Sean sits down with Ed Gillcrist, a U.S. Marine and co-founder of the Shackleton Group, a leadership and organisational development firm. Ed shares his journey from being a Marine helicopter pilot to establishing a successful consulting business over two decades ago. He discusses the importance of leveraging existing networks, adapting business models to meet market needs, and the critical role of hiring the right people. Ed emphasises the necessity of having difficult conversations, including letting go of employees who don't fit, to ensure the overall health of the organisation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Building a business is often more effective when you focus on your existing relationships and networks. This allows you to gain insights into the specific challenges potential clients face, enabling you to tailor your solutions to meet their needs.
Successful entrepreneurs must be willing to pivot their business model based on market demands. Initially focusing on training systems, the Shackleton Group shifted to organisational development because that was what their network needed.
When building a team, prioritise hiring individuals you trust and who demonstrate the potential to grow within the organisation. Establish clear criteria for hiring and ensure that the interview process is genuine and relevant to the roles being filled.
Effective leadership involves not only rewarding good performance but also holding team members accountable. This includes making tough decisions, such as letting go of employees who are not a good fit for the organisation, to ensure the overall health of the team.
In both military and business environments, sound judgment is crucial. While systems and procedures are important, they should never override the need for critical thinking and adaptability in complex situations.
BEST MOMENTS
"We unfortunately stuck our hand in the blender a few times over the years and hopefully we can share some of this stuff and it helps people realise, ouch, that hurts, don't need to go there."
"By focusing on your existing network, you have more access to the problems and the challenges that they're specifically facing."
"Hire people you'll trust. And then trust the people you hire."
"Sometimes you gotta cut a man loose. You have to be willing to look at people and fire them."
"None of the procedures or statements or steps in this book is intended to ever usurp good judgment and good thinking."
HOST BIO
Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.
With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.
Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.
If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/