ScaleX™ Insider Podcast
My name is Brendan McGurgan and I am immersed in the world of scaleup businesses. In 2020, myself and business partner Claire Colvin co-founded Simple Scaling with the sole purpose of inspiring and enabling millions of ambitious leaders to scale with purpose. Over the past two years we have researched and examined our success and the success of those who have 'been there and done it' to create the 10 Principles of Scaling which is enshrined in our ScaleX™ Framework. As an extension of this we have created the ScaleX™ Insider Podcast. Every week I will be having fascinating conversations with authors, change makers and business leaders on one or more of the ScaleX™ Principles to support you on your journey to success. I believe passionately in business scaleup and most importantly the wellbeing of you - the aspirational scaleup leader. New episodes on Wednesdays. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate, review and share the podcast if you enjoy it. For more information go to: www.simplescaling.com.
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] – Nancy Duarte: The Do’s & Don’ts of Presentations That Actually Land
01/09/2026
[ScaleX Bite-Size] – Nancy Duarte: The Do’s & Don’ts of Presentations That Actually Land
Nancy Duarte breaks down the biggest mistakes leaders make when preparing presentations—and the simple mindset shift that changes everything. In this clip, she explains why empathy matters more than slides, how message always beats visuals, and why most leaders are using the wrong format for the wrong moment. KEY INSIGHTS: Empathy is the starting point of every great presentation—know how your audience consumes information Slides should never come before strategy; message and delivery matter more than visuals Not every meeting needs a PowerPoint—sometimes a whiteboard or diagram is more powerful Presentations and “slide docs” serve different purposes and should never be confused The messy middle—half presentation, half document—is where clarity goes to die THE CRITICAL LESSON: Great communication isn’t about prettier slides—it’s about respecting how your audience thinks, listens, and decides. When you design for empathy first, your message lands with far greater impact. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS: Ask first: Who am I speaking to and how will they consume this? Clarify whether you’re delivering a presentation or a document—never both Build the message before touching slides Use simple visuals to anchor ideas, not overwhelm them Create separate templates for stage presentations and slide docs ABOUT NANCY DUARTE: Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte, Inc. and one of the world’s leading communication experts. She has advised global brands and leaders for over 35 years, authored six bestselling books, and decoded the structure behind the most influential speeches of our time. CONNECT WITH NANCY DUARTE: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Nancy Duarte episode]
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] – Nancy Duarte - Overcoming the Fear of Speaking as a Leader
01/09/2026
[ScaleX Bite-Size] – Nancy Duarte - Overcoming the Fear of Speaking as a Leader
Many leaders carry a powerful vision—but stay silent because of fear. In this clip, Nancy Duarte reframes glossophobia (fear of public speaking) and explains why nervous speakers often deliver the most meaningful messages. KEY INSIGHTS: Fear of public speaking is real—and more common than fear of death Leaders who feel nervous often care more and prepare more thoughtfully The fear isn’t about the audience—it’s your brain’s fight-or-flight response When you focus on empathy, fear starts to dissolve Your vision isn’t about you—it’s about what your team loses if you stay silent THE CORE SHIFT: Stop asking “How do I perform?” Start asking “What do my people need to hear?” PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY: Create a pre-talk ritual. Some leaders need to calm themselves Others need to make themselves feel brave Do whatever helps you step on stage grounded, present, and empathetic. ABOUT NANCY DUARTE: Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte, Inc. and one of the world’s leading communication experts. She has advised global brands and leaders for over 35 years, authored six bestselling books, and decoded the structure behind the most influential speeches of our time. CONNECT WITH NANCY DUARTE: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Nancy Duarte episode]
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Nancy Duarte: Stop Staying Silent — Lead with Vision
01/07/2026
Nancy Duarte: Stop Staying Silent — Lead with Vision
What if the real barrier to scaling your business — and inspiring your team — isn’t strategy, talent, or effort, but your ability to communicate vision and empower people effectively? In this episode of ScaleX™ Insider, Brendan McGurgan is joined by Nancy Duarte, communication expert, author, and CEO of Duarte, Inc., to unpack why so many leaders struggle to turn vision into action — and how overcoming fear, articulating a compelling vision, and investing in people can create sustainable growth. Nancy shares why leaders often get stuck in silence, how fear signals that a message matters, and why empathy and preparation are critical to delivering vision with impact. Drawing on decades of experience guiding leaders and organisations, she reveals how to transform fear into focus, inspire your team, and design the people systems that actually scale your business. Brendan and Nancy explore practical tools, mindset shifts, and frameworks for turning ideas into action — from pre-talk rituals to building talent pipelines — and why empowering your team is as important as the vision itself. Episode Highlights Why fear often signals the importance of your message How leaders can turn glossophobia into thoughtful preparation The role of empathy in effective communication Pre-talk rituals and mindset practices that boost confidence Transforming vision into action for sustainable growth Building a people-first culture that drives business performance Identifying, developing, and empowering emerging leaders Creating psychological safety to encourage learning, experimentation, and ownership The hidden cost of staying silent on important strategic decisions Aligning your vision with what customers and your team actually need Meet Nancy Duarte: Nancy Duarte is a communication expert, CEO of Duarte, Inc., and author of multiple books on leadership, presentation, and organizational transformation. She helps leaders and organisations communicate vision and ideas with clarity, empathy, and impact — turning strategies into action and people into high-performing teams. Nancy specialises in: Transforming leadership fear into actionable vision Building talent pipelines and learning cultures Empowering teams to own initiatives and scale the business Teaching leaders to communicate strategically and empathetically Key Topics Covered → Overcoming fear of public speaking and strategic communication → Articulating vision to inspire commitment and alignment → Developing people systems that support scalable growth → Mentorship, emerging leaders, and talent pipeline development → Building culture, accountability, and ownership in teams → Pre-talk rituals and preparation to boost leadership presence → Aligning vision with customer and team needs Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME founders, CEOs, executives, and team leaders who want to: Communicate vision with impact Build high-performing, empowered teams Scale their business without relying on themselves Turn fear into focus and action Create a sustainable, people-first growth culture About Nancy Duarte Nancy Duarte is the CEO of Duarte, Inc., a global communications firm, and author of several influential books on presentations and leadership. She has guided leaders and organisations in articulating vision, communicating effectively, and creating cultures that thrive. CONNECT WITH NANCY DUARTE: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗Website: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size]- Dr. BJ Fogg- The Secret to Sticking With Habits
01/02/2026
[ScaleX Bite-Size]- Dr. BJ Fogg- The Secret to Sticking With Habits
Dr. BJ Fogg explains how tiny, consistent habits and intentional morning routines can shift your identity, boost your productivity, and create lasting momentum. In this clip, he dives into the “Maui Habit,” why starting each day by declaring it a great day sets an upward trajectory, and how small habits—like push-ups after using the bathroom—build consistency and confidence over time. KEY INSIGHTS: Small, repeatable behaviours create identity shifts that influence decisions throughout your day Starting the day with intention (“Today is going to be a great day”) builds resilience and positive momentum Tiny Habits work not by size, but by consistency and emotional reinforcement Even minor actions, if tied to existing routines, compound into significant life and performance changes Feeling successful in small wins triggers larger ripple effects across personal and professional life THE CRITICAL LESSON: It’s not about doing more—it’s about designing easy, consistent behaviours that make you feel successful. Dr. Fogg’s advice: “If you let yourself feel successful, yes, the habit wires in quickly because it’s the emotion, not repetition, that creates habits of emotion.” PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS: Start each day with an intentional statement to set a positive trajectory Attach small behaviours to existing routines to ensure consistency (e.g., push-ups after bathroom breaks) Focus on the emotion of success, not the size of the habit Use incremental actions to shift identity—become the kind of person who follows through Apply Tiny Habits principles to personal and professional routines to drive lasting change CONNECT WITH DR. BJ FOGG 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗 Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full BJ Fogg episode]
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[ScaleX Bite-Size]- Dr. BJ Fogg - Stop Guessing, Start Doubling Revenue
01/02/2026
[ScaleX Bite-Size]- Dr. BJ Fogg - Stop Guessing, Start Doubling Revenue
