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. 2D AGO

    CEO Leadership: Why What Got You Here Won't Get You to the Next Level with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach

    In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that "What got you here won't get you there," as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets and strategies as their businesses scale. Through a client's growth story, I highlight the importance of strategic shifts and personnel changes to meet new challenges. I encourage leaders to continuously reassess their approaches and balance operational tasks with empowering their teams, reinforcing that effective leadership is a dynamic and evolving journey. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:28 The Challenge of Growth 5:52 Evolving as a Leader 7:14 The Importance of Transformation 8:38 Conclusion and Next Steps Key Takeaways • What helps you start a business can eventually slow its growth • Scaling requires upgrading your team, strategy, and leadership mindset • Complexity grows faster than most CEOs expect • The best leaders evolve early — not when things break • A CEO's real job is building leaders, not doing everything themselves Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

    9 min
  2. You Might Also Like: MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast

    2D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast

    Introducing Jonny Wilkinson: The Mindset Secrets Of A Sporting Icon from MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast. Follow the show: MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast Elite athletes are celebrated for mental resilience, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes overwhelming? England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson joins leading men’s health specialist Dr Jeff Foster in the MAN ALIVE studio for a rare, honest conversation about performance, pressure, and mental health in men. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, Jonny opens up about life before, during, and after elite sport, including his experiences with panic attacks, anxiety, identity crisis after retirement, and his transition into health, wellness, and mindful living. In this episode, we discuss mental health in elite sport, panic attacks and anxiety in men, why Jonny chose rugby, making elite performance feel effortless, recovery after competition, mindfulness through sport, identity loss after retirement, men opening up about mental health, how mental health support for men has changed, daily non-negotiable habits, nutrition and diet changes over time, building resilience, purpose after sport, men’s wellbeing, and the one thing every man can start doing today to improve mental, physical, and emotional health…- Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://shorturl.at/iHSYk - Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast - Listen to Man Alive:https://open.spotify.com/show/0A4wuGuqnetkeBwxPdcyqnhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-alive-with-dr-jeff-foster/id1849695640 MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy. 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. FEB 9

    How to Lead Innovation for Impact with Kirsten Baker at Jeenie

    In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human element required for meaningful communication. Kirsten shares her perspective on building a culture of innovation, highlighting collaboration, embracing failure as a learning tool, and leading with purpose. We also discuss Jeenie's mission-driven approach to leadership, the importance of hiring for values alignment, and the successes of managing a diverse, fully remote team. Our conversation offers a compelling look at the future of Jeenie and underscores how effective leadership empowers people, nurtures creativity, and drives collective innovation. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 2:08 Leading Innovation 10:23 Core Leadership Principles 16:35 Embracing AI in Business 17:35 Creating a Culture of Innovation 23:20 Wrapping Up Insights Follow me on Twitter @genehammett Website: www.genehammett.com About Kirsten Baker Kirsten Brecht Baker is CEO & Co-Founder of Jeenie, an AI+Human multilingual and multicultural platform powering the next generation of smart-tech and AI for more inclusive communication. A Wharton MBA and serial entrepreneur, she has built and scaled ventures across SaaS, tech, and global market development. She is an Ernst & Young 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year, and made the top lists of Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company for leading in equity, innovation, and human connection. She is also a member of YPO, the SAFE-AI Task Force, INC. Leadership Forum, and Fast Company's Impact Council. How to Connect with Kirsten Baker: LinkedIn: Kirsten Baker  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-brecht-baker/ Company Website: Jeenie, Inc. https://jeenie.com/ Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at 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

    24 min

  4. FEB 2

    Why You Want to be a Multiplier CEO with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach

    In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As businesses scale, leaders who invest in their teams reduce micromanagement, relieve burnout, and unlock collective performance. I also announce a free training for CEOs focused on overcoming burnout and building businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement. This episode is an invitation to adopt the multiplier mindset for long-term, scalable success. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:55 Shift from Operator to Multiplier 2:55 The Role of a CEO Coach 4:17 Developing Leadership Across the Company 4:56 Upcoming Free Training Invitation From Operator to Multiplier CEO Most CEOs approach growth by working harder, refining strategy, or hiring more people. While these tactics can create short-term gains, they often lead to burnout, time scarcity, and rising costs. Operator-style leadership eventually hits a ceiling; there are only so many hours in a day, and only so much energy to give. True, sustainable growth requires a different lens. The real constraint isn't effort, strategy, or headcount, it's how the CEO shows up as a leader. What Multiplier CEOs Do Differently A Multiplier CEO shifts focus from "What can I do?" to "How do I engage and develop my team?" Instead of solving every problem personally, they build alignment, strengthen leadership systems, and empower others to make decisions. This mindset allows the business to grow beyond the founder. Small improvements come from working harder, but long-term, scalable growth comes from multiplying the capability and ownership of the entire organization. Building Leadership That Scales Multiplier CEOs intentionally develop leaders across the company so the business no longer depends on a single hero. They create shared leadership language, accountability systems, and decision-making frameworks that enable people to lead confidently. When leadership is distributed, CEOs regain space to think strategically, step away when needed, and avoid burnout. This episode isn't a how-to; it's an invitation to reflect. If growth feels heavy or burnout is creeping in, it may be time to embrace the multiplier shift. Key Takeaways Sustainable growth doesn't come from working harder it comes from multiplying leadership and capability across your team. Operator-style leadership creates short-term gains but eventually leads to burnout, time constraints, and rising costs. Multiplier CEOs shift their focus from solving problems themselves to engaging, developing, and empowering others. Hiring alone is not leverage; leadership systems, alignment, and accountability create true scale. Businesses that grow beyond the founder are built by developing leaders at every level—not by relying on a single hero. Adopting the multiplier mindset allows CEOs to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on long-term impact. 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 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

