Growth Think Tank

Growth Think Tank

Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Growth Think Tank provides discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. What makes us different is the focus on interviews with founders and CEOs from the Inc 500 leaders. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company. This show was formerly known as "Leaders in the Trenches."

Episodes

July 10, 2025 25 mins

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 lead...

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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, illu...

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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, ...

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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 accounta...

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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 su...

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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 emphasiz...

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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 t...

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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 tod...

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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 Capita...

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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...

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In this episode, I sit down with Brian Hunter, founder and CEO of Tiny Rhino Group, to explore how Radical Transparency can be a powerful force in building a thriving company culture. Brian shares how embracing Radical Transparency has helped his team foster trust, accountability, and alignment across all levels of the organization. We discuss the challenges and breakthroughs that come with leading openly and how Radical Transparen...

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In this episode, I share key insights from my journey of over 1,200 conversations with leaders from rapidly growing companies. A central theme emerges: prioritizing employees is essential for delivering exceptional customer experiences. I illustrate how a people-first approach fosters a culture where employees feel valued, leading to enhanced service. I take a moment to celebrate the milestone of 1,200 episodes, reflecting on the g...

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In this episode, I sit down with Chris Hare, Founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at The Storied Future, to explore the transformative power of Story Telling In Leadership. Chris shares how Story Telling In Leadership can align teams, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful change within organizations. We delve into the process of building a new narrative that resonates with stakeholders and propels companies forward. Through re...

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In this episode, I discuss the journey of Ray Reyes, founder of Coastal Growth Services, who launched his business during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his experiences overcoming financial fears, evolving from a home office to a team of 65 employees in just four years. Ray highlights the crucial mindset shifts from technician to strategic leader, the importance of delegation after a personal health scare, and how mentorship fuel...

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In this episode, I engage with Daria Leshchenko, co-founder and CEO of Support Your App, to discuss the challenges and strategies of business growth in the customer service sector. Daria shares her journey, highlighting the struggles of early entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that drove her company's expansion, particularly into the tech industry. We delve into the significance of diversification and establishing standard op...

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In this episode, I dive into the transformative journey of leadership, drawing from my experiences as a former CEO and coach. I highlight the common challenges leaders face regarding time and energy, and I share actionable strategies to empower teams and shift focus from daily tasks to developing others. By discussing the five levels of leadership, I emphasize the importance of continual growth and reflection. I encourage listeners...

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In this episode, I and, Manfred Mahrle, explore the transformative power of positive intelligence for CEOs facing the challenges of leadership. I discuss the importance of adopting a "sage mode" mindset, drawing an analogy to the conflict between Darth Vader and the Jedi. Through my journey from a two-decade corporate career to founding ActiMind, I emphasize the necessity of overcoming fear to achieve fulfillment and innovation. I ...

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In this episode, we speak with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of History IT, a pioneer in creating digital archives for museums, libraries, and historical societies. We explore effective leadership in mission-driven companies, focusing on trust and clear vision as foundational elements. Kristen shares her journey in building History IT, sparked by her passion for history and the urgency of digital transformation, especially ...

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In this episode, I speak with Jacqui Chew, managing director of iFusion Consulting, about the marketing challenges of fast-growing companies. We discuss the identity crisis organizations face as they evolve, leading to a disconnect between their original value and current offerings. Jacqui highlights that unclear narratives often mask the real issue of differentiation in a competitive market. We explore the significance of voice-of...

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In this episode, I address how leaders often become bottlenecks in their organizations by clinging to tasks that could be delegated. Through a client story, I illustrate the impact of a hands-on approach to decision-making on personal and team growth. We discuss the difference between transactional leaders and those who empower their teams, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment. Listeners are invited to jo...

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