Ep. 153 The Hidden Leadership Blind Spots That Limit Growth

Show Notes:In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. John Oberg, founder of John Oberg Advisory, to explore what truly drives sustainable organizational growth. With decades of experience as a CEO, advisor, and healthcare innovator, Dr. Oberg shares powerful insights on the intersection of people, performance, and leadership.The conversation dives deep into why responsibility and accountability are only the starting point for healthy professional relationships and how radical acceptance, trust, vulnerability, and empathy create the foundation for high performing teams. Dr. Oberg also challenges common misconceptions around authenticity and transparency in leadership, explaining why context and emotional maturity matter more than oversharing.Listeners will gain practical guidance on first line management, uncover common executive blind spots, and learn how to apply the right tools for coaching, accountability, and growth. The episode also explores scaling strategies, referral driven growth, and how leaders should think about AI as a lever for personalization rather than a shortcut.Dr. Oberg closes by sharing his vision for the future of advisory work, healthcare innovation, and why empathy may be the most undervalued leadership skill in business today.Bio:John Oberg is a Founder, CEO, Board Director, Advisor, Professor, and Investor trusted by organizations to navigate growth, conflict, and change. He founded Precina Health with Dr. Dustyn Williams and have developed the key to solving Type 2 Diabetes. Previously, John founded another Austin-based healthcare innovator, Sedera, a community-based medical cost-sharing organization (#193 on Inc 500). John serves on the board of directors of OnlineMedEd (which writes curricula for Medical and Physician’s Assistant schools globally) and Health Admins (Healthcare Business Process Outsourcing). Through John Oberg Advisory, John advises large institutions, healthcare industry leaders, professional services firms, and nonprofits. John received his doctorate from the University of Southern California (Social Work) and his MBA from the University of New Mexico (Policy & Planning and Management of Technology). He is currently an adjunct professor at USC. He has authored patents, started companies, and managed teams larger than 1,000 people. Over the last three decades, he has studied the behavior of individuals, communities, and systems. John was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He currently lives with his family in Austin, where he engages in many outdoor activities. When traveling, he also enjoys SCUBA diving and golf and has recently taken to hunting and fishing. He holds a second-degree black belt in orthodox karate.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnoberg/Website:  http://johnoberg.com/Connect with me:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/