Dr. BJ Fogg explains how behaviour design can help CEOs, entrepreneurs, and SME leaders systematically achieve massive results. In this clip, he breaks down exactly how small, intentional behaviours—when prioritised and embedded consistently—can drive outcomes like doubling revenue in six months. KEY INSIGHTS: Doubling revenue isn’t magic—it’s a result of specific, measurable behaviours consistently applied CEOs and leaders can design weekly and one-time behaviours to drive business outcomes Behaviour design provides a system for clarity, confidence, and predictable results Even small actions, when strategically implemented, ripple through teams and organisations Training and structured practice accelerate mastery and maximise impact THE CRITICAL LESSON: Stop guessing—identify, prioritise, and embed the behaviours that truly matter. Dr. Fogg’s advice: “You can get confident and you can have a system. The behaviours you design today directly shape your results tomorrow.” PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS: Schedule recurring, high-impact behaviours (e.g., weekly revenue meetings or customer feedback reviews) Embed one-time strategic actions that create outsized impact (e.g., connecting with industry influencers) Use prompts, structure, and small, repeatable actions to ensure consistency Leverage hands-on training, online courses, or self-practice to master behaviour design Focus on systemised action, not guesswork or motivation CONNECT WITH DR. BJ FOGG 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗 Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full BJ Fogg episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious entrepreneurs combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme
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[REPLAY - From the archive] Dr. BJ Fogg: Why Tiny Habits Can Change Your Life Forever
12/31/2025
[REPLAY - From the archive] Dr. BJ Fogg: Why Tiny Habits Can Change Your Life Forever
As we wrap up the year on ScaleX™ Insider, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful conversations we’ve ever had—because the lessons matter just as much now as they did when it first aired. From tiny habits to massive life transformations, this episode with Dr. BJ Fogg cuts through the noise of motivation hacks and productivity hype. No gimmicks. No hype. Just science-backed behaviour design that actually sticks. In this episode, Dr. BJ Fogg—world-renowned behaviour scientist and bestselling author of Tiny Habits—reveals why small, intentional actions, paired with the right emotional triggers, are far more powerful than willpower or repetition. The Three Core Principles: Emotion Trumps Repetition: Habits stick when you feel successful doing them, not just because you repeat them. Your emotional experience wires the habit faster than any number of days. Start Tiny, Think Big: Small, easy-to-do behaviours create momentum. Over time, they shift your identity, influence decisions, and ripple out to impact every area of life. Focus on Ability, Not Motivation: Make desired behaviours simple and accessible. Motivation is unreliable; controlling ability is where change truly happens. The Maui Habit—A Morning Game-Changer: Dr. Fogg shares his famous “Maui Habit”—starting every day by saying, “It’s going to be a great day.” This simple ritual primes your mind, builds upward momentum, and improves how you handle challenges throughout the day. Why Helping Others Matters: Whether it’s colleagues, clients, or loved ones, helping people feel successful strengthens relationships, reduces anxiety, and encourages engagement. Small actions that boost others create exponential positive impact. Practical Tips for CEOs and Entrepreneurs: Narrow your focus: Start with one clear goal or habit—expand later. Leverage tiny wins: Even small achievements reinforce identity and boost confidence. Build habits around emotion: Positive emotional triggers accelerate adoption. Make good habits easy, bad habits harder: Control what you can—the ability, not motivation. Key Insights: Habits are not formed by repetition alone—they form when behaviours trigger positive emotions. Identity shifts faster when small successes are recognised and celebrated. Tiny actions can create massive ripple effects, influencing others around you. Motivation is overrated; ability and simplicity are the keys to behaviour change. About Dr. BJ Fogg: Founder and Director of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University, Dr. BJ Fogg is a pioneer in behaviour design. His research, cited over 20,000 times, has shaped fields from persuasive technology to mobile health. As an Adjunct Professor in Health and Human Performance, he trains leaders and students to apply behaviour science for positive change. His book Tiny Habits has inspired millions worldwide, and his former students include co-founders of Instagram. Connect with Dr. BJ Fogg: LinkedIn: Website: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Lloyd Thompson – Why Founders Drown in Chaos
12/26/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Lloyd Thompson – Why Founders Drown in Chaos
Lloyd Thompson breaks down why so many founders feel busy, overwhelmed, and unable to scale — despite having a team. In clip, Lloyd explains what a “business drowning in chaos” actually looks like: founders acting as the answering machine for every decision, teams that help but don’t own outcomes, and operations that can’t run without constant founder involvement. Lloyd reveals how poor delegation, unclear accountability, and founder dependency create a vicious cycle that traps business owners in the day-to-day — leaving no time for strategy, growth, or new business. KEY INSIGHTS: Founder chaos is a symptom of poor delegation and unclear accountability Teams often become helpers instead of owners Founder-dependent businesses struggle to scale or run without the founder Answering every question trains the team to rely on the founder Operational chaos and time-poor founders go hand in hand THE CRITICAL LESSON: If your business can’t run without you, it’s not scalable. Founders stay stuck in chaos not because their team is incapable — but because ownership, clarity, and decision-making haven’t been properly delegated. As Lloyd explains, answering every question feels helpful in the moment but reinforces founder dependency over time. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR FOUNDERS AND LEADERS: Clearly define ownership for each function (marketing, sales, finance, delivery) Stop answering every question — coach decision-making instead Use the 1-3-1 framework: one problem, three options, one recommendation Ask: “What would you do if I wasn’t here?” Test your business: could it run for six weeks without you? CONNECT WITH LLOYD THOMPSON Website: LinkedIn: 📘 Get your free copy of WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Lloyd Thompson episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious entrepreneurs combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Lloyd Thompson – Right People, Wrong Seats Break Scale
12/26/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Lloyd Thompson – Right People, Wrong Seats Break Scale
Lloyd Thompson explains why hiring for skill over character creates chaos as your business scales. In this ScaleX™ Bitesize clip, Lloyd dives into one of the most common mistakes founders make as they grow: focusing on technical ability while neglecting values and character. He explains how this leads to misaligned hires, poor role fit, and founders feeling trapped by highly skilled individuals who don’t truly belong in the business. Lloyd also unpacks the concept of right people, right seats — why promoting top performers often backfires, and how clarity around vision and values is essential for building a scalable, healthy team. KEY INSIGHTS: Hiring for skill without checking character leads to long-term problems Values alignment should be assessed before role competence Founders often feel “held hostage” by highly skilled but misaligned team members Promoting top performers doesn’t mean they’re right for leadership Many people are placed in roles they don’t want or don’t have capacity for THE CRITICAL LESSON: Scaling requires more than talent — it requires alignment. If people don’t share your values or sit in the right roles, growth creates friction, not freedom. As Lloyd explains, rewarding performance by promotion can unintentionally damage both the individual and the business. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR FOUNDERS AND LEADERS: Define your core values clearly before hiring or promoting Assess your team against values, not just performance Separate reward from promotion — not everyone should manage people Check whether people want the role, not just whether they’re good at their current one Regularly review if team members are in the right seats CONNECT WITH LLOYD THOMPSON Website: LinkedIn: 📘 Get your free copy of WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Lloyd Thompson episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious entrepreneurs combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme
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Lloyd Thompson: Why Your Business Feels Busy But Never Scales
12/24/2025
Lloyd Thompson: Why Your Business Feels Busy But Never Scales
What if the real reason your business feels constantly busy — yet never truly scales — isn’t lack of effort, talent, or ambition, but operational chaos and founder dependency? In this episode of ScaleX™ Insider, Brendan McGurgan is joined by Lloyd Thompson, founder of VirtualDOO and author of “9 Ways to Leave Your Day-to-Day Operations”, to unpack why so many businesses hit a growth ceiling at €3–15M revenue — and how founders can scale without scaling burnout. Lloyd shares what “drowning in chaos” actually looks like inside growing businesses, why founders unknowingly train their teams to depend on them, and how poor delegation, unclear accountability, and broken operational rhythms keep leaders trapped in the day-to-day. Drawing on over 20 years of experience running complex global operations — from banking platforms handling billions to nimble SMEs — Lloyd reveals how to build operational smoothness, reclaim your time, and create a business that supports your life, not consumes it. Brendan and Lloyd explore the mindset shifts, systems, and structures founders must put in place to move from firefighting to strategy — and why stepping back is the hardest but most valuable decision a leader can make. Episode Highlights Why most founders don’t scale — they scale chaos What “drowning in chaos” really looks like inside growing businesses The danger of founder-dependent operating systems Why teams become helpers instead of owners The hidden cost of poor delegation and unclear accountability How to break the cycle of being the answer to every question The 1-3-1 decision-making framework that builds ownership in teams Why “dual responsibility” leads to no responsibility How to design accountability with visibility and verification The three levels of accountability: org, process, and task Why documenting processes doesn’t have to drain founder time The I Do / We Do / You Do method for scalable delegation How operational rhythms eliminate bottlenecks and firefighting The five core rhythms every scaling business needs Why clarity of vision is the foundation of operational smoothness Meet Lloyd Thompson Lloyd Thompson is the founder of VirtualDOO, a fractional Director of Operations service that helps busy founders escape the day-to-day and scale with purpose. He is also the author of “9 Ways to Leave Your Day-to-Day Operations”, a practical guide for business owners ready to step out of operational chaos and back into strategic leadership. With over 20 years of corporate and global operations experience, Lloyd has led large-scale banking, trading, and technology platforms across Sydney, Manila, India, New York, and London — including systems responsible for billions of dollars in investment. Today, he applies those same principles to SMEs, marketing agencies, ecommerce brands, coaches, educators, and service-based businesses. Lloyd specialises in: Liberating founders from operational overwhelm Building accountable, owner-led teams Installing rhythms, dashboards, and feedback loops Creating predictable, scalable operations Key Topics Covered → Why your business feels busy but never truly scales → Founder dependency and the €3–15M growth trap → Delegation, ownership, and accountability done right → The psychology behind letting go as a founder → Operational smoothness vs operational chaos → Building systems that free up founder time → Vision, values, and right people in the right seats → Turning chaos into clarity through process and rhythm → How to scale revenue without sacrificing life and health Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME founders, agency owners, ecommerce leaders, coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners who feel overwhelmed, time-poor, and stuck in the weeds. If your business relies too heavily on you, struggles with accountability, or feels busy but fragile, this conversation will help you see exactly what needs to change. About Lloyd Thompson Lloyd Thompson is a fractional COO, operations strategist, and founder of VirtualDOO. He helps founders build businesses that run smoothly, scale sustainably, and allow leaders to focus on strategy, growth, and life beyond work. Website: LinkedIn: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Sunny Lenarduzzi - Small Audiences Make BIG Money
12/19/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Sunny Lenarduzzi - Small Audiences Make BIG Money
Sunny Lenarduzzi explains whether YouTube is the right platform for businesses and solopreneurs looking to scale their reach and impact. In this clip, Sunny dives into who can benefit from YouTube, the difference between a mass audience and a targeted one, and how leveraging YouTube strategically can generate leads, revenue, and global impact without spending a dime on advertising. KEY INSIGHTS: - YouTube works best for businesses with subject matter experts who provide real value - Small, highly-targeted audiences are often more profitable than mass audiences - YouTube is an evergreen, search-based platform, unlike on-demand social media channels - Organic video content can create leads, sales, and authority over time - The combination of YouTube and AI tools can amplify your impact and efficiency THE CRITICAL LESSON: It’s not about going viral; it’s about reaching the right people. Sunny’s advice: “You don’t need a huge audience. You need the people who are ready to invest in what you do and benefit the most from your expertise.” PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSES: - Focus on creating content for your ideal audience, not everyone - Treat YouTube as a search engine and content library, not just a social media channel - Validate and deliver value through content before scaling programs or offers - Leverage organic visibility to create sustainable, profitable growth - Consider global reach—help people beyond your geographic area through video CONNECT WITH SUNNY LENARDUZZI 🔗 LinkedIn: /sunnylenarduzzi 🔗 Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Sunny Lenarduzzi episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious entrepreneurs combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Sunny Lenarduzzi - One Video Changed My Entire Life
12/19/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Sunny Lenarduzzi - One Video Changed My Entire Life
Sunny Lenarduzzi reveals the step-by-step journey of how she went from a one-woman social media consultancy to a YouTube authority helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. In this clip, Sunny shares her initial experiment with YouTube, how answering client questions turned into millions of viewers, and how she discovered a sustainable way to leverage her expertise through online programs and organic video marketing. KEY INSIGHTS: Start with solving real client problems; your audience is searching for answers you already know Test, fail, learn, grow, and repeat – the iterative approach to building your channel How answering repetitive questions via video can scale your impact without burning out The power of organic video marketing to grow visibility, leads, and opportunities Transitioning from consulting to creating online courses and scaling expertise globally THE CRITICAL LESSON: You don’t need fame or a huge audience to succeed on YouTube. Sunny’s advice: “Start with solving the real problems your clients are asking you about. Visibility will follow, and opportunities will come to you.” PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Identify recurring client questions and turn them into videos Commit to a consistent posting schedule (e.g., once a week for 12 months) Use YouTube to generate inbound leads and validate your programs Experiment with formats, content, and offerings – iterate and improve over time Leverage visibility strategically to create sustainable business growth and personal freedom TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 How Sunny got started on YouTube and why she chose the platform 01:15 The experiment that led to 3M views and 50,000 subscribers in 12 months 02:45 Turning repetitive client questions into scalable video content 04:00 First speaking engagements and growing opportunities globally 05:30 Discovering the power of online courses to scale expertise 07:00 Building a cohesive client journey and organic marketing strategy CONNECT WITH SUNNY LENARDUZZI: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗 Website: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Sunny Lenarduzzi episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: hello@simplescaling.com 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious entrepreneurs combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more:
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Sunny Lenarduzzi: The YouTube Strategy That Prints Money
12/17/2025
Sunny Lenarduzzi: The YouTube Strategy That Prints Money
What if you could scale your business, grow your income, and expand your impact using YouTube—without spending a dime on ads? In this episode, Sunny Lenarduzzi, a social media consultant, business growth coach, and expert in online education, reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage YouTube and video marketing to build profitable, sustainable businesses that scale. From targeting the right audience to creating content that converts, Sunny shares the step-by-step strategies behind her Authority Accelerator program, which has generated over $15 million in monthly revenue for clients. Host Brendan McGurgan dives deep with Sunny into the world of online courses, content strategy, and YouTube marketing, exploring how SMEs and entrepreneurs can reach a global audience, monetise their expertise, and create freedom in both business and life. Episode Highlights: Why small, targeted audiences are more profitable than mass views How YouTube can serve as an evergreen, lead-generating platform The four key principles for YouTube success: purpose alignment, entry-level investment, proposition clarity, and problem-focused content Why production quality is secondary to providing real value How to use calls-to-action strategically to grow your email list and nurture leads Understanding the content scaling funnel: top, middle, and bottom of funnel strategies The importance of commitment, consistency, and patience when building your channel Leveraging AI to enhance content creation without replacing the human element How to overcome fear, perfectionism, and reluctance to put yourself on camera Real-life examples of entrepreneurs turning YouTube content into multi-million-dollar businesses Meet Sunny Lenarduzzi Sunny Lenarduzzi is a social media consultant, business growth coach, and philanthropist known for helping experts leverage video marketing to build successful online businesses. She has worked with clients across industries including tech startups, authors, and online course creators. Sunny is a recognised public speaker, having presented at NATO Headquarters and on national radio and television, and is the recipient of the Best in Social Media award for Western Canada. Sunny helps entrepreneurs scale their income, impact, and authority through her proven Authority Accelerator framework, empowering them to show up authentically, deliver incredible value, and achieve personal and professional freedom. Key Topics Covered: → Targeting the right audience for profitable growth → Building an evergreen YouTube strategy that generates leads over time → The Authority Accelerator format and how it drives revenue → Structuring content around real problems your audience faces → Maximizing ROI with minimal production investment → Calls-to-action and email list strategies for lead generation → Commitment and patience as critical factors for long-term success → Leveraging AI tools to optimize content creation → Overcoming mindset blocks and fear of putting yourself on camera Who Should Listen: This episode is essential for SME founders, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and online course creators who want to grow their income, impact, and authority using YouTube. Anyone seeking actionable strategies to leverage video, scale their business, and create personal freedom will benefit from Sunny’s expertise. About Sunny Lenarduzzi: Sunny Lenarduzzi is a social media strategist, business growth coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping experts scale their businesses with video marketing. Through her YouTube channel, consulting, online programs, and speaking engagements, Sunny empowers entrepreneurs to leverage their expertise, create profitable online businesses, and reach audiences worldwide. Website: LinkedIn: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michael J. Gelb — Why Every Genius Walks
12/12/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michael J. Gelb — Why Every Genius Walks
