Think Like an Owner

Build Series EP.2: Upleveling as CEO with Rob Southern and James Bergeron - EP.243

Sep 24, 2024

Rob Southern, an experienced CEO renowned for his company acquisitions, joins James Bergeron, a leadership coach specializing in executive growth. They share transformative insights on upleveling as a CEO, emphasizing the pivotal role of executive coaching and continuous self-improvement. The duo discusses the nuances of measuring progress, discerning crucial signals in leadership, and finding personal management styles. They also reflect on the importance of inner values and learning from diverse leadership influences to navigate challenges in dynamic business environments.

01:08:22

Episode guests

James Bergeron

Rob Southern

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

CEOs should dedicate about seven hours weekly to personal growth to balance business demands and foster continuous development.

Upleveling as a CEO requires embracing self-awareness, adopting new habits, and maintaining a robust support system for ongoing adaptability.

Distinguishing between relevant signals and distracting noise is vital for timely decision-making and measuring progress as a CEO.

Deep dives

The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning

CEOs are encouraged to prioritize reading and ongoing personal development despite often feeling guilty about stepping away from daily business operations. This episode highlights that a rule of thumb for CEOs is to dedicate time specifically to their own growth, suggesting a ratio of about seven hours per week devoted to self-improvement for every 40 hours spent on business tasks. Reference to influential figures like Warren Buffett underscores the idea that becoming a voracious reader is beneficial for leadership success. Ultimately, being intentional about learning helps CEOs balance the demands of their roles while fostering personal growth.

Consistency and Mindset Fuel Growth

01:20

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: A Lifelong Journey

00:56

Skills and Experience Drive Value

01:24

Focus on Future Impact, Not Present Noise

01:24

Intro

2min

Upleveling the CEO Experience

28min

Understanding Value Through Skills and Experience

2min

Measuring Progress as a CEO: Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Growth

4min

The Art of Decision-Making in Leadership

21min

The Values Driving Leadership

7min

From Instability to Empowerment: Crafting a Personal Why

4min

In this second episode of the Build Series, I speak to Rob Southern and James Bergeron about their experiences and strategies for upleveling as CEOs. We discuss their journeys in acquiring and running companies, the importance of executive coaching, and actionable habits and practices that contribute to continuous personal and professional growth. We also delve into distinguishing signal from noise, the evolution of leadership style, and the inner drivers that motivate long-term improvement as a CEO. This episode mixes profound personal stories, practical advice, and in-depth analysis aimed at current and aspiring CEOs.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Trilogy Search Partners

Pacific Lake

Rob Southern on LinkedIn

Ascend Software

James Bergeron on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:05:36) - James’ and Rob’s backgrounds

(00:12:15) - Upleveling as a CEO