Episodes

  • Trail Marker: Do You Have Five Pullers?

    Trail Marker: Do You Have Five Pullers?
    Dec 14 2024

    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli delves into the crucial topic of team dynamics, focusing on the "push versus pull" leadership concept. He categorizes team members as "pullers," who drive progress and inspire others, and "pushers," who need motivation and support. Julian emphasizes the importance of having a strong executive team of pullers to ensure success in 2025. He provides insights on identifying pushers, their impact on team morale, and the necessity of making changes to enhance team effectiveness. The episode offers practical advice for leaders to evaluate and improve their teams.


    For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    Timestamps:

    Introduction to Team Building (00:00:02)

    Overview of the podcast's focus on leadership challenges in growing technology companies.


    Push vs. Pull Framework (00:00:28)

    Discussion on evaluating team members as "pullers" or "pushers" for effective team dynamics.


    Identifying Pullers (00:01:10)

    Characteristics of pullers who drive progress and inspire their peers within the team.


    Recognizing Pushers (00:02:09)

    Identifying team members who require motivation and support, referred to as pushers.


    Concept Inspiration (00:03:01)

    Julian shares the inspiration behind the push vs. pull concept from another podcast.


    Santa Claus Analogy (00:03:58)

    Using Santa and his reindeer to illustrate the difference between pullers and pushers.


    CEO's Role in Team Dynamics (00:05:53)

    Importance of attracting and retaining a strong executive team for future success.


    Evaluating Team for 2025 (00:06:48)

    Encouraging leaders to assess if their team is suited for the challenges of 2025.


    Challenges of Team Composition (00:07:46)

    Discussing the common issue of needing the right team as companies evolve.


    Framework for Team Evaluation (00:10:26)

    Advice on categorizing team members into pullers, pushers, and maybes for assessment.


    Signs of Pushers (00:11:24)

    Five indicators that may suggest a team member is a pusher rather than a puller.


    Performance Indicators (00:12:21)

    Evaluating team performance as a primary sign of potential pushers.


    Team Turnover Issues (00:13:12)

    High turnover in a department may indicate a struggling leader or pusher.


    Defensive Behavior in Meetings (00:14:13)

    Signs of pushers being defensive or argumentative during executive meetings.


    Impact on Team Morale (00:15:03)

    Frustration among pullers can lead to losing high performers if pushers are not addressed.


    Final Thoughts on Team Composition (00:15:55)

    Encouragement to identify and replace pushers with pullers for success in 2025.
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Bridging the GTM Gap with Revenue Reimagined Founders