Most people think walking is just exercise. Michael J. Gelb says it’s the engine of genius. For centuries, the world’s greatest thinkers used walking as their main source of inspiration — and they even invented tools to measure how much of it they were doing. In this clip, Michael reveals a surprising truth: the first pedometer wasn’t invented by Fitbit — it was invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Why the Geniuses Walked: As Michael researched the relationship between history’s greatest minds and walking, one pattern became impossible to ignore: A book about geniuses who didn’t rely on walking for inspiration would be very, very short. Da Vinci walked with such elegance that villagers came out just to watch his movement. Thomas Jefferson also invented his own pedometer — “Thomas meters” — because he believed people would walk more if they could measure their steps. Poets like Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, and philosophers like Thomas Hobbes all used walking to spark ideas. Hobbes even built an inkwell into his walking stick so he could write mid-stride. Why Walking Creates Ideas: Michael explains that while much of the evidence throughout history is anecdotal, modern scientific research now backs it up: Walking increases creativity, stimulates new connections in the brain, and unlocks solutions that sitting still often suppresses. The Universal Pattern: Across music, literature, philosophy, science, and leadership, walking shows up as the ultimate inspiration habit: Beethoven composing in the fields Mary Oliver stopping mid-walk to write Jefferson drafting the foundations of a nation Da Vinci inventing a pedometer centuries ahead of his time The Real Question: Is walking inspiring these ideas — or are inspired people naturally drawn to walking? According to Michael, the research points strongly to the first. Walking doesn’t just correlate with inspiration. It causes it. Key Takeaway: If you want better ideas, don’t sit at your desk waiting for them. Move. Walk. Carry a notebook. Let your mind unspool in motion — just like the geniuses did. About Michael J. Gelb: Internationally renowned author and leadership expert, known for “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci,” with over one million copies sold worldwide. A pioneer in creativity, innovation, and executive development, he helps leaders elevate their presence, unlock their best ideas, and cultivate cultures grounded in awareness, poise, and authentic connection. SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michael J. Gelb on Why Leaders Lose Power Before They Even Speak
12/12/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michael J. Gelb on Why Leaders Lose Power Before They Even Speak
Most leaders try to fix executive presence with confidence hacks, posture tricks, or communication frameworks. But as Michael J. Gelb explains, presence isn’t about what you do — it’s about what you stop doing. And nothing reveals this better than the Alexander Technique, the same methodology taught at the world’s leading performance schools: the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Academy of Drama, and Juilliard. It’s also the foundation behind Michael’s first book Body: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique. Why Most Leaders Repel Their Teams Without Realising It Walk into a room barking orders and people instinctively want to flee — especially creative, high-performing thinkers. But walk in with natural ease, openness, and curiosity, and everything changes. As Michael puts it: “The leaders people trust aren’t the ones who tell you what to do. They’re the ones who ask what’s up for you — and how they can support you.” What the Alexander Technique Really Teaches Alexander Technique is not about standing tall or fixing your posture. It’s about retraining your nervous system so you can return to the natural poise you had as a child — upright, open-faced, free, and unarmoured. Michael trained three years in London to be able to guide others into this state through subtle, refined touch: Ease replaces tension Presence replaces intimidation Breath replaces bracing Openness replaces contraction It’s the hidden foundation of true executive presence. A High-Pressure Coaching Story That Says It All Michael coached a CEO in a deeply tense, high-stakes Zoom meeting — board members, investors, and the executive chair all present. The CEO was intimidated, fidgeting, collapsing in on himself. Michael typed a single message in the Zoom chat: “Hands on the desk, palms up. Align through your vertical axis. Add a little smile.” The CEO shifted — subtly, but profoundly. And suddenly, the entire room treated him differently. Because, as Michael says: “We teach people how to treat us. The most organised nervous system dominates the proceedings.” Why Walking Is the Secret Accelerator Michael and co-author Bruce Fertman both realised that walking well is one of the fastest ways to embody the Alexander Technique. With just the first section of their book Walking Well, readers can transform how they move, breathe, and show up — without a single in-person lesson. Their vision: A global conscious walking community, guided by facilitators, grounded in ease, openness, and natural poise. Key Takeaways Executive presence is mostly about what you stop doing Natural poise is your birthright — tension and armor are learned A tiny shift in your nervous system changes how people respond to you The most regulated nervous system leads the room Walking well accelerates all Alexander Technique principles You can begin transforming your presence in minutes, not months About Michael J. Gelb: Internationally renowned author and leadership expert, known for “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci,” with over one million copies sold worldwide. A pioneer in creativity, innovation, and executive development, he helps leaders elevate their presence, unlock their best ideas, and cultivate cultures grounded in awareness, poise, and authentic connection. SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth
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Michael J. Gelb: Get your best ideas by walking
12/10/2025
Michael J. Gelb: Get your best ideas by walking
What if you could get your best ideas by walking — and transform every step into a tool for creativity, vitality, and leadership? In this episode, Michael J. Gelb, the world’s leading authority on genius thinking and innovative leadership, reveals how walking, mind mapping, and embodied awareness can radically enhance your personal and organisational performance. Host Brendan McGurgan reunites with Michael for a rich, wide-ranging conversation that blends neuroscience, creativity, mindfulness, and practical leadership insight. From seven days with Dr. Joe Dispenza, to the origins of mind mapping with Tony Buzan, to the revolutionary principles behind Michael’s new book Walking Well, this episode is a masterclass in elevating how you think, lead, and live. Episode Highlights: Why walking is the most overlooked tool for creativity, clarity, and emotional resilience The simple (but genius) sequence that transformed every step Michael takes How to unlearn early conditioning around posture, “walking like a man/lady,” and rigid movement Why most people unconsciously brace their ankles — and how releasing that habit eliminates pain and increases energy How mind mapping has helped Michael manifest goals for decades and why it works so powerfully for leaders Inside Michael’s week-long immersion with Dr. Joe Dispenza — and how state change accelerates growth The connection between curiosity (Kuriosita), embodiment, and scaling with purpose Why barefoot walking, grounding, and plantigrade movement strengthen the entire kinetic chain How leaders can use creative practices like walking and mind mapping to think better and lead better Meet Michael J. Gelb Michael J. Gelb is the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organisational development. A pioneer in creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership, Michael has worked with global clients including Microsoft, Nike, Genentech, KPMG, Merck, and YPO. A member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 COACHES, Michael is also a Senior Fellow at The Center for Humanistic Management and a renowned keynote speaker. Honored as “Brain of the Year,” his work sits alongside recipients such as Stephen Hawking and Edward de Bono. He is the author of 17 books—including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci—with over one million copies sold worldwide. Key Topics Covered → How walking transforms creativity, posture, and wellbeing → The neuroscience behind movement-induced insight → Universal principles from Joe Dispenza and how they apply to leadership → The art and science of mind mapping for strategic clarity → Releasing unconscious tension to reduce pain and boost energy → Why curiosity fuels purposeful scaling → Embodied presence as a leadership advantage → The power of lifelong learning and never resting on your laurels Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME founders, leaders, and executives who want to think more creatively, access deeper insight, and lead with greater vitality. Anyone seeking practical tools to elevate focus, reduce tension, unlock innovation, and scale with purpose will benefit from Michael’s wisdom. About Michael J. Gelb Michael J. Gelb is a globally recognised author, speaker, and leadership pioneer whose work blends creativity, embodiment, and organisational innovation. His books—translated into 25 languages—include How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Innovate Like Edison, The Art of Connection, and his latest, Walking Well, co-authored with Bruce Fertman. Michael helps leaders think more clearly, move more freely, and unlock their full human potential. Website: LinkedIn: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michelle Johnston on Building Connection - "Stop Meeting in Windowless Rooms"
12/05/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michelle Johnston on Building Connection - "Stop Meeting in Windowless Rooms"
