Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond Ep 272 Scaling In The Age of Digital Disruption with Mike Peterson
Scaling In The Age of Digital Disruption with Mike Peterson
Are your teams helping you scale—or silently sabotaging your margins? In today’s episode, we dig into the critical intersection of people, process, and technology with Mike Peterson, author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption and founder of Apex Consulting Partners. Mike brings a rare combination of HR and IT expertise to the table—two departments that can either clash or collaborate to drive exponential growth when led strategically.
Mike’s story is one of corporate reinvention. After a health scare, he left the executive grind to help leaders build high-performing teams that don’t just work—but work profitably. If you're stuck with cultural friction, technology that no one uses, or leadership that lacks alignment, this episode is for you.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Why most businesses underutilize their IT teams and how to align tech with the bottom line.
- How to turn human capital into a strategic multiplier, not an overhead line item.
- How digital transformation fails when change management and culture are ignored.
- Mike’s framework for identifying misalignment between people, process, and profit goals.
- The simple but powerful question leaders should ask to unlock performance (and it's not about KPIs).
Key Takeaways:
- HR and IT must stop operating in silos. When united, they become the backbone of scalable, high-margin operations.
- Technology is not a cost center—unless you make it one. ROI from systems comes when people understand the "why" behind the tools.
- High-performing teams aren’t built by perks. They're built by clarity, alignment, and accountability—especially in hybrid or remote environments.
- If your team isn't supporting your vision, it's draining your cash flow. Mike explains how to recalibrate roles and culture to support strategic goals.
- Profitability comes from process discipline and people performance. Get both wrong, and growth turns toxic.
Guest Bio:
Mike Peterson is the founder and managing partner of Apex Consulting Partners LLC and the author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. With nearly two decades of global experience in HR and IT leadership at companies like BioMarin and Structure Therapeutics, Mike now helps companies strategically integrate people and technology to build high-performing, scalable operations. He’s a certified HR professional through SHRM and the HRCI.
Conclusion
The true cost of poor team performance isn't just friction—it’s profit erosion. Mike Peterson reminds us that the businesses that scale profitably aren’t the ones with the flashiest tools or the busiest calendars. They’re the ones with high alignment, disciplined execution, and a culture that’s built to last.
If your team feels like a tax on your time and wallet, it’s time to recalibrate. Let’s make your people your greatest profit center.
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeterson3/
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman
Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!
Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page
Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst
Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/
My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/
Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast
Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.
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