ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

Every founder dreams of a big exit — but few know the exact numbers they need to feel safe, stay motivated, and negotiate from power. In this clip, Anne Mahlum breaks down the precise financial milestones that gave her psychological safety during her journey from founder to eight-figure earner. She reveals why her first "safe number" was $6 million, how she later pulled $9 million more off the table, and the disciplined math behind her unwavering $100M personal exit target. Anne explains how she evaluated dilution, equity projections, and future valuation before touching any deal — and why she refused to move forward without fully understanding the waterfall and her eventual payout. This is a masterclass in founder discipline, emotional clarity, and exit strategy. Key Takeways: The $6M Safety Number – Anne's first partial exit wasn't random. It was the figure that gave her personal safety, mental clarity, and the freedom to take bigger risks. Why She Took Another $9M – Not for lifestyle. For long-term psychological security while still building aggressively. The $100M Personal Target – A number she defined early, committed to fully, and never wavered from — regardless of market noise. The Dilution Equation – Every time she sold shares, she recalculated: • future valuation • equity dilution • remaining share value • the waterfall • what she'd realistically walk away with Zero Guesswork – Anne didn't negotiate on vibes. She negotiated on math. No Deal Without the Waterfall – She refused to sign anything unless she clearly understood what each scenario meant for her eventual payout. MEET ANNE MAHLUM Anne Mahlum is the founder and former CEO of Solidcore, a boutique fitness brand with 100+ locations, and the founder of Back on My Feet, a nonprofit helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives through running. She turned her last $175,000 into a $90M payday and has built a personal net worth exceeding $100M. Recognized by CNN and ABC World News, Anne is a serial entrepreneur and advisor to founders navigating high-stakes growth and exits. Episode Timestamps 0:00 — Anne's First "Safety Number" Revealed 0:14 — Why She Took $6M, Then $9M 0:24 — The Real Math Behind Her Exit 0:33 — How Dilution Affected Each Decision 0:51 — The $100M Personal Goal 1:02 — Why She Never Wavered From That Number 1:05 — The Waterfall: Her Non-Negotiable Requirement Connect with Anne Mahlum: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-mahlum/ Website: https://www.annemahlum.com/ About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplescaling 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: https://www.simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmcgurgan

How Purpose and Grit Built a $100M Fitness Empire- Anne Mahlum, founder of Solidcore and Back on My Feet, shares the journey of turning purpose and grit into a scalable business while impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. From running nonprofit programs for the homeless to creating a $90 million fitness brand, Anne reveals how deliberate action, environment design, and strong community can drive both social and financial success. In this episode, host Brendan McGurgan dives deep into Anne's story, unpacking the mindset, habits, and systems that allowed her to scale with purpose—first in the nonprofit sector, then in the boutique fitness industry. Episode Highlights: How running and community-building at Back on My Feet humanised homelessness and created a ripple effect of societal impact The importance of environment and deliberate habit design in achieving personal and professional goals Transitioning from nonprofit success to launching a high-growth fitness brand without investors The unit economics and scalability strategy behind Solidcore's first studio and rapid expansion Lessons on leadership, process design, and building repeatable ecosystems for growth How focusing on purpose and quality first, rather than money, leads to long-term success Stories of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and creating culture in a fast-scaling company Meet Anne Mahlum Anne Mahlum is a founder, entrepreneur, CEO, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and athlete. She is the founder and former Executive Chairwoman of Solidcore, a boutique fitness company with over 100 locations in the U.S., which she scaled from her last $175,000 to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Anne also founded Back on My Feet, a nonprofit that empowers individuals experiencing homelessness through running and community. Anne has been recognised as an ABC World News Person, CNN Hero, top 40 under 40 in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., New Yorker of the Week, and Penjerdel's Citizen of the Year. Her entrepreneurial ventures have created a personal net worth of over $100M while positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Key Topics Covered: → Scaling purpose-driven initiatives: from nonprofit to profitable business → Designing environments that remove friction and enable success → The "rinse, repeat" approach to building systems, processes, and repeatable