Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

What if working harder is actually a lie that’s making your business worse?In this episode, Bill shares a story of a billion-dollar company brought to its knees by a CEO who hustled too hard. What once starts as ambition can quickly turn into micromanagement and business confusion. Bill breaks down why hustle culture is a lie, what it’s really costing you, and how to shift out of this chaotic mode and into something much more sustainable. Topics explored in this episode:(0:15) The Billion-Dollar Crashout*The story of an ad tech CEO who lost 90% of company value by trying to do everything.*Why over-involvement, scattered priorities, and non-stop hustle backfired.(3:50) The Myth of More ‘Hustle’ *Hustle culture is a lie!!!(6:10) It’s Time to Shift Out of the HustleGet Clear: Define a breakthrough BHAG and long-term strategy.Build the Culture: Hire well, clarify roles, coach continuously.Execute Intentionally: Prioritize, track key metrics, and meet with rhythm.Get a Life: Really make conscious time for what’s important to you.(9:00) Integration Over Sacrifice*It’s all connected: You bring your life into work, and work into life. *Create a system that supports both.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 

Dr. Diane Hamilton, author of Cracking the Curiosity Code, is a behavioral expert transforming workplace culture. In this discussion, she reveals how declining curiosity stifles innovation and offers insights into the four fear-based factors that suppress it. Diane emphasizes the importance of structure in nurturing curiosity, contrasting effective practices in various organizations. Additionally, she introduces the Curiosity Code Index as a tool to measure curiosity, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering creativity and leadership in the modern workplace.

What if scaling didn’t have to come at the cost of your health, your family, or your sanity?In this episode, Bill challenges the common held belief that sacrifice is a rite of passage in entrepreneurship, especially during the growth phase. He shares the story of a tech CEO building a $200M company and outlines a four-part framework for scaling your business while also building a life you love. Spoiler: It's not about working harder. It's about rethinking your approach.Topics explored in this episode:(0:26) Can You Really Have It All? *A thriving business and a healthy life are not mutually exclusive.*The story of a CEO who’s grown a $200M company while staying balanced and grounded.(2:30) Four Steps to Scale BetterSet a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): Anchor your strategy in a long-term, purpose-driven outcome.Invest in People & Culture: Hire well, coach continuously, and create strong values-based accountability.Execute with Rhythm: Align priorities, metrics, and meetings to stay focused and effective.Get a Life: Create time for family, health, and the things you love.(7:50) You’re Not Supposed to Work 1,000x Harder*The CEO of a billion-dollar company doesn’t work 1,000 times more than you, they have to work differently.*Scaling means evolving how you lead, not just doing more.(9:40) What’s The First Step? *What do you need to redesign first?*Who can help you shift your leadership style and strategy?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 if the most powerful move you could make as a founder is to stop being the one doing it all?Today’s episode explores the mindset shift that turns your business from a job into a scalable, valuable system. Bill is joined by legendary entrepreneur and author Michael E. Gerber to discuss why strategically working on the business, not in it, is the single most important shift a founder can make. From designing scripts to building systems that run without you, Michael shares what it truly means to scale with intention.Michael E. Gerber is the author of the best-selling E-Myth Revisited and with over 28 other books, Michael has spent decades helping entrepreneurs turn chaos into structure and systems. His latest creation is The Dreaming Room, an immersive experience designed to help business owners redefine their business vision and create a roadmap for success.Topics explored in this episode:(02:45) The Origin of the E-Myth*How a chance encounter led Michael to uncover the hidden flaw in small businesses.(08:05) Systems Are the Brand*Why the DNA of a brand lives in its systems and not in its logo or marketing.(11:45) From Script to Soul*How do you express the same message over and over with intention and passion?(14:15) Why McDonald’s Gets It*What entrepreneurs can learn from Founder Ray Kroc about scaling through consistency.(18:20) Sarah’s Pie Shop and the Power of Working On It*An impactful story about a small business owner’s transformation from technician to entrepreneur.(27:40) The Dreaming Room and the Eightfold Path*The dreamer, the thinker, the storyteller, the leader, the designer, the builder, the launcher, and the grower.(31:25) The Business Is the Product*Don’t let the business become your boss.*You have to create something of value in your business, or else you will go out of business.*Most Small businesses are doing the wrong type of work. (40:45) From NuCo to Scale*Why scaling means letting go of “OldCo” and creating something that lives beyond you.Thanks to Michael E. Gerber for being on the show!Learn more about The Dreaming Room: https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.comContact Michael directly: michael@michaelegerbercompanies.comConnect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelegerberBill 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 addiction to hustle is the very thing holding your business back?In this episode, Bill unpacks the hidden addiction that plagues so many leaders: the need to feel busy. He explores how overworking, micromanaging, and always being “on” isn’t just unsustainable, but also a failure of effective leadership. Bill shares powerful stories of CEOs who broke the cycle and built stronger teams by stepping back, letting go, and empowering others to rise up to the occasion. Topics explored in this episode:(0:10) The Hidden Costs of Busyness*Being constantly busy feels productive, but it's actually a trap.*Imagine a world where you could step back and things don’t fall apart.(1:00) Case Study of a Fitness CEO*A thriving business, healthy personal life, and empowered team; you can do it all by doing less.*Why nudging, not rescuing, is the key to accountability and performance.(3:15) The Output is More Important Than ‘Busy’*Entrepreneurs love to glamorize their busyness, but true effectiveness is about results generated. (5:35) Let’s Take the Summer Off!*Bill shares a story of how he restructured his company so he could take a month off and finally…relax! (6:15) Building a Team That Thinks for Itself*Practical strategies for creating team ownership, like asking instead of solving.*Stop solving problems for other people. *Train yourself out of the ‘fixer’ role. (8:10) From Founder to Scaler*You can grow a business that thrives without you—and one you’re proud to sell (or keep).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 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.