The Impact Multiplier CEO | Leadership and CEO Evolution for Scaling Businesses

Richard Medcalf | CEO Strategic Leadership & CEO Transformation Expert
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship

As a CEO, you’ve demonstrated your ability to solve complex problems and achieve extraordinary results. You've skills, resources and experience. But you have the potential for even greater impact and a more satisfying legacy. What will it take to multiply your positive impact - in the business, for your people, and in the world at large? Join Richard Medcalf, Founder of Xquadrant, and high-impact CEOs from some of the world’s most exciting firms - for a perspective-shifting conversation at the intersection of strategy, leadership and purpose. You’ll learn from how they think and how they lead when the stakes rise. And you’ll discover the hidden sources of leadership leverage that take them to their next level, and will take you to yours. Richard Medcalf, founder of Xquadrant, CEO coach, and author of Making TIME For Strategy and The 10X Reckoning, has advised founders and CEOs of scaling businesses for over 20 years – from disruptive scale-ups to billion-dollar corporations – on CEO leadership, CEO transformation, and executive team development. The show helps founders and CEOs strengthen their CEO leadership, accelerate CEO evolution, and build businesses that can scale without becoming dependent on the founder. Episodes explore founder & CEO leadership, CEO transformation, CEO accountability, executive team ownership, vision execution, strategic execution, strategic leadership, strategic decision making, leadership leverage, founder bottlenecks, CEO bottlenecks, scaling culture, CEO evolution, business plateaus, and the defining decisions behind extraordinary companies. You'll also discover Richard's practical frameworks for CEO transformation: Leadership Leverage, Leadership Constraints, The Defining Move, The 10X Reckoning, and other ideas that help founders and CEOs evolve to lead organisations that scale faster than their own personal capacity. Questions we explore include: How do you break the founder/CEO bottleneck? What creates leadership leverage? How do you build executive team ownership and accountability? Why do leadership teams struggle with strategic execution? How do you create a scaling culture? How do you build an accountability culture? How do you scale without becoming the centre of every important decision? What separates CEOs who hit a business plateau from CEOs who create extraordinary businesses? What does CEO evolution entail? When is it time to make a defining move? How does CEO transformation drive business growth? If you're building a scaling business and believe your next breakthrough depends on your own CEO evolution, not simply better strategic decision making, you'll feel at home here. Popular Episode Topics Include: CEO Leadership, CEO Transformation, CEO Accountability, Executive Team Ownership, Founder Bottleneck, CEO Operating System, Vision Execution, Vision Execution Gap, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Decision Making, Scaling Culture, Accountability Culture, Leadership Leverage, Organisational Leverage, Business Plateau, Scaling a Business Without Burnout, and CEO Evolution.

  1. 4d ago

    The 10X Reckoning Audiobook – start here

    What if your life's greatest work isn't behind you, but still waiting to be created? Over the next few episodes, Richard Medcalf is releasing the complete audiobook of The 10X Reckoning, free on this podcast. Written for founders and CEOs who have already achieved extraordinary success, this audiobook explores the hidden CEO leadership challenges that emerge after you've "made it" and asks a simple but confronting question: are you truly done, or is your greatest contribution still ahead of you? Across the series, you'll discover why so many successful leaders become trapped by their own success, how to escape the golden prison of day-to-day operations, build a leadership team that can scale without you, reignite your energy and conviction, and make the defining moves that multiply your impact without multiplying your stress. Each chapter combines real stories, practical coaching and powerful questions designed to help you confront your own 10X Reckoning and step into the leader your next chapter demands. Whether you're feeling stuck in the weeds, playing too safe with your biggest vision, or simply know you're capable of much more, I hope these chapters challenge you, encourage you and help you create your life's greatest work. Resources📒 Get the book: The 10X Reckoning https://xquadrant.com/reckoning Explore more episodes and resources for founders and CEOs at: https://xquadrant.com/podcast The 10X Reckoning is Richard Medcalf's guide for founders and CEOs who believe their greatest contribution still lies ahead. Across this audiobook, Richard explores CEO leadership, CEO evolution, executive team ownership, leadership leverage, CEO transformation and the defining decisions that help successful founders and CEOs make the quantum leap to create their life's greatest work. Richard Medcalf is founder of Xquadrant, CEO coach, and author of Making TIME For Strategy and The 10X Reckoning.

