Off-Menu Insights

Thinking about promoting someone to manager or just got the job yourself? Ask one question first. Carrie Mayers has spent 33 years training managers, and she and her daughter and business partner Sam Gormican use this question to catch the wrong promotion before it happens.

Carrie founded C3 Corporate Coaching Company in San Diego after a career in sales management and corporate training. Sam spent 3.5 years in tech consulting at PwC, then joined her mom as a partner in January 2025. They run leadership training, team workshops and 1:1 coaching for companies of every size, from C-suites to people who haven't been promoted yet.

We get into the new manager mistakes they see most, why your top performer might struggle to lead, how they get a skeptical room to actually participate, and why emotional intelligence predicts great leaders better than IQ.

Your turn: why did YOU want to be a manager? Tell me in the comments.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The question every new manager should answer

01:43 33 years of corporate training (Carrie's story)

03:11 What C3 Corporate Coaching does

05:00 Why Carrie started and what keeps her going

07:56 Why their leadership training doesn't feel like training

10:13 "Clarity breeds accountability"

12:30 Thinking on your feet (the improv connection)

14:41 The 4 stages of learning (why adults quit too early)

16:30 Their most requested team workshops

19:02 Enneagram team training

20:12 Lead Out Loud women's leadership retreat

22:28 Training new managers before they're promoted

24:24 A career path for people who don't want to manage

25:55 "Why do you want to be a manager?"

28:56 Self-awareness and the coaching mindset

30:56 Why emotional intelligence predicts great leadership

32:52 Where to find Carrie and Sam

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- Ask "Why do you want to be a manager?" before anything else. If the answer is about the next rung on the ladder, they probably aren't ready yet. And that's OK.

- A great individual contributor and a great manager use 2 different skill sets. Hitting your numbers doesn't prove you can lead people.

- Clarity breeds accountability. Set expectations in the first 5 minutes, then hold people to them. Sam calls it tough love.

- Most people try a new habit, feel awkward and quit. Stay in the uncomfortable stage long enough and it becomes who you are.

- Emotional intelligence predicts leadership better than intellect, and you can grow it. IQ, you're mostly stuck with.

- Promotion programs need objective and subjective criteria. "We just like these people" is a vibe, and that's about it.

- Some of your best people never want to manage. Give them a way to keep growing anyway.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

- Brené Brown (vulnerability in the room)

- Simon Sinek: "Having kids is easy. Raising them is the hard part."

- The Enneagram

- The Ideal Team Player (Patrick Lencioni)

- The 4 stages of competence

CONNECT WITH C3

Website: https://corpcoachingco.com

LinkedIn: Carrie Mayers, Sam Mayers, and Corporate Coaching Co. https://www.linkedin.com/company/corpcoachingco/home/

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ABOUT OFF-MENU INSIGHTS

Founders and operators sharing what they learned the hard way. New episodes every month. Hosted by Dylan Miles, founder of MM Insights.

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#firsttimemanager #newmanager #leadership

Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial resilience with Glen Wagstaff, managing partner of one of the nation’s top estate planning firms. In a candid conversation with host Dylan Miles, Glen reveals how he transformed a challenging setback into an opportunity for innovation and growth. If you’re navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship or seeking inspiration to pivot in your career, this episode is a must-listen.

Glen shares his journey from law school to launching his own successful estate planning firm just six months after graduation. Discover the critical lessons he learned about specialization and reputation-building that propelled him to success. You’ll find out how he overcame a devastating loss—when a vendor stole half a million dollars from his business—and used that experience to redefine his path.

You’ll discover:

- The pivotal moment that led Glen to leave a stable job and start his own firm, despite initial fears.

- Key strategies for building a strong personal brand and becoming a thought leader in your industry.

- Insights into Glen’s new ventures in the entertainment industry, including launching theme parks and international consulting, and how these diverse projects connect back to his law practice.

Why does this matter? The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with challenges, but it’s also a landscape ripe with opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate. Glen’s story highlights the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and the courage to pursue what brings you joy—even when the journey takes unexpected turns.

This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Glen’s insights will inspire you to rethink your approach to challenges and opportunities alike. Don’t miss out on this engaging and transformational discussion!

Unlock the secrets to a more intentional and fulfilling workday with Drew Amoroso, Founder and CEO of DueCourse, as he takes us through his transformative journey from attorney to coaching entrepreneur. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your daily tasks or lost in the chaos of your professional life, this episode is tailor-made for you.

