#450: Jean Moncrieff | Letting Go, Leading with Values, and Building a Company That Lasts

What does it actually mean to build a company that lasts? 

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Not just one that grows. Not just one that sells. But one that thrives beyond the founder—because it was built with values at the core. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Jean Moncrieff, an entrepreneur, coach, and the new leader of the Small Giants Community, for a conversation about identity, legacy, and the tension every owner eventually faces: when and how to let go. 

We unpack the deeper reason Small Giants exists: to support leaders who want to build purpose-driven companies where people thrive, cultures endure, and success isn’t just measured by size. We also talk about what it means to scale values, not just revenue—and why Jean is uniquely positioned to carry this movement forward. 

Whether you’re in the thick of operations or starting to imagine your next chapter, this episode will help you re-anchor to what matters most—and show you that you’re not alone in the process. 
 
Jean Moncrieff is an entrepreneur, coach, and the current leader of the Small Giants Community—a global network of values-driven founders committed to building purpose-first businesses that prioritize people, culture, and long-term impact. Jean’s own journey includes founding, scaling, and exiting multiple 7- and 8-figure companies across Europe and South Africa. But what defines his work today is helping leaders clarify their vision, let go with intention, and grow companies that outlast them—not just operationally, but culturally and philosophically. Based in Zurich, Jean splits his time between Europe, the U.S., and South Africa, where he continues to coach CEOs, foster authentic community, and guide the next chapter of Small Giants with the same values that made it what it is. 

 
Chapters:  

• (00:00) Introduction and Jean's journey from business owner to Small Giants leader 

• (01:14) What is Small Giants and the rebellious philosophy behind it 

• (07:25) The vulnerability and mojo that defines the Small Giants community 

• (14:20) The founder's dilemma: letting go without losing identity 

• (25:50) Scaling culture with intention and putting people first 

• (32:36) Why employee ownership correlates strongly with Small Giants values 

• (41:15) Why Jean stepped into the leadership role at Small Giants 

• (52:30) What it really means to build a company that lasts 

• (58:58) The future of Small Giants: global expansion and leadership development 

• (01:07:38) How to engage with Small Giants and join the community 

• Rate, comment, and share with the owner/operators you know! 

Resources: 
Small Giants Community https://www.smallgiants.org/ 
Small Giants by Bo Burlingham https://www.amazon.com/Small-Giants-Companies-Instead-10th-Anniversary/dp/014310960X 
Jean Moncrieff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmoncrieff/ 
Ryan Tansom Website: https://ryantansom.com/ 
 

Sound Bites 

“At some point, every founder faces this question: how do I let go without losing what made this special?” 

“The heart of a Small Giant isn’t the founder—it’s the values that shape the culture long after they’re gone.” 

“We’re not trying to be big for the sake of it. We’re trying to be great, so the company—and the people in it—can thrive without us.”