The Cost of Scaling Too Fast: A Leadership Lesson

In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, hosts Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Ryan DuBois, a laid-back endurance junkie with a sharp business mind and a heart for people. From scaling up startups across the Southeast to spending 20-hour days in the trenches of manufacturing, Ryan brings a no-fluff, deeply human perspective to what leadership actually looks like when the pressure is on.
Ryan opens up about his biggest “UH-OH” moment: an aggressive expansion that pushed his team (and himself) to the brink. What followed wasn’t just a production slowdown, but a full-on leadership reset. By pulling back, focusing on lean principles, and prioritizing team readiness over output, he learned the hard truth: if your people aren’t ready, your business isn’t either.
Throughout the conversation, Ryan hits on key leadership insights like why every organization is in the people business, how transparency builds trust, and what qualities actually matter when promoting from within. From intentional conversations to endurance mindsets, he makes a strong case for slowing down long enough to build something that lasts.
Whether you're a founder moving fast, a team leader navigating culture shifts, or just someone trying to be a better human at work, this podcast episode is your reminder that leadership starts with listening, learning, and being willing to go the long way for the right reasons.