In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with John Lanier, a veteran business leader and consultant, for an insightful exploration of what it really means to build lasting value across every stage of your career and business. Tim and John discuss John’s unique perspective on approaching life and work in “trimesters,” uncovering how continuous learning, adaptability, and mentorship shape both personal and professional growth.
Listeners will gain practical insights on topics like cash flow management, the dangers of leadership bottlenecks, and the critical importance of transitioning knowledge before it walks out the door. John and Tim discuss the pitfalls of assuming what customers value, why culture trumps strategy, and how leaders can future-proof their businesses by actively developing teams and embracing ongoing planning and succession. The episode also offers candid stories about weathering disruption, challenging the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, and proactive problem-solving.
This episode is brimming with actionable advice on creating enduring businesses, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and ensuring your legacy outlasts your tenure. If you want to future-proof your organization and learn how to make yourself “irrelevant” in the best possible way, this is an episode you can’t miss.
Let's shock your profit!
Reach John A. Lanier at Middle Market Methods
Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com
Connect with your host
Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com
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.
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
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.