Confessions of an Implementer – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.

 

Let’s dive in!

 

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Abercrombie, a certified EOS Implementor and Community Leader, to explore how having a people first mindset can completely transform a businesses culture. Mike pulls from his personal experience, as a co-founder and CEO of a multi million dollar company, of all the actions he did wrong before finding EOS, and how finding it has changed everything for him. He also shares about the impact peer groups have had on him, why they’re so important, and why prioritizing personal well being is essential for your businesses success.

 

03:17 The Aha Moment

07:40 Learning from Experience

10:20 The Role of Passion in Business

15:20 Founder-Led vs. Private Equity

19:00 The Importance of a Vision

23:30 Navigating Change in Leadership Roles

29:31 Finding Your Sea Legs

31:21 Lessons from the Pandemic

34:03 The Illusion of Diversification

36:30 The Power of Peer Groups

41:10 Building Functional Peer Networks

45:01 Transitioning from Doing EOS to Running on EOS

51:44 Finding the Right Clients

 

Episode Resources

 

• Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-abercrombie
• Email: mabercrombie@eosworldwide.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-abercrombie/

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you an inside look at the systems’ successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, I sit down with Anne Schoolcraft, a Certified EOS Implementer with a background in software engineering and business integration. Anne shares her journey from working in medical device software to stepping into the integrator role for her husband’s IT managed services company. Her story is one of evolution, from fixing code to fixing businesses, and ultimately, helping companies scale with EOS. We explore:

• The Transition from Tech to Business – How Anne’s engineering mindset shaped her approach to business operations and leadership.
• Turning Around a Family Business – The pivotal moment that led to implementing EOS and seeking external expertise to save the company.
• The Challenges of Dual Roles – Navigating the complexities of being both a spouse and an integrator, and the hard decision to step away.
• Leadership vs. Management – The key traits that separate great managers from true leaders, emphasizing transparency and genuine care for people.
• The Visionary-Integrator Relationship – Why success hinges on both roles being filled and aligned.
• Common EOS Challenges – The biggest hurdles companies face in the early stages of implementation, from commitment issues to maintaining focus.
• What Makes a Great Client? – The two non-negotiables Anne looks for: a growth mindset and a deep care for their people.

Anne’s insights offer a candid look into the realities of EOS adoption, the importance of clear leadership structures, and why some businesses thrive while others struggle. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here. This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, I sit down with Mitchell York, a Certified EOS Implementer, to discuss the key to building successful teams and cultures. We explore hiring for cultural fit, navigating mergers, and leadership evolution. Mitchell shares lessons learned from running his family business, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how mentorship shaped his journey. Tune in for actionable advice on fostering accountability, creativity, and trust within your organization. Mitchell York is a Certified EOS Implementer® and an ICF Professional Certified Coach with over 15 years of experience facilitating strategy and planning meetings for leadership teams across diverse industries. Having led more than 500 full-day sessions, Mitchell specializes in maintaining objectivity, keeping teams focused, and ensuring clear accountability. He helps teams overcome challenges such as lack of trust, unclear objectives, and unresolved issues, ultimately driving results through effective collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering a culture of trust and commitment. Episode Resources

• Mitchell York on LinkedIn
• York.Training Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, I sit down with Mark Taylor, NYC Master Chair and CEO Coach at Vistage. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mental fitness on leadership and personal growth. Mark shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons from failure and the pivotal role of community in professional success. We delve into the principles of positive intelligence, highlighting strategies to manage inner saboteurs and cultivate a resilient mindset. With actionable tips for integrating positive intelligence into daily life, this conversation offers valuable guidance for leaders seeking to elevate team dynamics, decision-making, and organizational culture. Mark Taylor is a Vistage Best Practice Chair, dedicated to empowering CEOs, executives, and business owners to achieve extraordinary success. After his first business failure, Mark gained invaluable experience in Corporate America before discovering Vistage, a global executive coaching organization. With peer support and insight, Mark’s second business thrived, becoming a top-60 fastest-growing company in his state. Now, overseeing 20+ Vistage groups in NYC, Mark uses innovative techniques like Triads to help leaders overcome challenges, embrace lifelong learning, and drive transformative growth. Episode Resources

