The Profit Paradox: Why Culture, Not Money, Drives Growth — with Dr. Gustavo (S2:E15)

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About Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky

Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky is a clinical and organizational psychologist, TEDx speaker, and expert in workplace culture, emotional intelligence, and leadership. He specializes in helping businesses create thriving environments by transforming how leaders think about culture, team dynamics, and change. With experience ranging from working with incarcerated mobsters to advising major corporations, Dr. Gustavo brings a unique and powerful perspective on human behavior and organizational success.

He’s also known for breaking down culture into actionable steps — from building trust to navigating generational differences in the workforce. His real-world approach has made him a trusted advisor to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams across the country.

Reference Links: 

• Linkedin
• Green Ridge Wealth Planning
• BobbyMascia.com
• Instagram - Bobby Mascia
• Instagram - Business Unchained

Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky  Social Media

• LinkedIn - Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky
• Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky - Website
• Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky   Instagram
• Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky YouTube

Episode Highlights:

When a prison riot breaks out, the last thing you expect is to be protected by mobsters — but for Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky, it was a moment that would reshape his understanding of human behavior forever. In this episode of Business Unchained, Dr. Gustavo shares that riveting story as a gateway to unpacking the psychology of culture, leadership, and change.

(06:33) “He was willing to take his own life, but didn’t want anyone to take mine.” — Dr. Gustavo

Host Bobby Mascia brings the conversation back to real-world entrepreneurship — asking the hard questions about resistance to change, employee engagement, generational divides, and what it really means to put people first. From rethinking outdated leadership models to understanding the “profit paradox,” this episode is a deep dive into how business owners can build cultures that scale with soul.

(15:41) “Companies that put culture first make more. That’s the profit paradox.” — Dr. Gustavo

(22:00) “People don’t resist change — they resist loss.” — Dr. Gustavo

(29:48) “If you allow for backsliding, you’re going to get backsliding.” — Dr. Gustavo

Whether you're an old-school operator learning to evolve or a next-gen entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with raw insight, practical frameworks, and plenty of "aha" moments.

 In this episode:

• (00:00) Welcome to Business Unchained
• (06:33) Why mobsters protected Dr. Gustavo — the power of context
• (11:44) Culture gaps, and why middle management can kill momentum
• (15:41) The “Profit Paradox”: why culture drives profitability
• (22:00) People resist loss, not change — and how to lead through it
• (24:39) Overcoming fear with clarity and KPIs
• (35:10) Flexibility is the future — not just hybrid work
• (44:28) You can’t change people who don’t want to change
• (51:53) From inmate survival to boardroom strategy
• (54:11) Final takeaways: truth, attention, and limiting adversaries
• (55:32) Where to find and follow Dr. Gustavo