shares why college students must proactively build AI skills and collaborate with faculty to stay ahead of rapid technological changes shaping the workforce. She highlights how clear communication and a culture of trust are critical for navigating organizational change and driving innovation. Houri also urges CEOs to lead with empathy, prioritize employee well-being, and create environments where teams feel empowered to adapt, grow, and thrive in a shifting job market. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 2:34 Introducing Huri Tami Zafar 6:03 AI and Learning Solutions 10:14 Understanding Learning Agility 12:01 Advice for Students on Learning 14:52 Leadership Principles for Growth 19:18 The Role of Core Values 21:16 Defining Business Adaptability 26:12 Empathy in Leadership Leadership Adaptability & the Future of AI in Education In this episode, we sit down with Houri Tamizifar, co-founder and CEO of Sinuria, for a candid conversation about Leadership Adaptability and the fast-growing influence of AI in education and training. Houri opens by stressing why college students can't wait for AI to simply "show up" in their curriculum, because in most cases, it won't. She encourages students to take initiative, seek out AI learning opportunities, and collaborate with their professors so they're prepared for the technology-driven workforce they'll be entering. Host Gene Hammett adds a leadership lens, pointing out that adaptability isn't just about being flexible; it's about communicating clearly and guiding teams with confidence when technology and industry trends change rapidly. Both he and Houri shine a light on how organizations that embrace innovation and curiosity will be the ones that stay competitive. Building Learning Agility & the Role of AI in the Job Market Houri shares her long journey in the education sector and how it inspired her to launch Sinuria, a company grounded in neuroscience-based training and human capital solutions. She also introduces her new startup focused on using AI to support instructional designers—making learning design faster, sharper, and more impactful. It's a reflection of her belief that the learning industry is evolving quickly, and organizations must evolve right along with it. The conversation then shifts to AI's growing impact on the job market. Houri explains that companies are already leaning toward hiring people who not only understand AI but are also willing to work alongside it. She highlights learning agility, a core value at Cynuria, as a must-have skill for employees who want to grow, stay relevant, and help their organizations maintain a competitive edge in a constantly shifting landscape. Trust, Culture, and Leading With Empathy Houri dives into one of her strongest beliefs: that a culture rooted in trust fuels innovation. She describes Sinuria's intentional hiring process designed to find people whose values align with the company and explains why giving employees room to think creatively and operate from their strengths leads to stronger results. She also addresses the very real human side of change. Adaptability doesn't always come naturally, and employees often feel anxious as new technologies emerge. Houri emphasizes the importance of leaders communicating openly, offering support, and creating environments where change feels less intimidating. As the conversation wraps, Houri offers heartfelt advice to CEOs: lead with empathy. Understand what your people are facing, prioritize their well-being, and give them the time and space they need to adjust as the world of work transforms. In her view, adaptability isn't just a leadership skill; it's an act of empowerment that helps teams not only navigate change but thrive because of it.   Key Takeaways Leadership Adaptability is Non-Negotiable: Effective leaders must communicate clearly, guide teams through constant change, and foster a culture that embraces innovation. AI Skills Are Becoming Essential: Students can no longer rely solely on traditional education—proactively learning AI tools and engaging with faculty is critical for future career readiness. Learning Agility Drives Success: Organizations increasingly prioritize employees who are curious, flexible, and willing to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. Trust Fuels Innovation: Building a culture grounded in trust empowers employees to think creatively, collaborate deeply, and perform at their best. AI Is Reshaping the Job Market: Companies are leaning toward hires who can work effectively with AI and understand how to integrate it into their roles. Empathy Is a Leadership Advantage: CEOs and leaders who prioritize employee well-being create more resilient and adaptable teams. Change Requires Communication: A transparent, supportive approach makes it easier for employees to navigate new technologies and shifting workplace expectations. Empowered Teams Thrive: When leaders give people space to use their strengths, creativity, and voice, organizations become more agile and competitive. 