The Founder's Growth Show

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, Nathan Tyler—Founder of Blinkpages and BlinkMetrics and former SaaS Founder of StagingPilot—breaks down the operational realities of scaling and exiting a business. Nathan shares his journey from running a web agency for a decade to building a WordPress update automation platform, recognizing when a complex problem calls for a strategic acquirer over debt, and navigating corporate life after an acquisition. We explore the transition from craftsperson to business owner, how to eliminate silent friction in your sales pipeline, and why modern AI-native static web architecture is replacing clunky CMS page builders to make marketing updates effortless. Topics Discussed: Transitioning from agency services to scalable SaaS. Knowing when to acquire vs. scale team overhead. Founder mindset and generalist vs. specialist roles. Overcoming messaging drag in B2B sales cycles. The evolution of AI-driven web architectures and data clarity.   Connect with Nathan Tyler: https://blinkpages.com/ https://blinkmetrics.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathantyler13/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

In this episode of The Founders Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Will Aitken, Sales Trainer, Consultant, and Author, to discuss the realities of transitioning from a high-performing sales role to running your own business. Will breaks down the dangerous trap of "bad revenue," explaining how saying yes to every client opportunity leads to fulfillment friction, burnout, and unsustainable operations. This enlightening conversation explores: Founder mindset, Managing ADHD and focus without relying on crutches, And why traditional quick-fix sales workshops fail to produce real behavioral change in B2B selling teams. Will also shares practical frameworks for maintaining mental resilience, including his daily check-in routine for high-stress founders. If you feel like you're drowning in work that doesn't light you up, Will's founder journey is the compass you need to find your way into a more fulfilling life and business.   Connect with Will Aitken: Website: https://www.willaitken.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justwillaitken LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justwillaitken/ Book: Gap Prospecting   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

Are you driving long-term alignment, or are you hiding behind short-term vanity metrics? In this re-released episode of Founder's Growth, host John Hill (aka Small Mountain) sits down with Jesan Sorrells—author of 12 Rules for Leaders, Podcast Host, and Principal Consultant at Leadership Toolbox—to explore the operational differences between basic task management and intentional leadership. Together, they unpack: Why accidental promotions create hidden friction, How mediocre leadership erodes company culture, How founders can audit their own blind spots, And so much more. Jesan shares practical frameworks for moving past quick-fix tactics, front-loading culture during sales hiring and onboarding, and systematically removing performance roadblocks to help your entire team achieve sustainable growth. If you're ready to step up into true leadership, not just task management, this interview will help you start that climb to success.   Connect with Jesan Sorrells Website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesansorrells/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiplessonsgreatbooks   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops   Episode Topics Differentiating process management from intentional business leadership Uncovering organizational blind spots and personal biases Why mediocre leadership is more toxic to scaling startups than bad leadership Best practices for sales hiring, onboarding, and team accountability Removing performance roadblocks to build a resilient company culture  

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John "Small Mountain" Hill sits down with David Connors, Co-Founder and CEO of The Swarm. David breaks down why traditional cold outreach and spray-and-pray outbound sales playbooks are failing and introduces the "Go To Network" paradigm. We explore David's journey from working in-house at Sequoia Capital to founding The Swarm, and we discuss how top-performing startup founders leverage investor networks for hiring, fundraising, and sales growth. David also candidly shares: How he pivoted his business when market dynamics changed, The three core founder archetypes, Why building products with your clients is more beneficial than building on your own, And why fostering long-term relationships creates compounding returns for early-stage companies. If your cold outbound efforts aren't providing the ROI you're looking for, this interview is a masterclass in how to shift your efforts.   Connect with David Connors: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorsdavid/ Website: https://www.theswarm.com/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill:  Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Revenue Evolution Workshops: https://agsherpa.com/revev   Books/Resources Mentioned: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross & Marylou Tyler 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Bogue, Sales and Marketing Consultant, Sketch Comedian, and Content Creator. We dig into how founders and revenue leaders can build an effective, human-centered video sales process without massive time or budget investment. Chris breaks down how combining improv principles with structured video messaging helps teams cut through inbox noise, overcome prospect resistance, and generate pipeline while avoiding long, rambling pitches (that usually get ignored!).  We also explore essential topics around founder mindset, camera presence, bullet-point scripting, and building outbound processes that scale. If you think video marketing might be the key to stronger sales, or simply want to humanize your outreach in the age of AI, Chris's expertise will point you in the right direction. Connect with Chris Bogue: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bogue/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/  Book: Selling From Scratch Free Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

