The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

552: From Ditch Digger to 9-Figure CEO: Building a Business That Runs Without You

May 19, 2025
Ken Rusk, a nine-figure entrepreneur and author of *Blue Collar Cash*, shares his journey from ditch digger to successful CEO. He emphasizes the importance of aligning personal dreams with corporate growth, fostering a culture of ownership among employees. Ken discusses how empowering workers as goal-setters has driven company momentum and why relinquishing control transformed his leadership style. He also reflects on finding comfort and peace in work and life, offering insights on loyalty and proactive leadership strategies.
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ADVICE

Give Up Control to Grow

  • Entrepreneurs need to give up day-to-day tasks to focus on strategic growth.
  • Empower people to run divisions like their own for company momentum.
ADVICE

Engage Employees in Goal Setting

  • Share company growth goals with employees and include them in profits.
  • People often set higher targets than leaders expect when trusted and motivated.
ANECDOTE

Chasing Personal Dreams Fuel Growth

  • Ken recalls trading labor for desired items like a baseball bat as a youth.
  • He made sure employees aimed for personal goals to align with company growth.
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