Dealing with Goliath: Psychological Edge for Business Leaders

Scaling a business beyond its early wins often reveals deeper cracks; misaligned teams, operational bottlenecks, and a drop in service quality. In this episode, Chris Davenport shares battle-tested strategies for overcoming these growing pains and building healthier, more resilient organizations. With a deep background in tech and nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Chris brings fresh perspective on hiring smart, leading with clarity, and running meetings that actually move the needle. His approach blends structure with emotional intelligence helping leaders foster real accountability and trust. GUEST BIO: Chris Davenport II has nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, including building and successfully exiting a technology company. He’s faced the full arc of the business journey; success, failure, and everything in between. As a certified EOS Implementer, Chris now coaches and mentors business owners to gain clarity, strengthen accountability, and scale sustainably. Through a blend of proven frameworks, tech-savvy insight, and a strong focus on people, he helps leaders turn complexity into structure—and stress into momentum. Chris's mission is simple: equip business leaders with the skills and mindset to confidently grow their businesses and transform challenges into successes. TOPICS EXPLORED: * The biggest scaling challenge for small tech businesses: operational maturity lagging behind growth * Why hiring friends or family often backfires and what to do instead * How one effective weekly meeting can transform accountability and communication * The key metrics every role should track to drive team alignment * Balancing under-communication vs. meeting overload in growing teams * How to create a culture where employees feel heard and valued * The listening habit that builds trust, reveals hidden issues, and improves negotiation outcomes * Why emotional reactions in negotiation often mask deeper fears and how to respond instead * Building partnerships, even with competitors, through integrity and open dialogue * The surprising upside of addressing fears early in business relationships RESOURCES: Chris Davenport Next Level Leadership Academy: https://chd2.com/ [https://chd2.com/] Chris Davenport Free Consultation: https://chd2.com/book-a-call/ [https://chd2.com/book-a-call/] CONNECT WITH CHRIS DAVENPORT II:  On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chd2/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chd2/] If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet. If you enjoyed this episode of Dealing with Goliath Podcast, hit subscribe to hear about our latest episodes.

AI is changing everything and faster than most professionals are prepared for. As knowledge work becomes increasingly automated, the critical question isn’t if your role will be affected, but how you’ll stay relevant. Will you be replaced or elevated? In this milestone 100th episode, we dive into the tension between human adaptability and machine efficiency. From the quiet disappearance of entry-level roles to the rise of AI  across industries and white collar roles, we explore how leaders and knowledge workers can retain their edge, not by outworking machines, but by learning to work with them. Discover how to thrive, not just survive, in the age of AI. GUEST BIO: Alastair McDermott helps business leaders implement human-first AI strategies that drive extraordinary efficiency without cutting jobs. His approach has slashed processing times by 92%, cut operational costs by 90% and increased capacity 12x, while preserving the team and culture. Author of the Expert Authority Builder series - including An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Using AI and the forthcoming "Use A.I. Stay Human",  Alastair speaks and podcasts on practical AI implementation that amplifies human potential. TOPICS EXPLORED: * Why roles built around repeatable, robotic tasks are most vulnerable to AI replacement * The limitations of AI orchestrators vs. the value of human intuition, judgment, and implicit understanding * Why McDermott still hires a human VA despite building agentic AI systems * Four key opportunities AI offers: productivity, capability expansion, better decision-making, and accelerated learning * The rise of the “Chief Robot Officer” mindset: managing workflows between humans and AI * Case study: using AI to simulate beta readers for rapid book development and iteration * The importance of AI literacy as a compounding skill in any profession * How curiosity, experimentation, and play are essential to meaningful AI adoption RESOURCES: Download Alastair McDermott's "Complete AI Toolkit" for free at HumanSpark.ai/toolkit: [https://humanspark.ai/toolkit] Alastair's new book available for pre-order on Amazon: Use A.I. Stay Human.: A Survival Guide for Experts Who Want to Stay Relevant, Authentic, and Indispensable in the Age of AI. [https://www.amazon.com/Use-I-Stay-Human-Indispensable-ebook/dp/B0FDQSKZRF/ref=sr_1_4?crid=EIKSHMU1CT29&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._T8EibrPABzj6kNjsB_8oQSNHbYpPYsZmj3zbAUBkyMIWE0FgRXXHQb6yguB_6MWujYBdAZjtkZgRIWydPXXOTU9dqhMhghvHf-FGrIH1PBu-YLlhWxXYBQDbkhOSPOs8NheIqlbrwq4Kk6xmSuERhIppIJC29PsRgMozGF7v2s9JtXUis5HXQPlEyQKfICLsYx4WM8vbXqkjhZJsYoZ99UDkT-rX3mGrwAtR7GdgJg.e3Atb7a78fb_7EWYZ-fzfS7TUhNpu9BtFs5SxgSxD8A&dib_tag=se&keywords=alastair+mcdermott&qid=1752738510&sprefix=alastair+mcdermott%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-4] (Or UK version [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Use-I-Stay-Human-Indispensable-ebook/dp/B0FDQSKZRF?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gfKQeOuQ7L2SrigUz9U14ODia1ibIox3_snHasq2qzSnzT4S7NUHr-SoeRj2wBkZBpUSDXF7_009P6V79E4L9kZQAXdo4CJRvbkDjpBCqQ9kzyK7eNwS6oLZzXw-Kd07.Ct3F89knTZmImXQX6WKEsmCBR6s5m7rLSDhbjSabHR8&dib_tag=AUTHOR]) HumanSpark Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AIPoweredBiz [https://www.youtube.com/@AIPoweredBiz] McDermott's webiste: https://humanspark.ai/ [https://humanspark.ai/] CONNECT: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/] If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet. If you enjoyed this episode of Dealing with Goliath Podcast, hit subscribe to hear about our latest episodes.

