What if the very way you’re chasing growth is the reason you’ll never escape your business? I sat down with Damon Lembi on The Learn It All Podcast to unpack why so many founders stall out—and what it really takes to break past revenue plateaus while reclaiming your time.  I share the hard truths I see inside firms every week: why micromanagement keeps you stuck, how fear, ego, and identity quietly kill exits, and the practical moves to build consistent demand without hiring sprees.  We dive into my three-stage Exit Roadmap, the capacity math most leaders ignore, and the mindset shifts that let you step back without the wheels coming off. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: Why listen (what you’ll take away) The real difference between growth (energy-heavy, unsustainable) and scale (systems-first, profitable). The 3-stage exit: make the business not rely on you, maximise profitability with systems, and get sale-ready. How to replace micromanagement with a “right-hand” leader—and why this transition typically takes 18–24 months. A simple capacity & LTV/CPA check so you can scale revenue without bloating headcount. Building a product ecosystem and waitlist that creates demand at the top of the market (not a race to the bottom). If you’re stuck at a revenue plateau, want concrete CEO exit planning tips, and need sustainable scaling strategies that protect margins, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Growth vs. Scale 02:45 The Importance of Clarity and Purpose 05:49 Fear and Ego in Business Exits 08:30 Mindset Shifts for Founders 11:19 Identifying and Overcoming Business Stagnation 13:58 The Role of Personal Branding 16:48 Creating Demand in Professional Services 19:50 Building a Product Ecosystem 22:31 The Impact of AI on Professional Services 25:11 Capacity and Client Management 28:09 Strategies for Sustainable Growth 30:50 Navigating Client Dependency 33:54 Final Thoughts on Exiting a Business 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST Damon Lambi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learn-it-all-podcast/id1714645917 ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your obsession with sales, funding, or AI isn't what's holding back your scale-up—what if it's your people strategy that's silently sabotaging your growth? As someone who's spent decades helping founders scale smart, I know how tempting it is to chase the next shiny penny: more sales, more funding, more tech. But after my conversation with today's guest, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer—a USA Today best-selling author and a world-class executive coach—I realised that most founders underestimate their biggest growth engine: their people.  Cynthia opened my eyes to what she calls 'human capital investment,' a strategic approach that treats your talent like your most important asset. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer breaks down the myths around talent management and explains how leaders often sabotage their businesses by treating talent as an expense rather than an investment.  We dive deep into practical frameworks for aligning your team with your business goals, reveal how to spot hidden high performers, and explore how predictive assessments can transform your hiring and development processes. If you want to avoid the costly mistakes most founders make and turn your talent into your competitive advantage—this episode is a must-listen. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Human Capital in Business Growth 04:49 Understanding Human Capital Management 10:26 Mindset Shift: From Industrial to Digital Revolution 15:46 The Science of Talent Assessment 21:31 Framework for Identifying Talent in the Right Roles 25:25 Navigating Team Dynamics and Performance 27:44 Addressing Underperformance in Family Businesses 31:18 Identifying Skills vs. Attitude Issues 35:14 Transitioning from Startup to Scale-Up 38:40 The Cost of Neglecting Company Culture 42:22 Regrets in People Decisions 43:42 Upcoming Book and Future of Human Capital 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.cynthiabentzenmercer.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrCynthiaBentzenMercer https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Organizational Readiness assessment: Resources — Bentzen Performance Partners Global Organizational Development Strategist Company ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest thing blocking your next level… is the version of you that got you here? In this conversation, I sat down with the brilliant Taryn Voget, founder of The Genius Lab and host of The Everyday Genius Show. Over the last 15 years, she’s been the go-to guide for visionary founders, creatives, and CEOs ready to reconnect with who they really are — not just what they’ve built. If you’re scaling fast but something feels off… If you’ve hit your targets but feel strangely stuck… If you’re wondering what’s next — but can’t put your finger on it… This episode will strike a nerve. We explore: Why genius has nothing to do with IQ or hustle The real reason founders burn out — and how to fix it How to spot (and shift) subconscious patterns sabotaging your momentum Why passion and intuition aren’t “soft skills” — they’re your power source What to do if you’ve outgrown the version of success you created Taryn even turned the tables and coached me live — and let’s just say, she didn’t miss. If you’re serious about aligning purpose with performance, this is one to revisit more than once. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Your Inner Genius 02:37 The Importance of Self-Awareness 05:41 Understanding Genius and Passion 08:24 Navigating Burnout and Passion 11:14 The Role of Ego in Entrepreneurship 14:01 Transformational Journeys of Founders 16:53 The Paradox of Passion and Shadow 19:41 The Intersection of Spirituality and Business 22:28 Identifying Subconscious Patterns 24:32 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 33:42 Breaking Through Belief Systems 36:13 The Impact of Hard Work vs. Smart Work 37:56 Transformative Life Moments 38:55 Navigating Transitions and Discovering Passion 41:35 Identifying Readiness for Change 42:37 Intuition and the Process of Discovery 44:43 Vulnerability and Trust in Coaching 45:31 Understanding Genius and Role Models 49:43 The Journey to Fulfillment 50:56 Creating a Life of Choice and Excitement 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.youtube.com/@tarynvoget https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynvoget/ https://www.everydaygenius.tv/  https://tarynvoget.substack.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong The founders exit accelerator waitlist, click here to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still sending copy-paste outreach messages on LinkedIn and wondering why no one’s replying? Let me be blunt — most LinkedIn outreach is lazy, robotic, and instantly ignored. But what if you could turn it into your highest-converting lead engine... without being salesy, spammy, or pushy? In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the exact 5-step outreach strategy I’ve used — and help my clients use — to consistently book quality sales calls with decision-makers. It’s built on permission, psychology, and simplicity. You’ll learn how to: Why most outreach gets ignored (and how to flip the script) The #1 shift to make your message stand out instantly How to spark curiosity without sounding salesy A simple tactic to double your reply rate The follow-up rule that keeps deals alive Plus: My go-to KPI tracker and the top tools we use to automate outreach. 🎁 Bonus: https://www.notion.so/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Creating-Clarity-in-Your-Business-Strategy-2341d950a9a580e991d5c47a491bdab4 This episode is straight talk for serious founders and consultants who are tired of cold DMs that don’t go anywhere — and are ready to build a reliable outbound engine without killing their brand in the process. 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Links: https://app.heyreach.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had no idea the first episode with Rory Kilmartin would explode the way it did — it quickly became one of the most downloaded shows we’ve released for a while. So I brought him back. This time, we go even deeper into the archetypal patterns shaping how we lead, build teams, and scale businesses. We unpack why communication breaks down, why trust erodes, and why even the best strategy won’t work if your human operating system is out of sync. If you’ve ever felt friction with your team, struggled to hire the right people, or hit a wall trying to scale or exit — this episode will shift something. It did for me. Rory Kilmartin is a researcher, philosopher, and creator of the Human Operating System — a framework that helps leaders understand the deep archetypal patterns driving behaviour, conflict, and performance. His work has changed how I see leadership, and I think it will do the same for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Archetypal Constructs 03:44 Understanding the Four Archetypes 06:26 Strengths and Weaknesses of Archetypes 09:09 The Importance of Communication Styles 12:04 Navigating Conflicts Between Archetypes 14:53 Real-World Applications of Archetypal Wisdom 17:41 The Role of Archetypes in Leadership 20:37 Creating a Cohesive Team Environment 34:24 Understanding Behavioural Archetypes in Business 43:24 The Challenges of Business Exits for Founders 48:07 Navigating Personal and Professional Archetypes 53:59 The Power of Archetypal Wisdom in Leadership 01:02:50 Transforming Relationships Through Archetypal Understanding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.facebook.com/rorykilmartin https://www.instagram.com/rorykilmartin/ https://www.youtube.com/rorykilmartin https://x.com/RoryKilmartin FREE Masterclass https://archetypalrelationships.com/Masterclass  ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? Is the secret to standing out in a noisy world actually... being more human? Forget chasing perfection—connection is what cuts through. But how do you stay real in an AI-dominated landscape? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phil Treagus-Evans, co-founder of the award-winning agency Giraffe Social and author of the bestselling book Human First Marketing. Phil’s on a mission to strip the BS out of brand-building and help us rethink what real connection looks like in business today. We talk about how AI is changing marketing (for better or worse), why lo-fi content outperforms the polished stuff, and how trust—not tactics—is the new currency. Phil even coaches me live on my own brand strategy—so if you're building yours, you’ll want to grab a pen and play along. This conversation is honest, challenging, and packed with practical gems. If you’re tired of robotic content and want to stand out by being you, this one’s for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now Chapters 00:00 The Shift to Human-First Marketing 02:57 Understanding Authenticity in Marketing 05:44 The Impact of AI on Marketing Strategies 08:39 Creating Unpolished Content 11:22 The Empath Framework for Customer Understanding 14:02 Navigating AI in a Human-Centric World 25:08 Drafting AI Policies for Transparency 26:33 Building Community in a Distracted World 30:22 The Value of Content Creation 34:42 Human-First Marketing in B2B 39:04 Lessons from Writing a Book 41:23 Coaching Insights and Personal Branding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-treagus-evans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philtreagusevans/ The book: https://amzn.eu/d/dBtmCi9 ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are YOU the Soul-Sucking CEO? What if the biggest barrier to growth in your company… is you? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Garry Ridge — former CEO of WD-40, Top 10 USA Today bestselling author, and one of the most grounded, wise leaders I know.  Over 25 years, Garry scaled WD-40 into a $3.6 billion global powerhouse — not through ego or control, but by building a culture of belonging, learning, and trust. We dive deep into what most leaders get wrong about company culture, how to recognise (and eliminate) toxic behaviours, and why servant leadership is the most powerful leadership style for scaling a business and empowering teams. You’ll hear: How Garry resisted short-term shareholder pressure and stayed true to long-term vision The “Petri Dish” model for spotting and fixing culture problems What it means to lead with vulnerability — and why it works Why clarity, transparency, and values are the foundation of a high-performing team How to know if you’re the one holding your business back JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 This episode is a leadership masterclass — whether you’re a founder trying to scale, an executive looking to exit, or someone building a company where people love to work. Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Breakdown  00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 05:01 Garry Ridge's Journey to CEO 10:27 Mental Resilience in Leadership 12:43 Tough Leadership Decisions 15:50 Creating a Culture of Belonging 18:13 Identifying Toxic Culture 21:06 The Role of a Leader as a Coach 23:09 Defining Success and Winning 24:30 Leading with Vulnerability and Clarity 27:21 The Smartest CEOs: What They Get Wrong 29:21 Identifying Gaps in Leadership 30:19 Building a Global Company Culture 31:28 Navigating Tough Times with Transparency 35:24 Dealing with Cultural Outliers 36:40 Starting to Build a Positive Culture 37:42 The Journey of Leadership and Learning 40:31 Reflections on Leadership Journey 43:20 Final Thoughts and Leadership Tips 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST 📘 Don’t forget to check out Garry’s new book Any Dumb Ass Can Do It and take his “Dumbass Quiz” at ⁠TheLearningMoment.net⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge⁠ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong⁠ Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: ⁠https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your business bleeding time, energy, and money because you’re trying to serve everyone? Discover why focusing on ONE high-value problem is the fastest path to unstoppable growth. In this episode, I break down my powerful “FOCUSED” framework—a step-by-step process to niche down without fear of missing out.  I share my own struggles with being too broad, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and exercises you can do alone or with your team to move from generalist to specialist.  You’ll learn how to face your resistance, pinpoint your most profitable problem, clarify exactly who you serve, and design premium offerings that clients crave—setting you apart in a crowded market. If your growth feels stuck, this episode is your breakthrough. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now here. Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Growth Through Niching Down 02:52 The Focused Framework Explained 05:32 Overcoming Resistance to Niching 08:08 The Power of Specialisation 11:13 Identifying Your Ideal Customer 13:59 Testing Your Niche Effectively 15:58 Establishing Value-Based Pricing 18:49 Designing Evolution Paths for Growth 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How I became a LinkedIn Top Voice without ads, algorithms, or hacks — and how you can too. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I earned LinkedIn’s Top Voice badge — not by playing the game, but by rewriting it. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just pure clarity, consistency, and connection. You’ll get the updated playbook for 2025, learn what really matters to LinkedIn, and understand why brand authority isn't built on trends — it’s built on truth. Whether you’re stuck at mediocre engagement or chasing credibility in your space, this episode breaks it all down. If you’re ready to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry, you’ll want to take notes. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your personalised score.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Top Voice Badge 03:11 Understanding the LinkedIn Top Voice Badge Program 05:49 Benefits of Being a Top Voice 09:21 Best Practices for Achieving Top Voice Status 15:10 Content Creation Strategies for LinkedIn 17:46 Conclusion and Call to Action 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders obsess over revenue, product, and performance. But no one talks about what happens when the pressure breaks you. This episode is that conversation. In this episode of The Business Strategist, I sit down with Luke Tobin, a three-time exited founder, award-winning entrepreneur, and digital marketing expert turned investor. We go beyond the business playbook and dive deep into the mental and emotional resilience it takes to lead through chaos, recover from failure, and build with an exit in mind.  From losing £26K in his 20s to scaling and selling his agency for a life-changing sum, Luke opens up about identity crises, burnout, panic attacks, and the wake-up calls that reshaped how he leads—and lives. If you're building to sell, wrestling with pressure, or wondering what life looks like after the exit, this is the real talk most founders never hear. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your score. Chapters 00:00 The Mental Performance of Founders 02:55 Luke Tobin's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:04 Learning from Failures 09:04 The Impact of Debt on Mental Health 12:00 Resilience and Mindset in Entrepreneurship 15:03 The Importance of Human Connection in Business 17:50 Old School Hustle vs. Modern Marketing 20:56 Balancing Growth and Operational Challenges 24:09 Building a Strong Leadership Team 29:15 The Importance of Capital and Future Thinking 30:07 Navigating Burnout as a Founder 32:27 Recognising and Overcoming Panic Attacks 34:44 The Hustle Culture and Its Consequences 37:41 Strategic Planning for Business Exits 39:15 Building Value for Potential Buyers 44:49 Emotional Journey After Exiting a Business 48:44 Evolving as a Leader and Mentor 51:51 Key Steps to Prepare for an Exit 56:39 Finding Purpose After Success 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Personal Website: https://www.luketobin.com/ Company website: https://www.tobincapital.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luketobin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukettobin/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lukettobin X: https://x.com/lukettobin Newsletter: Join 30,000+ high-performers getting stronger, smarter, and more successful every week — Subscribe here Free Resources: Access powerful eBooks, cheat sheets, and proven strategies used to build and scale multiple 8-figure businesses — Get them here ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LinkedIn Is Broken for Most People… But Not If You Know This In this week’s episode, I reconnect with my good friend and globally renowned LinkedIn strategist Adam Houlahan. It’s been four years since our last deep dive—and what’s changed on LinkedIn since then is staggering. From collapsing organic reach to algorithm shifts and AI overload, we go deep into what’s really happening—and what still works. We’re pulling no punches. Expect real talk, bold opinions, and practical strategies. If you’re creating content, building a personal brand, or using LinkedIn to grow your business—this episode will challenge your thinking and reset your strategy. We’re not here to talk theory. We’re here to talk results. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Setting the Stage 02:58 The Evolution of LinkedIn and Organic Reach 06:00 The Importance of Niche Content 08:49 Content Creation Strategies for LinkedIn 12:02 Understanding Engagement Metrics 15:01 The Role of AI in LinkedIn's Algorithm 18:10 The Future of LinkedIn: Paid vs. Organic 21:03 Testing and Measuring Content Effectiveness 24:02 Final Thoughts on LinkedIn Strategy 34:49 The Power of Content Metrics 38:11 Navigating AI-Generated Content 43:32 Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm 46:37 The Importance of Commenting 51:57 Outreach Strategies for Success 01:01:44 Final Thoughts on LinkedIn Engagement 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Free Resource https://assessment.prominence.global/linkedin-productivity LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoulahan Twitter https://twitter.com/AdamHoulahan Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adam.houlahan1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adamhoulahan Company https://prominence.global Personal https://adamhoulahan.com Webinar https://adamhoulahan.com/webinar ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders think scaling means more marketing, more hustle, and more chaos… but what if real growth comes from doing the exact opposite? In this episode, I’m joined by Leila Lahbabi, former Strategy Officer at Oliver Wyman, now a sought-after CEO coach and author of Billion Dollar Purpose.  