Why Business Founders Hit the Scaling Ceiling — A COO's Fix | Episode 19 Derek Fredrickson - Founder & CEO, The COO Solution

Culture Isn’t Words on a Wall - Ep 26, Dave Coull CEO Stage Electrics Group

Building Culture and Trust in Business with Dave Coull - In this episode, we explore the essential elements of cultivating a strong organisational culture and leading with authenticity. Dave Coull, CEO of Stage Electrics Group, shares his insights on how culture drives success, the importance of humility, and strategies for building trust at scale—especially during challenging times like a pandemic. This episode offers strong CEO Leadership advice, business advice and some real business advice to any leader. MAIN TOPICS COVERED: * The role of culture in business success and how to define it * Strategies for earning and maintaining trust with teams who know more than leaders * Practical ways to embed core values and reinforce company culture daily * The impact of leadership transparency and vulnerability * How to successfully integrate acquired businesses into existing culture * Challenges and solutions for scaling culture in remote and growing organisations * Mistakes leaders often make around culture and how to avoid them * Fostering a safe environment for honest feedback and challenging authority * The importance of consistent communication and actions over words * Practical leadership lessons from decades of experience TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 02:16 - The core role of culture in organisational success 06:28 - Transitioning into the events and technology sector 09:22 - Building trust through humility and authenticity 12:44 - Leading technical teams without needing to be a technical expert 15:45 - Communicating effectively during COVID-19 and remote onboarding 19:43 - Protecting and evolving existing company culture during acquisitions 23:45 - Defining core values with employee input and ongoing reinforcement 28:58 - Handling cultural integration of new business units 32:04 - The impact of culture on employee engagement and productiveness 36:33 - The importance of continuous communication and transparency 39:39 - Maintaining culture across growing and distributed teams 44:11 - Managing high performers with misaligned values 48:41 - Major mistakes leaders make in shaping company culture 51:11 - Practical steps for honest and transparent leadership 55:20 - Creating an environment where challenging leadership is safe and encouraged 58:43 - Balancing honesty and confidentiality in leadership communication 62:24 - Building a legacy based on developing people and strong culture 65:49 - Final thoughts: leadership as a team enabler and culture creator 66:05 - Rapid-fire: Apple or Android? 66:17 - Preferred social media platform? 66:23 - City or beach getaway? 67:01 - Essential item for travel? 67:08 - Morning or night person? 67:30 - Build new or fix what's broken? 67:50 - Growth or profitability? 68:19 - Best advice ignored? 68:45 - The drink Dave would choose at a pub? RESOURCES & LINKS: * Stage Electrics Group [https://www.stage-electrics.co.uk/] * Dave Coull personal website [https://davecoull.com/] If you enjoyed this episode check out Matt Turners [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oW7J2ei7yY8cxb4gHdqLg?si=FXgKXyuCRjqY3Makvd3wbw] episode on our show This episode offers actionable leadership principles rooted in decades of experience—timeless lessons for anyone committed to building thriving, resilient organisations.

The Founder Changing How Theatres Sell Seats - Ep 25, Ryan Metcalfe CEO Preevue

In this episode, Ryan Metcalfe, founder and CEO of Preevue, shares candid insights on the evolution of digital twins, the significance of failure, and how technology is reshaping theatre and entertainment industries. His journey demonstrates how strategic engineering, embracing errors, and an eye for innovation can disrupt even the most traditional sectors. This is a true lesson in business disruption! KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The importance of viewing failure as a learning tool; Ryan emphasises that having one spectacular failure is a sign of pushing boundaries enough. * How the company’s early mistakes, like product failures, provided critical lessons that drove growth and innovation. * The challenge and reward of managing multiple roles—bridging the arts and technology with dynamic sector shifts. * The evolution of theatre visualisation from rudimentary models to highly accurate digital twins, transforming staging and set design. * How technology like laser scanning and 3D modeling offers unprecedented accuracy, making visualisation integral rather than supplementary. * The long, patient process of integrating visualisation tech with large venues, exemplified by collaborations with ATG and Moulin Rouge. * Ryan’s insight into the cultural gap between theatre’s artistic drives and the tech industry’s efficiency focus. * Practical advice: move quickly with minimal viable products—test, learn, and adapt before overplanning. * Future visions for production visualisation becoming a formalized, industry-standard role, supported by comprehensive data and workflow integration. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Ryan reacts to a major product failure and values lessons learned 02:20 - Challenges of managing diverse roles across theatre and media 04:10 - Creativity meets sales: blending art with commercial goals in entertainment 06:00 - Evolution of visualisation in theatre and how digital twins are transforming productions 08:50 - Breaking the misconception of visualization as a gimmick in arts projects 12:00 - How detailed laser scanning creates accurate digital models for ticketing and design 15:30 - The rise of AI and emerging technologies, and their impact on the industry 18:00 - The importance of rapid testing and iterative development in tech adoption 20:30 - Ryan’s early entrepreneurial start at 18 and the importance of perseverance 22:00 - Building credibility: from small gigs to working on Harry Potter’s Broadway production 25:00 - The long timeline to prove new tech to industry giants like ATG 29:00 - The future of production visualizers and the formalization of this industry role 33:00 - Handling technological resistance and pushing the art forward with digital tools 36:40 - Innovation in venue data collection through COVID scans and the growth of ticketing tech 40:00 - The strategic approach to AI, balancing risks and opportunities in visualisation 43:00 - Lessons learned from running a business without prior experience or formal training 45:00 - The importance of being a jack-of-all-trades and building resilient teams 46:30 - Ryan’s reflections on leadership and the ongoing responsibility of founding and running a business RESOURCES & LINKS: * Preevue [https://www.preevue.com/] CONNECT WITH RYAN METCALFE * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-metcalfe/] This episode is a masterclass in how a creative industry embraces technology, overcomes tradition, and pushes boundaries—both artistic and entrepreneurial. Ryan’s story underscores that innovation often starts with a simple idea, fueled by a willingness to fail, learn, and adapt.

