Explore every episode of the podcast The Business Strategist With Adam Strong

Most founders are wasting a fortune on tools promising to shift the needle but instead it is quietly killing their growth. This episode exposes why personality testing, competency models, and culture fit interviews often fail and what to replace them with if you want a team that actually delivers. In this episode, I sit down with Barry Wolfe, an HR veteran with 30 years in the trenches helping founders and CEOs solve the people problems that stall growth. We go beyond generic HR and get into why businesses keep hiring great people who still do not perform, why teams break at certain revenue ceilings, and how leaders accidentally become the bottleneck. Barry shares his value centric leadership approach, showing how to define roles by outcomes, improve hiring interviews, and align performance to the results that drive business growth. If you want to build a high performing team, improve employee retention, and scale without everything running through you, this conversation will challenge how you think about talent management. Five takeaways: why you should listen Why great CVs and strong interviews still fail and the real reason good people do not work out after 6 to 8 months The most expensive hiring mistake founders and CEOs make and why smart leaders keep repeating it The one thing to define before the interview starts: the 3 to 5 value added deliverables you need in the first 12 months How to shift from managing actions to rewarding outcomes so roles are defined by what people deliver and performance becomes measurable The first document to create if you are the bottleneck: define your key value drivers and business results so the whole team aligns and execution stops running through you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. Download this playbook for free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Talk to our financial planners to get your exit number.  Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryrwolfe/ www.argoshr.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s be real for a second: Law school, the accounting bodies, the professional exams they never actually taught you how to run a business. They taught you how to be a technician. Now, you’re stuck in the trading time for money trap, thinking that being hardworking and professional gives you an edge over the competition. It doesn't. That’s just the baseline.  In 2026, relying on those standards is the quickest way to get left behind. I joined Dan Warburton to talk about the shift from being a late-stage service provider to an early-stage strategic partner. We’re moving past the ego and getting into why your clients really buy from you—and it’s probably not what you think. In this chat, we cover: The Holiday Test: Why your inability to let go is capping your revenue and killing your culture. Standards vs. USPs: Why telling people you're "punctual" is a waste of breath (and what to say instead). The Ferrari Specialist: How to stop being a "generalist garage" and become the only logical choice for your ideal client. Dinner, Drinks, and Real Data: My simple way to get your best clients to hand you your unfair advantage on a silver platter before the weekend hits. AI vs. The Clock: Why billing by the hour is a losing game when tech can do your 8-hour task in 20 minutes. If you’re tired of staying stuck, this is for you. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Talk to our financial planners to get your exit number.  Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investordanwarburton Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430923 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fine is the most expensive word in your business. When your team tells you they’re fine, they aren’t being polite. They’re checking out.  We’re in a Relationship Recession, and it’s the silent tax stripping productivity, slowing decisions, and shaving value off your company from the inside. In this episode, I sit down with Morag Barrett, leadership expert, member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, and the person CEOs call when trust is breaking and performance is slipping.  Morag explains why transactional leadership fuels burnout, how digital noise has replaced real connection, and what to do about it if you want a high trust culture that scales. If your engagement is dipping or your business is being impacted by quiet quitting, this is the episode for you. We discuss: How to spot the “I’m fine” trap before turnover hits How to identify allies, rivals, and hidden adversaries inside the Relationship Ecosystem How to use a 60 second pulse check to measure trust fast How to schedule spontaneity so remote teams feel like a community How to shift from transactional to transformational leadership without more meetings Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett/ Website: https://skyeteam.com Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cultivate-Winning-Relationships-Morag-Barrett-dp-1936487292/dp/1936487292/ref=dp_ob_title_bk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I spent years chasing the myth that the harder you work the bigger the rewards. I was obsessed with growing my company to find freedom but it was a failed experiment. My business was scaling while my body was screaming a question I could not answer: how long can you actually sustain this for? I was winning on paper but my biology was being liquidated behind the scenes. Can you relate? I used to treat my health like a cost centre I could manage after the next milestone.  In this episode I sit down with triple board certified physician Dr Amy Loden Tiffany to look at the metabolic crisis I was heading toward. We discuss the biological data points I was ignoring and why my desk was more dangerous than a smoking habit. This is a raw look at the hidden tax on success and why your current lifestyle is secretly draining your cognitive edge. If you have ever woken at 3am with your brain on overload this is an episode you cannot afford to skip. Five reasons to listen The Sitting Death Trap Discover why prolonged sitting is more lethal than smoking and the specific protocol to reverse the damage in weeks. Hidden Mortality Markers The laboratory metrics most doctors ignore that predict early mortality and how insurance companies use them against CEOs. The IQ Connection How metabolic health directly dictates decision making ability and why a compromised state leads to million pound mistakes. Peak Energy ROI The three high impact micro habits that deliver maximum energy for founders working 12 hour days with zero gym time. Biological Burnout Why burnout and metabolic disease share the exact same root causes and how fixing one automatically solves the other. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-loden/ YouTube: @dramytiffany Instagram: @dramytiffany TikTok: @dramytiffany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalitymwc ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop planning for 2026. If you are still preparing for the future, you have already been overtaken by those of us who are already living in it. Most people are waiting for a signal to move, but I am already executing the plays that will define the next twelve months. I am not here to give you a forecast; I am here to give you the exact moves I am using to dominate while everyone else is still waking up. The gap between the leaders and the crowd is widening, and the old rules of growth are officially dead. While the majority are distracted by vanity metrics and outdated hacks, I am betting everything on five specific shifts that are currently transforming my business. In this episode, I reveal the internal roadmap I am using to scale intimacy through AI, why I am ignoring 90% of social media to build deeper trust, and the acquisition strategy I am using to bypass years of slow growth. This is a raw look at my private playbook for 2026. Whether you are hearing this today or three weeks from now, the window to act is closing. This is how you win. 5 reasons to listen I reveal how I use AI agents to scale genuine outreach and support without losing my human edge. I explain my strategy for building a focussed personal brand that generates deep trust on a single platform. I show you how I multiply my authority by turning depth content into a machine that attracts high value buyers. I break down the specific community signals I track to ensure real growth instead of chasing empty impressions. I share my blueprint for buying boring businesses to leapfrog traditional growth and create a massive exit. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Success in 2026 06:41 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 12:06 The Power of Personal Branding 15:14 Shifts in Content Consumption 18:18 Community Over Vanity Metrics 21:07 Exploring Business Acquisitions for Growth ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deal closes. The champagne goes flat. And suddenly you're staring in the mirror wondering who the hell you are anymore. Your company's gone. Your title means nothing. The identity you wore for a decade has been stripped away. Did you just make the biggest mistake of your life? I sat down with Jennifer Fondrevay, the M&A Whisperer who's lived through three multi-billion-pound acquisitions and consulted with over 60 CEOs on the hidden psychology of business exits.  As a best-selling author and TEDx speaker featured across global media, Jennifer has become the go-to expert on what nobody talks about in M&A: the identity crisis that follows the deal.  We explored the brutal truth about losing your business identity, why even the most successful founders feel like they're going crazy during transitions, and the battle-tested framework she developed from the trenches of corporate acquisitions.  This conversation revealed the exact emotional stages you’ll face post-exit and gave you the strategic playbook to rebuild your identity before a crisis hits. If your planning an exit in the next 2-5 years, this is a must listen. Five reasons to listen How to master the five stages of business grief - Jennifer reveals the proven framework she's used with Fortune 500 executives to transform anger and denial into acceptance and opportunity The legacy question that changes everything - Discover the single most powerful question that forces clarity on who you are beyond your business title and protects what you've built How the top 1% prepare for their final chapter - Learn the 6-month countdown strategy Jennifer developed after witnessing countless botched exits and seven-figure transitions gone right Why your biggest advocates are hiding in plain sight - Uncover Jennifer's counterintuitive method for identifying team champions who'll accelerate change and shield you from emotional burnout The breakthrough exercise CEOs didn't see coming - How Jennifer's unconventional music-based technique unlocks vulnerability in the boardroom and builds the trust required for seamless transitions Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Identity Crisis Post-Exit 02:37 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions 05:44 The Emotional Landscape of Exiting 08:05 Understanding Grief in Business Transitions 11:08 Building Trust During Change 13:56 The Role of Leadership in M&A 16:42 Acceptance and Moving Forward 19:29 Legacy and Impact After Exit 22:10 Preparing for the Future 25:10 Creating a New Narrative Post-Exit 31:41 Transitioning from Founder to CEO 35:30 Preparing for the Emotional Exit 37:21 Rebuilding Identity Post-Exit 41:52 Understanding Integration Debt 46:08 Navigating Grief in Leadership 59:31 Future Research Directions ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay Instagram: @jenniferj.fondrevay Freebie: https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/resources ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could eliminate your biggest competitor without spending a penny upfront? While most business owners throw money at marketing and AI tools, there's a silent weapon hiding in plain sight: buying the competition that's stealing your clients. In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy Harbour, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of The Harbour Club. We get practical about growing through acquisitions by buying your competitor.  