Episode Overview: In this episode of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, host Brendan McGurgan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox and a globally recognised expert on growth mindset and learning organisations. Discover how to move beyond constant grinding, unlock exponential growth, and create a learning-focused culture in your business. Eduardo shares insights into the "Performance Paradox," the power of balancing performance with learning, and practical strategies for embracing discomfort to build resilience and foster innovation. Whether you're scaling a business or striving to improve personally, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why constant performance leads to stagnation—and how to break the cycle. The "learning zone" vs. the "performance zone" and why both are essential for growth. How feedback can fuel innovation and team success. Strategies for leaders to model a growth mindset and inspire their teams. The importance of reframing challenges as opportunities for adventure and growth. Key Quotes: “If we’re always performing, our performance suffers. Growth requires learning, and learning requires stepping into discomfort.” – Eduardo Briceño “Scaling businesses succeed not because they know it all, but because they’re always learning.” – Brendan McGurgan Links and Resources: Learn more about Eduardo Briceño and his work: Eduardo Briceño's Website Follow Eduardo on LinkedIn: Eduardo Briceño LinkedIn Purchase Eduardo’s book The Performance Paradox: Get The Performance Paradox on Amazon Connect with Brendan McGurgan: Website: Simple Scaling LinkedIn: Brendan McGurgan on LinkedIn Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the ScaleX Insider Podcast for more invaluable insights from world-class thought leaders. Leave us a review to help other ambitious leaders discover the show and scale with purpose. Scaling businesses, Eduardo Briceño, Brendan McGurgan, Simple Scaling, growth mindset, The Performance Paradox, feedback culture, learning organisations, leadership development, SME leadership, scaling with purpose, business podcast, scaling strategies, organisational resilience, entrepreneurial growth, performance zone, learning zone, innovation, leadership podcast.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, host Brendan McGurgan welcomes Doug Gordon, a transformational coach, international speaker, and former corporate leader. Doug shares his extraordinary journey from scaling corporate success to overcoming a near-death experience that redefined his purpose. This powerful conversation uncovers insights into leadership, mindset, resilience, and finding energy and meaning in business and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to align success with purpose or overcome the pitfalls of a money-driven mindset, this episode is for you. Doug offers practical tools for leaders looking to scale with heart and authenticity. What You’ll Learn: The Power of Purpose: Why heart-led leadership outshines ego-driven strategies. The GLEAM Formula: Practical steps to energize your life and business. Lessons from Near-Death: How Doug transformed adversity into a life mission. Actionable Mindset Shifts: Techniques for grounding yourself and inspiring your team. Guest Details: Doug Gordon Doug Gordon is a sought-after speaker, transformational coach, and author of Charge Yourself Up for Success. With over two decades of experience in investment banking and a personal journey of resilience, Doug now helps leaders connect to their true purpose and scale their impact. Connect with Doug: Website: www.dougdgordon.com LinkedIn: Doug Gordon Twitter: @DougGordonIRL Book: Charge Yourself Up for Success Host Details: Brendan McGurgan Brendan McGurgan is a globally recognized scaling expert, keynote speaker, and author of Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10X Your Business. Through the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Brendan inspires leaders to scale their businesses with purpose and impact. Connect with Brendan: Website: www.simplescaling.com LinkedIn: Brendan McGurgan   Links and Resources: Learn More About Scaling with Purpose: Simple Scaling Website Doug’s Website: Doug Gordon Follow Brendan on LinkedIn: Brendan McGurgan

