
Growth Think Tank
Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company.
Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.
Latest episodes

Oct 12, 2023 • 23min
Leadership by Example with Paola Alvadado at Core Boiler and Mechanical Services
Leadership by example is more than just a concept; it's a fundamental principle that defines our approach to effective leadership. It embodies the idea that leaders should set the standard for behavior, ethics, and dedication within their organizations. By practicing leadership by example, leaders create a culture of integrity, accountability, and excellence. This approach is not just about giving orders but about actively demonstrating the values and work ethic expected from the team. Today's guest is Paola Alvarado, Founder and president at CORE Boiler & Mechanical Services. Inc Magazine ranked her company #182 on the 2023 Inc 5000 list. CORE Boiler & Mechanical Services offers piping fabrication and installation services, specialty welding services, mechanical work, and HRSG repairs. In this enlightening episode, we unravel the essence of leadership by example and the profound impact it has on organizations and individuals. Our special guest, Paola, an esteemed leadership authority, will share invaluable insights and real-world examples, highlighting the transformative power of leadership by example. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this leadership style and how it influences corporate cultures, motivates teams, and fosters enduring success. This podcast will inspire and empower you to embrace leadership by example as a guiding principle in your leadership journey, ultimately reshaping your organization's destiny and driving positive change. Get the show notes for Leadership by Example with Paola Alvadado at Core Boiler and Mechanical Services Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #PaolaAlvarado featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttPaolaAlvarado #LeadershipbyExample #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1033 #Inc5000 #pipingfabrication #weldingservices #mechanicalwork #HRSGrepairs Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Oct 9, 2023 • 24min
Authenticity and Leadership Is Required More Than Ever with Adam Weber at 15Five.com
Authenticity and leadership are not merely buzzwords but the driving forces behind success in today's ever-evolving world. The synergy of authenticity and leadership has never been more crucial, as organizations seek guidance in navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. Authenticity and leadership serve as the compass that directs teams toward their true north and empowers leaders to steer their organizations to new heights. In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the essence of authenticity and leadership, exploring how these qualities are integral to fostering innovation, nurturing trust, and driving meaningful change within organizations. Our guest is Adam Weber, Chief Evangelist at 15Five. 15Five is the performance management platform that drives business results. 15Five is a platform that combines coaching and manager training, 360° performance reviews, in-depth engagement surveys, robust goal & OKR tracking, and manager-employee feedback tools like 1-on-1s and pulse ratings. Adam shares practical insights and real-world examples to inspire and guide listeners on their journey to becoming authentic and impactful leaders. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of authenticity and leadership in today's fast-paced and competitive business world, and discover how embracing these qualities can empower you to lead with purpose and achieve sustainable success. Get the show notes for Authenticity and Leadership Is Required More Than Ever with Adam Weber at 15Five.com Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #AdamWeber featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttAdamWeber #AuthenticityandLeadership #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1032 #Inc5000 #performancemanagementplatform #coachingandmanagertraining Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Oct 5, 2023 • 22min
Fostering an Exceptional Remote Culture with Jared Siegal at Aditude
Fostering an exceptional remote culture has become an essential pursuit for organizations worldwide. With the paradigm shift towards remote work, creating an exceptional remote culture isn't just a luxury; it's a strategic imperative. Exceptional remote cultures go beyond just adapting to remote work; they actively nurture collaboration, engagement, and well-being among remote teams. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of building and sustaining an exceptional remote culture, exploring the innovative practices and strategies that industry leaders employ. Today's guest is Jared Siegal, Founder & CEO of Aditude. Inc Magazine ranked his company #450 on the 2023 Inc 5000 list. Aditude provides custom advertising technology solutions to publishers of all sizes, with tools including front-end CMS. Jared shares his wealth of insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for organizations looking to make the most of the remote work era. Join us as we explore the multifaceted landscape of remote work and learn how to cultivate an exceptional remote culture that not only meets the demands of the present but also sets the stage for a prosperous future in the ever-evolving world of work. Get the show notes for Fostering an Exceptional Remote Culture with Jared Siegal at Aditude Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #JaredSiegal featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/3FXNA6g #ExceptionalRemoteCulture #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1031 #Inc5000 #advertisingtechnologysolutions #frontendCMS Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Oct 2, 2023 • 24min
Inspiring Leadership is Treating Employees Like They are Volunteers with Ethan King
