Today's guest, Houri Tamizifar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynuria Inc. and Inc. 5000 honoree (Rank No. 2502), joins the show to discuss the growing importance of Leadership Adaptability and the evolving role of AI in education. Houri shares why college students must proactively build AI skills and collaborate with faculty to stay ahead of rapid technological changes shaping the workforce. She highlights how clear communication and a culture of trust are critical for navigating organizational change and driving innovation. Houri also urges CEOs to lead with empathy, prioritize employee well-being, and create environments where teams feel empowered to adapt, grow, and thrive in a shifting job market.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

2:34 Introducing Huri Tami Zafar 6:03 AI and Learning Solutions 10:14 Understanding Learning Agility 12:01 Advice for Students on Learning 14:52 Leadership Principles for Growth 19:18 The Role of Core Values 21:16 Defining Business Adaptability 26:12 Empathy in Leadership

Leadership Adaptability & the Future of AI in Education

In this episode, we sit down with Houri Tamizifar, co-founder and CEO of Sinuria, for a candid conversation about Leadership Adaptability and the fast-growing influence of AI in education and training. Houri opens by stressing why college students can't wait for AI to simply "show up" in their curriculum, because in most cases, it won't. She encourages students to take initiative, seek out AI learning opportunities, and collaborate with their professors so they're prepared for the technology-driven workforce they'll be entering.

Host Gene Hammett adds a leadership lens, pointing out that adaptability isn't just about being flexible; it's about communicating clearly and guiding teams with confidence when technology and industry trends change rapidly. Both he and Houri shine a light on how organizations that embrace innovation and curiosity will be the ones that stay competitive.

Building Learning Agility & the Role of AI in the Job Market

Houri shares her long journey in the education sector and how it inspired her to launch Sinuria, a company grounded in neuroscience-based training and human capital solutions. She also introduces her new startup focused on using AI to support instructional designers—making learning design faster, sharper, and more impactful. It's a reflection of her belief that the learning industry is evolving quickly, and organizations must evolve right along with it.

The conversation then shifts to AI's growing impact on the job market. Houri explains that companies are already leaning toward hiring people who not only understand AI but are also willing to work alongside it. She highlights learning agility, a core value at Cynuria, as a must-have skill for employees who want to grow, stay relevant, and help their organizations maintain a competitive edge in a constantly shifting landscape.

Trust, Culture, and Leading With Empathy

Houri dives into one of her strongest beliefs: that a culture rooted in trust fuels innovation. She describes Sinuria's intentional hiring process designed to find people whose values align with the company and explains why giving employees room to think creatively and operate from their strengths leads to stronger results.

She also addresses the very real human side of change. Adaptability doesn't always come naturally, and employees often feel anxious as new technologies emerge. Houri emphasizes the importance of leaders communicating openly, offering support, and creating environments where change feels less intimidating.

As the conversation wraps, Houri offers heartfelt advice to CEOs: lead with empathy. Understand what your people are facing, prioritize their well-being, and give them the time and space they need to adjust as the world of work transforms. In her view, adaptability isn't just a leadership skill; it's an act of empowerment that helps teams not only navigate change but thrive because of it.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Adaptability is Non-Negotiable: Effective leaders must communicate clearly, guide teams through constant change, and foster a culture that embraces innovation.
• AI Skills Are Becoming Essential: Students can no longer rely solely on traditional education—proactively learning AI tools and engaging with faculty is critical for future career readiness.
• Learning Agility Drives Success: Organizations increasingly prioritize employees who are curious, flexible, and willing to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.
• Trust Fuels Innovation: Building a culture grounded in trust empowers employees to think creatively, collaborate deeply, and perform at their best.
• AI Is Reshaping the Job Market: Companies are leaning toward hires who can work effectively with AI and understand how to integrate it into their roles.
• Empathy Is a Leadership Advantage: CEOs and leaders who prioritize employee well-being create more resilient and adaptable teams.
• Change Requires Communication: A transparent, supportive approach makes it easier for employees to navigate new technologies and shifting workplace expectations.
• Empowered Teams Thrive: When leaders give people space to use their strengths, creativity, and voice, organizations become more agile and competitive.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I break down the core habits that set successful CEOs apart and how those habits directly influence organizational growth. We explore the risks of overcommitting and getting too deep into day-to-day operations, a common trap that can cloud strategic focus. I make the case for a more disciplined approach to choosing opportunities and explain why shifting from monthly to weekly performance metrics can dramatically improve agility. We also dive into the value of developing strong leaders at every level and the role of clear, consistent communication in preventing costly misunderstandings. Ultimately, this episode is designed to help leaders sharpen their habits, elevate their impact, and accelerate growth.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

1:07 Good CEO Habits 2:56 Delegation and Ownership 5:17 The Power of Selectivity 7:27 Agility in Metrics 9:18 Building Leadership Depth 10:44 Communication Clarity 12:06 Reflecting on Improvement

The Hidden Traps CEOs Fall Into: Good CEO Habits Start Here

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we're having an honest conversation about the everyday habits that can make or break a CEO's effectiveness. I'm Gene Hammett, and I'll walk you through some of the subtle traps leaders fall into, starting with the urge to say yes to everything.

As CEOs, we're wired to see possibilities everywhere. I've been there myself, feeling like every new idea or opportunity could be "the one" that drives big growth. But a packed calendar isn't a sign of progress. In fact, it often pulls us away from the handful of initiatives that truly move the business forward.

We also dig into one of the biggest bad habits: trying to stay involved in every operational detail. Research shows that CEOs spend an incredible amount of time in meetings, up to 72%, according to Harvard. That's a lot of hours that could be spent on creativity, strategy, and vision. I talk about how letting go, delegating more intentionally, and staying out of the weeds is actually one of the Good CEO Habits that fuels growth.

Choosing the Right Opportunities: Not All "Yeses" Are Created Equal

Next, we talk about the cultural pressure inside organizations to chase every possibility. Saying yes feels productive, but spreading yourself too thin rarely leads to meaningful impact.

I share why developing a disciplined approach to opportunity selection is a hallmark of Good CEO Habits. Leaders who grow consistently don't chase more; they chase better. Warren Buffett said it best: the difference between successful people and really successful people is that the latter say no to almost everything.

From there, we explore how shifting from monthly performance metrics to weekly check-ins can transform agility. Monthly metrics tell you what went wrong last month. Weekly metrics help you fix what's happening right now. That faster feedback loop helps teams stay aligned, spot issues early, and maintain momentum.

Build Leaders, Build Clarity, Build Growth

Finally, we look inward, specifically at how CEOs develop the strength of their team and the clarity of their communication.

A powerful CEO doesn't try to be an expert in everything. Instead, they build depth in their leadership team, ensuring every department has someone capable, confident, and empowered. Closing those leadership gaps is essential for scaling it's another core Good CEO Habit that separates high-growth organizations from the rest.

We also talk about communication, the kind of communication that goes beyond "good enough." Assumptions create confusion, rework, and frustration. Clear, intentional communication creates alignment and trust. I share how being explicit rather than vague can eliminate misunderstandings before they start.

Throughout the episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own habits. Which ones are helping you grow, and which ones might be holding you back? When we ask better questions about how we lead, we uncover opportunities to evolve both as individuals and as organizations. That's what we aim for here on Grow Think Tank: helping leaders become more effective, more intentional, and more equipped to scale with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Fewer commitments lead to better focus. Saying yes to everything creates noise. The most effective CEOs choose opportunities selectively and focus on initiatives that truly drive growth.
• Staying out of the weeds is a leadership strength. CEOs who try to oversee every detail lose valuable time for strategy, creativity, and vision. Delegation is not just helpful it's essential.
• Weekly metrics create agility. Shifting from monthly to weekly performance reviews helps teams catch issues earlier, adapt faster, and maintain momentum.
• Depth in leadership beats well-roundedness. CEOs don't need to be experts in every area they need strong leaders around them. Building leadership capacity at every level accelerates scale.
• Clarity in communication prevents costly mistakes. "Good enough" communication isn't good enough. Explicit, intentional clarity avoids misunderstandings and keeps teams aligned.
• Good CEO Habits require intentional reflection. Sustainable growth comes from regularly reassessing your habits, asking better leadership questions, and making small adjustments with big impact.

Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

Today's guest is Kelsey Hensley, President at NovEx Supply Chain, whose company was ranked No. 1,662 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey shares insights on company culture and leadership development, highlighting the six core values, kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, that guide decision-making and foster personal growth at NovEx. She discusses the balance between technology and human relationships in logistics, explaining how clearly defined values have transformed the company's hiring practices and strengthened team alignment. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kelsey emphasizes the importance of empowering teams and focusing on strategic growth, illustrating how intentional leadership fosters a thriving organizational culture.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

1:26 Introduction to Novex Supply Chain 2:40 Embracing AI in Logistics 6:34 The Human Element in Business 8:17 Leadership and Culture Connection 10:31 Highlighting Company Values 13:18 Living the Values 16:48 Independent Teams and Leadership 17:28 Overcoming Control Issues 21:23 Focusing on Valuable Work 24:28 The Worth of Cultural Efforts

Building a Values-Driven Culture From the Ground Up

In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey Hensley, founder of Novex Supply Chain, shares how rapid growth as a bi-coastal 3PL provider pushed her to shape company culture intentionally. She walks through the six core values that guide Novex. Kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, and how they influence decisions, hiring, coaching, and team interactions. Kelsey describes the pride she feels watching employees embody these values not only at work but in their personal lives, reinforcing the power of a values-first culture.

Leadership Principles and Tech, AI, and the Human Touch in Logistics Empowerment

Kelsey and Gene shift the conversation to today's evolving workplace and the rise of AI in logistics. While acknowledging industry layoffs and the anxiety surrounding automation, Kelsey stresses that technology should enhance human performance, not replace it. She believes logistics still thrives on relationships and personalized service, which machines cannot replicate. For Novex, AI is a tool, not the driver, and the company remains committed to keeping people at the heart of the business.

Why Culture Shapes Leadership: Not the Other Way Around

Diving deeper, Kelsey emphasizes that culture determines the type of leaders who emerge. She shares the breakthroughs she had once she formally defined Novex's core values, giving the organization a clear framework for hiring, training, and accountability. Her hiring philosophy centers on behavior over skill. Skills can be taught, but misaligned behaviors disrupt teams. By prioritizing value-aligned behavior, Kelsey has cultivated a dependable, supportive environment where people can thrive.

Learning to Let Go: A Founder's Leadership Evolution

Reflecting on her journey, Kelsey discusses her early tendency to control every detail of the business and how a long overseas family trip forced her to step back. Trusting her team, allowing them to make mistakes, learn, and lead became a turning point for Novex. Empowering her people has freed her to focus on strategy, brand development, and deeper client relationships. Her story highlights how founders evolve and how letting go can unlock growth, independence, and a stronger culture.

Key Takeaways

• Values Drive Everything: Novex Supply Chain's six core values kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability serve as the foundation for decision-making, hiring, and team development.
• Culture Shapes Leadership: Kelsey emphasizes that strong culture produces strong leaders. Clearly defining company values created alignment and accountability across the organization.
• Hire for Behavior, Train for Skill: Skills can be taught, but behavior and attitude determine long-term success. Value-aligned behavior is the top hiring priority at Novex.
• Tech Supports People, Not Replaces Them: Despite AI advancements and logistics industry layoffs, Kelsey believes the human element relationships, communication, and personalized service remains irreplaceable.
• Letting Go Unlocks Growth: Kelsey's shift from controlling every detail to empowering her team was a turning point. Allowing others to lead freed her to focus on strategy, brand growth, and client relationships.
• Personal Growth Matters: The company's values don't just impact work they influence how employees show up in all areas of their lives, fostering well-rounded personal and professional development.
• Intentional Leadership Builds Thriving Teams: By trusting her team, creating clarity, and reinforcing shared values, Kelsey demonstrates how intentional leadership fuels sustainable growth and a strong organizational culture.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, CEO coach Gene Hammett explores what it truly means to Be Intentional as a Leader, encouraging listeners to examine their leadership style and uncover the barriers limiting their growth. Drawing from his recent keynote at the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, he introduces a clear two-part framework for elevating leadership, recognizing current hindrances, and defining the aspirational traits that drive stronger performance. Gene emphasizes the power of proactive, self-aware leadership in building engaged, high-performing teams and shares practical tools and resources to support deeper self-discovery and more effective, intentional leadership.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

