What if the biggest threat to your culture was the language you use?
As your firm scales, the way you talk about the people on your team can either create clarity or chaos. In this solo episode, I share a painful but powerful lesson I learned while building Triad Partners—from an underperforming team member we were too afraid to let go, to 100+ A-players aligned to a clear mission.
You’ll hear the exact mistake we made, why we had to course-correct fast, and how shifting a single word completely transformed how we hire, lead, and hold people accountable.
If you’re trying to scale your business without sacrificing your team’s trust or performance, this episode is for you.
3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson …
#1.) Why “Family” Sends the Wrong Message
Calling your team a “family” feels inclusive, but it clouds expectations. It creates hesitation when tough decisions need to be made and sends mixed signals about what’s acceptable. Replacing “family” with “team” gives you the clarity and confidence to lead with consistency.
#2.) Families Blur Boundaries but Teams Require Them
In a family, you show up no matter what, even when standards slip. But in business, that thinking weakens accountability. Teams work best when expectations are clear, responsibilities are defined, and everyone knows what it means to pull their weight.
#3.) Belonging Should Be Earned, Not Assumed
In a family, you belong by default. On a team, you earn your spot by aligning with the mission. This mindset shift helps you attract the right people, foster buy-in, and build a culture where everyone’s rowing in the same direction.
SHOW NOTES
https://bradleyjohnson.com/122
FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIAL
FOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:
DISCLOSURE
DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.
The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.
Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
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.