Growth Think Tank

Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Gr
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Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company. Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.

  1. 3D AGO

    CEO Time Optimization

    In this episode, we break down how CEOs and founders can take back control of their time to become more effective leaders. If you're stuck doing everything yourself, it's likely costing you growth, creating bottlenecks, and leading to burnout. You'll learn how to delegate with confidence, empower your team, and focus on the highest-value activities that actually move the business forward. I also share a real-world success story that shows how leveraging your "genius hours" can dramatically improve performance and results. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:07 Introduction to CEO Time Optimization 3:42 Shifting from Doer to Delegator 5:11 Understanding High vs. Low Value Work 8:57 Building Systems for Team Ownership 9:50 Transitioning to a Team-Driven Organization 🎯Key Takeaways CEOs who try to do everything themselves become the biggest bottleneck to growth Effective delegation is a leadership skill not a loss of control Your time should be focused on high-value, growth-driving activities "Genius hours" unlock your highest impact and best results Empowered teams create stronger performance and accountability Letting go of lower-value tasks is essential to scaling your business Leadership is about building capacity in others, not carrying the load alone Small shifts in time prioritization can lead to major business growth A collaborative culture accelerates execution and innovation Scaling success starts with trusting and developing your team Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: https://training.coreelevation.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

    11 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion

    3D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion

    Introducing Swimming G.O.A.T Katie Ledecky from Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion. Follow the show: Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion Katie Ledecky is one of the most dominant athletes of her generation– a record-breaking force in the water and tied as the most decorated female swimmer of all time. But what actually goes into staying on top for more than a decade? On this episode of Forging Gold, Katie opens up about the system behind her success: the foundation, training, mindset, and even the rivalries that push her to excel in every race. From her famous “galloping kick” to the mental tricks that keep her focused lap after lap, she shares what it really takes to stay at the top. Listen in as Rennae and Katie dive into her proudest achievements, toughest challenges, and how she stays fired up to keep getting better—even when she’s already a champion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. APR 6

    Why Precise Leadership Drives Culture, Accountability, and Growth with Chris Gonzalez at A-G ASSOCIATES

    In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates Inc. (Ranked No. 717 in 2025), to explore his powerful concept of precise leadership, a leadership style centered on clarity, accountability, and understanding what truly motivates your team. Chris shares how his military background shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing direct communication, adaptability, and ownership at every level of an organization. As companies grow, maintaining agility and alignment becomes more challenging, and Chris breaks down how leaders can overcome these obstacles with intentional messaging and a culture of transparency. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or manager looking to improve team performance and communication, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:24 The Role of AI in Consulting 5:56 Military Leadership to Business 10:58 Transitioning to Precise Leadership 14:49 Understanding Precise Leadership 16:45 The Importance of Accountability 18:41 Maintaining Agility in Growth 20:30 Reflection on Leadership Principles 👤 About Chris Gonzalez Chris Gonzalez is the Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates, a veteran-owned consulting firm specializing in strategy, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement. A former U.S. Marine, he brings a leadership style rooted in clear communication, accountability, and mission-driven results, helping organizations scale and improve performance. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: https://training.coreelevation.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: https://growththinktank.com/

    22 min

  4. MAR 30

    In Hard Times, the Right Leadership is Essential

    This episode explores the essential role of leadership in challenging business environments. I reflect on my journey as a founder and coach, emphasizing resilience and the importance of maintaining vision during turbulent times. Through personal anecdotes, including a significant setback in my sports tour company in 2010, I illustrate how adversity can be transformed into growth opportunities. I introduce the mantra "life happens for you, not to you," encouraging a shift from victimhood to empowerment. Key themes include rising above chaos, leading by example, and fostering a collaborative culture in leadership to alleviate burdens. My goal is to support leaders in navigating hardships and emerging stronger. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:02 Hard Times, Right Leadership 2:31 Leadership Insights for Entrepreneurs 4:16 Embracing Change and Resilience 6:14 Tools for Overcoming Challenges 7:15 Leading Through Breakdown Moments Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

    8 min

  5. MAR 23

    Scaling Trust: How the Right Leadership Team Drives Sustainable Growth with Andy White at Closinglock

    In this episode, I sit down with Andy White, co-founder of Closinglock (ranked No. 135 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), to talk about what it really means to "scale trust" as your company grows. Andy shares how trust isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a key driver of performance, stronger culture, and deeper employee engagement, and we explore how giving teams real autonomy paired with transparent communication can unlock better results. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring, explaining why he prioritizes character over experience, and highlights the continued importance of in-person interactions for building genuine connections. We wrap up by discussing how openly sharing business challenges with your team can actually bring people closer together and spark more creative, effective solutions. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:26 Closing Lock Overview 6:49 The Future of Real Estate Transactions 7:37 Scaling Trust in Business 11:28 Hiring for Trust and Growth 13:33 Macro Management Style 15:06 Building a Trusting Culture 16:27 Qualities of a Great Hire 19:17 Assessing Learning Mentality 20:38 Strategies for Scaling Trust 23:16 The Role of Transparency 27:58 Concluding Thoughts on Trust About Andy White Founder and CEO of Closinglock, a fast-growing technology company focused on protecting money in real estate transactions. With a background in engineering and a PhD in computer engineering, Andy brings a deep technical perspective to solving one of the industry's most critical challenges: fraud in money movement. Under his leadership, Closinglock has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, reflecting its rapid growth and strong market impact. Andy is known for his focus on building a high-trust, high-performance culture, where transparency, autonomy, and continuous learning are at the core. He believes in hiring for character over experience and empowering teams to take ownership, scale themselves, and drive meaningful impact across the organization. Passionate about innovation and leadership, Andy is committed to modernizing the real estate transaction process while fostering a culture where people and performance grow together. How to Connect with Andy White: LinkedIn: Andy White https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-closinglock/ Company Website: Closinglock https://www.closinglock.com Get In Touch with Andy: https://www.closinglock.com/contact/ Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