In this extraordinary episode of ScaleX Insider we sit down with Alan Mulally, one of the most celebrated leaders of our time. As the former CEO of Ford Motor Company and Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Alan shares the proven principles that guided him through some of the most remarkable business transformations in history. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Alan Mulally’s insights are a masterclass in leadership, teamwork, and scaling success. Key takeaways include: Scaling Through Systems: How Alan’s Working Together Management System drove Ford’s legendary turnaround. Crisis Leadership: Lessons from navigating Ford through the 2008 financial crisis—without a government bailout. People First: Why empowering your team is the ultimate strategy for sustainable growth. Staying True to the Mission: How clarity of purpose can guide businesses through complexity and chaos. Why This Episode Matters Alan’s leadership philosophy isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a global enterprise, his approach provides actionable strategies to help you: Foster collaboration across your organization. Create a culture of accountability and innovation. Build a roadmap for long-term growth and success. About Alan Mulally Alan Mulally is recognized as one of the world’s greatest CEOs, credited with transforming Ford Motor Company from the brink of bankruptcy into one of the most profitable automakers in the world. He is a vocal advocate for servant leadership and teamwork, earning accolades such as “World’s Best CEO” by Fortune magazine and inclusion in TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Resources Mentioned Book: American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company by Bryce G. Hoffman. Available on Amazon. Learn More About Alan Mulally: Ford Media Center Biography. Working Together Management System: Transform Your Organization with Alan Mulally’s ‘Working Together’ System. Stay Connected Don’t miss this episode packed with transformative leadership insights. 👉 Subscribe to ScaleX Insider on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. 👉 Visit SimpleScaling.com for more resources to help you scale your business. Join the conversation: What’s your biggest takeaway from Alan’s leadership journey? Let us know on LinkedIn at Simple Scaling.

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, we are thrilled to welcome David Coulthard, a globally recognised Formula One legend and entrepreneur. David will share his powerful insights on how inclusion is the new winning formula, and how Formula One leaders excel at creating solutions, not problems. We’ll dive into the keys to building a team of high performers and how to get your team marching in the same direction, regardless of the challenges they face. David will also open up about the life lessons he learned from surviving a plane crash, and why owning your mistakes in business is crucial for long-term success. We’ll explore the importance of reacting right in customer service and why Red Bull’s leadership stands out in the competitive world of Formula One. David will discuss why achieving 50/50 gender balance in the workplace is more than just a trend – it’s a necessity for success. Finally, we’ll uncover the secret power of Ireland’s warmth and how it has shaped David’s journey both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this captivating conversation packed with invaluable leadership lessons and practical advice for anyone aiming to scale their business and team. About David In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome David Coulthard, a globally recognised sports personality, renowned Formula One Grand Prix driver, broadcaster, author, and entrepreneur. David has excelled both on and off the track, carving out a legacy as one of the most influential figures in motorsport. Hailing from Scotland, David’s illustrious 15-season career in Formula One saw him secure 13 Grand Prix victories, 62 podium finishes, and five top-three placements in the World Championships, with iconic wins at the British and Monaco Grand Prix. His achievements on the track have solidified him as one of the sport's greats. Beyond racing, David has demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess. He co-founded Whisper, a leading media production company in the UK and Europe, alongside Jay Comfrey and Sunil Patel, as well as Velocity Experience, a premier corporate events company. In 2022, David launched the More Than Equal initiative, a groundbreaking project to break barriers for women in motorsport, with the goal of supporting the first female driver in modern Formula One. An accomplished author, David has penned his autobiography It Is What It Is and the Sunday Times bestseller The Winning Formula. In 2010, his remarkable contributions to the world of motorsport were recognised with an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Contact David Website: https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/index.html About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling       

