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 ℠ ?
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...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Understanding the complexities of selling a business can be daunting for entrepreneurs, but this episode dives deep into M&A processes, from initial evaluations to closing the deal. With actionable insights and real-world success stories, this discussion illuminates the journey of preparing your business for sale.
• Importance of understanding motivations behind selling
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
This week's episode emphasizes the critical need for future-focused leadership in evolving business landscapes. Dev Patnaik discusses the pitfalls of present-centric thinking and offers practical strategies for balancing immediate tasks with future opportunities, underscoring that successful leaders look beyond the now to innovate and adapt.
• Importance of future-focused ...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Explore how AI is reshaping revenue growth strategies in this insightful conversation with Cliff Farrah, Accenture's Chief Strategy Officer for Corporate Strategy and Growth. Here’s what’s in store:
- AI and Human Expertise: Cliff shares his journey from initial skepticism about AI's impact on careers to recognizing its role as a complement to human strategists. Much like doc...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
In this episode, I sit down with design strategist Jonah Burlingame to tackle the art (and challenges) of executing successful strategies in digital product development. Here are the key takeaways:
- Strategy Execution is Tough: With only 56% of corporate strategies being successfully implemented, Jonah shares actionable advice on overcoming common pitfalls that derail big ideas, using...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
In this episode, sales and marketing expert Lisa DiCostanzo breaks down the transformation of the retail landscape, especially in the gift and home decor sectors, into a complex, multi-channel experience. Key insights include:
- Omni-Channel Strategy: Retailers are merging online platforms with in-person events like trade shows to create seamless shopping experiences. Vendors c...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Greg Shugar’s story is one of bold moves, big lessons, and strategic pivots. From lawyer to entrepreneur, Greg turned his knack for neckties into Tie Bar, an e-commerce success story that topped its market before he sold it. In this episode, Greg shares the real highs and lows of balancing risk and security, diving into his journey from law to launching brands like Bowties of Vermont an...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
How do retailers juggle the complex world of multi-channel sales? In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving gift and home industry with Kim Leister, president of Simblist. We explore how old-school methods like trade shows and store visits have morphed into a blend of digital platforms like FAIR and Amazon. Kim shares her insights on the challenges retailers and vendors face, espe...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
What does it take to build a soulful brand that resonates deeply with its community? In this episode of the Third Growth Officer podcast, we sit down with Nora Napientek, the creative force behind the celebrated company, and Janice Christensen, the first employee and president, to uncover the secrets behind their incredible journey. From Nora’s memorable marketing stunts, like balancin...
Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?
Are corporations doing enough to combat greenwashing?
We talk about the secrets of building sustainable, ethical supply chains in Bangladesh with textile designer Jackie Corlett. As a seasoned expert in the fair trade sector, she shares invaluable insights into sourcing artisanal fabrics and the importance of relationship-building between suppliers and designers. Learn about t...
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