The Growth-Drive Hot Seat

Summary: In this killer roundtable with The Senior leadership Brain Trust of Elene Cafasso, Phil Gafka and Larry Prince we dive into the importance of effective senior leadership in driving business growth and success. The Trust highlights the need for alignment, engagement, and clear direction within the leadership team. They discuss the distinction between leadership and management, with leaders...

Summary: Vincent Mastrovito, an expert in exit planning, discusses his new T3 think tanks for business owners and next-generation leaders. These virtual think tanks provide a platform for owners to monetize their businesses and transition smoothly, while also helping next-generation owners move into leadership roles and learn how to execute. The think tanks also offer networking opportunities and...

Summary : In this episode, George and Dr. Patricia Malone CPA CEPA CMA C3D discuss the concept of strategic capacity and its importance in business advising. Patricia -who holds a PhD in Strategic Capacity!- explains that strategic capacity is a deeply embedded capability for organizations to think and function strategically and build the capacity to reach their mission, vision, and goals. They al...

Summary: In this episode George interviews Mike Garrison, THE expert in building strategic client introductions through referral-based business development . Mike is also CEPA of the Year 2024 - learn why (hint: he is a giver). We discuss the importance of engaging with COIs (Centers of Influence) and the common mistakes people make when seeking referrals. Mike emphasizes the need for a strategic...

Summary: In this episode, the participants discuss the fundamental role of the CEO and how the connection between the CEO and shareholders can be summarized. They explore the concept of strategic intent and the importance of clarifying the value that must be reached. The conversation also touches on the interplay between shareholder and stakeholder value, the need for annual and quarterly meetings...

Summary: The conversation discusses the four broad accountability categories within an organization: executive, finance, operations, and revenue. Each category has a fundamental role that contributes to maximizing shareholder value and growing profits. The CEO's role is to define the vision and mission of the business, while the CFO focuses on financial reporting and strategy. The COO is responsib...

Summary: BeReady Exits is a virtual firm that specializes in business exit planning. The founders, Anna Halaburda, John Carter, and Kelly Malaga-LaCarter, bring decades of experience in various fields such as accounting, law, finance, and HR. They collaborate with other professional advisors to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to exit planning. The firm focuses on delivering successfu...

Summary: In this episode, George interviews Benjamin Bohman, the founder and CEO of Stratisheild, about the role of AI in business advising. They discuss the importance of understanding the why behind implementing AI and the need for businesses to tell a story about their technology. They also explore the potential of AI in revolutionizing the business advising industry, particularly in analytics...

Summary: This episode is the Preface to George's Book and discusses the importance of business advisory and the middle market in the United States. It emphasizes the need for guidance and support for private businesses to understand and improve their strategic capacity. The conversation highlights the role of business advisors in helping businesses grow and attract capital. It also explores the ma...

Summary: The conversation with Tim Martin CEPA of JACO Advisors covers a wide range of topics, including enterprise-level leadership, strategic planning, execution, risk management, equity value planning, and the impact of transparency and collaboration on business success. The discussion also delves into the importance of personal succession planning, business continuity, and the role of advisors...

In this conversation Growth-Driver Chad Connery of Peak Business Advising discusses the importance of centers of influence (COIs) in sales and marketing. We discuss  the need for Business Advisors to use a sales process and the value of collaboration with COIs. Chad shares examples of successful collaborations and highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and clarity in these relationships...

Summary: Barry Goodman, an exit planner for family-held businesses, shares his expertise on helping families determine the next steps for their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life after selling a business and avoiding the negative impact of family conflicts. Goodman specializes in working with family businesses and highlights the need for alignment among family mem...

Summary : In this conversation, George interviews John Fulwider, a business advisor with extensive experience using top systems like EOS(r) and Pinnacle Guides(r). They discuss the importance of working with coachable business owners who have big dreams and a desire for growth. They also explore the limitations of traditional business operating systems (BOS) and the need for a quantitative model o...

Summary: Dr. Allie Taylor, a business psychologist, specializes in working with family businesses and helping them navigate the challenges that come with multi-generational dynamics. She is often brought in when families hit roadblocks and need additional support. One common issue she sees is the emotional dynamics within families, as families are first and foremost emotional units. Artificial har...

Trailer taken from my conversation with Strategic Visionary and Author of 'Lost at CEO' Carl J Cox , CEO of 40 Strategy. Carl is a Growth-Driver who is typically hired by Private Equity Groups and CEOs to get businesses unstuck and deliver growing profits & value. 

Summary: In this episode, Carl J. Cox discusses his expertise in strategic planning and implementation. He explains how most organizations spend very little time on strategy and how even hiring big firms like McKinsey doesn't guarantee successful implementation. Carl shares his experience working with small to medium-sized businesses and private equity firms to design and implement strategic plans...

Summary: In this episode, George Sandmann interviews Marques Ogden, a motivational speaker and former NFL player, about the power of authenticity in business. Marques shares his personal story of losing everything and rebuilding his life, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and transparent in leadership. They discuss the parallel between authenticity and vulnerability in business and the...

Summary: In this episode, George Sandman interviews Francis Brown, a strategic advisor with Brown Advisory. Francis helps high-net-worth families and business owners manage their wealth and prepare for the future. He emphasizes the importance of getting business owners transaction-ready and avoiding common mistakes. Francis also discusses the value of creating options for business owners and helpi...

Summary In this episode you'll learn about the power of questions and peer groups with my friend Tina Corner Stolz, founder of LXCouncil. She is a rock star and shares the power of peer groups and the importance of qualifying members and advisors. She emphasizes the role of questions in building connections and fostering vulnerability. Tina also highlights the benefits of strategic partnerships an...

BEI Founder John Brown is our guest and we dive deep into the art of creating immortal businesses. John shares his expert insights on succession and owner-based planning. We unpacked the critical importance of growing and protecting business value, and ensuring its continuity - with or without the CEO at the helm. From attracting and retaining top talent using sophisticated incentive plans to the...

Summary In this episode, Larry Prince of Prince Leadership discusses his approach to helping clients grow their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of marrying analytical and emotional aspects of business, understanding the why behind growth, and hiring the right people. Larry shares case studies of turning around a home care hospice company and dealing with family tensions in a business. He...

In this conversation, Growth Driver Anna Halaburda CPA CFP CBEC discusses the importance of collaboration and platform in business advising. She shares her background as a CPA and CFP and explains how she started Be Ready Exits, a business advisory firm focused on exit planning. Anna emphasizes the need for collaboration among advisors and the importance of protecting client relationships. She als...

Learn from Steve and Rizolve Partners about qualifying the right clients, winning engagements, and driving client wins. Steve specializes in holistic long-term profit & value growth engagements that typically culminate in an M&A transaction - and he explains securing a success fee overlay on the engagement fees.