146 episodes

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.

ScaleX™ Insider Podcast Brendan McGurgan

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

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.

    Miranda Lievers: Thinkific - How to build a Billion Dollar Unicorn

    Miranda Lievers: Thinkific - How to build a Billion Dollar Unicorn

    In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with Miranda Lievers, Co-Founder of Thinkific. We talked about a range of topics including, what you know about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Miranda’s autism journey, three tips for business success, why you need to enjoy the journey in business, why you need to be cautious about innovation, Miranda’s journey from lemonade stand to billion dollar Unicorn, why you need a vision, purpose and plan to be successful, the true meaning of success, the differences between a start-up and scale up. why autism is the unsung superpower and so much more…
    About Miranda
    Joining us today is Miranda Lievers, the dynamic Co-Founder of Thinkific who led the company to a remarkable milestone in 2021 by taking it public with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Miranda has played a pivotal role in helping over 50,000 businesses and educating more than 100 million students worldwide through Thinkific. Beyond her tech endeavours, she's a devoted angel investor and mentor for women in business, advocating for the growth of small enterprises while fostering a sense of community. Miranda's diverse journey has seen her not only in the world of business leadership but also in pursuits like beekeeping and even indie film production. As a mom to two remarkable kids, she brings a wealth of experiences and insights to our podcast.
    Contact Miranda: 
    Website: www.mirandalievers.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandalievers/  
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 
    Contact Simple Scaling: 
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Jason Lippert: Why you need to prioritise culture for business growth.

    Jason Lippert: Why you need to prioritise culture for business growth.

    In this episode of the ScaleX Insider podcast, Jason Lippert, President and CEO of LCII Industries, shares his insights on why you need to prioritise culture for business growth. Throughout the conversation with Jason Lippert, a wide range of topics were covered that can make or break your business journey. From the importance of choosing the right values for your business to navigating the traps inherent in running a family business, we explore the intricacies of building a successful enterprise. Discover why people quit and how old habits contribute to creating a thriving company culture. Learn why finding purpose in your work is crucial and how listening can foster trust in business relationships. We also discuss the significance of setting goals and engaging an accountability partner to stay on track. Finally, we delve into the metrics needed to measure the effectiveness of your cultural initiatives and so much more…
    About Jason Lippert:
    Jason Lippert's journey from Management Trainee to President and CEO of LCII Industries exemplifies dedication and leadership. With a focus on teamwork and community improvement, Jason has propelled LCII to unparalleled growth, expanding its presence across various industries. His commitment to scaling with purpose has transformed LCII into a global leader, with a workforce of over 15,000 individuals.
    With nearly three decades of experience at LCII, Jason has played a pivotal role in the company's expansion, leading it to operate over 140 facilities worldwide. Under his visionary leadership, LCII's revenue has surged from $100 million to an impressive $5 billion annually. Jason's commitment to fostering a positive corporate culture centered on teamwork and trust has been instrumental in driving LCII's success.
    Today, Jason will share his insights that will challenge and guide business leaders toward success. So, stay with us as we dive into the conversation with Jason Lippert. Welcome, Jason.
    Contact Jason:
    Website: https://investors.lci1.com/governance/board-of-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=dd1d08a2-90df-4bc1-9e04-e689fffde34c
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lippert/
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-
    Contact Simple Scaling:
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling
     

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Sean Swarner - Fighting for your life to achieve the impossible, from beating Stage 4 Cancer to scaling Everest

    Sean Swarner - Fighting for your life to achieve the impossible, from beating Stage 4 Cancer to scaling Everest

    In this episode of the ScaleX Insider podcast, we embark on an inspiring journey with Sean Swarner, a remarkable example of resilience. As a two-time survivor of stage 4 cancer, Sean shares insights into his battle with cancer, alongside his triumphs in conquering monumental challenges like scaling Mount Everest. Throughout this insightful conversation, Sean, a seasoned mountaineer and motivational speaker, imparts invaluable wisdom on personal growth, leadership, and goal setting. Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and empowerment, he urges listeners to prioritise self-care, strive for excellence, and seize each day to its fullest potential. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, from cultivating a positive mindset and practicing gratitude to practical strategies for combating negative thoughts, prioritizing rest and recovery, and maximizing productivity, this episode offers a wealth of transformative insights.
    Join us as we delve deep into Sean Swarner's journey and uncover the keys to living a fulfilling life.
    About Sean Swarner:
    Joining us today is Sean Swarner, a living testament to resilience. Given only 14 days to live, Sean emerged as the first cancer survivor to stand atop Everest, accomplishing what many deemed impossible. His journey didn't stop there; he went on to scale all seven continents' peaks, ski to both Poles, and conquer the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. Beyond these incredible milestones, Sean founded The Cancer Climber Association, providing hope and support to those battling cancer. He penned the inspiring book "BECOMING UNSTOPPABLE: Conquering Your Everest" and is a sought-after speaker, spreading his powerful message of defying odds worldwide.
    In addition to his remarkable achievements, Sean Swarner extends his impact through philanthropy, collaborating with local artists in Moshi, Tanzania, to support their community, which heavily relies on tourism for its income. Furthermore, Sean is actively involved with Origins Accessories, CancerClimber Association, and I Believe in You, three mission-driven organizations dedicated to making a difference. 
    Today, Sean will share his journey and insights, challenging and inspiring listeners to defy the odds and embrace the power of resilience. So, stay tuned as we delve into the conversation with Sean Swarner. Welcome, Sean.
    Contact  Sean:
    Website: https://www.seanswarner.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanswarner/
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-
    Contact Simple Scaling:
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling
     

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Alexandra Watkins - Is your brand name sabotaging your business?