    6 min

  5. JAN 26

    Scaling with Adaptive Leadership with Kevin Zerber at Treering

    Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest days, with an emphasis on continuous improvement, curiosity, and customer-driven personalization. We discuss how the company successfully pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service continuity, as well as how fostering mentorship and an adaptive culture fuels both innovation and employee growth. Kevin also explains how integrating technology and data enhances efficiency and the customer experience while staying true to TreeRing's core values, offering practical insights for leaders looking to modernize traditional industries and build resilient organizations. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:58 The Importance of Adaptive Leadership 2:29 Understanding TreeRing's Journey 8:50 Exploring Adaptive Leadership Principles 14:51 Mentoring for Employee Growth 18:08 Technology and Cultural Alignment 23:30 Adapting Through Challenges 23:52 Closing Insights on Adaptive Leadership Adaptive Leadership and Continuous Improvement In this episode, I speak with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing, about how adaptive leadership has shaped the company's evolution over nearly 17 years. Kevin explains how a commitment to continuous improvement has been foundational to TreeRing's success, emphasizing that excellence is never a fixed destination. By embracing adaptability and ongoing innovation, TreeRing has built a resilient organization capable of learning, evolving, and thriving in a changing market. Disrupting the Traditional Yearbook Industry Kevin shares how TreeRing entered the yearbook market as a disruptor, challenging the one-size-fits-all model with a technology-driven, personalized approach. TreeRing's platform empowers families to customize yearbooks, enabling individual storytelling and deeper engagement. We explore how innovation and thoughtful design have allowed TreeRing to deliver high-quality yearbooks that better reflect today's students and communities. Building an Adaptive Culture with Technology and Mentorship We conclude by discussing the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and continuous learning within teams. Kevin explains how fostering an adaptive culture encourages creative problem-solving and supports employee growth. He also shares how TreeRing leverages technology, data, and AI to scale efficiently while staying true to its core values, sustainability commitments, and customer experience. Leading by Example, Trust, and Letting Go of the Outcome True leadership is built on trust, and trust is earned by doing what you say you will do. Austin shares how leading by example shapes culture, influences behavior, and reinforces standards throughout the organization. As leaders mature, they must also learn to let go of micromanagement and release attachment to perfect outcomes. There is no flawless business—only leaders who care deeply, persist through challenges, and remain committed to developing themselves and their teams. Key Takeaways Adaptive leadership enables organizations to respond effectively to disruption while maintaining long-term vision. Continuous improvement is an ongoing journey, not a one-time initiative. Personalization and technology can successfully modernize even the most traditional industries. Rapid pivots during crises can create new growth opportunities when guided by strong leadership principles. Cultivating curiosity, mentorship, and learning drives both innovation and employee development. Leveraging data and AI can improve efficiency and customer experience without compromising core values. About Kevin Zerber: Kevin Zerber is the co-founder and CEO of TreeRing, a technology company transforming the traditional yearbook industry through personalization, sustainability, and innovation. With decades of experience in software engineering and technology leadership, Kevin has guided TreeRing's growth by applying adaptive leadership principles, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on customer experience. How to Connect with Kevin Zerber: LinkedIn: Search for Kevin Zerber on LinkedIn for professional updates and leadership insights Company Website: Visit TreeRing.com to learn more about the company, its mission, and leadership team TreeRing Blog & Media: Kevin's perspectives are often featured through TreeRing's content and interviews Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

    25 min

  6. JAN 19

    CEOs Must Stop Blaming Your Team for Lack of Performance

    In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I tackle the often-ignored topic of blame in the workplace. I highlight how attributing performance issues to employees or external factors can impede both personal and organizational growth. Drawing from my experience coaching CEOs, I emphasize the importance of self-awareness in leadership and the need to confront uncomfortable truths. Leaders are encouraged to reflect on their roles, recognizing that the solution often lies in their own leadership approach rather than their teams. I provide insights on fostering engagement and redefining company culture, stressing that personal accountability is key to effective business management. Listeners are invited to join a training program aimed at empowering leaders to move beyond blame and embrace growth through intentional action.

