Trust The Process

What does it really take to turn an idea into a business when there is no guarantee it will work?Jarvis and Jade Handy are the husband-and-wife founders of Lock In, a fitness networking and accountability app designed to help people find workout partners, connect with trainers, discover fitness events, and build community. After seeing the constant demand for gym buddies and accountability partners, they decided to stop talking about the idea and actually build it, bootstrapping the app while balancing full-time jobs, three kids, and the realities of family life.In this episode, they open up about:• Taking immediate action instead of becoming an “armchair entrepreneur”• Bootstrapping an app and the unexpected financial costs of launching• Building a business with your spouse and keeping each other motivated• Knowing when to DIY and when to trust outside experts• Why the hardest moments might be happening right before a breakthroughTheir story is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Sometimes you just have to trust the vision, take the next step, and keep showing up.

What if one simple question could transform your leadership, your relationships, and even your life?This week, Jon Bassford sits down with Brandi Croghan, founder of The What If Collective, to explore how curiosity can become one of the most powerful leadership tools you have. After an unexpected corporate layoff, Brandi built a thriving business around a mindset that helps leaders replace fear with possibility, create stronger teams, and build cultures rooted in trust.Together, Jon and Brandi unpack why great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about asking better questions. They discuss how vulnerability creates trust, why belonging drives performance, and how small shifts in the way we show up can create extraordinary results at work and at home.In this episode, you'll discover:Why "What if?" can become your greatest leadership advantageHow curiosity builds trust, connection, and high performing teamsWhy authentic leadership starts with taking responsibility for your own reactionsIf you're ready to lead with more courage, create deeper connections, and unlock new possibilities, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and growth.

Your website could be costing you customers before you ever know they existed.This week, Jon sits down with Jeffro, founder of Fro Bro Web Technologies and creator of the Design What Sells Framework, to unpack why so many business websites fail to convert visitors into paying clients. Instead of treating a website like a digital business card, Jeffro explains how businesses can turn it into a high-performing sales tool by understanding their audience, clarifying their message, and making every page work with purpose. In this episode, you'll learn:Why more traffic does not always mean more customersHow narrowing your audience can actually grow your businessThe simple homepage framework that answers the three questions every visitor is askingWhether you're launching a new business or wondering why your current website isn't delivering results, this conversation will help you rethink how your online presence supports your growth.Trust the process, refine your message, and build a website that works as hard as you do.Connect with JeffroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frobro/https://cadmus.digital/

What if your biggest business problem is actually a people problem?HR strategist Justin Volman joins Jon to unpack why so many organizations struggle with hiring, leadership, and culture, and how a stronger people strategy can transform business performance. From building succession plans to avoiding costly hiring mistakes, Justin shares practical insights from hiring more than 1,000 employees across seven countries and helping organizations create workplaces where people actually want to stay. In this episode, you'll learn:Why your people strategy should drive your business strategyThe biggest hiring and promotion mistakes leaders makeHow trust, communication, and culture directly impact your bottom lineWhether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or managing a growing team, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and give you practical steps to build an organization people believe in.Connect with Justin Volman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinvolman/

Most professionals are promoted into leadership because they're top performers, not because they've been taught how to lead. In this episode, Jon sits down with leadership coach Jen Silva Boucher to unpack the "promotion gap" and why so many new managers struggle with communication, delegation, and building trust, even when they have the best intentions.Together, they explore how the strongest leaders stop trying to have all the answers, shift from managing to coaching, and create teams that thrive through trust instead of control.In this episode, you'll learn:Why being a great individual contributor does not automatically make you a great leaderHow micromanagement quietly erodes trust, innovation, and team performanceWhy coaching, clear communication, and humility are the leadership skills that matter mostWhether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to become the kind of manager people never want to leave, this conversation will challenge how you think about leading others.

What if the life you're meant to live is waiting on the other side of one courageous decision?After spending 30 years in education, Dorice Hornstein walked away from the career she loved with no clear roadmap, no business, and no guarantees. In this uplifting conversation, she shares how a family health crisis became the catalyst for a completely new purpose, why curiosity creates unexpected opportunities, and how trusting the process can lead to a life filled with greater impact and joy.In this episode, you'll discover:Why curiosity opens doors that planning alone never willHow to know when it's time to leave a successful career behindThe power of taking one small step and trusting that the next one will appearYour purpose is not something you find all at once. It's something you build, one brave step at a time. If you've been waiting for permission to start, this conversation is your sign.Learn more about Dorice:https://doricehorenstein.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/doricehorenstein/https://www.instagram.com/doricehorenstein/https://www.youtube.com/@thedoricehorenstein

Most people are still asking AI questions. The leaders pulling ahead are building with it.Former IBM Global CIO Kathryn Guarini joins John to cut through the AI hype and explain what today's technology can actually do for businesses of every size. From replacing repetitive work instead of replacing people to building apps without a team of developers, Kathryn shares why curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable leadership skills in the AI era.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why AI isn't replacing jobs. It's changing how we work.How non-technical founders can build software with AI.The biggest mistakes leaders make when adopting new technology.Why trust, not speed alone, will determine who wins with AI.Whether you're leading a company, launching a startup, or simply trying to keep up with the pace of change, this episode will help you move beyond fear and start using AI with confidence.Follow Kathryn:kathrynguarini.commotherofinvention.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-guarini/

What if your biggest leadership challenge isn't strategy, but how you show up for your people?In this episode, Jon sits down with HR executive and Fortitude HR Solutions co-founder Scott Hannes to explore why emotional leadership, poor communication, and a lack of trust quietly undermine even the strongest organizations. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Scott shares practical lessons on building high-performing teams, creating accountability without fear, and developing cultures where employees feel empowered to contribute and grow.You'll learn:• Why leaders must separate emotion from decision making while still leading with empathy• How trust, communication, and clear expectations drive performance• The hidden cost of micromanagement and how to empower employees to solve problems• Why culture is more than perks and how psychological safety fuels innovation• The leadership habit that helps organizations continuously improveWhether you're a CEO, manager, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that sustainable growth starts with people who feel trusted, heard, and valued.Because when leaders listen, teams thrive. And when teams thrive, organizations grow.Learn more about Scott:https://www.fortitudehrsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hanis/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottrhanis

Most leaders think their job is to have the answers. The best leaders know it's about asking better questions.In this episode, Jon sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and author Joel Worthington to explore why so many organizations struggle with engagement, retention, and culture. Drawing on decades of experience spanning ministry, franchising, executive leadership, and business transformation, Joel shares why traditional management tactics often fail and what it takes to build teams that are truly invested in a shared mission.Together, they discuss:• Why employees leave leaders, not jobs• The difference between external motivation and genuine inspiration• How a simple "tell me more" mindset can unlock trust, creativity, and better decision-makingJoel also challenges conventional thinking around leadership development, arguing that while organizations have systems for sales, operations, and finance, very few have a true system for leadership.Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or hoping to become a better leader yourself, this conversation is a reminder that people do their best work when they feel trusted, valued, and heard. The future of leadership starts with curiosity.

What if hitting your biggest financial milestone still wasn't enough?In this powerful conversation, entrepreneur and coach Matt Gerlach shares how building two successful six-figure-per-month businesses forced him to confront a truth many high achievers avoid: success doesn't heal the wounds you've been carrying your whole life. After battling anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Matt began a journey of deep personal transformation that ultimately changed not only his business, but his entire relationship with work, money, and fulfillment.Matt and Jon explore why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck despite doing everything "right," how childhood experiences shape our beliefs about success and sales, and why communication may be the most overlooked growth strategy in business. They also dive into leadership blind spots, hiring challenges, and the surprising difference between marketing and genuine business development.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why more revenue doesn't automatically create more happiness• How unresolved childhood patterns show up in leadership and sales• The communication mistakes that quietly limit business growth• Why asking directly for what you want is often the fastest path forward• How to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming itWhether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or someone navigating your next chapter, this conversation is a reminder that the biggest breakthroughs often happen when you stop chasing more and start aligning with what truly matters.Success is not just about what you build. It's about who you become in the process.