Windowless conference rooms kill connection. PowerPoint presentations kill culture. Yet most SME leaders still meet this way, wondering why their teams feel disconnected and disengaged. Dr Michelle Johnston reveals a better way: motion creates emotion, and the best meetings happen outside, walking shoulder to shoulder. The Connection Walk Method: Michelle took physicians on a one-hour leisurely walk along the Mississippi River. Every 10-15 minutes, they paired up shoulder to shoulder with different colleagues and asked: "What does success look like to you by the end of the year?" "What's most challenging to you right now?" "How can I help?" The physicians admitted afterwards: "That was really powerful." Why Windowless Conference Rooms Kill Culture: One CEO was exhausted by Friday meetings where his team showed up in suits with PowerPoint slides, defending their jobs in a windowless conference room. Michelle's advice? "Invite them to your office for coffee. Sit around for 45 minutes and ask: 'What can I do to help you?'" The Meeting Hierarchy: Best: In-person, outdoors, walking shoulder to shoulder Better: Phone call whilst walking Good: Video call (last resort) The medium shapes the depth of connection. Why Motion Creates Emotion: Bart Foster of Business Outside built his company on this principle: walking shoulder to shoulder creates different chemistry than sitting across a table. His mantra: "Get us out of windowless conference rooms." The Questions Nobody Asks: What does success look like to you? What's most challenging right now? How can I help you? Simple. Easy. Powerful. Underutilized. Key Takeaways: Get people out of their comfort zone to build connective tissue. Rethink how you're meeting—format matters as much as content. No one wants to be talked at anymore. Walking shoulder to shoulder for one hour can create connections that last years. About Dr Michelle Johnston: Management professor at Loyola University New Orleans and co-author with Marshall Goldsmith of "The Seismic Shift in You." She helps leaders create connection-driven cultures that boost engagement and results. SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Connect with Dr Michelle Johnston: Website: MichelleKJohnston.com | Email: | Book: "The Seismic Shift in You" #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth
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[ScaleX Bite-size] Disconnection Is Killing Your Business Dr. Michelle K. Johnston
12/05/2025
[ScaleX Bite-size] Disconnection Is Killing Your Business Dr. Michelle K. Johnston
Dr. Michelle K. Johnston reveals the hidden cost that disconnection is already imposing on SMEs: businesses are losing performance, wellbeing, and even lives because leaders aren’t prioritising human connection. This clip explains why building intentional connection into your leadership is no longer optional—it’s essential. KEY INSIGHTS: - Premature deaths are up 60% due to isolation, disconnection, and loneliness - 30 million adults report depression and isolation - Heart attacks and strokes are increasing, driven by social disconnection - Leaders must lean in with heart and humanity to counteract the cost of disconnection - Building meaningful connection is the “seismic shift” that drives both performance and wellbeing THE CRITICAL LESSON: Technology won’t slow down. If leaders don’t intentionally build deeper connection, their teams—and their businesses—pay the price. Michelle’s advice: “We have to shift toward more meaningful, deeper connection. It’s not optional. It’s the only way to scale sustainably.” FOR SME LEADERS: This isn’t about remote work fatigue or Zoom burnout—it’s about embedding human connection into every meeting, every conversation, and every interaction, so teams stay engaged, resilient, and thriving. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The alarming cost of disconnection in SMEs 00:30 Premature deaths, heart attacks, strokes—all rising due to isolation 01:15 The Thinkers50 insight that inspired The Seismic Shift in Leadership 02:00 Why AI and technology make connection more urgent 02:45 How leaders can lean in with heart and humanity CONNECT WITH DR. MICHELLE K. JOHNSTON: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗 Website: 🔗 Podcast: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Michelle Johnston episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more:
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Dr. Michelle K. Johnston - Stop Losing Your Team to Digital Burnout
12/03/2025
Dr. Michelle K. Johnston - Stop Losing Your Team to Digital Burnout
Dr. Michelle K. Johnston, bestselling author of The Seismic Shift in Leadership, shares how authentic human connection can help leaders stop losing their team to digital burnout and transform organisational performance. From advising top executives to speaking on global stages, Michelle reveals the strategies that make connection a driver for trust, engagement, and sustainable growth. In this episode, host Brendan McGurgan dives into Michelle’s insights, unpacking the mindset, practices, and rituals that allow leaders—especially SME founders and executives—to build meaningful relationships while scaling their businesses. Episode Highlights: The alarming price of disconnection: loneliness, depression, and even premature death are rising—what leaders can do to reverse the trend How focusing on relationships, rituals, and rhythms strengthens teams and drives results Practical strategies to build meaningful connection in meetings, including asking purposeful “connection questions” Why slowing down to connect actually helps leaders move faster and achieve better outcomes How SMEs can integrate connection into their culture, even amid virtual fatigue and high-pressure growth The role of gratitude and personal check-ins in cultivating trust and engagement Meet Dr. Michelle K. Johnston Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is an award-winning leadership expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach recognised globally for her work in connection-driven leadership. She teaches as a Distinguished Professor of Business at Loyola University New Orleans and coaches executives from Ochsner Health, JP Morgan Chase, MongoDB, and more. Her podcast, The Seismic Shift, ranks in the top 10% globally and features candid conversations with leaders transforming culture through connection. Key Topics Covered: → The price of disconnection in modern organisations → Building stronger teams through rituals, rhythms, and deliberate relationships → Practical ways to create connection in meetings and daily workflows → The science and practice of gratitude as a leadership tool → Balancing technology and human presence in high-growth SMEs → How authentic connection drives trust, performance, and sustainable scaling Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME leaders, founders, executives, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with humanity while scaling their business. Michelle’s insights provide actionable guidance to create high-performing, connected teams without losing the human touch. About Dr. Michelle K. Johnston Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a global leadership expert blending academic insight with real-world impact. She is the author of The Seismic Shift in Leadership, a top-ten executive coach, keynote speaker, and professor, empowering leaders to scale with purpose and authenticity. LinkedIn: Podcast: Website: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-size] Anne Mahlum: How to Exit for $100M+ Without Being in the Room
11/28/2025
[ScaleX Bite-size] Anne Mahlum: How to Exit for $100M+ Without Being in the Room
Anne Mahlum: Why I Wasn't in ANY Exit Meetings During My $100M Solidcore Sale | Founder Independence Anne Mahlum reveals the counterintuitive strategy that gave her complete leverage in her $100M Solidcore exit: she wasn't in a single meeting with the acquiring private equity firm. This clip explains why building a founder-independent business is the key to commanding premium valuations. KEY INSIGHTS FROM THIS CLIP: Anne wasn't in ANY meetings during the final acquisition process She negotiated an extra $10M above her share value because she had all the leverage Had already taken $15M off the table in earlier rounds (2017 & 2021) Promoted her COO to CEO in May 2021 - 2 years before exit The business ran without her, proving it wasn't founder-dependent Anne's negotiation leverage: "You can either pay an extra $10 million now, or we'll wait six months. We'll run another competitive process. We're opening another 15 studios during that time frame, and you can end up paying more for the business, or you could get outbid by someone else." THE CRITICAL LESSON: Private equity firms were buying the NEW leadership team, not Anne. If she had been in those meetings speaking and presenting, they would have assumed she was still running the business and demanded she stay post-acquisition. Anne's advice to founders: "Don't be a starving founder running toward your exit because you'll sell for way less than the business is worth. You will feel like X amount of money feels like a lot because you've never had a taste of it before, and you'll make a bad deal." COVID PIVOT STRATEGY: 2020: Planned to sell, COVID hit, revenue went to zero 2021: Raised $50M, opened 11 studios in red states while competitors stayed closed 2022: Back to pre-COVID numbers by Q1/Q2 2023: $100M+ exit on her terms TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Taking money off the table in 2017 & 2021 00:45 Planning to sell in 2020, then COVID hit 01:30 Raising $50M and playing offense during COVID 02:15 Opening 11 studios when competitors were closed 03:00 Promoting COO to CEO in 2021 03:30 The $100M exit in 2023 04:00 Why she wasn't in ANY acquisition meetings 04:45 Negotiating $10M ABOVE share value 05:30 "Don't be a starving founder" advice 06:15 The leverage of founder independence CONNECT WITH ANNE MAHLUM: 🔗 Instagram: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🔗 Website: 🔗 Solidcore: 🔗 Back on My Feet: WATCH FULL EPISODE: 🔗 [Link to full Anne Mahlum episode] SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: 🔗 Website: 📧 Email: 📱 LinkedIn: 📱 Instagram: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] The Exact Numbers Behind Anne Mahlum's $100M Exit Goals
11/28/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] The Exact Numbers Behind Anne Mahlum's $100M Exit Goals
Every founder dreams of a big exit — but few know the exact numbers they need to feel safe, stay motivated, and negotiate from power. In this clip, Anne Mahlum breaks down the precise financial milestones that gave her psychological safety during her journey from founder to eight-figure earner. She reveals why her first “safe number” was $6 million, how she later pulled $9 million more off the table, and the disciplined math behind her unwavering $100M personal exit target. Anne explains how she evaluated dilution, equity projections, and future valuation before touching any deal — and why she refused to move forward without fully understanding the waterfall and her eventual payout. This is a masterclass in founder discipline, emotional clarity, and exit strategy. Key Takeways: The $6M Safety Number – Anne’s first partial exit wasn’t random. It was the figure that gave her personal safety, mental clarity, and the freedom to take bigger risks. Why She Took Another $9M – Not for lifestyle. For long-term psychological security while still building aggressively. The $100M Personal Target – A number she defined early, committed to fully, and never wavered from — regardless of market noise. The Dilution Equation – Every time she sold shares, she recalculated: • future valuation • equity dilution • remaining share value • the waterfall • what she’d realistically walk away with Zero Guesswork – Anne didn’t negotiate on vibes. She negotiated on math. No Deal Without the Waterfall – She refused to sign anything unless she clearly understood what each scenario meant for her eventual payout. MEET ANNE MAHLUM Anne Mahlum is the founder and former CEO of Solidcore, a boutique fitness brand with 100+ locations, and the founder of Back on My Feet, a nonprofit helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives through running. She turned her last $175,000 into a $90M payday and has built a personal net worth exceeding $100M. Recognized by CNN and ABC World News, Anne is a serial entrepreneur and advisor to founders navigating high-stakes growth and exits. Episode Timestamps 0:00 — Anne’s First “Safety Number” Revealed 0:14 — Why She Took $6M, Then $9M 0:24 — The Real Math Behind Her Exit 0:33 — How Dilution Affected Each Decision 0:51 — The $100M Personal Goal 1:02 — Why She Never Wavered From That Number 1:05 — The Waterfall: Her Non-Negotiable Requirement Connect with Anne Mahlum: LinkedIn: Website: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎵 Spotify: Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: LinkedIn:
