In this episode of "Harmonious at Lunch," host Brandon Gano dives deep into a challenge that many business owners and executives face—scaling their companies while ensuring their teams grow in tandem. Joining Brandon is Mark Herschberg, CEO of Cognosco Media and the creator of the Brain Bump app, to explore the critical role that soft skills play in organizational growth and success.

Mark shares his extensive experience in developing teams that excel not just in technical skills, but in leadership, communication, and teamwork—areas often overlooked yet essential for sustainable growth. Drawing from his work at MIT’s Career Success Accelerator and his book, The Career Toolkit, Mark explains how these "soft" skills are, in fact, hard to master and even harder to measure. However, their impact on a business’s ability to scale is undeniable.

Mark emphasizes that hope is not a strategy when it comes to developing your team’s soft skills. Instead, he advocates for a structured approach, using small, diverse cohorts that engage in regular discussions and real-world practice scenarios. This method, he argues, is key to fostering an environment where employees are not just managing tasks but leading outcomes—freeing up business owners from being the bottleneck in decision-making processes.

For those leading small teams or startups, Mark offers innovative solutions to implement these strategies, even with limited resources. By collaborating with other small businesses and forming cross-company cohorts, leaders can achieve the same benefits while fostering a broader community of growth-minded professionals.

Mark Herschberg’s insights are not just theoretical—they’re actionable and practical, offering a clear roadmap for any business owner. Whether you're struggling with delegating effectively or looking to instill a culture of continuous improvement, this episode provides the tools you need to move forward.

Connect with Mark Herschberg:

• Visit Cognosco Media to learn more about Mark’s innovative content distribution platform and stay ahead in the future of media.
• Discover how to build essential career skills with The Career Toolkit: The Career Toolkit Book.
• Explore Brain Bump, the app that helps you retain and apply knowledge from books, podcasts, and more.

Follow Mark on social media for more updates and insights:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareertoolkit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerToolkitBook
• Instagram (Cognosco Media): https://www.instagram.com/CognoscoMedia
• Facebook (Cognosco Media): https://www.facebook.com/cognoscomedia
• LinkedIn (Cognosco Media): https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognosco-media/

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to "Harmonious at Lunch" for more episodes packed with actionable business advice. Visit whadif.com and The Career Toolkit for free resources to help clarify your business operations and develop your team.

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