Scaling Up Business Podcast

What can business leaders learn from the best sports teams that have had success for decades?In this episode, Sam Walker joins host Bill Gallagher to discuss the leadership secrets of the world’s most successful sports teams. From the unassuming captains who drive dynasties to the cultural pillars that make teams legendary, Sam shares powerful insights for business leaders. Sam Walker is the guy who cracked the code on what makes great teams tick. As a former global sports editor at The Wall Street Journal and author of the bestselling book The Captain Class, Sam’s obsession with leadership and teamwork has taken him into locker rooms, boardrooms, and beyond.Topics explored in this episode: - The surprising importance of unassuming captains in driving team success.- Why Michael Jordan’s leadership wasn’t the key to the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty.- How a culture of winning defines teams like the New Zealand All Blacks.- Lessons from the 2004 Red Sox and their dramatic midseason turnaround.- Why team succ

When processes fail, chaos follows. In this mini-episode, Bill recounts a high-stakes story from his own leadership journey and a public company's desperate cash-flow crisis. Bill shares how simple yet powerful fixes—born from collaboration and hard truths—turned the tide. If broken workflows are holding your business back, this episode reveals how to rebuild for resilience and success. Keep scaling.

Got peak performance? How can leaders use science to optimize their daily routines for better outcomes?In this episode, Bill chats with Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD about the intersection of science and leadership. Dr. Fowler shares how her medical background informs her coaching approach, offering insights on stress management, focus, and decision-making.Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD, is a high-energy performance coach who blends her expertise with a passion for helping leaders thrive. As the founder of THAXA, she’s on a mission to turn science-backed strategies into game-changing results for her clients.Topics explored in this episode: - The physiological impact of stress on leadership and decision-making.- Lessons from the medical field that translate to coaching and business leadership.- Prioritizing tasks to achieve significant goals.- How clarity and alignment can boost team motivation and performance.- Separating ideation from execution.- Strategies for balancing creative vision with practical business act

People challenges are the toughest part of growing your business. In this episode, Bill shares a story of uncovering why a high-potential team member was struggling and how rethinking roles transformed their performance. The right answer was to find this team member a right seat on the bus rather than kicking them off.Don’t let people problems hold you back—this episode is your guide to turning challenges into growth opportunities. Get in touch with Bill if you want solutions in this area.Keep scaling.

In this episode, we’ve got six of the best clips from six dynamic guests of the Scaling Up Business podcast from 2024. (0:00) Scott Ramey: Defining Leadership StylesScott discusses how to identify your unique leadership style and leave a lasting impression.Scott is a corporate leadership expert with a passion for helping professionals define their unique styles. (1:41) Guy Kawasaki: Surviving the Steve Jobs TestGuy shares his experience navigating a high-stakes moment with Steve Jobs.Guy is a Silicon Valley veteran and former Apple evangelist known for his storytelling and entrepreneurial insights. (5:36) Derrick Mains: The Myth of Hustle CultureDerrick critiques hustle culture and emphasizes the importance of smarter work strategies.Derrick is an operational strategist dedicated to helping organizations save time and resources.(10:49) Casey Brown: Pricing with ConfidenceCasey explores the psychology of pricing and how to avoid underestimating your value.Casey is a pricing consultant and founde

In this mini-episode, Bill shares how the SWT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Trends) tool helped save his company during the 2008 financial crisis and how it can help you navigate turbulent times. Do not confuse SWT with SWOT! SWT asks the senior leadership to think deeply and broadly about the inherent strengths, inherent weaknesses, and emerging trends in the market that can affect your company’s trajectory. Hear how Bill adapted this framework to his own jewellery business. Keep Scaling