How do founders maintain resilience and clarity when faced with burnout, sudden market shifts, or personal setbacks? In this episode of The Founders Growth Show, host John "Small Mountain" Hill sits down with Rachel Druckenmiller, Keynote Speaker, Professional Singer, and Founder and Leadership Trainer at Unmuted. Rachel shares her journey transitioning from a 13-year corporate career into full-time entrepreneurship, overcoming severe burnout, serious illness, and a life-threatening accident along the way. We explore critical business leadership and founder mindset topics, including: Moving past the performative need to be "the best" to establish genuine authority and a more abundant viewpoint. How to cultivate self-trust and agency through continuous action and evidence-building. Practical strategies for B2B selling and public speaking without losing your authentic identity. Navigating sales friction, adapting during economic uncertainty, and surrounding yourself with high-accountability networks to scale a business. If you feel like you're more of a background character than the main star of your own life, Rachel's phenomenal journey is the motivation you need to raise your hand and make your voice heard.   Connect with Rachel: Website: https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.druckenmiller   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Free Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Mike Simmons, Founder of Catalyst, to examine how founder mindset, self-leadership, and sales alignment drive sustainable business growth. Mike breaks down practical frameworks for B2B selling, scaling a business without damaging team culture, and shifting focus from lagging revenue outcomes toward controlled daily inputs. He also discusses the difficulty founders (and all people) have in blaming others when things are going wrong rather than looking in the mirror. But, as Mike states, true leadership happens when you lead yourself first. Learn how to identify the root causes of revenue stalls, what to consider when building sustainable and repeatable processes, and how to ensure operational clarity across your entire organization. Connect with Mike Simmons: Website: https://catalystsale.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesimmons/   Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Humberto "Bert" Rodriguez, CEO and Co-Founder of SupplySoft, to explore what it takes to build operational systems that withstand decades of technological change. Drawing from over 30 years in supply chain technology—from high school punch cards to modern AI and warehouse automation—Humberto breaks down how unwritten rules and key-person reliance create invisible ceilings on business expansion. Founder-Centric Topics Discussed: The Tribal Knowledge Trap: Why relying on key-person memory and knowledge limits operational velocity and how to systemize execution. Value-Based Pricing: Realities of pricing services based on client impact rather than labor hours. Navigating Market Pivots: Transitioning through major tech shifts (DOS to Windows, Cloud/SaaS, AI) without sacrificing business continuity. The Power of Niching Down: Why focusing deeply on a core partner platform beats spreading thin as a generalist. Leadership Without Ego: Implementing operational litmus tests and building a unified, client-focused culture across global remote teams. If you want to know how a business owner can stay successful and ahead of the game for decades, Bert's expertise is what you need.   Connect with Humberto "Bert" Rodriguez: https://www.supplysoft.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/humberto-rodriguez-b3648b4/ Connect with me:  Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Revenue Evolution Workshops: https://agsherpa.com/revev

What happens when your biggest market differentiator becomes the exact label that stops decision-makers from buying? In this episode, host John SmallMtn sits down for part two of our time-capsule series with Jon Selig, founder of The Credibility Gap. Looking back at where his business stood two years ago in 2024, Jon shares a transparent masterclass on founder burnout, navigating corporate misalignment, and the resilience required to execute a total brand pivot. We break down why branding yourself purely on 'uniqueness' can damage enterprise sales value, how to transition from high-pressure digital content to high-value warm networking, and the exact storytelling frameworks technical teams must adopt to communicate human business outcomes. Whether you are currently experiencing startup fatigue or mapping out your next strategic shift, this grounded guide details how to build long-term structural clarity in your business.   Connect with Jon Selig: Website: https://jonselig.com/ LinkedIn: Jon Selig   Connect with John Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/   Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/   Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast   Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

