Founder's Framework

Mark shares how the laws of physics also apply to business: If you’re not growing, you’re dying. The conversation touches on balancing ambition with practicality as well as the importance of strategic planning so founders can avoid entropy and build lasting, impactful companies.Try Ninety free for 30 days!

As the Founder Mode series continues, Mark and Cole discuss the importance of recognizing and scheduling time for different modes to leverage productivity and minimize inefficiencies. They also highlight the value of empathy and self-awareness for founders of companies at any stage.Try Ninety free for 30 days!

This episode digs into the importance of trust and transparency in the annual planning process, specifically how these elements support alignment and accountability across all levels of an organization. The conversation highlights how teams benefit from assessing core competencies and addressing uncertainties. Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Explore the delicate nature of leadership transitions, particularly surrounding the role of a visionary within an organization. Learn about the challenges founders may face when stepping back from leadership roles and the importance of owning responsibilities while nurturing team relationships.Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Learn more about the trending topic of "founder mode” as Mark and Cole explore the distinctions between visionary and legacy founders and the various mindsets that all founders must navigate. The conversation highlights how chaotic leadership can result when founders aren't self-aware and the importance of being adaptable to build fluidity and reduce anxiety.Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Dive into the key concepts of Stratified Systems Theory (SST), which describes how organizations create structured hierarchies as they grow more complex. Mark Abbott emphasizes that each stratum requires distinct competencies and problem-solving approaches, with leaders in higher strata focusing on integration, system development, and long-term market foresight. Try Ninety free for 30 days!

In the final installment of our Stages of Development series, Mark and Cole cover the challenges of leadership transitions in Stage 5 companies, particularly when moving from a visionary founder to a new leader. The hosts share insights on the importance of finding a successor who understands the company's long-term vision in addition to having a point of view for the future, ideally looking 10-20 years ahead. Referenced materials (PDF download): Guide On Stages of Development Stages of Development Brief Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Learn about the challenges companies face when transitioning into Stage 4, particularly around leadership structure and organizational alignment. The conversation touches on the complexities of maintaining company culture and the importance of knowing when to invest in the right people and systems for sustainable growth.Referenced materials (PDF download): Guide On Stages of Development Stages of Development Brief Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Continuing our Stages of Development series, today’s focus is on Stage 3, where companies begin to get serious about scaling. The hosts introduce a framework for understanding these stages based on revenue projections and organizational confidence, from 90 days to 10 years. This episode also touches on the mindset necessary for founders to guide their organizations effectively. Referenced materials (PDF download): Guide On Stages of Development Stages of Development Brief Try Ninety free for 30 days!

Mark and Cole discuss the first transition within the Stages of Development. They also explore how core competencies evolve during this stage, which can encourage behaviors such as refining your company's vision and starting to think more intentionally about company culture and long-term goals.Referenced materials (PDF download): Guide On Stages of Development Stages of Development Brief Try Ninety free for 30 days!