Originally aired in February of this year, this episode revisits timeless insights from Michael E. Gerber, author of The E-Myth Revisited and one of the world's most renowned thought leaders on small business success.What does it take to build a business that operates without relying entirely on you? How do you design systems that scale while staying true to your vision and values?In this episode, Bill Gallagher reconnects with Michael to explore foundational principles for creating scalable systems and impactful businesses. Michael reflects on his journey, the lessons from his bestseller, and why the concepts from The E-Myth remain as relevant today as ever.Topics explored in this episode:- The key difference between owning a business and having a job.- Why most small businesses fail—and how to avoid the pitfalls.- The Eightfold Path to evolving a company from 1 to 1,000 employees.- The critical role of storytelling in creating a lasting legacy.- Lessons from McDonald’s and other scalable business models.- W

In this episode, Bill shares insights and techniques for incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life. Simple practices like breathing exercises, walks, and visualization can enhance focus, reduce stress, and supercharge your business and personal growth. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness, no matter where you are on your journey—no ponytail or Sanskrit name required! From childhood experiences to modern strategies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), this episode is packed with tools to help you stay grounded and thrive. Keep scaling up with intention!

How do you use public speaking to strategically advance your business, career, or projects?In this episode, Blair Bryant Nichols shares insights on how to build a speaking platform that connects with audiences and helps achieve your goals. Blair founded BBN Creative Management, where he coaches entrepreneurs, executives, and subject-matter experts on how to craft impactful public personas and compelling keynotes.Topics explored in this episode:- Why storytelling is the key to connecting with your audience.- Common mistakes speakers make—and how to avoid them.- The importance of identifying your niche audience and tailoring your message.- How to make virtual speaking engagements look and feel as dynamic as live ones.- Strategies for turning unpaid talks into major business opportunities.Chapters:(02:30) Blair’s Journey from Publishing to Speaking Management(08:15) What Makes a Keynote Memorable(14:00) Virtual Speaking: Technology Tips and Tricks(21:30) Turning Your Expertise into a Speaking Platform(33:20) How

Once upon a time, a SaaS company had everything going for it—top-tier talent, plenty of funding, and a bright future ahead. So why were they still struggling to hit their goals? In this episode, Bill tells a story of how job scorecards became the game-changing tool that transformed this team from good to great.Join us as we dive into:Why job scorecards are your secret hiring weapon.How to align your team to business goals with precision.Real-life lessons from the trenches (spoiler: success leaves clues!)Get ready for actionable advice, an inspiring SaaS story, and a lighthearted conversation that proves building high-performing teams doesn’t have to be rocket science. Keep scaling.

How do you make your product or service something that people actually want or need? In this episode, Laurier Mandin shares insights on how to create products that move beyond "nice-to-have" into the realm of "must-have," breaking down his framework, the Coveted Condition. Laurier (pronounced "Lore-Yay") has a knack for uncovering the psychology behind buyer decisions. He  helps companies craft irresistible products that customers can’t live without and is the founder of Graphos, a product marketing agency. Topics explored in this episode: - Laurier’s book, I Need That, which is about creating and marketing products people are compelled to buy. - The importance of validating a product idea before going all-in.- The “Coveted Condition” framework for understanding buyer psychology and creating must-have products.- How the dog brain (limbic system) drives purchasing decisions and why logic often takes a back seat.- Why innovators overvalue their products by three times.- Why product

In this episode, Bill shares an inspiring personal story about overcoming business failure and finding clarity through a profound realization about the power of "why." The idea of jewelry can sometimes be wasted on men, right? But a chance encounter with a customer at his wife's business helped Bill reframe his perspective on business, family, and purpose by finding the why. Inspiration can be found in unexpected places, and connecting your personal "why" to your business goals can drive success and sometimes, stepping back can be the most powerful move forward. This story is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking purpose in their work.Keep scaling.

How can entrepreneurs ensure their businesses are sellable in any market?In this episode, Justin Goodbread shares his expertise on scaling businesses and maximizing their value. He discusses the importance of planning for an exit, avoiding owner dependence, and leveraging value drivers to create a sellable company. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Justin offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs to achieve freedom and financial success.Justin Goodbread is an entrepreneur, author, and business advisor. Having built and sold multiple companies, Justin brings a passionate, hands-on approach to helping other entrepreneurs grow their businesses profitably while creating sustainable value.Key topics explored in this episode: - The difference between a profitable business and a valuable one.- Why 80% of a business owner’s net worth is often tied up in their company.- Why only a fraction of owners are satisfied with their exit price.- The dangers of owner dependence and how to overcome it.- Stories

In this mini episode, Bill tackles one of the biggest productivity killers in business: constant firefighting. You’ve got big, bold strategic plans, but daily emergencies keep derailing your focus. Sound familiar?We share two simple, game-changing tips to help your team stay on track with their big goals:- Identify where your time and focus always go off course.- Proactively design systems and routines to protect your priorities.If you’ve ever felt like your week is shot by Monday afternoon, this episode is for you.Keep scaling.

Why is creating memorable experiences more crucial than ever in today’s event industry?In this episode, Bill speaks with Rennie Colelli about his inspiring journey from a teenage DJ to leading a top-tier AV production company. Rennie shares how he scaled his business twice, first in social events and later in corporate, emphasizing the importance of trust, innovation, and strategic reinvention. The discussion offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to navigate growth, overcome challenges, and deliver world-class experiences.Rennie Colelli is a dynamic entrepreneur who turned his passion for music and live entertainment into a thriving event production business, bb Blanc.Key topics that Bill and Rennie explore in this episode: - The challenges of scaling a business.- How delivering unforgettable experiences builds lasting client relationships.- Why corporate events offer broader opportunities compared to social events.- Insights on technical innovations transforming live and virtual event produ

Goldilocks isn’t just for kids—it’s a masterclass in business strategy! In this mini-episode, Bill talks about the just-right principle and how it applies to finding the perfect partners, employees, and vendors as your business scales. From accounting firms that are too big to care to marketing hires that are just the right mix of brilliance and drive, discover why the Goldilocks principle is essential for businesses navigating growth—and how what’s “just right” today might need a shake-up tomorrow.Keep scaling.

How can businesses personalize their customer experience at scale?This episode explores the power of personalization in the age of AI and how businesses can leverage data to create a delightful customer experience. David Edelman discusses the challenges and benefits of personalization, and provides examples of companies that are doing personalization well, such as Cisco, Marriott, and Aetna.David Edelman is a personalization guru who's been shaking things up in the business world with his innovative ideas. From Harvard Business School to McKinsey and Aetna, he's got the know-how to help companies scale up their personalization game and create those "wow" customer experiences. He’s also the co-author (with Mark Abraham) of Personalized: Customer Strategy In The Age of AI. Key topics Bill and Dave explore in this episode: - Personalization is not just a marketing tactic, but a holistic customer experience that requires cross-functional collaboration. - Companies need to shift their mindset from v

In this episode, Bill shares his journey of scaling a business and the critical lessons learned from not having a coach during pivotal growth phases. Multi-million dollar mistakes were made and Bill emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance to navigate challenges. Always consider the value of coaching in your own journeys. The skills that got you here may not take you to the next level.Keep scaling.

What is the role of intentionality in personal and professional growth? In this episode, Jeff Karp discusses the power of intentionality, observation, and diverse thinking in problem-solving. Drawing inspiration from nature's problem-solving mechanisms, Karp emphasizes the importance of diverse teams and an "informal" advisory board. Jeff Karp is a bioengineer, engineer, author, and researcher committed to improving our lives, health, focus, and productive purpose. Key topics that Bill and Jeff explore in this episode: - The concept of bioinspiration and its potential for innovation. - The importance of diversity in teams and problem-solving. - The benefits of building an "informal" advisory board. - The role of intentionality in overcoming challenges and achieving goals. - The power of observation and reflection in personal growth. - The transformative power of failure. - Strategies for managing distractions and harnessing the power of ADHD. - Connecting

In this episode, Bill shares a story about the importance of being coachable and how leadership behavior impacts team dynamics. He recounts a workshop experience with a CEO whose habits were affecting his team's engagement and accountability. A leader must lead by example and if the team's leader can't be coached, what message does that give to the team?Bill emphasizes that true change starts with self-reflection and personal accountability, urging leaders to look in the mirror to foster a more effective and proactive workplace culture.Keep scaling.