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Anne Mahlum – How Purpose and Grit Built a $100M Fitness Empire
11/26/2025
Anne Mahlum – How Purpose and Grit Built a $100M Fitness Empire
How Purpose and Grit Built a $100M Fitness Empire- Anne Mahlum, founder of Solidcore and Back on My Feet, shares the journey of turning purpose and grit into a scalable business while impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. From running nonprofit programs for the homeless to creating a $90 million fitness brand, Anne reveals how deliberate action, environment design, and strong community can drive both social and financial success. In this episode, host Brendan McGurgan dives deep into Anne’s story, unpacking the mindset, habits, and systems that allowed her to scale with purpose—first in the nonprofit sector, then in the boutique fitness industry. Episode Highlights: How running and community-building at Back on My Feet humanised homelessness and created a ripple effect of societal impact The importance of environment and deliberate habit design in achieving personal and professional goals Transitioning from nonprofit success to launching a high-growth fitness brand without investors The unit economics and scalability strategy behind Solidcore’s first studio and rapid expansion Lessons on leadership, process design, and building repeatable ecosystems for growth How focusing on purpose and quality first, rather than money, leads to long-term success Stories of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and creating culture in a fast-scaling company Meet Anne Mahlum Anne Mahlum is a founder, entrepreneur, CEO, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and athlete. She is the founder and former Executive Chairwoman of Solidcore, a boutique fitness company with over 100 locations in the U.S., which she scaled from her last $175,000 to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Anne also founded Back on My Feet, a nonprofit that empowers individuals experiencing homelessness through running and community. Anne has been recognised as an ABC World News Person, CNN Hero, top 40 under 40 in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., New Yorker of the Week, and Penjerdel’s Citizen of the Year. Her entrepreneurial ventures have created a personal net worth of over $100M while positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Key Topics Covered: → Scaling purpose-driven initiatives: from nonprofit to profitable business → Designing environments that remove friction and enable success → The “rinse, repeat” approach to building systems, processes, and repeatable ecosystems → Unit economics and early indicators of scalable business models → Lessons in leadership: building businesses that work without depending on the founder → Creating culture and community in high-growth fitness enterprises → The interplay of grit, intuition, and calculated risk in entrepreneurship Who Should Listen This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, SME leaders, social impact founders, and anyone looking to scale with purpose. If you’re seeking inspiration on combining social impact with profitable business growth, Anne’s journey provides a blueprint for leadership, resilience, and scaling effectively. About Anne Mahlum Anne Mahlum is a visionary entrepreneur who has successfully blended purpose, passion, and profit. She is the founder of Solidcore, a boutique fitness brand, and Back on My Feet, a nonprofit transforming lives through running and community. Anne’s approach emphasizes deliberate action, scalable systems, and fostering community to create lasting impact. LinkedIn: Website: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Why Your Landing Page is Losing Leads (The Birthday Party Mistake) | Bas Wouters
11/21/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Why Your Landing Page is Losing Leads (The Birthday Party Mistake) | Bas Wouters
How SEAT Automobiles increased leads by 2000% with one simple page change—Bas Wouters reveals the "Competing Prompts" mistake killing your conversions and why asking for multiple actions is like having 90 people shout at you simultaneously. Key Takeaways: The "Birthday Party Analogy" - Why having multiple calls-to-action on one page is like 90 people screaming at you when you walk through a door The 2000% SEAT Case Study - How simplifying a landing page to ONE action (download price list) exploded lead generation for SEAT Automobiles The Competing Prompts Problem - Why asking visitors to do multiple things on one page creates decision fatigue and kills conversions The Common Sense Paradox - Why this principle sounds obvious but almost every business gets it wrong (including yours) The SME Advantage - Why you don't need Disney or Booking.com budgets to implement behavioral psychology that works One Page = One Goal - The ruthlessly simple audit process to fix your landing pages today Guest Bio: Bas Wouters is co-founder of the Cialdini Institute, creator of the Online Influence Institute, and one of only 12 certified trainers worldwide under Dr. Robert Cialdini (the "Godfather of Influence"). He scaled a kitchen business from €10,000 to €25 million using behavioral psychology, worked with Disney and Booking.com, and now helps SMEs compete with corporate giants through science-backed influence strategies. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - The Birthday Party Analogy: 90 People Shouting At You 1:15 - What Are Competing Prompts? 2:30 - The SEAT Automobiles 2000% Lead Generation Case Study 4:45 - Why SME Leaders Get This Wrong (The Fire-Hose Effect) 6:20 - "Common Sense Isn't That Common" - Why We Overcomplicate 7:40 - You Don't Need Big Budgets or Big Teams 8:50 - The Simple 5-Step Audit to Fix Your Pages Today Connect with Bas Wouters: Website: LinkedIn: / bazwouters-cmct-cpt-cec Free AI Tools & Monthly Workshops: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎵 Spotify: Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: LinkedIn:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Bas Wouters - How One Word Changed to "Purchased" Increased Conversions 300%
11/21/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Bas Wouters - How One Word Changed to "Purchased" Increased Conversions 300%
How one word changed to "purchased" increased conversions 300%—Baz Wouters reveals the exact three-part formula combining Cialdini's principles of social proof, scarcity, and authority that SME leaders can apply immediately. In this powerful segment of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, host Brendan McGurgan and Baz Wouters break down Dr. Robert Cialdini's seven core principles of influence and the surgical precision required to convert browsers into buyers online. The 300% Conversion Breakthrough: NYX Makeup Studio ran a simple A/B test on their product page. They started with just a "Buy" button. Then they added one sentence: "71 beauties have viewed this product today." Five words. Result: 33% increase in transactions. But then they tested changing ONE WORD: "71 beauties have purchased this product today." That single word change—"viewed" to "purchased"—led to a 300% increase in transactions. Same layout. Same product. One word. Massive difference. Why It Worked: This sentence combined THREE of Cialdini's core influence principles simultaneously: Social Proof: Other people are taking action Scarcity: This is happening right now (today) Authority: These are people like you (beauties = target audience identity) The 3-Part Formula for SME Leaders: Bas reveals the three criteria to create high-converting copy yourself: Mention Your Audience—"People Like Me" Name the Desired Behaviour Literally Use Exact Numbers to Boost Trust The AI Solution for SMEs Without Marketing Teams: Many SME leaders worry: "I don't have a marketing department. I don't have copywriting specialists. How can I implement this?" Bas's answer: This is exactly why he built AI-powered tools for SMEs. As an entrepreneur himself (not a corporate consultant), he understands the resource constraints small businesses face. What's Available Now: Free monthly workshops at onlineinfluence.com AI-trained bots that analyze your website instantly Put in your URL → Get told: "Here are your biggest wins. Here's where you can increase conversions." Actionable recommendations you can implement yourself The Delete Button Strategy: Most improvements aren't about adding things—they're about removing friction. Deleting clutter. Simplifying steps. You don't need designers. You don't need developers. You just need the delete button. As Brendan says: "Everyone knows where the delete button is. This is about taking stuff out, not adding more in." Why This Matters for Your Business: If a makeup company can increase conversions 300% with one word change, imagine what's possible when you apply all seven of Cialdini's principles systematically across your entire customer journey. The principles work because they speak directly to System 1 thinking—the fast, automatic, subconscious brain that makes 95-98% of all purchasing decisions. Key Takeaway: You don't need a massive budget or a huge team. You need surgical precision with language. You need to understand how the human brain actually makes decisions. And you need the courage to simplify ruthlessly. About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎵 Spotify: Connect with Baz Wouters: Website: LinkedIn: Free AI Tools & Workshops: Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: LinkedIn:
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Bas Wouters - How One Word Change Increased Conversions 300%
11/19/2025
Bas Wouters - How One Word Change Increased Conversions 300%