Chapters

• 00:00 Setting the Stage
• 03:08 Introduction to Drew Amoroso and DueCourse
• 04:09 The Journey to DueCourse
• 07:40 Pivotal Moments and Challenges
• 15:21 The Role of Intuition
• 23:36 Intuition and Introspection
• 25:02 Transition to Structured Systems
• 26:24 Hiring the Right People
• 29:49 Balanced Approach to Work and Life
• 30:14 Mindset and Trust in Oneself
• 38:23 Importance of Structured Systems and Processes

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewamoroso/
• Website - https://duecourse.coach/
• DueCourse Demo - https://share.hsforms.com/1MqcBa4srRAWtrBtHKYImvQryfrs
• MM Insights AI Agency - https://www.mmagencyai.com/

In this episode, Doni Jones, founder of Don's Tree Service and a passionate leader, shares her inspiring story of starting a business with just $43 and growing it into a thriving 26-year enterprise. Discover her insights on leadership, team building, and maintaining core values amidst rapid growth.

00:00 - Introduction and Doni’s background
00:30 - The $43 story: how it all started
01:51 - From network marketing to entrepreneurship: pivotal moments
02:48 - The epiphany on a long drive outside Atlanta
03:44 - The challenge of starting with $43 and business card story
04:14 - Company growth: from 1 to 43 team members and $5 million in revenue
04:57 - Implementing Traction and streamlining processes
05:54 - Values-driven leadership and team development
06:35 - Core values: love, respect, integrity, and faith-based culture
07:11 - Maintaining safety, standards, and a wholesome team environment
08:08 - Trusting leadership, giving grace, and quick decision-making
09:35 - Stopping practices that hinder growth and raising performance standards
10:21 - Leadership conversations, accountability, and fostering pride in work
11:16 - Fun activities, team bonding, and personal development initiatives
12:33 - Evolution of company culture and pivotal moments with Traction
14:00 - Letting go: trusting the team and empowering growth
15:28 - Long-term vision: scaling, acquisitions, and personal life goals
17:12 - Vision for the next three years: team expansion and valuation
18:24 - Balancing hard work with family, horses, and personal time
19:04 - Building a company that feels like a community with purpose
20:09 - Maintaining habits, avoiding old routines, and personal growth
21:44 - The importance of transparency and culture on hiring
22:49 - The impact of community, camaraderie, and living one's values
23:26 - Creating space for accountability and pride in roles
24:08 - The significance of purpose, community, and joy in work
25:24 - The choice to enjoy life amid challenges and setbacks
26:33 - Legacy: promoting kind capitalism, faith, and community impact
27:27 - Supporting entrepreneurs of color and the value of capitalism
28:51 - The importance of kindness, wealth, and leaving a positive legacy
29:29 - Connecting with Doni and resources for those needing tree services
30:57 - Final thoughts: the power of stories, community, and leadership

Resources and Links:

• Traction by Gino Wickman
• Doni's Tree Service - The go-to Atlanta-based tree service provider
• YouTube / The Climb Podcast - Personal growth and leadership insights from Doni
• Instagram

When most contractors remain reactive to problems, Hustad Companies is transforming the industry with a proactive, data-driven approach that cuts leaks by 90%. Eric Caturia, EVP and Principal at Hustad, reveals how they turned a small mom-and-pop shop into a national leader in roofing inspections—using standardization, AI, and real-time data to deliver unmatched value to property owners.

In this episode, discover how Hustad’s innovative systems provide clear KPIs, forecast future repairs, and help clients save millions—long before leaks become costly disasters. We break down their key framework: from regional expansion to automating workflows across 44 states, and leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

You’ll learn how to turn raw data into strategic advantage, why pattern recognition is a founder’s secret weapon, and what steps you can take today to unlock similar growth. Whether you run a roofing company or manage multi-site properties, Eric shares the mindset and tech stack that makes Hustad stand out—built on relentless focus, continuous improvement, and the courage to invest in the future.This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, contractors, and operators ready to leverage technology for exponential growth and resilience. If you’re seeking actionable insights on building a proactive, data-rich business that outperforms reactive competitors—don’t miss this conversation.

