ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

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  [ScaleX Bite-Size] - How Gratitude Rewires Your Mind with Simon Ong 31.07.2026 2min

  Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to improve your mental energy and emotional wellbeing. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Simon Alexander Ong shares a simple 3-step gratitude exercise that can instantly boost your mindset, strengthen your relationships, and help you feel more connected. Rather than keeping gratitude to yourself, Simon explains why expressing it, especially through your voice, creates a powerful emotional impact for both you and the person receiving it. Timestamps: 00:00 A simple way to boost your energy 00:18 Step 1: Choose one person you're grateful for 00:44 Step 2: Write down exactly why 01:10 Step 3: Call them or send a voice note 01:45 Why your voice matters more than a text 02:05 How gratitude boosts mental and emotional energy In this clip, you'll learn: Simon's simple 3-step gratitude exercise How gratitude boosts both mental and emotional energy Why voice messages create a deeper human connection than text The science behind expressing appreciation with intention A practical habit every leader can start today If you're looking for a simple daily practice to improve your mindset, relationships, and leadership, this is one you'll want to try today. Watch the full episode with Simon Alexander Ong for more practical insights on energy, leadership, and personal growth. Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size] - Imposter Syndrome: Why It Means You're Growing with Simon Ong 31.07.2026 3min

  Imposter syndrome isn't always a sign you're not ready—it can be proof that you're growing. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Simon Alexander Ong shares why leaving a secure career in finance for coaching taught him that when everything is uncertain, anything is possible. He explains why stepping outside your comfort zone naturally creates imposter syndrome, how uncertainty opens the door to opportunity, and why real-world feedback matters far more than the stories your mind tells you.   Timestamps: 00:00 Why Simon left a secure career in finance 00:37 "When everything is uncertain, anything is possible" 01:19 Why predictability drains your energy 02:00 Is imposter syndrome actually a good sign? 02:45 The Alain de Botton quote on growth 03:15 Let real-world feedback silence self-doubt   You'll discover: Why uncertainty can become your biggest advantage How to reframe imposter syndrome as a sign of growth The mindset shift that helped Simon leave a successful finance career Why your brain is often your toughest critic How to build confidence through action instead of waiting to feel ready If you've ever questioned whether you're capable of taking the next step in your career or business, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on growth, confidence, and leadership. Watch the full conversation with Simon Alexander Ong for more insights on leadership, energy, and personal growth. Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/
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  [REPLAY - from the archive] Energy Management for Leaders: The Secret to Sustainable Success with Simon Ong 29.07.2026 1h 7min

  Energy management for leaders is one of the most overlooked drivers of business success. In this episode of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Brendan McGurgan sits down with Simon Alexander Ong, bestselling author of Energize, to explore how energy management, leadership energy, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership help entrepreneurs and SME leaders perform at their highest level without burning out. If you're leading a growing business, scaling an SME, or building a high-performing team, you'll discover why energy management matters more than time management, how to build sustainable leadership habits, and why purpose is the foundation of long-term business growth. Simon shares the mindset shifts that transformed his own career—from investment banking during the financial crisis to becoming one of the world's leading voices on energy management and personal development. In this conversation you'll discover: Why energy management beats time management every time The four pillars of sustainable leadership energy How purpose creates lasting motivation and resilience Why successful SME leaders protect their energy first The connection between physical health, mindset and business performance How to overcome overwhelm by focusing on what you can control The surprising relationship between uncertainty and opportunity Why creativity thrives through constraints Daily habits that improve focus, leadership and decision making The minimum viable action framework for consistent progress How future-self thinking transforms leadership decisions Why relationships and emotional intelligence are essential for business growth Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, CEO or ambitious SME leader, this episode will help you rethink how energy management, personal leadership, resilience and purpose influence every area of business and life. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:05 What scaling with purpose really means 08:58 Leaving finance to follow purpose 17:15 Uncertainty, imposter syndrome & growth 28:12 Energy management vs time management 38:30 Finding purpose through reflection 46:48 Practical ways to increase mental energy 58:10 Creativity, constraints & innovation Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business leader. We'd also love to hear your biggest takeaway, so leave a comment below.
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]- What Is Stress? The Truth Every Leader Needs to Know with Dr. Lauren Hodges 24.07.2026 2min