How do you build a sustainable communication strategy that resonates with a highly specific cold target market? And how do you do it without getting your outreach completely ignored because, let's face it, you sound like a robot? In this episode of the Founder's Growth Show, we break down early-stage business messaging with Jon Selig, who, at the time of the interview two years ago, was the founder of Comedy Writing for Revenue Teams. Jon highlights the immense structural overlap between testing messaging with an audience and executing founder-led B2B sales development. We cut through the noise of corporate "10x" slogans to focus on pure messaging alignment, establishing clarity, and overcoming customer friction. Jon shares his framework for navigating early market discovery, mapping out buyer roadblocks below the waterline, and shifting from empty jargon to high-impact "insider language." Whether you're an analytical leader establishing target personas or a founder refining your team's outreach channels, this conversation offers a deeply grounded approach to customer validation, intentional active listening, and building real pipeline traction. Best of all, while learning about his impactful lessons from then, we'll also get to compare them to where he is today in next week's episode. That's right. This interview was recorded in 2024, when both John Small Mountain and his guest were in different places. So, this interview has been edited to focus solely on the broader themes that remain important to Jon today. And then, next week, we'll get to see what compelled him to leave and then return to the founder role, and how he helps people with their messaging today.   Connect with Jon Selig: Website: https://jonselig.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonselig/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

How do you transition from a "scrappy dream" to a highly structured, multi-million dollar enterprise? In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with JP Keesy, Co-Founder of Fort Worth-based managed service provider F1 IT. JP shares his 25-year journey scaling an IT services firm past $5M in gross revenue while navigating high-stakes industry regulations, such as CMMC Level Two certification. Ditching standard startup clichés, JP delivers a masterclass in alignment, operational resilience, and founder humility. He unpacks the real-world mechanics of a successful business partnership between starkly contrasting personalities, explaining how a unique compatibility test paved the way for an enduring enterprise. JP also shares a vulnerable turning point in his leadership journey, demonstrating how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) enabled his team to hold him accountable, take tasks off his plate, and break through growth bottlenecks. The conversation also explores utilizing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to capture niche market functionalities, building high-trust communities for business owners, and navigating the cyclical shifts between technological advancement and analog human connection.  

Join host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, and his special guest Dan Bennett, founder of Hot Sauce Video, for a deep dive into the psychology of founder growth and the power of authentic storytelling. Dan shares his journey from a touring musician to a high-end filmmaker and agency owner, revealing how he eventually embraced the very service he tried to avoid: video editing. He also explains why "video is just the vehicle," and the real power behind viral moments is in the story and how it's shared. Notable Topics for Founders and Business Owners: Overcoming Friction: How to identify when you are fighting your own market value. The "Solar System" Framework: A creative approach to understanding business systems and lead generation. Strategic Video: Why "Contact Us" pages are the hidden goldmine for video conversion. Permission to Fail: The importance of "shooting for the edit" and giving yourself grace during the messy stages of growth. The 7 Deadly Sins of Content: Avoiding the trap of trend-chasing and envy in marketing. If you've been avoiding a crucial part of your business because it doesn't excite you, Dan's story about how he made it work without hating his job may change your mind.   Connect with Dan Bennett: Website: https://hotsauce.video/dan-has-links/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Brent Garrett, the founder of Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning and a veteran business consultant known as The Skilled Trades Coach. Brent shares his profound journey from working at the end of a shovel to building, scaling, and successfully selling a multimillion-dollar residential services enterprise. The conversation focuses heavily on navigating the "messy middle"—that precarious growth phase where founders hit a sudden ceiling of complexity and experience unsustainable operational friction. Brent breaks down why working harder isn't a viable long-term solution, how to effectively shift from tactical execution to strategic delegation, and the psychology required to step back into your true zone of genius. He also unpacks his two non-negotiable business commandments that every leader must protect to maintain cultural alignment and financial resilience. Plus, he shares what future founders need on Day 1 to ensure they survive their first year and beyond. Connect with Brent: Website: The Skilled Trades Coach LinkedIn: Brent Garrett   Connect with John: LinkedIn: John Hill Website: Adapted Growth Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch Free Workshops: Revenue Evolution Workshops