  2. 06/19/2025

    Creating 100,000 change-makers (Etienne Salborn, SINA)

    What if the solution to global poverty wasn’t more aid, but more entrepreneurs? In this episode, Richard Medcalf speaks with Etienne Salborn, founder of the Social Innovation Academy (SINA), a transformative movement turning refugees, orphans, and disadvantaged youth into social entrepreneurs. From a single project in Uganda to 19 communities across Africa, Etienne’s work is redefining education, leadership, and impact—by creating “change-maker makers.” In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why the traditional aid model often fails—and how SINA’s “free responsibility” philosophy rewrites the rulesHow a traumatised youth can transform into a powerful leader of a thriving enterpriseThe radical initiation that helps people shed limiting beliefs and reclaim their agencyHow to scale leadership without centralised control—so movements grow like forests, not factoriesWhat most leaders miss about building others who can lead without you For anyone who wants to multiply leaders and leave a legacy that lasts, this one’s essential listening. Resources/sources mentioned: SINA: GoogleHome - SINA (Social Innovation Academy) Home - SINA (Social Innovation Academy) The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Join the Crucible (https://xquadrant.com/crucible), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/etienne-salborn

  3. 06/12/2025

    Hard-won truths on leading transformation (Mike Ettling, former CEO of Unit4)

    What if your biggest leadership challenge wasn’t strategy, but self-doubt?  In this episode, Richard Medcalf speaks with Mike Ettling, who recently stepped down as CEO of Unit4 after a transformative six-year tenure. Mike led the company through a complete business model overhaul—from a fragmented, on-premise software provider to a unified, cloud-first organisation. Along the way, he navigated culture shifts, private equity pressures, and the internal doubts that come with playing at the highest level. Now in his new role as a chairman and mentor to CEOs, Mike reflects on what it really takes to lead and multiply impact. In this conversation, you’ll learn:  Why hiring for hardship and failure stories beats CV credentialsHow to manage self-doubt when you're surrounded by brilliant peopleWhat really breaks a transformation (hint: it's not your product)The overlooked power of cadence, culture, and purpose in a private equity environmentWhy moving from CEO to chairman demands a radical shift in how you add value A must-listen for any leader navigating complexity—or preparing to let go and lead in a new way.   Resources/sources mentioned: Unit 4 (https://www.unit4.com/ )Mike Ettling Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeettling/ Join the Crucible (XquadrantTHE CRUCIBLE (Private Invitation, our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: Xquadrant‘Making Time For Strategy’ book, by Richard Medcalf - Xquadrant‘Making Time For Strategy’ book, by Richard Medcalf - Xquadrantxquadrant.com/time For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/mike-ettling

  4. 06/05/2025

    Building paradigm-shifting ventures from the margins with Benjamin Rubin

    What if your boldest vision is years ahead of its time—so far ahead that the world laughs you out of the room? In this deeply personal and provocative conversation, Richard Medcalf speaks with Benjamin Rubin, serial entrepreneur and founder of both Sirenum and Insectika. Benjamin has a rare gift: creating businesses that challenge entrenched paradigms—from transforming the invisible workforce to reinventing how we feed the world. His journey is one of relentless vision, deep humanity, and surprising leadership insights. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How to lead when your vision is misunderstood—and still get your team onboardWhy a deep understanding of the problem beats brilliant solutionsA simple but radical way to create true belonging and loyalty in your teamThe hidden cost of relying on money to motivate people—and what to do insteadHow Benjamin plans to scale impact without losing himself in the process   This one’s for the visionary leaders who’ve ever felt alone with a world-changing idea. Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Sirenum ( SirenumSirenum Staff Management Software for Agencies and Hourly Workers Sirenum Staff Management Software for Agencies and Hourly Workers sirenum.com  ) Insectika Biotech ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/insectika-biotechnologies-israel/) Join the Crucible (https://xquadrant.com/crucible), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/   For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/benjamin-rubin Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:01 Welcome to the Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast 01:44 Benjamin Rubin's Early Ventures and Challenges 02:25 The Mission and Vision of Insecta 03:22 Revolutionizing the Food System with Insect Meal 04:33 Challenges and Innovations in the Insect Meal Industry 05:36 The Importance of Understanding the Problem 06:42 Building and Leading a Visionary Team 15:05 Navigating Rejection and Persevering Through Challenges 21:16 Building High-Performing Teams with Meaning and Belonging 23:51 Questioning the Purpose of Life 24:45 Building a Team with Meaning and Belonging 25:33 Innovative Bonus Schemes and Interdependence 26:44 Finding Deep Meaning in Business 28:28 Understanding Employee Aspirations 38:05 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life 41:47 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