    30 min

  6. MAR 16

    Founder Dependency: The Hidden Ceiling on Your Company's Growth

    In this episode, I explore a challenge many growing companies face: founder dependency. Once a business grows beyond about 20 employees, founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of every decision. While that level of involvement helped in the early days, it can eventually lead to burnout, slower decision-making, and limited innovation across the team. I talk about why this happens and how leaders can start recognizing the signs that they're too embedded in day-to-day operations. I also break down what it looks like to shift from a founder-driven company to a team-driven one. When authority is decentralized and leaders are developed inside the organization, companies often become more resilient and even more valuable without needing to generate additional revenue. This episode is an invitation for founders to move from being the primary doer to becoming the builder of leaders. If you're ready to create more autonomy and sustainable growth inside your company, I also share how you can join our upcoming workshops to learn practical strategies for making that transition. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:05 Founder Dependency Awareness 3:50 Breaking the Founder Dependency Cycle 7:47 Recognizing the Leadership Shift 11:45 Transitioning to a Team-Driven Approach 12:59 Unlocking Team-Driven Growth Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. 🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast https://growththinktank.com/

    14 min

  7. MAR 9

    Scaling Smart with Intentional Leadership with Matthew Rooda at SwineTech

    On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address cultural issues early, build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and truly understand what your customers want, especially in the meat industry. He also dives into the importance of honest customer discovery, hiring the right people, and creating a team environment where collaboration, ownership, and accountability thrive. Matthew also shares practical tips on listening to your team, even in the small things, and why these simple wins can have a big impact on morale and engagement. He closes with advice for leaders on maintaining reasonable expectations, staying adaptable, and continually reinventing themselves and their businesses to navigate growth successfully. If you're a founder or CEO looking to scale without losing your culture or your sanity, this episode is full of actionable insights. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:12 The Journey of Swine Tech 9:31 Defining Scaling Smart 11:30 Building a Strong Foundation 15:56 Hiring the Right Talent 21:24 The Cost of Tolerating Culture 24:14 Key Takeaways for CEOs Key Takeaways ✅Culture is foundational small issues left unchecked can derail growth. ✅True product-market fit comes from deeply understanding your customers' real problems. ✅Growth requires balance: business goals, customer satisfaction, and your team's well-being. ✅Hiring isn't just about talent; it's about mindset and alignment with your mission. ✅Small gestures, like payroll frequency or listening to feedback, can significantly improve morale. ✅Leaders must embrace flexibility, continuous learning, and reinvention to sustain growth. If you're looking to scale your business without losing your culture or your mind, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lessons learned the hard way. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and executives looking to lead innovation with purpose, scale responsibly with AI, and build cultures where people feel empowered to think About Matthew Rooda Matthew Rooda is the Founder & CEO of SwineTech, an ag-tech company developing automation and data solutions to improve pig care and farm efficiency. He is also the host of the Popular Pig Podcast, where he interviews global leaders in the swine industry. Rooda has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and is an MBA graduate from Johns Hopkins University. LinkedIn: Matthew Rooda (LinkedIn) Company Website: SwineTech Get In Touch with Matt: https://swinetechnologies.com/contact/

    28 min

  8. MAR 2

    Key Person Risk for CEOs: When Being "Essential" Is Hurting Your Business

    In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance business value for investors. As a CEO coach, I emphasize transitioning to a team-driven culture that fosters stability and effective communication. I provide actionable insights to help leaders build sustainable growth that persists beyond their involvement. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:09 Introduction to Key Person Risk 1:38 Understanding Your Value in Business 4:06 Transitioning from Work to People Focus 4:55 The Importance of Team-Driven Leadership 5:59 Exploring Solutions to Key Person Risk 6:40 Conclusion and Next Steps The Hidden Threat to Business Value: Key Person Risk If the success of a company depends heavily on one individual — often the founder or CEO — the business becomes less valuable to investors or buyers. A company that cannot operate smoothly without its leader signals higher risk, which typically leads to lower valuation multiples. Gene challenges leaders to ask themselves a tough question: If you're the most valuable person in your company, how valuable is the company itself? Moving from Doer to Leader Reducing key person risk requires a shift in leadership identity. Instead of being the primary driver of sales, marketing, or operations, CEOs must transition from task-focused work to people-focused leadership. This shift can be uncomfortable. Founders often feel they can do things faster or better themselves, which keeps them stuck in daily execution. But long-term growth depends on developing decision-makers across the organization. Gene describes this transition as crossing a "leadership ravine" — moving from hands-on contributor to strategic leader who builds systems, confidence, and problem-solving capacity in others. Building a Company That Runs Without You A business becomes more valuable when it is team-driven rather than founder-dependent. Investors and buyers look for: Strong leadership at multiple levels Clear communication and alignment systems Accountability structures Empowered employees who make decisions Processes that continue generating customers and results without the CEO's involvement When these elements are in place, the company can operate smoothly even if the founder steps away — dramatically increasing scalability and valuation potential.

    7 min
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About

Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company. Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.

Information

  • Creator
    Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Gr
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2014-2021
  • Show Website
    Growth Think Tank

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