We talk about why so many owner run businesses never sell, what makes today such a strong time to buy, and how to approach a competitor without turning it into an awkward sales pitch.  Jeremy shares what he looks for, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself so you are not left with a mess after the deal. 5 reasons to listen Stop competing, start acquiring. Discover why buying your competitor is more effective than spending another pound on advertising or the latest AI automation. The zero money down blueprint. Learn the exact structure Jeremy uses monthly to acquire businesses without borrowing from banks, signing guarantees or hiring expensive lawyers. Baby boomer goldmine. Understand why 80% of businesses owned by retiring baby boomers are essentially free for the taking if you know how to structure the conversation. Red flags become opportunities. Jeremy explains how client concentration, employee risk and owner dependency actually make deals easier, not harder. Real-time acquisition coaching. Watch Jeremy coach me through structuring my first competitor acquisition, including the consulting to equity approach that eliminates upfront costs. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Strategy of Acquiring Competitors 02:46 Current Market Dynamics and Opportunities 05:36 Understanding Business Valuation and Acquisition Risks 08:25 Navigating the Acquisition Process 11:04 Building Rapport with Competitors 13:48 Personal Experiences in M&A 16:41 Identifying Sweet Spots for Acquisition 19:25 The Power of Group Strategies in M&A 22:09 Overcoming Mindset Barriers in M&A 25:04 Initiating Conversations with Competitors 29:19 End of Year Reflections and Motivations 30:03 Identifying Red Flags in Acquisitions 31:08 Leveraging Red Flags for Better Deals 33:18 Creating Asymmetric Risk in Transactions 36:34 Evaluating Business Concentration Risks 38:37 Recognizing Green Flags in Negotiations 39:21 De-risking Post-Acquisition Integration 41:07 Common Mistakes in the First 90 Days 44:47 Acquisition Strategies for Consulting Businesses 51:13 Navigating the Complexity of Acquisitions 55:23 Understanding Technology Business Valuations 57:20 Final Thoughts on Entrepreneurship and Acquisitions ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyharbour/ Website: https://www.harbourclubevents.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop feeding the content monster. LinkedIn doesn’t reward volume; it rewards positioning. If you are a founder with decades of experience but your posts are being ignored, the problem isn’t the algorithm. It is your structure. You don’t need 100,000 followers to dominate your niche; you need a framework that turns your specific life experience into a strategic asset. In this episode, I am handing you the blueprint to my personal content strategy. This isn't theory; it is the exact methodology I use to generate consistent 10–15% engagement on every post with a modest following.  I break down the STRONG framework—a simple, repeatable system to transform your insights into posts that resonate with your ideal client profile, position you as an authority, and start real commercial conversations. Here is why you need to listen: The STRONG Framework Revealed: Master the 5-step formula to write high-converting content in under 15 minutes. The Personal Proof Hook: Learn why starting with 'lived experience' beats theory every single time and stops the scroll. Tension Through Contrast: Discover how to articulate the painful cost of staying stuck so your prospects feel compelled to act. Reframing the Problem: How to flip the script on common industry issues to position yourself as the strategic solution. Engagement Over Ego: Why I ignore vanity metrics to focus on the specific engagement rates that actually drive revenue. Listen now to stop posting into the void and start building genuine authority. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the STRONG Framework 02:39 Breaking Down the STRONG Framework 05:44 The Importance of Personal Experience 08:18 Reframing Problems and Offering Solutions 11:03 Engagement and Call to Action ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fastest way to scale this year is to stop selling your time and let other people sell your method for you? If your calendar is full, your revenue is capped and you think another course or mastermind is the answer, this episode will flip that thinking on its head. In this episode I sit down with licensing specialist April Beach to unpack how to scale by letting other companies pay to use your intellectual property. We break down what licensing really is, when you are ready for it and why it is the step after courses, masterminds and memberships. April walks through simple licensing models you can plug into your existing business and even coaches me live on how to licence my own exit framework, so you can apply the same thinking to your offers. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ Value bombs 1. Discover a proven path to scale beyond 1-to-1 work Learn how to license your expertise to companies and create scalable B2B revenue streams without trading time for money. 2. Get the blueprint for identifying your most licensable content Learn how to pinpoint which of your programs or courses have the highest potential for corporate licensing deals. 3. Position yourself as an expert in your industry Elevate your authority and credibility when companies license your content, opening doors to premium opportunities. 4. Create a certification program that scales your impact Train and certify others to deliver your frameworks, expanding your reach while generating additional revenue streams. 5. Access simple, actionable steps you can implement immediately Get clear, practical strategies and concrete next steps to start licensing conversations with companies today. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilbeachlicensing/?hl=en  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aprilbeach  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilbeach/  Free Resource: https://www.sweetlifeco.com/licensing101ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the real competitive advantage for founders of small and medium sized businesses right now, smarter AI or leaders who know how to be deeply human. In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and former COO Chris March to explore the human edge in an AI world and why treating AI as a shortcut instead of a multiplier is quietly damaging trust, culture and credibility in smaller businesses.  If you are a founder or owner of an SME leaning into AI but worried about losing the soul of your business, this conversation is for you. Here is what we cover Why blaming layoffs on AI is backfiring and how that story destroys trust even faster inside small teams How generic AI generated content weakens your authority as a founder and what to do instead if you want real connection with prospects The human edge for SMEs, using judgement, experience, emotional intelligence and real stories as a moat that big companies cannot copy Practical ways to use AI as a force multiplier rather than a crutch so you can step out of low value tasks and back into leading the business Three key principles for SME founders who want to use AI while protecting trust through education, transparency and simple governance Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherrmarch Website: https://chrismarchcoaching.com/ Sign up for my free bi-weekly newsletter: Subscribe | The Leading Edge: https://leadingedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the economy is not the problem? What if your strategy is? I sit down with Dr Rebecca Homkes to blow up the doom narrative and show founders how to grow when everyone else is stuck. We unpack why uncertainty favours the bold, how to swap rigid plans for belief driven preparation, and the simple loops and huddles that create aligned speed.  If you want to steady the ship and pull away from the pack, this one is the episode to listen to. 5 takeaways How to turn fear into an edge by avoiding delusion, paralysis and frenzy. How to replace rigid plans with belief driven preparation you can test fast. Improve your shock response with the four Cs: cash, cost, customer, communication. Learn to build a right to win by clarifying what you have, what you can do and the moats you will dig. How to create aligned speed with weekly huddles that ask what we did and what we learned. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ Chapters 00:00 Navigating Economic Uncertainty 11:23 Understanding Growth Mindset in Business 22:46 Strategies for Thriving Amidst Challenges 28:36 Navigating Business Challenges with the Four C's 32:35 Transitioning from Survive to Thrive 37:31 Harnessing Uncertainty for Growth 42:04 Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Market 46:50 Strategic Reflections for Future Success ABOUT THE GUESThttps://www.rebeccahomkes.com/ https://www.surviveresetthrive.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes/ Survive Reset Thrive: Leading breakthrough growth strategy through volatile times: https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Reset-Thrive-Implementing-High-Growth/dp/139860786X ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are not leading. You are firefighting. And it is costing you growth. In this episode I talk about the trap founders fall into when the business starts running them. If you are answering every email, fixing every mistake and your team will not move without you, this is for you. I break down why we slip into reactive leadership, what it does to your energy and momentum, and how to shift into a role where you lead, think and build. It is practical, honest and based on what I had to change myself. Why listen You will spot the signs that you have become the bottleneck. You will hear how reactive leadership leads straight to burnout. You will get simple moves to create space for strategy again. You will learn how to get your team to decide without you. You will see how this makes your business scalable and exit ready. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture doesn’t sit on your balance sheet — but it’s the reason some businesses sell for millions more than yours. In this episode I sit down (for the third time!) with WSJ bestselling author Alex Brueckmann to unpack something most founders completely miss in their exit plan: buyers don’t just buy your numbers — they buy your culture. We break down his 9 Elements of Organisational Identity, talk about why two companies with identical P&Ls sell for totally different prices, and how to show culture in due diligence so you can justify a premium. If you’re planning to scale and exit in the next 24–36 months, this is the lens you need. 5 reasons to listen You’ll finally understand the “valuation gap” — why some firms with the same revenue and profit command higher multiples. You get Alex’s 9-element framework that links culture, strategy and leadership — in plain English, not academic fluff. You’ll hear how investors actually think and what they look for beyond client lists and P&Ls when deciding to overpay. You’ll learn how to evidence culture in a way buyers can see, not just read as nice words on a website. • 5. You’ll spot the founder-dependency red flags that kill deals — and what to fix now if you want to exit in 24–36 months. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbrueckmann Website: www.AlexBrueckmann.comABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next hire you’re avoiding is costing you millions—and your peace of mind. In this episode, I sit down with Talent Maximizer Roberta Matuson to unpack the real reason founders stall: people. We get honest about 3 a.m. recruitment anxiety, the fear of hiring someone better than you, and the scarcity mindset that keeps teams mediocre.  Roberta dismantles hire slow, fire fast principle, shows me how to attract A-players without the massive salaries, and explains why small firms have a hidden edge right now.  We cover when AI helps (and when it hurts), how magnetic leadership pulls talent to you, and practical ways to rewrite roles, filter candidates fast, and build a team that scales—and sells. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-matuson/ 28-Minute Power Session (10 Slots Only) What: A laser-focused, 28-minute coaching call to solve your biggest leadership or career challenge. Why: Quick, affordable, and results-driven. Perfect for today’s fast-paced world. Bonus: Free Kindle copy of one of my books—your choice. Investment: $199 (normally $495) For further info email: roberta@matusonconsulting.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: https://adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop launching to crickets. What if the secret to a 7-figure launch isn't your product, but a hidden emotional driver you've completely missed? I'm sharing the 5-step framework that creates the demand and not the desperation. What if you knew precisely what makes your ideal client buy... before you even built the product? It all comes down to their hidden fears, their biggest frustrations, and their secret aspirations. Most entrepreneurs sell the solution; the smartest ones sell a way out of the pain. In this episode, I reveal the 5-step launch process that a $1B razor company and the world's most famous electric car brand used to create demand from thin air. This is the difference between guessing what works and launching with absolute certainty. How to find your customer's 'buy button': Learn to uncover the real psychological drivers (the fears and frustrations) that control your customer's wallet. The $1B razor secret: Discover how one company disrupted an entire industry by identifying a single, universal frustration their competitors ignored. The pre-launch playbook: I'll explain how an iconic CEO pre-sold hundreds of thousands of products before the factory was even built, creating a 3-year waitlist. The perceived value pricing trick: Stop trading time for money. Learn the 4-part pricing strategy that lets you charge more while making customers feel like they got a bargain. How to build an 'unbeatable offer: Find out how strategic partnerships can instantly elevate your product's status and make it the only logical choice in your market. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Transforming Your Business with New Offers 00:57 Understanding Your Audience Through Research 03:43 Crafting a Unique Value Proposition 06:01 Testing Demand and Validating Your Offer 07:54 Strategic Pricing for Success 11:22 Enhancing Customer Experience Through Collaboration 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to building a audience of over 160,000 followers wasn't about grinding out content for 10 hours a day but instead it was about finding the 20% of AI prompts that generate 80% of the results, effectively creating an artificial version of yourself to do the heavy lifting? I brought on Charlie Hills a LinkedIn growth strategist that leverages AI tools to create an authentic personal brand. Charlie has over 160k+ followers on LinkedIn and turns audiences into opportunities. We break down why context engineering now beats prompt engineering, how to build a lightweight AI version of you that keeps your voice and judgement, and where AI agents actually make sense (and where humans still win). Charlie shares the visual tactics (carousels/cheat sheets) and we finish with a live audit of my LinkedIn profile so you can duplicate the same playbook for your own profile. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Unlocking AI for Audience Growth 02:39 The Evolution of Personal Branding 05:32 Mastering AI Prompts and Context 08:13 Navigating AI Biases and Ethics 11:05 Understanding AI Agents 13:45 AI Hacks for Content Creation 16:38 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 35:30 The Value of Lead Generation Posts 37:32 Strategies for Building a Following 39:49 The Daily Posting Debate 43:09 Content Creation and Audience Engagement 45:00 Profile Auditing and Improvement 01:02:12 Top Tips for Gaining Attention and Trust 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charliehills/ Website https://cognified.io/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over five years ago, I launched a podcast with zero production experience, a lot of curiosity, and one goal: to empower business leaders to scale and exit with confidence. What started as the Game Changers Experience evolved into The Business Strategist – now downloaded in over 50 countries, with 360+ episodes and counting. In this candid conversation with my long-time friend and leadership powerhouse Chris Salem, I share exactly how I built a podcast that’s stood the test of time while others faded out.  We talk consistency, strategy, brand evolution, why I never miss an episode (even on holiday!), and where this platform is headed next—including the exciting leap toward becoming a full media company. Whether you're a founder, leader, or future podcaster, this episode will show you how to build something that lasts and grows with you. Here's what I covered Real Talk on Podcasting LongevityDiscover the behind-the-scenes decisions, structure, and mindset that kept this podcast alive every single week for over five years—when most die in their first season. From Side Project to Media PowerhouseLearn how I'm evolving The Business Strategist into a full-blown media company and what that means for content creation, reach, and impact in 2026 and beyond. The Secret to Consistency (Even on Holidays)I reveal the mental frameworks, routines, and identity shifts that made never missing an episode possible—even during Christmas or when travelling abroad. Why Niche Beats NoiseWe unpack why I intentionally didn’t chase the Joe Rogan model and why staying in your niche (scaling + exiting) builds deeper loyalty and bigger opportunities. A Glimpse into the Future of Business StrategyHear what’s coming next—episodes on M&A, post-exit identity shifts, AI integration, and interviews with founders who’ve actually exited—not just talked about it. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adamstrongofficial ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem Website: https://christophersalem.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scaling a business is simple—until it isn’t. Most founders sabotage their growth without even realising it. Are you making the same mistakes that could be quietly killing your scale-up? In today’s episode of The Business Strategist, I’m sharing the 10 most common pitfalls that derail founders when scaling—and more importantly, how to avoid them. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They come directly from my own journey and client conversations, along with stories and strategies you can apply immediately. Whether it’s expanding revenue streams, breaking free from the “doing it all myself” trap, or avoiding weak leadership that undermines your culture—this episode will help you see your business through a sharper lens and give you practical solutions you can use today. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever said yes to a client who drained your energy, disrespected your time, and made you regret chasing the money instead of protecting your business? In this episode of The Business Strategist, I share the 9 types of clients I’ll never work with again—and how you can spot them before they drain your profits and peace of mind. I also walk you through the 7 traits of an ideal client and the exact steps I use to pre-qualify, set boundaries, and make sure I only partner with people who energise me and deliver results. These lessons come from my own mistakes—including a recent nightmare client—and they’ll help you scale faster by saying yes to the right clients and no to the wrong ones. What you’ll learn The 9 toxic client archetypes that sabotage your business growth. My simple pre-qualification process to filter out red flags early. The 7 traits of an ideal client I now look for in every deal. How I use boundaries, accountability, and intuition to protect time and energy. Why saying no to the wrong clients is the fastest way to scale with freedom and focus. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here: https://www.notion.so/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-2341d950a9a5808080b5e57490e5c4b5 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very habits that helped you start your business are now the same ones holding you back from scaling it? In this episode, Adam Strong sits down with Louisa Loran — former executive advisor at Google, Maersk, and Diageo — to unpack the hard truths about why most leaders stall out… and how the best transform themselves to break through complexity, chaos, and cultural traps. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to: Spot the difference between busyness and true progress Balance strong strategy with personal empowerment Use collective intelligence without losing focus Steer your company with discipline while staying human-centered Create readiness for change instead of resistance to it This isn’t theory — it’s real-world lessons Louisa gained advising global giants, translated for the everyday founder scaling a 6–7 figure business. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment' and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-loran/  www.louisaloran.com/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you craft a founder story that cuts through noise and drives real growth? Every founder has a story—but most are forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with storytelling coach and creative director Jeff Abracen, who has mastered the art of transforming messy origin stories into powerful growth tools.  We dive into the DNA of disruptive storytelling—how to stand out, capture attention, and convert conversations into clients. Jeff shares how pattern-breaking stories create influence, why vulnerability (done right) builds authority, and the biggest mistake founders make that kills their message.  If you’ve ever wondered how to make your story resonate, stop the scroll, and actually drive business, this episode is your playbook. Jeff Abracen is a disruptive storytelling expert, speaker and podcast host.  Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Power of Storytelling 04:55 Defining Disruptive Storytelling 11:11 Common Mistakes in Storytelling 16:00 Being Interesting vs. Interested 21:49 The Importance of Relevance in Storytelling 27:49 Challenging Beliefs About Personal Stories 29:52 Overcoming Fear and Judgment in Storytelling 34:40 The Power of Storytelling and Connection 38:25 The Three Cs: Contrast, Connection, and Conversion 49:07 Simplicity in Storytelling and Its Impact 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/ Disruptive Storytelling Worksheet: Unlock your Disruptive DNA™ to craft stories that stand out, connect, and convert. Download here ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if time isn’t something you manage, but something you design—a tool that can multiply freedom, scale your business, and even reshape your legacy? Most entrepreneurs treat time like a relentless enemy—constantly running out, always slipping away. But what if that belief is costing you impact, growth, and freedom? In this episode, I sit down with John Coyle—Olympic silver medalist, 5x TEDx speaker, professor, and leading expert on the psychology and neuroscience of time.  We dive into the fascinating world of Chronos and Kairos—two radically different ways of experiencing time—and uncover how founders can shift from operator mode to visionary leadership. John shares why the value of time has nothing to do with its duration, how to trade money for time, and the simple shifts that help you create unforgettable Kairos moments in business and life.  He even puts me in the coaching hot seat—expect some “aha” moments along the way! If you’ve ever felt like time is controlling you, this conversation will completely reframe how you scale, exit, and design a life of freedom. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Redefining Time: A New Perspective 02:03 From Athlete to Expert: The Journey of John Coyle 03:36 The Value of Time: Insights from Sports and Life 06:05 Time as Currency: Trading Time for Money 09:23 Chronos vs. Kairos: Understanding Time Dimensions 13:13 Creating Meaningful Moments: The Kairos Mindset 18:39 Navigating Time in Business: The Shift from Kronos to Kairos 22:23 The Importance of Connection: Building Relationships in Business 25:31 Self-Actualisation: The Journey Beyond Success 28:50 The Journey of an Athlete to a Mentor 31:04 Designing Memorable Experiences 33:52 The Framework of Memory Construction 37:31 Strategic Time Management for Founders 42:18 Creating Impactful Moments in Life 47:49 Experiences Over Material Possessions 49:09 The Value of Freedom and Choices 54:47 Key Takeaways for a Fulfilling Life 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://johnkcoyle.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKCoyle1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkcoyle1/ https://www.facebook.com/johnkcoyle/ https://www.instagram.com/coylejohnk/ Book “Design for Strengths” - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gi30vzgh2t ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest bottleneck in your business isn’t sales or strategy—it’s your emotional intelligence? In this episode I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator Chris Salem—Fortune 500 advisor, bestselling author, and one of the clearest thinkers on EQ for leaders. We go beyond theory into what founders with 5–25 employees can actually do this week to reduce conflict, create psychological safety, delegate without drama, and sell with more trust. Here are my five key points The 5 controllables every founder must master: communication, behaviour, attitude, emotions, and action. A post-snap reset for when you’ve just lost your cool—and how to rebuild trust quickly. A practical delegation system that helps perfectionist founders stop micromanaging. How to run psychologically safe huddles that cut assumptions and lift KPIs. The 2-minute daily EQ check that keeps you focused on what you can control. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Business 02:54 Leadership Styles and Generational Differences 05:33 Common Struggles in Organisations 08:38 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace 11:33 The Role of Self-Awareness in Emotional Intelligence 14:21 Communication Styles and Their Impact 17:17 Mastering Communication for Better Outcomes 25:47 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Adaptation 27:45 Delegation and Trust in Leadership 30:31 Psychological Shifts for Growth 35:04 Building Self-Discipline and Predictability 38:40 Using EQ in Presentations and Client Meetings 41:51 Daily EQ Habits for Founders 43:18 Future Aspirations and the Importance of Adaptation 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Website: Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Linkedin YouTube ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fastest way to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn had nothing to do with posting… and everything to do with commenting? I’m Adam Strong, The Business Strategist, and today’s episode has me genuinely fired up. I’m joined by my good friend Jasmin Alic — known by many as “The Commenting King” of LinkedIn. With over 240,000 followers, features in LinkedIn’s own publications, and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to rising entrepreneurs, Jay is hands-down one of the most influential branding and copywriting experts on the planet. What makes him stand out isn’t just his reach — it’s his authenticity, humility, and his ability to break down the strategies most people overlook. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: In this episode, Jay reveals the exact commenting strategy that transformed him into a global authority on LinkedIn — and how you can use it to build visibility, authority, and trust faster than any posting schedule ever could. We dive deep into: The 12-step Commenting Matrix that turns simple engagement into real growth. How to avoid the biggest mistakes leaders make when building a brand online. Why your comments might be more powerful than your posts. And the psychology behind turning conversations into clients. If you’ve ever felt invisible on LinkedIn, or you’re tired of posting with little return, this episode will completely change how you see the platform. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:02 The Evolution of LinkedIn as a Content-Focused Platform 06:51 The Power of Commenting vs. Posting on LinkedIn 12:51 Providing Valuable Insights and Advice in Comments 19:45 Common Pitfalls and Mistakes in Building a Brand on LinkedIn 27:36 Building Connections and Growing Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn 28:33 The Power of Engaging with Other People's Posts 29:31 Creating a Content Strategy that Establishes Expertise and Builds Emotional Connection 40:09 The Seven Steps of Jay Alic's Commenting Strategy 49:28 Using a PS Comment to Prompt Further Engagement and Discussion 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very way you’re chasing growth is the reason you’ll never escape your business? I sat down with Damon Lembi on The Learn It All Podcast to unpack why so many founders stall out—and what it really takes to break past revenue plateaus while reclaiming your time.  I share the hard truths I see inside firms every week: why micromanagement keeps you stuck, how fear, ego, and identity quietly kill exits, and the practical moves to build consistent demand without hiring sprees.  We dive into my three-stage Exit Roadmap, the capacity math most leaders ignore, and the mindset shifts that let you step back without the wheels coming off. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: Why listen (what you’ll take away) The real difference between growth (energy-heavy, unsustainable) and scale (systems-first, profitable). The 3-stage exit: make the business not rely on you, maximise profitability with systems, and get sale-ready. How to replace micromanagement with a “right-hand” leader—and why this transition typically takes 18–24 months. A simple capacity & LTV/CPA check so you can scale revenue without bloating headcount. Building a product ecosystem and waitlist that creates demand at the top of the market (not a race to the bottom). If you’re stuck at a revenue plateau, want concrete CEO exit planning tips, and need sustainable scaling strategies that protect margins, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Growth vs. Scale 02:45 The Importance of Clarity and Purpose 05:49 Fear and Ego in Business Exits 08:30 Mindset Shifts for Founders 11:19 Identifying and Overcoming Business Stagnation 13:58 The Role of Personal Branding 16:48 Creating Demand in Professional Services 19:50 Building a Product Ecosystem 22:31 The Impact of AI on Professional Services 25:11 Capacity and Client Management 28:09 Strategies for Sustainable Growth 30:50 Navigating Client Dependency 33:54 Final Thoughts on Exiting a Business 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST Damon Lambi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learn-it-all-podcast/id1714645917 ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your obsession with sales, funding, or AI isn't what's holding back your scale-up—what if it's your people strategy that's silently sabotaging your growth? As someone who's spent decades helping founders scale smart, I know how tempting it is to chase the next shiny penny: more sales, more funding, more tech. But after my conversation with today's guest, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer—a USA Today best-selling author and a world-class executive coach—I realised that most founders underestimate their biggest growth engine: their people.  Cynthia opened my eyes to what she calls 'human capital investment,' a strategic approach that treats your talent like your most important asset. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer breaks down the myths around talent management and explains how leaders often sabotage their businesses by treating talent as an expense rather than an investment.  We dive deep into practical frameworks for aligning your team with your business goals, reveal how to spot hidden high performers, and explore how predictive assessments can transform your hiring and development processes. If you want to avoid the costly mistakes most founders make and turn your talent into your competitive advantage—this episode is a must-listen. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Human Capital in Business Growth 04:49 Understanding Human Capital Management 10:26 Mindset Shift: From Industrial to Digital Revolution 15:46 The Science of Talent Assessment 21:31 Framework for Identifying Talent in the Right Roles 25:25 Navigating Team Dynamics and Performance 27:44 Addressing Underperformance in Family Businesses 31:18 Identifying Skills vs. Attitude Issues 35:14 Transitioning from Startup to Scale-Up 38:40 The Cost of Neglecting Company Culture 42:22 Regrets in People Decisions 43:42 Upcoming Book and Future of Human Capital 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.cynthiabentzenmercer.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrCynthiaBentzenMercer https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Organizational Readiness assessment: Resources — Bentzen Performance Partners Global Organizational Development Strategist Company ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest thing blocking your next level… is the version of you that got you here? In this conversation, I sat down with the brilliant Taryn Voget, founder of The Genius Lab and host of The Everyday Genius Show. Over the last 15 years, she’s been the go-to guide for visionary founders, creatives, and CEOs ready to reconnect with who they really are — not just what they’ve built. If you’re scaling fast but something feels off… If you’ve hit your targets but feel strangely stuck… If you’re wondering what’s next — but can’t put your finger on it… This episode will strike a nerve. We explore: Why genius has nothing to do with IQ or hustle The real reason founders burn out — and how to fix it How to spot (and shift) subconscious patterns sabotaging your momentum Why passion and intuition aren’t “soft skills” — they’re your power source What to do if you’ve outgrown the version of success you created Taryn even turned the tables and coached me live — and let’s just say, she didn’t miss. If you’re serious about aligning purpose with performance, this is one to revisit more than once. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Your Inner Genius 02:37 The Importance of Self-Awareness 05:41 Understanding Genius and Passion 08:24 Navigating Burnout and Passion 11:14 The Role of Ego in Entrepreneurship 14:01 Transformational Journeys of Founders 16:53 The Paradox of Passion and Shadow 19:41 The Intersection of Spirituality and Business 22:28 Identifying Subconscious Patterns 24:32 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 33:42 Breaking Through Belief Systems 36:13 The Impact of Hard Work vs. Smart Work 37:56 Transformative Life Moments 38:55 Navigating Transitions and Discovering Passion 41:35 Identifying Readiness for Change 42:37 Intuition and the Process of Discovery 44:43 Vulnerability and Trust in Coaching 45:31 Understanding Genius and Role Models 49:43 The Journey to Fulfillment 50:56 Creating a Life of Choice and Excitement 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.youtube.com/@tarynvoget https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynvoget/ https://www.everydaygenius.tv/  https://tarynvoget.substack.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong The founders exit accelerator waitlist, click here to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still sending copy-paste outreach messages on LinkedIn and wondering why no one’s replying? Let me be blunt — most LinkedIn outreach is lazy, robotic, and instantly ignored. But what if you could turn it into your highest-converting lead engine... without being salesy, spammy, or pushy? In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the exact 5-step outreach strategy I’ve used — and help my clients use — to consistently book quality sales calls with decision-makers. It’s built on permission, psychology, and simplicity. You’ll learn how to: Why most outreach gets ignored (and how to flip the script) The #1 shift to make your message stand out instantly How to spark curiosity without sounding salesy A simple tactic to double your reply rate The follow-up rule that keeps deals alive Plus: My go-to KPI tracker and the top tools we use to automate outreach. 🎁 Bonus: https://www.notion.so/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Creating-Clarity-in-Your-Business-Strategy-2341d950a9a580e991d5c47a491bdab4 This episode is straight talk for serious founders and consultants who are tired of cold DMs that don’t go anywhere — and are ready to build a reliable outbound engine without killing their brand in the process. 