  5. 01/02/2025

    Building an Inc 5000 business with C-grade students, with Aditya Siripragada of Fountane

    Why would an entrepreneur decide that hiring C-grade students is the way forward? Today Richard speaks with Aditya Siripragada, founder of Fountane. Fountane is digital product studio and venture lab changing the traditional consulting model, with 125 people across US and India. The company doubled revenue annually for 6 years and won the Inc. Top 5000 award in 2024. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The mindset advantage that C-grade students bring to the table (and that A-grade students don't)How and why Fountaine moved away from a pure consulting modelThe one-line reframe that helped Aditya see the true opportunity and reinvent the business.The two "Ds" that help you discern "founder/market fit" and likely future success. Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Fountane (https://www.fountane.com/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/aditya-siripragada

  6. 11/28/2024

    Do CEOs really have (or need) a super power? with Rebecca Harrison (African Management Institute)

    Do you need to have a super power to be an effective CEO? What happens if you don't? How can you build a pan-continental business with zero experience? And how can you empower your managers to lead effectively? In this episode Richard speaks with Rebecca Harrison, who has spent the last decade building the African Management Institute (AMI), Africa’s leading provider of business and management learning, supporting 37,000 businesses in 39 African countries, impacting 1.5 million livelihoods and contributing more than $130M to the continent’s economies. In this conversation, you’ll learn: What caused Rebecca to pursue a impact business in a sector and market she had almost no experience of, and what she had to learn the hard way.Why Rebecca doesn't think she has a particular super power - what she says is important instead -- and a helpful reframe of the topic by RichardRebecca's three hard-won tips on building an effective middle management, even in a hierarchical culture sometimes where often the assumption is that "obedience" than "ownership" is required. Resources/sources mentioned: African Management Institute - https://africanmanagers.comThe Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/rebecca-harrison Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 05:36 How to make an impact in Africa 13:05 Align business vision with impactful purpose 16:33 How to enjoy the entrepreneurial journey 18:13 Founder CEO: Care drives progress, not brilliance 26:40 Define management expectations for cultural clarity 34:44 Monthly cash flow and team meetings checklist 38:03 Facing fear, accepting leadership to innovate forward.

  7. 11/14/2024

    Building a global business from day 1, with Fred Plais (CEO, platform.sh) (S14E14)

    How can you build a business that is genuinely global on day one? How do you set up marketing, sales, delivery, recruitment and operations when your local market is not going to be your largest market, and where you want customers to come from anywhere? Today Richard speaks with Fred Plais, co-founder and CEO of Platform.sh, a leading, VC funded Platform-as-a-service for building, running, scaling web applications. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The critical early decisions that enabled the business to go global from day 1 Why Platform.sh limits employment to only 12 countries, despite being 100% remote The process innovations that have allowed Platform.sh to successfully operate a remote-first culture The big mistake Fred made when needing to accelerate profitability... and what happened Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Platform.sh (https://platform.sh/) Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/fred-plais Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:01 Building global businesses 10:14 Finding great talents outside major hubs 13:56 The new remote work paradigm 21:58 Distributed global teams ensure 24/7 customer support. 26:52 Ensuring cultural fit, clear goals, and remote work. 31:24 In-person meetings enhance problem-solving and collaboration. 36:09 Reducing cloud app carbon emissions, efficiently. 41:29 Focus on future strategy, not micromanage tasks.