    Bridging the GTM Gap with Revenue Reimagined Founders
    Dec 1 2024
    In this podcast episode, host Julian Castelli discusses the challenges technology companies face in scaling, particularly in sales and go-to-market strategies. Joined by Dale Zwizinski, Jake Reni, and Adam Jay, co-founders of Revenue Reimagined, the conversation delves into the "go-to-market gap" and the importance of foundational processes in order to generate consistent growth. The guests emphasize the need for continuous review of customer profiles, transparent reporting, and experienced advisors. They share insights on avoiding common pitfalls, such as premature hiring of sales leaders and lack of documentation. The episode underscores the necessity of a structured approach to achieve sustainable growth. For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02) Julian Castelli welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's focus on growing technology companies. Context of the Episode (00:00:26) Julian shares the episode's purpose and introduces the guests, emphasizing the challenges in sales and go-to-market strategies. Introducing Revenue Reimagined (00:01:17) Julian introduces the founders of Revenue Reimagined and discusses their expertise in addressing the go-to-market gap. The Go-To-Market Gap Discussion (00:02:40) The speakers acknowledge the increasing difficulty in sales growth compared to the previous 12-18 months. Rapid Changes in Go-To-Market Strategies (00:03:16) Jake highlights the fast-paced changes in effective sales strategies and the need for constant adaptation. Reviewing Customer Profiles (00:03:36) Dale emphasizes the importance of continually reviewing ideal customer profiles and value propositions. Founders' Challenges (00:03:53) Julian discusses the panic among founders as past strategies fail, leading to the need for expert help. Founders' Backgrounds (00:04:39) Jake begins sharing his experiences and the challenges faced by startups in scaling effectively. Pattern Recognition in Sales (00:06:08) Jake reflects on recognizing recurring challenges in startups and the desire to help at scale. Adam's Journey to Startups (00:06:48) Adam shares his transition from large companies to startups, highlighting the common issues faced. The Importance of Early Intervention (00:08:10) Adam discusses the need to assist startups earlier to avoid common pitfalls in sales leadership. Dale's Experience and Motivation (00:09:41) Dale shares his extensive sales experience and the motivation behind helping multiple founders simultaneously. Collaboration and Connection (00:12:16) Dale recounts how he and Adam connected while competing for the same job, leading to collaboration. The Value of Teamwork (00:13:31) Dale expresses the importance of collaboration in consulting and the challenges of working alone. Introduction to HireVue (00:14:16) The conversation shifts to their shared connection with HireVue, a notable tech company from Utah. Defining Revenue Reimagined (00:16:35) Dale outlines what Revenue Reimagined does and the types of companies they assist in stabilizing growth. Understanding Revenue Reimagined's Client Engagement (00:17:24) Discussion on the typical engagement length and the importance of an initial audit. The Importance of Audits (00:19:16) Insights on how audits help in understanding client needs and setting expectations. Revenue Reimagined's Journey (00:21:38) Overview of the company's first year, growth, and lessons learned from client engagements. The Go-To-Market Gap Introduction (00:25:33) Introduction of the concept of the go-to-market gap affecting many tech companies. Identifying Go-To-Market Issues (00:25:37) Discussion on signs of a go-to-market gap, starting with inconsistent deal closures. Forecasting Challenges (00:26:55) Exploration of issues with relying solely on top-down forecasting models. Impact of Unrealistic Forecasts (00:28:31) Consequences of unrealistic sales targets on team morale and performance. Ghosting by Prospects (00:29:45) What it means for sales teams when prospects stop responding. Customer Churn Issues (00:31:08) Discussion on the implications of losing customers faster than acquiring new ones. Root Cause Clarity (00:32:50) The importance of understanding root causes behind client pain points for effective messaging. Team Structure Concerns (00:34:10) The need for clarity on roles and performance within revenue-related positions. The Hiring Trap (00:34:37) Discussion on the common trap of believing hiring can solve all problems. Operational Hiring Challenges (00:34:55) Importance of hiring the right go-to-market experts versus operational or technical personnel. Understanding the Right Language (00:35:37) Founders may struggle with the specific language needed to hire effectively. Framework for Go-to-Market Strategies (00:36:58) Introduction of a ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • David Darmstandler - Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Datapath

    David Darmstandler - Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Datapath
    Nov 18 2024
    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli interviews David Darmstandler, co-CEO and co-founder of Datapath, a managed IT and security company. They discuss the challenges of scaling a technology business, particularly in the managed services sector. David shares insights from Datapath's journey since its inception in 2005, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership, team management, and financial literacy. Key topics include the value of mentorship, the role of advisory boards, and the necessity of tough conversations to foster a culture of openness and continuous learning. For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02) Julian Castelli welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's purpose and focus on tech leadership. Guest Introduction (00:01:17) Julian introduces David Darmstandler, co-CEO of Datapath, highlighting his entrepreneurial background and company's achievements. Overview of Datapath (00:02:21) David explains Datapath's services, focusing on managed IT and security for various sectors including healthcare. Customer Profile and Needs (00:02:41) Discussion on the typical customer profile and how Datapath supplements existing IT teams. Managing Complex IT Infrastructures (00:04:06) David describes the complexities of managing IT for large organizations and the importance of strategic support. Growth with Startups (00:05:20) David shares experiences working with startups and the excitement of supporting their growth. Consequences of IT Failures (00:05:52) David emphasizes the impact of IT failures on customer trust and brand reputation. Innovating with AI (00:06:40) Discussion on the role of AI in enhancing Datapath's services and future innovations. Early Days of Datapath (00:07:47) David recounts the humble beginnings of Datapath, starting with minimal resources in 2005. Scaling the Business (00:08:08) Julian questions how Datapath scaled from a small startup to a significant player in the industry. Challenges at the $5 Million Mark (00:10:38) David discusses the challenges faced when reaching $5 million in revenue and the need for strategic changes. Identifying Leadership Challenges (00:12:23) David reflects on realizing the team's readiness for growth and the need for strategic thinking. Scaling Strategy and Efficiency (00:13:14) David compares scaling to a race car, emphasizing the need for efficiency and shedding unnecessary weight. Recognizing Skill Gaps (00:14:06) Discussion on the common struggle of entrepreneurs lacking diverse skill sets necessary for scaling. The Role of Coaching (00:15:13) David explains how bringing in a coach helped identify micromanagement issues and improve team dynamics. The Importance of Seeking Help (00:16:46) Discussion on the challenges of seeking coaching and the founder's reluctance to ask for help. Catalysts for Change (00:17:26) David shares how hitting a plateau created pressure, leading to the decision to seek coaching. Mentorship and Coaching (00:18:22) The value of having mentors and being a mentor, emphasizing mutual growth and learning. Partner Alignment on Coaching (00:19:12) Exploring how David and his partner reached a consensus on hiring a coach. Accountability in Leadership (00:21:33) The significance of accountability for leaders and the benefits of involving coaches with team members. Advisory Boards for Guidance (00:22:41) The role of advisory boards in providing accountability and guidance for private companies. Building an Engine for Scale (00:23:12) Transitioning from a small to a scalable organization and the need for operational changes. Understanding Financial Metrics (00:24:01) The necessity for entrepreneurs to grasp financial metrics and their impact on business success. Investing in Financial Education (00:24:40) David discusses pursuing education in finance to better understand and manage business finances. Learning from Financial Statements (00:25:07) The importance of analyzing financial statements to improve business positioning and decision-making. Critical Metrics for Success (00:26:32) Identifying and aligning on critical business metrics to drive operational efficiency and growth. Addressing Team Composition (00:28:16) David reflects on the importance of having the right people in the right roles for organizational success. Having Tough Conversations (00:29:01) The need for leaders to engage in difficult conversations about team fit and performance. Relief from Honest Discussions (00:30:51) The positive outcomes of open communication, leading to clarity and alignment within the team. Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles: Creating a Safe Space for Conversations (00:32:24) Discusses the importance of open-ended ...
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Cotter Cunningham - CEO of ExpertVoice

    Cotter Cunningham - CEO of ExpertVoice
    Nov 3 2024
    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli converses with Cotter Cunningham, CEO of Expert Voice and former CEO of RetailMeNot. Cotter shares his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his experiences with RetailMeNot, a leading coupon and savings platform. They discuss the company’s origins, growth, and challenges, including scaling and going public. Cotter highlights the importance of affiliate marketing, user-generated content, and maintaining a clear customer base. He also reflects on leadership, company culture, and hiring practices. The episode offers valuable insights into building and scaling tech businesses in a competitive landscape. For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Timestamps: Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02) Julian Castelli introduces the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast and its focus on leadership in tech. Guest Introduction (00:01:12) Julian welcomes Cotter Cunningham, CEO of Expert Voice, and discusses his background with RetailMeNot. Cotter's Entrepreneurial Journey (00:02:48) Cotter shares his experiences and the original idea behind RetailMeNot, emphasizing its unique approach. The Evolution of RetailMeNot (00:03:22) Cotter discusses how he started RetailMeNot and the challenges faced in the early stages. Understanding the Ecosystem (00:05:27) Cotter explains how RetailMeNot operates within the coupon and affiliate marketing ecosystem. Affiliate Marketing Insights (00:08:10) Cotter describes the affiliate marketing model and its significance for retailers and consumers. User-Generated Content Strategy (00:09:49) Cotter highlights the importance of user-generated content in enhancing RetailMeNot's SEO and consumer engagement. International Expansion (00:11:13) Cotter discusses the company's growth and international expansion efforts in the UK and France. Scaling Challenges (00:14:12) Cotter reflects on the scaling challenges faced as RetailMeNot grew rapidly. Going Public Journey (00:15:52) Cotter shares insights about the journey to going public and the revenue milestones achieved. Unique IPO Experience (00:17:39) Cotter recounts the experience of ringing the NASDAQ bell in Austin, making it inclusive for all employees. Building a Positive Company Culture (19:08) Cotter discusses the importance of culture during rapid growth and how he implemented a unique hiring process. The Competitive Landscape in Austin (20:06) Cotter highlights the competitive job market in Austin and the need for a strong company culture to attract talent. The Bar Raiser Interview Process (21:05) Cotter explains the "bar raiser" technique borrowed from Amazon to ensure cultural fit during hiring. The Importance of Values (22:05) Cotter shares insights on corporate values and the significance of genuinely applying them in the workplace. Lessons from Over-Hiring (24:42) Cotter reflects on the challenges of over-hiring and the need for better metrics in staffing decisions. Evaluating Hiring Needs (25:31) He discusses the importance of critically assessing the necessity of each hire and exploring alternatives. Navigating Remote Work Challenges (31:01) Cotter talks about managing a fully remote team and the shift in focus from attendance to outcomes. The Growth of the Austin Tech Scene (34:00) Cotter shares his pride in Austin's tech ecosystem evolution and the increasing job opportunities in the area. Raising Capital Challenges (35:29) He addresses the difficulties entrepreneurs face in raising funds and the realities of venture capital. Broader Background Benefits (00:36:33) Cotter discusses how his finance background helped him excel in marketing and provided valuable analytical skills. Favorite Business Book (00:37:48) Cotter shares his admiration for "Shoe Dog," highlighting Phil Knight's incredible grit and determination in building Nike. Closing Remarks (00:38:22) Julian thanks Cotter for sharing his story and expresses eagerness to continue supporting entrepreneurs together. Podcast Outro (00:38:43) The host encourages listeners to follow and subscribe, and invites them to visit for more leadership resources.
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Dan Chapman - Former VP GTM at Full Story & BentoBox

    Dan Chapman - Former VP GTM at Full Story & BentoBox
    Oct 20 2024

    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli interviews Dan Chapman, a go-to-market advisor and fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) specializing in early-stage B2B SaaS companies. Dan shares his journey from a technical founder to a GTM leader, emphasizing the importance of the "selling to learn" phase. He discusses key concepts such as product-market fit, the transition from founder-led sales to initial sales teams, and the development of effective sales playbooks. The conversation provides valuable insights for tech founders on refining sales processes and achieving scalable growth.

    For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Timestamps:


    Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02)
    Julian Castelli welcomes listeners to the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, discussing its purpose and format.

    Guest Introduction (00:01:20)
    Julian introduces Dan Chapman, a go-to-market advisor specializing in early-stage B2B SaaS companies.

    Dan's Background and Journey (00:02:57)
    Dan shares his unique path from technical founder to go-to-market expert, highlighting lessons learned from mistakes.

    Military Experience's Impact (00:04:03)
    Dan discusses how his military background shaped his understanding of leadership and organizational dynamics.

    Transition to Consulting (00:05:03)
    After working at McKinsey and Google, Dan explains his decision to pursue advisory roles with startups.

    Google's Role in Startups (00:06:30)
    Dan describes his experience at Google, helping acquired startups leverage distribution advantages for growth.

    Selling to Learn vs. Selling to Scale (00:08:27)
    Dan distinguishes between the two stages, emphasizing the importance of refining messaging before scaling.

    Defining Product-Market Fit (00:09:37)
    Dan elaborates on product-market fit, highlighting the need for traction, consistency, and momentum in sales.

    Documenting the Learning Process (00:11:15)
    Dan stresses the importance of founders documenting their sales processes to optimize learning and strategy.

    Transitioning from Founder to Non-Founder Sales (00:13:05)
    Dan discusses the challenges founders face when transitioning sales responsibilities to new team members.

    Consistency in Sales (00:14:13)
    Dan emphasizes the need for consistency in customer engagement and product usage during the selling phase.

    Scaling Beyond the Founder (00:16:48)
    Dan outlines strategies for founders to effectively scale sales beyond their personal efforts.

    Sales Playbook Development (00:19:06)
    Discusses the importance of having a structured sales playbook for effective training and onboarding of new salespeople.

    Training New Salespeople (00:19:18)
    Highlights the challenges faced when new salespeople lack proper training and understanding of the sales cycle.

    Sales Process and Playbooks (00:20:23)
    Explains the different types of sales processes and the necessity for tailored playbooks for transactional and enterprise sales.

    Hiring a Sales Leader (00:22:29)
    Details the ideal timing for hiring a sales leader based on company traction and the readiness of the sales team.

    Resources for Sales Skills (00:25:25)
    Recommends valuable books and resources for improving sales skills and understanding sales strategies.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Rob Seolas - Co Founder and CEO of ObservePoint

    Rob Seolas - Co Founder and CEO of ObservePoint
    Oct 7 2024
    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli interviews Rob Silas, co-founder and CEO of ObservePoint. Rob details his journey in establishing ObservePoint, a Tech Company focused on data privacy and governance in marketing technology. He discusses the initial challenges of finding product-market fit, securing enterprise customers, and the funding journey. Rob also highlights the importance of building a strong company culture and shares lessons learned, such as the value of mentorship and maintaining mental and physical health. The episode offers valuable insights for tech leaders and entrepreneurs navigating their own growth journeys. For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Timestamps: Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02) Julian introduces the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast and its purpose of sharing insights from tech leaders. Introduction of Rob Seolas (00:01:20) Julian welcomes Rob Seolas, highlighting his achievements and role as co-founder and CEO of ObservePoint. Background on ObservePoint (00:02:31) Rob shares the inception of ObservePoint and its focus on data privacy and governance in marketing technology. Catalyst for Starting ObservePoint (00:03:28) Rob discusses the initial market pain points that drove the creation of ObservePoint, focusing on martech governance. Challenges in Martech Implementation (00:04:34) Rob explains the complexities faced by marketers managing various martech technologies on their websites. Finding Product-Market Fit (00:05:53) Rob recounts the journey to discover product-market fit, highlighting their first major customer, Turner. Bootstrapping and Early Challenges (00:07:37) Rob reflects on the challenges of bootstrapping and the difficulties faced with a lightweight product for heavyweight clients. Raising Capital (00:10:09) Rob discusses the decision to seek capital due to competition and the need for resources to grow. Series A Funding Experience (00:11:10) Rob shares insights from their successful Series A funding round and their growth trajectory post-funding. Preparing for Series B (00:12:16) Rob outlines the milestones that indicated readiness for a Series B funding round, including customer growth. Technology Challenges and Growth (00:13:22) Rob describes the technical challenges faced while scaling ObservePoint and the impact on customer retention. Advice for Overcoming Challenges (00:14:55) Rob offers advice on managing technology development and scaling effectively in a competitive market. Proud Achievements and Company Culture (00:17:20) Rob highlights significant accomplishments, including awards and the strong corporate culture at ObservePoint. Company Culture and Connections (00:18:18) Rob reflects on the enjoyable work experience and strong connections formed at ObservePoint. Transition to Auto (00:19:05) Julian prompts Rob to share his experience with a new business called Auto post-COVID. Rebranding Auto (00:19:17) Rob discusses rebranding the company from "First Secure Administrators" to "Auto" for better market alignment. Challenges in the Automobile Industry (00:20:29) Rob explains the instability in the auto market and the need for a tech-focused approach. Spinning Off Metrics AI (00:21:10) Rob shares the decision to create Metrics AI by extracting the tech side from Auto. Lessons from Experience (00:22:14) Rob reflects on the importance of finding coaches and expertise for business growth. The Importance of Coaching (00:23:19) Rob emphasizes the value of performance coaching for CEOs, comparing it to Olympic athletes. Finding the Right Coaches (00:24:26) Rob discusses the challenge of finding effective coaches and the perception of CEOs needing help. Transitioning to Coaching (00:25:07) Rob shares his experience with Petra, a coaching group focused on helping businesses scale. Scaling Executive Teams (00:26:25) Rob highlights the importance of executive teams evolving as businesses grow. Mental and Physical Health (00:28:40) Rob talks about the significance of longevity science and its impact on future leadership. Recommendations for Longevity (00:30:15) Rob suggests resources like Brian Johnson and David Sinclair for practical longevity advice. Key Aspects of Health (00:32:09) Rob outlines efficient exercise and diet strategies for maintaining health and longevity. Mental Health Awareness (00:33:10) Rob emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health in overall well-being. Contacting Rob Seolas (00:33:53) Rob shares how listeners can connect with him via LinkedIn or email.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Trail Marker: How to Hire Slow and Hire Well