How one word change increased conversions 300%—Bas Wouters, co-founder of the Cialdini Institute, reveals the behavioral psychology secrets that help SMEs compete with corporate giants without massive budgets. In this episode, host Brendan McGurgan sits down with Bas Wouters to unpack the neuroscience behind buying decisions—and why 95-98% of customer decisions happen in the subconscious mind (System 1), not through rational thought (System 2). Episode Highlights: Bas scaled a €10,000 kitchen startup to €25 million using behavioral psychology, became one of Dr. Robert Cialdini's 12 certified trainers worldwide, and partnered with the "Godfather of Influence" before founding the Online Influence Institute. Meet Bas Wouters Bas Wouters is a world-renowned expert in online influence, behavioral science, and persuasion. Handpicked by Dr. Robert Cialdini, the godfather of influence, Bas became one of only 12 certified trainers worldwide. He has trained over 10,000 professionals globally, helping businesses bridge the “persuasion gap” using AI-powered tools and evidence-based strategies. Bas is also an international bestselling author of Online Influence: Boost Your Results with Proven Behavioral Science, blending decades of practical experience with research-backed frameworks to help leaders scale effectively. Key Topics Covered → Why focusing on behavior, not leads or sales, is critical for business growth → The System One vs. System Two model: why 95% of decisions are subconscious → Using behavioral psychology to trigger automatic decision-making in customers → BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model: Motivation, Ability, Prompt — designing actions people actually take → The Jenga Principle: simplifying messaging to make it clear and persuasive → Lessons from scaling a €25 million kitchen business against bigger competitors → How AI can enhance online influence without compromising ethics or authenticity → Practical frameworks for applying persuasion in marketing, sales, and customer experience Episode Highlights Bas dives deep into the psychology of decision-making, explaining why most marketing campaigns fail: people aren’t rational; they act emotionally and subconsciously. By applying System One thinking—fast, intuitive shortcuts—you can craft campaigns that convert even in crowded markets. Bas also explores BJ Fogg’s behavior model and the Jenga Principle, showing listeners how simpler messaging and easier actions dramatically increase engagement. Whether designing emails, landing pages, or sales conversations, Bas gives actionable insights that help SME leaders scale with purpose by influencing behavior, not just pushing content. Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives looking to grow online influence and increase conversions. If you’re struggling to stand out in a crowded market, feeling overwhelmed by tools and tactics, or frustrated that your efforts aren’t yielding results, Bas’ research-backed insights provide a roadmap for smarter, behavior-driven marketing and sales strategies. Ready to Scale with Influence? The helps leaders combine strategy, mindset, and behavioral insights to break through growth plateaus and scale with purpose. About Bas Wouters Bas Wouters is the founder of the Online Influence Institute and creator of the Online Influence Lab. After generating millions in sales and building a €25 million franchise business, he turned his focus to helping others influence effectively online. Handpicked by Dr. Robert Cialdini as a certified trainer, Bas has trained over 10,000 professionals worldwide. His book Online Influence blends behavioral science with practical tools to help leaders and teams achieve measurable results. Website: LinkedIn: Book: About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify:
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Jim Murphy on Limiting Beliefs and Inner Excellence: Why 99% Stop at the Edge of Success
11/14/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Jim Murphy on Limiting Beliefs and Inner Excellence: Why 99% Stop at the Edge of Success
Most people never reach their potential because they come to the edge of their limiting beliefs—and back down. Jim Murphy, creator of Inner Excellence, reveals the exact moment leaders stop themselves from scaling. It’s not about strategy—it’s about the uncomfortable feelings at the edge of what you believe is possible. Jim explains why negative feelings stick like Velcro while positive ones slide off like Teflon. Your subconscious protects you from scary feelings, which keeps you small. But beliefs aren’t thoughts—they’re feelings. Learn to embrace uncomfortable feelings, and you expand what’s possible. MEET JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and top executives. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into 30 languages and went viral when NFL star A.J. Brown was photographed reading it. KEY TOPICS COVERED Why people never reach potential: they hit the edge of beliefs and back down when uncomfortable Velcro vs. Teflon: why negative feelings stick while positive ones slide off Three Pillars of Inner Excellence: Belief, Freedom, and Focus The four critical questions: Am I willing to face my fears? To fail? To look foolish? To sit with any feeling even if it never goes away? Why outcomes matter less than embracing the feeling Your subconscious only cares how you feel—beliefs are feelings WHO SHOULD LISTEN Essential for leaders stuck at a certain level despite working hard. If you hit the same ceiling, avoid difficult conversations, or feel capable of more but can’t break through—this reveals why. What feeling are you currently avoiding? Share in the comments. READY TO SCALE WITH CONFIDENCE? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme addresses both strategy and mindset—helping you break through revenue plateaus by addressing the beliefs holding you back. Apply now: ABOUT JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy is the creator of Inner Excellence and a performance coach to world-class athletes and executives. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance psychology. He’s coached PGA Tour players, Olympians and CEOs, and is founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project. Website: Instagram: Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life ABOUT SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Learn more: Host: Brendan McGurgan SUBSCRIBE & NEVER MISS AN EPISODE YouTube: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why most people never reach their potential 02:30 Coming to the edge of your beliefs 05:15 The subconscious protection mechanism 07:40 Three Pillars: Belief, Freedom, Focus 10:20 Why freedom is lacking (social media comparison) 12:45 How to expand what you believe is possible 15:10 Visualization practice for embracing discomfort 17:30 Four critical questions to ask yourself 20:15 Why outcomes matter less than embracing feeling 23:00 Velcro vs. Teflon: why negative feelings stick 25:40 Beliefs are feelings—how to change them #limitingbeliefs #quitting #mindset #leadershipdevelopment #scaling
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Jim Murphy's 2-Part System to Master Fear in Critical Moments
11/14/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Jim Murphy's 2-Part System to Master Fear in Critical Moments
What does performance under pressure actually look like? Jim Murphy, creator of Inner Excellence, breaks down the two-part system elite athletes use to master fear in critical moments. Most people focus only on tools—breathing, mantras—but Jim reveals the mindset shift must come first, or the tools won’t work. The critical mistake? Believing the most important thing is the result you get right now. This result-focused thinking creates tension, fear, and underperformance. Jim’s solution: a mindset shift that prioritises learning to embrace feelings over achieving outcomes—because getting better at these moments is more valuable than any single win. MEET JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and top executives. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into 30 languages. His clients include three-time major champion Pádraig Harrington, who used a mantra technique Jim taught him to win The Open Championship in a playoff. KEY TOPICS COVERED The two-part system for performance under pressure: mindset shift first, then practical tools Why most people fail: they’re caught up in the result instead of the process The critical mistake: believing “the most important thing is the result I get right now” The mindset shift: learning to embrace feelings matters more than the outcome The game-changing question: “Am I willing to have this fear, anxiety, or stress all day even if it never goes away?” Why this question creates freedom: if you’re not willing, you’re doubly scared—scared of the situation and scared of being scared Pádraig Harrington’s mantra technique that won him The Open Championship What mantras actually are: phrases you repeat to stay present and instil empowering beliefs BJ Fogg’s morning mantra: “Today is going to be a great day because I am going to make it a great day.” Why the first hour of your day is critical: having routines with no decisions Practical tools that work: deep breathing, mantras, and presence techniques WHO SHOULD LISTEN Essential for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing high-stakes presentations, negotiations, or decisions. If you tense up before important moments, freeze under pressure, or ruminate on what might go wrong, Jim’s two-part system gives you the exact process elite performers use. What’s your go-to tool when feeling stressed? Share in the comments. READY TO SCALE WITH CONFIDENCE? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme addresses both strategy and mindset—helping you break through revenue plateaus by addressing the beliefs holding you back. Apply now: ABOUT JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy is the creator of Inner Excellence and a performance coach to world-class athletes and executives. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance psychology. He’s coached PGA Tour players, Olympians, and CEOs, and is founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project. Website: Instagram: Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life ABOUT SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Learn more: Host: Brendan McGurgan SUBSCRIBE & NEVER MISS AN EPISODE YouTube: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: TIMESTAMPS 00:00 What does embracing the feeling look like? 01:45 The two-part system: tools and mindset 03:30 The critical mistake: result-focused thinking 05:20 Why being caught up in results creates tension 07:15 The game-changing willingness question 09:40 Pádraig Harrington’s winning mantra 11:25 Deep breathing and practical tools 13:10 BJ Fogg’s empowering morning mantra 14:30 The first hour: routines over decisions #embracefear #highperformance #leadershipdevelopment
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Jim Murphy on Inner Excellence and Why Leaders Fear Their Own Potential
11/12/2025
Jim Murphy on Inner Excellence and Why Leaders Fear Their Own Potential
