In this episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with Brian Smith, founder of IA Business Advisors, to talk about the myth of hypergrowth — and why the best founders know when to slow down. Brian’s company just landed on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, and he shares exactly what it took to get there after nearly 30 years in business.
We dig into what founders get wrong about scaling, the hidden dangers of growing too fast, and how “intentional growth” beats “blind speed” every single time. Brian also shares his journey through burnout, ego, and the lessons that reshaped how he leads — in business and at home.
This one’s not just about revenue. It’s about building a life and company that actually last.
You’ll learn:
✅ The difference between growth and scaling (and why it matters)
✅ How companies go bankrupt trying to grow too fast
✅ Why slowing down is often the fastest way to scale
✅ How transparency with your team and family creates long-term success
✅ Why ego kills leadership — and how to lead with intentionality
If you’ve been searching “how to scale your business,” “how to avoid burnout as a founder,” or “how to build a company that lasts,” this episode will shift the way you think about growth.
Connect with Brian Smith
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/influenceauthor/
Guest Website: https://iabusinessadvisors.com/
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Timecodes
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Secrets to Making the Inc. 5000 List
02:21 Growth vs. Scaling Explained
03:59 Challenges of Rapid Scaling
08:01 Building a Strong Foundation
10:33 Leveraging Contractors for Growth
22:19 Client Relationships and Retention
28:17 The Monthly Retainer Model Debate
28:25 The Importance of Data in Business
29:21 Reflections on Early Entrepreneurship
29:54 Understanding and Managing Ego
31:12 The Value of Intentionality
32:12 A Pivotal Year: 2004
34:27 Balancing Family and Business
40:58 Navigating Economic Challenges
47:57 The Role of AI in Consulting
53:15 Advice for Founders
55:28 Rapid Fire Questions
56:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts