Ep#25: Scale or Shatter? Why Founders Break - Leila Lahbabi

Many founders are chasing scale, but at what cost? 

In this episode, Leila Lahbabi shares how purpose-driven leaders can grow thriving companies without burning out or losing themselves in the process. We explore the real tension between being a present parent and an ambitious entrepreneur, and how to build high-performing teams that unlock freedom rather than dependence.

Leila Lahbabi

Leila Lahbabi is a trusted advisor to purpose-driven founders and CEOs, helping them scale their companies without sacrificing their freedom, values, or well-being. With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies, five years as an entrepreneur, and a deep foundation in psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, Leila brings a holistic, high-impact approach to leadership and business growth.

Her work focuses on building high-performing teams and fostering leadership autonomy, enabling founders to step out of the operational grind and into sustainable, values-aligned growth. Leila is also the author of the upcoming book The Billion Dollar Purpose, which explores how mission-driven leaders can unlock talent, scale impact, and build thriving businesses from the inside out.

https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scale

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh speaks with Leila Lahbabi about her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling without sacrificing personal well-being. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the significance of mindfulness and prioritization, and the need to focus on the hard work that truly drives business success. Leila shares her insights on transitioning from being a Chief Everything Officer to a CEO, highlighting the importance of delegation and adaptability in scaling a business effectively.

Takeaways

Starting a business is challenging, especially when balancing multiple roles.

Mindfulness can help manage stress and improve focus.

It's crucial to prioritize actions that drive results.

Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and planning.

Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to overwhelming responsibilities.

Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively.

Understanding the difference between working hard and doing hard work is key.

Investing time and intention in your business leads to growth.

Adaptability is a critical factor for business success.

Reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scaling Without Sacrifice

02:20 Leila's Journey: From Consulting to Entrepreneurship

04:54 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Balancing Roles

09:42 Catalysts for Change: The Impact of COVID-19

13:00 Finding Purpose and Direction in Business

16:14 Juggling Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

20:33 The Importance of Mindfulness and Strategy

23:15 Recognizing Burnout and Its Effects

25:00 Challenging Startup Norms and Expectations

25:27 The Hidden Struggles of Founders

28:20 Reframing Hard Work vs. Doing Hard Work

36:20 Transitioning from Chief Everything Officer to CEO

42:26 Investing Time for Business Growth

43:53 Scaling with Adaptability and Reflection

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