A Culture of Immense Respect Drives Growth with Ethan Bull at ProAssisting
Release Date: 10/24/2025
Are you ready for AI-powered Outbound Sales? with AJ Cassata at Revenue Boost
Growth Think Tank
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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2026 Predictions for CEOs: The Shifts That Will Drive or Stall Growth with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Growth Think Tank
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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Creating a Category of One Business Through Visionary Leadership and Relentless Execution with John Bradford at PetScreening
Growth Think Tank
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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Increase Urgency within Your Cultures With a 3-Part Formula with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Growth Think Tank
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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Values-Driven Leadership Drives Everything with Jeff Socha at Socha Capital
Growth Think Tank
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...
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Leadership Adaptability and Learning Agility with Houri Tamizifar at Cynuria
Growth Think Tank
Today’s guest, Houri Tamizifar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynuria Inc. and Inc. 5000 honoree (Rank No. 2502), joins the show to discuss the growing importance of Leadership Adaptability and the evolving role of AI in education. Houri shares why college students must proactively build AI skills and collaborate with faculty to stay ahead of rapid technological changes shaping the workforce. She highlights how clear communication and a culture of trust are critical for navigating organizational change and driving innovation. Houri also urges CEOs to lead with empathy, prioritize employee...
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5 "Good CEO" Habits That Quietly Cap Revenue
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, I break down the core habits that set successful CEOs apart and how those habits directly influence organizational growth. We explore the risks of overcommitting and getting too deep into day-to-day operations, a common trap that can cloud strategic focus. I make the case for a more disciplined approach to choosing opportunities and explain why shifting from monthly to weekly performance metrics can dramatically improve agility. We also dive into the value of developing strong leaders at every level and the role of clear, consistent communication in preventing costly...
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Culture Shapes Leadership with Kelsey Hensley at NovEx Supply Chain
Growth Think Tank
Today’s guest is Kelsey Hensley, President at NovEx Supply Chain, whose company was ranked No. 1,662 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey shares insights on company culture and leadership development, highlighting the six core values, kindness, openness, intentionality, trustworthiness, initiative, and accountability, that guide decision-making and foster personal growth at NovEx. She discusses the balance between technology and human relationships in logistics, explaining how clearly defined values have transformed the company’s hiring practices and...
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Being Intentional as a Leader and Why It Matters with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Growth Think Tank
In this episode, CEO coach Gene Hammett explores what it truly means to Be Intentional as a Leader, encouraging listeners to examine their leadership style and uncover the barriers limiting their growth. Drawing from his recent keynote at the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, he introduces a clear two-part framework for elevating leadership, recognizing current hindrances, and defining the aspirational traits that drive stronger performance. Gene emphasizes the power of proactive, self-aware leadership in building engaged, high-performing teams and shares practical tools and...
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Leadership Under Pressure: How Great CEOs Minimize Stress Without Lowering Standards
Growth Think Tank
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we dive into the connection between leadership and workplace stress, and how CEOs can minimize stress to create healthier, more productive teams. Research shows that 75% of employees see their boss as a primary source of stress, which makes leadership style more important than ever. We’ll talk about how clear communication, aligned priorities, and a psychologically safe environment can transform team dynamics, plus I’ll share practical ways to reduce stress through stronger personal connections with your people. This episode will inspire you to lead with...
info_outlineIn this episode, I talk with Ethan Bull, President and Co-founder of ProAssisting, ranked No. 2466 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, about his innovative approach to delivering high-level fractional executive assistant services. Ethan shares how ProAssisting’s unique hiring and matching process connects leaders with exceptional EAs skilled in both strategic thinking and executive support. We explore the importance of mutual respect, curiosity, and clear communication in creating strong client-assistant relationships, as well as how these values reduce churn and drive success. Ethan also opens up about managing tough conversations and maintaining financial transparency and effective communication in his partnership with his wife, Stephanie. This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders looking to elevate their leadership and maximize the impact of executive support.
6:41 Leadership Principles at Pro Assisting
13:12 The Role of Executive Assistants
16:28 Tough Conversations and Culture
23:47 Working Together: Business and Marriage
26:18 Conclusion: Insights on Leadership
Redefining Executive Support
In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Bull, Co-founder of ProAssisting, a company providing high-level fractional executive assistant (EA) services to businesses across the United States. We explore how ProAssisting differentiates itself from traditional virtual assistant services by focusing on top-tier talent capable of both strategic thinking and executive support. Ethan shares insights into their rigorous hiring process, emphasizing the importance of pairing clients with assistants who not only excel in administrative tasks but can also contribute to broader business strategy. This approach ensures productivity, long-term success, and meaningful partnerships between clients and their EAs.
Respect and Relationships
Mutual respect is at the heart of ProAssisting’s culture. Ethan discusses how fostering respect between clients and assistants leads to stronger collaboration, higher satisfaction, and reduced churn. He explains the value of emotional and interpersonal intelligence in executive support, sharing examples of how assistants who prioritize empathy and understanding create more productive relationships. By aligning expectations and cultivating trust, clients and assistants can work together seamlessly, driving growth and enhancing organizational performance.
Curiosity and Tough Conversations
Curiosity is a cornerstone of effective leadership and executive support. Ethan emphasizes how asking thoughtful questions and actively seeking to understand client needs strengthen communication and alignment. We also dive into managing tough conversations, including how assistants can “manage up” and navigate shifting priorities while maintaining context and empathy. By approaching challenging discussions as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, both assistants and executives can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and create a more resilient work environment.
Lessons from Partnership
Toward the end of the episode, Ethan shares insights from co-founding ProAssisting with his wife, Stephanie. He reflects on the importance of financial transparency, open communication, and structured processes in both business and personal partnerships. Their experience highlights the challenges and rewards of working closely with family while maintaining professional boundaries. Ethan’s lessons provide practical guidance for business leaders looking to foster strong partnerships, whether with family, co-founders, or key team members, and underscore how these principles can enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational growth.
Key Takeaways
This episode offers a comprehensive look at how respect, curiosity, and open communication can elevate leadership, optimize executive support, and drive meaningful growth. Business leaders seeking actionable insights to refine their leadership style, strengthen client-assistant relationships, and maximize organizational impact will find this conversation particularly valuable.