Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

Bill Gallagher
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Do you dream of an easier way to scale and grow your business? Do you wish you didn’t have to work so hard and put in as many hours? Do you find growth too slow, or hard to sustain? This podcast—Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher—can help you achieve and maintain the growth you want. A message from your host: “I’ve been in your shoes as a founder, CEO, and executive leader. I’ve coached and trained many leaders just like you over more than 15 years to grow their businesses successfully and profitably. But more than that, I’ve helped give them their time and sanity back. My core strength is making the growth process easier, faster, and way more fun.” A dynamic thought leader, Bill talks with fascinating and brilliant guests each week, including visionary CEOs, trailblazing entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, renowned business strategists, and more. Broadly, each episode focuses on one of the four major decision areas every entrepreneur and company must get right: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. More specifically, the show explores topics such as: * Business Growth & Scaling. * Customer Experience & Marketing. * Innovation & Differentiation. * Leadership Development. * Delegation & Accountability. * Vision & Strategy. * Team Dynamics. * Hiring & Talent Management. * Company Culture. * Employee Engagement. * Crisis Management. * Effective Communication. * Influence & Persuasion. * Business Strategies. Running a business is ultimately about freedom. Subscribe to this podcast to learn how leaders like you can get your organizations moving in sync, create something significant, and still enjoy the ride. Subscribe if you want to elevate your business to unprecedented heights by tuning in to a masterclass in business excellence. For information on Bill Gallagher’s coaching and training programs, and Scaling Up Workshops, visit www.ScalingCoach.com

  1. 1D AGO

    Less Sail, More Speed

    I learned the most important lesson about leadership on a small sailboat in San Francisco Bay. Overpowered and fighting the tiller in a building westerly, an older skipper said five words: "Put in a reef." We reduced sail. The boat flattened, the helm went neutral, and we locked into a clean groove. Less canvas, more speed. That's the thesis of my book Busy Is Broken, and this is a solo episode where I walk through the ideas, stories, and data that can change how you lead and how you live. In this episode: the sailboat metaphor for leadership, why your effort might be the bottleneck, and the three shifts every scaling leader needs to make. This week's invitation: find one meeting you can cancel tomorrow. One decision you can hand off. One hour reclaimed for something important — not just urgent. Key Takeaways: An overpowered boat heels, drags its hull sideways, and the rudder fights you. The fix is counterintuitive: reduce sail, balance the boat, let the wind do the work.The three shifts: micromanagement to empowerment, superhero identity to self-awareness, always-on to rest and recovery.This is episode one of thirteen — a solo series from Bill's book, Busy Is Broken. Links: Book: Busy Is Broken by Bill Gallagher (coming August 2026)Podcast: The Scaling Up Podcast — scalingcoach.comBill Gallagher: scalingcoach.com Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

    13 min
  2. Thriving in a World of Constant Change with Fred Marshall

    MAR 18

    Thriving in a World of Constant Change with Fred Marshall

    How do you succeed in a world that demands your attention 24/7 ? In this episode, Bill Gallagher sits down with Fred Marshall, CEO, investor, and author of Thrive: The Antidote to Future Shock, to explore how to navigate anxiety, information overload, and rapid change. Fred shares practical ways to restore your attention, simplify your life, and build a meaningful future using intentional habits. (06:13) Why We’re All Feeling Overwhelmed *We’re living in an age of constant input. *The average person checks their phone dozens of times a day, fragmenting focus. *This makes it difficult to think deeply, build meaningful work, or feel in control of your life. (16:04) When Change Outpaces Our Ability to Adapt *Future shock happens when the pace of change exceeds our ability to process it. *Technology, economics, and social systems are shifting from linear to exponential growth. *This creates anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of constantly “falling behind.” (21:01) Take Back Control *Instead of stressing about global uncertainty, focus on what’s within your control. *Build a weekly rhythm of small, consistent actions toward your desired future. *Choosing where to invest your time and energy is the antidote to overwhelm. (25:20) Shift from Consumption to Creation *Most people are stuck consuming content instead of creating value. *Endless scrolling leads to distraction, anxiety, and lack of meaning. *Creating, whether in business, relationships, or personal growth; builds fulfillment and momentum. Thanks to Fred Marshall for being on the show! Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredric-marshall-1984bb/ Learn more about his work: https://thrivefutureyou.com/ Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20