The Hard Truth About Building in a Niche Market - Ep 24 Mats Karlsson CEO Stage Smarts

IN THIS EPISODE, MATS KARLSSON SHARES HIS JOURNEY FROM STARTING IN STAGE LIGHTING TO DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, NAVIGATING SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BRAND AND RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT TECH INDUSTRY. HIS EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS HOW RESILIENCE AND STRATEGIC PIVOTS CAN PROPEL GROWTH EVEN DURING TURBULENT TIMES AND HOW ANY BUSINESS IN A SMALL MARKET CAN GROW KEY TOPICS * Mats’s transition from music to stage lighting and product development * The evolution of stage lighting technology and industry pioneers * Lessons learned from past ventures, including successes and failures * How COVID-19 reshaped business strategies and supply chain management * The role of branding, quality, and personal reputation in a niche industry * Future opportunities in LED, theatrical, and virtual production markets * The impact of global markets, regulatory environments, and technological innovation * Practical advice for startups: market fit, patience, and building strong distributor relationships * Leaders’ personal growth: shifting from operational to strategic focus TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction to Mats and his diverse industry background 02:14 - The development of innovative discharge lamps and product successes 04:33 - Experiences negotiating with giants like PRG and lessons learned 06:28 - How industry pioneers like Rusty Bruchet shaped the lighting industry 07:44 - The transition from traditional to LED and the rise of new markets 11:09 - Launching Station Marts: From basement projects to international sales 14:17 - Navigating post-COVID challenges and decision-making in turbulent times 16:29 - The importance of understanding electrical systems globally 19:24 - How power distribution is vital for LED and video in modern productions 21:35 - Opportunities and challenges in North American and global markets 23:28 - The resilience built during COVID and strategic pivots in product offerings 30:38 - The significance of branding, appearance, and professionalism in industry reputation 32:39 - Future trends: virtual studios, AI, and technological advancements in the industry 37:30 - The importance of face-to-face relationships and industry networking 40:50 - Personal growth and leadership evolution over a decade 44:01 - The importance of communication, respect, and reputation in leadership 48:45 - Core lessons: quality, patience, and the value of strong distributor networks 54:49 - Industry professionalism and the importance of branding and presentation 58:10 - Reflection: What Mats would do differently if starting today 59:34 - Final insights: market understanding, persistence, and the power of relationships RESOURCES & LINKS: * Stage Smarts Power Distribution [https://www.stagesmarts.com/] CONNECT WITH MATS KARLSSON: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mats-karlsson-8528511/] Want to listen to a similar episode - check out Sam Tamplins Episode here [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZHRFIz3cVmVQgUkKoZMp3?si=DEseh9vuRrqHIZTtdD-l8A]! The journey of Stage Smarts exemplifies how innovative thinking, strategic branding, and relationship-building can build a resilient global enterprise in the entertainment industry.

