Rapid Growth Strategies: How to Scale Success Without Losing Control
Rapid growth presents unique challenges for businesses, especially when scaling from a small team to hundreds of employees in a short period. In Episode 5 of the TRAITS Podcast, Joel Cawthorn shares his insights and experiences leading Star Tech through an extraordinary growth phase—from 100 to 250 employees—and the lessons learned along the way.
Joel dives into the critical role of strategic planning and culture alignment in managing high growth sustainably. He emphasizes that culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage and the backbone of scaling success. Without a strong culture aligned with your business strategy, growth becomes chaotic and unsustainable.
One of the most significant hurdles Star Tech faced was staffing—finding the right people quickly and efficiently. Joel describes how hiring systems evolved from informal processes to structured HR roles that prioritize job descriptions, vetting, and alignment with company values. He also highlights how internal employee referrals became invaluable in attracting talent that fits the culture, particularly when skilled tradespeople are scarce.
Managers emerged as pivotal players in this growth journey. Joel explains the traits that make a successful manager during rapid growth: assertiveness to handle tough conversations, high sociability for effective communication, results orientation, and the ability to maintain accountability without favoritism. These leadership traits ensure teams stay productive and aligned even as the company scales.
Psychometric assessments, specifically TRAITS profiling, played a vital role in identifying candidate and employee fit. Joel shares how profiling helped avoid costly mismatches by matching individuals’ natural traits with job requirements. This approach not only improved hiring outcomes but also supported internal development and succession planning.
Joel offers practical advice for other companies facing rapid growth: invest early in scalable systems and processes, implement disciplined strategic planning with quarterly priorities, and continuously nurture a culture that attracts and retains top talent. As workforce demographics shift and competition for skilled employees intensifies, organizations that master these strategies will be positioned for long-term success.
This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for navigating growth challenges. Joel’s experience and practical insights illuminate how companies can scale successfully without losing their soul or operational effectiveness.
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro to episode
1:41 - Introduction to Joel and Startec
3:57 - Challenges of growth in the HR department
5:16 - How were hiring problems solved in a high growth environment?
7:02 - How culture is essential to sustainable growth
7:56 - What is an everyday Maverick?
10:50 - What to do about turnover during high growth
11:40 - How to identify people who aren’t a fit
13:00 - What is the place for psychometric assessments in high growth companies?
17:03 - An example of someone who wasn’t a fit and left happy!
19:25 - The role of a great manager in successful growth
20:52 - What are the personality TRAITS that are essential for managers?
24:40 - Advice for other companies going through faster growth
26:45 - The value of strategic planning to prepare for fast growth
30:20 - Some help for companies looking for more help
Resources & Links
Learn More About Tools to Support Rapid Growth
TRAITS: https://www.concordconsulting.com/tools/
Strategic Planning for your organization: https://www.concordconsulting.com/consulting/
From our Library
https://traits.com/how-do-i-find-the-right-balance-in-managing-others/
Guest Links
Website: startec.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.
