
Scaling With People
Tired of spinning your startup wheels but never gaining traction? Buckle up, founders and CEOs, because this podcast is your rocket fuel to profitability! Every week, we ignite explosive conversations with bold-faced founders, brainy experts, and even a few out-of-this-world vendors. Get ready to crack the code on growth, master employee engagement, and blast through your scaling goals. We’re talking real-world strategies, actionable tips, and perspectives that’ll make your business do a cosmic dance. So, strap in and prepare for lift-off!
Latest episodes

Jul 31, 2023 • 26min
Closing the Gender Gap: Harnessing Leadership, Feedback, and Personal Talent with Carole Stizza
Send us a textThe world of leadership is ever-evolving, with gender gaps and understanding the language of money taking center stage. That's where our guest, Carole Stizza, an internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach, comes in. She educates us on the significance of gender diversity in leadership roles and how it can escalate an organization's financial return. With Carole's extensive experience, we explore the importance of recognizing personal talents and those of others, and the role they play in climbing the ladder to success.In this invigorating discussion, we navigate the power of feedback and the neuroscience behind it. With Carole's insights, we understand its potential to motivate employees and the necessity of intentional leadership training in organizations. We also underscore the need for meaningful interactions with employees and the positive impact they can have on an organization's health. Lastly, we get an exclusive sneak peak into Carole's plans for a leadership challenge program and a mastermind for top-tier executives in 2024. Join us and embrace the opportunity to learn more about the captivating world of leadership and personal development.Connect with Carole: https://www.relevant-insight.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolestizza/

Jul 24, 2023 • 17min
Bridging the Communication Gap: Effective Strategies for CEOs During a Tech Recession with Brenden Kumarasamy
Send us a textEver wondered how to bridge the communication gap with employees during a tech recession? As a CEO, your communication style could be the game-changer. Join us as we go head-to-head with the communication guru, Brenden Kumarasamy, founder of MasterTalk and the brains behind the YouTube channel that shares the same name. Brendan takes us through his journey into communication coaching, shares some prevalent communication challenges leaders face, and provides strategies to overcome them. We also explore how to create engagement touchpoints during a phase with low employee engagement.Shifting gears in the second part, Brendan and I delve into the art of effective questioning and using video messages to enhance communication. Brendan shares his personal experience of tackling a tough question by answering a question each day for five minutes - a transformative practice for him. Tune in to grasp the significance of showing gratitude via video messages and learn the art of crafting meaningful thank you notes. Rounding off, Brenden offers useful advice for CEOs and startup founders worldwide - the best way to speak is to simply speak. Finally, remember to invest 15 minutes of your day to implement our daily exercises for success and stay ahead in the game.Connect With Brenden Website: http://rockstarcommunicator.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MasterTalksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendenkumarasamy/

Jul 16, 2023 • 26min
Unlocking Business Success Through Meditation: A Deep Dive with Brad Smith
Send us a textEver wondered how meditation could level up your decision-making in business? Let's discover the power of presence and awareness in this insightful discussion with Brad Smith, a seasoned meditator with 28 years of experience and a high-achieving business growth consultant. Brad drops gems on how to shift your consciousness into the delta using binaural beats and the immense power it holds in fostering a more capable mindset. He also points out the crucial need to comprehend the 'why' behind our actions, a must-know for gaining knowledge and power. But that's not all! We'll journey through Brad's hard-earned wisdom on practical techniques to enhance clarity and work ethic, all backed by his decades-long journey with meditation. Brad will push you to question your contribution to your company's growth and urges you to stay aware of the fear and force driving your judgments. As we navigate through the episode, you'll also learn about Brad's inspiring journey of breaking free from limiting beliefs and the significant value of surrounding yourself with the right people. Tune in and walk away with transformative insights that will inspire both entrepreneurs and business leaders!Connect With Brad SmithCompany’s Website: http://www.stellarinsightinc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradsmithstellarinsight/

