This week on Outside Insights, I sat down with my good friend John Sanders, founder of Bridgeforce, to talk about what it really takes to build a business that endures.
John’s story isn’t about quick wins or flashy exits. Over the past 25 years, he and his partner have built a management consultancy serving global banks, credit unions, fintechs, and lenders — staying true to the values they set on day one.
The Leap of Faith
Bridgeforce began with a breakfast conversation, a bold “I’m in,” and a same-day resignation. No parachute. No safety net. Just conviction that failure was not an option.
That leap defined the next quarter-century of John’s life.
Lessons from the Journey
Throughout our conversation, John shared some hard-earned lessons:
- Every stage brings new challenges. Surviving the first three years was one kind of test. Scaling brought others. Even today, the obstacles evolve.
- Motion creates insight. You can’t steer a parked car. Progress requires movement, even when the path isn’t perfect.
- Culture matters. Bridgeforce was built on a simple plus/minus exercise: do more of what we admired in others, none of what we didn’t. That clarity still guides the company.
- Protect what you value. Whether it’s intellectual property, your people, or your principles, what matters to you will matter to others — and sometimes it must be defended.
- Strategic energy beats constant energy. You don’t need to win every race. You just need to run the right ones.
Leadership Through Crisis
We also talked about leading in uncertain times, including the pandemic. John’s approach was deeply personal: calling every employee, shouldering their worries, and reminding them they didn’t have to carry the weight alone.
That philosophy — let me worry for you — says a lot about the leader John has become.
What He’d Tell His 21-Year-Old Self
Relax. Sit in the pocket. Don’t rush.
And… buy Apple stock.
Recommended Reading
One of John’s all-time favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom — a reminder that the most profound lessons on how to live often come from those nearing the end.
Connect with John
You can learn more about John and Bridgeforce at:
👉 Bridgeforce.com
In the end, John and I agreed that the true rewards in business and life are often the simplest: a good meal, a walk, and maybe a nap.
🎧 Listen to Episode 65 now
📩 Share this with someone who’s carrying too much alone — and could use a reminder that leadership means sharing the load.
Until next time, friends,
Chris
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com