Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

What would your future self thank you for starting today?In this solo episode, Bill walks you through his personal strategy for designing a fulfilling and productive year before the new year hits. He shares how carving out time between Thanksgiving and mid-December creates the perfect window to slow down, reflect, and set intentional direction for the coming year.Topics explored in this episode:(01:00) Create Space Before the New Year*The week after Thanksgiving is an ideal time to reflect on your year.*Flip through your calendar. Does anything stand out? *What went well, and what do you wish had gone differently?(06:25) Set Your Future Vision*Reset your mind and body to prepare for what’s ahead.*Imagine your life 10 years out. What does it look like? *Get clear on your purpose, values, health, hobbies, and what truly matters.(16:00) Build a Plan with Realistic Cadence*Start with the end in mind. *What daily habits could move you toward your long-term vision?*You don’t need a perfect plan, just a system that helps you recommit.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 

How do you run a year-end strategy offsite that’s focused, fun, and actually gets resultsIn this episode, Bill is joined by strategic advisor Dan Clifford to walk you through how to plan and execute a high-impact annual strategy session offsite. From pre-planning to post-event execution, Dan shares his years of business knowledge with the audience today. Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or senior leader, this conversation will help you rethink your next big planning meeting and make sure it drives real outcomes for the new year to come. You’ll learn how to choose the right environment for deep thinking, gather and synthesize the right data before you meet, build an agenda that creates clarity and momentum, and ensure your team actually follows through long after the offsite ends.Topics explored in this episode:(03:25) The Pre-Planning Stage*If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.*Find a good off-site location that has both indoor and outdoor options.. *Don’t just go through ‘the motions’ of an agenda; schedule downtime, walks, and thinking time.*Think about what success would look like at the end of the event.(19:05) The Pre-Meeting Stage*If you have more than 8 people in the room for year-end planning, you need to hire a facilitator.*Get your data and numbers together, as well as a company-wide survey on what’s working and what’s not.*Bill likes to use AI to summarize the data collected and offers some tips on how to leverage this fully.*With a critical meeting like this, set the expectation with senior leadership that there will be no laptops and no cellphones.(41:40) The Agenda*Start with big-picture thinking, then narrow into what the action plan looks like.*What resources do you currently have vs. what you need to achieve your BHAG?*Walk out with 3–5 big priorities.*Bill likes to start with good news, human connection, and a bit of play before the big-picture strategy conversations begin.(31:35) The After*Don’t just set it and forget it. Schedule weekly follow-up meetings to keep momentum.*Focus on Q1 for now; don’t try to forecast Q2-Q4 yet. A lot can change in 90 days.*Don’t be afraid to use AI to help you along this process! Thanks to Dan Clifford for being on the show!Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danclifford/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/ 

What if chasing “having it all” is exactly what’s making you miserable?In this episode, Bill challenges what “having it all” means and explores what actually creates sustainable happiness for high-performing leaders. He shares moments from when he had money, success, and recognition, but still felt empty, and explains why joy often comes from subtraction of things. Topics explored in this episode:(03:40) Success Without Joy Is Emptiness*Bill reflects on hitting financial and professional milestones; yet still feeling a strange emptiness. *Challenge the belief that: achievement = happiness. *External wins don’t always translate to internal satisfaction.(07:15) Why the Gratitude Advice Doesn’t Always Work*Break “Thanksgiving” into two core practices: Thanks (appreciation) and Giving (generosity).*Start with gratitude for team members, family, and yourself.*Let go of expectations, and express that through generous action.(10:50) The Secret Might Be: Wanting Less*True happiness often comes from removing things, not adding more. *Reconsider the idea of “having it all.” *Creating fewer goals for yourself actually might be the real key to fulfillment.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 

What does it really mean for people to feel like they matter in the workplace?In this episode, Zach Mercurio unpacks why mattering is the missing piece in most workplace cultures and how leaders can foster it. He also explores how a sense of value and contribution drives engagement, innovation, and retention. Zach is on a mission to make work and life more meaningful. As an author, researcher, and speaker, he helps leaders create environments where people feel valued. Topics explored in this episode: (02:15) The Science of Mattering* How mattering influences employee performance and well-being.* Why recognition alone isn’t enough to make people feel valued.(10:40) Workplace Disconnection* The hidden costs of employees feeling like they don’t matter.(18:55) The Role of Leaders in Creating Mattering* Mattering shouldn’t be just an HR initiative—it’s a leadership responsibility.(28:30) Purpose vs. Mattering* Why having a sense of mattering is more foundational than purpose.* Case studies of companies that have built cultures of mattering.(47:20) Building a Mattering-Centric Culture* The three key components of a workplace where people feel they matter.Thanks to Zach Mercurio for being on the show! Learn more about Zach: https://www.zachmercurio.com/Get Zach’s book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8XMWCLJ Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio 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/ 

The holiday season can be both joyful and stressful for leaders. It serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing gaps in leadership and team trust. Bill emphasizes breaking down Thanksgiving into gratitude and generosity. He suggests mapping holiday logistics for family and teams to avoid past issues. Practicing specific appreciation and acceptance enhances interactions. Leaders are encouraged to step back from control, fostering participation and inclusion. Overall, it's about embracing the season with a focus on connection and thoughtful generosity.

Susan Power, Founder and CEO of PowerUp Leadership, joins to explore the nuances of effective leadership through emotional intelligence. She reflects on her personal leadership evolution, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-awareness over mere confidence. Susan shares techniques like using an emotional wheel and coaching methods to enhance emotional expression and regulation. The conversation also touches on how leadership skills directly influence sales performance and the challenges of delegating tasks while fostering team growth.

What do you do when everything feels like it's falling apart?In this solo episode, Bill explores why “feeling groovy” isn’t just a quirky phrase; it’s a powerful tool for high-performing CEOs. Drawing inspiration from Simon & Garfunkel’s 59th Street Bridge Song, Bill breaks down the connection between presence, creativity, luck, and leadership effectiveness.Topics explored in this episode:(01:15) Why CEOs Need to Feel Groovy*What “feeling groovy” means in a leadership context.*You can’t inspire others if you're always in survival mode.*Slowing down is a powerful gateway to clarity, presence, and leadership.(03:50) The Power of Pause*How taking breaks helps you recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.*Even brief pauses improve your ability to make strategic decisions.*Creating space leads to insights and better human connection.(06:25) The “Happy People” Study*A fascinating social study on why “lucky” people spot more opportunities.*Presence and joy increase awareness and your luck! *Why mindset affects what you notice (or don’t) in your environment.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 

What happens when the hardest workers on your team start burning out?In this episode, Bill is joined by Paul Austin-Menear for a conversation about the unseen toll of hustle culture on your team, your operations, and your long-term performance. Together, they explore the red flags leaders often miss, from rising sick days to unchecked overachievement, and offer practical ways to build smarter, more resilient companies. You’ll hear stories about simplifying systems, protecting downtime, acting on feedback fast, and creating environments where people thrive instead of burn out.Topics explored in this episode:(02:45) Having Hustle Isn’t Enough*When is too much ‘Hustle’ in your company a problem? *More sick days, more absences; leaders shouldn’t ignore these signs! *Things break down and you lose business when your hustlers start to burn out. (9:50) Reframing Your Off Time *When you rest, you perform better. *On the weekends, everything should be OFF! Emails, messages, everything. *For those overachievers who couldn’t help themselves, Paul would shut their emails off over the weekend. Work performance improved. (27:30) Are You Overcomplicating Your Process?*Bill shares a client story on how you can find ways to simplify.*Reduce the redundancies. It might not be as hard as you think!  *Everything is trackable. You can find ways to reduce workload. (37:50) Act on Feedback Quickly*Engage your whole team, even from different departments, to spark innovation. *How to structure bonuses and incentives in a smart way. *So many times feedback sits in a folder and no one acts on it. Thanks to Paul Austin-Menear for being on the show!Learn more about Paul here: https://6catalysts.ca/Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwamenear/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 

When everything feels chaotic, there are still paths to clarity. Explore how even seasoned leaders can face breakdowns when their usual tools fail. Shifting from judgment to curiosity can spark breakthroughs during emotional shutdowns. Discover the power of asking, 'What do I need right now?' as a gateway to progress. Bill shares a compelling story of a CEO's struggle with vulnerability, which ultimately led to a renewed commitment and collective resilience within his team. Small actions can lead to significant rebirth from ground zero.

Sean Samson, Founder and CEO of a renowned sales training company, shares his journey from mediocre to top 1% performer by mastering the sales process rather than relying on personality. He reveals why sales failures often stem from lack of information and incorrect pricing. Samson discusses the critical distinctions between sales and business development and advocates for using a structured approach to enhance customer interactions and track journeys via CRM. He also emphasizes the importance of service agreements for generating recurring revenue and how effective differentiation can significantly increase profits.