Growth Think Tank

Most founders end up as their own default CFO, buried in spreadsheets, cash flow, and pricing decisions. In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Brennan de Raad, founder of Vessel Advisors (No. 2,665 on the Inc. 5000). We explore the key signs that it's time to bring in strategic financial leadership, especially as your business grows beyond $5 million in revenue and the foun...

In this episode, we discuss how leaders learn and why information alone doesn't create growth. We explore the difference between consuming content and changing behavior, and why conversations with coaches, mentors, and teammates are often the catalyst for real transformation. Through practical examples, we highlight the importance of execution, accountability, and being willing to be challenged in...

In this episode, we explore what we truly want and how we often stand in our own way, covering the importance of clear goals, spotting self-sabotage, and building the self-awareness needed before attempting real change. We dig into our work with founder-dependent companies and the shift from founder-led to team-driven structures, sharing a personal story of rebuilding after business failure and ho...

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Arad Levertov, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunbit, an Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 1,374 in 2025, to discuss how leaders can stay true to their mission while scaling a fast-growing organization. Arad shares how Sunbit was founded with a mission to reduce financial waste and friction by providing personalized financial solutions that benef...

Every leader faces problems, and founders carry more than their share. In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett breaks down the leadership mindset shifts that separate leaders who get buried by their problems from those who grow because of them. The problem is rarely the real problem. The way you see it is. Gene shares three perspective shifts that change how you handle stress, setbacks,...

In this episode, we explore why teams sometimes struggle to execute without leadership involvement and why leaders may be too quick to blame execution itself. Often, the real challenge lies in unclear ownership, limited resources, competing priorities, or a lack of clear direction. We share a client example where repeated status checks and deadline pressure failed to solve the issue because respon...

In this interview, Matt Pierce, co-founder and CEO of Immediate, shares the story behind the company and its mission to give employees early access to wages they've already earned through a simple, flat-fee alternative to payday and title loans. He discusses Immediate's growth since 2019 to nearly 700 employees nationwide, and how the company is staying mission-driven while scaling in a competitiv...

In this episode, Joshua Lifrak shares how leadership and performance are shaped by mental preparation, self-awareness, and the choices we make in everyday moments. Drawing on his background in sports psychology, he discusses the importance of setting daily intentions, mentally preparing before important conversations, and returning to "mile zero" so that past experiences don't negatively influence...

In this episode, we explore the hidden downsides of open-door leadership and how it can quietly impact productivity, focus, and team performance. While the intention is to create accessibility and strong communication, constant interruptions can derail priorities and create unintended bottlenecks. Drawing on research from UC Irvine, I share how frequent disruptions affect deep work, along with a r...

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hughes, co-founder and CEO of Solidroad, for a real conversation about how AI is reshaping customer experience and what that means for leaders today. We explore how tools like the Claude coworking system are changing team communication and improving transparency, and why Mark sees radical transparency as a key to building trust and ownership across an organiza...

In this episode, I share how competing against a two-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped my understanding of leadership and personal growth. I highlight the significance of hard work and preparation, drawing parallels between competition and leadership challenges in business. I discuss overcoming fears, resilience, and the continuous journey of growth, likening the path to success to...

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Rampolla, co-founder of Ground Force Capital and the brand behind Zico Coconut Water, to unpack the inner and outer work of leadership. Mark shares how the stories we tell ourselves can quietly shape our decisions and sometimes hold us back. We talk about why self-reflection isn't optional if you want to grow, and how leaders can evolve alongside their organiz...

In this episode, we break down how CEOs and founders can take back control of their time to become more effective leaders. If you're stuck doing everything yourself, it's likely costing you growth, creating bottlenecks, and leading to burnout. You'll learn how to delegate with confidence, empower your team, and focus on the highest-value activities that actually move the business forward. I also s...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates Inc. (Ranked No. 717 in 2025), to explore his powerful concept of precise leadership, a leadership style centered on clarity, accountability, and understanding what truly motivates your team. Chris shares how his military background shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing direct communication, adapt...

This episode explores the essential role of leadership in challenging business environments. I reflect on my journey as a founder and coach, emphasizing resilience and the importance of maintaining vision during turbulent times. Through personal anecdotes, including a significant setback in my sports tour company in 2010, I illustrate how adversity can be transformed into growth opportunities. I i...

In this episode, I sit down with Andy White, co-founder of Closinglock (ranked No. 135 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), to talk about what it really means to "scale trust" as your company grows. Andy shares how trust isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a key driver of performance, stronger culture, and deeper employee engagement, and we explore how giving teams real autonomy paired with transparent commun...

In this episode, I explore a challenge many growing companies face: founder dependency. Once a business grows beyond about 20 employees, founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of every decision. While that level of involvement helped in the early days, it can eventually lead to burnout, slower decision-making, and limited innovation across the team. I talk about why this happens and ho...

On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address cultural issues early, build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and truly understand what your...

In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance business value for investors. As a CEO coach, I emphasize transitioning to a team-driven culture that fosters stability and effective communicati...

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I chat with Peter, the CEO of Your Your Money Line, about People First Leadership and its role in enhancing organizational success. We discuss the vital link between employee well-being and performance, highlighting financial health as a key stress reducer. Peter emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, and open communication in fostering a suppor...

In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that "What got you here won't get you there," as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets and strategies as their businesses scale. Through a client's growth story, I highlight the importance of strategic shifts and personnel changes t...

In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human element required for meaningful communication. Kirsten shares her perspective on building a culture of innovation, highlighting collaboration,...

In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As businesses scale, leaders who invest in their teams reduce micromanagement, relieve burnout, and unlock co...

Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest days, with an emphasis on continuous improvement, curiosity, and customer-driven personalization. We discuss how the company successfull...

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I tackle the often-ignored topic of blame in the workplace. I highlight how attributing performance issues to employees or external factors can impede both personal and organizational growth. Drawing from my experience coaching CEOs, I emphasize the importance of self-awareness in leadership and the need to confront uncomfortable truths. Leaders are encouraged t...