When communication breaks down and everyone’s working from a different playbook, even the best teams can fall into chaos. If you've ever felt the friction of misaligned expectations, unclear priorities, or endless status-chasing, this episode offers a clear way forward. We explore how to create shared definitions, structure meaningful conversations, and align teams—whether you're managing complex projects or just trying to get better results across departments. Discover why the first step to clarity isn't better tools, but better thinking. Host Al McBride speaks with Paul Koetke of Koetke Consulting about the subtle traps that derail collaboration, how to avoid assumptions, and why standardization isn’t about rigidity, it’s about freeing your team to focus on what really matters. Listen now to learn how clarity, conversation, and proactive alignment can transform how you and your team work. GUEST BIO: Paul Koetke is the Founder and Managing Partner of Koetke Consulting, a firm specializing in implementing Smartsheet PMO solutions for organizations seeking transparency and actionable intelligence in their project management offices. As a certified Smartsheet Platinum Partner with nine years of experience, Paul has designed and deployed over 100 PMO solutions for industry leaders like Cushman & Wakefield, Johnson & Johnson, Lineage Logistics, and Public Storage. A Control Center specialist, Paul empowers PMOs by transforming fragmented processes into scalable, automated workflows that provide real-time visibility and strategic insights. His expertise helps business leaders managing large project portfolios gain complete oversight, optimize decision-making, and enhance their teams’ project management capabilities. TOPICS EXPLORED: 1. The importance of creating a shared language before implementing any system 2. Common mistakes teams make when attempting to improve project visibility 3. How to balance structure with flexibility across engineering and creative teams 4. Why a tailored approach always beats one-size-fits-all in PMO solutions 5. The 3 foundational steps to begin standardizing your project processes 6. How clear definitions around quality and timelines prevent costly misunderstandings 7. The role of proactive discovery in building internal alignment and external trust 8. Why effective project management systems liberate rather than constrain RESOURCES:  Koetke Consulting: https://www.koetkeconsulting.com/ [https://www.koetkeconsulting.com/] COONECT WITH PAUL KOETKE: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/] If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet. If you enjoyed this episode of Dealing with Goliath Podcast, hit subscribe to hear about our latest episodes.

Feeling stuck between client projects with no clear path to your next buyer? You’re not alone! The real problem might not be your tactics, but a lack of strategic clarity. In this episode, we explore the critical (and often overlooked) shift from reactive marketing to intentional client attraction. Learn why doubling down on the latest tactic is rarely the answer, how to spot the signs you’ve outgrown your existing clients, and what to do when your messaging no longer lands. Host Al McBride is joined by Christine Campbell Rapin for a candid conversation on uncovering your blind spots, reconnecting with your market, and building a business that feels both grounded and compelling. If you’ve ever felt a disconnect between your ambition and your results, this episode will give you the strategic reset you need. Listen now to rethink how you attract clients and grow without the guesswork. GUEST BIO: Christine Campbell Rapin is an energetic, tell-it-like-it-is business advisor, mentor, consultant, speaker and 3x international best-selling author. To date she’s supported over 400 companies to create a combined revenue more than $1B and believes business growth CAN be elegantly simple when you focus on the 3 non-negotiable business foundations that build a client growth engine. TOPICS EXPLORED: - Why many B2B service providers hit a “sophomore slump” and how to get out of it - The myth of tactic-hopping and why clarity of strategy trumps new marketing fads - How to identify your next client and why your current or past clients might not be the answer - The hidden dangers of outgrowing your clients—or just getting bored of them - Why constant creation can sabotage your business momentum - How to rebuild connection with your market through values, strategy, and relevance - The essential role of a thinking partner to uncover blind spots and accelerate growth - The difference between being a "likeable expert" vs. the “must-hire” authority - Why real-time conversations—not automation—are your greatest growth engine RESOURCES: 25 Ways to Attract an Audience of Buyers to Create Consistent Client Growth: https://christinecampbellrapin.com/buyers/ [https://christinecampbellrapin.com/buyers/] CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE CAMPBELL RAPIN: On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecampbell1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecampbell1] If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet. If you enjoyed this episode of Dealing with Goliath Podcast, hit subscribe to hear about our latest episodes.

Struggling with the shift from doing the work to leading the work? You’re not alone. For many first-time managers and founders, the leap into leadership is one of the toughest transitions they’ll ever face — bringing challenges like imposter syndrome, micromanagement tendencies, and even loneliness. In this episode, we explore how to navigate that tricky middle ground between being “one of the team” and stepping into your new leadership role with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, build trust, and take simple steps to lead with greater self-awareness, integrity, and connection. In this episode Al McBride speaks with leadership coach David Hatch about the six key challenges new managers face — and what to do about them. Whether you’ve just been promoted or you’re building a team from scratch, this conversation will help you grow into the leader your people need. GUEST BIO: Everyone has a story to tell about a bad manager. David Hatch is on a mission to change that by bringing great leadership to every new manager he meets. David helps new managers and first time founders with their leadership skills, so they can become leaders not bosses, lead with integrity, and build happier, higher performing teams, more effective organisations, and, ultimately successful businesses. David has over 20 years of leadership experience, a MSc in Business and Management and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. TOPICS EXPLORED: * Transitioning from doing the work to leading the work: why it’s one of the toughest career shifts * The hidden complexity of being promoted from within and managing former peers * Six core leadership challenges every new manager faces: from imposter syndrome to uncertainty * Micromanagement vs. hands-off leadership: finding the right balance * Why loneliness is a common (but overlooked) struggle for new leaders * The importance of early conversations to align expectations with your team * How self-awareness lays the foundation for authentic leadership * The power of networking for emotional support and leadership development * Using fictional leadership archetypes to uncover personal leadership values RESOURCES:  David Hatch's Leadership Hero Quiz: https://leadingwithintegrity.co.uk/leadership-resources/leadership-hero-quiz/ [https://leadingwithintegrity.co.uk/leadership-resources/leadership-hero-quiz/] CONNECT WITH DAVID HATCH: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhatch-leadernotaboss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhatch-leadernotaboss/] If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet. If you enjoyed this episode of Dealing with Goliath Podcast, hit subscribe to hear about our latest episodes.