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, I’m thrilled to welcome Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters. Ryan and I delve into his transformative journey with Lean principles, discussing how discovering Lean changed the way he worked and led to massive business growth. We explore how small ideas can spark significant changes and drive company success. Ryan also shares his vision for making Ireland the next Japan in terms of manufacturing excellence. We talk about how important it is to stop wasting time, act now, and eliminate non-value-adding activities. Ryan reveals the hidden power of Lean that many overlook, along with the reason he avoided public speaking for so long. Finally, we uncover simple steps to unlock business freedom and how Lean principles can help businesses scale and thrive. About Ryan: Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re joined by Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters, a company dedicated to creating therapeutic seating that enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities. Nearly a decade ago, Ryan faced constant production challenges and a stressful work environment. A late-night discovery of Lean principles sparked a complete turnaround. Today, Seating Matters stands as a shining example of world-class Lean Manufacturing, with insights drawn from experiences across the globe. Ryan runs the company alongside his brothers, Jonathan and Martin Tierney. In August, he released the best-selling book Lean Made Simple: 12 Proven Steps for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture. Ryan’s journey is a testament to how Lean principles can drive real, measurable change in any organisation. Contact Ryan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-tierney YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@leanmadesimple About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, we are delighted to introduce David Allen, a world-renowned expert in the field of productivity. David will share his insights on how clarity in your mind is essential for scaling successfully, and why control may actually be hindering your progress. We’ll explore daily mindset hacks for success, and discover how to become the leader your team truly needs. David will also reveal how to create space for your big ideas, and introduce five simple steps to organise your life. He’ll explain how you can master mindfulness with just paper and pen, and uncover the secret power of the mundane. Plus, David will show you how to transform your workplace using the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation, packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and leadership. About David In today’s episode, we are thrilled to introduce a world-renowned expert in the field of productivity, David Allen. As the author of the best-selling book’ Getting Things Done’ David has revolutionised the way people approach time management, workflow, and personal organisation. David’s journey began with a desire to find a better way to manage the chaos of everyday life. He started his career as a management consultant, but it was his insatiable curiosity and passion for problem-solving that led him to create the GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology. The GTD system has since been embraced by millions around the world, allowing them to maximise their productivity and achieve a sense of clarity and control in their lives. As a speaker, coach, and author, David has dedicated more than three decades to refining and sharing his expertise. His innovative approach to productivity has earned him accolades and praise from top-tier publications, as well as a loyal following of professionals and enthusiasts alike. David’s teachings emphasise the importance of capturing ideas, clarifying tasks, organising priorities, and executing plans, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Contact David LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd Website:  https://www.gettingthingsdone.com Youtube:  https://www.gettingthingsdone.com/youtube Buy the book: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-free Productivity https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280 About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling     

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, I’m excited to welcome David Jenyns, the founder of SYSTEMology. David and I dive into the crucial role systems play in business success, discussing how they can either make or break your company. We explore the secret to creating a thriving business—it's all about systemising! David shares his insights on how creative entrepreneurs can sell the impossible and secure big deals, along with key strategies to ensure staff buy-in and make your business thrive. We also talk about the importance of creating time to seize opportunities and how efficient business operations are essential for growth. Additionally, we unlock simple steps to drive business growth and discuss why many business owners struggle to scale and how they can overcome these challenges. Finally, David reveals why every business needs a Systemologist and how they can help streamline operations for lasting success. About David: Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re joined by David Jenyns, an entrepreneur and the founder of SYSTEMology. David’s entrepreneurial journey began in his early twenties when he sold Australia’s most beloved sporting venue, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Since then, his business experience has ranged from franchising retail clothing stores to founding one of Australia’s most trusted digital agencies, Melbourne SEO Services. In 2016, David systemised himself out of his business, hired a CEO, and stepped back from the daily operations, becoming a systems devotee in the process. This led to the creation of SYSTEMology, a methodology designed to free business owners from the daily grind. Today, David’s mission is to help business owners worldwide implement SYSTEMology, enabling them to scale their businesses efficiently. He dedicates his time to supporting the growing community of certified SYSTEMologists and shares his expertise through workshops, keynote addresses, and his popular podcast, Business Processes Simplified. David has also earned endorsement from David E. Gerber, the “World’s #1 Small Business Guru.” Contact David: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-jenyns Website: https://www.davidjenyns.com Systemology Giveaway! https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/systemology About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling   