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Links: https://app.heyreach.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had no idea the first episode with Rory Kilmartin would explode the way it did — it quickly became one of the most downloaded shows we’ve released for a while. So I brought him back. This time, we go even deeper into the archetypal patterns shaping how we lead, build teams, and scale businesses. We unpack why communication breaks down, why trust erodes, and why even the best strategy won’t work if your human operating system is out of sync. If you’ve ever felt friction with your team, struggled to hire the right people, or hit a wall trying to scale or exit — this episode will shift something. It did for me. Rory Kilmartin is a researcher, philosopher, and creator of the Human Operating System — a framework that helps leaders understand the deep archetypal patterns driving behaviour, conflict, and performance. His work has changed how I see leadership, and I think it will do the same for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Archetypal Constructs 03:44 Understanding the Four Archetypes 06:26 Strengths and Weaknesses of Archetypes 09:09 The Importance of Communication Styles 12:04 Navigating Conflicts Between Archetypes 14:53 Real-World Applications of Archetypal Wisdom 17:41 The Role of Archetypes in Leadership 20:37 Creating a Cohesive Team Environment 34:24 Understanding Behavioural Archetypes in Business 43:24 The Challenges of Business Exits for Founders 48:07 Navigating Personal and Professional Archetypes 53:59 The Power of Archetypal Wisdom in Leadership 01:02:50 Transforming Relationships Through Archetypal Understanding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.facebook.com/rorykilmartin https://www.instagram.com/rorykilmartin/ https://www.youtube.com/rorykilmartin https://x.com/RoryKilmartin FREE Masterclass https://archetypalrelationships.com/Masterclass  ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? Is the secret to standing out in a noisy world actually... being more human? Forget chasing perfection—connection is what cuts through. But how do you stay real in an AI-dominated landscape? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phil Treagus-Evans, co-founder of the award-winning agency Giraffe Social and author of the bestselling book Human First Marketing. Phil’s on a mission to strip the BS out of brand-building and help us rethink what real connection looks like in business today. We talk about how AI is changing marketing (for better or worse), why lo-fi content outperforms the polished stuff, and how trust—not tactics—is the new currency. Phil even coaches me live on my own brand strategy—so if you're building yours, you’ll want to grab a pen and play along. This conversation is honest, challenging, and packed with practical gems. If you’re tired of robotic content and want to stand out by being you, this one’s for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now Chapters 00:00 The Shift to Human-First Marketing 02:57 Understanding Authenticity in Marketing 05:44 The Impact of AI on Marketing Strategies 08:39 Creating Unpolished Content 11:22 The Empath Framework for Customer Understanding 14:02 Navigating AI in a Human-Centric World 25:08 Drafting AI Policies for Transparency 26:33 Building Community in a Distracted World 30:22 The Value of Content Creation 34:42 Human-First Marketing in B2B 39:04 Lessons from Writing a Book 41:23 Coaching Insights and Personal Branding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-treagus-evans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philtreagusevans/ The book: https://amzn.eu/d/dBtmCi9 ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your business bleeding time, energy, and money because you’re trying to serve everyone? Discover why focusing on ONE high-value problem is the fastest path to unstoppable growth. In this episode, I break down my powerful “FOCUSED” framework—a step-by-step process to niche down without fear of missing out.  I share my own struggles with being too broad, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and exercises you can do alone or with your team to move from generalist to specialist.  You’ll learn how to face your resistance, pinpoint your most profitable problem, clarify exactly who you serve, and design premium offerings that clients crave—setting you apart in a crowded market. If your growth feels stuck, this episode is your breakthrough. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now here. Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Growth Through Niching Down 02:52 The Focused Framework Explained 05:32 Overcoming Resistance to Niching 08:08 The Power of Specialisation 11:13 Identifying Your Ideal Customer 13:59 Testing Your Niche Effectively 15:58 Establishing Value-Based Pricing 18:49 Designing Evolution Paths for Growth 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How I became a LinkedIn Top Voice without ads, algorithms, or hacks — and how you can too. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I earned LinkedIn’s Top Voice badge — not by playing the game, but by rewriting it. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just pure clarity, consistency, and connection. You’ll get the updated playbook for 2025, learn what really matters to LinkedIn, and understand why brand authority isn't built on trends — it’s built on truth. Whether you’re stuck at mediocre engagement or chasing credibility in your space, this episode breaks it all down. If you’re ready to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry, you’ll want to take notes. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your personalised score.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Top Voice Badge 03:11 Understanding the LinkedIn Top Voice Badge Program 05:49 Benefits of Being a Top Voice 09:21 Best Practices for Achieving Top Voice Status 15:10 Content Creation Strategies for LinkedIn 17:46 Conclusion and Call to Action 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders obsess over revenue, product, and performance. But no one talks about what happens when the pressure breaks you. This episode is that conversation. In this episode of The Business Strategist, I sit down with Luke Tobin, a three-time exited founder, award-winning entrepreneur, and digital marketing expert turned investor. We go beyond the business playbook and dive deep into the mental and emotional resilience it takes to lead through chaos, recover from failure, and build with an exit in mind.  From losing £26K in his 20s to scaling and selling his agency for a life-changing sum, Luke opens up about identity crises, burnout, panic attacks, and the wake-up calls that reshaped how he leads—and lives. If you're building to sell, wrestling with pressure, or wondering what life looks like after the exit, this is the real talk most founders never hear. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your score. Chapters 00:00 The Mental Performance of Founders 02:55 Luke Tobin's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:04 Learning from Failures 09:04 The Impact of Debt on Mental Health 12:00 Resilience and Mindset in Entrepreneurship 15:03 The Importance of Human Connection in Business 17:50 Old School Hustle vs. Modern Marketing 20:56 Balancing Growth and Operational Challenges 24:09 Building a Strong Leadership Team 29:15 The Importance of Capital and Future Thinking 30:07 Navigating Burnout as a Founder 32:27 Recognising and Overcoming Panic Attacks 34:44 The Hustle Culture and Its Consequences 37:41 Strategic Planning for Business Exits 39:15 Building Value for Potential Buyers 44:49 Emotional Journey After Exiting a Business 48:44 Evolving as a Leader and Mentor 51:51 Key Steps to Prepare for an Exit 56:39 Finding Purpose After Success 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Personal Website: https://www.luketobin.com/ Company website: https://www.tobincapital.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luketobin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukettobin/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lukettobin X: https://x.com/lukettobin Newsletter: Join 30,000+ high-performers getting stronger, smarter, and more successful every week — Subscribe here Free Resources: Access powerful eBooks, cheat sheets, and proven strategies used to build and scale multiple 8-figure businesses — Get them here ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LinkedIn Is Broken for Most People… But Not If You Know This In this week’s episode, I reconnect with my good friend and globally renowned LinkedIn strategist Adam Houlahan. It’s been four years since our last deep dive—and what’s changed on LinkedIn since then is staggering. From collapsing organic reach to algorithm shifts and AI overload, we go deep into what’s really happening—and what still works. We’re pulling no punches. Expect real talk, bold opinions, and practical strategies. If you’re creating content, building a personal brand, or using LinkedIn to grow your business—this episode will challenge your thinking and reset your strategy. We’re not here to talk theory. We’re here to talk results. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Setting the Stage 02:58 The Evolution of LinkedIn and Organic Reach 06:00 The Importance of Niche Content 08:49 Content Creation Strategies for LinkedIn 12:02 Understanding Engagement Metrics 15:01 The Role of AI in LinkedIn's Algorithm 18:10 The Future of LinkedIn: Paid vs. Organic 21:03 Testing and Measuring Content Effectiveness 24:02 Final Thoughts on LinkedIn Strategy 34:49 The Power of Content Metrics 38:11 Navigating AI-Generated Content 43:32 Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm 46:37 The Importance of Commenting 51:57 Outreach Strategies for Success 01:01:44 Final Thoughts on LinkedIn Engagement 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Free Resource https://assessment.prominence.global/linkedin-productivity LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoulahan Twitter https://twitter.com/AdamHoulahan Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adam.houlahan1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adamhoulahan Company https://prominence.global Personal https://adamhoulahan.com Webinar https://adamhoulahan.com/webinar ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders think scaling means more marketing, more hustle, and more chaos… but what if real growth comes from doing the exact opposite? In this episode, I’m joined by Leila Lahbabi, former Strategy Officer at Oliver Wyman, now a sought-after CEO coach and author of Billion Dollar Purpose.  With decades of boardroom experience and a powerful five-step scaling framework, she’s transforming how high-performing founders scale sustainably—without losing their soul. I brought Leila on because her take on growth is radically different—and deeply resonant. We unpack what it really takes to build a purpose-led, scalable business without burning out. As someone who's worked with hundreds of founders, I’ve seen firsthand how strategy, mindfulness, and energy management aren't just “nice-to-haves”—they're the core of sustainable success.  This conversation challenged me on a personal level, and I know it will do the same for you. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your score.  Chapters 00:00 The Misconception of Scaling 09:29 The Importance of Purpose in Business 13:40 Understanding the Backend of Scaling 20:11 Leadership and Team Dynamics 25:35 The Role of Mindfulness in Leadership 32:33 Overcoming Inner Barriers to Growth 34:02 Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives 36:24 Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation 40:57 Overcoming Overwhelm as a Founder 46:49 Practical Mindfulness Techniques 52:23 The Billion Dollar Purpose Book 01:00:40 Parenthood as an Asset in Business 01:06:00 Final Thoughts on Scaling with Purpose 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leilalahbabiimpactstrategy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilalhb Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leilalahbabi Access to my book billion dollar purpose as well as a free bonus (actionable cheat sheets to apply the methodology): https://www.leilalahbabi.com/billion-dollar-purpose ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever noticed how your leadership style flips under pressure—sometimes you micromanage, sometimes you retreat, sometimes you charge ahead like you're putting out fires?  That reaction isn’t random. It’s driven by an invisible operating system that's been with you since birth. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Rory Kilmartin—relationship researcher and founder of the Archetypal Relationship Academy—to explore a groundbreaking framework for decoding human behaviour through four archetypes: the gorilla, the wolf, the fox, and the sheep.  Rory’s 19 years of research reveals how your dominant archetype influences your leadership, relationships, and even who you hire (or fire). If you’re serious about improving the way you lead, communicate, and understand your team—and yourself—this one’s a game-changer. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast. https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Leadership Under Pressure 05:45 Introduction to Relationship Archetypes 11:07 Exploring the Four Archetypes 22:20 The Origins of Archetypal Nature 34:17 Applying Archetypes in Leadership 36:11 Navigating Business with a Long-Term Vision 38:32 Understanding Archetypes in Business 42:17 Case Studies: Transforming Teams through Archetypal Wisdom 45:10 Dynamic Nature of Archetypes in Personal and Professional Life 48:47 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Transitioning Roles 51:26 Leveraging Archetypes for Effective Leadership 56:18 Building Trust and Understanding in Teams 01:01:03 The Heart of Business: Understanding Team Dynamics 01:02:48 Conclusion: The Power of Relationships in Success 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.facebook.com/rorykilmartin https://www.instagram.com/rorykilmartin/ https://www.youtube.com/rorykilmartin https://x.com/RoryKilmartin FREE Masterclass https://archetypalrelationships.com/Masterclass  ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to scale your business but afraid you’ll make costly mistakes? In this episode of The Business Strategist, I pull back the curtain on the 10 most common pitfalls that ambush founders on the road to rapid growth — and share the proven fixes I use with my own clients. You’ll hear: Why relying on a single revenue stream is a trap, and how to add new ones without blowing up your workload. How my simple stop doing list and a dash of smart outsourcing help you reclaim hours for high-value work. The art of layering product tiers so you capture premium buyers and price-sensitive prospects alike. My favourite forever assets (free tools, partnerships, quizzes) that turn strangers into raving fans. The essential combination of clear strategy, efficient processes, and decisive leadership that separates sustainable scale from chaotic churn. I’ll also walk you through a real-world case study — how I helped one founder jump from £170k to a £500k exit in under 12 months — so you can see these ideas in action. Get the full story here: https://adamstrong.notion.site/Case-Study-ffe4872385f24e4dbca03bdd5660c103 00:00 Intro 01:00 Pitfall 1 - Limited revenue streams 04:46 Pitfall 2 – Going Alone 06:23 Pitfall 3 – Limited Offers 10:24 Pitfall 4 – Referral Reliance 12:07 Pitfall 5 – Capacity Blind Spots 13:53 Pitfall 6 – Strategy Fog 15:39 Pitfall 7 – Bad Hires 18:11 Pitfall 9 – Customer Neglect 20:02 Pitfall 10 – Weak Leadership 23:48 Wrap-up Take my free Business Growth Quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com Connect with meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Want to join the Game Changers Inner Circle Mastermind? Register your interest: https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re spinning your wheels trying to build your brand, craft irresistible offers, or scale your marketing—but still not getting traction—this episode is for you. I break down why most business owners hit a wall: lack of clarity. In this solo episode, I share the exact framework I use with high-level clients to get laser-focused on three fundamentals:Who you're speaking to, what keeps them up at night, and how you solve their problems. I've seen too many founders jump industries, come from corporate, or launch into entrepreneurship without a clear sense of direction—and it’s costing them leads, conversions, and confidence. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to define your audience beyond demographics ✅ How to uncover their real pain points and self-sabotaging patterns ✅ How to create offers they actually want—with real examples from coaching calls Get access to 'How to create clarity in your business strategy' playbook that works alongside this episode here You’ll also hear why a confused mind never buys, and how clarity becomes the core foundation that impacts everything from your pitch to your positioning. Whether you're a consultant, service provider, or scaling founder—this episode will give you clarity that converts. Let’s ditch the fluff and get laser-focused. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Clarity in Business 02:21 Creating Clarity: Who, What, and How 03:11 Warning Signs of Lack of Clarity 04:00 Understanding Your Audience (Who) 04:45 Identifying the Audience's Challenges (What) 05:52 Developing a Methodology to Address Challenges (How) 08:37 Not Everyone Will Be a Fit 09:50 Examples of Audience Challenges 12:26 Creating a Methodology to Alleviate Pain 16:28 Clarity as the Missing Piece 17:15 Closing and Call to Action 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to scaling and exiting your startup wasn’t hustle—but reverse engineering your success from day one? In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with Gregory Shepard—multi-exit entrepreneur, neurodivergent founder, TEDx speaker, and author of The Startup Lifecycle (Penguin Random House). With 12 exits, a $925M deal, and four Private Equity awards. I had a raw, deep-dive conversation with Gregory Shepard, a founder who’s mastered the startup lifecycle through grit, loss, reinvention, and an obsession with doing things smarter. We unpack why most startups fail (and how to avoid that fate), the mindset shifts that separate first-time founders from serial sellers, and his unconventional frameworks for scaling with purpose. Gregory doesn’t just talk exits—he builds companies designed to be acquired. If you're serious about scaling, this episode is a blueprint. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Top 5 Takeaways Build to Exit: Design your business with specific acquirers in mind from day one. Bad Advice Destroys Startups: Most failures stem from well-meaning but poorly timed advice. Fix Mistakes with Reflection: Use Gregory’s whiteboard method to reverse-engineer decisions. Purpose Drives Performance: Aligning profit with purpose creates scalable, motivated teams. Exit Timing Matters: Spot industry shifts early—before it’s too late to sell. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gregory Sheppard 02:54 Reflections on Early Entrepreneurship 07:17 Learning from Mistakes 12:15 The Importance of Documentation 14:06 Pivotal Realizations in Business 20:47 The Impact of Hardship on Resilience 21:37 Balancing Multiple Startups 24:26 Motivation Behind the Hustle 26:30 Evolving Definitions of Wealth 27:43 Mindset Shifts in Exiting Businesses 31:34 Understanding Startup Failures 36:25 Navigating Bad Advice in Entrepreneurship 38:47 Navigating Startup Challenges 40:09 Defining a Startup 42:02 Lessons from High-Stakes Professions 44:56 Handling Business Fires 46:06 Moments of Brutal Honesty 48:39 The Importance of Altruistic Capitalism 49:08 Convincing Investors of Purpose 54:00 Understanding Exit Strategies 55:43 Selling to Competitors 57:25 Life After Exiting a Business 58:45 Future Aspirations and Legacy 01:02:05 Identifying Opportunities in Disruption 01:06:15 Timing Your Exit 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.gregoryshepard.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregshepard ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are YOU the Soul-Sucking CEO? What if the biggest barrier to growth in your company… is you? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Garry Ridge — former CEO of WD-40, Top 10 USA Today bestselling author, and one of the most grounded, wise leaders I know.  Over 25 years, Garry scaled WD-40 into a $3.6 billion global powerhouse — not through ego or control, but by building a culture of belonging, learning, and trust. We dive deep into what most leaders get wrong about company culture, how to recognise (and eliminate) toxic behaviours, and why servant leadership is the most powerful leadership style for scaling a business and empowering teams. You’ll hear: How Garry resisted short-term shareholder pressure and stayed true to long-term vision The “Petri Dish” model for spotting and fixing culture problems What it means to lead with vulnerability — and why it works Why clarity, transparency, and values are the foundation of a high-performing team How to know if you’re the one holding your business back JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 This episode is a leadership masterclass — whether you’re a founder trying to scale, an executive looking to exit, or someone building a company where people love to work. Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Breakdown  00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 05:01 Garry Ridge's Journey to CEO 10:27 Mental Resilience in Leadership 12:43 Tough Leadership Decisions 15:50 Creating a Culture of Belonging 18:13 Identifying Toxic Culture 21:06 The Role of a Leader as a Coach 23:09 Defining Success and Winning 24:30 Leading with Vulnerability and Clarity 27:21 The Smartest CEOs: What They Get Wrong 29:21 Identifying Gaps in Leadership 30:19 Building a Global Company Culture 31:28 Navigating Tough Times with Transparency 35:24 Dealing with Cultural Outliers 36:40 Starting to Build a Positive Culture 37:42 The Journey of Leadership and Learning 40:31 Reflections on Leadership Journey 43:20 Final Thoughts and Leadership Tips 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST 📘 Don’t forget to check out Garry’s new book Any Dumb Ass Can Do It and take his “Dumbass Quiz” at ⁠TheLearningMoment.net⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge⁠ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong⁠ Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: ⁠https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about money was holding you back? Featuring Sharon Lechter—co-author of the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, presidential financial-literacy advisor under Presidents Bush and Obama, and longtime philanthropist—this episode will transform how you think about income, assets, and true wealth. I’m Adam Strong, and in this conversation I sat down with Sharon Lechter to unpack why traditional schooling leaves us financially illiterate, how the famed Cashflow Quadrant can shift you from trading time for money into building businesses and investments that work for you, and the four-part Personal Success Equation that powers entrepreneurial breakthroughs. Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, a budding business owner, or investor, this episode equips you with the mindset and action plan to level up. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways 1. Learn to Build Wealth Through the Cashflow Quadrant Understand the four income-generating quadrants—Employee, Self-Employed, Business Owner, and Investor—and how transitioning to the right side (Business Owner and Investor) can lead to financial freedom. 2. Improve Your Success with the Personal Success Equation Apply the formula: (Passion + Talent) × Association × Action + Faith, to align your strengths and network, take decisive actions, and maintain belief in your mission. 