Jul 3, 2023 • 26min
Harnessing the Power of Group Coaching for Startup CEOs with Dr. Bobbi Wegner
Send us a textCEOs and leaders always look for ways to take their startup companies to the next level. Did you know that they can achieve this by working together in groups? Group coaching allows CEOs to meet regularly with other leaders, share their experiences, and learn from each other. These groups offer incredible benefits. They help CEOs gain valuable insights, spark innovation, and accelerate the growth of their businesses. By tapping into the power of group psychology, CEOs can unlock the secrets to success and conquer new frontiers.Join the conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner as we talk more about this subject. Dr. Wegner is a renowned expert in group psychology and its application in the workforce. She is the CEO of Groups, a platform that connects experts in group psychology to virtual teams, promoting better teamwork, job satisfaction, and employee retention. With her vast knowledge and experience, Dr. Wegner emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations and fostering healthy cultures within organizations. She teaches at Harvard University, specializing in Groups & Culture, and Motivation. Tune in to discover how startup founders and CEOs can enhance individual and organizational well-being by harnessing the power of human connection.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Dr. Bobbi Wegner[00:57] Dr. Bobbi’s backstory and the value she brings to the world[03:18] How startups and CEOs can benefit from Dr. Bobbi’s services[05:43] Psychology tools every CEO must have to be one step ahead[10:51] Tips on how to repair a lost safe environment for all to express themselves[14:11] Challenges Bobbi has had while doing group coaching[16:38] Business checks and balances you need despite the market conditions[21:17] Episode’s golden takeaways from Dr. Bobbi[25:25] Ending the showNotable Quotes Human beings are social beings by nature. Though the virtual world has stripped us of that nature, CEOs and business leaders need to know how to recreate it best and bring it to their organizations.One of the key secrets of highly successful groups is the ones whose leaders create a safe ground for everyone to speak and express themselves.You trust more when what you see matches what you feel.Connection and cohesion make teams function to their best and keep them together.Resources MentionedThe Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle: https://amzn.to/3PmQWFRConnect With Dr. Bobbi WegnerPersonal Website: https://www.drbobbiwegner.com/Company’s Website: https://www.joingroops.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbi-wegner-psy-d-655a424/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbiwegner/

Jun 26, 2023 • 27min
Growth Through Fractional Support with Nicholle Taylor
Send us a textMany startups and young companies face the challenge of limited resources and tight budgets, making it difficult to hire full-time executive-level individuals. However, a solution that has gained significant attention is fractional support. This concept allows companies to grow and thrive by accessing the assistance they need on a part-time basis without the commitment of hiring a full-time employee. Fractional support enables organizations to obtain expert knowledge and practical deliverables in a flexible and customizable manner.Join the conversation with Nicholle Taylor as we explore the concept of fractional support and its potential benefits for companies seeking sustainable growth. Nicholle is a highly accomplished professional specializing in fractional support for companies. With a successful track record in strategy execution and efficiency improvement, she assists organizations in achieving their goals. Her expertise includes developing innovative frameworks, shortening project timelines, and providing guidance on fractional support strategies.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Nicholle Taylor[01:53] What fractional support means[02:57] Difference between fractional work and consulting work[06:59] When a CEO should bring fractional support to the company[10:19] Supplementing a company with fractional support as it achieves the maturity phase[13:00] The top three benefits of bringing fractional support to the organization[15:18] Comparison between fractional support and full-time hiring[20:21] How Nicholle got into the fractional support niche and why she’s passionate[24:48] Episode’s golden takeaways from Nicholle[26:28] Ending the showNotable Quotes A business goes through different growth phases, which require different sets of talent.There is always a way of solving your organizational needs without hiring a full-time talent.You do not have to wait. Get that fractional support and help your business grow to the next level.If what you are doing as a CEO is not bringing enthusiasm, joy, and happiness, delegate that to fractional support and focus on the things that excite you. The support will probably get the task done faster, more efficiently, and more robust.Connect With Nicholle Taylor:Website: https://www.aponiadvisors.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholletaylor/