2:04 The Importance of Self-Reflection 5:44 Defining Your Leadership Identity 6:59 Evolving as a Leader 8:17 The Power of Intentionality 9:40 Strategies for Effective Leadership

Identify who you're being that limits your leadership.

Most leaders fall into the same cycle: open the laptop, answer emails, run spreadsheets, jump into meetings, put out fires… and repeat. I've been there, and maybe you're stuck in that same loop, working hard, but not necessarily leading intentionally. So pause for a moment and ask yourself: What would it take for me to be a better leader? And even more importantly, why do I want to be a better leader?

Is your team performing below its potential? Do decisions keep landing back on your plate? Are you feeling overwhelmed or burned out? If so, this episode is for you.

Recently, I spoke at the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement here in Atlanta. Their leaders were deeply committed to growing, and during that keynote, I shared one core idea: the power of intention in leadership. Here's a portion of that talk:

"When you want to be a great leader, it doesn't happen by accident; it requires intention. You need the ability to shift with what's in front of you. Defining the leader you want to become may seem trivial or unnecessary, but it is foundational. Who are you being that gets in the way of being a better leader? And who do you want to become in the next level of yourself? You must be honest with yourself and claim the leader you're becoming."

Are you scattered? Distracted? Overwhelmed? Too nice? Too empathetic? Too direct? These traits may not seem harmful, but when they're dialed too high, they create friction. Write them down on a 3×5 or 4×6 card, make it honest, uncomfortable, and real. This clarity helps you move away from what no longer serves your leadership.

Define who you want to become.

One of my clients captured this beautifully: Be decisive. Be focused. Be confident. Each week during our coaching sessions, we review how these traits showed up. This repetition creates accountability and reinforces their development.

This is the work of intentional leadership, continuously evolving and expanding your capacity. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or senior leader, complacency kills performance. Growth requires reinvention.

If you're new here, I'm Gene Hammett, CEO, coach, founder, and leadership development expert. We help executives and leadership teams create environments where people perform at their best, take ownership, and feel aligned with the mission.

If you want to explore these ideas further without committing to a call, join my free training at training.corelevation.com. In about 90 minutes, we cover core principles, common mistakes, and the five steps to becoming a stronger, more intentional leader.

To close today's episode, remember this: Being intentional is a superpower. Reactive leadership limits performance. A simple example comes from sales: smile before you dial. People can sense your energy even without seeing you. That's the intention at work.

Imagine showing up 90–95% of the time as the leader you want to be decisive, focused, confident… or whatever traits matter most to you. One of my favorite examples from a client is the phrase: unshakably confident. Picture that being you. It's possible if you choose to lead with intention.

If I can support you in any way, keep following our content, keep stepping up, and remember: when you think of growth and leadership, think of Growth Think Tank.

Key Takeaways

• Great leadership never happens by accident it requires intention.
• Break the reactive work cycle by pausing to reflect on why you want to grow.
• Part 1: Define who you're being today that limits your leadership.
• Part 2: Define the leader you want to become (e.g., decisive, focused, confident).
• Writing your leadership identity on a simple card creates clarity and accountability.
• Intentionality is a leadership superpower that elevates performance and reduces overwhelm.
• "Smile before you dial" is a simple example of how intention shapes outcomes.

Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we dive into the connection between leadership and workplace stress, and how CEOs can minimize stress to create healthier, more productive teams. Research shows that 75% of employees see their boss as a primary source of stress, which makes leadership style more important than ever. We'll talk about how clear communication, aligned priorities, and a psychologically safe environment can transform team dynamics, plus I'll share practical ways to reduce stress through stronger personal connections with your people. This episode will inspire you to lead with greater awareness and intention, helping both you and your team thrive. Be sure to check out my free training on effective leadership to take these ideas even further.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

2:22 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Stress 3:55 Communicating to Alleviate Workplace Stress 4:46 Creating a Thriving Work Environment 5:26 Commitment to Improved Leadership Skills

Understanding Leadership Stress

Ask your team what they think you could do to improve as a leader. If you truly listen beyond the words, ask follow-up questions, and reflect on their answers. This gives you a much better chance to show up and help your employees feel less stressed.

Welcome to Grow Think Tank! This is the only place to gain insights from the founders and CEOs of the fastest-growing privately held companies. I'm your host, Gene Hammett. I help leaders and their teams navigate the defining moments of growth.

Today, we're talking about how stressful work can be, especially when you're the leader. Most leaders are used to stress, thrive under pressure, and have faced countless challenges. But a recent Harvard Business Review study shows that 75% of employees view their boss as their primary stressor.

Now, I'm not saying that you're causing stress intentionally, but these numbers are eye-opening. Don't just dismiss it as "those other leaders can't manage." Instead, consider: where could you improve? How can CEOs minimize stress for their teams and create a healthier work environment?

How Leadership Impacts Stress

Stress often stems from unclear communication. If expectations aren't clear, confusion arises. Too many priorities? That's stress. Lack of psychological safety? Employees may hesitate to share ideas for fear of judgment. Think about what stresses you out at work, write it down, and use it as a starting point to make intentional changes.

So, how do you reduce stress as a leader? It starts with communication, not just what needs to be done, but why it matters. Connect tasks to the company mission and to your team members' personal goals. Listen actively, ask how they're doing, and reflect on feedback to improve your leadership approach. This is a key way CEOs minimize stress in their teams.

Remember, people spend more time at work than almost anywhere else. If 75% of your team feels stressed because of leadership, it's a problem that only you can address. By fostering trust, clarity, and support, you can create a workplace where people thrive.

Taking Action to Reduce Stress

I hope that you'll commit to being a better leader, improving communication, coaching, conflict resolution, feedback, and clarity. Strong leadership doesn't just get work done. It creates an environment where people can thrive and grow alongside you.

If you want to go deeper, join my free training at training.coreelevation.com. It will help you refine your leadership skills, create clarity in your company, and implement a new leadership operating system, all steps that help CEOs minimize stress while driving growth.

Invest in your leadership growth and take active steps today to create a workplace where both you and your team can thrive.

Key Takeaways

Leadership directly impacts workplace stress, with 75% of employees citing their boss as a primary stressor. In this episode, Gene Hammett shares actionable strategies for CEOs to minimize stress, including clear communication, aligning priorities, fostering psychological safety, and building stronger personal connections with employees. By implementing these practices, leaders can create a thriving work environment where teams feel supported, motivated, and empowered to grow.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, ranked No. 1707 on the Inc. 5000 (2025), about her journey in corporate event planning and building a thriving business by helping leaders focus on strengths. Lauren shares insights on adaptability, creativity, and self-awareness in leadership, especially as the industry evolves toward virtual and hybrid events, and discusses strategies for leadership development, including fostering strong team dynamics, supporting talent through regular check-ins and recognition, and cultivating a high-performing, engaged workforce. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone interested in leadership growth, organizational culture, and leveraging strengths to achieve business success.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

7:52 Shifts in the Events Industry 12:51 Finding Your Strengths 14:58 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 16:44 Mistakes in Leadership 19:19 Self-Awareness in Leadership 21:25 Developing Employee Strengths

Passion and Purpose in Event Planning

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, a corporate event planning company specializing in both virtual and in-person events. Lauren shares the driving force behind her work: delivering exceptional experiences for clients while embracing creativity and innovation. She reflects on how the events industry has evolved, particularly post-COVID-19, and how adaptability and a willingness to learn have been essential to keeping her company competitive and relevant.

Leadership Principles and Team Empowerment

Lauren explores the core principles of effective leadership, emphasizing the difference between leading within an organization versus running her own company. She discusses how leaders focus on strengths, both their own and those of their team members, to drive performance, foster collaboration, and build a supportive work environment. By leveraging complementary skills and cultivating self-awareness, Lauren empowers her team to excel in their areas of expertise, reinforcing that strong leadership is grounded in both strategic insight and emotional intelligence.

Adapting to a Dynamic Industry

The conversation turns to the rapidly changing landscape of corporate events, particularly the shift toward virtual and hybrid formats. Lauren shares how LMH Experiences successfully pivoted to virtual events, building trusted vendor networks and creating engaging digital experiences. She also highlights emerging trends, such as balancing in-person and virtual events, and how data-driven decision-making supports effective resource allocation and client satisfaction in a competitive market.

Focusing on Strengths for Sustainable Success

Drawing on her 15 years of experience, Lauren reflects on the value of self-awareness and identifying personal and team strengths. By understanding her own capabilities and delegating strategically, she has cultivated a high-performing team while promoting professional development. Her methods include regular check-ins, performance reviews, and recognition of both individual and collective achievements. This episode demonstrates how leaders focus on strengths to drive growth, build resilience, and create a culture where teams can thrive.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders Focus on Strengths: Learn how Lauren McSorley leverages her own strengths and empowers her team to excel.
• Adaptability in Action: Discover how LMH Experiences pivoted successfully to virtual and hybrid events.
• Creative Leadership: Insights on embracing creativity to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Team Development: Practical strategies for check-ins, recognition, and fostering a high-performing culture.
• Data-Driven Decisions: How balancing virtual and in-person events with smart planning drives success.

In this episode, I dive into the powerful connection between coaching and effective leadership, drawing from my 13 years as a CEO coach. I discuss why many leaders overlook their potential as coaches and share practical ways to strengthen those skills, especially when things become messy or unpredictable. Instead of jumping in with quick answers, I highlight how asking the right questions can unlock your team's potential and spark real growth. I also share a few coaching models that make this easier in everyday leadership. By the end, you'll see how intentional coaching can create a stronger problem-solving culture and make you a more effective, inspiring leader.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

0:07 Coaching as a Leader 1:52 The Importance of Questions 3:50 Guiding Through Understanding

Coaching as a Core Leadership Skill

In this episode, I dig into how coaching shapes great leadership and why so many leaders overlook it. After 13 years of coaching CEOs, I've seen how easy it is to get caught up in running sales, operations, and everything in between while forgetting the human side of leadership. Coaching isn't just another skill; it's the foundation for helping your team grow, think independently, and solve problems on their own.

The Power of Asking Better Questions

Here's the truth: real coaching isn't about giving answers, it's about asking the right questions. I talk about why slowing down and getting curious leads to deeper understanding and stronger teams. I also share a few practical coaching models and a story about a client who learned to turn frustration into growth simply by reframing conversations through better questions. When leaders make this shift, it changes everything from team culture to performance and engagement.

Leading with Intention and Courage

We wrap up by exploring what it means to lead with intention to coach with curiosity, patience, and courage. Creating a culture of problem-solving doesn't happen overnight, but it transforms how teams work and how businesses grow. And if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I share a free resource at training.coreelevation.com to help you strengthen your coaching approach and build a team that thrives on independence and trust.

Key Takeaways

Great leadership starts with great coaching. When you slow down, ask better questions, and lead with intention, you empower your team to think for themselves, grow with confidence, and create a lasting culture of problem-solving and accountability.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Aisha Chottani, co-founder of Moment, ranked No. 589 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, about what it's like to lead a fast-growing startup in the functional beverage space. Aisha shares how she uses "learning calls" and regular feedback sessions to foster open communication, build trust, and keep her remote team aligned. We discuss the power of leadership, emphasizing the importance of alignment, transparency, and accountability in fostering a healthy and high-performing culture. From consistent check-ins to feedback-driven growth, Aisha offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to build a supportive, engaged, and innovative workplace.

