Every founder hits a revenue ceiling. Michael Grudecki says it's rarely a market problem. It's a skill set missing inside your own company.

Alex Sheridan sits down with Michael Grudecki, co-founder of the Fractional Executive Network, on why growth stalls, why founders can't see their own blind spots, and why he vowed to never put business ahead of what actually matters.

Key takeaways:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:00

Q: What is the revenue ceiling every founder hits?

A: Michael Grudecki explains that growth stalls at $500K, $5M, or $50M when the business lacks the executive skill set needed for the next level.

00:09:50

Q: What keeps founders trapped in their own business?

A: Michael Grudecki built his first company around himself. No days off, clients who refused anyone else. He shares what to do differently from day one.

00:12:51

Q: Why do business owners stay the bottleneck of their own company?

A: Michael Grudecki says it comes down to fear. Nobody wants to hear their baby is ugly, so the flaws stay unaddressed.

00:18:54

Q: How should founders approach long-term planning and vision?

A: Michael Grudecki goes to the last chapter first. Lifestyle business, sellable asset, or family succession — every plan flows backward from that answer.

00:26:39

Q: What is the difference between a fractional executive and a consultant?

A: Michael Grudecki explains a consultant hands you a plan and walks away, while a fractional executive stays tied to your KPIs and OKRs.

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Website: https://www.thefractionalexecutivenetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgrudecki/

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