May 29, 2023 • 26min
Operational Structures: A Priority for Entrepreneurs | Ashlee Berghoff
Send us a textAs an entrepreneur, it's crucial to understand that your business systems are the backbone of your operation. These systems determine how you deliver your products or services, manage your resources, and interact with your customers. It's, therefore, essential to start thinking about your operational structure from the beginning of your business as you iterate on your business model, identify your target customers, and develop your offerings. Waiting too long can put your business at risk, make you lose opportunities, and leave you struggling to keep up with demand. No one is perfect on this path, but without proper systems in place, scaling your business can become daunting, leading to missed opportunities and potential failure.Join the conversation with Ashlee Berghoff as she shares how to build effective operational structures and systems in your business in a way that allows you to scale. As the founder of A Squared Online, Ashlee specializes in designing custom systems and recruiting fractional operations managers for entrepreneurs who have reached their maximum capacity. With her expertise, her clients are able to save time, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses, pursuing their long-deferred dreams, and even taking unplugged vacations. Ashlee's experience and knowledge are reflected in her book, "Eureka Results: How Entrepreneurs Can Turn Their Best Ideas Into Reality," published by New Degree Press in 2021. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Ashlee and take your business to the next level. Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Ashlee Berghoff [01:36] What A Squared Online is all about and what it offers to business owners[02:49] The best time for entrepreneurs to start thinking about their operational infrastructure [04:48] The consequences of waiting for too long to build your operation structure [07:15] Why CEOs get themselves in trouble by not bringing in CEO-level support [09:48] The mindset of “no one cares about my business as I do” and how to get out of it[12:36] How to approach the operation and focus on fractional capacities[16:48] How CEOs should approach the fractional services space for support[20:15] System and why they are important in every stage of your business[23:08] The first step in building an operational structure for your business[25:32] Ashlee's final words about building your own system [26:07] Ending the showNotable Quotes The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to fix your business needs in operating systems. If you align the vision for your business with someone else's vision for themselves, they will be as interested as you are because they care about their goals as much as you care about yours.Systems are important in every facet of life and stage of business.Waiting too long to build your operation structure can make you lose opportunities that you are excited about.Connect With Ashlee Berghoff:Website: http://www.asquaredonline.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleeberghoff/

May 22, 2023 • 26min
Mastering Internal Communication: Insights | Chuck Garcia
Send us a textOne of the biggest challenges many CEOs and startup founders face is effectively communicating their company's vision to their employees. It can be difficult to help everyone understand where the company is headed and how it can contribute to its success. However, by helping employees connect with their inner selves and bridge the gap between self-awareness and social awareness, leaders can leverage the strengths of their team members and prepare them to speak to the company's vision. This means communicating effectively, helping people understand and embody the company's message, and building their skills to support its goals. You don't need to be perfect, but by giving a clear impression and showing your credibility, trust, and respect in your communication, you can effectively lead your team toward success.Join the conversation with Chuck Garcia as he shares more about Internal communication, emotional Intelligence, the foundations of good communication, and how to leverage the people that work with you to get ahead. Chuck is a former Wall Streeter turned into an executive coach, motivational speaker, and Colombia University professor. He is also the founder of Climb Leadership’s executive coaching practice, which focuses on professional development in communication, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Chuck Garcia [01:36] What Chuck does when coaching executives about internal communication[06:05] How synergy and dis-synergy get created in our businesses [07:12] Emotional intelligence in leveraging the people that working with you[10:19] What to focus on when communicating your vision to your team [14:35] The power of pause and conviction in enhancing communication[18:28] About Chuck’s book; Climb To The Top [18:50] The stylistic communication that will gravitate people toward you[21:24] Chuck’s recommendation on where to start working on your communication [25:48] Ending the showNotable Quotes Miscommunication often leads to mismatched expectations, resentment, and contempt.Great entrepreneurs take accountability and responsibility for what they do, building the people.If you are clear and concise in your communication, people will rise to that level of expectation if they admire it.We are all a big construction site and work in progress.Resources mentionedClimb To The Top by Chuck Garcia: https://www.amazon.com/Climb-Top-Communication-Leadership-Tactics/dp/1599326884How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034Connect With Chuck Garcia:Website: https://chuckgarcia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-garcia-015128/