  What is stress? Most people think stress is something to avoid, but according to human performance expert Dr. Lauren Hodges, that's one of the biggest misconceptions. In this clip, Lauren explains what stress is, why stress isn't inherently good or bad, and how stress management begins by changing the way we think about pressure. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional, understanding what stress is can help you make better decisions, improve resilience, and avoid chronic stress before it affects your performance. Key Takeaways ✅ Stress is a natural response. It's a biological, psychological, and physiological reaction to real or perceived threats. ✅ Stress isn't the enemy. Healthy stress helps us grow, adapt, and perform at our best. ✅ Chronic stress develops when recovery is missing. Stress becomes harmful when it builds up, feels uncontrollable, and goes unmanaged. ✅ Mindset matters. Many of the pressures we experience are perceived threats that can often be reframed. ✅ Design your life intentionally. Better systems, boundaries, and recovery habits can reduce unnecessary stress before it starts.   Connect with Dr. Lauren Hodges 📘 Less Stress, More Calm: Discover Your Unique Stress Personality and Make It Your Superpower 🌐 https://performanceonpurpose.com 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenhodges/   Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/   If you enjoyed this clip, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business leader. We'd also love to hear your biggest takeaway, so leave a comment below.
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]- Signs of Chronic Stress Every Leader Should Never Ignore with Dr.Lauren Hodges 24.07.2026 5min

  Signs of chronic stress can be easy to miss, especially for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers who believe they're managing everything well. In this clip, Dr.Lauren Hodges shares the personal story that changed her perspective on resilience after a visit to a cardiologist revealed she was ignoring the warning signs of chronic stress. Lauren explains why checking all the "healthy habits" boxes doesn't always mean you're truly resilient, how chronic stress can show up physically and emotionally, and why regular self-reflection is one of the most powerful leadership habits you can build. If you're leading a business, managing a team, or constantly balancing competing priorities, this conversation will help you recognise the signs of chronic stress before they begin affecting your health, relationships, and performance.   Key Takeaways ✅ Chronic stress often hides in plain sight. Even high performers can overlook the warning signs. ✅ Your body keeps score. Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, poor sleep, and fatigue can be signals that stress is becoming chronic. ✅ Recovery requires intention. Building daily recovery into your schedule is just as important as productivity. ✅ Check in regularly. Monitor your sleep, relationships, energy, and ability to be fully present—not just your workload. ✅ Feedback is valuable data. Ask trusted family members, friends, or colleagues how you're really showing up under pressure.   Connect with Dr.Lauren Hodges 📘 Less Stress, More Calm: Discover Your Unique Stress Personality and Make It Your Superpower 🌐 https://performanceonpurpose.com 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenhodges/   Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/   If you enjoyed this clip, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business leader. We'd also love to hear your biggest takeaway, so leave a comment below.
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  [REPLAY - from the archive] Stress Management Masterclass for SME Leaders with Dr.Lauren Hodges 22.07.2026 1h 6min

  Stress management is one of the most important leadership skills for business owners, entrepreneurs, and SME leaders. In this episode, stress management, resilience, recovery, leadership performance, and stress resilience take centre stage as Brendan McGurgan is joined by human performance expert Dr. Lauren Hodges, author of Less Stress, More Calm. If you're leading a growing business, scaling a team, or feeling the pressure of constant decision-making, this conversation explores how stress management can become a competitive advantage instead of something that holds you back. Discover why stress isn't the enemy, why recovery is essential for growth, and how understanding your unique stress personality can transform your leadership. Lauren shares the science behind stress resilience, explains the eight stress personalities, and reveals practical ways leaders can build stronger habits, improve decision-making, and create sustainable business growth. Whether you're an SME founder, entrepreneur, executive, or business owner, these insights will help you lead yourself before leading others. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 03:55 Why stress isn't the enemy 08:40 The growth formula: Stress + Recovery = Growth 15:45 The eight stress personalities explained 28:10 Why leaders make poor decisions under stress 35:30 Building resilience through recovery 43:15 How your calendar shapes your wellbeing 50:05 Managing negative self-talk as a leader 57:40 Creating high-performing teams through awareness 1:04:20 Three timeless leadership takeaways If you're an SME leader, entrepreneur or business owner looking to improve stress management, build resilience, strengthen emotional intelligence, and create sustainable business growth, this episode offers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Connect with Dr. Lauren Hodges 📘 Less Stress, More Calm: Discover Your Unique Stress Personality and Make It Your Superpower 🌐 https://performanceonpurpose.com 💼https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenhodges   Connect with Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business leader. We'd also love to hear your biggest takeaway, so leave a comment below.
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size] - Mental Resilience: Wim Hof's Secret to Peak Performance 17.07.2026 4min