Inspiring leadership transcends conventional management approaches; it embodies the art of engaging employees as if they are volunteers, individuals driven by an innate sense of passion and purpose. This paradigm of inspiring leadership challenges the traditional top-down model, encouraging leaders to foster an environment where team members are not merely following directives but are actively motivated to contribute their best. Throughout this episode, we delve into the multifaceted facets of inspiring leadership and explore how it transcends hierarchical structures. Our guest, Ethan King, Whole Life Success Coach for Entrepreneurs, CEO, and co-founder of Zeus' Closet, shares his wealth of knowledge, highlighting the ways inspiring leadership can reshape organizational cultures and elevate employee engagement to unparalleled levels. Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and real-world examples that illustrate the profound impact of inspiring leadership in transforming workplaces and driving exceptional outcomes. Get the show notes for Inspiring Leadership is Treating Employees Like They are Volunteers with Ethan King Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #EthanKing featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttEthanKing #InspiringLeadership #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1030 #Speaker #ExecutiveCoach #LifeSuccessCoach Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 28, 2023 • 25min
How Visionary Leaders Handle the Chaos of Growth with Marla Mattenson at Mattenson Coaching and Consulting
Navigating the chaos of growth is a hallmark of visionary leadership. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, it's imperative for leaders to not only embrace growth but also to steer their organizations skillfully through the inevitable turbulence and unpredictability that the chaos of growth often brings. This chaos of growth can encompass everything from scaling pains and shifting market dynamics to increased competition and evolving customer preferences. Visionary leaders must not only anticipate these challenges but also leverage them as catalysts for innovation and transformation. In this episode, we explore how these exceptional leaders not only navigate but also harness the chaos of growth to propel their organizations to new heights. Our guest today is Marla Mattenson, CEO of Mattenson Coaching and Consulting. Marla Mattenson is an internationally-recognized expert in helping thought leaders and their partners thrive in love and business. With over 25 years of experience, she has guided high-profile clients, including Academy Award winners and NBA players, to break free from limiting patterns and achieve success. Marla shares her wealth of knowledge on this critical topic, offering real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert advice on how visionary leaders can turn chaos into opportunities for innovation and progress. Join us on this enlightening journey as we delve deep into the chaos of growth, uncovering the strategies that visionary leaders employ to steer their organizations towards greater success and enduring prosperity. Get the show notes for How Visionary Leaders Handle the Chaos of Growth with Marla Mattenson at Mattenson Coaching and Consulting Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #MarlaMattenson featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttMarlaMattenson #ChaosofGrowth #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1029 #Inc5000 #KeynoteSpeaker #ExecutiveCoach Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 25, 2023 • 22min
Embracing New Challenges on the Path to Expansion with Anand Kulkarni at Crowdbotics
Embracing new challenges is the cornerstone of growth and expansion for businesses today. In an ever-evolving landscape, organizations must continuously seek out and embrace new challenges to remain competitive and foster innovation. Embracing new challenges not only drives progress but also cultivates a culture of adaptability and resilience within the team. In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative power of embracing new challenges and how it propels organizations toward uncharted territories of success. Today's guest is Anand Kulkarni, CEO and Founder of Crowdbotics. Inc Magazine ranked his company #811 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. Crowdbotics is an app development platform that helps professionals turn ideas into real code using a library of components and on-call experts. In this episode, Anand shares his insights and experiences on how embracing new challenges has been instrumental in their remarkable journey. We explore real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert advice on how businesses can navigate the complex landscape of innovation and expansion by embracing new challenges head-on. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the profound impact of embracing new challenges and how it can reshape your organization's destiny, fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. Get the show notes for Embracing New Challenges on the Path to Expansion with Anand Kulkarni at Crowdbotics Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #AnandKulkarni featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttAnandKulkarni #EmbracingNewChallenges #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1027 #Inc5000 #appdevelopmentplatform Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 21, 2023 • 23min
Recasting Core Values for Team Alignment with Cory Bengtzen at SkyShare
Embarking on a transformative journey to recast core values within your organization is akin to meticulously sculpting the very essence of your team's identity. Recasting core values isn't merely a procedural task; it's a profound endeavor that involves reshaping the bedrock of your team's ethos. By recasting core values, leaders set the stage for a cultural evolution that resonates with the team's collective aspirations and aligns everyone toward a common purpose. This process of recasting core values creates a resonance that reverberates throughout the organization, serving as a guiding light for decision-making and behavior. Today's guest is Cory Bengtzen, President of SkyShare. Inc Magazine ranked his company #2609 on the 2023 Inc 5000 list. SkyShare is a full-service private jet company offering a fractional program with a single ownership stake and featuring flexibility in aircraft types. In this episode, Cory shares invaluable insights on how recasting core values can drive team alignment, foster collaboration, and ignite innovation. Explore real-world examples and practical strategies that showcase the power of recasting core values in reshaping company culture and fostering a sense of purpose among team members. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the profound impact of recasting core values and how it can propel your team towards shared goals and enduring success. Get the show notes for Recasting Core Values for Team Alignment with Cory Bengtzen at SkyShare Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #CoryBengtzen featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttCoryBengtzen #RecastingCoreValues #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1027 #privatejetcompany #aircraft Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 18, 2023 • 23min
Powerful Leadership is Leading By Example with Dylan Rich at Automated Revenue
Powerful leadership isn't just a catchphrase but a guiding principle defining our journey. At its core, powerful leadership embodies the qualities and actions that set exceptional leaders apart. Today's guest is Dylan Rich, CEO and co-founder of Automated Revenue. Automated Revenue provides end-to-end sales solutions for growing sales teams. They build tailored systems and software to enhance the efficiency of teams and increase revenue. In this episode, Dylan delves into the essence of powerful leadership—leading by example, exploring the intricacies of how it shapes corporate cultures and influences individuals within organizations. Join us on this transformative journey as we decode the secrets behind powerful leadership and discover how it empowers individuals to make a lasting impact and drive positive change in their spheres of influence. Get the show notes for Powerful Leadership is Leading By Example with Dylan Rich at Automated Revenue Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #DylanRich featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttDylanRich #PowerfulLeadership #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1025 #endtoendsalessolutions #AppointmentSoftware #SalesAcquisitionSoftware Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 14, 2023 • 22min
Building Culture at a DTC Brand with Kelley Thornton at Tiege Hanley
Building culture at a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand is a multifaceted and essential endeavor. The process of building culture begins with defining a clear set of values and principles that align with the brand's mission and resonate with the team. These values serve as the foundation for building culture and should be reinforced in every aspect of the brand's operations. Today's guest is Kelley Thornton, CEO and founder of Tiege Hanley. Tiege Hanley is a renowned skincare company dedicated to providing high-quality, uncomplicated skincare solutions for men. Founded with a commitment to helping men achieve healthy, radiant skin, Tiege Hanley has become a trusted name in the world of skincare. In this episode, Kelly delves deep into the world of Building Culture at a DTC Brand. Join us as we explore the intricacies of building culture that drives engagement, innovation, and customer loyalty. We'll discuss the strategies, stories, and successes of industry leaders who have mastered the art of building culture at their DTC brands. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your DTC journey, our podcast is your guide to building culture that sets your brand apart and propels it to new heights. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and actionable tips on Building Culture at a DTC Brand. Get the show notes for Building Culture at a DTC Brand with Kelley Thornton at Tiege Hanley Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #KelleyThornton featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gtt1025KelleyThornton #BuildingCulture #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1025 #Inc5000 #skincarecompany #skincaresolutions #skincareformen Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 11, 2023 • 22min
Transparency Drives Growth with Kyle Mlakar at Fox Logistics
Transparency drives growth in organizations by fostering trust, open communication, and a culture of accountability. When transparency drives growth, it leads to greater employee engagement and commitment to organizational goals. Leaders who prioritize transparency create an environment where employees feel valued and included, enhancing their job satisfaction and overall performance. Today's guest is Kyle Mlakar, President at Fox Logistics. Inc Magazine ranked his company #230 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. Fox Logistics is a third-party logistics company providing ground, air and ocean services to small and mid-size businesses. In this episode, Kyle delves into how transparency drives growth, examining real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert insights on implementing transparent practices within your organization. Join us as we delve into the ways transparency drives growth, from enhancing employee engagement and retention to building stronger customer relationships and improving overall organizational efficiency. Discover how embracing transparency as a core value not only drives growth but also solidifies your organization's reputation as an ethical and forward-thinking entity in today's competitive business landscape. Get the show notes for Transparency Drives Growth with Kyle Mlakar at Fox Logistics Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #KyleMlakar featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttKyleMlakar #transparencydrivesgrowth #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1024 #Inc5000 #logisticscompany Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!