Most startups do not fail because the idea is bad. They fail because leaders stop listening.In this episode, Jon sits down with customer success and operations strategist Ken Taylor to unpack the hidden mistakes that hold founders back from real growth. From tunnel vision and micromanagement to ignoring frontline feedback, Ken shares hard earned lessons from decades working with startups, SaaS companies, and technology leaders.Together, they explore what separates companies that adapt and thrive from the ones that slowly collapse under their own blind spots.In this episode:Why great products still fail without sales and marketingThe leadership trap that keeps CEOs stuck in the weedsHow curiosity, feedback, and agile thinking drive innovationWhat founders miss when they stop listening to their teamsIf you are building a business, leading a team, or trying to scale without losing your vision, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and growth.Connect with Kenhttps://kenrtaylor.com/http://workinginslippers.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-r-taylor/

Most businesses are not struggling because of bad products. They are struggling because they are solving the wrong problems for the wrong people.In this episode, Jon sits down with sales growth advisor Eric Balis to break down why so many companies fail to build scalable sales systems and what it actually takes to create long-term growth.From defining your ideal client profile to avoiding shiny tech traps, Eric shares the frameworks leaders need to align people, process, and technology into a sales engine that actually works. The conversation dives deep into change management, CRM adoption, leadership, and why education always beats hard selling.Key takeaways include:• Why most businesses misunderstand their ideal customer• The hidden cost of chasing flashy software tools• How strong leadership creates trust in the process• Why sales success starts with listening, not pitchingIf you are trying to grow your business without burning out your team or wasting time on the wrong strategies, this episode will challenge the way you think about sales, leadership, and operational success.Follow the conversation and keep building the process you can trust.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is you?In this episode, Jon sits down with entrepreneur and business advisor Dan Brault for a deep conversation about leadership, burnout, scaling, and the hidden mindset patterns that keep founders stuck.Dan shares his journey from medical device sales to real estate investing and business coaching, revealing how he learned to stop being the center of every decision and build companies that could thrive without him. Together, Jon and Dan unpack why so many entrepreneurs become the bottleneck in their own business and how alignment between mindset, operations, and culture changes everything.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why high performers struggle to let go of control• The mindset shift that separates operators from true leaders• How better systems and stronger culture create freedom, not more stress• Why playing to your strengths matters more than fixing weaknessesIf you’ve ever felt trapped by the business you built, this conversation will help you rethink what growth, leadership, and success can actually look like.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is you?In this episode, Jon sits down with Mike Malloy, founder and CEO of Malloy Industries, to unpack why so many founders hit a ceiling and how the fractional executive model is quietly changing the future of work. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across consulting, startups, and leadership development, Mike shares how entrepreneurs can reclaim their time, focus on their zone of genius, and scale without burning out.Together, they break down the real reason founders feel overwhelmed and how to build a business that runs without you being in every detail.Key takeaways:• Why founders should never be doing their own bookkeeping• The hidden cost of founder led sales and how to grow beyond it• How to identify the tasks that drain you and delegate them effectively• The power of systems, process, and psychological safety in scaling a teamIf you are tired of being stuck in the weeds and ready to lead at a higher level, this conversation will show you a smarter way forward.

You can hire the best people in the world and still struggle to get anything done.In this episode, workplace expert and “team whisperer” Lia Garvin shares with Jon what she learned inside Google, Microsoft, and Apple about why high-performing teams break down and how leaders can fix it. She reveals why systems alone are not enough, how communication shapes culture, and what it really takes to build teams that trust, perform, and scale.Key takeaways:Why clarity and communication matter more than talentThe simple framework that shows what your team is actually doingHow leaders can let go of control without losing visibilityIf you want a team that runs without constant oversight and actually delivers, this conversation will change how you lead.