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 break down the core habits that set successful CEOs apart and how those habits directly influence organizational growth. We explore the risks of overcommitting and getting too deep into day-to-day operations, a common trap that can cloud strategic focus. I make the case for a more disciplined approach to choosing opportunities and explain why shifting from monthly to weekly performance metrics can dramatically improve agility. We also dive into the value of developing strong leaders at every level and the role of clear, consistent communication in preventing costly misunderstandings. Ultimately, this episode is designed to help leaders sharpen their habits, elevate their impact, and accelerate growth. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:07 Good CEO Habits 2:56 Delegation and Ownership 5:17 The Power of Selectivity 7:27 Agility in Metrics 9:18 Building Leadership Depth 10:44 Communication Clarity 12:06 Reflecting on Improvement The Hidden Traps CEOs Fall Into: Good CEO Habits Start Here In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we're having an honest conversation about the everyday habits that can make or break a CEO's effectiveness. I'm Gene Hammett, and I'll walk you through some of the subtle traps leaders fall into, starting with the urge to say yes to everything. As CEOs, we're wired to see possibilities everywhere. I've been there myself, feeling like every new idea or opportunity could be "the one" that drives big growth. But a packed calendar isn't a sign of progress. In fact, it often pulls us away from the handful of initiatives that truly move the business forward. We also dig into one of the biggest bad habits: trying to stay involved in every operational detail. Research shows that CEOs spend an incredible amount of time in meetings, up to 72%, according to Harvard. That's a lot of hours that could be spent on creativity, strategy, and vision. I talk about how letting go, delegating more intentionally, and staying out of the weeds is actually one of the Good CEO Habits that fuels growth. Choosing the Right Opportunities: Not All "Yeses" Are Created Equal Next, we talk about the cultural pressure inside organizations to chase every possibility. Saying yes feels productive, but spreading yourself too thin rarely leads to meaningful impact. I share why developing a disciplined approach to opportunity selection is a hallmark of Good CEO Habits. Leaders who grow consistently don't chase more; they chase better. Warren Buffett said it best: the difference between successful people and really successful people is that the latter say no to almost everything. From there, we explore how shifting from monthly performance metrics to weekly check-ins can transform agility. Monthly metrics tell you what went wrong last month. Weekly metrics help you fix what's happening right now. That faster feedback loop helps teams stay aligned, spot issues early, and maintain momentum. Build Leaders, Build Clarity, Build Growth Finally, we look inward, specifically at how CEOs develop the strength of their team and the clarity of their communication. A powerful CEO doesn't try to be an expert in everything. Instead, they build depth in their leadership team, ensuring every department has someone capable, confident, and empowered. Closing those leadership gaps is essential for scaling it's another core Good CEO Habit that separates high-growth organizations from the rest. We also talk about communication, the kind of communication that goes beyond "good enough." Assumptions create confusion, rework, and frustration. Clear, intentional communication creates alignment and trust. I share how being explicit rather than vague can eliminate misunderstandings before they start. Throughout the episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own habits. Which ones are helping you grow, and which ones might be holding you back? When we ask better questions about how we lead, we uncover opportunities to evolve both as individuals and as organizations. That's what we aim for here on Grow Think Tank: helping leaders become more effective, more intentional, and more equipped to scale with confidence. Key Takeaways Fewer commitments lead to better focus. Saying yes to everything creates noise. The most effective CEOs choose opportunities selectively and focus on initiatives that truly drive growth. Staying out of the weeds is a leadership strength. CEOs who try to oversee every detail lose valuable time for strategy, creativity, and vision. Delegation is not just helpful it's essential. Weekly metrics create agility. Shifting from monthly to weekly performance reviews helps teams catch issues earlier, adapt faster, and maintain momentum. Depth in leadership beats well-roundedness. CEOs don't need to be experts in every area they need strong leaders around them. Building leadership capacity at every level accelerates scale. Clarity in communication prevents costly mistakes. "Good enough" communication isn't good enough. Explicit, intentional clarity avoids misunderstandings and keeps teams aligned. Good CEO Habits require intentional reflection. Sustainable growth comes from regularly reassessing your habits, asking better leadership questions, and making small adjustments with big 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

