The Business Emergency Room Podcast

In the dynamic world of business growth, the transition from entrepreneur to CEO is often fraught with challenges that can either propel a company forward or lead to burnout. This episode sheds light on the pivotal strategies that help business owners navigate rapid growth, avoid common pitfalls, and build sustainable success. The conversation uncovers the importance of strategic planning, effective delegation, and the mindset shifts required to lead with clarity and purpose.

Key insights from this discussion:

• The Entrepreneur’s Growth Struggle – Why many business owners feel stuck working long hours and the critical mindset shift needed to break free.
• Hiring vs. Outsourcing – When to hire in-house and when outsourcing might be the smarter, more cost-effective solution.
• Decision-Making Strategies – A simple three-question framework to make better business decisions quickly and effectively.
• Strategic Planning for Scaling – How a clear roadmap can prevent overwhelm, improve efficiency, and prioritize the right tasks at the right time.
• Transitioning from Entrepreneur to CEO – The mental and operational shifts required to successfully lead a growing business.

About the Guest:

Lynne Roe is the President of LSR Consultants, a certified professional coach, group facilitator, and change-maker, Lynne helps independent businesses owners develop a foundation of leadership that serves as a catalyst for growth. Applying knowledge and skills acquired over decades of working with small and large companies, non-profits, and family businesses, she guides clients in building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and valuable – with a focus on strategic planning, sound decision-making, and leveraging their strengths and those of their teams.

Lynne has grown two successful businesses; designed, conducted, and managed market research for major corporations; and developed and led non-profit programs and organizations from the ground up. She has worked with hundreds of individuals and stakeholders over the years, pulling together diverse teams to work towards a common goal. Lynne is also a certified facilitator and coach for The Alternative Board of Northern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to helping business owners and executives excel in their fields through peer advisory, mentoring, and leadership training.

Lynne’s Website: lsrconsultants.com

Free Resource: Lynn’s Entrepreneur to CEO Assessment

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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When disaster strikes and reputations are on the line, are you ready to communicate your way through the storm? Effective crisis communication is a cornerstone of business resilience, as highlighted in this discussion with Melissa Hodgson, a seasoned PR and Communications Expert. Drawing from over three decades of experience, Melissa emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to mitigate business emergencies, from natural disasters to reputation crises. She shares insights on why organizations must anticipate vulnerabilities and cultivate trusted relationships with communication specialists. Moreover, she stresses the role of transparency, respect, and tactful messaging in managing public and media narratives, even when sensitive issues arise. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize readiness and strategic communication to maintain trust and credibility during crises.

About our Guest:

Melissa Hodgson, ABC APR, is an award-winning public speaker, PR practitioner and proven leader with a unique perspective on crisis communication. As vice president at Gambel Communications, Melissa provides crisis communication counsel and oversees best-in-class public relations services for Gambel clients.

With more than 30 years’ experience in public relations and issues management, Melissa has successfully represented her employers and clients in proactive and reactive communication environments.

Melissa is accredited by both the International Association of Business Communicators (ABC) and Public Relations Society of America (APR). The dual accreditation indicates her commitment to the rigorous national and international standards for senior communicators. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication theory and public relations from the University of Alabama.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When crisis hits, the strength of your network can be the key to survival. Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, founder and president of Green Earth X and creator of the Gaia platform, joins the show to talk about the power of networks during emergencies and how they can make or break crisis management. Drawing from his vast experience in telecom, consulting, and digital transformation, Dr. Chowdhury explains how meaningful connections, both personal and professional, can come together to solve big problems. He also emphasizes that even solopreneurs and small business owners can harness the power of their networks during tough times—it's not about size, but about leveraging relationships effectively. From understanding implicit networks to using technology to enhance connections, Dr. Chowdhury provides practical and inspiring insights on navigating challenges and turning crisis into opportunity. Whether you’re running a small business or leading a larger team, this conversation will leave you ready to build stronger networks and face adversity with confidence.

About our Guest:

Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive, having held senior roles in global consulting and telecom companies. He has developed several digital network platforms across diverse sectors such as telecom, trade, and regulatory environments. His expertise also extends to the production and distribution of green hydrogen, where he actively engages in key projects. He regularly consults with government bodies on significant policy issues.