What if the biggest threat to your business is you?In this episode, Jon sits down with business growth strategist Marcia Riner to unpack why so many founders hit a ceiling and how to break through it. With over 25 years of experience, Marcia reveals how owner bottlenecks, misaligned expectations, and lack of operational clarity quietly stall growth even in successful companies.They explore how shifting from control to trust, and from reaction to intentional strategy, can unlock real scale and sustainable success.Key takeaways:Why founders become the bottleneck and how to step out of the wayHow small operational shifts create big growth momentumThe power of clear expectations in sales, delivery, and leadershipIf you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that actually works for you, this conversation will change how you lead.

Perfection is slowing you down more than you think.Cybersecurity founder Brittany Greenfield joins Jon to break down why the best leaders are not chasing perfection but building momentum through small, consistent progress. From founding a DevSecOps company to coaching teams through change, Brittany shares how trusting yourself and your team is the real unlock for growth.In this episode, they explore how great leaders actually operate behind the scenes:• Why incremental progress beats big breakthrough thinking• How fear and perfectionism quietly stall innovation• The power of hiring for your gaps and letting go of controlIf you have ever felt stuck trying to get it exactly right, this conversation will challenge you to move forward anyway. Because done is what drives results, and progress is what builds confidence.You are closer than you think. Trust yourself and take the next step.

What if the life you’re chasing is the very thing pulling you off course?Today's guest Daryl Dittmer went from addiction, crime, and hitting rock bottom at 19 to rebuilding a life grounded in discipline, honesty, and self-respect. Through decades of experience across business, recovery, and personal growth, he discovered that real transformation doesn’t come from ideas, it comes from action and radical self-honesty. In this conversation, Daryl and Jon unpack what it really takes to stop drifting and start living with intention.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why drifting is the silent killer of fulfillmentHow chasing money can quietly cost you everything elseThe power of daily practices like breathwork, gratitude, and structureIf you’ve been feeling stuck, distracted, or disconnected from your own life, this episode is your reminder that change doesn’t start with everything. It starts with one honest step inward.

Why do 88 percent of real estate clients never return to the agent who helped them buy or sell their home?In this episode of Trust the Process, Jon talks with real estate coach, speaker, and author Josh Cadillac about why most professionals focus on the wrong goal. Instead of chasing the next commission, Josh teaches agents how to earn something far more valuable: clients who come back for life. Drawing from years as a top-producing agent and national speaker, he shares the mindset and systems that turn one transaction into lifelong trust.You will learn:Why most agents lose clients after the first dealThe simple formula for building rapport, credibility, and trustHow anticipating customer fears creates stronger relationshipsIf you want to build a business people return to again and again, this conversation will change how you think about service, trust, and long-term success.

What if the real reason your business feels chaotic is not your people but your process?In this episode, Jon breaks down why so many CEOs and founders do not actually trust the systems running their companies. Through a behind-the-scenes look at an AI startup drowning in duplicate payments, micromanagement, and operational confusion, Jon reveals how a broken accounts payable system was quietly costing the leadership team hours every week.By stepping in as interim COO, he applied his three-step framework to diagnose the real issue, plan a sustainable solution, and execute change that saved the company at least 10 hours a week while shifting the CEO’s mindset from control to confidence.In this episode, you will learn:Why failed execution is usually a diagnosis problemHow micromanagement signals a lack of process trustWhat freeing up 10 percent of leadership time can do for growthIf you want sustainable scale, stronger leadership, and systems you can actually rely on, this conversation will challenge the way you run your business. It is time to stop managing chaos and start building processes you trust.

Feel like something is off in your business, but you can't name it?Jon Bassford, founder and CEO of Lateral Solutions, has worked alongside founders, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders who know they want to grow but lack a process they can truly trust. In this episode, he breaks down the hidden gaps that quietly stall organizations and introduces his three-step Breakthrough System designed to build operational clarity, leadership alignment, and a culture of continuous improvement.You will learn:- Why most leaders skip the critical diagnosis phase- How to identify the unseen gaps holding your organization back- The three pillars required to build a process you can trustThis is not another surface-level business podcast. Each episode delivers real-time guidance, honest problem-solving, and actionable strategies you can apply immediately. If you are ready to build the right foundation and move your organization forward with confidence, you are in the right place.