With decades of boardroom experience and a powerful five-step scaling framework, she’s transforming how high-performing founders scale sustainably—without losing their soul. I brought Leila on because her take on growth is radically different—and deeply resonant. We unpack what it really takes to build a purpose-led, scalable business without burning out. As someone who's worked with hundreds of founders, I’ve seen firsthand how strategy, mindfulness, and energy management aren't just “nice-to-haves”—they're the core of sustainable success.  This conversation challenged me on a personal level, and I know it will do the same for you. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your score.  Chapters 00:00 The Misconception of Scaling 09:29 The Importance of Purpose in Business 13:40 Understanding the Backend of Scaling 20:11 Leadership and Team Dynamics 25:35 The Role of Mindfulness in Leadership 32:33 Overcoming Inner Barriers to Growth 34:02 Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives 36:24 Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation 40:57 Overcoming Overwhelm as a Founder 46:49 Practical Mindfulness Techniques 52:23 The Billion Dollar Purpose Book 01:00:40 Parenthood as an Asset in Business 01:06:00 Final Thoughts on Scaling with Purpose 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leilalahbabiimpactstrategy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilalhb Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leilalahbabi Access to my book billion dollar purpose as well as a free bonus (actionable cheat sheets to apply the methodology): https://www.leilalahbabi.com/billion-dollar-purpose ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever noticed how your leadership style flips under pressure—sometimes you micromanage, sometimes you retreat, sometimes you charge ahead like you're putting out fires?  That reaction isn’t random. It’s driven by an invisible operating system that's been with you since birth. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Rory Kilmartin—relationship researcher and founder of the Archetypal Relationship Academy—to explore a groundbreaking framework for decoding human behaviour through four archetypes: the gorilla, the wolf, the fox, and the sheep.  Rory’s 19 years of research reveals how your dominant archetype influences your leadership, relationships, and even who you hire (or fire). If you’re serious about improving the way you lead, communicate, and understand your team—and yourself—this one’s a game-changer. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast. https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Leadership Under Pressure 05:45 Introduction to Relationship Archetypes 11:07 Exploring the Four Archetypes 22:20 The Origins of Archetypal Nature 34:17 Applying Archetypes in Leadership 36:11 Navigating Business with a Long-Term Vision 38:32 Understanding Archetypes in Business 42:17 Case Studies: Transforming Teams through Archetypal Wisdom 45:10 Dynamic Nature of Archetypes in Personal and Professional Life 48:47 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Transitioning Roles 51:26 Leveraging Archetypes for Effective Leadership 56:18 Building Trust and Understanding in Teams 01:01:03 The Heart of Business: Understanding Team Dynamics 01:02:48 Conclusion: The Power of Relationships in Success 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.facebook.com/rorykilmartin https://www.instagram.com/rorykilmartin/ https://www.youtube.com/rorykilmartin https://x.com/RoryKilmartin FREE Masterclass https://archetypalrelationships.com/Masterclass  ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to scale your business but afraid you’ll make costly mistakes? In this episode of The Business Strategist, I pull back the curtain on the 10 most common pitfalls that ambush founders on the road to rapid growth — and share the proven fixes I use with my own clients. You’ll hear: Why relying on a single revenue stream is a trap, and how to add new ones without blowing up your workload. How my simple stop doing list and a dash of smart outsourcing help you reclaim hours for high-value work. The art of layering product tiers so you capture premium buyers and price-sensitive prospects alike. My favourite forever assets (free tools, partnerships, quizzes) that turn strangers into raving fans. The essential combination of clear strategy, efficient processes, and decisive leadership that separates sustainable scale from chaotic churn. I’ll also walk you through a real-world case study — how I helped one founder jump from £170k to a £500k exit in under 12 months — so you can see these ideas