Scaling a People-Centric Business with Max Friar at Calder Capital
Release Date: 08/14/2025
Co-founder Alignment is Essential to Company Success with Gene Hammett, CEO Coaching
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I explore the crucial role of Co-founder Alignment in startup success. With 65% of high-potential companies failing due to co-founder conflict, alignment becomes the foundation for growth and innovation. Drawing from Noam Wasserman’s The Founder’s Dilemma, I share strategies for fostering open dialogue, handling conflict constructively, and strengthening collaboration. Whether you’re navigating challenges now or aiming to prevent them, this episode offers practical insights on building stronger partnerships that drive long-term success.
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Company Values Define Culture and Drive Growth with Matthew Dixon at DCM Insights
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, Matt Dixon, co-founder of DCM Insights, explores how Company Values Define Culture and shape leadership within professional services. DCM Insights No.112 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Matt Dixon underscores the role of 'a force of ideas' and 'a spirit of generosity' in building strong, values-driven teams. Matt also addresses the unique challenges faced by non-traditional salespeople in fields like law and consulting, while highlighting the transformative impact of AI in sales. Drawing parallels between effective sales and leadership, he stresses the importance of empathy and...
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Co-founder Conflict Can't be Ignored with Gene Hammett, CEO Coaching
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I dive into the realities of co-founder conflict and how it can make or break company growth. I unpack why alignment at the executive level is non-negotiable and outline the most common sources of tension — from unclear roles to clashing strategies. You’ll learn how to spot the warning signs of conflict early and what steps leaders can take to resolve issues, including when to bring in a neutral perspective. As a CEO coach, I invite founders to connect for a complimentary conversation on navigating these challenges. This episode kicks off a series dedicated to practical...
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Scaling Without Losing Your Culture with Nate Medoff at Quatrro Business Support Services
Growth Think Tank
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, host Gene Hammett talks with Nate Medoff, CEO of Quatrro Business Support Services, about the challenge of scaling without losing your culture. Quatrro Business Support Services No. 4197 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Medoff reveals how Quattro has grown through rapid expansion and acquisitions while staying true to its cultural values and retaining top talent. He discusses leveraging AI to enhance client services without losing personal connection, measuring culture with clear KPIs, and fostering innovation by creating a safe space to learn from failure....
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The real cost of being the bottleneck? Millions in hidden drag you don’t even see with Gene Hammett
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I uncover the real cost of being the bottleneck in your organization. I challenge CEOs to recognize how getting stuck in daily tasks prevents them from focusing on their true responsibilities—developing their teams and shaping strategic vision. By examining how they spend their time, leaders can see the hidden ways they may be slowing down both their own growth and their company’s. I break down the financial, organizational, and personal costs of this bottleneck effect, sharing real-world examples from my coaching practice. More importantly, I offer strategies to break...
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Creating a People-First Culture with Veronique James at The James Agency
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, Veronique James, founder and CEO of The James Agency (TJA), underscores the power of a people-first culture in shaping both workplace satisfaction and agency success. The James Agency No. 3394 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. She explains how a tenured leadership team—grounded in accountability and integrity—strengthens employee engagement, fosters trust, and drives stronger client relationships. Veronique draws a direct link between happy, supported employees and the delivery of higher-quality outcomes for clients, while also highlighting how AI can be harnessed to boost...
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Why 'Fire Fast' Is Lazy Leadership (and What Actually Works) with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I unpack the complexities of effective leadership through the lens of the well-known phrase, “Hire Slow, Fire Fast.” While I agree with the value of thoughtful, deliberate hiring, I challenge the conventional interpretation of Fire Fast as an immediate solution for underperformance. Instead, I advocate for a more responsible approach—one that prioritizes difficult conversations, meaningful feedback, and self-reflection on our role as leaders. Leadership, I argue, should be about developing talent and creating an environment of growth, not fear. I also highlight the...
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Empower Innovation Through Trust, Ownership, and Scalable Systems with Kumar Goswami at Komprise
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, Kumar Goswami, CEO of Komprise, unpacks how organizations can turn the overwhelming surge of unstructured data into a competitive advantage. Komprise—ranked No. 2,508 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. He explains how Komprise fuels AI with clean, reliable data while scaling systems to handle billions of files. Beyond the tech, Kumar highlights how leaders can empower innovation—by building cultures of trust, encouraging risk-taking, and giving teams true ownership of their ideas. His insights reveal how innovation isn’t just sparked by data or AI, but by people who feel...
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How Strong Culture and Strategic Adaptation Sustain Growth with Will Scott, AI SEO Expert
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I sit down with Will Scott, Founder and CEO of Search Influence, to discuss how a strong culture paired with strategic adaptation fuels sustained growth. Search Influence—ranked No. 4,154 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list—serves as a powerful example of how culture and strategy go hand in hand. Will shares his personal insights into how a strong culture empowers teams to remain agile, innovate under pressure, and stay aligned with evolving market demands. We explore how intentional leadership and cultural clarity can help companies adapt without losing their identity. Tune in...
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Scaling a People-Centric Business with Max Friar at Calder Capital
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Tarrell, CEO of Sercante, to explore how Scaling without Ego transforms growing companies into resilient, purpose-driven teams. Sercante, ranked No. 2,970 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, has built a culture of excellence without hierarchy overshadowing results. We dive into how Scaling without Ego means empowering others, staying adaptable, and ensuring decisions are made for the good of the business — not individual ambition. Andrea shares real-world leadership practices that foster trust, humility, and team ownership during periods of rapid growth....
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with Andrea Tarrell, CEO of Sercante, to explore how Scaling without Ego transforms growing companies into resilient, purpose-driven teams. Sercante, ranked No. 2,970 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, has built a culture of excellence without hierarchy overshadowing results. We dive into how Scaling without Ego means empowering others, staying adaptable, and ensuring decisions are made for the good of the business — not individual ambition. Andrea shares real-world leadership practices that foster trust, humility, and team ownership during periods of rapid growth. If you're looking to expand without losing what's at the heart of your success, this conversation about Scaling without Ego is a must-listen.