What does it take to build a company that performs at the highest level, and stays human at the core?
In this second part of my conversation with Mike Chaput, CEO of Endsight, we go beyond values-driven culture and explore the disciplines, systems and operational rhythms that make an organization truly self-sustaining.
Mike’s journey -- buying his first business at 24 with borrowed money, failing, rebuilding, and ultimately creating one of the top-performing IT support companies in the country -- gives him a rare, grounded perspective on what “enduring success” actually looks like.
Today, Endsight is a 140-person company generating $35M+ in annual revenue with a 20% EBITDA margin, putting it in the top 1% of its industry. But the most extraordinary part? Mike built it through people-first leadership, relentless clarity on core values and a deep commitment to operational excellence.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why memorable, clear, branded, and complete core values become the operating system of a healthy business
- The RSVP values framework: Respect & Connect, Servant’s Heart, Value Value, and Progress Over Comfort
- How Endsight hires for culture first, even before skills
- Using lifeline interviews to uncover ethics, motivations, and alignment
- Why avoiding a bad hire is more valuable than landing a good one
- How constraints create freedom, and why discipline unlocks creativity
- The rhythms, systems, and lean practices that operationalize excellence
- How to build a culture where people naturally take ownership and solve problems
- What leaders must understand about motive, followership, and sustainable influence
If you’re a founder, a CEO, or a leader who wants to build a company that outlives you, this conversation is full of gold.
📌 If this episode sparks insight or challenges your thinking, leave a question or reflection in the comments. This community grows through the questions we ask together.Like, subscribe, share, and most importantly… keep asking better questions.
Episode Show Notes and Deep Dive:📚 Deep Dive, Show Notes and Reference Reading: https://www.awayre.com/activate-company-culture-playbook/
Connect with Mike Chaput:🌐 Website: https://www.endsight.net🔗 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchaput/🎞 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thechaputperspective
"The Business Philosopher Within You" Podcast:🎬🎙️📖 Website: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast/🦸♀️Be a Guest: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast-guest/
🤔 Podcast: The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast 🗓️ Published: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays📇 Episode: 34📜 Format: Full Episode📅 Date: November 26, 2025👨💼 Guest: Mike Chaput, Founder and CEO, Endsight🎙️ Host: Bhavesh Naik
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Highlights and Introduction
02:35 - Creating an Executable Value System
09:31 - Core Values as Constraining Behaviors
15:16 - Hiring for Culture and Values Vs Skill
23:06 - Cultural Orientation After Hiring
25:54 - Operationalizing Company Culture
31:41 - Achieving 20% Profit Margins
35:49 - Non-Negotiables for Success
40:43 - Impact of AI on the Future
46:08 - Human Vs AI: Insights, Perspectives and a Prediction
47:24 - Darkest Moment Reflection
53:55 - Finding Peace and Inspiration
56:45 - Lasting Words of Wisdom and Getting In Touch
~~~
Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn
~~~
Popular Podcasts
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
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
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.