Bulletproof Business Podcast

Employee engagement has hit a decade-low, with less than a third of employees feeling truly engaged at work. This crisis is driven by factors like rapid organizational changes, remote/hybrid work challenges, and a lack of clear priorities, consistent feedback, and accountability from leadership. In this episode, we'll cover 5 essential practices you can implement right now to revive engagement and position your business for long-term success. Key Takeaways: Define Your Culture and Vision - Clearly communicate your company's core values, purpose, and strategic direction so employees feel connected to the bigger picture.Hire (and Develop) Engagement-Driven Managers - Invest in finding and training managers who have a natural talent for people leadership and motivating teams.Foster Stronger Employee-Company Connections - Provide regular feedback, set achievable goals, and create growth opportunities so employees feel valued.Embrace Transparency and Accountability - Build trust by being transparent about priorities, expectations, and performance metrics.Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Well-Being - Offer flexibility, encourage time off, and promote physical/mental health to show you care about your people. Check out our brand-new free training for bite-sized, easy to implement action steps to revive inspired performance in your team: https://bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingblueprint

Are you tired of feeling trapped in the endless cycle of firefighting and micromanagement in your business? In this episode, we dive deep into the single biggest factor holding your company back from explosive, sustainable growth - and it all comes down to empowering your team to think and act like entrepreneurs. We explore the proven strategies for cultivating a high-performance, owner-driven culture that unlocks your organization's true potential. Discover the mindset shifts, process overhauls, and leadership breakthroughs that have helped our clients generate over $1 billion in profits. Whether you're struggling with high turnover, disengagement, or just the constant feeling of being overwhelmed, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you break free and transform your business. Key Takeaways: The #1 complaint I hear from frustrated employees: "I want to take ownership of my work"Why the biggest constraint on your company's growth isn't your competition, but your own leadership approachHow to empower your team to think and act like entrepreneurs (hint: it's not about working harder)5 proven strategies to cut bureaucracy, celebrate innovation, and give your people the freedom to thriveWhy you can't afford to ignore the employee retention crisis - and the tangible costs of high turnoverThe mindset shift that unlocks explosive, sustainable growth for your business      For more details and a free case study, go to https://bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingblueprint

As a small business owner, you're probably all too familiar with the dreaded "Gen Z" workforce. The entitled, distracted, always-online youngsters who seem to have a completely different set of priorities and expectations than the generations that came before them. It's enough to make even the most seasoned entrepreneur want to pull their hair out in frustration. But what if I told you that the secret to unlocking your small business's full potential lies right in front of you - in the form of that very same Gen Z talent pool? Because believe it or not, these so-called "weaknesses" of the younger generation are actually superpowers in disguise. Superpowers that, when harnessed correctly, can drive innovation, boost your bottom line, and future-proof your company for years to come. On this episode of the Small Business Growth Podcast, we're going to reframe the narrative around Gen Z. Instead of complaining about what they lack, we'll dive into the unique strengths they bring to the table - and more importantly, explore actionable strategies for leveraging those strengths to supercharge your growth. Key Takeaways: Redefining the Gen Z "Weaknesses:" Unpack the common stereotypes about Gen Z workers - the job-hoppers with short attention spans Reveal how those "weaknesses" can actually be superpowers in disguise Highlight the digital fluency, hunger for growth, and feedback-driven nature of Gen Z. Unlocking Gen Z's Full Potential: Invest in comprehensive onboarding and training programs to instill your vision and values. Build dynamic, collaborative work environments that empower Gen Z to contribute ideas. Provide regular, structured feedback to keep them motivated and performing at their best. The Gen Z Transformation: Gen Z possesses an incredible array of superpowers that can revolutionize small businesses. The choice is yours - keep complaining or start tapping into their full potential...  Need help? We got a killer new training out that will help you do EVERYTHING we just talked about. Don't miss this: https://bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingblueprint

Guest: Pete Mohr, certified exit planner and Kolbe coach Key Topics Covered: The importance of having a clear external-facing "promise" for your businessUsing the Kolbe assessment to understand how your team naturally makes decisions and takes actionLeveraging Kolbe insights to improve communication, alignment, and role fit within your teamThe value of starting exit planning early, even 3-5 years before a potential business exit Ways to Connect with Pete: Main website: Pete-Mohr.comTake the Value Builder assessment: Pete-Mohr.comConnect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr

Small business owners, it's time to decide that enough is enough. This year, in 2025, commit to breaking the cycle, empowering your team, and unlocking the growth and freedom you deserve. Take the first step by watching this video to identify where you're the bottleneck in your business. Visit http://www.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingblueprint to get started. We are all too familiar with the never-ending hamster wheel of firefighting, constant crises, and a feeling of being trapped in the daily grind. However, the root cause holding them back isn't the workload itself, but their inability to let go, empower their team, and focus on high-level strategy. This podcast episode provides a clear roadmap for small business owners to break free from the cycle, build a high-performing team, and unlock the growth, profitability, and freedom they crave. Key Takeaways: Diagnose the real problem: The "lack of time" excuse is just a symptom, not the disease. The true issue is an over-reliance on doing everything yourself, which robs you of the ability to work on your business, not just in it.Embrace the mindset shift: letting go of control and empowering your team may feel uncomfortable, but it's the only way to break free from the firefighting frenzy and become the visionary leader your business needs.Actionable steps: a. Conduct an honest assessment to identify bottlenecks and tasks you need to delegate b. Develop a comprehensive training and development plan to upskill your team c. Carve out dedicated, protected time to work on the business (not just in it) Check out our brand-new training for bite-sized, easy to implement actions that drive big results:  http://www.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingblueprint

Guest: Michael Forman, author of "Networking Unleashed" and networking expert Key Topics Covered: The importance of quality over quantity when it comes to networking - being selective about the conversations you haveTips for introverts on how to approach networking events, including bringing a "wingman" to help facilitate conversationsThe step-by-step process for effective networking follow-upUse a CRM and drip marketing to stay top-of-mind with your networking connections long-term Key Takeaways: Quality connections are more valuable than collecting a pile of business cardsIntroverts can overcome networking challenges with preparation Following up effectively after an event is crucial to converting new connections into business opportunities Ways to Connect with Michael: Website: MichaelAForman.comDownload the "Networking Unleashed" PDF: MichaelAForman.comConnect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelforman

As small business owners, we're often trapped in the day-to-day, unable to focus on strategic growth. The consistent roadblock to scaling and sustainable success isn't lack of skill or vision; it's lack of time. In this episode, you'll learn how to implement the Time Thief Tracker – a simple yet powerful system to identify and address your time-wasting activities, so you can reclaim your time and accelerate your business growth. Key Takeaways: Track your time in 30-minute increments for one week to uncover your top "time thieves" – activities that consume large chunks of your time without contributing to strategic growth.Evaluate each time thief through the lens of delegation and value – can this task be delegated, and is it the best use of your time as the business owner?Create an action plan to offload delegatable tasks, empowering your team and freeing up your time for high-impact, strategic initiatives.Committing to the Time Thief Tracker is non-negotiable for sustainable growth – it's the key to unlocking the freedom and focus you need to reach your 2025 goals. Need more help?  Don’t miss our workshop.  Register here! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcu6uqjwpG9NNrpepJ_hhpWiBDHZ7-fXg

Performance improvement plans (PIPs) often get a bad rap, but I'm here to tell you that when done right, they can be a total game-changer for hitting your 2025 growth goals. Traditional performance reviews simply aren't cutting it anymore. They lack the structure and accountability needed to drive real improvements in employee performance. But a well-designed PIP? That's a different story. Imagine having clear, measurable goals that are directly tied to your 2025 strategic objectives. Regular check-ins between your team members and their supervisors. Defined timelines so everyone knows exactly what's expected and by when. That's the kind of system that sets your employees up for success. And here's the best part - PIPs don't just benefit the underperformers on your team. When implemented effectively, they can uplift your entire organization. You'll have a group of empowered, accountable individuals who are laser-focused on helping you achieve your growth goals. Say goodbye to vague performance reviews that don't translate into real results. Instead, you'll see greater efficiency, fewer missed deadlines, and higher quality work across the board. It's the secret weapon you need to break through that plateau and unlock your full potential in 2025. So are you ready to make PIPs work for your small business?  For more details, check out the framework here:  https://training.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/v/vsl-2