    48 min
  3. Staying Centered When Everything Is Coming at You

    MAR 11

    Staying Centered When Everything Is Coming at You

    What do you do when everything is falling apart? Bill shares how meditation, breathwork, and simple daily practices have helped him manage focus and maintain clarity; even when everything feels like it’s happening all at once. He reflects on how small habits at the beginning and end of the day can shape your mindset, and why learning to manage your attention is one of the most important leadership skills today. Topics explored in this episode: (01:31) Meditation as a Leadership Tool *Bill shares that he began learning meditation as a child and still practices it today. *Meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork help calm the “crazy brain” and restore focus. *These practices create space to reconnect with what truly matters. (06:14) Managing Attention in the Age of Notifications *Turning off alerts helps, but the deeper skill is learning not to react to every interruption. *The real challenge is managing your own attention, not just managing technology. *Mindfulness practices help leaders return their focus to what matters most. (08:52) How You Start and End the Day Shapes Everything *The way you close one day often determines how the next day begins. *Morning routines that include reflection, stillness, or movement can dramatically improve focus. *Small shifts in daily habits can create lasting changes in clarity and energy. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

    14 min
  4. The Systems That Make Small Businesses Valuable with Phil Risher

    MAR 4

    The Systems That Make Small Businesses Valuable with Phil Risher

    What makes a small business attractive to buyers? In this episode, Bill Gallagher sits down with Phil Risher, founder of Flash Consulting, to unpack how service businesses can grow quickly and become attractive acquisition targets. Phil shares how he helped scale a home service company from $2.7M to $5M and sell it within two years by focusing on marketing systems, data, and repeatable customer acquisition. They explore why recurring revenue, strong margins, and systems that remove the owner from operations dramatically increase company value Topics explored in this episode: (05:47) You Don’t Need a $10M Business to Sell *Many founders believe they must reach $10M in revenue before selling. *But smaller companies can still sell for strong valuations. *Bill shares an example of a company under $4M in revenue selling for around $21M. (18:20) Why Most Service Businesses Lose Leads *Many companies lose potential customers simply because they fail to follow up. *If someone fills out a form or calls but doesn’t answer the first callback, the lead often disappears. *A simple system of texts, emails, and follow-up outreach dramatically improves conversion rates. (33:03) The “Key Person Risk” That Kills Business Sales *One of the biggest obstacles to selling a company is owner dependence. *If the owner is the primary salesperson or operator, buyers see risk. *Building a professional sales team and documented processes increases valuation. (36:50) Systems Turn a Job Into a Sellable Company *A business becomes valuable when it runs on systems instead of the founder. *Marketing, sales intake, follow-up, and operations must be documented. *When the owner steps back and the company still grows, buyers become interested. Thanks to Phil Risher for being on the show! Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philrisher Learn more about his work: https://phlashconsulting.com/about-phlash-consulting/ Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

    44 min
  5. This Leadership Habit That’s Shrinking Your Company

    FEB 25

    This Leadership Habit That’s Shrinking Your Company

    Are you growing your company or are you keeping it small by being the hero? In this solo episode, Bill unpacks the hidden addiction leaders have to being needed; constantly jumping in, solving problems, and staying essential to everything. While this mindset may help you start a company, it will quietly sabotage your ability to scale it. Topics explored in this episode: (00:03) The Fastest Way to Stay Small *Staying essential to everything keeps your company small *Jumping in to solve every problem prevents team growth *Being the hero steals others’ opportunity to level up (03:31) The Addiction to Being Needed *Leaders often love being the hero and solving problems *Hero mindset requires “victims”, which creates weak and dependent teams *Real leadership means developing problem-solvers, not being the problem-solver (09:19) Practical Delegation Shift *Before solving a task, ask: Who should own this? *Assign work based on others’ strengths and pride points *Even imperfect recognition builds trust and engagement *Speak specifically to why someone is right for the challenge Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20

    12 min
  6. AI Will Expose How You Think with Geoff Woods

    FEB 18

    AI Will Expose How You Think with Geoff Woods

    Is the end really nigh? Will AI replace you? In this episode, Bill sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, to unpack what actually separates leaders who dabble in AI from those who use it to transform decision-making. They explore why AI adoption fails when leaders treat it like a productivity hack instead of a strategic thought partner. Geoff introduces the CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) and explains why the quality of your input determines the quality of your output. Topics explored in this episode: (05:50) Strategy First, Technology Second *AI adoption should never be the goal, business strategy is the goal. *AI can either accelerate your objectives or distract you from them. *The difference isn’t the tech, it’s the leader using it. (14:55) The CRIT Framework for Better AI Thinking *Garbage in --> garbage out. Rich context determines quality output. *Have AI interview you one question at a time to deepen clarity. *Ask for “top 3 high-impact, non-obvious strategies” and not generic answers. (18:55) The First Output Is Always the Worst Output *AI’s first answer is just a draft and never the final product. *Give feedback: what you like, dislike, and want changed. *Switch personas (e.g., challenger, ideal customer, board member) to pressure-test ideas. *AI improves through iteration, just like strategic thinking does. (37:25) AI as a Strategic Question Engine *A CEO facing bankruptcy used CRIT to consult AI as a debt restructuring expert. *AI asked sharper questions than he had considered; uncovering hidden leverage. *Within minutes, it generated a “non-obvious” strategy that restored hope. Thanks to Geoff Woods for being on the show! Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoff-woods-8534774 Learn more about his work: https://www.aileadership.com/ Get his book: The Ai-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions – https://www.aileadership.com/book Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