    Trail Marker: How to Hire Slow and Hire Well
    Sep 8 2024

    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli unpacks the 2nd half of the old adage Fire Fast/Hire Slow and digs into the details of how to hire well by hiring slow. He emphasizes the importance of a structured and data-driven hiring process, advocating for standardized job descriptions, candidate scorecards, and a consistent interview process. Key points include the philosophy of "hiring slow and hiring well," the benefits of data-driven decisions, and the efficiency gained from a structured approach. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders to refine their hiring practices to ensure better outcomes and stronger teams.

    For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Timestamps:

    Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02)
    Julian Castelli welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of effective hiring in tech companies.

    The Importance of Hiring Slowly (00:00:27)
    Discussion on the balance between hiring slowly and ensuring quality hires without unnecessary delays.

    Structured Hiring Processes (00:01:13)
    Emphasis on using structured and data-driven approaches to improve hiring quality.

    Challenges in Hiring (00:02:22)
    Exploration of the difficulties and anxieties associated with the hiring process.

    Refining the Hiring Process (00:05:22)
    Suggestions for creating a structured hiring process to improve outcomes.

    Standard Job Descriptions (00:06:25)
    Importance of having standardized job descriptions across teams for clarity and consistency.

    Defining Roles and Responsibilities (00:07:19)
    Focus on specifying clear outcomes and responsibilities in job descriptions.

    Professional Qualifications and Characteristics (00:08:17)
    Advice on limiting qualifications and personal characteristics to ensure focused evaluations.

    Screening Interview Process (00:10:23)
    Recommendation for a preliminary screening to filter candidates before executive interviews.

    Standardized Scorecards (00:10:30)
    Introduction of a standardized scorecard for consistent evaluation of candidates.

    Interview Structure and Evidence Gathering (00:11:30)
    Outline of how to conduct interviews using scorecards to gather compelling evidence.

    Scoring Candidates (00:14:18)
    Explanation of how to score candidates based on their interview performance and characteristics.

    Data-Driven Decision Making (00:16:08)
    Highlighting the benefits of using data from scorecards to make informed hiring decisions.

    Collaborative Review of Scores (00:17:07)
    Encouragement for team discussions to refine candidate evaluations based on scorecard data.

    Data-Driven Hiring Process (00:18:06)
    Discussion on using data to identify top candidates through structured interviews and scorecards.

    Structured Approach Benefits (00:18:55)
    Explains how a disciplined, structured hiring process can lead to better outcomes without taking much extra time.

    Confidence in Hiring (00:19:59)
    Emphasizes the importance of structured job descriptions and processes in enabling confident hiring decisions.