May 15, 2023 • 18min
Partnering With Guide To HR | Skyler Mattson
Send us a textKeeping HR at a basic level can limit the potential of your organization to scale. While performing essential tasks such as payroll, training, and support are necessary, HR executives can bring much more to the table. By involving them in decision-making processes and having them weigh in on important decisions, organizations can benefit from their expertise in areas such as talent management, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Hiring a full-time or part-time HR executive can be a wise investment that pays off in the long run, as they can provide strategic insight that can help propel the business forward. By taking a more proactive approach to HR, you can foster a culture of growth and development that benefits both the business and its employees.Join Skyler Mattson, President of WONGDOODY, in a conversation about her experience and partnership with Guide To HR, as well as tips and strategies for leveraging the potential of HR executives to grow and scale profitability. With a career marked by award-winning and transformative work for clients across various industries, including consumer-packaged goods, technology, and education, Skyler is a seasoned expert in human experience. She is also the founder of The Motherboard, a global community of thousands of moms who provide insights to Fortune 500 companies to innovate, which was recognized by Fast Company as a World Changing Idea.Skyler has led several initiatives promoting female empowerment, including #TheReal10, which seeks to close the gender pay gap, and #IPumpedHere, which advocates for better facilities for breast-pumping employees. She frequently lectures at Pepperdine University, speaks at industry events and emphasizes the importance of bringing diverse voices and perspectives to marketing and technology. Skyler's energy and dedication to her work and family are evident, as she is a proud mother of three energetic sons.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Skyler Mattson[02:03] A bit about Skyler and what she does as the President of WONGDOODY[03:31] What led Skyler to search for HR support [05:05] Skyler's experience working with Guide To HR and finding the right person for her interim support [07:58] The value Guide To HR brought to Skyler’s team that she expected them to bring [13:31] The value Guide To HR brought to Skyler’s team that she didn't expect[11:26] How Skyler would structure her team differently if she were to go back in time[13:14] The best thing that Skyler found working with Guide To HR[16:53] Skyler's final words to CEOs and founders on what she wishes she had known[17:38] Ending the showNotable Quotes We need to give our HR the credit it deserves to keep our employees happy and supported. It is a sad truth that, as a leader, no one is checking in on you, and it is okay, but when someone does, it takes the weight off your shoulders to know you are not alone. Connect With Skyler Mattson :Company Website: http://wongdoody.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyler-mattson/

Apr 17, 2023 • 37min
Maintaining Profitability While Scaling: Tips from a Successful Entrepreneur | Alex Kuhn
Send us a textWe all have revenue goals, we all have team size goals, and we have all impact goals. However, understanding what you want to be known for as an organization will help you focus your efforts on the right places to achieve your goals. Your business reputation and the people you hire in your organization matter because you spend more time with them than your family, and building great relationships is key. Hiring people just for skills and effectiveness without them sharing in your vision can crumble your business. Your original vision and message can be washed out by outside voices or get lost in other people's operating styles, so take control of your business growth. Join the conversation with Alex Kuhn as he shares how to keep your revenue ahead of your expenses to stay profitable without giving up your values and the equity of our business to stay alive. Alex is the founder of Born To Lead. He started the company in 2020, knowing everyone has a gift that can do good, change lives and make millions no matter what others say. Today he and his team mentor over 250,000 clients, have 10 investments in every continent, and the clients are generating over 6,000 million dollars and impacting 10+ thousand lives. His clients start to grow and scale high from seven-figure programs into an investment vehicle of multiple income equity streams. Tune in! During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about Alex Kuhn[01:51] A bit about Alex's journey in entrepreneurship [03:46] The difference between a stagnant and a hyper-growth company [05:25] Tips on how to maintain your profitability while scaling [09:33] Taking care of your team while taking care of yourself [14:47] Understanding the pain point of your business to work together[17:49] Alex’s advice to founders on how to scale with people [21:54] Company rivalry and how to work with investors as a CEO or founders[25:31] Why many founders struggle with scaling their businesses[29:59] How AI is impacting businesses and the thought processes [31:54] Three takeaways from Alex for CEO and founders [36:45] Ending the showNotable Quotes Understanding your priorities and using those boundaries will help you figure out what you need to do in your business. One thing that can crumble organizations quickly is bringing to many outside voices quickly; the original vision and message can get lost in other people's operating styles.Your business needs to be highly profitable and highly successful at only a 50% success rate. Companies trying to go at 100% level with their team, product, and revenue create the highest stress levels in their organizations. The biggest growth driver is your offer, not sales and marketing. Interest, intrigue, and a life outside work make your business way more interesting to your team, employees, clients, and anyone in your life.Connect With Alex Kuhn:Websites: https://bornleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexkuhnco/recent-activity/all/We provide transformative and innovative People HR solutions for:✅ Start-ups✅ Small Businesses✅ Non-Profit BusinessesDiscover more! ➡️ guidetohr.comEnjoy this discussion on business growth, and thanks so much for joining me Alex!

Apr 11, 2023 • 47min
Talent Acquisition & Recruitment | Tremaine Friend
Send us a textRecruiting and talent acquisition is an opportunity to scale, and we need to take the tusk out of it and reframe it. We’re in a time of evolution and change, and the days of relying on posting are behind us. The days of creating a distinction through consistency are now. Effective talent acquisition and recruitment are all about examining our understanding as CEOs and founders and asking more questions to calibrate the tools and relationships that we need to meet the needs of our business. Working under assumptions creates a chasm for our teams and everybody involved. Learn to recreate and reignite your business with the possibility of partnering with your external or internal resource teams. Join the conversation with Tremaine Friend as he shares the different types of talent acquisition strategies, the Proven Path to Talent Acquisition, employee branding, pay transparency, and the best ways to find and hire the right people for your business. Tremaine is a 10 years HR, talent acquisition human and sourcing professional serving diverse and evolving business communities in strategic and tactical leadership encompassing result-focused business, partners, as well as solution implementation delivering measurable results across HR, recruitment, talent acquisition, management, workforce planning, business operation and IT. Tune in! During this episode, you will learn about;[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about Tremaine Friend[02:04] When to use agency support over building an internal team [03:58] Having an internal resource team while still partnering with agencies [07:30] The different versions of what an eternal resource can look like[10:23] The difference between recruiting and talent acquisition[13:31] Talent versus recruiting function and scaling with people as you grow [18:12] How a partnership with an agency can help build a great structure [19:32] Tremaine perspective on how assessment work during the recruiting process[23:27] Employer branding and why it should be part of your tool kit[27:07] Agencies/external partners' brand responsibilities [29:01] Tremaine advice to CEOs and founders getting started in recruitment[32:51] How AI is evolving the recruiting and talent recruitment space [40:40] The pay transparency act impacts and behavior trends [44:31] Key takeaways from Tremeine on recruiting and talent acquisition [45:41] Ending the showNotable Quotes Every organization wants to work with a great partner. We have to be agile within the talent lifecycle; it’s no one size fits all.Recruiting is an asset within the talent acquisition function. If you're unavailable for interviews or keep shifting the calendar, that dilutes candidates’ experience.Eventually, the employer’s branding will become the employer’s reputation.Employer branding is about cultivating and engaging through continued iterative experience; it ultimately builds brand interest and loyalty.Resources Mentioned Index Consulting tool: https://www.idexconsulting.com/Connect With Tremaine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tremainefriend/We provide transformative and innovative People HR solutions for:✅ Start-ups✅ Small Businesses✅ Non-Profit BusinessesDiscover more! ➡️ guidetohr.com-----Thanks so m