  8. 10/31/2024

    Staying lean and agile for world-leading growth | Toms Jurjevs, CEO, Sun Finance (S14E13)

    How can you keep lean and efficient despite hyper growth? Welcome to The Impact Multiplier CEO, helping you to 10X your financials, 10X your positive impact and 10X the fun you have along the way! Today Richard Medcalf is speaking with Toms Jurjevs, Founder and CEO of Sun Finance, a 1200-person strong business that was recently recognised as the No.1 fastest-growing fintech in Europe by The Financial Times. Toms shares the story of Sun Finance's incredible growth, expanding into 12 international markets and delivering billions in loans. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How Toms minimises bureaucracy and keeps the business agileThe three interrelated elements that Tom keeps a permanent focus on, in order to manage hyper growth without bloatThe "Eagle Strategy" for avoiding micromanagement whilst staying on top of the detailsHow Toms expanded to 12 International Markets Resources/sources mentioned: Sun Finance https://sunfinance.groupThe Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/toms-jurjevs Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:30 Why you should focus on efficiency. 07:25 Spend wisely; avoid comfort and bureaucracy. 16:17 Success leads to comfort 18:34 Fear of mistakes leads to avoiding action. 20:55 Use calls and WhatsApp instead of emails. 24:59 Maximize growth potential without comfort zone complacency. 31:43 Balancing oversight and action in SunFinance operations.

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5
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3 Ratings

About

As a CEO, you’ve demonstrated your ability to solve complex problems and achieve extraordinary results. You've skills, resources and experience. But you have the potential for even greater impact and a more satisfying legacy. What will it take to multiply your positive impact - in the business, for your people, and in the world at large? Join Richard Medcalf, Founder of Xquadrant, and high-impact CEOs from some of the world’s most exciting firms - for a perspective-shifting conversation at the intersection of strategy, leadership and purpose. You’ll learn from how they think and how they lead when the stakes rise. And you’ll discover the hidden sources of leadership leverage that take them to their next level, and will take you to yours. Richard Medcalf, founder of Xquadrant, CEO coach, and author of Making TIME For Strategy and The 10X Reckoning, has advised founders and CEOs of scaling businesses for over 20 years – from disruptive scale-ups to billion-dollar corporations – on CEO leadership, CEO transformation, and executive team development. The show helps founders and CEOs strengthen their CEO leadership, accelerate CEO evolution, and build businesses that can scale without becoming dependent on the founder. Episodes explore founder & CEO leadership, CEO transformation, CEO accountability, executive team ownership, vision execution, strategic execution, strategic leadership, strategic decision making, leadership leverage, founder bottlenecks, CEO bottlenecks, scaling culture, CEO evolution, business plateaus, and the defining decisions behind extraordinary companies. You'll also discover Richard's practical frameworks for CEO transformation: Leadership Leverage, Leadership Constraints, The Defining Move, The 10X Reckoning, and other ideas that help founders and CEOs evolve to lead organisations that scale faster than their own personal capacity. Questions we explore include: How do you break the founder/CEO bottleneck? What creates leadership leverage? How do you build executive team ownership and accountability? Why do leadership teams struggle with strategic execution? How do you create a scaling culture? How do you build an accountability culture? How do you scale without becoming the centre of every important decision? What separates CEOs who hit a business plateau from CEOs who create extraordinary businesses? What does CEO evolution entail? When is it time to make a defining move? How does CEO transformation drive business growth? If you're building a scaling business and believe your next breakthrough depends on your own CEO evolution, not simply better strategic decision making, you'll feel at home here. Popular Episode Topics Include: CEO Leadership, CEO Transformation, CEO Accountability, Executive Team Ownership, Founder Bottleneck, CEO Operating System, Vision Execution, Vision Execution Gap, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Decision Making, Scaling Culture, Accountability Culture, Leadership Leverage, Organisational Leverage, Business Plateau, Scaling a Business Without Burnout, and CEO Evolution.

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