In this insightful episode of the Scaling Startups Podcast, host Irene Ortiz-Glass engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Adam Baruh, CEO of SuiteCentric, EIQ Media Group, and founder of PodTask. Adam shares his remarkable journey from self-doubt and negative belief systems to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He opens up about the critical inner work required to scale not just a startup, but oneself.

Adam discusses the concept of "scaling self," emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-awareness in achieving business success. He candidly recounts his experiences with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while leading multiple ventures. The conversation delves into the pressures of entrepreneurship, the necessity of shadow work, and the pivotal role of self-awareness in making informed decisions.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the realities of running a startup, the emotional toll it can take, and the transformative power of understanding one's own motivations and limitations. Adam's story is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of aligning one's work with personal values and passions.

Chapter Markers:

- **[00:00:00] Introduction**
- Irene Ortiz-Glass introduces the podcast and the episode's focus on the inner work required for entrepreneurs.

- **[00:03:00] Adam's Journey**
- Adam shares his background, his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, and the unconscious beliefs that held him back.

- **[00:06:00] Midlife Reflections**
- Discussion on the midlife questioning of purpose and identity, and how it influences career and family decisions.

- **[00:10:00] Transition from Wedding Photography**
- Adam recounts his transition from wedding photography back to IT and the lessons learned about self-awareness.

- **[00:14:00] The Sweet Centric Roller Coaster**
- Insights into the challenges and pressures of running Suite Centric, including financial stress and personal sacrifices.

- **[00:18:00] The Cost of Entrepreneurship**
- The emotional and financial toll of entrepreneurship, and Adam's decision to invest heavily in a new project.

- **[00:22:00] Ikigai and Purpose**
- Irene and Adam discuss the concept of Ikigai and how it can guide entrepreneurs in aligning their work with their passions.

- **[00:26:00] Relationship with Self**
- The importance of maintaining a relationship with oneself and the dangers of neglecting personal needs for business demands.

- **[00:30:00] Managing Energy and Resources**
- Strategies for managing energy, setting boundaries, and prioritizing personal well-being as an entrepreneur.

Resources:

- SuiteCentric: Learn more about Adam's company and their NetSuite ERP solutions (www.suitecentric.com)
- EIQ Media Group: Explore Adam's podcast production agency and their services (www.eiqmediallc.com)
- PodTask: Discover the SaaS podcast management system founded by Adam (www.podtask.com)
- Ikigai: A Japanese concept that can help align personal passion and work (https://www.calm.com/blog/ikigai)

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe to the Scaling Startups Podcast and leave a review. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs who might benefit from Adam's story and insights. Connect with us on social media to join the conversation about the inner work required to scale startups and oneself. For more information and resources, visit our website.

In this insightful episode of Scaling Startups, host Irene Ortiz-Glass delves into the crucial financial aspects of scaling startups with executive advisor Brad Dickerson. With over 35 years of experience in corporate finance and operations, Brad shares his journey through pivotal roles at Under Armour, Blue Apron, and Bombas, offering invaluable lessons on building financial foundations and scaling businesses effectively.

Brad discusses the importance of having a CFO mindset from the onset, emphasizing the need for a robust economic model and balance sheet management to ensure long-term success. He explores the tension between growth and scale, advising founders to balance optimism with conservatism to avoid potential pitfalls. Irene and Brad also touch on the critical timing of bringing in financial expertise and the strategic use of fundraising.

Brad's leadership journey is a testament to adaptability and persistence, highlighting how navigating challenges defines a successful leader. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for startup founders and executives looking to scale their ventures while maintaining financial health and strategic foresight.

**Chapter Markers:**

- **00:00 - 03:00**: Introduction to Scaling Startups and guest Brad Dickerson's background.
- **03:00 - 06:00**: Brad's journey at Under Armour and the importance of interconnected business functions.
- **06:00 - 09:00**: Lessons from Blue Apron and Bombas on scaling and financial foundations.
- **09:00 - 12:00**: The role of optimism and conservatism in founder-led organizations.
- **12:00 - 15:00**: Financial fundamentals: Economic models, balance sheets, and cash flow management.
- **15:00 - 18:00**: Tension between growth and scale and the importance of forward-thinking.
- **18:00 - 21:00**: Timing and strategy of bringing in financial expertise.
- **21:00 - 24:00**: Brad's personal leadership journey and adapting to different organizational needs.
- **24:00 - 27:00**: Current endeavors and how Brad is helping startups today.

**Resources:**

- Connect with Brad Dickerson on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-dickerson-83002725/)
- Learn more about MidOcean Equity Partners: [MidOcean Partners](https://www.midoceanpartners.com)
- For leadership development and coaching: [Leadership Advisory Group](https://www.leadershipadvisorygroup.com)

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe to the Scaling Startups Podcast for more expert advice and stories from industry leaders. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and leave us a review to let us know how we're doing. For more information on leadership development and coaching, visit [Leadership Advisory Group](https://www.leadershipadvisorygroup.com). Connect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated on future episodes and resources.