  Mental resilience is one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Brendan McGurgan asks Wim Hof about the mental strategies he relies on before taking on extraordinary challenges and what leaders can learn from them. Rather than focusing on motivation alone, Wim explains why mental resilience begins with trust, intention and learning to consciously influence your mind and body. Drawing on neuroscience, he shares why developing greater control over your responses can help you stay calm, focused and purposeful under pressure. For SME leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners, this conversation explores how mental resilience can improve decision-making, strengthen emotional control and help you perform at your best when the stakes are highest.   In this clip: Why mental resilience starts with trusting yourself The role of intention in peak performance What neuroscience says about controlling your responses How leaders can develop greater emotional control Why purpose and mindset are connected Building confidence through daily practice   Timestamps 00:00 The mental strategy behind extraordinary performance 00:35 Why trust is the foundation of mental resilience 01:25 The neuroscience of intention and control 02:20 Developing greater emotional resilience 03:30 How leaders can unlock their potential   Connect with Brendan McGurgan & Simple Scaling 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate (under £2M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £2M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme 🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com 📧 Email: hello@simplescaling.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling   If you enjoyed this clip, like, subscribe and share it with another leader looking to build greater mental resilience. We'd love to hear your biggest takeaway in the comments.
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size] - Cold Exposure Benefits: Why Wim Hof Recommends Cold Showers 17.07.2026 1min

  Cold exposure is one of the simplest ways to build resilience, improve focus and strengthen your ability to handle stress. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Wim Hof explains why cold exposure is a key pillar of the Wim Hof Method and how something as simple as a cold shower can help activate the body's natural stress-response systems. Known worldwide as The Iceman, Wim Hof shares the practical benefits of cold exposure, why cold showers can help improve mental and physical resilience, and how anyone can begin incorporating cold exposure into their daily routine. If you've ever wondered how to start with cold exposure, this conversation provides a simple, actionable approach that can be implemented immediately. In this clip: What cold exposure does to the body and mind Why cold showers are an effective starting point The role of cold exposure in building resilience How cold exposure helps prepare you for stress Wim Hof's practical advice for beginners How long a cold shower should last Connect with Brendan McGurgan & Simple Scaling ook: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/   If you enjoyed this clip on cold exposure, be sure to like, subscribe and share it with someone interested in resilience, performance and stress management. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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  [REPLAY - from the archive] Wim Hof Explains How Leaders Can Stay Calm Under Pressure 15.07.2026 52min

  Wim Hof Method, stress management and breathing techniques can transform the way leaders perform under pressure. In this episode of the ScaleX Insider Podcast, Brendan McGurgan sits down with Wim Hof to explore how breathing, cold exposure and mindset can help entrepreneurs, business owners and SME leaders build resilience, improve focus and stay calm in high-pressure situations. Together they discuss the science behind the Wim Hof Method, why stress management is essential for business growth, and how leaders can train themselves to respond rather than react when the stakes are high. Whether you're scaling a business, leading a team or simply looking for practical ways to improve your mental resilience, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on performance, leadership and personal growth. In this episode: Why controlled stress can build resilience The science behind the Wim Hof Method How breathing techniques affect focus and decision-making Practical ways leaders can stay calm under pressure Why mindset plays a critical role in business performance Building resilience through daily habits Leadership lessons from embracing discomfort Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Why stress is essential for growth 09:30 The science behind the Wim Hof Method 18:10 Breathing techniques for leaders 29:20 Managing fear and high-pressure decisions 39:15 Mindset, resilience and business performance 50:00 Practical daily habits 57:20 Wim Hof's timeless leadership lessons   Connect with Brendan McGurgan & Simple Scaling Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/   If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, share this episode with someone who would benefit from it, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]-3 Interviewing Tips That Actually Work with Patrick Lencioni 10.07.2026 2min

