Growth Think Tank

In this episode, I sit down with Amberly Allen, Managing Partner at Dealer Merchant Services, to explore the power of building an accountability culture inside an organization. Dealer Merchant Services is No.120 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Amberly shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, launching her company during the COVID-19 pandemic and scaling to serve more than 1,050 auto dealerships in credit card processing. She reveals how her philosophy of “loving people up or loving them out,” combined with clear expectations and open communication, creates a culture where accountability drives performance. What stood out to me is how Amberly empowers her team with autonomy and decision-making, fostering a self-motivated environment where accountability becomes second nature. She also opens up about balancing self-care and leadership as a single parent, underscoring that accountability isn’t just a business practice — it’s a way of life. Her story highlights why high expectations and continuous improvement are the cornerstones of a thriving accountability culture, offering powerful lessons for leaders committed to building effective, resilient organizations.

In this episode, I explore the concept of Beyond Accountability, uncovering the critical differences between accountability and ownership in organizations. Drawing from my work with fast-growing companies, I reveal how moving beyond simple accountability to true ownership fosters deeper commitment and resilience, inspiring team members to consistently exceed expectations. I share why creating a culture rooted in pride, responsibility, and alignment with organizational goals is essential for sustainable success. To help leaders implement this shift, I also extend an invitation to a free training session designed to build a culture of ownership. By embracing the principles of Beyond Accountability, leaders can empower their teams and unlock meaningful, long-term growth.

Are you ready to discover what happens when bold leadership and innovation come together? In this episode of the Grow Think Tank podcast, I sit down with Jeff Lu, Founder & CEO at Akool, an AI-powered video platform that has skyrocketed with an unbelievable 37,000% revenue growth. AKOOL is the No.1 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Jeff pulls back the curtain on how he’s blending cutting-edge AI with video production while building a culture where creativity, risk-taking, and open communication thrive. We talk about why psychological safety is the foundation of breakthrough ideas, how collaborations with academic institutions fuel innovation, and why transparency is key to driving team accountability. Jeff also shares how leaders can transform failures into learning opportunities and why meticulous execution is just as important as visionary thinking. If you’re a leader who wants to inspire innovation and turn it into real business growth, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this episode, I explore the mindset of the Controlling Leader — the CEO who struggles to let go. As companies scale, many leaders believe their constant involvement is essential for maintaining efficiency, but this need for control often stifles growth and burns out both the leader and their team. I highlight the importance of effective delegation and how empowering others builds the autonomy needed for long-term success. I challenge listeners to reflect on their own micromanagement tendencies and introduce an upcoming training on five essential steps to create self-sustaining businesses. To evolve from a Controlling Leader into a strategic, visionary one, letting go is not just an option — it’s a necessity for building a thriving, resilient culture.

In this episode of the Grow Think Tank podcast, I sit down with Brittany Latson, Managing Partner, Account and Operations at HashtagHealth, to talk about what it really means to be Leading with Integrity. HashtagHealth No.3,091 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Brittany shares how integrity guides her leadership style and shapes a people-first culture—one that prioritizes collaboration, supports working parents, and builds strong, ethical client relationships in the pharmaceutical sector. She explains how her unique blend of ‘tough love’ and genuine guidance empowers her team’s growth while keeping values at the forefront. We also discuss HashtagHealth’s recent acquisition and how compassionate leadership and a strong culture are helping expand their mission to improve healthcare communication. This conversation is a powerful example of how Leading with Integrity drives both business success and meaningful impact.

In this episode, I explore the crucial role of Co-founder Alignment in startup success. With 65% of high-potential companies failing due to co-founder conflict, alignment becomes the foundation for growth and innovation. Drawing from Noam Wasserman’s The Founder’s Dilemma, I share strategies for fostering open dialogue, handling conflict constructively, and strengthening collaboration. Whether you’re navigating challenges now or aiming to prevent them, this episode offers practical insights on building stronger partnerships that drive long-term success.

In this episode, Matt Dixon, co-founder of DCM Insights, explores how Company Values Define Culture and shape leadership within professional services. DCM Insights No.112 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Matt Dixon underscores the role of 'a force of ideas' and 'a spirit of generosity' in building strong, values-driven teams. Matt also addresses the unique challenges faced by non-traditional salespeople in fields like law and consulting, while highlighting the transformative impact of AI in sales. Drawing parallels between effective sales and leadership, he stresses the importance of empathy and value-added relationships. The conversation wraps with powerful insights on how shared values not only define culture but also drive performance, productivity, and long-term success.

In this episode, I dive into the realities of co-founder conflict and how it can make or break company growth. I unpack why alignment at the executive level is non-negotiable and outline the most common sources of tension — from unclear roles to clashing strategies. You’ll learn how to spot the warning signs of conflict early and what steps leaders can take to resolve issues, including when to bring in a neutral perspective. As a CEO coach, I invite founders to connect for a complimentary conversation on navigating these challenges. This episode kicks off a series dedicated to practical tools and strategies for overcoming co-founder conflict and strengthening leadership teams.

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, host Gene Hammett talks with Nate Medoff, CEO of Quatrro Business Support Services, about the challenge of scaling without losing your culture. Quatrro Business Support Services No. 4197 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Medoff reveals how Quattro has grown through rapid expansion and acquisitions while staying true to its cultural values and retaining top talent. He discusses leveraging AI to enhance client services without losing personal connection, measuring culture with clear KPIs, and fostering innovation by creating a safe space to learn from failure. This conversation offers leaders practical strategies to scale successfully while preserving the culture that fuels long-term success.

In this episode, I uncover the real cost of being the bottleneck in your organization. I challenge CEOs to recognize how getting stuck in daily tasks prevents them from focusing on their true responsibilities—developing their teams and shaping strategic vision. By examining how they spend their time, leaders can see the hidden ways they may be slowing down both their own growth and their company’s. I break down the financial, organizational, and personal costs of this bottleneck effect, sharing real-world examples from my coaching practice. More importantly, I offer strategies to break free, shift from operational overload to empowered leadership, and unlock true scalability. Listeners are also invited to a free training designed to accelerate this transformation.