3. Enhance Financial Literacy at Home Encourage open discussions about money with your children to foster financial literacy, breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy perpetuated by traditional education systems. ​ 4. Shift Your Money Mindset Replace limiting beliefs like "I can't afford it" with empowering questions like "How can I afford it?" to stimulate creative solutions and financial growth. ​ 5. Recognise the Importance of Mentorship Seek mentors who have achieved what you aspire to, as they can provide guidance, open doors, and help you navigate challenges more effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Sharon Lecter 02:55 Sharon's Journey into Financial Literacy 05:34 The Importance of Teaching Money in Schools 11:14 The Role of Mentorship in Success 14:19 What the Rich Teach Their Children 16:10 Changing the Mindset Around Money 18:14 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 21:34 Learning from Business Decisions 23:34 Creating a Sustainable Business 25:55 Reflections on Past Choices 27:24 Defining Personal Success 29:22 Continuing to Play Big 31:39 Advice for Securing Financial Future 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://sharonlechter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonlechter Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Sharon-Lechter/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ASharon%2BLechter Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sharonlechter/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What If Your Success Habits Are Now Holding You Back? You’ve built something from the ground up—but what if the very traits that made you a successful founder are now the biggest blockers to scaling and exiting? In this episode, I speak with John Spence, one of the world’s leading authorities on business and leadership. Named by the American Management Association as one of America’s top 50 leaders to watch—alongside the likes of Larry Page and Jeff Bezos—John became CEO of the Rockefeller Foundation at just 26 and has since advised both Fortune 10 giants and small, fast-growth businesses across the globe. I’ve known John for years, and every time we speak, I’m reminded just how deeply he understands what makes a business thrive—or fail. This conversation was rich in insight, challenge, and practical strategy. We covered: The mental traps founders fall into when transitioning from startup to scale-up The psychological roadblocks that sabotage even the most talented leaders Why reflection, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are now non-negotiables Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways from the Episode: Most businesses plateau due to a mix of Ignorance, Indifference, Inflexibility and Inconsistency. Recognising which one you're operating in is key to moving forward. The habits that serve you as a founder can become liabilities as a leader. Without shifting your mindset, you risk becoming the bottleneck. Founders who successfully scale are the ones who learn to hire well and step back. Running a £1M company and a £50M company requires completely different skill sets. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability (AQ) often outweigh technical expertise in long-term leadership success. The best leaders take full ownership of their mistakes—and are brave enough to ask for help. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scaling Challenges 06:23 Identifying Patterns in Business Plateauing 10:08 Strategic Shifts for Founders 11:47 Defining Professional Management 14:08 Finding the Right Replacement 18:05 Counterintuitive Mistakes of Founders 21:02 Key Areas for Business Differentiation 22:58 Psychological Blind Spots in Leadership 26:50 Lessons from Early Leadership Experience 29:58 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 30:54 Accountability in Leadership 33:29 Mindset Shifts for Overcoming Plateaus 39:09 Purpose-Driven Leadership 41:03 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Lives 43:15 Curiosity and Uncomfortable Questions in Leadership 46:37 The Five-Step Framework for Business Excellence 49:42 People First: The Core of Business Success 52:50 Identifying and Addressing Performance Issues 53:48 The Evolution of Leadership Frameworks 56:27 A Live Coaching Session: Overcoming Frustrations 01:09:20 Legacy and Leading with Love 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://johnspence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/johnspenceleadership/ Book: https://amzn.eu/d/cDzEDUy ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder how a simple idea can transform chaos into consistency—even during a crisis? Discover how McDonald's golden arches inspire a resilient, systemised business strategy for navigating uncertainty. In this episode, I chat with Marianne Page, a former McDonald’s veteran and bestselling author, who shares 27 years of firsthand insights on building resilient businesses. Marianne breaks down the power of systems, from enhancing customer experiences to streamlining operations, that empower SMEs to thrive even in challenging times. We explore practical strategies including crisis management, team development, and the “one right way” method that ensures consistency and growth. This conversation distils decades of experience into actionable advice for creating a scalable business model. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast. Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Key Takeaways The secret behind McDonald’s resilience lies in systematic planning and consistent processes. Effective systems can transform your business, making it agile in times of crisis. Investing in your team's development boosts operational efficiency and loyalty. Mapping customer journeys is essential to delivering a consistent brand experience. Automating the “one right way” can free you from daily micromanagement, paving the way for scalable growth. What if the one thing holding your business back isn’t your ambition—but the lack of a system that sets you free? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marianne Page and Her Journey 03:41 Resilience in Business: Lessons from McDonald's 06:18 The Importance of Systems in Business 08:54 Building a Strong Team and Culture 11:35 The Role of Consistency and Trust in Business 14:09 Evaluating and Implementing Effective Systems 16:56 Adapting to Change: Customer Experience and Journey 19:37 Automation and Technology in Business 21:57 Final Thoughts: Clarity, Consistency, and Choice 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://mariannepage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannepage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ocNWsGvx2-EJQ6U8vSP1Q ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your sales breakthrough lies in the science of decision-making? In this episode of the business strategist host Adam Strong and best-selling author Peri Shawn dive into the science behind successful selling. They uncover how neuroscience drives client behaviour, the power of emotional engagement, and the art of asking the right questions.  Learn how to transition from traditional sales pitches to a strategy that aligns with the natural buying decision, ensuring your sales conversations are efficient, engaging, and conversion-driven. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info Takeaways  Neuroscience in Sales: Understand how the brain’s amygdala and frontal cortex drive buying decisions. Emotional Engagement: Discover how connecting emotionally with clients increases their likelihood to buy and refer. Strategic Questioning: Learn the importance of asking targeted questions to uncover and address client pain points. Active Listening: See why pausing and truly listening can transform your sales conversations. Optimised Sales Strategy: Adapt your approach to match where clients are in their buying journey for more efficient and effective outcomes. Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Overview 02:55 The Science of Selling 06:06 Understanding the Buying Decision 08:55 Emotional Engagement in Sales 12:03 Sales Strategies and Their Effectiveness 15:14 Mindset and Presence in Sales 17:55 Practical Application of Sales Techniques 21:13 Audience Interaction and Real-World Examples 23:50 Addressing Sales Struggles 27:07 Live Sales Coaching Session 30:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 34:16 Building Confidence in Sales Conversations 39:06 Understanding Client Pain Points 45:17 Effective Sales Strategies and Techniques 52:09 The Importance of Active Listening 56:32 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.coachingandsalesinstitute.com/meet-peri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perishawn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perishawn Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sell-More-Sales-Coaching-Challenges-ebook/dp/B00FC5PI3M?ref_=ast_author_mpb ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you build a great culture? Join Adam Strong as he sits down with Chester Elton—five-times New York Times bestselling author, acclaimed leadership and culture coach (ranked #4 globally), and trusted advisor to major brands like Procter & Gamble, Pepsi, Amex, and Avis. Chester shares his unique journey from sales to becoming a leading voice on employee engagement and workplace culture. In this dynamic conversation, Adam and Chester delve into the power of creating a great culture. They explore how effective communication, intentional gratitude, and a deep understanding of people drive business success and foster lasting change—both in organisations and in life. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info Key Takeaways: Mindset Transformation: Leaders evolve by shifting from managing tasks to inspiring excellence Over-Communication in Crisis: Consistent, transparent dialogue builds trust and diminishes fear. Culture of Gratitude: Regularly celebrating small wins significantly boosts team morale and engagement. Intentional Leadership: Knowing your team’s unique motivators is crucial for sustained success. Legacy Through Culture: Great leaders create environments where people thrive, leaving a lasting positive impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chester Elton and His Journey 03:07 The Importance of Communication in Times of Crisis 06:09 The Role of Gratitude in Leadership 09:03 Understanding Employee Engagement and Performance 11:48 Tools for Inspiring Performance and Building Culture 14:50 The Psychology Behind Gratitude and Leadership 18:07 Practical Tools for Leaders to Foster Gratitude 21:02 Challenges in Practicing Gratitude in Leadership 27:12 Encouragement in Leadership 31:42 The Rule of Three in Business Culture 36:36 Recognising When to Step Back as a Leader 41:26 Applying the Three E's for Business Success 46:30 Final Thoughts on Gratitude and Leadership 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://chesterelton.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chesterelton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chester.elton/?hl=en-gb ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What truly separates a good leader from a great one? In this episode of The Business Strategist, leadership expert and bestselling author Alain Hunkins reveals how to crack the code that turns good leaders into great ones. Drawing on 20+ years of experience working with thousands of leaders across the globe, Alain shares powerful insights into what truly drives effective leadership. He discusses the importance of authentic connection, the science behind people management, and practical strategies to elevate your influence and impact. If you’re an ambitious leader, entrepreneur, or business professional looking to level up your leadership game, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable ideas to accelerate your growth. 🚀 Scaling Founders, This is for You! I’m launching a private community for founders who want to scale, exit, and create real freedom. No more being stuck in the weeds—it's time to build a business that works without you. 🔥 If you're ready to think bigger and move faster, join the waitlist now! 👉 https://forms.gle/NVKtMmUEWbvAu3mh8 Key Takeaways: The Critical Mindset Shift: Discover what separates great leaders from good ones and why your mindset is your most powerful asset. Leading with Authenticity: Learn why focusing on how you lead, not just what you do, is key to building trust and high-performing teams. Mastering the 3 Pillars: Uncover the game-changing pillars of Connection, Communication, and Collaboration and how mastering these can transform your leadership. The Power of Emotional Intelligence: Understand the human psychology behind effective leadership and how empathy and clarity drive success. Actionable Lessons from Decades of Experience: Gain hard-won insights and practical tips from Alain’s 20+ years of coaching leaders worldwide—avoid common pitfalls and amplify your leadership impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Its Evolution 03:09 The Three Meta Skills of Leadership 05:48 Common Bad Habits of Inexperienced Leaders 09:08 The Importance of Leading by Example 11:48 Defining a Good Leader 14:45 Empathy in Leadership 18:10 Balancing Leadership Pressures 23:18 The Importance of Support in Leadership 28:10 Energy Management and Personal Capacity 34:52 Generational Differences in Leadership 39:41 Employee Expectations and Communication 42:10 Innovations in Leadership Training 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.alainhunkins.com Book site: www.crackingtheleadershipcode.