Think Like an Owner What You Learn After 40 years of Leading Through Change with T.J. Coombs - EP.274
26 snips
Oct 28, 2025 T.J. Coombs, a seasoned operator with 40 years in leadership and turnaround roles, shares valuable insights from his extensive career. He emphasizes defining success as the moment you leave, fostering accountability in transitions. T.J. advocates for spending time on the shop floor to gather practical insights and highlights the necessity of open assessments for success. He discusses the balance between strategic vision and hands-on leadership, the importance of service in the building products industry, and the role of technology in enhancing processes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Time-Box Your Leadership
- Define success as 'when you leave' and time-box engagements to create accountability.
- Exit into a board or advisory role later but avoid staying so long you become the de facto permanent operator.
You Can't Help A Closed Fist
- A closed leadership fist blocks change because teams won't accept outside help.
- Open, curious ownership who say 'take a look' are far likelier to succeed with an operating partner.
Follow The Order To Cash
- 'Staple yourself to an order' by following the entire order-to-cash cycle to see where the business actually breaks.
- Spend time on the shop floor to observe handoffs and real operational choke points.