• Mark Taylor on LinkedIn
• Vistage Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, I sit down with Randy McDougal, an Expert EOS Implementer, to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Randy reflects on his journey, from washing windows in high school to becoming an EOS implementer, sharing pivotal moments like starting a business while his wife was eight months pregnant and overcoming challenges like a fire at his facility. They discuss fostering creativity, aligning team vision, and balancing ownership and operations. Randy offers tactical advice on corporate governance, team motivation, and efficient management, emphasizing the value of clear goals and collaborative leadership to drive business success. Randy McDougal is an Expert EOS Implementer with over two decades of experience helping businesses boost profitability, build cohesive teams, and solve complex challenges. Randy launched his first business in high school, washing windows, where he quickly learned the power of strategic customer selection and efficient operations. A decade later, he scaled a graphic design and printing company to four locations, navigating personnel issues, financial crunches, and even a real-life fire before successfully selling to a national firm. As a co-founder of companies spanning seven industries—including a $500M Astrodome redevelopment project—Randy now empowers leaders to achieve their goals through EOS. Episode Resources

• Randy McDougal on LinkedIn
• Randy McDougal on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, Ryan Hogan interviews Jim Bygland, Certified Implementer, to explore his career and insights into leadership, teamwork, and the integrator role. Jim shares experiences from his time in a military-driven fintech startup, emphasizing the importance of vision, accountability, and trust. The conversation delves into organizational dynamics, healthy debate, and team prioritization. Jim offers practical strategies for aligning team efforts with core values, fostering productive discussions, and building cohesive teams. With lessons from his journey as an integrator and implementer, Jim provides actionable advice for visionaries and integrators aiming for organizational success. Jim Bygland is a Certified Implementer with EOS Worldwide, helping leadership teams transform their businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). His career spans roles including CIO, COO, and a business coach. Jim has built high-performing teams and driven strategic success across the banking, fintech, and oil and gas industries. Passionate about creating the "EOS Life," Jim empowers organizations to align vision, foster teamwork, and solve frustrations, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth while pursuing what they love with purpose and clarity. Episode Resources

• Jim Bygland on LinkedIn
• Jim Bygland on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, host Ryan Hogan is joined by the redoubtable Laurens van Hoorn, Certified Implementer, and formerly Apple. Now, Laurens is a seasoned entrepreneur himself and his is a remarkable story of scaling up one of Apple's first European distribution companies. Navigating the burgeoning tech landscape during Apple's uncertain early years was a formative time for Laurens, and in this episode, he spotlights the transformation that he noticed in Steve Jobs’ second tenure – what was different, what had he learned? Together, Ryan and Laurens get into the weeds of the visionary-integrator dynamic, lessons in diversification, and the critical elements of business success. Laurens also has some interesting points on team dynamics – he’s not interested in yes-people and is a firm believer in the constructive power of robust debate. Distribution may seem like the more unglamorous element of driving innovation, but it’s not something you can do without. This episode is bursting with good advice in that area, as well as insights into leadership and execution. Laurens’ journey underscores the importance of building complementary teams, maintaining adaptability, and staying client-focused amid any disruption. Laurens van Hoorn is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with decades of experience in distribution and system integration. His career really booted up when he was managing B2B Apple systems in the Netherlands and later he went on to co-pioneer Apple’s retail blueprint in Europe. This was a key part of helping the company lay the foundation for its global success. With his keen understanding of market dynamics and the power of strategic partnerships, Laurens has guided businesses through complex transformations. Episode Resources

• Laurens van Hoorn on LinkedIn
• EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, host Ryan Hogan sits down with Jon Weening, a Certified EOS Implementer, to explore his unique experiences navigating the roles of visionary and integrator in business, particularly within a family-owned enterprise. They dive deep into the challenges of partnerships, the importance of core values, and the dynamics of leadership teams. Jon shares his journey with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), offering practical advice on accountability, trust-building, and aligning goals in business partnerships. This insightful conversation delivers valuable lessons on achieving clarity, fostering collaboration, and driving success in entrepreneurial ventures. Jon Weening is a passionate Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer dedicated to helping business owners and leadership teams achieve clarity, traction, and fulfillment in their organizations. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience—including ownership in four businesses across real estate, manufacturing, and dealerships—Jon understands the highs and challenges of leadership. After successfully scaling a manufacturing business 7X in ten years, he shifted his focus to coaching leaders and fostering workplaces where teams thrive. Based in Barrie, Ontario, Jon combines his hard-earned insights with the EOS framework to empower businesses to reach their full potential while creating engaging, purpose-driven cultures. Episode Resources

• Jon Weening on LinkedIn
• Jon Weening on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, host Ryan Hogan sits down with Richard Morris, an entrepreneur and Professional Implementer. Richard shares his remarkable journey, from co-founding Northpointe Communications and navigating its IPO to transitioning into nonprofit work. He discusses the importance of company culture, hiring for attitude, and leadership challenges during rapid growth. Richard also reflects on his post-IPO life, career shift, and creating a nonprofit that helps community organizations fundraise. This episode highlights the balance between business success and personal fulfillment and how purpose-driven work can make a lasting impact. Richard Morris is a visionary business leader, author, and digital entrepreneur with extensive experience in transforming innovative concepts into successful businesses. A Silicon Valley pioneer, he co-founded a tech startup that grew to over 1,200 employees and achieved a $2 billion NASDAQ listing. After returning to the UK, Richard turned his focus toward social impact, co-founding TheGivingMachine, a nonprofit enabling free, personalized giving to charities. His strategic expertise spans executive roles in both startups and blue-chip environments, with specialties in team-building, product development, and growth. Now an EOS implementer, Richard helps leaders build purpose-driven, resilient businesses. Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to Richard Morris
• 02:05 - Startup Journey and IPO Experience
• 07:59 - Leadership and Organizational Development
• 10:20 - Hiring Philosophy and Organizational Culture
• 15:59 - Looking for Cultural Fit in Candidates
• 21:10 - A Framework for Right People in Right Seats
• 23:37 - Hiring for a High-Growth Environment
• 32:24 - Creation of a Nonprofit
• 41:35 - Becoming an EOS Implementer

Quotes

1. "The day we went public was surreal. I remember celebrating with my wife over a bucket of KFC and a bottle of champagne. You’d think it would be a grand feast, but in that moment, it was just about the two of us, realizing we had done something incredible. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that hold the most meaning, right?"
2. "Hiring isn't just about skills; it's about finding people who fit the culture. You can teach someone how to code, but you can't teach them a 'can-do' attitude. I’ve found that those who appreciate Monty Python humor tend to adapt better in high-stress environments. It's fascinating how humor can be a litmus test for resilience."
3. "You hear about the success of liquidity events, but no one talks about the emotional fallout afterward. I felt lost and disconnected from my peers who were still climbing the corporate ladder. It was jarring to go from being a CEO to feeling like a ghost in my own community."
4. "When I co-founded the nonprofit, I saw firsthand how small organizations struggle to raise funds. We’ve managed to raise around $3.5 million for community groups! It’s not just about the money; it’s about empowering these organizations with tools they never had access to. That’s where real impact happens."
5. "For me, it’s crucial to align my work with my values. I don’t want to be part of a machine prioritizing profit over people. I believe organizations can succeed while also making a social impact. Profit should be a byproduct of doing the right things with the right people."

Episode Resources

• Richard Morris on LinkedIn
• Richard Morris on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in! In this episode, host Ryan Hogan talks with Robert Hartline, a Professional Implementer and entrepreneur, about integrating love, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence into business. Robert shares his journey with meditation, breathwork, and personal growth, highlighting techniques like visualization and breath control to shift from survival to creativity. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, aligning work with purpose, and fostering love-driven teams. Emphasizing conscious leadership, Robert encourages listeners to invest in their unique strengths for transformative impact. This conversation offers insights for those looking to enhance personal and professional fulfillment. Robert Hartline is a visionary entrepreneur and EOS expert known for scaling businesses and transforming organizations. Starting out in college selling wireless phones door-to-door, Robert went on to open his first store just four years later and eventually expanded to 11 locations. However, rapid growth led to disorganization and personal strain. Discovering EOS and the book Traction was transformative; within three years, he scaled his company from $11 million to nearly $100 million, with 78 locations and 450 employees. Now, Robert guides other entrepreneurs in building efficient teams and achieving work-life balance, fostering both business success and personal fulfillment. Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:15 - Pride and Purpose in Entrepreneurship
• 03:22 - Heart vs. Logic in Decision-Making
• 11:19 - Meditation Techniques
• 18:58 - Breathwork as a Tool for Change
• 24:54 - Imposter Syndrome and Overcoming Challenges
• 30:22 - The Role of Love in Business
• 32:23 - Consciousness and Energy Management
• 36:06 - Practical Applications of Breathwork

Quotes

1. "I take immense pride in Hytch Rewards because it’s not just about carpooling; it’s about fostering connections and reducing stress. When we help people connect, we're not just changing transportation— we're changing lives."
2. "When we make decisions from a place of love instead of pure logic, we open ourselves to compassion. Difficult conversations become opportunities for connection rather than conflict."
3. "I practice meditation that visualizes joyful memories, especially with my children. It’s transformative—I tap into that love and joy before any challenging situation."
4. "Breathwork is a game-changer. It shifts your mindset from survival to creativity. When you control your breath, you control your emotional state, opening doors to better decision-making."
5. "Imagine if businesses operated from a foundation of love. Teams that connect on that level are not just more productive; they’re happier and more cohesive. Love should be at the core of our workplace culture."

Episode Resources

• Robert Hartline on LinkedIn
• Robert Hartline on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so