Why Employees Stop Telling Leaders The Truth - Ep 23 Erin Teter, CEO Teter People Consulting

In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Erin Teter, a seasoned fractional CHRO, shares invaluable insights on how HR can be a strategic partner in scaling and managing modern businesses, guiding and helping leadership especially in the era of remote work and rapid growth. Her experience across private equity, tech, and startups offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of HR's role beyond compliance to true business impact. KEY TOPICS: * How HR is often misunderstood as merely enforcement, versus a strategic growth partner * Recognizing early signs when HR or management cracks begin to form during scaling * The importance of proactive talent management, including behavioral interviewing and scorecards * Managing HR challenges unique to smaller vs. larger organizations * The impact of remote and hybrid work on internal communications and culture * The evolving role of AI in HR processes and decision-making * Practical steps for founders and leaders to address urgent people issues * Cultivating a purpose-driven workforce without necessarily promoting everyone into management roles TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction to Erin Teter and her HR journey 02:20 - Common misconceptions about HR roles in business 04:15 - Strategic HR and its influence on business growth 06:42 - Signs of HR and management issues during rapid scaling 08:54 - The significance of internal communication and culture 11:00 - When and how HR policies should be implemented in small startups 13:37 - Structuring compensation and compliance considerations at scale 15:50 - Management cracks that appear as businesses grow 17:23 - Handling career plateauing and strengths-based development 20:07 - The biggest hiring mistakes in today’s competitive environment 22:40 - Using behavioral questions and scorecards effectively 25:21 - Managing wrong hires and quick termination strategies 28:35 - Hiring differences in private equity-backed versus small startups 32:33 - The changing landscape of job loyalty and retention 35:45 - Providing growth and challenge in startup environments 38:02 - HR’s role in remote and hybrid team management 41:23 - Building emotional connections in dispersed teams 44:51 - Recognizing and acting on HR blind spots 47:17 - HR’s balancing act: protecting the business vs. supporting employees 50:12 - The influence of AI on HR functions and decision-making 54:45 - Initial steps for founders facing big people challenges 58:28 - Erin's one golden rule for business success: perseverance and resilience CONNECT WITH ERIN TETER: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-teter-sphr-1757623/] * Company Website [https://teterpeopleconsulting.com/] This episode provides a compelling look at why HR is a pivotal element not just for compliance, but for defining company culture, scaling successfully, and building resilient teams in the modern era. Whether you're in small startups or large scale-ups, Erin’s insights challenge traditional views and equip leaders to think differently about their people strategies.

They Didn’t Win for 108 Years… Then Everything Changed - Ep 22 Joshua Lifrak, Mental Performance Coach,

In this episode, we explore how principles from professional sports, especially baseball, can transform business culture and individual mindset. Joshua Lifrak shares insights from his decades of experience in sport psychology, illustrating how mental resilience, defining organisational identity, strong leadership skills, leadership development and daily habits can lead to consistent success. KEY TOPICS: * The evolution of mental skills training in sports over the past 20 years * How defining organisational identity (like "champion first") shapes team culture * The importance of relationship-building before implementing change * Practical strategies for resetting mindset after setbacks (“Miles Zero”) * The six-step daily process to build resilience and focus * The power of marginal gains—small, consistent improvements * Translating athletic mental training to corporate performance * How high-pressure environments foster key traits like belief, determination, and positivity * The value of over-communication and role clarity in team performance * Techniques for managing emotions and maintaining consistency in challenging days TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introducing lessons from baseball to business leadership 02:17 - How sports psychology evolved over the last 20 years 03:58 - From sociology degree to mental training in sports 06:45 - Building relationships before implementing mental skills 09:25 - Defining your organization’s or team’s identity 12:05 - The opportunity of the World Series and human development 14:50 - Handling setbacks and maintaining resilience in sports 15:53 - Using "Mile Zero" to reset daily performance 18:38 - Belief and determination as key factors for winning teams 20:48 - Celebrating success and managing victory momentum 24:08 - Overcoming a curse: the mythical story of the Chicago Cubs 25:18 - Differences and similarities across sports cultures 28:05 - Applying sports resilience to business environments 29:50 - Six steps to resilience and thriving in chaos 33:30 - COVID as an accelerant for personal growth practices 37:46 - Marginal gains and continuous improvement strategies 41:36 - Critical elements for cultivating high-performance teams 43:33 - Clarity as a cornerstone of effective teamwork 44:17 - Managing emotional setbacks: stepping away and resetting 48:19 - Starting small: the power of setting daily intentions 49:33 - What does “Win Today” really mean? 53:12 - The mindset shift for meaningful, quick transformations 54:17 - How the podcast and book connect to everyday life RESOURCES & LINKS: * Win Today by Joshua Lifrak [https://www.joshualifrak.com/copy-of-win-today] — Available at Waterstones and other retailers * Joshua Lifrak - Official Website [https://joshualifrak.com/] CONNECT WITH JOSHUA LIFRAK: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-lifrak-59ab5442/]