Leading Your Company Beyond Accountability to Taking Ownership with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Release Date: 09/29/2025
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As businesses scale, leaders who invest in their teams reduce micromanagement, relieve burnout, and unlock collective performance. I also announce a free training for CEOs focused on overcoming burnout and building businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement. This episode is an invitation to...
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Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest days, with an emphasis on continuous improvement, curiosity, and customer-driven personalization. We discuss how the company successfully pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service continuity, as well as how fostering mentorship and an adaptive culture fuels both innovation and employee growth. Kevin also explains how...
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In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I tackle the often-ignored topic of blame in the workplace. I highlight how attributing performance issues to employees or external factors can impede both personal and organizational growth. Drawing from my experience coaching CEOs, I emphasize the importance of self-awareness in leadership and the need to confront uncomfortable truths. Leaders are encouraged to reflect on their roles, recognizing that the solution often lies in their own leadership approach rather than their teams. I provide insights on fostering engagement and redefining company culture,...
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In this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Austin Yarborough, founder of Central Coast Moving, ranked No. 2,278 on the Inc. 5000 list, to explore the power of leadership and continuous improvement. Austin shares how high standards, self-awareness, and leading by example have been essential in scaling his business, attracting A players, and building a strong organizational culture. Discover Austin’s practical strategies for: Embracing Kaizen principles: getting 1% better every day Leveraging social media to build trust, not just chase clients Tracking progress for...
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In this episode, I share critical year-end reflections for growth-stage CEOs, especially those leading organizations of around 20 employees. As companies scale, leadership must shift from personal execution to empowering others and ensuring the business can thrive even in the leader’s absence. I walk through seven powerful reflection questions designed to accelerate leadership growth, from identifying your highest-impact actions to confronting avoided conversations and evaluating how well you’re adapting to what the future demands. This episode challenges leaders to lead with courage,...
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In this episode, Gene Hammett interviews AJ Cassata, founder of Revenue Boost, about AI-driven lead generation in B2B marketing. AJ emphasizes the collaborative use of AI in sales, warns against full outsourcing, and explains his “10-80-10 rule.” He discusses the effectiveness of outbound strategies like cold emailing and LinkedIn messaging, stressing the importance of personalization and audience segmentation. AJ recommends tools like Clay.com for automating outreach and concludes with key factors for successful campaigns, urging listeners to embrace AI while maintaining human oversight...
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In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I unpack the critical shifts CEOs must anticipate as we approach 2026, with a sharp focus on clarity in leadership and organizational expectations. I share five key predictions shaping the business landscape: sustained recession-like consumer behavior, the necessity of intentional pricing strategies amid shrinkflation, a growing premium on predictability over aggressive growth, the importance of empowering leaders to eliminate decision bottlenecks, and the need to cultivate a culture rooted in trust and accountability. I also offer a pragmatic perspective on...
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In this episode, John Bradford, CEO of Pet Screening, ranked No. 879 on the Inc. 5000 in 2025. Joins Gene Hammett to talk about what it really takes to build a “category of one” business. Bradford shares how visionary leadership and relentless execution go hand in hand, why founders must be honest about the size of their total addressable market, and how underestimating demand can limit growth. He draws on Pet Screening’s success in helping landlords manage pet policy compliance amid America’s growing pet population, while also unpacking the importance of strong core values, genuine...
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In this episode, we’re diving into something every organization talks about but few truly master urgency. I share what I’ve learned coaching CEOs about why urgency matters so much and how clarity, energy, and ownership all work together to create real momentum. We’ll talk about setting clear goals, getting people emotionally connected to the work, and helping teams feel genuinely invested in the outcomes. You’ll also get a chance to gauge your own urgency score and pick up a few simple ways to boost it. And along the way, I’ll touch on how coaching can help leaders and teams move...
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2025 list of fastest-growing companies. Jeff shares how values-driven leadership shapes every aspect of his organization, from strategic decisions to daily client interactions. He breaks down the core values that guide his team's growth, reliability, communication, and respect, and explains how embedding them into company culture fuels consistent, high-quality performance. Jeff also dives into the evolving role of AI in streamlining operations and elevating service, while underscoring the importance of empowering employees through critical thinking and autonomy. The conversation wraps with a...
info_outlineIn this episode, I explore the concept of Beyond Accountability, uncovering the critical differences between accountability and ownership in organizations. Drawing from my work with fast-growing companies, I reveal how moving beyond simple accountability to true ownership fosters deeper commitment and resilience, inspiring team members to consistently exceed expectations. I share why creating a culture rooted in pride, responsibility, and alignment with organizational goals is essential for sustainable success. To help leaders implement this shift, I also extend an invitation to a free training session designed to build a culture of ownership. By embracing the principles of Beyond Accountability, leaders can empower their teams and unlock meaningful, long-term growth.
- Beyond Accountability
- Culture of Ownership
- Leading to Excellence
- Elements of Ownership
Beyond Accountability: The Power of True Ownership in Teams
In this episode, I delve into the critical distinction between accountability and ownership within organizations. As I have navigated the terrain of fast-growing companies, it has become clear that fostering true ownership among team members is far more valuable than simply ensuring they are accountable. Accountability may create a structured environment where tasks are completed, but ownership cultivates a deep-seated commitment that drives individuals to persevere through challenges and remain steadfast in pursuit of both team and individual goals. Drawing from my extensive experience working with successful companies, I emphasize the need to instill a culture where team members feel a sense of pride and responsibility towards their objectives. Ownership transcends mere compliance—it transforms how individuals engage with their work, leading them to not only meet expectations but to exceed them with excellence. I encourage leaders to reflect on whether they want their teams to merely check boxes or to genuinely own the outcomes of their efforts.
From Structures to Ownership: Building Teams That Truly Care
As I share insights from my seven years of studying the dynamics of growth within organizations, I highlight the myriad ways to create accountability structures that work optimally, regardless of one’s presence. From documented agreements to regular progress assessments, these structures are foundational. Yet I argue that to elevate a team from merely being accountable to truly taking ownership, leaders must adopt a more profound approach. This involves nurturing a shared vision and fostering an environment where team members are motivated by more than just the basics of their job descriptions. Throughout the episode, I explore the concept of ownership in detail. It requires leaders to engage deeply with their teams, understanding their unique contributions and aligning them with the overarching goals of the organization. When individuals identify with their work, they invest not just time, but care into its quality and impact.
Leading the Shift: Cultivating a Culture of Ownership for Growth
To further assist leaders in making this transition, I offer an invitation to a free training where I unpack the crucial steps necessary to build a culture of ownership. This training is tailored for those operating organizations with a sizeable workforce, allowing participants to grasp the strategies essential for cultivating committed and empowered teams. By engaging in this transformative process, leaders can propel their organizations towards sustainable growth, creating environments where team members are not only accountable but passionately involved in driving success. As we wrap up the discussion, I reiterate the importance of being at the forefront of this cultural shift. Leaders must embody the principles of ownership themselves, guiding their teams to embrace a mindset that is committed to excellence and driven by a sense of identity within the company. The path to meaningful growth begins with this commitment, supported by frameworks that promote engagement and initiative at every level. Join me on this journey, and let’s redefine what it means to grow together.