What Really Happens in CEO Coaching (and Why It Works) with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
Release Date: 10/26/2025
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 of Growth Think Tank, I delve into the power of leadership energy and its impact on communication, influence, and connection. I share why managing your energy. Not just your time, but also key to inspiring others and sustaining growth. You’ll learn how to conduct an energy audit to identify what drains and fuels you, align your schedule with your natural energy rhythms, and build in recovery cycles that keep you performing at your best. I also explain how leading with energy fosters a positive and engaged team culture. By the end, you’ll be inspired to take a fresh look at your own energy habits and discover how mastering your energy can elevate your leadership and your results.
Episode Highlights & Time Stamps
1:28 – Patterns of CEO Life
2:31 – The Importance of Vision
5:20 – Revealing Blind Spots
7:09 – Resetting Priorities
8:49 – Reframing Perspectives
9:25 – Realigning Your Team
10:56 – The Value of Coaching
Understanding CEO Coaching & Overcoming Overwhelm
In this episode, I delve into the true essence of CEO coaching and its transformative impact on both business performance and personal leadership growth. Many CEOs feel overwhelmed, pressured by endless tasks, and trapped in habits that don’t serve their long-term goals. I discuss why working longer hours isn’t the answer and emphasize the importance of letting go of lower-value work to focus on what truly drives impact.
We begin by examining the first steps of coaching, identifying what a client genuinely desires for their business. Establishing a clear vision is critical, as it not only sets direction but also aligns the team. Without a well-defined objective, leaders often operate reactively rather than proactively. Through coaching, we identify these gaps and develop strategies that align with genuine aspirations.
Revealing Blind Spots & Resetting Priorities
A key focus of coaching is uncovering blind spots that hinder growth. Many CEOs struggle with patterns of impatience, control, or other behaviors that limit both personal and organizational progress. Through reflective questioning, leaders gain insight into these hidden challenges, enabling them to break unproductive patterns and accelerate growth.
We then explore resetting priorities, helping leaders determine what they are truly optimizing for, whether financial growth, innovation, or team development. Each leader’s journey is unique, and coaching provides a tailored approach to focus energy on the highest-impact areas. Additionally, we discuss the importance of reframing challenges, demonstrating how shifts in perspective can reveal new opportunities and solutions that were previously obscured.
Realigning Teams & Embracing Change
Growth often requires realigning teams. The people who helped build the business may not always fit the vision for the future. Coaching provides guidance on having difficult conversations and making courageous decisions that strengthen alignment toward shared goals. I share stories from my coaching experience that show how realignment can transform team dynamics and drive substantial business growth.
Throughout the episode, I emphasize that maintaining the status quo won’t propel leaders to the next level. By embracing change, identifying blind spots, and making strategic adjustments, CEOs can achieve faster progress, reduced stress, and greater clarity.
I conclude by inviting leaders to explore my personalized coaching programs, designed to help operators evolve into visionary CEOs. These sessions provide practical tools, mentorship, and actionable insights to unlock leadership potential and accelerate business success.
Key Takeaways
- Vision before strategy: Growth begins with defining a clear, compelling vision that aligns your entire organization.
- Awareness precedes change: Recognizing control patterns, impatience, or outdated habits is the first step to transformation.
- Prioritize for impact: Identify what you’re optimizing for, financial success, innovation, culture, and align your efforts accordingly.
- Perspective is everything: Reframing problems often reveals the breakthroughs you’ve been missing.
- Team alignment drives results: The people who got you here may not be the ones to take you there, lead with courage and clarity.
Resources & Next Steps
Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level?
Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com
to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team’s performance.