Why do so many rapid-scaling startups struggle to sustain their revenue after an influx of new clients? Because they mistake reactive customer support for a proactive growth strategy. In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Small Mountain sits down with Noah Hallett, a startup consultant and fractional Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Operating from Lisbon, Portugal, Noah shares his raw perspective on transitioning a business internationally and details why long-term company value is determined entirely by what happens after a sales contract is finalized. The conversation delivers a masterclass in separating reactive customer service from revenue-generating customer success frameworks. Noah breaks down how early-stage founders can: navigate user experience (UX) friction, handle the operational handoff between sales and customer success managers (CSMs), leverage radical transparency in marketing to build brand trust, and reframe high-friction "Struggle Bus" accounts into a blueprint for product development.  Whether you're trying to fix a leaky pipeline, realign your client retention strategy, or understand the deep human element behind scaling an organizational structure, Noah's grounded approach offers immediate clarity for founders looking to build a resilient business. Connect with Noah Hallett: LinkedIn: Noah Hallett 🦦   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

What is the true difference between building a scalable business and simply monetizing a personal skill set? In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John SmallMtn sits down with Michael R. Hunter, the co-founder of Spiffy Checkouts and PersonalBrand.com, to unpack the hidden mechanisms behind sustainable business growth and leadership alignment. Michael shares his evolutionary journey from running a growth marketing agency to bootstrapping a fintech software company to an eight-figure valuation. Together, they pull back the curtain on how to identify true product-market fit, why a defined brand reduces friction in your sales pipeline, and the necessity of managing team capacity at 85% to protect against burnout. Michael also drops a powerful reframe on operational patience, relationship communication with co-founders, including one who is also his spouse, and navigating a macroeconomic "trust recession" by building a resilient operational foundation. If you want to stop forcing hollow milestones and design a personal definition of success, this episode offers an essential roadmap. Notable Topics Discussed: Distinguishing between starting an enterprise and monetizing expertise. Redefining brand as consumer consensus rather than content marketing distribution. The 4 Fs framework (Fame, Freedom, Fortune, and Fun) for high-ticket client alignment. Blending vision work and abstract brand alignment to elevate sales team conversions. Embracing imperfect action, active patience, and setting strict constraints under modern AI environments.   Connect with Michael R. Hunter: YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@sixfigpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrhunter/ Website: https://agency.personalbrand.com/   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

Is AI a threat to your livelihood, or the ultimate tool to scale your next venture? In this episode, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with tech pioneer, former NASDAQ company CEO, and international bestselling author Jay Samit to dissect how seasoned professionals can claim their "Second Act Advantage." Jay pulls back the curtain on his newest book, sharing insights gained from raising nearly a billion dollars in Silicon Valley, launching foundational internet systems with the White House, and advising global brands like McDonald's and Coca-Cola. We dive deep into actionable founder-centric topics, including: The "Zombie Idea" stress-test framework,  How to deploy zero-cost AI toolsets to rapidly prototype businesses, The psychological mechanics of the Pygmalion effect on team performance, And strategic alternatives to toxic credit card debt when funding a startup.  Jay also lays out a practical framework for the historic multi-trillion-dollar boomer wealth transfer, explaining how everyday entrepreneurs can acquire cash-flowing brick-and-mortar operations using government-backed SBA structures. Whether you are a corporate executive looking to exit the matrix or a young founder seeking sustainable business frameworks, this episode delivers the hard-earned wisdom required to future-proof your trajectory.   Connect with Jay Samit: Website: https://jaysamit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysamit Newest Book: The Second Act Advantage   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

What happens when the world's foremost startup accelerator rejects your business idea—not once, but twice? For most founders, it's where the dream stalls out. For Edward Haryono, it was the exact friction required to build a resilient, high-growth enterprise. In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, host John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Edward Haryono, co-founder of Saudara (an AI-native international sourcing broker), to explore the raw reality of entrepreneurial perseverance. Edward opens up about the grueling journey behind his acceptance into the Spring 2026 Y Combinator cohort, detailing how his team handled back-to-back rejections, stripping away ego to find genuine founder-market fit, and the pivotal decision to quit their stable corporate careers months before funding was ever guaranteed. We dive deep into the immersive, fast-paced environment of a 200-company YC batch in San Francisco and unpack what it truly looks like to bring your whole self to a mission. Edward shares vital leadership insights on building an absolute ownership culture, balancing coachability with heavy conviction, and the psychological necessity of "burning your boats" to give your vision the commitment it deserves to succeed. We also break down the complexities of scaling international manufacturing across multiple factories, the logistical vulnerabilities of chasing the cheapest production costs, and why founders "observe" their potential clients rather than seeking empty validation. Edward shares a masterclass on how operators should filter startup advice, the necessity of absolute commitment over halfway execution, and how to deeply felt passion can push yourself further, even through rejection.   Connect with Edward Haryono: Website: Saudara.ai LinkedIn: Edward Haryono   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Dr. Corey Wilks, a Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Creator Alchemy, to bridge the gap between deep psychological insights and practical business growth. Corey shares his journey from clinical addiction treatment in rural Appalachia to executive coaching for high-level creators like Ali Abdaal. We discuss: The Craftsman Mentality: How to labor your way to excellence even without "innate" talent. Liminal Tension: Reframing Imposter Syndrome as a necessary signal for growth. Permissionless Action: A tactical breakdown of how to land major opportunities by solving problems before you're even asked. The AI Trap: Why founders risk losing their competitive edge by outsourcing their core thinking. Founder Resilience: Using the reality of mortality to cut through business friction and fear. Whether you're a newer founder struggling with the "professional veneer" or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to rediscover your authentic voice, this conversation offers a grounded guide to building a business that lasts.   Connect with Corey Wilks, PsyD: Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/ LinkedIn: Corey Wilks, PsyD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd   Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

Transitioning from a top-tier individual producer to a resilient organizational leader requires a radical shift in mindset, clarity, and execution. In this episode, John sits down with Leslie Venetz, a 3-time Head of Sales, award-winning sales expert, USA Today Bestselling Author, SKO Speaker, and the Founder of the Sales-Led GTM Agency. Bypassing standard corporate jargon, Leslie shares her grounded journey from scaling a bootstrap startup as employee number one to turning down a massive multi-six-figure corporate offer to build her own sustainable consulting practice. John and Leslie pull back the curtain on the functional mechanics of founder-led growth and sustainable leadership. They dive into deeply tactical topics, including: Knowing what content and IP to share freely on social media, gatekeep behind a form, or sell to clients, Navigating the personal identity shift required when managing teams,  And avoiding the trap of overvaluing shortcuts and undervaluing your SDRs and salespeople. Additionally, they explore the realities of the modern B2B SaaS landscape, why full-cycle sales proficiency remains a foundational requirement for newer founders, and the critical importance of building communities to sustain professional resilience. If you're a founder confused about what to share without "giving it all away for free," or still haven't unlocked the right leadership balance for your team, this interview is a must! Connect with Leslie Venetz: Company: The Sales-Led GTM Agency LinkedIn: Leslie Venetz Buy Her Book: Profit Generating Pipeline: A Proven Formula to Earn Trust and Drive Revenue   Connect with John: LinkedIn: John Blane Hill Website: Adapted Growth Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Buy His Book: Selling From Scratch

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Mohamed, Co-Founder of QuantumBloom, to discuss the systemic "leaky bucket" in STEM industries. Andrea shares how her organization is moving the needle on retention by treating culture as a business outcome rather than a moral initiative. Topics Discussed: The STEM Exit: Why 70% of women leave technical paths by age 30 and how to stop the bleed. Founder-Led Sales: Andrea's transition from marketer to "relational" salesperson and the reality of a 425-day sales cycle. Bootstrapping vs. VC: Why QuantumBloom chose an unsecured line of credit over venture capital to maintain creative control. Unconscious Bias in Real-Time: How subtle meeting dynamics marginalize high-performers and what managers can do to intervene. The "Human-First" Model: Building a performance-based culture that respects life stages and parenthood.   Connect with Andrea: Website: QuantumBloom LinkedIn: Andrea Mohamed    Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: John Blane Hill Website: Adapted Growth Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch  