Formerly the President of Reliance Jio, Sumit is the co-founder and Chairman of Gaia and Sesovera Inc., and is currently incubating Hydreen, a green hydrogen production company and GreenEarthX a Green Fuel Trading platform. He serves as Visiting Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in sustainability and smart cities. Sumit has previously held CTO positions at Brookfield and Partner of KPMG and IBM Consulting.

Gaia, (www.gaia.in) is an Award winning Enterprise SaaS platform, bringing man, machine and process together, coherently, for improving productivity, compliance and governance in organizations.

https://www.greenearthx.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitchowdhury

[email protected]

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Scaling a business comes with big decisions, tough conversations, and the challenge of building a team that can grow with you. How do you know when it’s time to shift roles, implement structure, or step back so others can take the lead?

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jennifer Cresswell, a growth strategist and the founder of Thoughtgro, to break down the realities of scaling in entrepreneurship. They dig into the people dynamics that make or break a growing business. When the team that got you here isn’t the team that will get you there, how do you navigate that transition with clarity and respect? Jennifer shares why removing emotion from role decisions can help leaders make choices that serve both the company and the employees.

The episode also tackles a common misconception about process. Many entrepreneurs see structure as a creativity killer, but Jennifer argues the opposite. She explains how the right processes reduce stress, create efficiency, and free up leaders to focus on innovation instead of getting caught in daily operations.

From recognizing the warning signs of stalled growth to handling difficult leadership transitions, this episode provides insights for anyone going through the next phase of their business. Jennifer leaves listeners with a key takeaway: growth isn’t just about adding more, but also about building smarter.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Leadership in Uncertainty

01:06 Overlapping Challenges in Different Business Sizes

01:38 People Dynamics in Growing Businesses

03:13 Removing Emotion from Role Assessment

05:29 Process Management in Scaling

07:02 Efficiency Through Process

08:20 Leadership Transition and Delegation

13:06 Fractional Leadership and Finding the Right Fit

15:57 Symptoms of Growing Pains

18:46 Bottlenecks and Decision-Making Overload

21:14 Addressing Feedback and Disgruntledness

22:39 Closing

Links

Connect with Jennifer Cresswell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cresswell-2a39892b/

https://www.thoughtgro.com/

Jennifer Cresswell is the Founder & Principal of Thoughtgro, helping business owners build lasting legacies through sustained growth and succession planning.

With 20+ years in leadership, operations, strategy, and communications, she strengthens businesses using her four foundational pillars—structure, team, process, and culture. A problem-solver at heart, she has quadrupled sales, integrated diverse business models, and boosted both morale and revenue. Whether preparing a company for acquisition or securing long-term stability, she helps owners achieve their vision.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, tennis, cooking, baking, crafting, and continuous learning.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Navigating high-pressure situations in the workplace requires more than just strategy—it demands trust, empathy, and a culture of psychological safety. In this episode, Maxine Legal, CEO and founder of Thrive Inclusively, shares insights from her 20+ years of leadership in healthcare to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. Discover actionable strategies to foster resilience, communication, and trust, even in the most dynamic business environments.

Throughout this talk, we dive into:

• The importance of psychological safety and how it transforms workplace dynamics.
• Why transparent communication builds trust, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.
• How to tailor your leadership approach to different communication styles and personalities.
• The balance between holding employees accountable and maintaining empathy as a leader.
• Practical tips on investing in self-care to lead effectively and build resilient teams.

About the Guest:

Maxine L. Legall is a dynamic speaker and the visionary founder of Thrive Inclusively LLC, a premier consulting firm based in New York. With over 20 years of groundbreaking experience across healthcare, non-profit, and corporate sectors, Maxine empowers organizations to thrive through transformative inclusion initiatives, cultural transformation, leadership development, and strategies that prioritize resilience and self-care. Her actionable insights inspire growth, drive impactful change, and foster environments where individuals and teams excel.

Maxine L. Legall is a passionate and empowering coach, dedicated to guiding leaders and teams toward unlocking their potential, building resilience, and achieving meaningful success through personalized strategies and transformative growth.

Maxine Legall’s website: www.thriveinclusively.com

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.