Growth Think Tank

In this episode, I dive into the transformative journey of leadership, drawing from my experiences as a former CEO and coach. I highlight the common challenges leaders face regarding time and energy, and I share actionable strategies to empower teams and shift focus from daily tasks to developing others. By discussing the five levels of leadership, I emphasize the importance of continual growth and reflection. I encourage listeners to identify their energy drains and rethink their leadership approach to navigate complexity and foster both personal and organizational development.

In this episode, I and, Manfred Mahrle, explore the transformative power of positive intelligence for CEOs facing the challenges of leadership. I discuss the importance of adopting a "sage mode" mindset, drawing an analogy to the conflict between Darth Vader and the Jedi. Through my journey from a two-decade corporate career to founding ActiMind, I emphasize the necessity of overcoming fear to achieve fulfillment and innovation. I unpack the foundational elements of the sage mindset, such as empathy and activation, which help leaders navigate challenges effectively. Highlighting a client's breakthrough regarding perfectionism, I advocate for building healthier habits through mindfulness and adaptable strategies. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to engage in personal development and the ongoing practice of positive intelligence to enhance their leadership journey.

In this episode, we speak with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of History IT, a pioneer in creating digital archives for museums, libraries, and historical societies. We explore effective leadership in mission-driven companies, focusing on trust and clear vision as foundational elements. Kristen shares her journey in building History IT, sparked by her passion for history and the urgency of digital transformation, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how a strong company vision fosters team alignment and drives the mission of democratizing access to historical content. Kristen also highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing efficiency while maintaining the need for human oversight. The conversation underscores the necessity of adaptability and continuous growth in leadership, reflecting Kristen's commitment to preserving history and inspiring her team as they navigate the digital landscape.

In this episode, I speak with Jacqui Chew, managing director of iFusion Consulting, about the marketing challenges of fast-growing companies. We discuss the identity crisis organizations face as they evolve, leading to a disconnect between their original value and current offerings. Jacqui highlights that unclear narratives often mask the real issue of differentiation in a competitive market. We explore the significance of voice-of-the-customer exercises to gain valuable insights and emotional drivers behind purchasing decisions. Additionally, we delve into the concept of a "rally cry" for strong messaging and discuss the role of AI in marketing while emphasizing the need for human creativity. This conversation offers strategies to help fast-growing companies navigate their unique marketing challenges.

In this episode, I address how leaders often become bottlenecks in their organizations by clinging to tasks that could be delegated. Through a client story, I illustrate the impact of a hands-on approach to decision-making on personal and team growth. We discuss the difference between transactional leaders and those who empower their teams, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment. Listeners are invited to join my workshops for practical strategies to elevate their leadership and foster a thriving workplace.

In this episode, I sit down with Evan Katz and Josh Roberts, co-founders of Very Special Games, to delve into the principles of Trust-Based Leadership and its pivotal role in their company's success. Evan and Josh share how Trust-Based Leadership has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, enabling their small team to create engaging party games like Ransom Notes and Charty Party. We explore how Trust-Based Leadership has guided their decision-making processes and contributed to their rapid growth, culminating in their recognition on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. Their journey from launching a Kickstarter campaign to building a thriving business underscores the impact of trust and mutual respect in leadership. Tune in to discover how cultivating trust within your team can drive creativity, resilience, and sustained growth

In this episode, I chat with John Williamson, founder and CEO of Songfinch, a platform that transforms personal stories into custom songs. We discuss the challenges of leading an innovative brand in the music and gifting industry, focusing on the importance of resilience and transparency in leadership. John shares key moments that fueled Songfinch's remarkable growth, including the shift to emotionally-driven marketing strategies and the operational tactics that supported this success. He emphasizes the significance of fostering a culture of ownership among employees, highlighting the value of genuine connections in building a thriving brand.

In this episode, I sit down with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses, to explore the transformative power of humble leadership in building a purpose-driven brand. Jensen shares how embracing humble leadership has guided Ombraz from its inception to becoming a standout in the eyewear industry. We delve into how humble leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and a strong company culture. Under Jensen's guidance, Ombraz has not only revolutionized sunglasses design but also earned #1244 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting its rapid growth and commitment to sustainability. Tune in to discover how leading with humility can drive both personal and organizational success.

In this episode, I share the real benefits of executive coaching and why it could be the key to unlocking your next level of leadership. Executive coaching is more than just advice — it's a powerful way to gain clarity, uncover blind spots, and accelerate your growth as a leader. I've worked with hundreds of CEOs and their teams, and I've seen firsthand how executive coaching can help leaders create high-performing teams and drive lasting results. If you've ever wondered whether investing in executive coaching is worth it, this episode will give you the insight you need. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience helping leaders like you grow faster and lead with more confidence.

In this episode, I sit down with Levi McClendon, Founder and CEO of OptSpot, to explore how to build and sustain a thriving remote culture. Under Levi's leadership, OptSpot has achieved significant growth, earning the 1786 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We delve into the strategies and practices that have enabled OptSpot to foster a thriving remote culture, ensuring team cohesion and productivity across distances. Levi shares insights on maintaining company values and employee engagement in a remote work environment. Tune in to discover how cultivating a thriving remote culture can drive success and resilience in your organization.