If you're a business owner or leader who's tired of constantly fighting fires and struggling to drive sustainable growth, this podcast episode is a must-listen. Simone Janssen reveals the powerful methodology they've used to help countless organizations break free from chaos and unlock new levels of operational efficiency and profitability. And it all comes down to the dynamic duo of Six Sigma and Lean. You'll discover: • The 5 essential steps of the Six Sigma DMAIC framework and how to apply them to identify and address the root causes of inefficiencies in your business. • How integrating Lean principles can amplify the impact of your Six Sigma efforts by empowering your frontline team, eliminating waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. • A real-life case study of a manufacturing client who used this approach to increase output by 28%, reduce cycle time by 35%, and drive $900,000 in extra profit in just 6 months. Simone makes it clear: Becoming a "lean profit machine" isn't a one-time fix - it's an ongoing journey. But with the right framework and mindset, you can transform your organization into an agile, efficient, and profitable juggernaut. Ready to get started? Time to book a call and get personalized guidance on how to implement these strategies in your business. Don't miss your opportunity to take your company to new heights - listen to the episode now and claim your spot before it's gone. For more info and to book:  https://training.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/v/leap

In this episode, Simone and Joshua Monge, a fractional COO specializing in business optimization, discussed the critical steps business owners should take to prepare for a successful exit.  They highlighted the importance of proper structuring, documentation, and maintaining a scalable business identity separate from the owner. The conversation covered topics such as the value of EBITDA, the role of certified professionals in business valuation, and strategies for addressing operational bottlenecks.  The hosts emphasized the need to start the exit planning process early, get one's financial house in order, and document key processes to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the business's value. Next Steps for Business Owners: Clean up financial books and ensure accurate records for at least 3-5 years.Document key processes and systems to reduce dependence on any single individual.Identify and address operational bottlenecks that could lower business valuation. To access Joshua’s process mapping structure, go here:  https://thinkadaptbuild.com/process-mapping-visualize-your-processes/

Are you a founder or CEO looking to take your organization to the next level? The key might just be in your second-in-command. In this essential new episode, we dive deep into the power of the #2 role and how to navigate the opportunities and pitfalls of this critical hire. Join us as we explore: -The critical functions and responsibilities of a strong #2 leader -Common mistakes to avoid when bringing on a second-in-command -Proven strategies for a successful search, onboarding, and integration process -Real-life case studies and lessons learned from organizations who have been there before Whether you're a newer business or an established organization, the decisions you make around your leadership team can make or break your future success. Don't miss this chance to learn how set your #2 up for success--which means helping you truly step into the role of a business leader. Watch all the replays for the workshop here: https://program.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/workshop-replays If you want our help to integrate this into your business, book a call with us: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/45min-session-with-simone-as

In this episode we are diving deep into the power of crafting an inspiring, hope-filled vision for your organization in 2025 and beyond. Too often, leaders get caught up in day-to-day firefighting without a clear roadmap for long-term growth. But the most resilient, transformative businesses are the ones that can step back, envision a brighter future, and then relentlessly work to bring that vision to life. We'll show you how to blend the power of hope-driven visioning with the discipline of strategic planning. You'll discover: *How to ground your vision in strategic hope, not just blind optimism *The keys to painting a vivid, emotionally compelling portrait of the future *Concrete steps for translating your vision into a detailed, resilient action plan And much more! Don't miss this essential episode for leaders who want to future-proof their businesses and leave a lasting impact. For more details make sure you join us for our free workshop next week. Register here: https://workshop.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/workshop2

This episode stresses the importance of designing your core mission and offering for scale upfront. Too often, entrepreneurs lose focus chasing shiny opportunities that dilute their message over time, killing growth potential.   To scale efficiently, focus on four levers:  1) Do you love the daily work? Passion fuels excellence.  2) Are you unequivocally the best at solving your problem? Competition heats up with scale.  3) Prove scalable demand exists via market research. Limited markets create low ceilings.  4) Ensure margins self-fund rapid growth - external funds only temporarily replace internal leverage.   We talk about common scaling obstacles like quality control, outdated systems, limited leadership, and cash flow pressures. Scaling requires ongoing audits, scaling-ready plans, expanding teams, and careful financial modeling to anticipate barriers.   In the end, disciplined focus on excelling within the four scaling parameters and continuously improving operations is key to converting momentum into exponential, sustainable growth long-term. Success demands designing your mission and operations with scaling as the end goal from day one.   Check out our free training for more details: https://training.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/v/leap