ecosystems → Unit economics and early indicators of scalable business models → Lessons in leadership: building businesses that work without depending on the founder → Creating culture and community in high-growth fitness enterprises → The interplay of grit, intuition, and calculated risk in entrepreneurship Who Should Listen This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, SME leaders, social impact founders, and anyone looking to scale with purpose. If you're seeking inspiration on combining social impact with profitable business growth, Anne's journey provides a blueprint for leadership, resilience, and scaling effectively. About Anne Mahlum Anne Mahlum is a visionary entrepreneur who has successfully blended purpose, passion, and profit. She is the founder of Solidcore, a boutique fitness brand, and Back on My Feet, a nonprofit transforming lives through running and community. Anne's approach emphasizes deliberate action, scalable systems, and fostering community to create lasting impact. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-mahlum/ Website: https://www.annemahlum.com/ About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX Insider Listen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider

How SEAT Automobiles increased leads by 2000% with one simple page change—Bas Wouters reveals the "Competing Prompts" mistake killing your conversions and why asking for multiple actions is like having 90 people shout at you simultaneously. Key Takeaways: The "Birthday Party Analogy" - Why having multiple calls-to-action on one page is like 90 people screaming at you when you walk through a door The 2000% SEAT Case Study - How simplifying a landing page to ONE action (download price list) exploded lead generation for SEAT Automobiles The Competing Prompts Problem - Why asking visitors to do multiple things on one page creates decision fatigue and kills conversions The Common Sense Paradox - Why this principle sounds obvious but almost every business gets it wrong (including yours) The SME Advantage - Why you don't need Disney or Booking.com budgets to implement behavioral psychology that works One Page = One Goal - The ruthlessly simple audit process to fix your landing pages today Guest Bio: Bas Wouters is co-founder of the Cialdini Institute, creator of the Online Influence Institute, and one of only 12 certified trainers worldwide under Dr. Robert Cialdini (the "Godfather of Influence"). He scaled a kitchen business from €10,000 to €25 million using behavioral psychology, worked with Disney and Booking.com, and now helps SMEs compete with corporate giants through science-backed influence strategies. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - The Birthday Party Analogy: 90 People Shouting At You 1:15 - What Are Competing Prompts? 2:30 - The SEAT Automobiles 2000% Lead Generation Case Study 4:45 - Why SME Leaders Get This Wrong (The Fire-Hose Effect) 6:20 - "Common Sense Isn't That Common" - Why We Overcomplicate 7:40 - You Don't Need Big Budgets or Big Teams 8:50 - The Simple 5-Step Audit to Fix Your Pages Today Connect with Bas Wouters: Website: https://www.onlineinfluence.com LinkedIn: / bazwouters-cmct-cpt-cec Free AI Tools & Monthly Workshops: https://www.onlineinfluence.com About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplescaling 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: https://www.simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmcgurgan

How one word changed to "purchased" increased conversions 300%—Baz Wouters reveals the exact three-part formula combining Cialdini's principles of social proof, scarcity, and authority that SME leaders can apply immediately. In this powerful segment of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, host Brendan McGurgan and Baz Wouters break down Dr. Robert Cialdini's seven core principles of influence and the surgical precision required to convert browsers into buyers online. The 300% Conversion Breakthrough: NYX Makeup Studio ran a simple A/B test on their product page. They started with just a "Buy" button. Then they added one sentence: "71 beauties have viewed this product today." Five words. Result: 33% increase in transactions. But then they tested changing ONE WORD: "71 beauties have purchased this product today." That single word change—"viewed" to "purchased"—led to a 300% increase in transactions. Same layout. Same product. One word. Massive difference. Why It Worked: This sentence combined THREE of Cialdini's core influence principles simultaneously: Social Proof: Other people are taking action Scarcity: This is happening right now (today) Authority: These are people like you (beauties = target audience identity) The 3-Part Formula for SME Leaders: Bas reveals the three criteria to create high-converting copy yourself: Mention Your Audience—"People Like Me" Name the Desired Behaviour Literally Use Exact Numbers to Boost Trust The AI Solution for SMEs Without Marketing Teams: Many SME leaders worry: "I don't have a marketing department. I don't have copywriting specialists. How can I implement this?" Bas's answer: This is exactly why he built AI-powered tools for SMEs. As an entrepreneur himself (not a corporate