The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

In this practical episode episode, Jody K. Thelander, CEO of J. Thelander Consulting and Morgan Thelander, COO of J. Thelander Consulting, shares how how to fix messy compensation structures using market data. If you struggle with inconsistent pay and retention risks, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to use surveys for free, tailored market comp insights

- Why balancing cash and equity prevents talent flight

- What data-driven plans avoid emotional comp pitfalls


This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz


Jody and Morgan Thelander are a powerful mother/daughter duo. The team behind J. Thelander Consulting (recently featured in Forbes) brings unmatched expertise in executive compensation, founder strategy, and leadership alignment at growth-stage companies. They’ve built a reputation for translating complex compensation data into actionable strategies that help founders attract and retain top talent while navigating the scaling journey. Their perspective is especially valuable for your listeners because it bridges the human and financial sides of growth: how leaders get compensated, how to shape culture, and how alignment at the top sets the tone for long-term success.

Want to learn more about Jody K. Thelander and Morgan Thelander's work at J. Thelander Consulting? Check out his website at https://jthelander.com/

Check out this survey at https://survey.jthelander.com/

Connect with Jody K. Thelander at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-thelander/

Connect with Morgan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-thelander/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this insightful episode, Andrew Poles, Founder and CEO of Andrew Poles Founder Growth Coaching, shares how to resolve co-founder tensions and evolve into a high-impact CEO without burnout. If you struggle with misaligned decisions and strained leadership partnerships, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to prioritize alignment over agreement to move forward faster

- Why fostering deep connections boosts team performance exponentially

- What neuroscience reveals about avoiding burnout in scaling

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Andrew Poles is a sought-after executive coach and thought leader who helps visionary founders grow high-impact businesses—without burning out. With over 20 years of experience, he’s coached 10,000+ leaders from companies like NASA, Dell, Schwab, Netflix, and Epic Games. A former senior leader who turned around multi-million-dollar businesses, Andrew launched his coaching practice in 2020—hitting six figures in six weeks and doubling year over year. He blends neuroscience, leadership psychology, and storytelling to help first-time founders evolve from individual contributors to high-impact CEOs.

Want to learn more about Andrew Poles' work at Andrew Poles Founder Growth Coaching? Check out his website at https://andrewpoles.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this paradigm-shifting episode, Scott Ritzheimer shares why rejecting "foolish consistency" unlocks founder greatness across all stages. If you struggle with rigid processes killing innovation or chasing shiny objects derailing vision, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why foolish consistency is the hobgoblin stifling your breakthroughs

- What adaptive leadership separates great founders from the pack

- How continuity of vision beats rigid methods every time

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Scott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35.He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success.

Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this profound episode, Cris Zimmermann, Co-Founder of Medici Global Ventures, shares Medici principles for transitioning from success to lasting significance. If you struggle with emptiness despite wealth and unclear legacy impact, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to foster multi-generational family and business continuity like the Medicis

- Why blending art, leadership, and strategy builds enduring influence

- What strategic planning secures your wealth and values for centuries

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage , of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Cris Auditore Zimmermann is a seasoned entrepreneur, global investor, and keynote speaker with over 25 years of experience. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and legacy building. He has founded more than 20 companies across five countries, authored Get Your House in Order, and co-founded the Medici Community. Cris empowers entrepreneurs to harness the timeless principles of the Medici legacy to build lasting success and impact.

Want to learn more about Cris Zimmermann's work at Medici Global Ventures? Check out his website at https://medicilegacy.com/

You can buy his book Get Your House in Order at https://medicilegacy.com/medici-box/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this invigorating episode, David Lorango, CEO and Founder of Startup Accelerators, shares how to reignite growth when marketing spend no longer moves the needle. If you struggle with flatlining revenue despite bigger budgets and a solid team, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why more ad spend alone kills ROI at scale

- How to shift from acquisition-only to full-funnel creativity

- What injecting fun and joy unlocks breakthrough campaigns

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

David is the director of e-commerce at Uniqlo and the founder and CEO of the marketing agency Startup Accelerators. As a high-demand coach, David has helped over 300+ startups scale successfully. With over 15 years of experience as an innovative marketing leader, David has driven growth for top brands including Chanel, MAC Cosmetics, Clorox, Forever 21, and The Wonderful Company. David’s biggest success story was with Nick’s Ice Cream. When David started with Nick’s in 2019, the company was only selling in stores in the northeast. By the end of 2022, Nick’s was in 14,000 stores, including Walmart. They had raised $100 million in seed round funding, and the business was doing nine figures.

Want to learn more about David Lorango's work at Startup Accelerators? Check out his website at https://startupaccelerators.io/

Connect with David at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlorango/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this energizing episode, Alan McLaren, Co-Founder of STRATA Originals, shares how to build a powerful leadership brand that pulls opportunities to you instead of pushing uphill. If you struggle with team execution feeling heavy and growth stalling despite a strong C-suite, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- Why your personal visibility is the hidden multiplier for company momentum

- How to start building thought-leadership in just 15 minutes a week

- What authentic commenting on LinkedIn does that original posts alone can’t

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 5 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Alan McLaren, Co-Founder of STRATA Originals, co-leads a personal branding agency specializing in working with CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and legal professionals. With a strategic, intentional, and authentic approach, Alan has coached or trained over 600 CEOs in the past two years. Alan’s passion for personal branding comes from over two decades of experience in leadership roles, including public companies, partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures. As Co-Founder of Infinitycomm, a full-service marketing agency, he developed deep expertise in public relations and marketing, honing his ability to craft and elevate brands, including those of CEOs and their personal brands.

Want to learn more about Alan McLaren's work at STRATA Originals? Check out his website at https://strataoriginals.com/

Every CEO broadcasts a leadership signal. The question is: how clear and trusted is yours?

If you believe your voice and presence shape how investors, employees and the market perceive you, the Leadership Signal Scorecard was built for you.

It’s a complimentary five-minute diagnostic that reveals how visible and trusted your leadership signal is today.

You’ll receive your score benchmarked against other CEOs, along with personalized next steps to strengthen your presence and scale your impact.

See where you stand: https://quiz.strataoriginals.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this game-changing episode, Tyler Wagner, Founder of Authors Unite, shares how to write, publish, and launch a bestselling book to skyrocket your credibility and revenue.

You will discover:

- How to turn your expertise into a book in under 90 days

- Why bestseller status is achievable today with the right strategy

- What referral partnerships scale your business without ads

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Tyler Wagner, the founder of Authors Unite, is a book marketing visionary renowned for transforming ambitious authors into bestsellers with nearly unprecedented success. Tyler has helped more than 700 authors achieve Wall Street Journal bestseller status and more than 1,000 authors achieve Amazon bestseller status. His expertise has not only propelled authors to the top of prestigious lists but also catapulted their careers to new heights. Tyler’s services have proven indispensable for authors aiming not just to publish but to succeed and influence profoundly.

Want to learn more about Tyler Wagner's work at Authors Unite? Check out his website at https://authorsunite.com/

For referral side, check out https://partnerprofits.io/

You can listen to his podcast The Tyler Wagner Show at https://tylerbwagner.com/audio/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this liberating episode, Shae Bynes, Chief Fire Igniter of The Good Faith Group LLC, shares how to replace grind with grace for sustainable success and true freedom. If you struggle with burnout and the hidden costs of ambition, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to receive grace as a gift already available to you

- Why grace, not hustle, is the fuel for lasting results

- What grace-empowered leadership creates flourishing cultures

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Affectionately known as the “Chief Fire Igniter,” Shae Bynes is a catalyst for grace who equips leaders to create cultures where both people and results flourish. A pioneer in the Kingdom business movement, she has impacted over one million people globally through her books, courses, podcasts, and speaking, helping leaders embrace a grace-empowered way of life and leadership. With 25 years of experience, including leadership at a Fortune 50 company and over a decade as a founder and business owner, Shae brings strategic clarity and transformational insight to her advisory work with both entrepreneurs and executives.

Want to learn more about Shae Bynes's work atThe Good Faith Group LLC? Check out her website at https://shaebynes.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In this venturesome episode, Christopher Hnatko, Founder of Spartan Trading, shares how to master trading with institutional insights and avoid common pitfalls. If you struggle with financial leaks and poor risk decisions, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to define risk thresholds for scalable business choices

- Why institutional views reveal hidden market dynamics

- What real-time mentoring builds confident profitability

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Christopher Hnatko is the founder of Spartan Trading, an online trading education platform that empowers aspiring and experienced traders to master the stock and options markets. With decades of experience spanning hedge funds, financial institutions, and live trading floors, Chris has seen firsthand how traditional trading education falls short—and he built Spartan Trading to fill that gap. Chris’s approach is actionable, hands-on, and results-driven. He doesn’t just teach theory—he walks traders through real-time market opportunities, high-probability setups, and decision-making strategies that accelerate learning and build confidence.

Want to learn more about Christopher Hnatko's work at Spartan? Check out his website at https://spartantrading.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz

In thisempowering episode, Betsy Pepine, Owner of Pepine Realty, shares how to dismantle invisible boxes and embrace entrepreneurship. If you struggle with dissatisfaction and unseen expectations, you won't want to miss it.

You will discover:

- How to identify confining boxes from family and society

- Why self-reflection reveals your true entrepreneurial path

- What mentors guide you from employee to founder

This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz

Betsy Pepine is a best-selling author, speaker, and serial real estate entrepreneur. Her brokerage, Pepine Realty, has been named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the USA multiple times and has earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized Betsy’s real estate team as one of the top-producing real estate companies in the United States. Betsy also owns a title company, a real estate school, and a property management brokerage. Betsy earned an economics degree from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Want to learn more about Betsy Pepine's work at Pepine Realty? Check out her website at https://www.pepinerealty.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz Today

If you’re a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you’re doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.

Founder's Quiz