  Most leaders think they can spot a great hire in a one-hour interview. Patrick Lencioni believes that's one of the biggest mistakes organisations make. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider podcast, Patrick shares three practical interviewing tips that reveal whether a candidate is truly humble, hungry, and smart before you make the wrong hiring decision. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Patrick explains why traditional interviews rarely uncover a person's true character. Instead, he shares three powerful interviewing tips that help leaders hire with greater confidence. First, take candidates out of the office and observe how they behave in unfamiliar situations. Second, keep asking the same questions until you move beyond rehearsed answers and uncover what someone is really like. Finally, be completely honest about your culture by "scaring people with sincerity," giving candidates the opportunity to opt in or out before either side makes the wrong decision. Brendan reflects on why these simple hiring principles can dramatically improve recruitment and help leaders build stronger, values-driven teams. 00:00 Why most interviews don't work 01:45 Interviewing Tips that reveal true character Guests referenced: Patrick Lencioni Resources mentioned: The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalex-elevate ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator 🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com✉️ Email: hello@simplescaling.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling If you're an SME or B2B leader looking to improve your hiring process: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: Which of Patrick's interviewing tips will you use in your next interview? 🔁 Share this with a leader who is hiring their next team member. 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership and scaling insights. Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder, Simple Scaling Guest: Patrick Lencioni
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]- 6 Types of Working Genius with Patrick Lencioni 10.07.2026 6min

  Most leaders assume burnout comes from working too hard. Patrick Lencioni argues it often comes from doing the wrong kind of work. In this clip from the ScaleX Insider podcast, Patrick explains how the Working Genius framework was born from his own leadership frustrations and why understanding where your natural energy lies can transform the way you lead. Patrick shares the story behind creating the Six Types of Working Genius after spending years feeling frustrated despite leading a company he loved. He reveals how discovering that every person has two areas of natural Working Genius, two competencies, and two frustrations changed the way he thinks about leadership, team performance, and burnout. He introduces the first two Working Geniuses, Wonder and Invention, explaining why every breakthrough starts with curiosity and why some people are naturally energised by asking better questions while others thrive by creating new ideas. Brendan reflects on why many leaders have stopped wondering in today's world and explores why rediscovering curiosity could be one of the biggest competitive advantages for businesses looking to scale. 00:00 Why Patrick created the Working Genius framework 01:35 The leadership frustration that inspired the model 03:40 Why burnout often comes from the wrong work 05:20 The six types of Working Genius explained Guests referenced: Patrick Lencioni Resources mentioned: The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni, workinggenius.com 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalex-elevate  ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator  🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com  ✉️ Email: hello@simplescaling.com 💼  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling    If you're an SME or B2B leader serious about scaling your business:  👍 Like this video  💬 Comment: Which of the five dysfunctions is showing up most in your team right now?  🔁 Share with a founder who is struggling to get the best from their people  🔔 Subscribe for more scaling insights    Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling  Guest: Patrick Lencioni
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  Working Genius: Why Your Best People Are In The Wrong Roles with Patrick Lencioni 08.07.2026 1h 26min

