The Third Growth Option with Benno Duenkelsbuehler and Guests
Welcome to The Third Growth Option, where we're not just talking about growth—we're making it our mission. At TGO, we understand that success isn't a fixed destination; it's an ongoing journey with twists, turns, and unexpected detours that take us to new places. Those moments are our Third Growth Options, where we throw away binary choices to create our own path. Hosted by Benno Duenkelsbuehler, O.G #GrowthNerd, we're on a mission to redefine success inside and outside of business, one episode at a time. From humble beginnings to Fortune 500 companies, our stories are not just about business—it's about the relentless pursuit of greatness in every aspect of life. With each episode, we don’t just want to share insights—we want to empower business owners across all frontiers to carve their own path to success, their way. Want to learn more? Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realignexpansionsherpas/ Follow Benno on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/benno1/ or Checkout https://realignforresults.com/
Episodes
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Ever feel stuck between chaotic speed and suffocating process? This episode opens the conversation on finding the middle ground—what we call structured entrepreneurship.
We get into:
- Why cowboy chaos and heavy bureaucracy both stall growth.
- The tension between “move fast” and “follow the process.”
- How a bit of structure actually creates space for creativity and real opportunities.
I...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Growth looks clean on charts—but anyone who’s built something real knows it’s messy.
This week we’re opening a conversation about what actually drives long-term success: persistence and tenacity.
Not the flashy kind. The quiet kind that shows up when the plan breaks, the path gets rough, and quitting would be easier.
What makes persistence possible for you or your team when momentum fades?
...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
We unpack why strategic planning fails, when leaders confuse the destination with the plan — and how a bold North Star fuels execution.
Key Takeaways:
- AVOID thinking too small (seeing goals as “Finish Lines”)
- INSTEAD, think bigger: set goals as your “North Star”.
- SUMMIT VISION – from 3 lenses (marketing, ops, finance)
- TRANSFORMATIVE PERSPECTIVE from the peak
- “Attainable” goals p...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
We explore two tools that make growth faster and cleaner: visibility and radical candor. Together, they align teams, shorten loops, and turn feedback into progress.
• Use shared KPIs and reports to improve alignment
• Balance leading and lagging indicators
• Reduce silos through open work
• Pair clear expectations with direct feedback
• Combine data and candor to...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Growth requires understanding your personal and organizational DNA, which helps navigate the exciting yet uncertain journey of development.
- Growth DNA = the overlap of what you’re great at, what you love, and what drives economic results
- Hedgehog Concept (Jim Collins): three circles that reveal your true “sweet spot”
- Love - Can - Need Framework: passion + capabilities + market demand
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Inspired by Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market, I pulled together three simple but powerful tools that help any leader (not just product managers) contribute to product strategy. These frameworks create a shared language that makes cross-functional collaboration easier across sales, finance, ops, and product.
• Two-by-Two Matrix → Map your assortment across basic vs. seasonal and core ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Branding isn’t about logos or colors—it’s about making a compelling promise and consistently delivering on it. The simple definition “Compelling Promise Delivered” shifts branding from a surface-level exercise to a true growth driver.
Key takeaways:
• Brand = promise; without clarity, success is impossible
• Branding has two sides: customer-facing (promise) and operations-facing (del...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Strategic planning works best when you treat it as two jobs: setting the big vision and mapping the step-by-step path to get there. The right framework—whether EOS, OGSP, or the 1-2-3 process—can make the difference between plans that collect dust and plans that actually deliver results.
• Separate “where we’re going” (strategy) from “how we’ll get there” (execution)
• Bring 5–12 pe...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Brand Mockup/Customer Journey (CMO); P&L Forecast (CFO); Process Flowchart (COO)
At the heart of successful business expansion are three essential perspectives that we explore in depth.
- The customer lens focuses on journey mapping, branding, and user experience—all crucial elements for connecting with new audiences.
- The financial lens forces disciplined forecasting of revenues, ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
We all get stuck—it’s part of growth. But getting unstuck doesn’t mean charging ahead blindly. Often, the smartest move is to pause, zoom out, and chart a clearer path forward.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the 1-2-3 Growth Process helps turn inertia into momentum:
- 1 week to evaluate your current situation, define the opportunity, and pinpoint what needs to change.
- 2-3 months to buil...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
The growth strategy you’ve trusted for years might be the very thing keeping your business stuck.
Most companies default to a binary choice:
- Organic growth (get better, faster, cheaper with what you’ve got), or
- Acquisition (buy your way to scale, and hope the integration sticks).
But both come with real headaches—breaking down internal silos, aligning teams, post-merger chaos... So...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
After 16 years running a growth agency and 160+ podcast episodes, I've encountered countless questions about business growth from where to start to how to break cross-functional gridlock.
Season 3 is all about answering those questions.
Drop me a line in the comments section at Benno@reALIGNforResults.com with questions for this season's The Growth Climbers Toolbox. ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
After 16 years running a growth agency and 160+ podcast episodes, I've encountered countless questions about business growth from where to start to how to break cross-functional gridlock.
Season 3 is all about answering those questions.
Drop me a line in the comments section at Benno@reALIGNforResults.com with questions for this season's The Growth Climbers Toolbox. ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
After 16 years running a growth agency and 160+ podcast episodes, I've encountered countless questions about business growth from where to start to how to break cross-functional gridlock.
Season 3 is all about answering those questions.
Drop me a line in the comments section at Benno@reALIGNforResults.com with questions for this season's The Growth Climbers Toolbox. ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Dawn Grooters and Benno Duenkelsbuehler explore the challenges and strategies of marketing your own business as two business owners who help companies grow, yet struggle with their own messaging.
• Authenticity in business requires balancing personal vulnerability with professional messaging
• Your message may feel repetitive to you, but most of your audience is hearing it ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Marty Shapiro, COO of LAFCO New York, explores how luxury fragrance brands can grow their reach while maintaining their special appeal in today's evolving retail landscape. He shares strategies for creating consistent brand experiences across multiple channels while preserving the essence of luxury.
• Consistency across all touchpoints is crucial for maintaining brand iden...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Growth isn't just about getting bigger—it's about getting better. This episode explores how blending expertise with entrepreneurial energy can lead to more meaningful business outcomes.
We cover:
- Balancing structure with flexibility
- Leveraging VIP clients to strengthen your foundation
- How culture attracts the right clients
- Why bigger isn't always better
- Building trust throu...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
We explore how to approach and engage in uncomfortable conversations that can ultimately lead to valuable insights and business growth. Through thoughtful discussion with Cody Seaber, we highlight the importance of understanding human psychology, building trust, and embracing tension in communication.
• Discussing the impact of discomfort on business conversations
• Challe...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
This episode explores the journey of George White, a serial entrepreneur who shares insights on the power of storytelling, creativity, and structured processes in driving business growth. Listeners will learn about the importance of customer needs, effective communication, and the cautious use of AI in marketing and manufacturing.
• The significance of creating connections in ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
This episode highlights the vital role of branding in attracting and retaining top talent in today's job market. Colleen Pfaller discusses insights from an employee value perception study, emphasizing the importance of authentic employer branding and cultural contribution.
• Understanding the evolving role of HR in attracting talent
• Insights from the employee value...
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