What if the difference between stalled growth and market leadership is one bold email, one honest reframe, or one great hire you think you can’t afford? We sit down with Richard Conway, Founder and Managing Director of Pure SEO, to unpack how an introvert with $200 built one of New Zealand’s most recognized digital marketing groups by betting on systems, A-players, and asymmetric opportunities. We trace the path from bartering for a logo to landing enterprise leads by upgrading brand signals online, then dig into the inflection point where ten people exposed the limits of hustle. Richard explains how bringing in an operations specialist, building internal software, and opening a Manila office cut errors, scaled delivery, and freed him to sell and lead. He shares the mentors and investors who compressed his learning curve, plus the gut-check process he uses to make fast, reversible decisions without burning out on analysis. The conversation gets real about personal adversity—miscarriages, a cancer diagnosis, and a key resignation in the same week—and how trust and responsibility pulled him out of bed when comfort would not. We explore why focusing on strengths beats fixing weaknesses, how to avoid punishing top performers, and why paying for A-players ultimately lowers cost. Then we map the playbook for bold, unconventional moves: cold-calling Penguin Random House before a book existed, turning a week on Richard Branson’s Necker Island into national press and six clients, and inviting industry leaders into his work with a generous ask. Along the way, you’ll hear practical habits that keep a fast mind clear—Muay Thai, weekly thinking time, and broad reading—and simple ways to raise your kids’ EQ by bringing them into the room. If you’re ready to think like a CEO, this episode shows what it looks like: reframe setbacks, design systems, choose discomfort, and tell your story so opportunity can find you. If this sparked a new move for you, follow, share with a founder friend, and leave a quick review to help more leaders find the show. In this podcast you will learn about: • Defining elite success as comfort with actions and progress • Delegating to weaknesses to remove bottlenecks • Building momentum through daily iterations • Perception and brand signals driving enterprise deals • Mentors and transparency accelerating decisions • Fear exposure through public speaking and outreach • Hiring A-players over fixing underperformers • Funding growth with recurring revenue discipline Highlights: 0:00 Think Like A CEO Series Setup 0:44 Meet Richard Conway And Origin Story 2:42 Defining Elite Success And Balance 3:48 Delegation And Reframing Losses 6:06 Moving Countries And Building A Network 8:20 From $200 Startup To Perception 11:18 Momentum And Iteration In Growth 12:58 Becoming A CEO Through Systems 15:35 Mentors, Investors, And Transparency 17:18 Personal Trials And Showing Up 20:16 Fear, Public Speaking, And Reps 22:45 Calculated Risk And Learning Loops 25:04 Decision Fatigue And Gut Checks 27:12 Hiring Blind Spots And Safeguards 29:01 Double Down On Strengths 31:05 Paying For A-Players And Recurring Revenue 33:26 Varied Days And Parenting With Exposure Interested in 1:1 Coaching? If you were truly leading at the level your vision requires, what decision would you make this week? I provide strategic coaching for high-performing financial advisors, service-based business owners, and leaders who want coaching that goes beyond accountability. I partner with you to execute on your vision and focus on what truly drives results: executive presence, leadership development, scaling, and prioritization. The outcome: you realize your full potential, influence and inspire others, and lead a high-impact business that reflects your next-level goals. To explore if coaching is the right fit, email me at meet@kristinburke.com to schedule a discovery call. Connect with Kristin LinkedIn Instagram Website Goal Setting Success Course Breakout Plan Connect with Richard LinkedIn Website