What does it take to turn 26 years of deep subject matter expertise into a global brand and a lasting legacy? In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Donsky, Nutritionist and Co-Founder of Morphus, to explore the evolution of a founder who has successfully navigated three distinct businesses with the same partner for over two decades. Andrea shares the vulnerable reality behind her 13-year journey to publish her latest book, Nourishing Menopause. We discuss the shift from being "done" with writing to realizing that true expertise requires a season of seasoning before it can be shared with the world. This conversation is a masterclass in founder alignment—balancing health, partnership, and professional purpose without succumbing to the "hustle culture" traps of friction and burnout. Key Topics Discussed: The Legacy Blueprint: Why Andrea's new book, Nourishing Menopause, is the culmination of 26 years of research and personal experience. Founder Alignment: The internal mechanics of a 20+ year partnership and how to maintain mutual respect across multiple ventures. The Mindset Shift: Overcoming the "Expert's Resistance" to move from promoting other brands to becoming the face of your own. Health as a Growth Lever: How addressing "The Silent Bottleneck" of hormonal health and nutrition can unlock a founder's focus and resilience. The Evolution of a Brand: Navigating the transition from bootstrapping and "coupon books" to outside investment and a global supplement line. Guest: Andrea Donsky, Nutritionist, Author, and Co-Founder of Morphus. Websites: https://andreadonsky.com/, https://wearemorphus.com/ Book: Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best Connect with John "Small Mountain" Hill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnblanehill/ Website: https://adaptedgrowth.com/ Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast Book: Selling From Scratch

In this episode, John Hill, AKA Small Mountain, sits down with Brett Chotkevys, CEO and Founder of Assisted Living Mansion. Brett shares his journey from flipping 50 houses a year to revolutionizing the senior care industry through high-end memory care "mansions." We dive deep into his hands-on approach to leadership, the necessity of founder grit, and how to build a resilient culture in a high-turnover industry. Key Topics: The Bottom of the Funnel: Why solving the most difficult end-of-life problems creates a waitlist of customers. Culture over Strategy: How Brett's wife and partner uses "life skill" training to retain staff 4x longer than the industry average. Operational Resilience: The "Ice Storm" reality—why founders must be willing to know at least a little bit of everything for those moments when they have to step into the trenches. Smart Scaling: Using SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to fund $5M+ joint ventures without personal guarantees. Design Thinking: Why you should design for the user, but market for the buyer.

Are you leading by design, or leading by default? In this episode, John Hill (AKA Small Mountain) sits down with Diana Urbina, founder of Sharro Solutions and a 21-year veteran of Microsoft and Xbox. Diana's career has spanned the extremes of corporate culture—from the high-intensity Steve Ballmer era to the cultural transformation under Satya Nadella. She's seen firsthand that no amount of process optimization can fix a team if the people and the energy are misaligned. We dive deep into why the "human element" is the ultimate bottleneck for founders and how to recode your leadership mindset to build a team that actually thrives. In this episode, we discuss: The "Ready-to-Coach" Rule: Why you can't force growth on a team member (or yourself) without true buy-in. Culture Beyond the Perks: A simple diagnostic to find your real culture: "What is actually rewarded and what is shamed?" Decisions vs. Beliefs: How to use the "Spreadsheet Method" to identify and replace the limiting decisions holding your business back. Energy Optimization: Why "white space" and sustainable energy are the prerequisites for high performance, not the reward for it. The "F-Word" in Business: Moving away from the baggage of "feedback" and toward the clarity of perception and alignment. If you feel like you're stuck in a "fog" of leadership, or if your team culture feels more reactive than intentional, Diana's grounded approach offers a clear path toward resilience and clarity. Connect with Diana: Website: Sharro Solutions LinkedIn: Diana Urbina Connect with John Hill, AKA Small Mountain: Website: AdaptedGrowth.com LinkedIn: John Hill Sign up for the Weekly Founder's Growth Newsletter: https://podcast.adaptedgrowth.com/podcast