    Closing Remarks and Resources (00:20:28)
    Encourages listeners to subscribe, recommend the podcast, and explore additional resources on leadership.
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
  • Patrick Brandt - Former President & Co-Founder of Shiftsmart

    Patrick Brandt - Former President & Co-Founder of Shiftsmart
    Aug 26 2024
    In this episode of the Growth Elevated Leadership Podcast, host Julian Castelli interviews Patrick Brandt, a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader. Patrick shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges and successes he encountered while founding and leading various companies, including Shiftsmart. He discusses the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic on his ventures, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. Patrick also highlights the significance of balancing supply and demand in a marketplace, the role of partnerships, and the necessity of understanding the labor pool to ensure business success. For more resources on how to be a a better leader in business, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GrowthElevated.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Timestamps: Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:02)Julian Castelli welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's focus on leadership challenges in tech companies. Guest Introduction (00:00:30)Julian introduces Patrick Brandt, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced traveling to the podcast. Patrick's Early Entrepreneurial Spirit (00:01:32)Patrick shares his background, mentioning his early ventures in entrepreneurship, including a lawn mowing business at age 11. The Seminal Moment (00:02:18)Patrick recounts a pivotal moment when his father's company was taken over, igniting his resolve to never work for anyone else. First Company Launch (00:03:17)He discusses starting his first company in 1996 and the challenges faced during the dot-com crash. Investment and Growth (00:04:19)Patrick talks about securing investment and the challenges of selling software during the early 2000s. Acquisition Experience (00:06:15)He describes acquiring a public company and navigating the challenges of leading a much larger organization. 2008 Financial Crisis Impact (00:08:13)Patrick reflects on the challenges faced during the 2008 financial crisis, despite having a successful business at the time. Transition to New Ventures (00:11:09)After selling his company, Patrick discusses his recruitment to run an on-premise company and subsequent successes. Introduction to Shift Smart (00:12:23)Patrick introduces Shift Smart, a company focused on flexible labor solutions in the gig economy. Shift Smart's Mission (00:13:14)He explains the company's mission to help workers stack shifts across multiple jobs to increase flexibility. Raising Funds and Initial Growth (00:14:21)Patrick discusses raising funds in late 2019 and the company's growth trajectory before the pandemic. COVID-19 Impact (00:15:46)He describes the immediate impact of COVID-19 on Shift Smart's business operations and workforce. Innovative Response to Food Insecurity (00:16:59)Patrick shares how they pivoted to help food banks by employing laid-off workers during the pandemic. Launch of Nonprofit Initiative (00:18:06)He details the creation of a nonprofit to employ out-of-work hospitality workers in food banks. Community Support and Media Attention (00:19:07)The initiative gained media coverage, showcasing a creative solution to COVID-related challenges in the community. Shift Smart's Rapid Growth (00:20:10)Patrick shares the rapid expansion of Shift Smart into 12 cities, raising $16 million and serving 60 million meals. The Call Center Challenge (00:21:05)Patrick discusses a last-minute request from the SBA to set up a call center in just 72 hours. Partnership and Problem-Solving (00:22:15)Despite initial setbacks, Patrick and his partner strategize to meet the SBA's urgent call center needs. Recruiting and Implementing (00:24:09)They face the challenge of recruiting 3,600 people and implementing necessary software in a tight timeframe. Unexpected Outcomes (00:25:08)Despite being prepared, no calls came in, but the program became significant for the SBA and their business. Navigating Zero Revenue (00:27:14)Patrick recounts the drastic drop to zero revenue and their decision not to lay off any employees during the crisis. Adapting to Market Changes (00:29:18)The pandemic shifted their business model from hospitality to on-demand labor, changing their workforce dynamics. Rapid Worker Growth (00:30:12)Shift Smart experienced unprecedented growth, reaching nearly 4 million workers on the platform in a short period. Investment and Leadership Transition (00:31:33)In late 2021, they secured $100 million in funding, leading Patrick to step back from daily operations. Nonprofit Efficiency (00:32:14)Patrick praises Akash for revolutionizing nonprofit operations, improving efficiency and throughput during their initiatives. Lessons on Partnerships (00:35:53)Patrick emphasizes the importance of choosing partners with aligned values and experiences for navigating challenges. Marketplace Challenges (00:39:00)Discussion on the cold start problem in marketplace businesses and strategies to ...
    Show more Show less
    46 mins