Growth Think Tank

In this episode, I sit down with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses, to explore the transformative power of humble leadership in building a purpose-driven brand. Jensen shares how embracing humble leadership has guided Ombraz from its inception to becoming a standout in the eyewear industry. We delve into how humble leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and a strong company culture. Under Jensen's guidance, Ombraz has not only revolutionized sunglasses design but also earned #1244 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting its rapid growth and commitment to sustainability. Tune in to discover how leading with humility can drive both personal and organizational success.

In this episode, I share the real benefits of executive coaching and why it could be the key to unlocking your next level of leadership. Executive coaching is more than just advice — it's a powerful way to gain clarity, uncover blind spots, and accelerate your growth as a leader. I’ve worked with hundreds of CEOs and their teams, and I’ve seen firsthand how executive coaching can help leaders create high-performing teams and drive lasting results. If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in executive coaching is worth it, this episode will give you the insight you need. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience helping leaders like you grow faster and lead with more confidence.

In this episode, I sit down with Levi McClendon, Founder and CEO of OptSpot, to explore how to build and sustain a thriving remote culture. Under Levi’s leadership, OptSpot has achieved significant growth, earning the 1786 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We delve into the strategies and practices that have enabled OptSpot to foster a thriving remote culture, ensuring team cohesion and productivity across distances. Levi shares insights on maintaining company values and employee engagement in a remote work environment. Tune in to discover how cultivating a thriving remote culture can drive success and resilience in your organization.

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I explore the transformative journey that led me to become a CEO coach, beginning with a defining moment in 2010 when I faced the loss of my business and home. I discuss how this challenging experience prompted deep introspection and reassessment of my values and purpose. Emphasizing the growth that can emerge from adversity, I share insights gained from my decade in corporate America and my transition into coaching, driven by a desire to positively impact others. Through personal narratives and coaching examples, I highlight the power of gratitude and emotional intelligence in fostering personal and professional growth. I invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys, embrace their purpose, and take courageous steps toward transformation in their leadership paths.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moran, CEO and founder of Solar Negotiators, to discuss the challenges and strategies of scaling a business while retaining your culture. Chris shares how Solar Negotiators has expanded its operations, completing nearly 60 projects a month, without compromising the core values that define their success. We explore the importance of retaining your culture during periods of rapid growth and how it impacts employee satisfaction and customer experience. Chris provides actionable insights on maintaining organizational identity and cohesion as a company scales. Tune in to learn how retaining your culture can be a driving force for sustainable growth and long-term success.

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Oldford, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of Million in the Red, to discuss the crucial leadership shifts required for scaling a business. Scott shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles and how he developed the strategies that help entrepreneurs grow sustainably. We dive deep into the leadership shifts that separate struggling businesses from those that thrive, focusing on mindset, decision-making, and team alignment. Scott provides actionable insights from Million in the Red that help leaders navigate uncertainty and scale with confidence. Tune in to discover how embracing key leadership shifts can accelerate your success and create a more resilient business.

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan King, co-founder and CEO of Zeus' Closet, to explore five innovative ways you can leverage AI to Improve Your Leadership. Ethan shares his journey from a starving artist to a celebrated CEO, embodying the spirit of small business innovation and resilience. citeturn0search1 We discuss how integrating AI to Improve Your Leadership can enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and foster a more dynamic team environment. Ethan provides practical insights and real-world examples of how embracing AI to Improve Your Leadership has transformed his approach to business. Tune in to discover actionable strategies that can elevate your leadership effectiveness through AI.

In this episode, we explore Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott, President of Alliant Consulting. Under Christa's leadership, Alliant Consulting has achieved significant growth, earning the No. 4,509 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how establishing a Scalable Foundation for Growth has been pivotal in their success, enabling the company to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Christa shares insights into the strategies and practices that have allowed Alliant Consulting to maintain excellence while expanding operations. Tune in to discover how Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth can drive sustainable success in your organization.

In this episode, we delve into the significance of Scaling Culture with Brett Turner, Co-founder and CEO of Kalon Creative. Under Brett's leadership, Kalon Creative has earned the No. 4,421 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, reflecting their remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. We explore how Scaling Culture has been instrumental in their success, enabling them to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Brett shares insights on the strategies and practices that have allowed Kalon Creative to maintain a strong company culture while expanding their operations. Tune in to discover how Scaling Culture can drive growth and sustainability in your organization.

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle York, co-founder and CEO of York IE, to discuss Redefining Startup Growth in today's dynamic business landscape. Under Kyle's leadership, York IE has achieved remarkable success, securing the No. 1,031 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list with a three-year revenue growth of 493%. We explore how Redefining Startup Growth involves innovative strategies and a hands-on, tech-enabled approach to advising and investing. Kyle shares actionable insights on how startups can adapt and thrive by embracing new growth paradigms. Tune in to discover how Redefining Startup Growth can propel your business to new heights.