Today's guest is Kelsey Hensley, President at NovEx Supply Chain, whose company was ranked No. 1,662 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey shares insights on company culture and leadership development, highlighting the six core values, kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, that guide decision-making and foster personal growth at NovEx. She discusses the balance between technology and human relationships in logistics, explaining how clearly defined values have transformed the company's hiring practices and strengthened team alignment. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kelsey emphasizes the importance of empowering teams and focusing on strategic growth, illustrating how intentional leadership fosters a thriving organizational culture. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:26 Introduction to Novex Supply Chain 2:40 Embracing AI in Logistics 6:34 The Human Element in Business 8:17 Leadership and Culture Connection 10:31 Highlighting Company Values 13:18 Living the Values 16:48 Independent Teams and Leadership 17:28 Overcoming Control Issues 21:23 Focusing on Valuable Work 24:28 The Worth of Cultural Efforts Building a Values-Driven Culture From the Ground Up In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey Hensley, founder of Novex Supply Chain, shares how rapid growth as a bi-coastal 3PL provider pushed her to shape company culture intentionally. She walks through the six core values that guide Novex. Kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, and how they influence decisions, hiring, coaching, and team interactions. Kelsey describes the pride she feels watching employees embody these values not only at work but in their personal lives, reinforcing the power of a values-first culture. Leadership Principles and Tech, AI, and the Human Touch in Logistics Empowerment Kelsey and Gene shift the conversation to today's evolving workplace and the rise of AI in logistics. While acknowledging industry layoffs and the anxiety surrounding automation, Kelsey stresses that technology should enhance human performance, not replace it. She believes logistics still thrives on relationships and personalized service, which machines cannot replicate. For Novex, AI is a tool, not the driver, and the company remains committed to keeping people at the heart of the business. Why Culture Shapes Leadership: Not the Other Way Around Diving deeper, Kelsey emphasizes that culture determines the type of leaders who emerge. She shares the breakthroughs she had once she formally defined Novex's core values, giving the organization a clear framework for hiring, training, and accountability. Her hiring philosophy centers on behavior over skill. Skills can be taught, but misaligned behaviors disrupt teams. By prioritizing value-aligned behavior, Kelsey has cultivated a dependable, supportive environment where people can thrive. Learning to Let Go: A Founder's Leadership Evolution Reflecting on her journey, Kelsey discusses her early tendency to control every detail of the business and how a long overseas family trip forced her to step back. Trusting her team, allowing them to make mistakes, learn, and lead became a turning point for Novex. Empowering her people has freed her to focus on strategy, brand development, and deeper client relationships. Her story highlights how founders evolve and how letting go can unlock growth, independence, and a stronger culture. Key Takeaways Values Drive Everything: Novex Supply Chain's six core values kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability serve as the foundation for decision-making, hiring, and team development. Culture Shapes Leadership: Kelsey emphasizes that strong culture produces strong leaders. Clearly defining company values created alignment and accountability across the organization. Hire for Behavior, Train for Skill: Skills can be taught, but behavior and attitude determine long-term success. Value-aligned behavior is the top hiring priority at Novex. Tech Supports People, Not Replaces Them: Despite AI advancements and logistics industry layoffs, Kelsey believes the human element relationships, communication, and personalized service remains irreplaceable. Letting Go Unlocks Growth: Kelsey's shift from controlling every detail to empowering her team was a turning point. Allowing others to lead freed her to focus on strategy, brand growth, and client relationships. Personal Growth Matters: The company's values don't just impact work they influence how employees show up in all areas of their lives, fostering well-rounded personal and professional development. Intentional Leadership Builds Thriving Teams: By trusting her team, creating clarity, and reinforcing shared values, Kelsey demonstrates how intentional leadership fuels sustainable growth and a strong organizational culture. 