Why Fewer Than 1% of SME Leaders Ever Achieve Scale — with Jim Murphy (Inner Excellence) Why do fewer than 1% of SME leaders ever achieve scale? The answer isn't better strategy or more capital — it's inner excellence. In this transformative conversation, performance coach Jim Murphy, creator of the ground-breaking Inner Excellence philosophy, reveals that the path to peak performance under pressure is identical to living the best possible life. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs and spending five years researching performance psychology in the Sonoran Desert, Jim discovered a counterintuitive truth: selfless is fearless. When leaders detach from outcomes and master their ego, they access a level of courage and clarity that transforms both business results and personal fulfilment. Meet Jim Murphy Jim Murphy is a performance coach to PGA Tour players, Olympians, and executives worldwide. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into more than 30 languages and went viral when NFL star A.J. Brown was photographed reading it on the sidelines. Jim helps high performers achieve peace and confidence under extreme pressure by addressing the beliefs, fears, and attachments that block their potential. Key Topics Covered Why “selfless is fearless” is the foundation of courageous leadership The Three Pillars of Inner Excellence: Belief, Freedom, and Focus How to expand what you believe is possible by embracing uncomfortable feelings Why most leaders never reach their potential: they back away at the edge of their beliefs The dangerous “single story” trap and how rigid attachment prevents growth Training your heart, not just your mind: why love, wisdom, and courage matter The Affluenza Virus (PALMS): how obsession with possessions, achievements, looks, money, and status sabotages success Mastering the ego: becoming unembarrassable, unoffendable, and unirritable Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives facing revenue plateaus, team challenges, or scaling fears. If you're avoiding difficult conversations, delaying bold decisions, or feeling trapped by comparison and self-doubt, Jim’s Inner Excellence framework provides the mental and emotional training to break through. Ready to Scale with Confidence? The addresses both strategy and mindset — helping you break through revenue plateaus by confronting the beliefs holding you back. Apply now to join a community of purpose-driven leaders scaling with clarity and confidence. About Jim Murphy Jim Murphy is the creator of the Inner Excellence philosophy and founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project, a non-profit building homes for the homeless, orphans, and widows. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. He now coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and CEOs worldwide. Website: Instagram: Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the . A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:42 What scaling with purpose means 07:15 From professional baseball to the Sonoran Desert 12:28 The birth of Inner Excellence philosophy 18:45 Why inner excellence matters for business leaders 24:10 Love, wisdom, and courage: training the heart 31:20 The Three Pillars: Belief, Freedom, and Focus 38:55 Selfless is fearless: mastering your ego 44:30 How to embrace uncomfortable feelings 52:15 The Affluenza Virus and PALMS 58:40 Daily practices for inner excellence 01:04:20 Jim’s whirlwind year and what’s next 01:09:10 Three timeless takeaways
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Rasmus Hougaard: Technology Is NUMBING Your Soul | AI Can Make You Human
11/07/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Rasmus Hougaard: Technology Is NUMBING Your Soul | AI Can Make You Human
Technology is numbing your soul and hollowing out humanity. Rasmus Hougaard reveals the crisis of purpose, why we're pacified by tech, and how AI can paradoxically make leaders MORE human through intentionality. The uncomfortable truth: Technology has taken over our lives, feeding us content we don't need but that satisfies surface hunger. We're pacified when we should be protesting. People don't stand up for what matters because technology has numbed our curiosity and ability to ask questions. The paradox: While technology dulls us, AI can actually make us MORE human if we use it with intention. The real question isn't: "What can AI do to enhance our productivity?" We're productive enough. The world is still growing while we're literally killing ourselves by heating up the planet. We don't need MORE productivity. The real question is: "How can AI enhance our humanness, our humanity, and our decision-making?" Rasmus's example: He spent 3 months training ChatGPT with his life story, career path, leadership principles, values, and psychometrics of his team. Before difficult conversations, he asks AI: "How do I come across as caring and respectful?" The result? "AI is better. Period. Full stop." AI has better ability to prescribe empathetic conversations than even leadership experts who've devoted their lives to caring leadership. The choice: AI can be an incredible force for good or for everything that is not good. It's up to each individual to choose how we engage with AI. Most people use AI for: Food recipes Travel advice Quick productivity hacks Leaders who will thrive use AI to: Amplify their purpose Turn intentions into right actions Become human conduits of connection and growth Make better decisions with heart This isn't about prompt engineering. This is about looking inward: What's purposeful? What's meaningful? What impact can I have? How can I use AI as an amplifier for that purpose? About Rasmus Hougaard: CEO of Potential Project, bestselling author of "More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead," "The Mind of the Leader," and "Compassionate Leadership." Full Episode: [Link] About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Subscribe: 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎵 Spotify: #AILeadership #ChatGPT #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #BusinessLeadership #AItools #ScaleWithPurpose #RasmusHougaard #Shorts
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[ScaleX Bite-Size] Rasmus Hougaard: 70% of leaders will be UNQUALIFIED
11/07/2025
[ScaleX Bite-Size] Rasmus Hougaard: 70% of leaders will be UNQUALIFIED
70% of leaders will be UNQUALIFIED to lead in a few years if they don't learn to work with AI. Rasmus Hougaard reveals 95% of AI investments fail because leaders lack 3 human qualities, not technical skills. Paul Doherty, Chief AI Officer of Accenture (world's biggest tech firm), says companies are buying high-end Ferraris without drivers qualified to operate them. The brutal breakdown: 24% of leaders are humanly unqualified for the future 60% need significant upgrades but have potential 16% are ready (vast majority are women) This means 84% of current leaders (70% when rounded) won't make it without developing these qualities. The 3 critical qualities: Awareness - setting context, not just content Wisdom - asking the right questions Compassion - leading with heart This isn't about prompt engineering or technical skills. It's about human qualities. Ask ChatGPT: "Give me five prompts on how to prompt well" - AI will teach you AI. But AI can't teach you awareness, wisdom, or compassion. Why 95% of AI investments fail: Companies buy the technology but people aren't qualified to use it. They're missing the human qualities that allow them to set context, ask right questions, and lead with heart. The future: AI will respond to emails and attend meetings. Human connection is being stripped away. Leaders who develop these human qualities will thrive. The 70% who don't will be unqualified. About Rasmus Hougaard: CEO of Potential Project, bestselling author of "More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead," "The Mind of the Leader," and "Compassionate Leadership." Full Episode: [Link] About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: Subscribe: 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎵 Spotify:
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Rasmus Hougaard: Why Leaders Who Ignore AI Will Fail
11/05/2025
Rasmus Hougaard: Why Leaders Who Ignore AI Will Fail
In this episode of the ScaleX™ Insider podcast, Brendan McGurgan sits down with Rasmus Hougaard — founder and CEO of Potential Project, Thinkers 50-nominated leadership expert, and author of Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way and More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025). Rasmus joins the show to explore what it truly means to scale leadership with purpose, why human qualities are more important than technical skills in the age of AI, and how leaders can intentionally use technology to become more aware, wise, and compassionate. We dive deep into: What scaling leadership with purpose really means in 2025 Why 24% of today’s leaders are unqualified for future challenges without developing awareness, wisdom, and compassion How AI can be leveraged as a tool to amplify human qualities, not replace them Practical strategies for training AI to reflect your values, guide decision-making, and act as a “360° coach” How curiosity, deep questioning, and a beginner’s mind enhance wisdom and leadership impact The importance of slowing down through meditation, reflection, and breathwork to lead effectively Rasmus also shares powerful examples of leaders using AI to strengthen human connection, challenge biases, and make more intentional, impactful decisions. 👉 Tune in to hear how purpose, human qualities, and intentional AI use can transform the way you lead people, organizations, and yourself. 📌 Connect with Rasmus Hougaard: LinkedIn: Books: More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way. Ras The Mind of the Leader: How to Lead Yourself, Your People, and Your Organization for Extraordinary Results About Simple Scaling & ScaleX™ Insider Podcast 🧭 About Simple Scaling & ScaleX™ Insider Podcast: ScaleX™ helps SME leaders scale with purpose using the proven ScaleX™ Framework. Hosted by Brendan McGurgan, the ScaleX™ Insider Podcast shares insights from top entrepreneurs and business thinkers. If you’re an SME leader looking for a proven plan to scale, here are two ways to work with us: 👉 Join the Northern Ireland ScaleX Accelerator Programme (2026) For CEOs, founders & MDs of SMEs (£2m–30m revenue) ready to scale leadership, teams, and value. Join the waitlist: 👉 Join ScaleX Elevate (£750k–2m businesses) A digital learning community with weekly training, support, and expert sessions — designed to give you a roadmap to 2x your revenue and talent within 2 years. Register your interest: #LeadershipImpact #MultipliersMindset #ScaleUpSuccess #SimpleScaling #SMEGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership
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