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alainhunkins TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/alain_hunkins_the_basic_truth_most_leaders_neglect ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do 9-figure CEOs think differently? Mike Fata built and sold Manitoba Harvest for $419M—today, he’s revealing the mindset shifts, toughest decisions, and biggest lessons that took him from startup founder to industry leader. Mike is the co-founder and former CEO of Manitoba Harvest, a best-selling author, investor, and mentor to entrepreneurs scaling their businesses. After exiting his company in a $419M deal, he now helps founders build and sell businesses successfully. Mike shares his journey from an overweight teenager to a health-conscious entrepreneur, how he scaled Manitoba Harvest into a 9-figure business, and the emotional rollercoaster of selling his life's work. This episode dives deep into leadership, decision-making, personal transformation, and the key mindset shifts required to go from 6 to 9 figures. 🚀 Scaling Founders, This is for You! I’m launching a private community for founders who want to scale, exit, and create real freedom. No more being stuck in the weeds—it's time to build a business that works without you. 🔥 If you're ready to think bigger and move faster, join the waitlist now! 👉 https://forms.gle/NVKtMmUEWbvAu3mh8 5 Takeaways from This Masterclass: Mindset Makes the Difference – Scaling from 6 to 9 figures requires shifting from a "doer" to a strategic leader who builds systems and empowers teams. The Hardest Leadership Decisions Involve People – Letting go of employees, co-founders, or making restructuring moves is the toughest part of being a CEO. Growth Cures Most Business Problems – Expanding strategically solves financial and operational challenges—but overexpansion without demand can kill a business. The Exit is Emotional – Selling a company isn’t just a financial transaction; it comes with identity shifts, loss, and personal reinvention. Success After the Exit – True wealth isn’t just money; it’s about aligning your purpose with your next venture, whether investing, mentoring, or creating impact. If you're an entrepreneur looking to scale, exit, or shift your mindset for massive growth, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Listen now and get inside the mind of a 9-figure CEO! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Fata's Journey 02:46 Health Transformation and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 05:41 Founding Manitoba Harvest: The Role of Nutrition 09:07 The Evolution of Health and Nutrition Understanding 12:03 Building a Business: From Idea to Execution 14:48 Leadership Lessons and Growth Challenges 17:56 Mentorship and Learning in Business 21:00 Difficult Leadership Decisions and Their Impact 23:49 Creating a Winning Company Culture 26:59 Reflections on Growth and Personal Development 36:17 Defining Mission and Values 38:03 Evolving Definition of Success 40:34 Navigating Life Transitions 44:52 The Grieving Process of Change 46:10 Mindset and Personal Growth 50:26 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 51:56 Acquisition Insights 57:09 Risk Management in Business 01:01:06 Learning from Mistakes 01:04:39 Legacy and Future Aspirations 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.mikefata.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themikefata/ X: https://x.com/themikefata Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Unconventional-Becoming-Unstoppable-Entrepreneur-ebook/dp/B0BX42FDK1?ref_=ast_author_dp ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth Quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do 8 in 10 leaders accidentally repel their teams? (Hint: It’s not their strategy.)  Sylvie di Giusto—part neuroscientist, part 3D wizard—unlocks the secret to aligning your intent with your team’s reality. Today’s conversation exposed some hard truths about leadership blind spots—mine included—and I guarantee you’ll see yourself in this too.  I’m talking with Sylvie di Giusto, a global speaking phenom who uses holograms to teach Fortune 500 CEOs and the U.S. Air Force how to lead better.  But here’s the kicker: her real superpower isn’t the tech. It’s her ability to reveal why we all think we’re nailing leadership… while our teams are quietly questioning our choices. We get raw about the ‘CEO disease’ (yep, I’ve fallen prey to it), why your good intentions don’t matter if your team misreads them, and how a herd of horses once taught Sylvie more about leadership than any MBA. Oh, and she called out my ‘traditionalist’ vibe live on air—navy blue suits and all. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood as a leader, or just want to ditch the guesswork in how you’re perceived, this episode’s packed with ‘aha’ moments. No fluff, just real talk—and tools you can use by lunchtime." Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Takeaways  Why perception is shaped by unconscious biases and past experiences. How to create situational awareness for effective leadership. Develop first impressions can significantly influence perceptions. Understanding client expectations is key to successful leadership. The ABCDE framework helps leaders enhance their presence. Breakdown 00:00 Introduction to Sylvie Di Giusto 03:10 The Role of Perception in Leadership 05:58 Bridging the Perception Gap 09:12 The Importance of Situational Awareness 12:02 Understanding Client Expectations 15:11 The ABCDE Framework for Leadership 18:14 First Impressions and Their Impact 20:52 Unconscious Biases in Leadership 23:58 Strategies for Improving Leadership Perception 34:10 Navigating First Impressions and Unconscious Biases 37:25 Awareness of Personal Biases in Leadership 40:31 Embracing Diverse Perspectives 41:10 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 48:29 Balancing Empathy and Authority 52:52 Lessons from Leadership Training with Horses 55:06 Understanding Perception Personas How To Support The Business Strategist If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.instagram.com/sylviedigiusto https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviedigiusto/ https://www.youtube.com/c/sylviedigiusto https://www.facebook.com/sylviedigiusto https://www.tiktok.com/@sylviedigiusto https://sylviedigiusto.com/audit/ https://howyouimpress.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sylvie-di-Giusto ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could skip the 3-year startup grind and scale your business… by buying one instead? In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Harbour—Wall Street Journal bestselling author, mergers & acquisitions maestro, and founder of the Harbour Club—to crack open the real playbook for buying, scaling, and exiting businesses. With 30+ years and 300+ deals under his belt (including taking a company public on NASDAQ), Jeremy shares why acquisitions—not startups—are the secret weapon for entrepreneurs craving freedom. We dissect how to avoid costly mistakes, structure “no money down” deals, and turn volatile small businesses into exit-ready assets.   5 Takeaways You’ll Steal 1. Stop chasing profits. Freedom comes from selling businesses—not grinding day-to-day ops.   2. Set-and-forget is a myth. Markets evolve—stay hands-on or lose your shirt.   3. Buy for the exit. Document systems, track buyer-friendly metrics (recurring revenue, margins).   4. Replace outdated tactics FAST. Fax blasts worked in the 90s… today’s buyers want modern growth engines.   5. Win-win deals exist. Use “work-in-buyout” strategies to acquire businesses while they pay for themselves.   If you could acquire one competitor tomorrow with £0 down… would you know where to start? Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mergers and Acquisitions 03:29 The Reality of Buying Businesses with No Money Down 06:14 The Startup vs. Acquisition Debate 09:15 Understanding the Risks of Small Business Acquisitions 11:56 Creating Asymmetric Opportunities in Acquisitions 15:01 The Importance of Exit Strategies 17:34 Researching Potential Acquisitions 20:30 Navigating Employee Relationships Post-Acquisition 29:28 Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities 31:09 The Challenges of Selling Baby Boomer Businesses 32:41 Understanding Business Valuations 34:52 The Risk-Weighted Return on Capital 36:24 Structuring Win-Win Deals 39:52 The Wibo: A New Acquisition Strategy 41:52 Valuation: The Art of Justifying Numbers 46:12 When is the Right Time to Buy a Business? 47:30 The Harbour Club: A Pathway to Acquisition Success 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.jeremyharbour.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyharbour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harbour.jeremy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theharbourclub9544 21 day email course: https://www.harbourclubevents.com/email-course ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Chris Do to shatter outdated pricing models and explore the power of value-based pricing.  I’m Adam Strong, and in this episode of The Business Strategist, I get personal with Chris Do on a topic that’s transformed my approach—value-based pricing.  We dive into why traditional pricing models hold us back and how a fresh perspective on sales training and personal branding can unlock new opportunities.  Through candid conversations and real-life examples, we explore objection based selling techniques that not only boost your revenue but also redefine your worth. Join us on this journey to challenge your limiting beliefs and level up your business! Chris Do is a loud introvert, recovering graphic designer, middle child, public speaker, Emmy award winning designer/director, serial entrepreneur and the founder of the Futur—an education and content company that sits at the intersection of: design, business, sales, marketing, technology and branding. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Takeaways  Transform Your Sales Approach: Discover how shifting to value-based pricing can revolutionise the way you sell Master Objection Based Selling: Learn practical tactics to overcome resistance and close high-value deals Boost Your Personal Brand: Understand how to leverage your unique identity to communicate your true worth Break Free from Limiting Beliefs: Hear personal stories that challenge traditional mindsets and empower you to make bold decisions Actionable Sales Training: Gain insights and techniques that you can implement immediately to drive real results in your business Breakdown 00:00 Introduction to Value-Based Pricing 04:07 Understanding Resistance to Value-Based Pricing 10:02 The Importance of Identity and Belief Systems 18:04 Challenging Traditional Business Mindsets 24:02 The Role of Self-Worth in Pricing 28:57 Money, Value, and Self-Perception 29:27 The Impact of Early Conditioning on Self-Worth 30:39 Cultural Perspectives on Happiness and Planning 32:08 Reframing Money Conversations 33:15 Detachment from Outcomes in Negotiations 36:38 The Power of Belief and Self-Confidence 42:06 Understanding Subjective Value 48:55 The Labor Theory of Value and Its Implications 54:00 Valuing Personal Development 56:29 Understanding Pricing and Value 01:00:04 The Ethics of Sales and Manipulation 01:08:00 The Influence of Environment on Success How To Support The Business Strategist If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST @theChrisDo Website: thefutur.com Book: Get a copy of his book Pocket Full of Do Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-futur-with-chris-do/id1209219220 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo X: https://x.com/theChrisDo ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices