Scaling With People

Unlock the keys to propelling your business forward with strategic financial insight in our latest episode of Scaling with People. Featuring Kevin Appleby, a visionary in finance team development, we explore the critical juncture when founders should bring finance experts on board. Discover why delegating transactional finance tasks early can free you to concentrate on transformative activities like investor relations and product innovation. Kevin sheds light on the indispensable role of strategic finance expertise during pivotal fundraising phases, from crafting dependable financial forecasts to leveraging industry contacts for securing funding. This episode is your guide to understanding how integrating finance professionals into your startup can provide a compelling strategic edge.
In our deep dive into professional growth, we spotlight Grow CFO’s Future CFO program, a unique 12-month experience designed to catapult finance professionals into top-tier leadership roles. Through practical, interactive workshops held over Zoom, this program equips aspiring CFOs with crucial skills, while we stress the importance of nurturing existing talent alongside new hires in rapidly scaling companies. From our conversation, learn how hands-on experiential courses can transform finance roles at every level, from controllers to seasoned CFOs. As a founder, I share a crucial lesson on embracing flexibility and strategy pivots to drive business success. Tune in to tap into insights that could redefine your approach to financial management and career advancement.

Unlock the full potential of your team as you tune in to our conversation with the dynamic duo, Dan Haakenson and Emily from Haakenson Consulting. In a world where teamwork is the lifeblood of every successful enterprise, we dissect the key elements of leadership that drive high-performance cultures. We dive deep into strategies for taking a team's pulse with tools like the Team Assessment Report and reflect on the past year's evolution in team dynamics, preparing you to navigate the leadership landscape of 2024 with confidence.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights on the subtle art of nurturing trust and the profound impact it has on fostering open, meaningful dialogue within organizations. As we grapple with the challenges of talent acquisition and the critical need to support new managers, you'll learn why investing in the growth of your people is not just good practice but an essential strategy for organizational resilience. Dan and Emily highlight the transformative power of creating an environment that not only supports but celebrates development, ensuring your team is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead.
Finally, we zoom in on the tactics that maximize team success and the development of individual members, including the innovative 'feed forward' approach. Discover how to understand your team's current state, the importance of alignment with business goals, and the necessity of clear communication in fast-paced environments. Dan and Emily share their expertise on predictive tools and strategies that can optimize team dynamics and reinforce the importance of trust and empathy. With these valuable takeaways, you'll be ready to steer your team toward a future of sustainable success and development.
Connect with Dan: http://linkedin.com/company/haakenson-consulting

Have you ever wondered how leaders transform adversity into a stepping stone for success? Join me for an enlightening conversation with Kyle from Blue Shirt Coaching as he shares his evolution from an orange farm to a seasoned business coach. Our discussion takes you through the eye of the storm, from trademark disputes to the birth of a new company identity, and the profound impact such challenges can have on one's leadership approach. Kyle's candid experiences underscore the resilience necessary to steer a business through legal hurdles and the due diligence that can save you from them, reminding us all that perception often dictates our reality.
Leadership is more than strategy; it's an emotional odyssey that demands self-awareness and the courage to let go of self-doubt. In this heart-to-heart with Kyle, we reveal the potency of emotional intelligence in fostering clear, confident decision-making. Discover the transformative effects of simple practices like journaling and understanding emotional triggers, and how mastering the art of emotional leadership is key to nurturing professional relationships and guiding a team to triumph. This episode is a trove of actionable advice for anyone looking to lead with both head and heart.
Empowerment is the secret ingredient to a thriving workplace. We share the story of a New York businesswoman who unlocked the potential of her employees by encouraging them to think independently. As we dissect the brain's selective attention and the need for tailored communication, we celebrate the changes that can arise in the blink of an eye—both in ourselves and in those we lead. Kyle imparts final wisdom on the liberation found in releasing emotional burdens, leaving you inspired to embrace change and equipped to navigate the highs and lows of business leadership with newfound clarity.
Connect with Kyle: https://blueshirtcoaching.ck.page/profile

Unlock the secrets of transforming dreaded performance reviews into powerful motivators with our special guest, Carla Fowler. Explore how leaders can set crystal-clear objectives and embrace the concept of "brutal focus" to prevent burnout and enhance impact. By clearly defining priorities and translating visions into actionable language, leaders not only steer their teams more effectively but also show employees how their efforts are vital to the organization's success. We delve into the strategies for preparing performance evaluations in advance, ensuring that reflection and thoughtful planning drive the process, turning this routine task into an opportunity for growth and motivation.
Ever wondered how to thrive in the unstructured learning environment of a startup? We tackle this challenge by exploring the importance of a personal learning process, contrasting it with traditional learning methods. Learn from Carla as she shares key strategies for identifying valuable resources and setting structured learning goals, all while maintaining a "feed forward" approach to management, fostering a growth-oriented dialogue. Discover how consistent action and flexible strategy adjustments can lead to high performance, allowing you to reach both personal and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance productivity or redefine your approach to learning, this episode is packed with actionable insights to guide your journey.

When one Marine Corps infantry officer's journey intersects with the cutting-edge world of medical technology, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Bryan Stewart, a man who traded his military fatigues for the role of healthcare entrepreneur, graces us with his presence to recount the pivotal moments of co-founding HDO Health in partnership with Ohio State University. His narrative is a testament to the power of strategic team building and the surprising doors that open when rekindling ties with an alma mater.
Navigating the labyrinth of technology licensing is no small feat, yet Bryan Stewart makes it seem like an art form. He generously shares the wisdom gleaned from his experience—the meticulous planning, the investment in authentic co-founder relationships, and the cultural pillars that fortify a company's foundation. Even more, he sheds light on the significance of constructing a fiduciary board early in the game, an invaluable safeguard for the company's vision and interests, alongside an advisory board that can steer the ship through uncharted waters.
As we bid farewell, the discussion has left an indelible mark, rich with insights into leadership development and the transformative potential of executive coaching. With a nod to the Accelerating Leadership Academy and the ever-evolving impact of AI on coaching practices, Bryan Stewart stands as a champion of humility and continuous learning. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a roadmap for those aspiring to lead with integrity and cultivate loyalty and engagement within their teams. Join us on this illuminating adventure that promises to fuel your aspirations and ignite your passion for innovation and leadership.
Connect with Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjstewart/