How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it's quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn't just about gaining more customers. It's about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value.
From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into the practical and sometimes surprising lessons leaders can apply across industries. We also discuss the four relationship types that exist within every client base and why recognizing them can make or break your growth strategy. If you've ever wondered why some communities thrive while others implode, this conversation will give you the insight (and the courage) to approach growth differently.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
-
Why traditional customer growth strategies leave hidden risks on the table
-
How separate vs. connected communities can completely change your outcomes
-
The one factor that turns leaders into magnets for followers (and what happens when you lose it)
-
Why not every client mix is healthy and the danger of drifting into incompatibility
-
A surprising "matrix" tool that helps you map out community dynamics
-
How small, intentional moves can unlock exponential connections
-
The unseen ways conflicts inside a community can erode your brand
-
What brands like Nike, Carhartt, and Supreme teach us about scaling without losing credibility
Ready to rethink growth? Tune in now and discover how to identify the communities you're really building and how to align them for long-term success. And if you found value in this conversation, don't forget to share the episode and leave a review so more people can discover the insights inside The Growth Dilemma.
Resources Mentioned:
Order your copy of Give to Grow
Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow
Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn
Connect with Annie on LinkedIn
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.