in action. Get the full story here: https://adamstrong.notion.site/Case-Study-ffe4872385f24e4dbca03bdd5660c103 00:00 Intro 01:00 Pitfall 1 - Limited revenue streams 04:46 Pitfall 2 – Going Alone 06:23 Pitfall 3 – Limited Offers 10:24 Pitfall 4 – Referral Reliance 12:07 Pitfall 5 – Capacity Blind Spots 13:53 Pitfall 6 – Strategy Fog 15:39 Pitfall 7 – Bad Hires 18:11 Pitfall 9 – Customer Neglect 20:02 Pitfall 10 – Weak Leadership 23:48 Wrap-up Take my free Business Growth Quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com Connect with meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Want to join the Game Changers Inner Circle Mastermind? Register your interest: https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re spinning your wheels trying to build your brand, craft irresistible offers, or scale your marketing—but still not getting traction—this episode is for you. I break down why most business owners hit a wall: lack of clarity. In this solo episode, I share the exact framework I use with high-level clients to get laser-focused on three fundamentals:Who you're speaking to, what keeps them up at night, and how you solve their problems. I've seen too many founders jump industries, come from corporate, or launch into entrepreneurship without a clear sense of direction—and it’s costing them leads, conversions, and confidence. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to define your audience beyond demographics ✅ How to uncover their real pain points and self-sabotaging patterns ✅ How to create offers they actually want—with real examples from coaching calls Get access to 'How to create clarity in your business strategy' playbook that works alongside this episode here You’ll also hear why a confused mind never buys, and how clarity becomes the core foundation that impacts everything from your pitch to your positioning. Whether you're a consultant, service provider, or scaling founder—this episode will give you clarity that converts. Let’s ditch the fluff and get laser-focused. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Clarity in Business 02:21 Creating Clarity: Who, What, and How 03:11 Warning Signs of Lack of Clarity 04:00 Understanding Your Audience (Who) 04:45 Identifying the Audience's Challenges (What) 05:52 Developing a Methodology to Address Challenges (How) 08:37 Not Everyone Will Be a Fit 09:50 Examples of Audience Challenges 12:26 Creating a Methodology to Alleviate Pain 16:28 Clarity as the Missing Piece 17:15 Closing and Call to Action 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to scaling and exiting your startup wasn’t hustle—but reverse engineering your success from day one? In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with Gregory Shepard—multi-exit entrepreneur, neurodivergent founder, TEDx speaker, and author of The Startup Lifecycle (Penguin Random House). With 12 exits, a $925M deal, and four Private Equity awards. I had a raw, deep-dive conversation with Gregory Shepard, a founder who’s mastered the startup lifecycle through grit, loss, reinvention, and an obsession with doing things smarter. We unpack why most startups fail (and how to avoid that fate), the mindset shifts that separate first-time founders from serial sellers, and his unconventional frameworks for scaling with purpose. Gregory doesn’t just talk exits—he builds companies designed to be acquired. If you're serious about scaling, this episode is a blueprint. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Top 5 Takeaways Build to Exit: Design your business with specific acquirers in mind from day one. Bad Advice Destroys Startups: Most failures stem from well-meaning but poorly timed advice. Fix Mistakes with Reflection: Use Gregory’s whiteboard method to reverse-engineer decisions. Purpose Drives Performance: Aligning profit with purpose creates scalable, motivated teams. Exit Timing Matters: Spot industry shifts early—before it’s too late to sell. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gregory Sheppard 02:54 Reflections on Early Entrepreneurship 07:17 Learning from Mistakes 12:15 The Importance of Documentation 14:06 Pivotal Realizations in Business 20:47 The Impact of Hardship on Resilience 21:37 Balancing Multiple Startups 24:26 Motivation Behind the Hustle 26:30 Evolving Definitions of Wealth 27:43 Mindset Shifts in Exiting Businesses 31:34 Understanding Startup Failures 36:25 Navigating Bad Advice in Entrepreneurship 38:47 Navigating Startup Challenges 40:09 Defining a Startup 42:02 Lessons from High-Stakes Professions 44:56 Handling Business Fires 46:06 Moments of Brutal Honesty 48:39 The Importance of Altruistic Capitalism 49:08 Convincing Investors of Purpose 54:00 Understanding Exit Strategies 55:43 Selling to Competitors 57:25 Life After Exiting a Business 58:45 Future Aspirations and Legacy 01:02:05 Identifying Opportunities in Disruption 01:06:15 Timing Your Exit 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.gregoryshepard.