  Most leaders are building teams around talent and titles when the real unlock has nothing to do with either. Patrick Lencioni, one of the most influential business thinkers on the planet, joins Brendan on episode 200 of the ScaleX Insider podcast to reveal why humble, hungry and smart beats brilliant every time, why your team's silence in meetings is costing you everything, and why the most dangerous person on your team might be your best performer. In this landmark 200th episode, Brendan sits down with  Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Ideal Team Player, and The Six Types of Working Genius, to deliver what is arguably the most practical masterclass on building high performing teams ever recorded on this show. Pat opens by dismantling the idea that talent alone builds great organisations and introduces the three attributes he believes every team player must have: humble, hungry, and smart, not intellectually smart but socially aware, able to read a room, and conscious of how their actions land on others. He explains why most interviews are completely useless at identifying these qualities and shares three unconventional tactics that actually work, including taking candidates to a grocery store and what he calls scaring people with sincerity. The conversation then moves into the Six Types of Working Genius, a model that has reached almost two million people and growing, which identifies the six kinds of work that exist in every organisation and reveals that each of us is naturally energised by only two of them, competent in two, and quietly destroyed by the other two. Brendan shares that his own genius combination is galvanising and tenacity, and Pat unpacks exactly what that means for how he leads. They then go deep into the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, walking through each layer of the pyramid from vulnerability-based trust all the way up to collective results, with Pat sharing a story about a famous leader who asked his team for honest feedback and then proceeded to dismiss every single piece of it in real time. The conversation closes with a discussion on what flourishing leaders actually do differently, and Pat shares something deeply personal about why faith sits at the centre of everything for him. 00:00 Introduction and episode 200 milestone 02:10 What scaling with purpose really means 05:45 Hungry, humble and smart explained 10:20 Why most interviews fail to identify the right people 14:30 Three unconventional interviewing tactics that work 18:00 The Six Types of Working Genius origins 23:15 Walking through all six working geniuses 31:40 Brendan's genius combination galvanising and tenacity 35:20 Why leaders feel guilty doing work they love 39:10 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team overview 42:00 Dysfunction one vulnerability-based trust 48:30 The naked emperor story 53:15 Dysfunction two healthy conflict 58:40 Dysfunction three commitment and buy-in 1:03:20 Dysfunction four peer accountability 1:09:45 Dysfunction five inattention to collective results 1:14:10 The Scottie Pippen story 1:18:30 What flourishing leaders actually do 1:22:00 Three timeless takeaways Guests referenced: Patrick Lencioni, Amy Edmondson, Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Jim Collins, Matthew Kelly, Paul Akers, Dan Sullivan, Gay Hendricks Resources mentioned: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni, The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni, workinggenius.com, tablegroup.com, Two Second Lean by Paul Akers  📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  🚀 ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalex-elevate  ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator  🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com  ✉️ Email: hello@simplescaling.com  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling  If you're an SME or B2B leader serious about scaling your business:  👍 Like this video  💬 Comment: Which of the five dysfunctions is showing up most in your team right now? 🔁 Share with a founder who is struggling to get the best from their people    🔔 Subscribe for more scaling insights  Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling  Guest: Patrick Lencioni
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]—Founder Obsession: Why the Best Entrepreneurs Can't Switch Off 03.07.2026 2min

  Founder obsession is often the invisible force behind extraordinary business growth, exceptional entrepreneurship, and long-term success. In this episode, Brendan McGurgan sits down with renowned business coach Taki Moore to explore why founder obsession, entrepreneurial curiosity, and creative expression separate high-performing founders from everyone else. Having coached some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, Taki reveals the one characteristic nearly every exceptional founder shares. It isn't discipline alone. It isn't talent. It's an obsession they simply can't switch off. Some founders become obsessed with growth. Others obsess over customers, product innovation, marketing, or mastering the game of business itself. But the common thread is relentless curiosity and a deep desire to create something meaningful. Taki also shares his own obsession: the intersection of art and business. Rather than seeing himself as a traditional entrepreneur, he explains why every business is a form of creative expression and why founders should leave their own unique fingerprint on everything they build. The conversation then explores one of the biggest mistakes founders make as they scale. Many entrepreneurs overcomplicate business growth by adding more products, more markets and more moving parts, when simplicity is often the real competitive advantage. If you're an SME leader, B2B founder, entrepreneur or business owner looking to grow without losing your originality, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building a business that reflects who you are. Key Takeaways The world's most successful founders are obsessed with something. Whether it's growth, customers, products or marketing, they have a passion they can't switch off. Curiosity often beats discipline. Sustainable success comes from genuine fascination with your craft, not just forcing yourself to work harder. Treat your business as creative expression. The businesses that stand out reflect the founder's unique perspective, values and ideas. Don't build a business anyone could build. Leave your own fingerprint on your products, content and customer experience. Simplicity scales. Many founders overcomplicate growth when the biggest breakthroughs come from doing fewer things exceptionally well. Your voice is your competitive advantage. No one can copy the way you think, communicate or solve problems. Create work you're proud of. Long-term business growth comes from building something that feels authentic, not just profitable.   Guest: Taki Moore 🌐 Website:https://milliondollarcoach.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/takimoore 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takimoore 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakiMoore     ScaleX & Simple Scaling: 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate Programme (under £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexinsights.simplescaling.com/elevate  ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator Programme (over £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/2027-programme-application  🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com  📧 Email: tthompson@simplescaling.com  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling    If you're an SME, B2B leader, founder or entrepreneur serious about building a business that reflects your strengths: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: What are you truly obsessed with as a founder? 🔁 Share this with an entrepreneur building something unique. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on scaling, leadership and entrepreneurship.   Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder, Simple Scaling Guest: Taki Moore
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]— Taki Moore Five Ones: $1M Scaling Framework for SMEs 03.07.2026 3min