In this episode, learn best practices for delivering feedback that encourages growth rather than crushing motivation. Discover why establishing a two-way dialogue through active listening is key to gaining understanding and buy-in.    Hear how keeping feedback specific with illustrative examples provides clarity on where to improve. Find out why balancing positives with constructive criticism in a factual, not emotional manner boosts receptiveness.    Gain insights on how couching criticism as an opportunity and focusing on behavior over character assumptions fosters learning. Explore the importance of seeking feedback on your feedback to ensure understanding on both sides.    Leave equipped to strengthen your abilities in this impactful people leadership function through empathy, specifics and care in your approach.

Why Micromanaging is Highly Underrated Many founders pride themselves on empowering teams by staying out of the weeds. But does letting go of responsibilities too quickly undermine your ability to guide a growing company?  In this episode, we'll explore how transitioning from owner to CEO demands adapting your leadership style to meet new challenges. You'll learn the difference between autocratic micromanaging and active involvement that fosters innovation.  Discover why true collaboration at the detail level, not absence, builds motivated teams capable of executing your larger vision during times of rapid change.  Gain insights for charting an evolution in your leadership approach to successfully lead through periods of scaling. To learn more, check out our new training at https://training.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/v/leap

Gen Z is one of the biggest labor and talent pools available to business owners right now and… to be the company they want to work for, many business owners need to update their leadership practices and culture.   Tune in to learn practical steps for cultivating a servant culture where people feel valued, engaged and able to contribute their best work. Discover how demonstrating authenticity, prioritizing personal growth, sharing power and more can transform your organization into high-performing teams that produce outstanding results.

Push your business to the next level through focused leadership development.   As entrepreneurs, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and operational duties and lose sight of the bigger strategic picture. But to truly scale, we must replace ourselves in our current roles and start thinking - and working - at a higher level.   In this episode, I share the five key steps I teach in my Profit Push Workshops to help leaders break through plateaus.    The goal is to transition from an operator mindset to a CEO one - growing delegated self-leading teams and optimized processes so you have the freedom and bandwidth for high-level vision, culture-setting and risk-taking.   I also delve into important mindset shifts for success and common roadblocks, like fear of the unknown or over-protecting responsibilities. Evaluating where you spend your time and continuously grooming leadership skills are discussed.   The workshop replays are gold if you couldn’t be there in person—let us know if you missed it and we can hook you up!

Here is an interesting hack: even if you team is not remote, building an intentional, remote culture is your key to excellence and freedom…   We’ll talk about the secrets to building a self-sufficient team through clarity, accountability and connection from anywhere.    Part of this is auditing your current cultural processes, communicating expectations remotely, and hiring passion-fits aligned with your values.    Discover tactics leaders use to strengthen culture continuously even when not in the same location. Tune in for your blueprint to maximizing remote performance through exceptional systems.   Want to dive in at get this done? Join us at our new workshop staring 9/30 at 5p ET.  Register here: https://workshop.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/workshop2

Tune in to learn how leaders can cultivate a self-managing, passion-driven team through the power of culture.    Discover how implementing the right systems for clear goals, feedback and connection can unleash autonomy and accountability from anywhere.    You'll also gain insights on hiring for fit with your mission from the start and incentivizing the behaviors that scale excellence throughout the organization.    This podcast is your playbook for leading a remote team that runs like a well-oiled machine.   Join us for our next workshop: Turn your team into problem solvers: 5 Frameworks, Sept 30th - Oct 7.    Register here:  https://workshop.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/workshop2

Learn the mindset skills champions use to handle problems objectively, stay solution-focused, and refuse to let emotional hijacks sabotage their performance.    And—this in not just on you, get your entire team to focus in this manner.   Discover tactics like addressing issues efficiently, keeping perspective with your "why", and optimizing your state through pattern interrupts.   Tune in to reclaim control of your emotional experience and out-think obstacles standing between you and your goals.