In this episode of The Founder's Growth Show, John Small Mountain sits down with Nicholas Kirchner to discuss the complexities of running both a high-level service agency and a US-based manufacturing brand. Nicholas challenges the "optics-first" mentality of many founders, urging a return to life-alignment and data-driven decision-making. Topics discussed include: Breaking through the $500k revenue ceiling by shifting founder identity and learning the art of delegation. The "McDonald's vs. Elite Talent" framework for systemization. Practical AI workflows for documenting SOPs and delegating admin work. The "Buy Once, Cry Once" branding strategy for premium physical products. The "Rehire Test" for auditing team performance and culture. If you feel like you're stuck mid-growth or you've been eyeballing a second business (possibly because you're bored with the one you have...), this episode will help you make some of those bottleneck-breaking decisions.

In an era where every founder is "running with their hair on fire" toward AI automation, Morgan J. Ingram (Founder of AMP Social) is sounding a necessary alarm: Efficiency without connection is a dead end. In this episode, John Small Mountain and Morgan dig deep into the messy transition from a high-performing "Lone Wolf" seller and sales trainer to a scalable Business Owner. Morgan shares the raw story of his burnout—doing 70 workshops a year until he was "cooked"—and the hard-won lessons he learned while trying to pivot his identity in the public eye. Whether you are struggling to get your vision out of your head and into your team's hands, or you're feeling the friction of a business model that doesn't fit your personality, this conversation offers a grounded roadmap for resilient growth. In this episode, we discuss: The Productivity Trap: Why tracking "AI hours" is a vanity metric that masks a lack of leadership. The 5 P's Framework: How Morgan structures his week (People, Profit, Process, Pipeline, Promotion) to stay out of the "black box" of overthinking. Reading the Leaves: John and Morgan discuss how to distinguish between a "season of challenge" and fundamental misalignment. The "Warm-Up Set" of Sales: A practical hack for beating prospecting procrastination when you just don't "feel like it." Trend-Chasing vs. Market Fit: Why building a business on a "new" line item is often a recipe for high-friction sales. The Grounded Truth: If you feel like you're "willingly eating glass" just to keep up with the latest automation trends while your human connections are fraying, this episode is for you. Connect with Morgan: LinkedIn: Morgan J. Ingram YouTube: Morgan J. Ingram Website: https://theampsocial.com/ Connect with Adapted Growth: Website: Adapted Growth LinkedIn: John Hill (AKA Small Mountain)

If you feel like you're barely hanging on or are at your wit's end about how to help your business (and yourself!) thrive, this episode is the map to getting unstuck. In the second half of our conversation, Blake Schofield (founder of Impact With Ease) shares her transition from corporate burnout to building a $500k business on a 15-hour work week. We move past the surface-level hacks to discuss the high cost of the DIY mindset and why the most responsible thing you can do for your growth is to stop doing it alone. We dig into: The 48-Hour Rule: A tactical framework for identifying when you've reached the limit of your own perspective. Raising the Floor: Why sustainable success is about shortening your "recovery time" rather than just chasing new highs. The ROI of You: A powerful reframe on why investing in your own alignment is the safest bet you can make. The First Kink in the Hose: How to stop solving the wrong problems and find the one move that lets everything else flow. Connect with Blake Schofield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-schofield/

Most founders don't realize they're burned out until their body forces them to stop. Blake Schofield spent 16 years as a top performer in corporate retail before hitting a total breakdown—three times. Now, she helps leaders solve the root causes of the burnout cycle that so many of us go through without even realizing it, at least, not until it's too late. This was a two-hour interview, and in Part 1 of this deep dive, we move past the "hacks and hustle" and look at misalignment. We explore why "one more push" is the lie that keeps us stuck and how to identify the whispers of burnout before the house falls down. The Grounded Insights: The 3-Question Audit: How to tell if you're in a high-growth season or a burnout spiral. The Misalignment Trap: Why changing jobs (or starting a business) rarely fixes the real problem. The Architecture of Stress: The 3 dimensions draining your energy without you knowing. Subconscious Career Drivers: Why belief systems formed before age 7 are still running your business today. If you've been feeling overly tired, anxious about work, or have just lost your drive, this is for you. Connect with Blake Schofield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-schofield/