6:11 Exploring Moment's Journey 7:02 Leading with Alignment Principles 9:09 Empowerment in Leadership 14:10 Cultivating a Feedback Culture 14:57 Tools for Better Alignment 20:39 Tactical Elements of Alignment

Finding Balance in Leadership and Business

In this episode, I sit down with Aisha Chottani, co-founder of Moment, a mood-boosting functional beverage designed to help people find balance and establish healthier routines. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of growing a startup in a crowded market and explore the principles that fuel Moment's success. Aisha shares how the idea of leadership with alignment sits at the heart of her company's culture, creating a foundation of trust, clarity, and empowerment that drives both performance and purpose.

Feedback as a Superpower

Aisha believes that feedback, both positive and constructive, is essential for a thriving workplace. We talk about how normalizing open dialogue helps teams grow stronger and more connected. She shares her concept of "learning calls" with new hires, where everyone discusses communication preferences and feedback styles early on. This sets the tone for a culture that views feedback not as criticism, but as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve together.

Leading with Alignment and Empowerment

When it comes to leadership, Aisha replaces micromanagement with alignment. She explains how giving teams the tools, trust, and context they need helps them make smart, independent decisions. We explore her philosophy of leading with alignment, ensuring every team member understands the "why" behind their goals and feels accountable for achieving them. Aisha also shares how structured processes, transparent communication, and data-driven decision-making help remote teams stay connected, confident, and empowered.

Communication, Transparency, and Continuous Growth

We wrap up by discussing how open communication fuels alignment and connection. Aisha reveals how regular check-ins, open forums, and company-wide visibility keep everyone informed and engaged. She even opens up about her monthly feedback calls, where team members share feedback with her, too—a two-way approach that promotes growth at every level. The result? A culture where learning never stops, trust runs deep, and innovation thrives.

Key Takeaways

🎧 Tune in to hear Aisha's insights on building teams that lead with alignment, embrace feedback, and stay connected through transparency and trust. This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders, managers, and leaders ready to create healthier, more empowered workplaces.

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I delve into the power of leadership energy and its impact on communication, influence, and connection. I share why managing your energy. Not just your time, but also key to inspiring others and sustaining growth. You'll learn how to conduct an energy audit to identify what drains and fuels you, align your schedule with your natural energy rhythms, and build in recovery cycles that keep you performing at your best. I also explain how leading with energy fosters a positive and engaged team culture. By the end, you'll be inspired to take a fresh look at your own energy habits and discover how mastering your energy can elevate your leadership and your results.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

1:28 – Patterns of CEO Life 2:31 – The Importance of Vision 5:20 – Revealing Blind Spots 7:09 – Resetting Priorities 8:49 – Reframing Perspectives 9:25 – Realigning Your Team 10:56 – The Value of Coaching

Understanding CEO Coaching & Overcoming Overwhelm

In this episode, I delve into the true essence of CEO coaching and its transformative impact on both business performance and personal leadership growth. Many CEOs feel overwhelmed, pressured by endless tasks, and trapped in habits that don't serve their long-term goals. I discuss why working longer hours isn't the answer and emphasize the importance of letting go of lower-value work to focus on what truly drives impact.

We begin by examining the first steps of coaching, identifying what a client genuinely desires for their business. Establishing a clear vision is critical, as it not only sets direction but also aligns the team. Without a well-defined objective, leaders often operate reactively rather than proactively. Through coaching, we identify these gaps and develop strategies that align with genuine aspirations.

Revealing Blind Spots & Resetting Priorities

A key focus of coaching is uncovering blind spots that hinder growth. Many CEOs struggle with patterns of impatience, control, or other behaviors that limit both personal and organizational progress. Through reflective questioning, leaders gain insight into these hidden challenges, enabling them to break unproductive patterns and accelerate growth.

We then explore resetting priorities, helping leaders determine what they are truly optimizing for, whether financial growth, innovation, or team development. Each leader's journey is unique, and coaching provides a tailored approach to focus energy on the highest-impact areas. Additionally, we discuss the importance of reframing challenges, demonstrating how shifts in perspective can reveal new opportunities and solutions that were previously obscured.

Realigning Teams & Embracing Change

Growth often requires realigning teams. The people who helped build the business may not always fit the vision for the future. Coaching provides guidance on having difficult conversations and making courageous decisions that strengthen alignment toward shared goals. I share stories from my coaching experience that show how realignment can transform team dynamics and drive substantial business growth.

Throughout the episode, I emphasize that maintaining the status quo won't propel leaders to the next level. By embracing change, identifying blind spots, and making strategic adjustments, CEOs can achieve faster progress, reduced stress, and greater clarity.

I conclude by inviting leaders to explore my personalized coaching programs, designed to help operators evolve into visionary CEOs. These sessions provide practical tools, mentorship, and actionable insights to unlock leadership potential and accelerate business success.

Key Takeaways

• Vision before strategy: Growth begins with defining a clear, compelling vision that aligns your entire organization.
• Awareness precedes change: Recognizing control patterns, impatience, or outdated habits is the first step to transformation.
• Prioritize for impact: Identify what you're optimizing for, financial success, innovation, culture, and align your efforts accordingly.
• Perspective is everything: Reframing problems often reveals the breakthroughs you've been missing.
• Team alignment drives results: The people who got you here may not be the ones to take you there, lead with courage and clarity.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

In this episode, I talk with Ethan Bull, President and Co-founder of ProAssisting, ranked No. 2466 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, about his innovative approach to delivering high-level fractional executive assistant services. Ethan shares how ProAssisting's unique hiring and matching process connects leaders with exceptional EAs skilled in both strategic thinking and executive support. We explore the importance of mutual respect, curiosity, and clear communication in creating strong client-assistant relationships, as well as how these values reduce churn and drive success. Ethan also opens up about managing tough conversations and maintaining financial transparency and effective communication in his partnership with his wife, Stephanie. This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders looking to elevate their leadership and maximize the impact of executive support.

6:41 Leadership Principles at Pro Assisting 13:12 The Role of Executive Assistants 16:28 Tough Conversations and Culture 23:47 Working Together: Business and Marriage 26:18 Conclusion: Insights on Leadership

Redefining Executive Support

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Bull, Co-founder of ProAssisting, a company providing high-level fractional executive assistant (EA) services to businesses across the United States. We explore how ProAssisting differentiates itself from traditional virtual assistant services by focusing on top-tier talent capable of both strategic thinking and executive support. Ethan shares insights into their rigorous hiring process, emphasizing the importance of pairing clients with assistants who not only excel in administrative tasks but can also contribute to broader business strategy. This approach ensures productivity, long-term success, and meaningful partnerships between clients and their EAs.

Respect and Relationships

Mutual respect is at the heart of ProAssisting's culture. Ethan discusses how fostering respect between clients and assistants leads to stronger collaboration, higher satisfaction, and reduced churn. He explains the value of emotional and interpersonal intelligence in executive support, sharing examples of how assistants who prioritize empathy and understanding create more productive relationships. By aligning expectations and cultivating trust, clients and assistants can work together seamlessly, driving growth and enhancing organizational performance.

Curiosity and Tough Conversations

Curiosity is a cornerstone of effective leadership and executive support. Ethan emphasizes how asking thoughtful questions and actively seeking to understand client needs strengthen communication and alignment. We also dive into managing tough conversations, including how assistants can "manage up" and navigate shifting priorities while maintaining context and empathy. By approaching challenging discussions as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, both assistants and executives can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and create a more resilient work environment.

Lessons from Partnership

Toward the end of the episode, Ethan shares insights from co-founding ProAssisting with his wife, Stephanie. He reflects on the importance of financial transparency, open communication, and structured processes in both business and personal partnerships. Their experience highlights the challenges and rewards of working closely with family while maintaining professional boundaries. Ethan's lessons provide practical guidance for business leaders looking to foster strong partnerships, whether with family, co-founders, or key team members, and underscore how these principles can enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational growth.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers a comprehensive look at how respect, curiosity, and open communication can elevate leadership, optimize executive support, and drive meaningful growth. Business leaders seeking actionable insights to refine their leadership style, strengthen client-assistant relationships, and maximize organizational impact will find this conversation particularly valuable.