    50 min
  7. How Leaders Should Actually Use AI

    FEB 11

    How Leaders Should Actually Use AI

    In a world of instant output, what makes your insight stand out? Bill Gallagher explores the mindset shift every leader needs to make when using AI tools. While executives are often excited, teams on the ground are nervous--and with good reason. But AI isn’t here to replace your thinking; it’s here to amplify it. In this episode, Bill breaks down how to stay ahead of the curve without falling into the trap of automation overwhelm. Topics explored in this episode: (00:02) AI Is an Amplifier, Not a Replacement *Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc., are here to scale and amplify you, not replace you. *The biggest mistake is seeing AI as either a threat or a total replacement for human contribution. *Traditional research (library, citations, cross-referencing) was extremely time-consuming. (02:48) Human Wisdom Is the Differentiator *Let AI draft, format, analyze, summarize. *But judgment, insight, and strategic calls remain human responsibilities. *AI output is often a starting point, but it is not the final answer. (06:32) Leaders Are Excited, but Teams Are Nervous *CEOs and execs tend to be excited. *Teams often fear being replaced and falling behind. *Leaders must normalize learning and experimentation. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

    13 min
  8. Sell the Mission, Not the Product with Dan Grech

    FEB 4

    Sell the Mission, Not the Product with Dan Grech

    What story are you really telling; and is anyone listening? In this episode, Bill Gallagher is joined by Dan Grech, storyteller, strategist, and founder of BizHack Academy, to unpack the real reason most small businesses struggle: they skip the story and jump straight to the sell. Dan shares how storytelling builds emotional connection, why most entrepreneurs fail to clarify their message, and how safe spaces for vulnerability unlock real transformation. From strategy to execution, this conversation will help you rethink how you communicate, connect, and lead. Topics explored in this episode: (03:30) The Power of Storytelling in Business *Emphasis on emotional storytelling and the “why” behind a brand *Dan talks about how stories humanize a brand and build authentic connection. *He highlights the idea of ‘heart’ in storytelling (11:45) Teaching Strategy + Tactics *Dan explains the importance of combining big-picture strategy with technical execution *Discusses how people often jump into tactics without clarifying their message or audience *You can’t out-hustle a bad strategy (17:15) Why Most Small Businesses Struggle *Many don’t know how to tell their story *They try to mimic big brands, but it backfires *Small businesses must: sell the mission, not the product. (55:10) Creating Safe Space for Vulnerability *The best coaching relationships allow founders to admit fears, doubts, and confusion *Dan believes real transformation happens when people are seen and heard first *The most powerful thing we can do is sit with someone in their story and not try to fix it. Thanks to Dan Grech for being on the show! Dan’s website: https://dangrech.com/ & https://bizhack.com/ Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrech Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ Mentioned in this episode: Q20 Diagnostic Offer Stuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20 Busy is Broken book Our new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com

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About

Do you dream of an easier way to scale and grow your business? Do you wish you didn’t have to work so hard and put in as many hours? Do you find growth too slow, or hard to sustain? This podcast—Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher—can help you achieve and maintain the growth you want. A message from your host: “I’ve been in your shoes as a founder, CEO, and executive leader. I’ve coached and trained many leaders just like you over more than 15 years to grow their businesses successfully and profitably. But more than that, I’ve helped give them their time and sanity back. My core strength is making the growth process easier, faster, and way more fun.” A dynamic thought leader, Bill talks with fascinating and brilliant guests each week, including visionary CEOs, trailblazing entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, renowned business strategists, and more. Broadly, each episode focuses on one of the four major decision areas every entrepreneur and company must get right: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. More specifically, the show explores topics such as: * Business Growth & Scaling. * Customer Experience & Marketing. * Innovation & Differentiation. * Leadership Development. * Delegation & Accountability. * Vision & Strategy. * Team Dynamics. * Hiring & Talent Management. * Company Culture. * Employee Engagement. * Crisis Management. * Effective Communication. * Influence & Persuasion. * Business Strategies. Running a business is ultimately about freedom. Subscribe to this podcast to learn how leaders like you can get your organizations moving in sync, create something significant, and still enjoy the ride. Subscribe if you want to elevate your business to unprecedented heights by tuning in to a masterclass in business excellence. For information on Bill Gallagher’s coaching and training programs, and Scaling Up Workshops, visit www.ScalingCoach.com

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