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, I’m thrilled to once again welcome my business partner, Claire Colvin. Claire and I recap our most powerful moments from Season 14 and discuss how embracing fear as your greatest growth opportunity has reshaped our perspective on both business and life. We dive into the profound impact of sleep on team success, sharing insights on how prioritising rest has unlocked new levels of performance and well-being. Our recap highlights inspirational stories from our guests, exploring themes like reclaiming control of your value, pursuing your passion with urgency, and the transformative power of being open and authentic. We also examine why the "fake it till you make it" mindset falls short and reveal why applying knowledge is the real superpower for lasting success. Join us for a compelling narrative filled with growth, wisdom, and the lessons learned from our incredible experiences and guests. About Claire: Claire has worked as a partner to business leaders and entrepreneurs of high growth businesses helping them to scale through their people. As the former Talent Director on the Board of a rapidly growing global organisation, Claire built the optimum people centred structures and systems to enable the company to significantly scale across six continents. In 2019, Claire became my business partner and we set out on a journey of discovery to extensively research examples of scaling to identify the key attributes that made them successful. Contact Claire: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-colvin-586a162b/ About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling   

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, we’re excited to welcome Eric Partaker, a renowned entrepreneur, coach, and author. Eric will share his powerful strategies on turning failure into success and how the constant pursuit of being ‘busy’ can actually hinder your performance. We’ll dive into how you can align your day with your dream identity and explore the 80/20 rule to focus on what truly matters. Eric will also reveal the "superhero secret" to becoming your best self and why structure alone isn’t enough for true success. Plus, we’ll discuss how to grow stronger with each challenge life throws at you and, most importantly, how to beat procrastination forever. Eric’s insights on high-performance habits, mindset, and personal growth offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their life and business. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation filled with actionable strategies to help you perform at your peak! About Eric: In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome Eric Partaker, a celebrated entrepreneur and the 2019 “CEO of the Year” at the Business Excellence Forum. Recognised as one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs in the UK” under 35, Eric has built a remarkable career, advising Fortune 50 CEOs at McKinsey & Company and playing a pivotal role in Skype’s success. As a global coach and mentor, Eric works with leaders to unlock their peak performance, drawing on principles from elite sports and behavioural science. He is also the author of The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever, where he shares transformative lessons from his journey—from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful CEO. Join us for an inspiring conversation as we explore Eric’s unique approach to leadership, performance, and personal growth, and how his strategies can help anyone elevate their life and career. Contact Eric: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-partaker Website: https://ericpartaker.com About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling

In today’s episode of ScaleX Insider, we’re excited to welcome Christian Boucousis, a former fighter pilot turned successful entrepreneur, whose unique journey has given him invaluable insights into performance, mindset, and business growth. Christian will share how perception shapes your performance, why failure is often the first step to success, and how changing your mindset can transform your life and business. We’ll explore how to design the future you want by mastering your mindset, the Air Force’s secret weapon for fast learning, and the truth about manifestation. Christian will also dive into the critical habits that determine success and how to stop failing at them. He’ll highlight why action is crucial for mindset to have real impact and reveal the one skill every business owner must master to avoid failure. Don’t miss this compelling conversation, packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey! About Christian Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re joined by Christopher 'Boo' Boucousis, a highly respected keynote speaker and entrepreneur with a deep understanding of purpose-driven performance. Boo’s journey began as a fighter pilot and has taken him from the mountains of Afghanistan to boardrooms across Sydney, London, New York, and beyond. His approach, which he calls ‘Deep Performance,’ focuses on achieving sustainable high performance in the face of disruption—a philosophy he’s shared with global leaders at companies like McDonald’s, Microsoft, and Zurich. Boo’s path to success started with a childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot at just six years old, which led to both military triumphs and a thriving entrepreneurial career. As the bestselling author of On Time, On Target, Boo translates his experiences into practical strategies for business leaders, helping them build long-term momentum and achieve lasting success. Get ready for today’s episode, where we’ll dive into the power of leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven performance. Contact Christian LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis Website: https://www.afterburner.com About the Host, Brendan McGurgan Brendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible. Contact Brendan McGurgan or Simple Scaling: Buy the Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scali... Contact Simple Scaling: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling