Strategic clarity beyond numbers

📍 Episode Overview:
Alex Rawlings welcomes Taavo Godtfredsen and Sam Allison, co-founders of Advantage CEO, to discuss insights from their two-year research study of over 50 private equity-backed CEOs who averaged 6.2x MOIC. They break down the habits, systems, and mindset that separate high-performing CEOs from the rest—and introduce their proven 5X CEO Model.

⏱️ Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introductions
Taavo and Sam share their backgrounds and transition into executive coaching for PE-backed CEOs.

01:50 – Common CEO Mistakes

• Strategy gets stuck at the top
• Trying to do too much
• Holding onto average talent too long

04:30 – How Top CEOs Handle Talent

• Identify A-players for mission-critical roles
• Use litmus test: “Would I rehire this person today?”
• Design roles to be winnable, not overwhelming

09:00 – Quarterly Talent Reviews

• Simple red/yellow/green assessments
• Use of the Nine Box model for performance and potential
• Succession planning: Who’s ready now vs. in 1-2 years?

12:56 – Research Behind the 5X CEO Model

• 50+ CEOs and 25 PE leaders interviewed
• Focused on repeatable, values-based leadership
• 900+ years of combined PE experience

17:03 – The 5X CEO Model

1. Strategic Clarity – Clear, compelling vision beyond EBITDA
2. Scalable Talent – A-players in critical roles
3. Relentless Focus – Prioritize top value drivers
4. Disciplined Execution – Systems to track, adapt, and perform
5. Energized Culture – Engage employees to drive growth

25:38 – Practical Tools from Top CEOs

• Reverse Executive Session for feedback
• Blank Sheet Strategy to identify disruption risks
• Using AI to detect performance issues faster

29:47 – CEOs as System Designers

• Build systems that scale, not just solve problems
• Use tech and tools to extend leadership capacity

32:14 – Recommended Resources

• The 5X CEO (Taavo & Sam)
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
• MOVE – Sandy Ogg
• The Private Equity Playbook – Adam Coffey

33:09 – How to Connect with Taavo & Sam
🌐 advantageceo.com

📧 taavo@advantageceo.com
| sam@advantageceo.com

Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/

🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com

Looking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guides

for proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires.