
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

Sep 7, 2023 • 24min
Leaders Nurture Relationships with Mark Weisensee at OpenRoad, Inc
Leaders nurture relationships at the heart of their leadership philosophy, recognizing that their ability to nurture relationships is a cornerstone of effective leadership. These leaders nurture relationships by consistently fostering connections, trust, and mutual respect among team members, ensuring that the culture of the organization is one where relationships flourish. Today's guest is Mark Weisensee, CEO of OpenRoad, Inc. Inc Magazine ranked his company #2835 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. OpenRoad, Inc. is a privately owned, people-oriented, and technology-driven global supply chain and logistics provider that connects people, businesses, and goods. In this episode, Mark delves deep into the art of how leaders nurture relationships, exploring real-world examples, and expert insights on their role in fostering meaningful connections within their teams and beyond. Join us as we uncover the many dimensions of how leaders nurture relationships, understanding that this practice isn't just a leadership skill; it's the essence of creating a harmonious and productive work environment where collaboration thrives. Discover how leaders nurture relationships to build resilient teams, enhance productivity, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best, illustrating that when leaders nurture relationships, everyone wins. Get the show notes for Leaders Nurture Relationships with Mark Weisensee at OpenRoad, Inc Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #MarkWeisensee featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttMarkWeisensee #LeadersNurtureRelationships #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1023 #Inc5000 #logistic #factoring #trucking Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Sep 4, 2023 • 23min
Improve Team Performance with Eduardo Briceño, Author of The Performance Paradox
To improve team performance is to unlock the potential for remarkable growth and success within an organization, fostering an environment where individuals thrive and collective achievements soar to new heights. As teams become more aligned, engaged, and empowered, they generate a ripple effect that positively impacts not only project outcomes but also the overall organizational culture. Today's guest is Eduardo Briceño, co-founder of Mindset Works and Author of The Performance Paradox. In this episode, Eduardo delve into actionable strategies and insights on how to improve team performance. Join us as we uncover effective strategies and insights on how to improve team performance and foster a culture of collaboration and achievement. Get the show notes for Improve Team Performance with Eduardo Briceño, Author of The Performance Paradox Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #EduardoBriceño featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttEduardoBriceño #ImproveTeamPerformancet #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1022 #Author #ThePerformanceParadox #KeynoteSpeaker #Facilitator Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 31, 2023 • 23min
Strategic Team Compatibility Optimizes Growth with Joseph McCabe at The Surefire Group, LLC
Strategic team compatibility plays a pivotal role in optimizing growth within organizations. It serves as a fundamental cornerstone for achieving sustainable success. By strategically aligning team members with complementary skills and strengths, organizations can cultivate an environment where collaboration flourishes and innovative solutions emerge. Today's guest is Joseph McCabe, Founder and CEO of The Surefire Group, LLC. Inc Magazine ranked his company #17 on the 2023 Inc 5000 list. The Surefire Group provides services to real estate brokerages, home care, mortgage companies, insurance companies, and real assets. In this insightful podcast episode, Joseph delves into the multifaceted advantages of strategic team compatibility, driving exceptional outcomes. Join us as we explore actionable strategies and expert insights on how to harness the power of strategic team compatibility to achieve exceptional results. Discover how leveraging the strengths of individual team members, fostering diverse perspectives, and enhancing teamwork can lead to tangible improvements in productivity, innovation, and overall success. Strategic team compatibility emerges as a catalyst for unlocking untapped potentials and driving sustained growth. Get the show notes for Strategic Team Compatibility Optimizes Growth with Joseph McCabe at The Surefire Group, LLC Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #JosephMcCabe featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttJosephMcCabe #StrategicTeamCompatibility #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1021 #Inc5000 #realestate #mortgage #titleservices #homehealthcare Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 28, 2023 • 18min
Why Job Fulfillment Matters and How to Improve It with Aaron Freedman at ACI Transport
Job fulfillment is a cornerstone of employee well-being and organizational success, representing the heartbeat of a thriving workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and emotionally connected to their roles. It goes beyond mere job satisfaction, encompassing a deeper sense of purpose and alignment with one's professional journey. When individuals experience job fulfillment, they are more likely to bring their best selves to work, generating a positive ripple effect that extends to team dynamics, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Today's guest is Aaron Freedman, CEO of ACI Transport. Inc Magazine ranked his company #1578 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. ACI Transport is a logistics broker, specializing in brokering the transportation of finished motor vehicles and full truckload general freight. In this episode, Aaron delves into why job fulfillment matters and shares actionable strategies to improve it within the workplace. Join us as we share real-life examples and expert insights on how to create an environment that fosters job fulfillment. Discover how aligning employee strengths with tasks, providing growth opportunities, and nurturing a positive work culture can significantly contribute to heightened job fulfillment. Through this episode, gain valuable insights into the connection between job fulfillment and organizational success, and learn how to implement effective measures to ensure your workforce thrives in their roles. Get the show notes for Innovate Your Culture as You Would Innovate Your Product with Greg Smith at Thinkific Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #AaronFreedman featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttAaronFreedman #Jobfulfillment #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1020 #Inc5000 #logisticsbroker #brokering #transportation Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 24, 2023 • 24min
Innovate Your Culture as You Would Innovate Your Product with Greg Smith at Thinkific
Innovate your culture as you would innovate your product, for a thriving organizational culture is the bedrock of sustainable success. By daring to innovate your culture, leaders foster an environment that encourages creativity, embraces change, and adapts to emerging trends. Today's guest is Greg Smith, Founder, and CEO of Thinkific. Thinkific is a software platform that enables entrepreneurs to create, market, sell, and deliver their online courses. In this podcast, Greg delves into the transformative power of innovating your culture as you would innovate your product. Join us as we explore real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert insights on how to harness the potential of innovative culture-building. Discover how the drive to innovate your culture not only enhances employee engagement and productivity but also attracts top talent and cements your organization's position as an industry leader. Through this episode, gain inspiration to embark on a journey of cultural innovation that propels your organization to greater heights of excellence and innovation. Get the show notes for Innovate Your Culture as You Would Innovate Your Product with Greg Smith at Thinkific Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #GregSmith featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttGregSmith #InnovateYourCulture #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1019 #softwareplatform #onlinecoursesplatform Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 21, 2023 • 24min
The Vitality of Leadership Inside of Company Growth with Jim Obsitnik at SourceScrub
The vitality of leadership is paramount in driving and sustaining company growth. Leaders who understand the vitality of leadership prioritize nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and adapting to changing business landscapes. Today's guest is Jim Obsitnik, CEO at SourceScrub. Inc Magazine ranked his company #1580 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. SourceScrub is a market-leading Deal Sourcing Platform that equips dealmakers with deal-ready data, purpose-built tools, and on-demand data operations so they never miss a deal. In this episode, Jim talks about the vitality of leadership inside of company growth. Join us as we explore real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert insights on how the vitality of leadership influences every facet of company growth. Discover how dynamic leadership drives employee engagement, shapes company culture, and propels innovation, ultimately shaping the trajectory of an organization towards greater heights. Get the show notes for The Vitality of Leadership Inside of Company Growth with Jim Obsitnik at SourceScrub Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #JimObsitnik featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttJimObsitnik #vitalityofleadership #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1018 #Inc5000 #DealSourcingPlatform Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 17, 2023 • 22min
Establishing a Clear Direction Unifies The Team with Jonatan Ferrandiz-Sala at Unilogic Group
Establishing a clear direction is pivotal in unifying a team, propelling them towards shared goals, and serving as a guiding beacon. When establishing a clear direction, leaders offer a roadmap that aligns everyone's efforts, fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration. Today's guest is Jonathan Ferrandiz-Sala, CEO, and CFO at Unilogic Group. Inc Magazine ranked his company #1566 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. Unilogic Group is a logistics and transportation company whose core business is transloading, fulfillment, and storing goods for its customers. In this episode, Jon delves into the transformative impact of establishing a clear direction to unify the team. Join us as we explore real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert insights on how establishing a clear direction can lead to increased productivity and a cohesive work environment. Discover how this unified approach enables teams to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and navigate challenges with confidence. By consistently communicating and reinforcing the established direction, leaders ensure that every team member is moving towards the same destination, resulting in collective success and organizational growth. Get the show notes for Establishing a Clear Direction Unifies The Team with Jonatan Ferrandiz-Sala at Unilogic Group Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with #JonatanFerrandizSala featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttJonatanFerrandizSala #EstablishingaClearDirection #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1017 #Inc5000 #SupplyChainservices Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 14, 2023 • 7min
Living Company Values Creates Employee Alignment with Gene Hammett
Living company values is the cornerstone of creating strong employee alignment within an organization. In this podcast episode, we explore the transformative impact of leaders and teams actively embodying these values in their daily actions and decisions. When living company values becomes ingrained in the organizational culture, it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among employees, driving them to align their personal goals with the company's mission. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience working with CEOs and their executive teams. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies, I have developed frameworks and insights to help you and your company grow. Join us as we delve into real-world examples, and practical strategies on how living company values can create a shared sense of purpose and commitment. Discover how this alignment leads to increased employee engagement, improved collaboration, and a positive work environment. By consistently living company values, leaders empower their teams to contribute meaningfully, forging a cohesive and high-performing workforce that propels the organization toward success. Get the show notes for Living Company Values Creates Employee Alignment with Gene Hammett Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gtt1016GeneHammett #LivingCompanyValues #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1016 #Inc5000 #GrowthThinkTank #Speaker #MotivationalCoach Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 10, 2023 • 25min
Maintaining an Entrepreneur Spirit to Activate Growth with Antonella Pisani at Eyeful Media
Maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit is a driving force behind activating growth and innovation. Leaders who embody the entrepreneur spirit are proactive, forward-thinking, and unafraid of taking calculated risks. By encouraging this spirit, businesses can foster a culture of creativity and adaptability, propelling them to seize new opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. Today's guest is Antonella Pisan, founder and CEO at Eyeful Media. Inc Magazine ranked her company #530 on the 2022 Inc 5000 list. Eyeful Media is a fast-growing digital marketing & consulting firm specializing in helping mid-sized companies increase their online revenue and improve their digital presence. In this podcast episode, Antonella talks about the significance of maintaining an entrepreneur spirit to activate growth. Join us as we delve into real-life success stories, practical tips, and expert insights on how to nurture and maintain the entrepreneur spirit to drive growth and achieve sustainable success. Discover how this dynamic mindset empowers leaders to identify untapped potentials, embrace change, and spearhead transformative initiatives that revolutionize industries and shape a better future. Get the show notes for Maintaining an Entrepreneur Spirit to Activate Growth with Antonella Pisani at Eyeful Media Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with AntonellaPisani featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gttAntonellaPisani #EntrepreneurSpirit #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1015 #Inc5000 #digitalmarketing #consultingfirm Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!

Aug 7, 2023 • 9min
Leaders Evolve - The Story of a CEO's Transformation with Gene Hammett
Leaders evolve continuously throughout their journey, adapting to dynamic environments, embracing new technologies, and staying attuned to the ever-changing needs of their teams and organizations. I'm Gene Hammett, an executive coach with over ten years of experience working with CEOs and their executive teams. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies, I have developed frameworks and insights to help you and your company grow. Join us as we delve into the profound insights and lessons gained from real-life experiences that shaped this CEO's evolution. Through challenges, successes, and self-discovery, leaders evolve, honing their skills, and adapting to changing circumstances. Witness firsthand how embracing change and learning from mistakes foster personal and professional growth, propelling leaders to new heights of success and impact. Tune in to this episode as we unveil the inspiring narrative of a CEO's transformation and discover how leaders evolve to lead with authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Get the show notes for Leaders Evolve - The Story of a CEO's Transformation with Gene Hammett Click to Tweet: Listening to a fantastic episode on Growth Think Tank with featuring your host @GeneHammett https://bit.ly/gtt1014GeneHammett #leadesevolve #GeneHammettPodcast #GHepisode1014 #Inc5000 #executivecoach #GrowthThinkTank Give Growth Think Tank a review on iTunes!