In this insightful episode of the Scaling Startups Podcast, host Irene Ortiz-Glass sits down with the dynamic duo from Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), Dr. David Bessler, founder and CEO, and David Glattstein, co-founder and president. Together, they delve into the journey of VEG, from its humble beginnings to becoming a revolutionary force in the veterinary emergency industry. The conversation covers their unique partnership, the importance of aligning values, the critical role of culture, and the strategic decisions that have fueled their impressive growth. Whether you're a startup founder, a business leader, or someone interested in the veterinary field, this episode offers valuable lessons on scaling, leadership, and innovation.

### Chapter Markers:
- **00:00 - 03:00**: Introduction to the Scaling Startups Podcast and today's guests, Dr. David Bessler and David Glattstein from Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG).
- **03:01 - 06:00**: Background of Dr. David Bessler and David Glattstein; their journey into the veterinary emergency industry.
- **06:01 - 09:00**: The meeting of the two Davids and the inception of their partnership.
- **09:01 - 12:00**: Balancing complementary skills and shared values in a co-founder relationship.
- **12:01 - 15:00**: Early growth and the pivotal moments leading to VEG's expansion.
- **15:01 - 18:00**: The impact of COVID-19 on VEG's business and the subsequent growth surge.
- **18:01 - 21:00**: Importance of employee experience and culture in scaling a business.
- **21:01 - 24:00**: Strategic decisions and the role of external advice in VEG's growth.
- **24:01 - 27:00**: Defining and operationalizing company culture at VEG.
- **27:01 - 30:00**: Embedding culture across multiple locations and ensuring consistency.
- **30:01 - 33:00**: Final thoughts on leadership, scaling, and maintaining alignment in a growing company.

### Resources:
- **Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)**: [Website](https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/)
- **Scaling Startups Podcast**: [Website](https://scalingstartups.com/)
- **Books Mentioned**: 
- "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
- "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle
- **Podcasts Mentioned**:
- "How I Built This" with Guy Raz
- "Masters of Scale" with Reid Hoffman

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring you more insightful content.

In this inaugural episode of the Scaling Startups Podcast, host Irene Ortiz-Glass dives deep into the journey of John Foraker, co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm. Joined by key leaders Katie Marston, Chief Marketing Officer, and Cheryl Van Valkenburg, Chief Sales Officer, this episode explores the intricate dynamics of scaling a purpose-driven startup. John shares insights from his extensive experience in the organic food industry, the importance of investing in human capital, and the strategies behind maintaining innovation while executing at high velocity. Katie and Cheryl provide personal anecdotes about their leadership journeys and the transformative impact of coaching and leadership development on their teams. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to understand the complexities of scaling a startup while staying true to its mission.

**[00:00:00] Introduction**
- Irene Ortiz-Glass introduces the podcast and its mission.
- Introduction of guests: John Foraker, Katie Marston, and Cheryl Van Valkenburg.

**[00:03:00] John's Journey and Vision**
- John Foraker discusses his background and journey in the organic food industry.
- The evolution of Once Upon a Farm from a small startup to a rapidly growing company.
- Key differences in his approach at Once Upon a Farm compared to previous roles.

**[00:06:00] Strategic Investments in Talent and Marketing**
- The importance of marketing and a modern approach to consumer engagement.
- Focusing on core products before expanding into new categories.
- The shift towards aggressive talent development and its impact on the organization.

**[00:09:00] ROI of Leadership Development**
- Discussion on the tangible and intangible returns of investing in leadership development.
- The correlation between talent investment and business performance metrics.

**[00:12:00] Building and Maintaining a Strong Culture**
- The role of purpose-driven culture in driving company success.
- Strategies for maintaining an innovative and risk-taking culture as the company scales.

**[00:15:00] Empowering Enterprise Leaders**
- The importance of developing enterprise leaders within the organization.
- Observed changes in leadership behavior and team dynamics following leadership development initiatives.

**[00:18:00] Cheryl's Leadership Journey**
- Cheryl Van Valkenburg shares her diverse leadership background and journey at Once Upon a Farm.
- The significance of trust, transparency, and reliability in building a strong team.
- Personal development through coaching and its impact on her leadership style.

**[00:22:00] Managing Burnout and Energy**
- Cheryl discusses the strategies for managing burnout for herself and her team.
- The importance of clear roles and responsibilities in empowering teams.

**[00:27:00] Katie's Leadership Journey**
- Katie Marston talks about her non-traditional background and the unique perspective she brings to Once Upon a Farm.
- The evolution of her leadership style and the importance of empathy and empowerment.

**[00:30:00] Observing Team Growth**
- Katie shares observations on the growth and development of her team members.
- The holistic approach to coaching and its benefits across different aspects of life.

**Resources:**
- Once Upon a Farm: [Website](https://www.onceuponafarmorganics.com/)
- John Foraker on LinkedIn: [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnforaker/)
- Irene Ortiz-Glass on LinkedIn: [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneortizglass/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Scaling Startups Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and exclusive content. Visit our website for more resources and insights on scaling startups and leadership development.

Thank you for tuning in to Scaling Startups!

Founders are visionaries who are pushing boundaries and bringing the non existent to life. It's challenging and also very exciting at the same time, but at some point, this vision requires people process and structure. The scaling startups podcast seeks to explore the truth behind what it takes to scale startups, leaders, and organizations. It's about managing energy and focus while not killing the dream. Join me this summer as I interview entrepreneurs, founders and leaders as we explore their success and moving from startup to scale.