    8 min

  7. JAN 12

    Leadership Continuous Improvement Is the Path with Austin Yarborough at Central Coast Moving

    In this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Austin Yarborough, founder of Central Coast Moving, ranked No. 2,278 on the Inc. 5000 list, to explore the power of leadership and continuous improvement. Austin shares how high standards, self-awareness, and leading by example have been essential in scaling his business, attracting A players, and building a strong organizational culture. Discover Austin's practical strategies for: Embracing Kaizen principles: getting 1% better every day Leveraging social media to build trust, not just chase clients Tracking progress for personal and professional growth Leading by example to influence culture and team performance Letting go of micromanagement while maintaining high standards If you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader looking to grow your business and become a better leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Austin Yarborough: Central Coast Moving: https://centralcoastmoving.com Instagram: @centralcoastmoving | @officialaustinarybrough The Moving Army: https://www.themovingarmy.com Subscribe for more leadership insights, growth strategies, and interviews with founders of the fastest-growing companies: [Subscribe Link] Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Why continuous improvement matters 3:11 – Building trust through social media 5:50 – Core principles of leadership 7:52 – The journey of continuous improvement 12:20 – Transforming leadership skills 14:06 – Leading by example 18:47 – Letting go of the outcome 20:21 – Closing thoughts Keywords / Tags: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, CEO Growth, Kaizen, Central Coast Moving, Inc 5000, Attracting A Players, Leadership Development, Business Scaling, Executive Coaching

    22 min

  8. JAN 5

    The Hidden Year-End Reflection Most Growth-Stage CEOs Skip and Why It Slows Growth

    In this episode, I share critical year-end reflections for growth-stage CEOs, especially those leading organizations of around 20 employees. As companies scale, leadership must shift from personal execution to empowering others and ensuring the business can thrive even in the leader's absence. I walk through seven powerful reflection questions designed to accelerate leadership growth, from identifying your highest-impact actions to confronting avoided conversations and evaluating how well you're adapting to what the future demands. This episode challenges leaders to lead with courage, rethink their approach for the year ahead, and strengthen both self-awareness and organizational health. All reflection questions are included in the show notes for easy reference. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:09 Seven Reflection Questions for CEOs 6:33 Exploring Leadership Identity Changes 7:16 Leading with Courage in the New Year 7:54 First Steps to Empower Your Team 9:00 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections Episode Summary In this episode, I guide growth-stage CEOs through a critical year-end reflection often missed during scale, especially around the 20-employee mark. As leadership demands increase, success is no longer about doing more yourself, but about building a business that can move forward without your constant presence. The episode challenges leaders to confront a simple but sobering truth: "If nothing changes in how you lead, this is exactly where your company will be next year." Through seven focused reflection questions, I help CEOs evaluate where their leadership truly creates leverage, where it limits growth, and what must change to build a healthier, more scalable organization. The 7 Reflection Questions The Leverage Audit Which 20% of your leadership actions created 80% of your company's momentum this year? The Impact Test Where did your leadership create meaningful growth in others, not just results? Who became more capable because you led differently? The Avoided Conversation What is the one conversation if addressed that would most reduce friction and free you as the CEO? The Capacity Gap Is the way you're currently leading sustainable for the next stage of growth? The CEO Identity Shift As your company grows, which parts of your founder identity are no longer serving you? Who must you become for the business to grow beyond you? The Courage Move If you were willing to lead with more courage, not more effort, what would you do differently in the first 90 days of the new year? The First Shift What is the first leadership behavior you will stop, start, or delegate in the next week to reinforce a business that doesn't depend on you? Closing Reflection If nothing changes in how you lead, where will your company and your energy be this time next year? All reflection questions are included here for easy reference. Key Takeaways Growth-stage CEOs often become the bottleneck around the 20-employee mark; scaling requires a shift from personal execution to leadership leverage. If your leadership approach does not change as the company grows, it will eventually limit both organizational performance and your personal energy. Effective leadership is measured not by how much you do, but by how well others perform and grow in your absence. Identifying the small set of leadership actions that drive the majority of results creates clarity, focus, and momentum. Avoided conversations are often the hidden source of organizational friction and CEO overload. The leadership style that helped you reach this stage may not be the one required for the next phase of growth. Courage not increased effort is the defining factor in meaningful leadership evolution. Small, intentional behavior shifts (what you stop, start, or delegate) can rapidly increase organizational independence. Year-end reflection is not passive; when done well, it becomes a strategic act that shapes the company's future. Sustainable growth depends on building a business that can operate and win without relying on the CEO's constant presence. 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 training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

    11 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