PODCAST · business
Growth Think Tank
by Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Gr
Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company.Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.
Episodes
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The Dirty Little Secrets of Scaling to a Billion with Ben Hobson at JobNimbus
In this episode, Ben Hodson shares how AI is helping the engineering team deliver customer-facing work four times faster than six months ago. Ranked No. 1,884 on the 2026 Inc. 5000, JobNimbus continues to accelerate growth through technology, leadership, and innovation. He also discusses evolving...
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Accountability vs Ownership: The Shift That Frees CEOs
Accountability vs. Ownership is the difference between a team you have to chase and a team that runs without you. Most founders say, "My team isn't accountable," then add more check-ins, more dashboards, and more follow-up. It feels like leadership. It is actually founder dependency in disguise....
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Leading Change in the Age of AI with Mike Thompson at SVI
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Thompson, founder of SVI, ranked No. 3,013 (2025) on Inc, and Learner Mobile, to explore how AI is transforming how frontline workers access critical information when they need it most. Mike shares why frontline employees are essential to business success…
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Avoid this Big Leadership Mistake for More Company Growth with Gene Hammett, Founder Coach
In this episode, we explore the challenges founders face when their businesses become too dependent on them, creating bottlenecks in decision-making, execution, and growth. As companies scale, internal leadership must evolve alongside external priorities like hiring, sales, and new product...
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Leading During A Crisis with Henry J. Evans at Dynamic Results
In this episode, we explore what it takes to lead effectively through crisis and why disruption is becoming faster, more complex, and more intense. We discuss why past experience alone isn't enough when leaders face unfamiliar challenges, and why a practical crisis management system matters. We...
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The Journey of Self-aware Leadership with Gene Hammett, Founder Coach
In this episode, we discuss self-awareness in leadership and why it becomes important when old ways of leading no longer work. We talk about how founders can get stuck doing too much themselves and how that can affect alignment, focus, and team performance. We also look at the question of "Who am…
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Stop Blaming Your Team Members and Lead More Powerfully with Gene Hammett
What does powerful leadership look like when a business is growing and challenges arise? In this episode, we explore how founders, CEOs, and business leaders can take ownership instead of blaming employees. We discuss practical leadership strategies, including clear communication, active…
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Breaking Founder Dependency and Building Leadership That Scales with Andrew Razumovsky with CANDA Solutions
Featuring Andrew Razumovsky, co-founder of CANDA Solutions, this episode of *Growth Think Tank* explores what it takes to scale a company, develop leaders, and build an organization that can operate beyond the founders. Founded in 2008, CANDA Solutions has grown into an Inc. 5000 Rank No. 538...
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Why Being Always Available Kills Employee Decision-Making
Your team won't make decisions because you're always available to make them. Employee decision-making is the critical element that separates founder-dependent companies from team-driven ones. In this episode, Gene shares a breakthrough from one of his founder clients who discovered that strategic...
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Better Alignment to Scaling Your Business
As founders and CEOs work to scale their businesses, it's easy to focus on external growth: hiring A-players, increasing sales, launching new products, and building better systems. But what if the biggest obstacle to growth is the founder themselves? In this solo episode, Gene Hammett explores…
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How to Create an Amazing Employee Experience with Boris Musheyev at BorisMTax
In this conversation, Boris Musheyev, founder of BORISMTAX, ranked No. 2,051 on the 2025 Inc. 5000, shares his approach to employee experience, leadership, and building a strong company culture. Boris describes the firm as a tax planning and advisory business focused primarily on helping business...
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How to Increase Company Value by Ending Founder Dependency
Want to increase company value without grinding out more hours? The fastest lever is not revenue. It is reducing founder dependency. In this episode, Gene Hammett shares a real client story: a business doing $4 million in revenue, worth roughly $8 million in enterprise value. Seven years later,...
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Reading Leadership Books is Great, And Hypergrowth Demand Real Leadership: What It Actually Takes to Lead a Company Through Hypergrowth with Wes Cobb at JLJ Associates
In this episode, Wes Cobb reflects on his career at JLJ, a leading critical infrastructure construction company, and his journey from field operations to project management, finance, and ultimately CEO in 2022. He discusses JLJ's specialized work renovating and upgrading mission-critical...
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The Inner Work of Leadership in Chaos with Nicholas Janni, co-author of Leading in Chaos
In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Janni, leadership coach and co-author of Leading in Chaos, for a thoughtful conversation about what it takes to lead effectively in times of uncertainty and constant change. We explore why inner work is essential for modern leadership, discussing the…
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3 Ways to Improve Your Enterprise Value with Gene Hammett, Founder Coach
How do you increase the value of your company? In this episode, we break down the three critical drivers that determine business value: profitability, risk, and founder independence. We explore how EBITDA serves as a key measure of profitability and financial performance, how the valuation…
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When Do You Know When to Hire a Fractional CFO with Brennan de Raad at Vessel Advisors
Most founders end up as their own default CFO, buried in spreadsheets, cash flow, and pricing decisions. In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Brennan de Raad, founder of Vessel Advisors (No. 2,665 on the Inc. 5000). We explore the key signs that it's time to bring in...
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Learning to Be A Better Leader is NOT in the Book with Gene Hammett, Founder Coach
In this episode, we discuss how leaders learn and why information alone doesn't create growth. We explore the difference between consuming content and changing behavior, and why conversations with coaches, mentors, and teammates are often the catalyst for real transformation. Through practical...
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2 Key questions to unlock transformation as a leader with Gene Hammett, Founder Coach
In this episode, we explore what we truly want and how we often stand in our own way, covering the importance of clear goals, spotting self-sabotage, and building the self-awareness needed before attempting real change. We dig into our work with founder-dependent companies and the shift from...
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Staying True to Your Mission While Scaling a Fast-Growing Company with Arad Levertov at Sunbit
In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Arad Levertov, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunbit, an Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 1,374 in 2025, to discuss how leaders can stay true to their mission while scaling a fast-growing organization. Arad shares how Sunbit was founded with a...
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3 Leadership Mindset Shifts to Turn Problems Into Growth
Every leader faces problems, and founders carry more than their share. In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett breaks down the leadership mindset shifts that separate leaders who get buried by their problems from those who grow because of them. The problem is rarely the real problem.…
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Why Your Team Won't Execute Without You (And How to Fix It)
In this episode, we explore why teams sometimes struggle to execute without leadership involvement and why leaders may be too quick to blame execution itself. Often, the real challenge lies in unclear ownership, limited resources, competing priorities, or a lack of clear direction. We share a...
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The Leadership Challenges of Scaling Fast While Staying Mission-Driven with Matt Pierce
In this interview, Matt Pierce, co-founder and CEO of Immediate, shares the story behind the company and its mission to give employees early access to wages they've already earned through a simple, flat-fee alternative to payday and title loans. He discusses Immediate's growth since 2019 to…
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Who Are You Becoming? The Mental Game Behind Leadership and High Performance with Joshua Lifrak, Author of Win Today
In this episode, Joshua Lifrak shares how leadership and performance are shaped by mental preparation, self-awareness, and the choices we make in everyday moments. Drawing on his background in sports psychology, he discusses the importance of setting daily intentions, mentally preparing before...
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The Hidden Price of Open Door Leadership: Your Best Work Never Gets Done
In this episode, we explore the hidden downsides of open-door leadership and how it can quietly impact productivity, focus, and team performance. While the intention is to create accessibility and strong communication, constant interruptions can derail priorities and create unintended…
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The Future of AI-driven Leadership with Mark Hughes at Solidroad
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hughes, co-founder and CEO of Solidroad, for a real conversation about how AI is reshaping customer experience and what that means for leaders today. We explore how tools like the Claude coworking system are changing team communication and improving...
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Black Belt Lessons: How Competing Against a World Champion Taught Me What Great Leadership Teams Do
In this episode, I share how competing against a two-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped my understanding of leadership and personal growth. I highlight the significance of hard work and preparation, drawing parallels between competition and leadership challenges in business. I...
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Building the Right Team for Every Stage of Growth with Mark Rampolla
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Rampolla, co-founder of Ground Force Capital and the brand behind Zico Coconut Water, to unpack the inner and outer work of leadership. Mark shares how the stories we tell ourselves can quietly shape our decisions and sometimes hold us back. We talk about why...
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CEO Time Optimization
In this episode, we break down how CEOs and founders can take back control of their time to become more effective leaders. If you're stuck doing everything yourself, it's likely costing you growth, creating bottlenecks, and leading to burnout. You'll learn how to delegate with confidence, empower...
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Why Precise Leadership Drives Culture, Accountability, and Growth with Chris Gonzalez at A-G ASSOCIATES
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder and President of A-G Associates Inc. (Ranked No. 717 in 2025), to explore his powerful concept of precise leadership, a leadership style centered on clarity, accountability, and understanding what truly motivates your team. Chris shares...
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In Hard Times, the Right Leadership is Essential
This episode explores the essential role of leadership in challenging business environments. I reflect on my journey as a founder and coach, emphasizing resilience and the importance of maintaining vision during turbulent times. Through personal anecdotes, including a significant setback in my...
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Scaling Trust: How the Right Leadership Team Drives Sustainable Growth with Andy White at Closinglock
In this episode, I sit down with Andy White, co-founder of Closinglock (ranked No. 135 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), to talk about what it really means to "scale trust" as your company grows. Andy shares how trust isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a key driver of performance, stronger culture, and...
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Founder Dependency: The Hidden Ceiling on Your Company's Growth
In this episode, I explore a challenge many growing companies face: founder dependency. Once a business grows beyond about 20 employees, founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of every decision. While that level of involvement helped in the early days, it can eventually lead to…
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Scaling Smart with Intentional Leadership with Matthew Rooda at SwineTech
On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address...
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Key Person Risk for CEOs: When Being "Essential" Is Hurting Your Business
In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance business value for investors. As a CEO...
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People-First Leadership for CEOs: The Shift That Unlocks Growth and Accountability
In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I chat with Peter, the CEO of Your Your Money Line, about People First Leadership and its role in enhancing organizational success. We discuss the vital link between employee well-being and performance, highlighting financial health as a key stress reducer....
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CEO Leadership: Why What Got You Here Won't Get You to the Next Level with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that "What got you here won't get you there," as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets and strategies as their businesses scale....
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How to Lead Innovation for Impact with Kirsten Baker at Jeenie
In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human element required for meaningful...
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Why You Want to be a Multiplier CEO with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As...
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Scaling with Adaptive Leadership with Kevin Zerber at Treering
Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest days, with an emphasis on...
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CEOs Must Stop Blaming Your Team for Lack of Performance
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I tackle the often-ignored topic of blame in the workplace. I highlight how attributing performance issues to employees or external factors can impede both personal and organizational growth. Drawing from my experience coaching CEOs, I emphasize the importance…
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Leadership Continuous Improvement Is the Path with Austin Yarborough at Central Coast Moving
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Austin Yarborough, founder of Central Coast Moving, ranked No. 2,278 on the Inc. 5000 list, to explore the power of leadership and continuous improvement. Austin shares how high standards, self-awareness, and leading by example have...
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The Hidden Year-End Reflection Most Growth-Stage CEOs Skip and Why It Slows Growth
In this episode, I share critical year-end reflections for growth-stage CEOs, especially those leading organizations of around 20 employees. As companies scale, leadership must shift from personal execution to empowering others and ensuring the business can thrive even in the leader's absence. I...
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Are you ready for AI-powered Outbound Sales? with AJ Cassata at Revenue Boost
In this episode, Gene Hammett interviews AJ Cassata, founder of Revenue Boost, about AI-driven lead generation in B2B marketing. AJ emphasizes the collaborative use of AI in sales, warns against full outsourcing, and explains his "10-80-10 rule." He discusses the effectiveness of outbound...
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2026 Predictions for CEOs: The Shifts That Will Drive or Stall Growth with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I unpack the critical shifts CEOs must anticipate as we approach 2026, with a sharp focus on clarity in leadership and organizational expectations. I share five key predictions shaping the business landscape: sustained recession-like consumer behavior, the...
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Creating a Category of One Business Through Visionary Leadership and Relentless Execution with John Bradford at PetScreening
In this episode, John Bradford, CEO of Pet Screening, ranked No. 879 on the Inc. 5000 in 2025. Joins Gene Hammett to talk about what it really takes to build a "category of one" business. Bradford shares how visionary leadership and relentless execution go hand in hand, why founders must be…
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Increase Urgency within Your Cultures With a 3-Part Formula with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
In this episode, we're diving into something every organization talks about but few truly master urgency. I share what I've learned coaching CEOs about why urgency matters so much and how clarity, energy, and ownership all work together to create real momentum. We'll talk about setting clear…
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Values-Driven Leadership Drives Everything with Jeff Socha at Socha Capital
2025 list of fastest-growing companies. Jeff shares how values-driven leadership shapes every aspect of his organization, from strategic decisions to daily client interactions. He breaks down the core values that guide his team's growth, reliability, communication, and respect, and explains how...
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Leadership Adaptability and Learning Agility with Houri Tamizifar at Cynuria
Today's guest, Houri Tamizifar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynuria Inc. and Inc. 5000 honoree (Rank No. 2502), joins the show to discuss the growing importance of Leadership Adaptability and the evolving role of AI in education. Houri shares why college students must proactively build AI skills and...
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5 "Good CEO" Habits That Quietly Cap Revenue
In this episode, I break down the core habits that set successful CEOs apart and how those habits directly influence organizational growth. We explore the risks of overcommitting and getting too deep into day-to-day operations, a common trap that can cloud strategic focus. I make the case for a...
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Culture Shapes Leadership with Kelsey Hensley at NovEx Supply Chain
Today's guest is Kelsey Hensley, President at NovEx Supply Chain, whose company was ranked No. 1,662 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. In this Grow Think Tank interview, Kelsey shares insights on company culture and leadership development, highlighting the six core values, kindness, openness,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will impact your company.Guests include Daymond John, Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Jonah Berger, Bob Berg, Greg McKeown, and with the host Gene Hammett.
HOSTED BY
Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Gr
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Growth Think Tank have?
Growth Think Tank currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Growth Think Tank about?
Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100...
How often does Growth Think Tank release new episodes?
Growth Think Tank releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Growth Think Tank?
You can listen to Growth Think Tank on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Growth Think Tank?
Growth Think Tank is created and hosted by Gene Hammett is a Speaker, Executive Coach, Inc Columnist, and Host of "Gr.
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