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, CEO coach Gene Hammett explores what it truly means to Be Intentional as a Leader, encouraging listeners to examine their leadership style and uncover the barriers limiting their growth. Drawing from his recent keynote at the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, he introduces a clear two-part framework for elevating leadership, recognizing current hindrances, and defining the aspirational traits that drive stronger performance. Gene emphasizes the power of proactive, self-aware leadership in building engaged, high-performing teams and shares practical tools and resources to support deeper self-discovery and more effective, intentional leadership. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 2:04 The Importance of Self-Reflection 5:44 Defining Your Leadership Identity 6:59 Evolving as a Leader 8:17 The Power of Intentionality 9:40 Strategies for Effective Leadership Identify who you're being that limits your leadership. Most leaders fall into the same cycle: open the laptop, answer emails, run spreadsheets, jump into meetings, put out fires… and repeat. I've been there, and maybe you're stuck in that same loop, working hard, but not necessarily leading intentionally. So pause for a moment and ask yourself: What would it take for me to be a better leader? And even more importantly, why do I want to be a better leader? Is your team performing below its potential? Do decisions keep landing back on your plate? Are you feeling overwhelmed or burned out? If so, this episode is for you. Recently, I spoke at the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement here in Atlanta. Their leaders were deeply committed to growing, and during that keynote, I shared one core idea: the power of intention in leadership. Here's a portion of that talk: "When you want to be a great leader, it doesn't happen by accident; it requires intention. You need the ability to shift with what's in front of you. Defining the leader you want to become may seem trivial or unnecessary, but it is foundational. Who are you being that gets in the way of being a better leader? And who do you want to become in the next level of yourself? You must be honest with yourself and claim the leader you're becoming." Are you scattered? Distracted? Overwhelmed? Too nice? Too empathetic? Too direct? These traits may not seem harmful, but when they're dialed too high, they create friction. Write them down on a 3×5 or 4×6 card, make it honest, uncomfortable, and real. This clarity helps you move away from what no longer serves your leadership. Define who you want to become. One of my clients captured this beautifully: Be decisive. Be focused. Be confident. Each week during our coaching sessions, we review how these traits showed up. This repetition creates accountability and reinforces their development. This is the work of intentional leadership, continuously evolving and expanding your capacity. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or senior leader, complacency kills performance. Growth requires reinvention. If you're new here, I'm Gene Hammett, CEO, coach, founder, and leadership development expert. We help executives and leadership teams create environments where people perform at their best, take ownership, and feel aligned with the mission. If you want to explore these ideas further without committing to a call, join my free training at training.corelevation.com. In about 90 minutes, we cover core principles, common mistakes, and the five steps to becoming a stronger, more intentional leader. To close today's episode, remember this: Being intentional is a superpower. Reactive leadership limits performance. A simple example comes from sales: smile before you dial. People can sense your energy even without seeing you. That's the intention at work. Imagine showing up 90–95% of the time as the leader you want to be decisive, focused, confident… or whatever traits matter most to you. One of my favorite examples from a client is the phrase: unshakably confident. Picture that being you. It's possible if you choose to lead with intention. If I can support you in any way, keep following our content, keep stepping up, and remember: when you think of growth and leadership, think of Growth Think Tank. Key Takeaways Great leadership never happens by accident it requires intention. Break the reactive work cycle by pausing to reflect on why you want to grow. Part 1: Define who you're being today that limits your leadership. Part 2: Define the leader you want to become (e.g., decisive, focused, confident). Writing your leadership identity on a simple card creates clarity and accountability. Intentionality is a leadership superpower that elevates performance and reduces overwhelm. "Smile before you dial" is a simple example of how intention shapes outcomes. 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

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we dive into the connection between leadership and workplace stress, and how CEOs can minimize stress to create healthier, more productive teams. Research shows that 75% of employees see their boss as a primary source of stress, which makes leadership style more important than ever. We'll talk about how clear communication, aligned priorities, and a psychologically safe environment can transform team dynamics, plus I'll share practical ways to reduce stress through stronger personal connections with your people. This episode will inspire you to lead with greater awareness and intention, helping both you and your team thrive. Be sure to check out my free training on effective leadership to take these ideas even further. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 2:22 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Stress 3:55 Communicating to Alleviate Workplace Stress 4:46 Creating a Thriving Work Environment 5:26 Commitment to Improved Leadership Skills Understanding Leadership Stress Ask your team what they think you could do to improve as a leader. If you truly listen beyond the words, ask follow-up questions, and reflect on their answers. This gives you a much better chance to show up and help your employees feel less stressed. Welcome to Grow Think Tank! This is the only place to gain insights from the founders and CEOs of the fastest-growing privately held companies. I'm your host, Gene Hammett. I help leaders and their teams navigate the defining moments of growth. Today, we're talking about how stressful work can be, especially when you're the leader. Most leaders are used to stress, thrive under pressure, and have faced countless challenges. But a recent Harvard Business Review study shows that 75% of employees view their boss as their primary stressor. Now, I'm not saying that you're causing stress intentionally, but these numbers are eye-opening. Don't just dismiss it as "those other leaders can't manage." Instead, consider: where could you improve? How can CEOs minimize stress for their teams and create a healthier work environment? How Leadership Impacts Stress Stress often stems from unclear communication. If expectations aren't clear, confusion arises. Too many priorities? That's stress. Lack of psychological safety? Employees may hesitate to share ideas for fear of judgment. Think about what stresses you out at work, write it down, and use it as a starting point to make intentional changes. So, how do you reduce stress as a leader? It starts with communication, not just what needs to be done, but why it matters. Connect tasks to the company mission and to your team members' personal goals. Listen actively, ask how they're doing, and reflect on feedback to improve your leadership approach. This is a key way CEOs minimize stress in their teams. Remember, people spend more time at work than almost anywhere else. If 75% of your team feels stressed because of leadership, it's a problem that only you can address. By fostering trust, clarity, and support, you can create a workplace where people thrive. Taking Action to Reduce Stress I hope that you'll commit to being a better leader, improving communication, coaching, conflict resolution, feedback, and clarity. Strong leadership doesn't just get work done. It creates an environment where people can thrive and grow alongside you. If you want to go deeper, join my free training at training.coreelevation.com. It will help you refine your leadership skills, create clarity in your company, and implement a new leadership operating system, all steps that help CEOs minimize stress while driving growth. Invest in your leadership growth and take active steps today to create a workplace where both you and your team can thrive. Key Takeaways Leadership directly impacts workplace stress, with 75% of employees citing their boss as a primary stressor. In this episode, Gene Hammett shares actionable strategies for CEOs to minimize stress, including clear communication, aligning priorities, fostering psychological safety, and building stronger personal connections with employees. By implementing these practices, leaders can create a thriving work environment where teams feel supported, motivated, and empowered to grow. 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 of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, ranked No. 1707 on the Inc. 5000 (2025), about her journey in corporate event planning and building a thriving business by helping leaders focus on strengths. Lauren shares insights on adaptability, creativity, and self-awareness in leadership, especially as the industry evolves toward virtual and hybrid events, and discusses strategies for leadership development, including fostering strong team dynamics, supporting talent through regular check-ins and recognition, and cultivating a high-performing, engaged workforce. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone interested in leadership growth, organizational culture, and leveraging strengths to achieve business success. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 7:52 Shifts in the Events Industry 12:51 Finding Your Strengths 14:58 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 16:44 Mistakes in Leadership 19:19 Self-Awareness in Leadership 21:25 Developing Employee Strengths Passion and Purpose in Event Planning In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, a corporate event planning company specializing in both virtual and in-person events. Lauren shares the driving force behind her work: delivering exceptional experiences for clients while embracing creativity and innovation. She reflects on how the events industry has evolved, particularly post-COVID-19, and how adaptability and a willingness to learn have been essential to keeping her company competitive and relevant. Leadership Principles and Team Empowerment Lauren explores the core principles of effective leadership, emphasizing the difference between leading within an organization versus running her own company. She discusses how leaders focus on strengths, both their own and those of their team members, to drive performance, foster collaboration, and build a supportive work environment. By leveraging complementary skills and cultivating self-awareness, Lauren empowers her team to excel in their areas of expertise, reinforcing that strong leadership is grounded in both strategic insight and emotional intelligence. Adapting to a Dynamic Industry The conversation turns to the rapidly changing landscape of corporate events, particularly the shift toward virtual and hybrid formats. Lauren shares how LMH Experiences successfully pivoted to virtual events, building trusted vendor networks and creating engaging digital experiences. She also highlights emerging trends, such as balancing in-person and virtual events, and how data-driven decision-making supports effective resource allocation and client satisfaction in a competitive market. Focusing on Strengths for Sustainable Success Drawing on her 15 years of experience, Lauren reflects on the value of self-awareness and identifying personal and team strengths. By understanding her own capabilities and delegating strategically, she has cultivated a high-performing team while promoting professional development. Her methods include regular check-ins, performance reviews, and recognition of both individual and collective achievements. This episode demonstrates how leaders focus on strengths to drive growth, build resilience, and create a culture where teams can thrive. Key Takeaways Leaders Focus on Strengths: Learn how Lauren McSorley leverages her own strengths and empowers her team to excel. Adaptability in Action: Discover how LMH Experiences pivoted successfully to virtual and hybrid events. Creative Leadership: Insights on embracing creativity to deliver exceptional client experiences. Team Development: Practical strategies for check-ins, recognition, and fostering a high-performing culture. Data-Driven Decisions: How balancing virtual and in-person events with smart planning drives success.

In this episode, I dive into the powerful connection between coaching and effective leadership, drawing from my 13 years as a CEO coach. I discuss why many leaders overlook their potential as coaches and share practical ways to strengthen those skills, especially when things become messy or unpredictable. Instead of jumping in with quick answers, I highlight how asking the right questions can unlock your team's potential and spark real growth. I also share a few coaching models that make this easier in everyday leadership. By the end, you'll see how intentional coaching can create a stronger problem-solving culture and make you a more effective, inspiring leader. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:07 Coaching as a Leader 1:52 The Importance of Questions 3:50 Guiding Through Understanding Coaching as a Core Leadership Skill In this episode, I dig into how coaching shapes great leadership and why so many leaders overlook it. After 13 years of coaching CEOs, I've seen how easy it is to get caught up in running sales, operations, and everything in between while forgetting the human side of leadership. Coaching isn't just another skill; it's the foundation for helping your team grow, think independently, and solve problems on their own. The Power of Asking Better Questions Here's the truth: real coaching isn't about giving answers, it's about asking the right questions. I talk about why slowing down and getting curious leads to deeper understanding and stronger teams. I also share a few practical coaching models and a story about a client who learned to turn frustration into growth simply by reframing conversations through better questions. When leaders make this shift, it changes everything from team culture to performance and engagement. Leading with Intention and Courage We wrap up by exploring what it means to lead with intention to coach with curiosity, patience, and courage. Creating a culture of problem-solving doesn't happen overnight, but it transforms how teams work and how businesses grow. And if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I share a free resource at training.coreelevation.com to help you strengthen your coaching approach and build a team that thrives on independence and trust. Key Takeaways Great leadership starts with great coaching. When you slow down, ask better questions, and lead with intention, you empower your team to think for themselves, grow with confidence, and create a lasting culture of problem-solving and accountability. 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