Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1306: The Execution Secrets of a 5x Inc. 5000 Leader (hint: it's not about delegating just TASKS!) w/ Joel Perso
If you feel like you're constantly working in your business instead of on it, this episode is your roadmap to freedom and scale. We're joined by Joel Perso, a 5-time Inc. 5000 COO who has guided companies through triple-digit growth and eight-figure acquisitions. Joel breaks down the critical difference between a good company and a great one, revealing why a lack of focus is the silent killer of execution. This isn't just theory; it's a masterclass in operational excellence from someone who has been in the trenches. You'll learn how to transition from a founder who does everything to a visionary CEO who leads, why fractional leadership is a game-changer, and how thinking about your exit strategy from day one will make your business stronger and more profitable today.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- How to achieve laser focus by understanding why having more than three priorities means you have none.
- The next level of delegation that frees up your time: moving from delegating tasks to delegating the management of those tasks.
- The blueprint for creating a "great" company by establishing clarity in your vision, strategy, and execution.
- Why fractional leadership is the key to accessing C-suite expertise without the six-figure price tag, especially in the age of AI and VAs.
- How planning for a future exit forces you to build healthier systems, a stronger team, and a business that isn’t dependent on you.
- The critical mindset shift from being the doer of all things to becoming the strategic, big-picture thinker your business needs to grow.
- How to reverse engineer any goal—from taking the leap into entrepreneurship to hitting your next revenue milestone—into actionable daily steps.
📝 About Joel Perso
Joel Perso is the founder of Growth Centric, a fractional executive company dedicated to helping business owners execute their vision. With a track record that speaks for itself, Joel is a five-time Inc. 5000 COO who has led businesses to triple-digit annual growth and successful eight-figure acquisitions, including a media company sold to Zillow. His unique perspective comes from serving in high-level operational roles, where he learned firsthand what separates thriving companies from struggling ones. Today, he channels that expertise into helping entrepreneurs build businesses that are not only profitable but are also great places to work.
🎯 Joel’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Get really clear on the goal and then we can reverse engineer it."
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “If you have more than three priorities, you don't have any.” – Joel Perso
- “Nobody wants to buy a business where the founder is still crucial to daily operations in our success.” – Joel Perso
- “A lot of people want to be a part of something special. They want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. But you have to articulate that so that people can come along.” – Joel Perso
🔗 Links & Resources