Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

What if real leadership isn’t about being louder, but about being more present?In this solo episode, Bill Gallagher explores a different lens on leadership: mindful power. Instead of dominating a room with volume or charisma, Bill shares how the most effective CEOs lead through presence, clarity, and intention.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Power Isn’t Loud*Real power doesn’t come from dominating the room.*Before performance, you need presence.*Bill opens the episode with a mindful exercise.(04:45) The Mindfulness Formula*Get Present (notice your body, breath, thoughts, surroundings)*Practice Gratitude (recognize what brings joy, connection, and abundance)*Set Intention (what are you showing up for today?)(09:20) Lead with Intention, Not Reaction*Whether it’s a client call, event, or family dinner, leadership starts with conscious intent.*Mindful power isn’t about slowing everything down, it’s about speeding up the right things with presence.*Bring presence first, before performance.Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall 

Dean Mathews, founder of OnTheClock, shares his journey of building a bootstrapped time-tracking SaaS that supports over 200,000 users monthly. He emphasizes creating a people-first culture, viewing his team as the backbone of success. Dean discusses how rapid learning and adaptation fueled growth, the myth of work-life balance, and the importance of trust in delegation. He highlights the shift towards a sales motion while maintaining a family-like work environment, underscoring his commitment to what truly matters in business.

What if your schedule isn’t the problem, but the way you’re living it is?In this solo episode, Bill Gallagher explores the energizing trifecta of Purpose, Power, and Play, and how aligning with all three can transform your leadership, reduce stress, and make even the busiest weeks feel fulfilling. Topics explored in this episode:(1:20) What is Your Purpose? *What’s the most important thing you want people to say about you at the end of your life?*Your purpose is your emotional center behind work, family, and community life.(4:15) What is Your Intuitive Power? *What comes easy to you? Do more of that! *Notice what drains you? What do you hate to do? Do less of that! (6:45) Schedule Time for Some Play*Bill showcases how he incorporates play into his life and the work he does. *You need to have fun in order to be fresh and sharp. (9:45) Bringing it Together: Purpose, Power, Play. *When all three align, even a packed schedule feels energizing.*All 3 don’t need to happen simultaneously, we just want to touch all of them throughout the week/month. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall 

Mike Chaput, an entrepreneur and CEO, shares his inspiring journey from bankruptcy to creating a multi-million-dollar IT services firm. He discusses how he initially struggled with financial literacy and faced severe stress during his darkest hours. Emphasizing the importance of strong personal relationships, Mike illustrates how collaboration and support helped him rise again. He also introduces the concept of 'return on luck,' highlighting how crises can unveil new opportunities when approached with the right mindset.

What if your exit plan never arrives?Most founders treat their exit like a far-off dream; something they’ll figure out someday. But that vague timeline sabotages your team, your business, and your freedom. In this solo episode, Bill breaks down the real cost of waiting too long to plan your exit.Topics explored in this episode:(0:25) The Exit Date is Uncertain*Time creeps up on you faster than you think. *One day, you’ll realize you want to retire and there’s no one who can take on the business.(1:15) Client Case Study *When you untangle a founder from the business, the team suffers. *The founder and team have decades of ingrained habits that make a succession difficult. *It took this client 6 years to properly sell. (3:15) ‘Someday’ Timelines Hurt Everybody*You can think about exit plans as early as the first year of business.*This allows you to build a company culture around the ‘exit strategy’. *The team gets a chance to be excited about their individual ownership in the company. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall 

In a captivating conversation, John Rossman, a former Amazon executive who launched the Amazon Marketplace, shares invaluable insights on scaling businesses. He discusses the importance of a 'betting bigger' mindset and reveals how Amazon handles risk through rapid experimentation. John emphasizes that high standards elevate scalability, while low standards hinder it. He also advocates for thoroughly testing solutions to customer problems before fully committing, offering practical strategies for leaders aiming to enhance their operational efficiency.

