In this episode, Michael welcomes Sam Goodner, a technology entrepreneur with deep roots in Switzerland and author of Like Clockwork. Their conversation explores how military principles of discipline, structure, and mission alignment can transform business operations and leadership effectiveness. Military Principles in Business Operations Sam explains how his military background influenced his approach to business, leading him to embed mission focus, accountability, and operational discipline across his organizations. Michael relates these principles to the modern workplace, emphasizing how veterans bring transferable skills like adaptability, teamwork, and strategic focus. Together, they discuss how clear objectives and consistent structure can enhance performance and prevent costly operational breakdowns. Enhancing Employee Onboarding Strategies Sam highlights the value of comprehensive onboarding through a “boot camp” model that ensures new hires align with company values and understand the organization’s history, mission, and goals. Drawing from his experience at Catapult Systems, he explains how a 2–4 day onboarding program involving senior leadership created a strong sense of belonging and reduced turnover. Michael reinforces the idea that intentional onboarding fosters loyalty and builds resilient organizational cultures that withstand growth and change. Leadership in the IT Industry Both Sam and Michael share stories from their experiences in the IT industry, reflecting on how strong leadership and people-first cultures drive long-term success. Michael recalls his early experiences at a dot-com startup and the impact of global hiring through the H-1B visa program. Sam adds that one of his greatest rewards has been seeing former employees succeed and maintain lasting friendships—a testament to positive leadership’s enduring impact. Customer Service Excellence and the 60 Golden Rules Sam recounts developing the “60 Golden Rules of Customer Service” while leading Catapult Systems. These principles were designed to guide new employees through common challenges and establish high standards across departments. Compiled into a handbook, the rules became a foundational tool for maintaining consistent customer excellence. Sam’s book, Like Clockwork, expands on these principles and includes the 60 Golden Rules as an appendix. The book is available on Amazon for readers interested in applying military precision and structured thinking to their own business practices. Closing Reflection: Michael and Sam close the conversation by reaffirming that success in business often depends on discipline, clear communication, and consistent values—principles that remain timeless whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom. Listen to more conversations on leadership, resilience, and organizational excellence at BreakfastLeadership.com/blog. Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision Ever wish your business could run like a finely tuned Swiss timepiece — predictable, precise, and profitable, even when you’re not in the room? In Like Clockwork, serial entrepreneur and former Swiss Army officer Sam Goodner shares the exact systems and strategies that helped him scale multimillion-dollar companies and lead them to lasting success. Drawing on lessons from both the boardroom and the elite Swiss Mountain Grenadiers, Sam shows leaders how to replace chaos with clarity, align teams with purpose, and build processes that keep your business thriving year after year. From operational excellence to leadership discipline, Sam delivers a masterclass in creating organizations that run smoothly, scale effectively, and outlast any single leader’s tenure. Sam Goodner is no stranger to high stakes and high performance. As founder of Catapult Systems, he turned it into the world’s leading Microsoft Systems Integrator. Later, he helped scale FlashParking into the largest parking technology company globally. A Swiss-American dual citizen, angel investor, and mentor, Sam now dedicates his time to guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs at SamGoodner.com. If you’re a business owner, executive, or aspiring leader ready to trade unpredictability for precision, this episode is your blueprint.
