🎧 Episode Title:

Scaling Intentionally: Startup, Growth, Balance, Empire?

📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Scaling Up, Not Giving Up, I’m joined by Dave Sobel – tech entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of MSP Radio. Dave has scaled businesses, gone through acquisition and IPO, and now runs a lean media company focused on helping IT service providers navigate growth.

We dive deep into the idea that growth isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dave shares the “modes” every founder cycles through – from startup to growth, balance, and empire – and how to recognise when it’s time to switch. We also unpack the emotional side of business: letting go, taking risks, managing relationships, and why founders shouldn’t feel trapped by the company they created.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

• The four business modes: startup, growth, balance builder, and empire
• Why McDonald's is the ultimate business systems case study
• How to scale without growing for the sake of it
• When to prioritise your life over your business
• Why not scaling can be a strategic choice
• The importance of founder support systems – partners, friends, mentors
• What risk really looks like as you grow (and age)

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Dave’s Podcast & Content Hub
• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
• Book: The E-Myth Revisited – Michael Gerber
• Book: The Innovator’s Dilemma – Clayton Christensen

🔔 Subscribe & Follow:Enjoyed the episode? Follow Scaling Up, Not Giving Up wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re feeling generous – leave a review!

📰 Bonus insights and articles at: https://richard-lee.co.uk