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregshepard ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about money was holding you back? Featuring Sharon Lechter—co-author of the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, presidential financial-literacy advisor under Presidents Bush and Obama, and longtime philanthropist—this episode will transform how you think about income, assets, and true wealth. I’m Adam Strong, and in this conversation I sat down with Sharon Lechter to unpack why traditional schooling leaves us financially illiterate, how the famed Cashflow Quadrant can shift you from trading time for money into building businesses and investments that work for you, and the four-part Personal Success Equation that powers entrepreneurial breakthroughs. Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, a budding business owner, or investor, this episode equips you with the mindset and action plan to level up. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways 1. Learn to Build Wealth Through the Cashflow Quadrant Understand the four income-generating quadrants—Employee, Self-Employed, Business Owner, and Investor—and how transitioning to the right side (Business Owner and Investor) can lead to financial freedom. 2. Improve Your Success with the Personal Success Equation Apply the formula: (Passion + Talent) × Association × Action + Faith, to align your strengths and network, take decisive actions, and maintain belief in your mission. 3. Enhance Financial Literacy at Home Encourage open discussions about money with your children to foster financial literacy, breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy perpetuated by traditional education systems. ​ 4. Shift Your Money Mindset Replace limiting beliefs like "I can't afford it" with empowering questions like "How can I afford it?" to stimulate creative solutions and financial growth. ​ 5. Recognise the Importance of Mentorship Seek mentors who have achieved what you aspire to, as they can provide guidance, open doors, and help you navigate challenges more effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Sharon Lecter 02:55 Sharon's Journey into Financial Literacy 05:34 The Importance of Teaching Money in Schools 11:14 The Role of Mentorship in Success 14:19 What the Rich Teach Their Children 16:10 Changing the Mindset Around Money 18:14 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 21:34 Learning from Business Decisions 23:34 Creating a Sustainable Business 25:55 Reflections on Past Choices 27:24 Defining Personal Success 29:22 Continuing to Play Big 31:39 Advice for Securing Financial Future 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://sharonlechter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonlechter Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Sharon-Lechter/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ASharon%2BLechter Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sharonlechter/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What If Your Success Habits Are Now Holding You Back? You’ve built something from the ground up—but what if the very traits that made you a successful founder are now the biggest blockers to scaling and exiting? In this episode, I speak with John Spence, one of the world’s leading authorities on business and leadership. Named by the American Management Association as one of America’s top 50 leaders to watch—alongside the likes of Larry Page and Jeff Bezos—John became CEO of the Rockefeller Foundation at just 26 and has since advised both Fortune 10 giants and small, fast-growth businesses across the globe. I’ve known John for years, and every time we speak, I’m reminded just how deeply he understands what makes a business thrive—or fail. This conversation was rich in insight, challenge, and practical strategy. We covered: The mental traps founders fall into when transitioning from startup to scale-up The psychological roadblocks that sabotage even the most talented leaders Why reflection, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are now non-negotiables Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways from the Episode: Most businesses plateau due to a mix of Ignorance, Indifference, Inflexibility and Inconsistency. Recognising which one you're operating in is key to moving forward. The habits that serve you as a founder can become liabilities as a leader. Without shifting your mindset, you risk becoming the bottleneck. Founders who successfully scale are the ones who learn to hire well and step back. Running a £1M company and a £50M company requires completely different skill sets. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability (AQ) often outweigh technical expertise in long-term leadership success. The best leaders take full ownership of their mistakes—and are brave enough to ask for help. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scaling Challenges 06:23 Identifying Patterns in Business Plateauing 10:08 Strategic Shifts for Founders 11:47 Defining Professional Management 14:08 Finding the Right Replacement 18:05 Counterintuitive Mistakes of Founders 21:02 Key Areas for Business Differentiation 22:58 Psychological Blind Spots in Leadership 26:50 Lessons from Early Leadership Experience 29:58 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 30:54 Accountability in Leadership 33:29 Mindset Shifts for Overcoming Plateaus 39:09 Purpose-Driven Leadership 41:03 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Lives 43:15 Curiosity and Uncomfortable Questions in Leadership 46:37 The Five-Step Framework for Business Excellence 49:42 People First: The Core of Business Success 52:50 Identifying and Addressing Performance Issues 53:48 The Evolution of Leadership Frameworks 56:27 A Live Coaching Session: Overcoming Frustrations 01:09:20 Legacy and Leading with Love 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://johnspence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/johnspenceleadership/ Book: https://amzn.eu/d/cDzEDUy ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder how a simple idea can transform chaos into consistency—even during a crisis? Discover how McDonald's golden arches inspire a resilient, systemised business strategy for navigating uncertainty. In this episode, I chat with Marianne Page, a former McDonald’s veteran and bestselling author, who shares 27 years of firsthand insights on building resilient businesses. Marianne breaks down the power of systems, from enhancing customer experiences to streamlining operations, that empower SMEs to thrive even in challenging times. We explore practical strategies including crisis management, team development, and the “one right way” method that ensures consistency and growth. This conversation distils decades of experience into actionable advice for creating a scalable business model. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast. Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Key Takeaways The secret behind McDonald’s resilience lies in systematic planning and consistent processes. Effective systems can transform your business, making it agile in times of crisis. Investing in your team's development boosts operational efficiency and loyalty. Mapping customer journeys is essential to delivering a consistent brand experience. Automating the “one right way” can free you from daily micromanagement, paving the way for scalable growth. What if the one thing holding your business back isn’t your ambition—but the lack of a system that sets you free? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marianne Page and Her Journey 03:41 Resilience in Business: Lessons from McDonald's 06:18 The Importance of Systems in Business 08:54 Building a Strong Team and Culture 11:35 The Role of Consistency and Trust in Business 14:09 Evaluating and Implementing Effective Systems 16:56 Adapting to Change: Customer Experience and Journey 19:37 Automation and Technology in Business 21:57 Final Thoughts: Clarity, Consistency, and Choice 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://mariannepage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannepage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ocNWsGvx2-EJQ6U8vSP1Q ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your sales breakthrough lies in the science of decision-making? In this episode of the business strategist host Adam Strong and best-selling author Peri Shawn dive into the science behind successful selling. They uncover how neuroscience drives client behaviour, the power of emotional engagement, and the art of asking the right questions.  Learn how to transition from traditional sales pitches to a strategy that aligns with the natural buying decision, ensuring your sales conversations are efficient, engaging, and conversion-driven. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info Takeaways  Neuroscience in Sales: Understand how the brain’s amygdala and frontal cortex drive buying decisions. Emotional Engagement: Discover how connecting emotionally with clients increases their likelihood to buy and refer. Strategic Questioning: Learn the importance of asking targeted questions to uncover and address client pain points. Active Listening: See why pausing and truly listening can transform your sales conversations. Optimised Sales Strategy: Adapt your approach to match where clients are in their buying journey for more efficient and effective outcomes. Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Overview 02:55 The Science of Selling 06:06 Understanding the Buying Decision 08:55 Emotional Engagement in Sales 12:03 Sales Strategies and Their Effectiveness 15:14 Mindset and Presence in Sales 17:55 Practical Application of Sales Techniques 21:13 Audience Interaction and Real-World Examples 23:50 Addressing Sales Struggles 27:07 Live Sales Coaching Session 30:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 34:16 Building Confidence in Sales Conversations 39:06 Understanding Client Pain Points 45:17 Effective Sales Strategies and Techniques 52:09 The Importance of Active Listening 56:32 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.coachingandsalesinstitute.com/meet-peri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perishawn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perishawn Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sell-More-Sales-Coaching-Challenges-ebook/dp/B00FC5PI3M?ref_=ast_author_mpb ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices