Great leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about tackling the tough conversations most people avoid. Yet, too many leaders hesitate, fearing conflict, damaging relationships, or making the wrong call. This leads to unresolved issues and workplace tension. After a decade in corporate, Gene Hammett built a $7 million business, only to lose it all when a deal went sour. From this setback, he discovered a passion for coaching CEOs to build high-performing teams, address limitations, and scale effectively. In this episode, Gene joins Kevin to share actionable strategies to enhance leadership and navigate tough conversations.

Gene Hammett is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps founders and CEOs develop strong leaders at every level. Over 1 million business leaders have used his advice to improve their leadership and grow their companies.

In this episode, Kevin and Gene will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:23) Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship

(03:46) Scaling a $7 Million Business and Losing It All

(07:10) Bouncing Back as a Leadership Coach

(12:08) Leadership Blind Spots That Hurt Growth

(15:52) The Key to Hiring and Retaining Top Talent

(17:15) Mastering the Art of Tough Conversations

(24:14) How Leadership Styles Impact Conversations

(27:19) The Four Phases of Tough Conversations

(35:57) How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

(42:53) Mistakes Leaders Make After Tough Talks

(45:48) Connecting with Gene

Gene Hammett is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps founders and CEOs develop strong leaders at every level. After studying the leadership of fast-growing businesses on the Inc. 5000 list, he discovered strategies that help companies grow. Gene is also the founder of the Growth Think Tank podcast, which is recognized as a top resource for leaders. Over 1 million business leaders have used his advice to improve their leadership and grow their companies.

Connect with Gene:

Gene’s Website: genehammett.com

Gene’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/genehammett

Resources Mentioned:

Gene’s Book, How to Have Tough Conversations: The Framework for Great Leaders to Say What Needs to Be Said When the Pressure Is On: https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Tough-Conversations-Framework-ebook/dp/B0D7WFLZL5 

Start With Why by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Simon-Sinek/dp/1591844517

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509 

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/B09BK342ZW

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