Your Story Drives Growth - with Andrew Poles

In this episode, Sean welcomes Andrew Poles, a three-time founder and seasoned business coach with over 20 years of experience. Andrew discusses the critical transition from being a grinder to becoming an effective leader. He shares a deeply personal story of missing a milestone in his daughter's life to attend a meeting, which became a turning point in his understanding of professional success versus personal fulfillment.  KEY TAKEAWAYS While early-stage entrepreneurship often requires intense hours and "hustle," relying on that same mindset as the business grows prevents a founder from becoming a true leader. Success is hollow if it comes at the cost of irreplaceable personal moments. Andrew highlights how a single missed event at his daughter’s senior prom forced him to re-evaluate his "loyal soldier" mentality. The skills required to be a high-performing individual contributor are fundamentally different from the skills needed to lead a team.  Effective delegation requires "slowing down to speed up." Investing time in thorough training and clear context today prevents the need for micromanagement and "fixing" work later. A founder's primary job is to be the "Chief Storytelling Officer," providing the "Why, What, and How" that gives team members the context they need to think and act independently. BEST MOMENTS  "The pain of violating something important to you... is the fire that ultimately transforms you." "Not everything is actually existential. Not every single thing is a make-or-break moment for your company." "The skill set of being a hard worker and knowing how to personally produce results is completely, totally different from the skill set required to lead or manage other people." "You can't typically be successful if you don't know how to grind... but if that's the only thing you know how to do, you will get trapped." "Human beings are fundamentally, neurologically story-based in our interaction with the world... we act on the stories." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/