EP 257 - Move Fast (But Don’t Break It All): Adam Olalde’s Refined Formula for Bold Leadership

In Episode 257 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Adam Olalde, entrepreneur and founder of the Xtreme Xperience, shares a piece of guidance that captures the heart of adaptive leadership in a fast-paced world: “Move fast and (try not to) break things.” 

It’s a nuanced remix of the famous Silicon Valley adage, but with a leadership lens honed by experience. Adam’s journey is marked by transformation—both personal and professional. As someone who has led teams through disruptive growth, built multi-million-dollar ventures, and weathered industry shifts, Adam brings more than bravado to the conversation—he brings wisdom. 

Throughout our conversation, Adam emphasized that speed is still essential, but not at the cost of stability. He explains that “breaking things” might look like innovation at first, but if you’re constantly rebuilding trust, systems, or culture—you’re not innovating, you’re surviving. 

“I’ve learned that just moving fast isn’t enough. You need clarity on what shouldn’t break.” 

This clarity, Adam notes, comes from strong leadership vision, consistent communication, and a high-trust culture. In fact, much of his focus has shifted to building systems and routines that scale speed without sacrificing soul. That means taking the time to nurture leadership throughout your organization, creating feedback loops that work, and being willing to slow down to check alignment. 

We also dove into how he redefines what it means to “try not to break things.” It’s not about perfection—it’s about responsibility. 

“Mistakes are going to happen, but if the break is avoidable, especially when it’s about people—then we’ve got a duty to slow down just enough to make it right.” 

That’s a powerful mindset shift for entrepreneurs and difference makers: moving fast doesn’t mean rushing recklessly. It means being smart, decisive, and yes—thoughtful. 

Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading through a pivot, this episode is a blueprint for leaders who want to stay agile without leaving wreckage in their wake. 

 

5 Key Takeaways from Episode 257 with Adam Olalde 

1. Velocity without vision is chaos. Speed is vital, but it must be tied to a clear strategic goal. Moving fast in the wrong direction is just a faster failure. Take Action: Define what "success" looks like this quarter before optimizing for speed. 

2. Culture is a fragile asset—protect it. Pushing too hard or too fast can fracture teams and trust. Culture doesn't thrive in burnout or confusion. Take Action: Build regular reflection points into your weekly rhythm to catch and fix cultural misalignment. 

3. Test, learn, adapt—but don’t default to destruction. Innovation should build on your foundation, not demolish it. Take Action: Before implementing change, assess what pillars must remain untouched. 

4. Leadership is about restraint as much as risk. Adam reminds us that knowing when not to act quickly is just as powerful. Take Action: For every major decision, ask: “What could this break—and is it worth it?” 

5. Empower others to move fast—with clarity. You can’t scale speed if your team lacks direction. Clarity multiplies execution. Take Action: Set up a weekly 15-minute alignment call for your direct reports to clarify priorities and next actions. 

In a world that rewards hustle, Adam Olalde offers a refined model of leadership—fast, but not frantic; bold, but not blind. 

What’s your biggest takeaway from Adam’s episode? Share it on a napkin and post it with #PaperNapkinWisdom. 

Connect with Adam Olalde 

🔗 Adam’s LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.thextremexperience.com/