ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

Brendan McGurgan
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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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  1. Brian Solis: The Mind Shift Every Leader Must Make

    EPISODE 1

    Brian Solis: The Mind Shift Every Leader Must Make

    What if the greatest challenge facing leaders today isn't technology itself — but how we think about it? In this episode of ScaleX™ Insider, Brendan McGurgan is joined by world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, and author Brian Solis for a powerful conversation on mindset, leadership, and navigating growth in an era defined by AI, acceleration, and constant disruption. Brian shares why meaningful scale begins not with tools or tactics, but with how leaders think, perceive, and make decisions. Drawing from his bestselling books Life Scale and Mind Shift, he explains how founders and executives can move from reaction to intention, from overwhelm to clarity, and from noise to meaningful progress. This episode explores how leaders can develop the mental frameworks required to grow sustainably, lead with confidence, and embrace innovation without losing focus or purpose. Episode Highlights: Scaling Begins with Mindset Why true scale starts with how leaders think, not how fast they grow. Life Scale vs Life Speed How constant motion creates the illusion of progress — and why slowing down leads to better outcomes. The Cost of Distraction How algorithms, social media, and constant input quietly derail focus, clarity, and long-term vision. The Six Stages of Mind Shift Brian breaks down the framework behind his work: Receive – Creating space to observe what matters Perceive – Understanding patterns instead of reacting to noise Weave – Connecting insights into meaning Conceive – Imagining new possibilities Believe – Developing conviction and agency Become – Acting with clarity and purpose Signal vs Noise in the Age of AI Why most leaders feel overwhelmed by AI — and how to identify what actually matters. AI as an Augmentation Tool How AI enhances thinking, experimentation, and execution rather than replacing human judgment. The Power of a Beginner's Mind Why curiosity and openness are now essential leadership traits. From Reaction to Intention How stepping back enables better decisions, stronger strategy, and sustainable growth.   Key Takeaways Scaling begins with mindset, not technology Most leaders are reacting instead of responding intentionally AI is a multiplier, not a solution Focus comes from subtraction, not addition Clarity enables better decisions and stronger leadership Curiosity is a competitive advantage Frameworks turn complexity into clarity   About Brian Solis Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, and Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. He advises senior leaders around the world on innovation, digital transformation, and the future of work. Brian has published more than 60 research reports and several bestselling books, including Life Scale and Mind Shift, exploring how technology shapes business, behavior, and society. Often referred to as "The CEO Whisperer," Brian works closely with executives across industries to help them rethink leadership, customer experience, and AI-driven transformation. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, Harvard Business Review, CIO, and Worth, and was named one of the original LinkedIn Top 500 Influencers, alongside Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Arianna Huffington. His work is followed by over 800,000 people worldwide. Connect with Brian Solis Website: https://www.briansolis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansolis Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DCL6RLV6 Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX Insider Listen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider This episode is essential for: Founders and SME leaders navigating growth CEOs and executives adapting to AI and disruption Entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or reactive Leaders seeking clarity, focus, and direction Anyone interested in mindset, innovation, and future-ready leadership 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 growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX Insider Listen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider

    46 min
  2. [ScaleX Bite-Size] – Brian Solis: Why Being Busy Is Keeping You Stuck

    EPISODE 1 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] – Brian Solis: Why Being Busy Is Keeping You Stuck

    In this ScaleX™ Insider clip, Brian Solis unpacks one of the most overlooked reasons people feel stuck despite working hard: they're saying yes to the wrong things. Drawing from his books Life Scale and Mind Shift, Brian explains why progress isn't about doing more — it's about aligning daily actions with long-term direction. Without that alignment, even the busiest people slowly drift further away from the life and impact they want. KEY INSIGHTS Being busy often masks a lack of direction Progress only happens when daily actions align with long-term vision Distractions don't just waste time — they quietly reshape priorities What you say yes to determines what you say no to Focus isn't about discipline — it's about awareness Most people don't fail from lack of effort, but from lack of clarity THE CORE LESSON The real non-negotiable isn't productivity — it's intention. Brian explains that true progress begins when you stop reacting to noise and start consciously choosing what deserves your time, energy, and attention. Without that filter, even meaningful effort leads you in the wrong direction. This is where Life Scale and Mind Shift intersect: understanding how algorithms, habits, and modern life quietly pull us off course — and how to regain control. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS Audit where your time actually goes Track distractions the same way you track tasks Ask: "Is this moving me closer to the life I want?" Reduce noise before adding more tools Treat focus as a daily decision, not a personality trait WHY THIS MATTERS FOR LEADERS For founders, operators, and high performers, mindset is the multiplier. If your thinking is scattered, your strategy will be too. If your focus is intentional, everything else compounds faster. As Brian explains, mindset isn't soft — it's the foundation for scale. ABOUT BRIAN SOLIS Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, and Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. He advises global organisations on digital transformation, AI, innovation, leadership, and the future of work. Brian has published over 60 research reports and several bestselling books, including Life Scale and Mindshift. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, CIO, and more. He is a former LinkedIn Top Influencer and is followed by over 800,000 people worldwide. CONNECT WITH BRIAN SOLIS 🔗Website: https://www.briansolis.com 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansolis Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DCL6RLV6

    6 min
  3. [ScaleX Bite-Size] – Brian Solis: What Leaders Get Wrong About AI

    EPISODE 1 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] – Brian Solis: What Leaders Get Wrong About AI

    In this clip from ScaleX™ Insider, Brian Solis breaks down what leaders really need to understand about AI in 2026 — and why most people are approaching it the wrong way. Rather than chasing tools or fearing disruption, Brian explains that AI is best understood as a thinking partner. One that helps founders test ideas, expand their thinking, and move faster without waiting for permission, funding, or technical expertise. This conversation reframes AI not as technology to master, but as a mindset shift — one that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to learn in public.   KEY INSIGHTS AI is not a tool — it's a collaborator for thinking, testing, and learning Leaders must learn to articulate where they are and where they want to go You no longer need to hire before you experiment — AI lets you prototype ideas instantly The future belongs to those who can think, test, and adapt quickly Scaling today means scaling your imagination before scaling your team THE CRITICAL LESSON AI doesn't reward expertise — it rewards curiosity. Brian explains that the biggest limitation leaders face is not technology, but mindset. Those who approach AI with a beginner's mind unlock far more value than those who try to use it as an efficiency tool. The real power of AI lies in helping you become someone you couldn't be before — testing ideas, building tools, and exploring opportunities that once required entire teams.   PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS Treat AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut Use AI to test ideas before investing time or money Let AI help you explore possibilities, not just optimise tasks Build the habit of asking better questions, not finding faster answers Stay open — the moment you think you "know," you stop learning WHY THIS MATTERS FOR FOUNDERS & SCALING LEADERS Brian highlights that growth today is no longer about doing more — it's about thinking differently. Leaders who succeed in the next decade will be those who: Embrace continuous learning Use AI to extend their capabilities Stay adaptable as tools, markets, and expectations evolve Approach uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear AI is not the destination. It's the accelerator.   CONNECT WITH BRIAN SOLIS 🔗Website: https://www.briansolis.com 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansolis  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DCL6RLV6

    3 min
  4. Jonathan B. Smith: Build a Business That Serves Your Life Not Enslaves You

    EPISODE 2

    Jonathan B. Smith: Build a Business That Serves Your Life Not Enslaves You

    Build a business that serves your life, not enslaves you. Jonathan B. Smith (JBS), expert EOS implementer, shares how most entrepreneurs discover years later their business is choking them because they never stopped to figure out what they want from life. Scaling with purpose means building a business that helps you get what you want out of life, not making you a slave to your business. THE PROBLEM: Entrepreneurs start a business. Years later, they discover the business is choking them. They never stopped to figure out what they want out of the business and life. Very few know what they actually want. SCALING WITH PURPOSE: Building a business that helps you get what you want out of life, NOT building a business that makes you a slave. How? Right team Right business Right markets Right capital structure Proper conversations Good life at home Take care of health At EOS we call it: The EOS Life. COACH'S LIFE-CHANGING ADVICE: "Decide what life you want and then build a business around that life" VERSUS "Having a business and letting that dictate your life" THE REFLECTION: If your business is not allowing you to live the life you want, reflect on what life you want. Then figure out how to: Hire people Adjust your business Sell your business Buy a new business Change your business THE REALISATION: Most people don't realise they have a choice. You are NOT trapped. You ARE trapped by your own mind thinking there are no other opportunities. FREEDOM SQUARED TOOL: Jonathan built the Freedom Squared Tool with eight elements from Strategic Coach. Freedom Squared means: Decide who you live with What you want to do When you want to do it Where you do it How it works Sounds crazy to a lot of people, but you can intentionally build that life. QUESTIONS TO ASK: What life do you want? How does your business fit that life? Are you a slave to your business or does your business serve you? KEY INSIGHT: Your business should help you get what you want out of life. If your business is not allowing you to live the life you want, reflect and make changes. You have a choice: hire, adjust, sell, buy new, or change. Don't be a slave to the business you built. ABOUT Jonathan B. Smith: Expert EOS implementer with 1500+ sessions across 150+ companies. Author of Fight Less Win More: The Missing Manual for Never Split the Difference. Trained by Chris Voss and the Black Swan Group in tactical empathy and negotiation. CONNECT WITH Jonathan B. Smith: Website: https://staycuriousjbs.com Book: Fight Less Win More SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder, Simple Scaling

    43 min
  5. [ScaleX Bite-Size] Jonathan B. Smith: Master Negotiation with These 4 Simple Tools (Core Four Revealed)

    EPISODE 2 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] Jonathan B. Smith: Master Negotiation with These 4 Simple Tools (Core Four Revealed)

    Master tactical empathy with the Core Four foundational tools. Jonathan B. Smith (JBS), expert EOS implementer trained by Chris Voss, reveals the four skills that form the basis for every successful negotiation. If you just learn these four tools, you have the foundation for tactical empathy. Everything else builds on this. THE CORE FOUR: #1: LABELS Start with: "It sounds like..." "It looks like..." "It feels like..." "It seems like..." You have an intuition about what's going on—verbalise that intuition. Label the LATENT dynamic, not the presenting dynamic. Wrong: "It seems like you're angry" (makes them more angry) Right: "It seems like you're having a bad day" (they tell you why) Labels are 3-7 words maximum. After you drop a label, use DYNAMIC SILENCE. Don't use the word "but." Keep it simple so people can respond. #2: MIRRORS Repeat the last 3-5 words someone said. Downward inflection: "I heard you" (statement) Upward inflection: "Tell me more" (question) Example: "Slow is smooth?" vs "Slow is smooth." Gets someone to continue talking and provide further details on their thinking. #3: DYNAMIC SILENCE After a label or mirror, WAIT for the other party to respond. We're impatient. We want our response. We want our point across. Everyone thinks we have to go faster. But the silence actually makes it go FASTER because you get someone to respond quickly. People are less likely to modulate how much information they provide with a label. They don't feel backed into a corner. The silence allows them to respond and think. We have to slow down to go fast. "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." #4: THREE TONES (Never Use Assertive) 80% of the time: Accommodator tone (happy, upbeat, positive) 20% of the time: Late night FM DJ voice (specific, deliberate) NEVER: Assertive tone When's the last time the assertive tone got you what you want? With your hotel upgrade? Never. You're just hoping the person in front of you uses it so you can say: "I promise I'm not going to be as difficult as that last person." THE DYNAMIC SILENCE CHALLENGE: We're all uncomfortable with silence. Why? We're impatient. We want to get our response and point across. Everyone's in a rush. But silence makes it go faster because you get someone to respond quickly. It's very hard in the beginning to use dynamic silence—but it's critical. If you don't use it, the label won't soak in and you'll just step right on your label. ABOUT JONATHAN B SMITH (JBS): John B Smith is an expert EOS implementer with over 1,500 sessions across 150+ companies. Author of Fight Less, Win More: The Missing Manual for Never Split the Difference. Trained by Chris Voss and the Black Swan Group in tactical empathy and negotiation. The Core Four are the foundational tools from his book—designed to give leaders the basis for tactical empathy practice. CONNECT WITH JONATHAN: Website: staycuriousjbs.com Book: Fight Less, Win More: The Missing Manual for Never Split the Difference LinkedIn: John B Smith SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate (for businesses under £2M revenue) ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme (for businesses over £2M revenue) Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX Insider is a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling

    5 min
  6. [ScaleX Bite-Size] Jonathan B. Smith: The Most Effective Questions in Negotiating: Proof of Life

    EPISODE 2 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] Jonathan B. Smith: The Most Effective Questions in Negotiating: Proof of Life

    Stop wasting time on deals that will never close. Jonathan B. Smith (JBS), expert EOS implementer trained by Chris Voss, reveals the most effective question in sales negotiation: Proof of Life. Are you being played for a fool? Are you just another bid, or are they actually going to consider you as a serious player for this business? So many entrepreneurs say "we're going to get it, we're going to get it, we're going to get it"—then they don't get the deal. THE PROOF OF LIFE QUESTION: "Of all the people in the world that you could choose from, how did you decide to call me?" Get them to start providing you the reason and rationale why they called you. PROOF OF LIFE (You're a Serious Player): If they provide lots of details: "You're the best at this" "We got referred in" "We need the specific product you have" This is proof of life. They're genuinely considering you. NOT PROOF OF LIFE (You're Just Another Bid): If you get: "We have to have three bids" "You were in our system" "You were in our purchasing system" "We were hoping you could give us a bid on red staplers" That's NOT proof of life. You're just filling their quota. WHY IT'S CALLED PROOF OF LIFE: We want to know if the hostages are dead or alive. Are you being played for the fool in the negotiation? This is one of the more advanced skills in Fight Less, Win More—but it's critical for sales. THE SALES REALITY: Stop chasing deals where you're just another bid. Use Proof of Life early to qualify whether you're actually in the running or just helping them meet procurement requirements. Save your time. Focus on deals where you're genuinely being considered. ABOUT JONATHAN B. SMITH (JBS): Jonathan is an expert EOS implementer with over 1,500 sessions across 150+ companies. Author of Fight Less, Win More: The Missing Manual for Never Split the Difference. Trained by Chris Voss and the Black Swan Group in tactical empathy and negotiation. Proof of Life is one of the advanced skills from his book—designed to help entrepreneurs stop wasting time on dead deals. CONNECT WITH JOHN B SMITH: Website: staycuriousjbs.com Book: Fight Less, Win More: The Missing Manual for Never Split the Difference LinkedIn: John B Smith SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate (for businesses under £2M revenue) ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme (for businesses over £2M revenue) Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX Insider is a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling

    1 min
  7. Dr. Tony Bridwell: Predictable Success Starts with People, Not Processes

    EPISODE 3

    Dr. Tony Bridwell: Predictable Success Starts with People, Not Processes

    Build a culture that drives predictable, scalable success Dr. Tony Bridwell, organisational behaviourist and people optimisation expert, explains why most leaders and founders struggle to scale their organisations: they underestimate the power of culture and its role in producing predictable outcomes. Scaling with purpose means creating a culture that aligns your people, mindsets, and processes so your business grows sustainably—without burning out your team or yourself. THE PROBLEM: Leaders often focus solely on behaviour and outcomes. Many entrepreneurs don't truly understand how culture works. As a result, scaling efforts create tension, drift, and command-and-control dynamics. Short-term success can be a poor teacher if you focus only on immediate outcomes. SCALING WITH PURPOSE: Building a culture that drives predictable success: Understand the clock of culture: 12 o'clock – Stories: what people perceive is happening. 3 o'clock – Mindset: beliefs, values, and biases shaped by stories. 6 o'clock – Behaviour: actions driven by mindset. 9 o'clock – Outcomes: results produced by behaviour. Cycle repeats: each outcome tells a story, shaping mindset and culture. Focus on stories, not just behaviours. Align purpose, vision, and values to guide decisions. Spot cultural drift early: repeated behaviour modification signals misalignment. COACH'S LIFE-CHANGING ADVICE: "Culture drives results. Focus on the stories that shape mindset, not just the behaviours you want to see." VERSUS "Only trying to fix outcomes by telling people what to do."   THE REFLECTION: If your team isn't performing predictably or your business feels chaotic: Are your people's mindsets aligned with your vision? Are outcomes being dictated by stories or behaviours? Are you muscling results instead of intentionally designing culture? THE REALISATION: Most leaders don't realise: You have a choice in designing culture. Culture is either designed or it will be dictated by circumstance. Investing in culture compounds over time—like disciplined investing in a portfolio. KEY INSIGHTS: Culture is how people think, feel, and act. Predictable scaling comes from clarity, discipline, and alignment, not constant behaviour modification. Leaders must understand stories, mindsets, behaviours, and outcomes as a continuous loop. Command-and-control approaches create drift, misalignment, and toxic culture. QUESTIONS TO ASK: What stories are shaping my team's mindset? Are our behaviours aligned with our values and vision? Where is cultural drift occurring? Are outcomes consistent and predictable? ABOUT Dr. Tony Bridwell: Organisational behaviourist with 25+ years' experience in employee experience and culture. Chief Talent Officer, The Encompass Group; leads the firm's organisational consulting practice and the E3 Leadership Academy. Former Chief People Officer at Ryan, LLC and Brinker International; Senior Partner at Culture Partners. Author of eight books, international speaker (44 countries), consultant specialising in purpose and culture. Recognised as 2015 HR Executive of the Year (Dallas HR), 2015 Strategic Leadership Award winner, 2022 Top 50 HR Professional (OnCon Icon Awards). Adjunct professor at SMU Dallas, teaching Executive Leadership for MBA students. Committed organ donor and board member for Southwest Transplant Alliance. CONNECT WITH Dr. Tony Bridwell: Website: https://www.drtonybridwell.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybridwell/ Books: Available through his publisher (eight titles on leadership, purpose, and culture) SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder, Simple Scaling

    1h 10m
  8. [ScaleX Bite-Size] Dr. Tony Bridwell: Visionaries Aren't Always Shiny New Chasers — Discipline Wins

    EPISODE 3 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] Dr. Tony Bridwell: Visionaries Aren't Always Shiny New Chasers — Discipline Wins

    Dr. Tony Bridwell, organisational behaviourist and culture expert, reveals why true visionary leaders succeed — it's not about chasing the next shiny thing, it's about disciplined consistency. THE COMMON MISCONCEPTION: We idolise Elon Musks and Steve Jobs — the "shiny new thing" creators — assuming visionaries are only those who constantly innovate. THE BIG INSIGHT: Successful scaling leaders stick to what works. They combine clarity and predictability with selective innovation. Growth isn't about novelty; it's about disciplined execution and repeatable processes. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRUTH: People crave certainty, but they decide based on clarity. Leaders who consistently deliver clarity — even without constant novelty — build trust, engagement, and sustainable growth. LEADERSHIP REFLECTION: Vision isn't just about creation. It's about knowing when to innovate and when to stay the course. Predictability, discipline, and repeatable systems often outperform constant novelty. ABOUT DR. TONY BRIDWELL: Chief Talent Officer at The Encompass Group, former Chief People Officer at Ryan, LLC and Brinker International, author of eight books, international speaker in 44 countries, and adjunct professor at SMU teaching Executive Leadership. SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate (for businesses under £2M revenue) ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme(for businesses over £2M revenue) Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX Insider is a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling

    7 min
  9. [ScaleX Bite-Size] Dr. Tony Bridwell: Why Leaders Get Stuck — It's Not a Problem, It's a Tension

    EPISODE 3 BONUS

    [ScaleX Bite-Size] Dr. Tony Bridwell: Why Leaders Get Stuck — It's Not a Problem, It's a Tension

    Dr. Tony Bridwell, organisational behaviourist and culture expert, explains why leaders stall when growth demands discomfort — and why trying to "solve" growth is often the wrong approach. THE REAL STICKING POINT: Leaders want growth but crave comfort. The minute things feel uncomfortable, they retreat — even though their desire to grow is strong. THE BIG INSIGHT: Growth isn't always a problem to solve. Often it's a polarity, a tension between two interdependent values — like safety and speed. Trying to choose one over the other creates paralysis. The solution? Wrestle with the tension, stay in the messy middle, and lead through discomfort. LEADERSHIP TRUTH: You don't build businesses, you build people — and people build the business. As Zig Ziglar said: "You don't build a business, you build people, and people build the business." THE REFLECTION: Where are you trying to pick "either/or" when you could hold "both/and"? Stop avoiding discomfort. Lead through tension. That's where growth lives. ABOUT DR. TONY BRIDWELL: Chief Talent Officer at The Encompass Group, former Chief People Officer at Ryan, LLC and Brinker International, author of eight books, international speaker in 44 countries, and adjunct professor at SMU teaching Executive Leadership. SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate (for businesses under £2M revenue) ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme(for businesses over £2M revenue) Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX Insider is a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling

    5 min
  10. Dale Beaumont: Building a Business That Works for You, Not the Other Way Around

    EPISODE 4

    Dale Beaumont: Building a Business That Works for You, Not the Other Way Around

    What if the greatest challenge facing founders isn't the business itself — but how we think about building, scaling, and living alongside it? In this episode of ScaleX™ Insider, Brendan McGurgan is joined by award-winning technology entrepreneur, business growth expert, and author of 19 best-selling books, Dale Beaumont, for an insightful conversation on mindset, systems, and building a business that serves your life — not the other way around. Dale shares why the foundation of business success isn't just revenue or growth, but mindset, processes, and clarity on what success truly means. Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial experience, he explains how founders can move from being trapped in the daily grind to creating leverage, scaling efficiently, and designing a life that aligns with their deepest values. This episode explores how leaders can document their business, outsource effectively, embrace AI and technology, and set the standards, systems, and vision that enable sustainable growth without sacrificing life, family, or purpose. Episode Highlights Mindset Over Activity Why "faster if I do it myself" and "nobody can do it as well as me" are the most dangerous mantras for founders, and how to replace them with systems and leverage. Documenting Your Business for Scale How to capture SOPs and processes, even for tasks you rarely do, using tools like Loom, AI, and knowledge management systems. Dale shares practical, repeatable methods for creating systems that free founders from the day-to-day. Building a Knowledge Management System The power of organising all systems, processes, and SOPs in one place, making them accessible, secure, and usable by the team. Dale discusses his approach with his platform, One Brain, and the importance of embedding videos, documents, and AI-powered SOPs. Outsourcing and Leveraging Talent How founders can delegate effectively, hire globally, and create high-performing teams without sacrificing quality or increasing costs unnecessarily. Warning Signs in Growing Businesses Key pitfalls to watch for, including over-dependence on key people, reliance on a single product or marketing channel, and failing to diversify as you scale. Designing a Business Around Life, Not Just Revenue Dale shares how he optimised his business for lifestyle, implementing six-week sprints and time off, traveling to 85+ countries, and prioritizing family while still achieving financial success. The Power of Standards and Future Thinking Why setting clear standards for profit, performance, and personal values drives long-term success, and how language and mindset shape what is possible. Key Takeaways Success starts with mindset, not just revenue or growth Systems and documentation create freedom and leverage Outsourcing and global talent can maximise efficiency Diversification protects the business from single points of failure Business design should serve life, not the other way around Standards, clarity, and intentionality enable sustainable scale About Dale Beaumont Dale Beaumont is an award-winning technology entrepreneur, business growth expert, and author of 19 best-selling books. He started his first business at 19 and has since built multiple companies, including a multimillion-dollar enterprise. He is an avid investor, charity supporter, and traveler, exploring more than 85 countries with his wife Katherine and two sons. Dale has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Gizmodo, and GQ, and is known for his expertise in entrepreneurship, business growth, and scaling strategies. Connect with Dale Beaumont: Website: https://www.dalebeaumont.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalebeaumont Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/DaleBeaumont SCALEX AND SIMPLE SCALING: Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business ScaleX Elevate: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate ScaleX Accelerator: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Website: https://simplescaling.com Email: hello@simplescaling.com Podcast Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder, Simple Scaling

    54 min
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About

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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  • Creator
    Brendan McGurgan
  • Episodes
    273
  • Seasons
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
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    Copyright © 2021-2025 Simple Scaling - All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

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