  Taki Moore Five Ones framework is a simple scaling strategy for SMEs and B2B founders looking to reach $1M fast. In this episode, Taki Moore breaks down the Five Ones framework and explains why simplicity is the real engine behind scalable business growth for SME leaders. Taki Moore shares a conversation with Clay Collins, founder of LeadPages, and reveals the Five Ones scaling framework that helps founders strip complexity out of their business and focus only on what drives revenue. This is a core Simple Scaling strategy used to help SMEs and B2B leaders grow faster without adding unnecessary systems or teams. At the centre of the framework is a powerful idea: most founders fail because they lack focus, not effort. Instead of trying to serve everyone, Taki Moore explains why businesses scale faster when they commit to one clear path across five key decisions. The Five Ones framework includes: One target market One core product One conversion tool One traffic source One year of focused execution Taki Moore explains how SMEs often overcomplicate growth by adding too many products, audiences, and marketing channels. Instead, this scaling framework for SMEs forces clarity and repetition, allowing founders to master one system before expanding. The conversation also highlights how traffic should be simplified into three scalable sources: organic content, paid ads, or partnerships. For B2B founders, this becomes a decision point rather than an experiment phase. Taki Moore also shares how Simple Scaling applies this framework in real life, showing how their own early-stage growth came from a single target market, a single programme, and a single conversion system driven by network access. For SME leaders, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn't come from complexity—it comes from focus, repetition, and disciplined execution of a simple scaling strategy. If you're a founder, SME leader, or B2B business owner trying to scale beyond £1M, this episode breaks down exactly what to simplify first.     Simplicity scales faster than complexity—most founders overcomplicate growth. To reach $1M quickly, focus on the "Five Ones" framework. Pick one target market instead of trying to serve everyone. Build one core product that clearly solves one specific outcome. Use one conversion method (calls, webinars, demos—pick one and master it). Choose one traffic source (organic, paid, or partnerships) and go deep. Commit to one year of focus to optimise instead of constantly adding new things. Growth comes from refining a simple system, not stacking more strategies. Most early-stage founders fail because they spread attention across too many directions. The fastest path to scale is repetition, focus, and depth in a single model.   ScaleX & Simple Scaling: 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate Programme (under £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexinsights.simplescaling.com/elevate  ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator Programme (over £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/2027-programme-application  🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com  📧 Email: tthompson@simplescaling.com  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling    🎙️ Guest: Taki Moore 🎙️ Host: Brendan McGurgan 👍 Like this episode if you're building a scalable SME 💬 Comment: Which of the Five Ones would you fix first in your business? 🔁 Share with a founder who needs focus 🔔 Subscribe for more Simple Scaling insights
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  Scaling To $10M Nearly Destroyed Me with Taki Moore 01.07.2026 51min