    Alexandra Watkins - Is your brand name sabotaging your business?

    In this episode, I had a captivating conversation with Alexandra Watkins, Brand Name Expert and the Chief Executive Boss Lady of Eat My Words. Alexandra's breakthrough creativity book, "Hello, My Name is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick," serves as the brand name Bible and was acclaimed as a Top 10 Marketing Book by Inc. Magazine. We delved into a wide array of topics, including the common mistakes to avoid in branding, essential tips for crafting a memorable brand name, the importance of forging emotional connections through brand names, the revelation of Mr. Beast's real name, the key ingredients of a remarkable brand name, and the crucial starting point in the rebranding process, among many others.
    About Alexandra Watkins:
    For nearly two decades, Alexandra and Eat My Words have been the go-to experts for creating love-at-first-sight brand names, with clients ranging from household names like Amazon to industry giants like Xerox. Her impressive portfolio boasts iconic names such as the Wendy’s Baconator, the Neato robotic vacuum, and the Church of Cupcakes. One of her recent triumphs includes naming Plenty, a vertical farming company recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Companies by Time Magazine.
    Alexandra's journey into the realm of naming began when Gap entrusted her to develop names for their debut line of body care products. She then leveraged her unconventional naming style to secure a position at Landor via a Match.com date, kickstarting her illustrious career in branding and naming. This eventually led her to establish Eat My Words, where she has generated thousands of names across various industries, from snacks to software.
    Beyond her prolific career, Alexandra is a sought-after speaker known for her engaging presentation "How Not to Nayme Your Startup." She has graced stages at prominent conferences including Startup Grind, Endeavor, and Collision, as well as esteemed academic institutions such as Stanford University and UC Berkeley.
    Join us as Alexandra shares her invaluable insights on mastering brand naming, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating brand names that resonate with audiences worldwide.
    Contact Alexandra:
    Website: https://eatmywords.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrawatkins/
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-
    Contact Simple Scaling:
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling
     

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Bob Burg - Why giving more can mean more profits

    Bob Burg - Why giving more can mean more profits

    In this episode of the ScaleX Insider podcast, I had a fascinating conversation with our guest, Bob Burg. In today's show Bob shares invaluable insights on why giving more can mean more profits. unlock the power of giving and receiving in business, boost your business success by generously giving, tap into the power of authenticity in business, unlocking the five key elements of business value, unleashing success with the go giver mindset, discover how serving others makes the best leaders, utilising the power of generosity to boost your business, unlocking the secrets of becoming a go giver.
    About Bob Burg:
    Our guest, Bob Burg, is a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker renowned for his expertise in Referrals, Relationship Building, and Genuine Influence. As the coauthor of the international bestseller, "The Go-Giver," and the founder of The Go-Giver Success Alliance, Bob brings over 30 years of experience helping companies and sales leaders communicate value effectively, sell at higher prices, and grow through Endless Referrals. His insights have reached audiences of all sizes, including notable figures such as top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes, and a former United States President. Bob's advocacy for the Free Enterprise system underscores his belief that financial success is proportional to how many people one serves. Additionally, his passion for animal welfare extends to serving on the Board of Directors of Furry Friends Adoption and Clinic in his hometown of Jupiter, Florida.
    Today, Bob will share his invaluable insights on achieving success. So, stay with us as we dive into the conversation with Bob Burg. Welcome, Bob.
    Contact Bob:
    Website: https://burg.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobburg/
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-
    Contact Simple Scaling:
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling
     

    • 48 min
    Russ Laraway - When They Win, You Win - Being a Great Manager is Simpler Than You Think

    Russ Laraway - When They Win, You Win - Being a Great Manager is Simpler Than You Think

    In this episode of the ScaleX Insider podcast, we dive into a captivating conversation with Russ Laraway, Operating Partner at Goodwater Capital, at Goodwater Capital, former leader at tech giants Google, Twitter, and Qualtrics, Radical Candor co-founder and former US Marine Corps company. In today's conversation Russ and I discuss, his book 'When They Win, You Win - Being a Great Manager is Simpler Than You Think', when they win you win, what you need to do if your internal narrative tells you 'I am not good at this', why without purpose your dream has nothing, the power of leading by example, the power of purpose when managing a team, how to unleash your inner manager, driving team success with powerful coaching, dealing with defensive reactions, creating a next job vision for your team not a natural born leader, the uselessness of comparisons, and why being too helpful as a boss is one thing your team won't complain about.
    About Russ:
    Russ Laraway's journey from US Marine Corps company commander to corporate executive and entrepreneur exemplifies his commitment to empowering individuals to excel in their work. With extensive experience in organizational development and leadership, Russ brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His dedication to fostering world-class teams and sharing insights through his book, "When They Win, You Win," makes him a sought-after thought leader in the business world.
    Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Russ Laraway, where he shares timeless wisdom and actionable strategies for leaders navigating the complexities of growth and purpose in today's dynamic business landscape. Welcome, Russ.
    Contact Russ:
    Website: https://www.whentheywinyouwin.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russlaraway/
    About the Host, Brendan McGurgan
    Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible.
    Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling:
    Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-
    Contact Simple Scaling:
    https://linktr.ee/simplescaling

    • 1 hr 13 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

ClareOSMc ,

Decades of experience condensed into 60 mins

The range of contributors topics and perspectives I can access on these podcast series would rival the world’s leading business schools.

PlinkyPlop ,

Really insightful and professional

I worked with Brendan and was fortunate enough to witness a small part of his business journey and to have this level of insight and experience showcased with such interesting views on business and leadership is really invaluable. Well done putting this together Brendan and Claire and all the team at Simple Scaling 👏

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