The Messy Middle of Business Growth: Why Great Startups Struggle to Scale episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 5, 2026 · 21 MIN

The Messy Middle of Business Growth: Why Great Startups Struggle to Scale

from THE MAKING OF ME · host Aro Benaiah Kehinde

Why do so many promising startups struggle right when things start working?In this episode of The Making of Me, Lauren Zaslansky Conner, co-founder of ZAZ Business Solutions and a seasoned leader with experience at Disney and mission-driven tech companies, breaks down the reality of the “messy middle” the stage where growth becomes complex, chaotic, and overwhelming.Lauren shares why even strong teams with great products hit walls during scaling and how to navigate this phase without burnout or losing your company’s core values.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarity• The hidden challenges of scaling a successful startup• How to implement systems that actually support growth• Mindset shifts needed to move from startup to sustainable business• How to grow without losing your company’s heartIf you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or building a growing business, this conversation will help you navigate the hardest phase of growth with clarity and confidence.➡️ Connect with Lauren and explore more solutions:🌐 Website: https://www.zazbusinesssolutions.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenzaslanskyconner/💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow founders and leaders building the future.#TheMakingOfMe #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessScaling #Leadership #Founders #BusinessStrategy

Why do so many promising startups struggle right when things start working?In this episode of The Making of Me, Lauren Zaslansky Conner, co-founder of ZAZ Business Solutions and a seasoned leader with experience at Disney and mission-driven tech companies, breaks down the reality of the “messy middle” the stage where growth becomes complex, chaotic, and overwhelming.Lauren shares why even strong teams with great products hit walls during scaling and how to navigate this phase without burnout or losing your company’s core values.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarity• The hidden challenges of scaling a successful startup• How to implement systems that actually support growth• Mindset shifts needed to move from startup to sustainable business• How to grow without losing your company’s heartIf you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or building a growing business, this conversation will help you navigate the hardest phase of growth with clarity and confidence.➡️ Connect with Lauren and explore more solutions:🌐 Website: https://www.zazbusinesssolutions.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenzaslanskyconner/💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow founders and leaders building the future.#TheMakingOfMe #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessScaling #Leadership #Founders #BusinessStrategy

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The Messy Middle of Business Growth: Why Great Startups Struggle to Scale

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This episode was published on April 5, 2026.

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Why do so many promising startups struggle right when things start working?In this episode of The Making of Me, Lauren Zaslansky Conner, co-founder of ZAZ Business Solutions and a seasoned leader with experience at Disney and mission-driven tech...

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