Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

How can leaders connect their personal purpose with their company's mission?In today’s episode, Bill talks with leadership coach Ben Renshaw about the importance of discovering your personal why. They also discuss how aligning personal and company purposes can lead to more meaningful leadership and a positive work environment.Ben Renshaw is a former classical violinist turned leadership coach who’s all about helping people find what truly lights them up. He’s worked with top global brands and execs, all while keeping his focus on one big question: what’s your why?Topics explored in this episode: (1:11) Discovering Your Why- Ben shares his journey from classical music to personal development.- Co-founded The Happiness Project in the skeptical UK of the 1990s.(7:45) Building Real Connection- Ben reflects on how different cultures respond to emotional authenticity.- How a company’s purpose can cascade into personal leadership development.(14:21) Transforming Leaders from the Inside Out- A reluctant CFO discovers his purpose and transforms into a CEO.- Tools like personal dashboards help measure purpose in action.(23:44) Scaling Purpose - Purpose isn't just personal—it can energize entire organizations.- Meaningful work improves performance and employee engagement.(35:51) Designing Purposeful Cultures- The ripple effect of purpose touches supply chains, governance, and government policy.- Purposeful companies create traditions and symbols that inspire the next generation.Thanks to Ben Renshaw for being on the show! Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-renshaw/ Learn more about Ben: https://www.benrenshaw.com Get Ben’s book, How to be a CEO: https://amzn.to/42xlLxJ 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 your relentless hard work is actually costing your business more than it’s helping?In this episode, Bill explores the hidden costs of overwork, particularly when leaders confuse effort with effectiveness. He shares a cautionary tale of a CEO who pushed too hard, micromanaged excessively, and ultimately failed—highlighting how unchecked hustle undermines both personal well-being and team performance. Topics explored in this episode: (0:42) The Hidden Price of Hustle* Overwork has obvious personal costs, but its impact on the business is often overlooked.(2:40) The CEO Who Couldn’t Let Go* The story of a SaaS CEO who tried to control every part of the company, despite lacking expertise in many areas.* A promising company failed due to leadership that was anxious and overreaching.(5:27) From Hero to Enabler* True success comes not from doing everything, but from rallying a capable team.(6:38) The Real Cost of Doing It All* Personal sacrifices become habitual and ultimately unsustainable.* Overworking leaders limit their organization’s potential by suppressing ownership and innovation.(8:30) Redesigning Leadership for Scale* Leaders who are central to every decision become bottlenecks.* Overworking doesn’t inspire teams—it demoralizes them.* Evolving leadership is the key to scaling without personal burnout.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/

How can leaders create social contracts that foster true team accountability and shared success?In this episode, Bill and guest Keith Ferrazzi explore the importance of moving beyond traditional leadership towards a model of “teamship,” where teams hold themselves and each other accountable. Keith also shares insights about the power of vulnerability and candor, and practical exercises like the “stress test” to build high-performing teams. Keith Ferrazzi is a powerhouse thought leader and author who’s redefining how we connect and collaborate. His latest book is Never Lead Alone.Topics explored in this episode: (02:27) From Networking to Vulnerability* Vulnerability is the key to authentic relationships—even in business settings.(06:08) Building Co-Elevating Teams* The goal is not just psychological safety, but teams that push each other to succeed.(10:37) Practices That Change Culture* Teams need a social contract and regular “stress tests” to challenge each other productively.* Keith’s early exposure to empowered teams in manufacturing shaped his view of leadership.* Siloed work structures limit innovation and responsiveness in today’s fast-paced world.(20:53) Candor with Compassion* Candor must serve others’ success, not be used as a blunt instrument.(34:29) Redesigning Work in an AI World* Keith advocates for rethinking workflows from the ground up—not just slapping AI on top.Thanks to Keith Ferrazzi for being on the show! Learn more about Keith: http://keithferrazzi.comGet Keith’s book: Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063412578/ Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithferrazzi/ 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 are the hidden costs of micromanaging and overworking on team morale and business outcomes?This episode explores the main reasons why leaders often work too hard, including lack of trust, fear of failure, ego, habit, and being too busy to delegate. Bill argues that overworking is not a badge of honor but rather a sign of inadequate team building. Topics explored in this episode: (0:26) A Case Study in Micromanagement* A new CEO's micromanaging during a company sale led to longer transition times and negative impacts on team morale. (2:54) The Five Reasons Why Leaders Overwork* The five main reasons include lack of trust/perfectionism, fear of failure, ego/hero syndrome, habit (founder syndrome), and—you’ll have to listen to or watch the episode to find out the fifth! * Ego can drive leaders to seek out crises in which they can be the hero.  (6:59) The Impact of Overworking* Why overworking indicates a failure to build and empower a team. (8:22) Shifting Your Mindset* Identifying the reasons for overworking is the first step toward changing those behaviors. (9:26) Creating a New “Why”* Leaders can invent a new "why" to motivate themselves to adopt healthier work habits. * Coaching can help leaders shift their mindset and behaviors to build stronger teams and scale effectively.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/ 