consultant), he understands the resource constraints small businesses face. What's Available Now: Free monthly workshops at onlineinfluence.com AI-trained bots that analyze your website instantly Put in your URL → Get told: "Here are your biggest wins. Here's where you can increase conversions." Actionable recommendations you can implement yourself The Delete Button Strategy: Most improvements aren't about adding things—they're about removing friction. Deleting clutter. Simplifying steps. You don't need designers. You don't need developers. You just need the delete button. As Brendan says: "Everyone knows where the delete button is. This is about taking stuff out, not adding more in." Why This Matters for Your Business: If a makeup company can increase conversions 300% with one word change, imagine what's possible when you apply all seven of Cialdini's principles systematically across your entire customer journey. The principles work because they speak directly to System 1 thinking—the fast, automatic, subconscious brain that makes 95-98% of all purchasing decisions. Key Takeaway: You don't need a massive budget or a huge team. You need surgical precision with language. You need to understand how the human brain actually makes decisions. And you need the courage to simplify ruthlessly. About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplescaling 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx Connect with Baz Wouters: Website: https://www.onlineinfluence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bazwouters-cmct-cpt-cec Free AI Tools & Workshops: https://www.onlineinfluence.com Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: https://www.simplescaling.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmcgurgan

How one word change increased conversions 300%—Bas Wouters, co-founder of the Cialdini Institute, reveals the behavioral psychology secrets that help SMEs compete with corporate giants without massive budgets. In this episode, host Brendan McGurgan sits down with Bas Wouters to unpack the neuroscience behind buying decisions—and why 95-98% of customer decisions happen in the subconscious mind (System 1), not through rational thought (System 2). Episode Highlights: Bas scaled a €10,000 kitchen startup to €25 million using behavioral psychology, became one of Dr. Robert Cialdini's 12 certified trainers worldwide, and partnered with the "Godfather of Influence" before founding the Online Influence Institute. Meet Bas Wouters Bas Wouters is a world-renowned expert in online influence, behavioral science, and persuasion. Handpicked by Dr. Robert Cialdini, the godfather of influence, Bas became one of only 12 certified trainers worldwide. He has trained over 10,000 professionals globally, helping businesses bridge the "persuasion gap" using AI-powered tools and evidence-based strategies. Bas is also an international bestselling author of Online Influence: Boost Your Results with Proven Behavioral Science, blending decades of practical experience with research-backed frameworks to help leaders scale effectively. Key Topics Covered → Why focusing on behavior, not leads or sales, is critical for business growth → The System One vs. System Two model: why 95% of decisions are subconscious → Using behavioral psychology to trigger automatic decision-making in customers → BJ Fogg's Behavior Model: Motivation, Ability, Prompt — designing actions people actually take → The Jenga Principle: simplifying messaging to make it clear and persuasive → Lessons from scaling a €25 million kitchen business against bigger competitors → How AI can enhance online influence without compromising ethics or authenticity → Practical frameworks for applying persuasion in marketing, sales, and customer experience Episode Highlights Bas dives deep into the psychology of decision-making, explaining why most marketing campaigns fail: people aren't rational; they act emotionally and subconsciously. By applying System One thinking—fast, intuitive shortcuts—you can craft campaigns that convert even in crowded markets. Bas also explores BJ Fogg's behavior model and the Jenga Principle, showing listeners how simpler messaging and easier actions dramatically increase engagement. Whether designing emails, landing pages, or sales conversations, Bas gives actionable insights that help SME leaders scale with purpose by influencing behavior, not just pushing content. Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives looking to grow online influence and increase conversions. If you're struggling to stand out in a crowded market, feeling overwhelmed by tools and tactics, or frustrated that your efforts aren't yielding results, Bas' research-backed insights provide a roadmap for smarter, behavior-driven marketing and sales strategies. Ready to Scale with Influence? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme helps leaders combine strategy, mindset, and behavioral insights to break through growth plateaus and scale with purpose. About Bas Wouters Bas Wouters is the founder of the Online Influence Institute and creator of the Online Influence Lab. After generating millions in sales and building a €25 million franchise business, he turned his focus to helping others influence effectively online. Handpicked by Dr. Robert Cialdini as a certified trainer, Bas has trained over 10,000 professionals worldwide. His book Online Influence blends behavioral science with practical tools to help leaders and teams achieve measurable results. Website: onlineinfluenceinstitute.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/baswouters Book: Online Influence About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX Insider Listen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider

Most people never reach their potential because they come to the edge of their limiting beliefs—and back down. Jim Murphy, creator of Inner Excellence, reveals the exact moment leaders stop themselves from scaling. It's not about strategy—it's about the uncomfortable feelings at the edge of what you believe is possible. Jim explains why negative feelings stick like Velcro while positive ones slide off like Teflon. Your subconscious protects you from scary feelings, which keeps you small. But beliefs aren't thoughts—they're feelings. Learn to embrace uncomfortable feelings, and you expand what's possible. MEET JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and top executives. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into 30 languages and went viral when NFL star A.J. Brown was photographed reading it. KEY TOPICS COVERED Why people never reach potential: they hit the edge of beliefs and back down when uncomfortable Velcro vs. Teflon: why negative feelings stick while positive ones slide off Three Pillars of Inner Excellence: Belief, Freedom, and Focus The four critical questions: Am I willing to face my fears? To fail? To look foolish? To sit with any feeling even if it never goes away? Why outcomes matter less than embracing the feeling Your subconscious only cares how you feel—beliefs are feelings WHO SHOULD LISTEN Essential for leaders stuck at a certain level despite working hard. If you hit the same ceiling, avoid difficult conversations, or feel capable of more but can't break through—this reveals why. What feeling are you currently avoiding? Share in the comments. READY TO SCALE WITH CONFIDENCE? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme addresses both strategy and mindset—helping you break through revenue plateaus by addressing the beliefs holding you back. Apply now: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme ABOUT JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy is the creator of Inner Excellence and a performance coach to world-class athletes and executives. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance psychology. He's coached PGA Tour players, Olympians and CEOs, and is founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project. Website: https://innerexcellence.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerexcellence.jimmurphy Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life ABOUT SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Host: Brendan McGurgan SUBSCRIBE & NEVER MISS AN EPISODE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleScaling Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why most people never reach their potential 02:30 Coming to the edge of your beliefs 05:15 The subconscious protection mechanism 07:40 Three Pillars: Belief, Freedom, Focus 10:20 Why freedom is lacking (social media comparison) 12:45 How to expand what you believe is possible 15:10 Visualization practice for embracing discomfort 17:30 Four critical questions to ask yourself 20:15 Why outcomes matter less than embracing feeling 23:00 Velcro vs. Teflon: why negative feelings stick 25:40 Beliefs are feelings—how to change them #limitingbeliefs #quitting #mindset #leadershipdevelopment #scaling

What does performance under pressure actually look like? Jim Murphy, creator of Inner Excellence, breaks down the two-part system elite athletes use to master fear in critical moments. Most people focus only on tools—breathing, mantras—but Jim reveals the mindset shift must come first, or the tools won't work. The critical mistake? Believing the most important thing is the result you get right now. This result-focused thinking creates tension, fear, and underperformance. Jim's solution: a mindset shift that prioritises learning to embrace feelings over achieving outcomes—because getting better at these moments is more valuable than any single win. MEET JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and top executives. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into 30 languages. His clients include three-time major champion Pádraig Harrington, who used a mantra technique Jim taught him to win The Open Championship in a playoff. KEY TOPICS COVERED The two-part system for performance under pressure: mindset shift first, then practical tools Why most people fail: they're caught up in the result instead of the process The critical mistake: believing "the most important thing is the result I get right now" The mindset shift: learning to embrace feelings matters more than the outcome The game-changing question: "Am I willing to have this fear, anxiety, or stress all day even if it never goes away?" Why this question creates freedom: if you're not willing, you're doubly scared—scared of the situation and scared of being scared Pádraig Harrington's mantra technique that won him The Open Championship What mantras actually are: phrases you repeat to stay present and instil empowering beliefs BJ Fogg's morning mantra: "Today is going to be a great day because I am going to make it a great day." Why the first hour of your day is critical: having routines with no decisions Practical tools that work: deep breathing, mantras, and presence techniques WHO SHOULD LISTEN Essential for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing high-stakes presentations, negotiations, or decisions. If you tense up before important moments, freeze under pressure, or ruminate on what might go wrong, Jim's two-part system gives you the exact process elite performers use. What's your go-to tool when feeling stressed? Share in the comments. READY TO SCALE WITH CONFIDENCE? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme addresses both strategy and mindset—helping you break through revenue plateaus by addressing the beliefs holding you back. Apply now: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme ABOUT JIM MURPHY Jim Murphy is the creator of Inner Excellence and a performance coach to world-class athletes and executives. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance psychology. He's coached PGA Tour players, Olympians, and CEOs, and is founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project. Website: https://innerexcellence.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerexcellence.jimmurphy Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life ABOUT SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Host: Brendan McGurgan SUBSCRIBE & NEVER MISS AN EPISODE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleScaling Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx TIMESTAMPS 00:00 What does embracing the feeling look like? 01:45 The two-part system: tools and mindset 03:30 The critical mistake: result-focused thinking 05:20 Why being caught up in results creates tension 07:15 The game-changing willingness question 09:40 Pádraig Harrington's winning mantra 11:25 Deep breathing and practical tools 13:10 BJ Fogg's empowering morning mantra 14:30 The first hour: routines over decisions #embracefear #highperformance #leadershipdevelopment

Why Fewer Than 1% of SME Leaders Ever Achieve Scale — with Jim Murphy (Inner Excellence) Why do fewer than 1% of SME leaders ever achieve scale? The answer isn't better strategy or more capital — it's inner excellence. In this transformative conversation, performance coach Jim Murphy, creator of the ground-breaking Inner Excellence philosophy, reveals that the path to peak performance under pressure is identical to living the best possible life. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs and spending five years researching performance psychology in the Sonoran Desert, Jim discovered a counterintuitive truth: selfless is fearless. When leaders detach from outcomes and master their ego, they access a level of courage and clarity that transforms both business results and personal fulfilment. Meet Jim Murphy Jim Murphy is a performance coach to PGA Tour players, Olympians, and executives worldwide. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into more than 30 languages and went viral when NFL star A.J. Brown was photographed reading it on the sidelines. Jim helps high performers achieve peace and confidence under extreme pressure by addressing the beliefs, fears, and attachments that block their potential. Key Topics Covered Why "selfless is fearless" is the foundation of courageous leadership The Three Pillars of Inner Excellence: Belief, Freedom, and Focus How to expand what you believe is possible by embracing uncomfortable feelings Why most leaders never reach their potential: they back away at the edge of their beliefs The dangerous "single story" trap and how rigid attachment prevents growth Training your heart, not just your mind: why love, wisdom, and courage matter The Affluenza Virus (PALMS): how obsession with possessions, achievements, looks, money, and status sabotages success Mastering the ego: becoming unembarrassable, unoffendable, and unirritable Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives facing revenue plateaus, team challenges, or scaling fears. If you're avoiding difficult conversations, delaying bold decisions, or feeling trapped by comparison and self-doubt, Jim's Inner Excellence framework provides the mental and emotional training to break through. Ready to Scale with Confidence? The ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme addresses both strategy and mindset — helping you break through revenue plateaus by confronting the beliefs holding you back. Apply now to join a community of purpose-driven leaders scaling with clarity and confidence. About Jim Murphy Jim Murphy is the creator of the Inner Excellence philosophy and founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project, a non-profit building homes for the homeless, orphans, and widows. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. He now coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and CEOs worldwide. Website: innerexcellence.com Instagram: @innerexcellence.jimmurphy Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX Insider Listen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:42 What scaling with purpose means 07:15 From professional baseball to the Sonoran Desert 12:28 The birth of Inner Excellence philosophy 18:45 Why inner excellence matters for business leaders 24:10 Love, wisdom, and courage: training the heart 31:20 The Three Pillars: Belief, Freedom, and Focus 38:55 Selfless is fearless: mastering your ego 44:30 How to embrace uncomfortable feelings 52:15 The Affluenza Virus and PALMS 58:40 Daily practices for inner excellence 01:04:20 Jim's whirlwind year and what's next 01:09:10 Three timeless takeaways

Technology is numbing your soul and hollowing out humanity. Rasmus Hougaard reveals the crisis of purpose, why we're pacified by tech, and how AI can paradoxically make leaders MORE human through intentionality. The uncomfortable truth: Technology has taken over our lives, feeding us content we don't need but that satisfies surface hunger. We're pacified when we should be protesting. People don't stand up for what matters because technology has numbed our curiosity and ability to ask questions. The paradox: While technology dulls us, AI can actually make us MORE human if we use it with intention. The real question isn't: "What can AI do to enhance our productivity?" We're productive enough. The world is still growing while we're literally killing ourselves by heating up the planet. We don't need MORE productivity. The real question is: "How can AI enhance our humanness, our humanity, and our decision-making?" Rasmus's example: He spent 3 months training ChatGPT with his life story, career path, leadership principles, values, and psychometrics of his team. Before difficult conversations, he asks AI: "How do I come across as caring and respectful?" The result? "AI is better. Period. Full stop." AI has better ability to prescribe empathetic conversations than even leadership experts who've devoted their lives to caring leadership. The choice: AI can be an incredible force for good or for everything that is not good. It's up to each individual to choose how we engage with AI. Most people use AI for: Food recipes Travel advice Quick productivity hacks Leaders who will thrive use AI to: Amplify their purpose Turn intentions into right actions Become human conduits of connection and growth Make better decisions with heart This isn't about prompt engineering. This is about looking inward: What's purposeful? What's meaningful? What impact can I have? How can I use AI as an amplifier for that purpose? About Rasmus Hougaard: CEO of Potential Project, bestselling author of "More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead," "The Mind of the Leader," and "Compassionate Leadership." Full Episode: [Link] About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Subscribe: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleScaling 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx #AILeadership #ChatGPT #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #BusinessLeadership #AItools #ScaleWithPurpose #RasmusHougaard #Shorts

70% of leaders will be UNQUALIFIED to lead in a few years if they don't learn to work with AI. Rasmus Hougaard reveals 95% of AI investments fail because leaders lack 3 human qualities, not technical skills. Paul Doherty, Chief AI Officer of Accenture (world's biggest tech firm), says companies are buying high-end Ferraris without drivers qualified to operate them. The brutal breakdown: 24% of leaders are humanly unqualified for the future 60% need significant upgrades but have potential 16% are ready (vast majority are women) This means 84% of current leaders (70% when rounded) won't make it without developing these qualities. The 3 critical qualities: Awareness - setting context, not just content Wisdom - asking the right questions Compassion - leading with heart This isn't about prompt engineering or technical skills. It's about human qualities. Ask ChatGPT: "Give me five prompts on how to prompt well" - AI will teach you AI. But AI can't teach you awareness, wisdom, or compassion. Why 95% of AI investments fail: Companies buy the technology but people aren't qualified to use it. They're missing the human qualities that allow them to set context, ask right questions, and lead with heart. The future: AI will respond to emails and attend meetings. Human connection is being stripped away. Leaders who develop these human qualities will thrive. The 70% who don't will be unqualified. About Rasmus Hougaard: CEO of Potential Project, bestselling author of "More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead," "The Mind of the Leader," and "Compassionate Leadership." Full Episode: [Link] About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling: ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Subscribe: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleScaling 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scalex-insider/id1494889789 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d7ZzJFe6uL3I6wzW3BlFx