Eric is EVP at Hustad Companies and a passionate innovator in integrating data and AI into property management. His expertise in scaling and systematizing service delivery makes him a leading voice for operators aiming to transform their industry.Get inspired to innovate, automate, and elevate your business—because in today’s market, the companies that lead are those who get in the weeds and stay ahead of the curve.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Company Background
• 10:07 Technology and Data-Driven Solutions
• 25:24 AI and Automation in Business Operations
• 41:55 Strategic Growth and Future Initiatives
  

Links

• https://www.hustadcompanies.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-caturia-a0521136a/
• https://www.mmagencyai.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/-dylanmiles-/

This conversation with Michelle Carfagno from The Greater Knead dives into the journey of an allergen-free baking company, the challenges of transitioning from a hobby to a business, and the complexities of scaling without compromising quality. It also explores the nuances of entrepreneurship, the impact of bootstrapping vs. VC funding, and the strategic navigation of sales channels and distribution. Additionally, it discusses the measurement of return on investment across various sales channels. The conversation covers topics related to consumer behavior, direct-to-consumer approach, sales development, strategies, tools, and redefining success and legacy in business.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a hobby to a business requires a deep understanding of the market and a commitment to solving a specific problem.
• Quality is a critical factor in business growth, and maintaining it while scaling presents unique challenges. Consumer behavior insights drive marketing strategies
• Direct-to-consumer approach requires strategic partnerships
• Success is redefined by impact and joy, not just financial metrics

Chapters

• 00:00 The Greater Knead: A Journey of Allergen-Free Baking
• 06:10 Wearing Multiple Hats as a Founder
• 11:36 Challenges of Scaling Without Compromising Quality
• 17:00 Navigating Sales Channels and Distribution
• 23:11 Measuring Return on Investment Across Sales Channels
• 29:03 Direct-to-Consumer Approach
• 35:33 Sales Strategies and Tools
• 44:22 Redefining Success and Legacy

Resources:

• LinkedIn - Michelle Carfagno
• The Greater Knead

Llance Kezner, co-creator of Millie's Sipping Broth (Keep Life Tasty), shares the journey of creating a unique product and navigating the CPG world. From early success to market expansion and future goals, Llance emphasizes customer focus, feedback, and creative strategies for growth. The company's vision includes partnerships with dream retailers and expansion into new markets, driven by a commitment to customer engagement and product availability.

Takeaways

• Customer focus and feedback are critical for product success
• Creative strategies and partnerships drive market expansion
• Future vision includes expansion into new markets and customer engagement

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Company Background
• 06:08 Business Model and Product Iteration
• 11:45 Customer Focus and Feedback Cycle
• 18:05 Partnership and Growth Strategy
• 23:47 Retail Strategy and Customer Engagement
• 30:01 Challenges and Growth Opportunities
• 35:56 New Markets and Expansion Strategy
• 41:50 Future Vision and Market Expansion

Resources:

Millie's Sipping Broth Website - https://milliessippingbroth.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor1TxyNj6bddAVbLJ7YcuhGwJSUwQir32niKc_II0ImIGbox7zO

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/llance/

Taylor Brown, founder and CEO of Chandler Charcuterie, shares her journey of starting and scaling her luxury catering company. From the passion for her craft to the challenges of business ownership, Taylor's entrepreneurial persistence and long-term vision shine through. She offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of passion, persistence, and continuous improvement.

Takeaways

• Passion for Craft
• Entrepreneurial Persistence

Chapters

• 00:00 Starting Chandler Charcuterie
• 09:01 Craft and Scaling
• 20:26 Scaling Operations
• 28:08 Long-Term Vision

In this conversation, Justin Bolton, founder of Black Box Can Consulting, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the aluminum can industry, emphasizing the need for technical training and data-driven decision-making. He shares insights on the importance of knowledge transfer in manufacturing, the services his company offers, and strategies for business growth through community engagement and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Justin also highlights the potential for AI integration in improving data collection and analysis within the industry.

The conversation with Rachel Machado, co-founder and CEO of Once Wild Pet, discusses the inspiration behind the company, the unique product offering, target market, industry trends, scaling and expansion plans, challenges, community building, marketing and branding strategies, and the mission of Once Wild. The discussion also covers where to find Once Wild and how to learn more about the company's mission and regenerative agriculture.

Takeaways

• Regenerative pet nutrition
• Building a community of pet parents

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Once Wild Pet
• 05:08 The Unique Product Offering
• 11:32 Target Market and Industry Trends
• 19:32 Challenges and Community Building
• 34:02 Mission and Where to Find Once Wild Pet