What if stepping away from your business is the most productive move you could make?In this solo episode, Bill Gallagher explores the strategic importance of taking time away from the business in order to work on the business. Drawing from his own experiences and the breakthroughs of top leaders. Topics explored in this episode:(02:03) The Brain Needs a Break*Breakthroughs happen after breaks.*Stories from clients who saw massive clarity after they stopped grinding.(03:42) Executing vs. Leading*Constant doing keeps you reactive.*When you always work in the business, you stop working on it.(05:02) Trusting the Team*Getting away tests your systems and your people.*If things fall apart when you're gone, it's not a vacation problem.(08:03) Breaks Create Capacity*When you return, you’re sharper, more creative, and more useful.*Distance gives you perspective and perspective gives you power.Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall 

Should You Build a Business from Scratch or Buy One that’s Already Working?In this episode, Bill sits down with Matt Raad, founder of the eBusiness Institute and veteran business buyer, to explore the world of digital acquisition, business turnarounds, and intentional exits. From a humble start in zoology and manufacturing to flipping multi-million dollar websites, Matt’s journey highlights how you can build wealth through strategic business acquisitions.Topics explored in this episode:(07:00) Buying a Bankrupt Business*Working with a shady accountant, buying a bankrupt business, and the accidental M&A lesson.*Early inspiration from Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, and “What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School.”(10:30) Turnarounds that Worked and One That Didn’t*Why Matt’s retail experiment failed.*The power of simply raising prices and boosting sales.*Preparing a business for exit with minor tweaks, not reinvention(20:20) Discovering the Digital Goldmine*Moving from bricks and mortar to passive digital income.*Why Matt avoided eCommerce and leaned into affiliate websites.*How his first $20k website changed everything.(26:00) Built to Sell: Why Your Exit Strategy Starts Now*Sell on the way up, not at the peak.*Most founders wait too long and lose their best valuation.(31:50) Equity, Earnouts, and Strategic Sales*PE vs. strategic buyers: which gets you the better multiple?*Stories of regret from entrepreneurs who sold equity too early.*How smart PE groups structure incentives for better exits.(41:55) Shared Ownership Isn’t Always a Bad Thing*Why giving shares to store managers and salespeople drives better performance.*A proven incentive structure from one of Matt’s mentors.Thanks to Matt Raad for being on the show!Learn more about Matt: https://www.ebusinessinstitute.com.au/Listen to Matt’s podcast: https://www.digitalinvestors.com/podcast/Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ 

Everyone’s busy but are you TOO busy? In this solo episode, Bill digs into a leadership trap many fall into: staying chronically busy as a way to avoid real obligations. Extreme busyness often masks poor delegation, insecure leadership, and personal habits that chip away at both your business and your health. Through real stories from his executive coaching work, Bill unpacks what good busy actually looks like, and what needs to shift if you want to lead strategically instead of reactively.Topics explored in this episode:(03:12) Case Study: When Your Patterns Tank the Business*A tech CEO worked on 3 hours of sleep for years*Company collapsed due to his micromanagement and poor health*Being needed by everyone = a failure of leadership, not a strength(07:47) If You Don’t Look in the Mirror, You Can’t Grow*Refusing to be coached is a huge red flag*Great leaders change themselves before trying to change others*The most important transformation is personal(08:51) Let Go of Low-Tier Work*Stop obsessing over small-dollar decisions*Identify what only you can do—and give away the rest*Shift your identity from operator to visionary(10:57) Sprinting Is Fine, but Strategic Rest Is Key*It’s okay to have intense moments*But if every week is chaos, something’s broken*You don’t scale by sacrificing yourselfBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall 

Elliott Kallen, founder and CEO of Prosperity Financial Group and co-founder of A Brighter Day charity, shares his journey of resilience after the tragic loss of his son. He discusses creating resources for teen mental health, including a crisis texting hotline. The conversation touches on the loneliness of the modern generation, fueled by social media, and how wealth doesn’t always equate to emotional security. Elliott emphasizes living with passion and making meaningful connections to foster a lasting legacy that truly matters.