Zach Mercurio, an author and speaker dedicated to fostering meaningful workplace cultures, discusses the transformative concept of 'mattering'. He emphasizes that it's not just about recognition; creating environments where individuals feel valued is crucial for engagement and innovation. Mercurio explores the hidden costs of employees feeling overlooked and argues that nurturing a sense of mattering is a leadership duty, not just an HR initiative. He shares compelling case studies and practical strategies for building a culture that prioritizes individual significance.

What leadership habits can help your team take more ownership and solve their own problems? In other words, how can you step back in a way that actually makes your business stronger?In this episode, Bill challenges the hustle culture myth and shares how stepping back, empowering your team, and embracing balance can actually strengthen your company.Topics explored in this episode: (00:16) The Myth of Hustle Culture* The real cost of hustle culture and why it can harm your company.* Bill’s story of taking a month-long family trip to Italy while his business thrived.(01:51) Leadership That Empowers, Not Micromanages* The power of asking the right questions instead of providing immediate answers.(04:17) Making Work More Fun * The benefits of hobbies and interests outside of work.* How compartmentalizing time helps maintain balance.(06:23) Embracing Challenges Without Unnecessary Suffering* The key difference between unavoidable problems and optional suffering.* Shifting your mindset to tackle obstacles without burnout.(09:25) The Power of Support and Coaching* Why you don’t have to figure everything out alone.* Why being coachable and seeking support is key to sustainable success.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/ 

Join Dr. Nate Zinsser, a mental performance coach and author renowned for his work at West Point, as he shares his insights on building unshakable self-belief. Discover how confidence is a skill anyone can develop, illustrated through stories of NFL star Eli Manning and Olympic athletes. Zinsser emphasizes the role of mental resilience in high-pressure environments and the transformative power of reframing challenges. Learn how adopting a positive perspective can change your mindset and elevate your performance in both sports and business.

What are the two most important factors for scaling a business?Scaling a business comes down to two key elements: focus and differentiation. Companies that maintain a clear customer and product focus while emphasizing what sets them apart are more likely to achieve sustainable growth. Topics Bill explores in this episode: (0:30) Two Critical Factors- The importance of focus and differentiation in scaling a business.    (4:47) Identifying Your Ideal Customer and Maintaining Focus- Focusing on one primary customer type, even for large companies.    - The importance of staying in your lane and not deviating from your focus.    (5:59) Focusing on Core Products and Services- The example of Steve Jobs' return to Apple and his focus on a simplified product matrix.    - Identifying and focusing on the profitable, growth-oriented parts of your business.    (7:15) Differentiating Your Business from Competitors- Identifying your unique value proposition.    - Not trying to be everything to everyone and instead focusing on your strengths.    - Utilizing AI to analyze your company and competitors.    - Gathering feedback from new employees, applicants, and customers to identify your differentiation.    - Using customer language to articulate your differentiation.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 & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com 

Gerard Murtagh, CEO of MouldMen, shares his unconventional journey from a young entrepreneur to leading a thriving mold remediation company in Australia. He reveals how he tackled a staggering $1.4 million in fraud using AI, transforming crisis into opportunity. The discussion covers practical AI applications for efficiency and overcoming employee resistance to automation. Gerard emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to AI integration and the future of AI in reshaping customer interactions, urging business owners to embrace innovation.

When growing your business, how can you differentiate between good advice and bad advice?In this episode, Bill shares a personal story about taking bad advice that cost him millions. He also explores the importance of timing when raising capital and the difference between surface-level advice and experience-based guidance. Topics explored in this episode: - Why a “good story” is an opportune time to bring in investors or partners.- The danger of waiting too long to reach revenue milestones before seeking investment.- How greed and the desire for control can cloud business judgment.- Questioning an advisor’s experience behind their recommendations.- How confirmation bias can lead you to seek advice that validates your preferences.Chapters in this episode: (00:20) The Danger of Bad Advice (03:45) The Costly Decision to Wait for a Revenue Milestone(05:32) Missing the Perfect Timing to Raise Capital(07:04) Aligning with Company Values and Goals(08:11) Learning to Probe for Experience Behind AdviceBill 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 & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com