  Taki Moore had a $10 million business he hated and a sales team of nine he no longer needed. This episode is the story of how he burned it all down, rebuilt it with a team of nine and a 2-page document, and scaled past $1.7 million a month doing only the work he actually loves. In this episode, Brendan sits down with Taki Moore, the coach behind some of the most prolific names in the business world, to unpack one of the most counterintuitive scaling stories you will hear. Taki takes us inside the moment he was ready to walk away from a $10 million US dollar business because his weeks were filled with meetings, politics and content that no longer sounded like him. What followed was a radical rebuild. He fired his entire sales team of nine people, locked them in a cupboard for 90 days on full pay, and replaced them with a two-page document. In month one without them, he outsold everything they had ever done. He shares the Five Ones framework that any founder under a million dollars should follow before doing anything else, and explains why free webinars attracted the wrong people until he charged $100 and watched qualified leads jump from 5% to 55% overnight. The conversation moves into what Taki calls founder-driven marketing, why nobody falls in love with Virgin until they fall in love with Richard, and why AI is scaling the internet down to the average while making it easier than ever to stand out with a genuinely dangerous new idea. Brendan and Taki also go deep on the difference between a lifestyle business and a lifestyle empire, and why the ceiling in most businesses is not the org chart but what someone believes they are capable of carrying. 00:00 Introduction to Taki Moore 02:10 What scaling with purpose really means 05:30 The leather-bound notebook story 09:00 How many founders actually know what they want 13:20 What the most successful founders have in common 17:45 The Five Ones framework for hitting a million dollars 24:10 How to stand out in a noisy market with a dangerous new idea 29:30 The $10 million business Taki hated 34:00 How throwing people at problems creates complexity 38:20 The decision to burn it all down 42:15 Firing the sales team and replacing them with 2 pages 47:30 From chasing clients to choosing them 51:00 Why free webinars attracted broke people 54:20 Founder-driven marketing and why your voice is everything 58:10 What the lifestyle empire looks like now 1:02:00 Fast fire round 1:07:30 Three timeless takeaways Guests referenced: Taki Moore, Dan Martell, Alex Hormozi, Ali Abdaal, Ryan Dice, Dan Sullivan, Gay Hendricks, Clay Collins, Ryan Holiday, Bronnie Ware Resources mentioned: Million Dollar Coach by Taki Moore, The Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware, The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, Instagram and YouTube at Taki Moore ScaleX & Simple Scaling: 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate Programme (under £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexinsights.simplescaling.com/elevate ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator Programme (over £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/2027-programme-application 🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com 📧 Email: tthompson@simplescaling.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling If you're an SME or B2B leader serious about scaling your business: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: What is the one thing in your business you would burn down and rebuild if you could? 🔁 Share with a founder who is scaling but not enjoying the journey 🔔 Subscribe for more scaling insights Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling Guest: Taki Moore
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]— The Biggest Myth About High Performance Teams with Dr Marcia Goddard 26.06.2026 7min

  Why Formula One teams outperform most businesses reveals a surprising truth about high performance. According to neuroscientist and Formula One researcher Dr Marcia Goddard, talent alone does not create winning teams. The biggest myth about high performance teams is that hiring brilliant people automatically guarantees results. What F1 can teach leaders about culture and communication shows why the world's best teams focus on systems, communication and environment instead. Marcia and Brendan discuss Formula One as the ultimate laboratory for studying performance under pressure, why championship-winning teams build cultures not just talent pools, the hidden reason smart teams underperform, how F1 communication leaves no room for ambiguity, communication cascades and meeting effectiveness, structured debriefs after every event, why most business meetings waste cognitive bandwidth, the importance of clear roles and responsibilities, psychological safety in meetings and how leaders can create greater clarity, alignment and execution within their teams. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Talent does not guarantee team performance • Culture and environment determine whether talent thrives • Formula One is a laboratory for studying high performance under pressure • Clear communication removes confusion and improves execution • Every meeting should have a clear purpose, structure and outcome • Psychological safety allows people to focus on solving problems instead of reading the room GUESTS REFERENCED: James Clear, David Coulthard ABOUT SIMPLE SCALING: ScaleX & Simple Scaling: 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate Programme (under £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexinsights.simplescaling.com/elevate  ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator Programme (over £3M revenue) – Apply here: https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/2027-programme-application  If you're an SME or B2B leader serious about scaling your business: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: What's the biggest communication challenge in your business? 🔁 Share with a leader building a high performance team 🔔 Subscribe for more scaling insights Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling Guest: Dr Marcia Goddard, Neuroscientist, Formula One Researcher, Author of Driving Performance
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]—How to Run Better Meetings with Dr Marcia Goddard 26.06.2026 4min

  Why do most meetings fail—even in high-performing businesses? According to neuroscientist and Formula One researcher Dr Marcia Goddard, the problem is not complexity, budget, or talent. It's structure. One of the clearest lessons from Formula One teams is that communication systems determine performance. And in most organisations, meetings are where those systems break down first. In this conversation, Dr Marcia Goddard explains why poorly structured meetings are one of the biggest hidden blockers of productivity, decision-making, and culture inside organisations. If meetings are unclear, unfocused, or unstructured, they don't just waste time—they actively damage performance. She breaks down what F1 teams do differently: absolute clarity on purpose, strict agendas, defined roles, and disciplined communication channels. In contrast, most business meetings suffer from lack of preparation, no agenda discipline, unclear expectations, and misaligned outcomes. The result? People leave meetings unsure of what was decided, what they are responsible for, or what happens next. Marcia also highlights a critical leadership blind spot: meetings often fail because leaders assume everyone has the same understanding of the purpose. But in reality, meetings typically fall into three categories—information sharing, brainstorming, or decision-making—and mixing these creates confusion and frustration. Finally, she explains how communication tools like chat functions, Slack channels, and pre-meeting agendas can dramatically improve input quality and decision accuracy by allowing more voices to be heard beyond just the loudest participants. This episode reframes meetings not as administrative routines—but as a direct reflection of organisational culture and performance.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Most meetings fail due to lack of structure, not lack of talent Every meeting must have a clearly defined purpose There are only 3 types of meetings: information, brainstorming, or decision-making No agenda = no alignment = poor outcomes The loudest voices often dominate decisions unless other channels are used Better meeting structure = better culture + better decisions Formula One teams optimise communication systems to remove ambiguity   PRACTICAL AGENDA STRUCTURE A high-performance meeting agenda should always include: Purpose: Why are we meeting? (inform / brainstorm / decide) Outcome: What decision or output is expected? Context: What information do people need before joining? Agenda points: Clear time-boxed discussion topics Owner roles: Who is leading, contributing, and deciding Pre-work: What must be done before the meeting starts Next steps: How decisions will be captured and followed up   GUESTS REFERENCED James Clear David Coulthard   ABOUT SIMPLE SCALING 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalex-elevate ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator 🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com If you're an SME or leadership team looking to improve performance through better communication: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: What's the biggest problem with your meetings right now? 🔁 Share with a leader drowning in meetings 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on scaling performance
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  Why Psychological Safety Drives Business Growth with Dr Marcia Goddard 24.06.2026 1h 5min

  Why psychological safety drives business growth reveals Dr Marcia Goddard, neuroscientist, Formula One researcher and author of Driving Performance: 10 Lessons About Building High Performing Teams From Neuroscience And Formula One. The #1 predictor of high performance teams is not talent but culture. What Formula One can teach leaders about scaling culture shows how communication, trust and accountability create sustainable performance at every level of an organisation. Marcia and Brendan discuss why leaders mistakenly believe talent alone drives performance, and why Formula One is the ultimate laboratory for studying high performance. They explore how communication cascades improve clarity and execution, why most business meetings are inefficient, and the simple agenda framework every leader should use. The conversation covers how communication changes as organisations scale from 20 to 100+ employees, the dangers of informal communication networks breaking down, and why psychological safety is the foundation of high performance. Marcia also explains flat authority gradients, where the best ideas win regardless of hierarchy. They dive into the neuroscience behind micromanagement and cortisol, why leaders must develop emotional regulation and cognitive empathy, and the power paradox where empathy decreases as power increases. Other topics include building shared purpose through storytelling, intrinsic motivation and neuroplasticity, feedback cultures that separate personality from performance, Formula One debriefs and learning environments, balancing accountability with psychological safety, neurodiversity as a competitive advantage, AI as a performance enhancer rather than a replacement for critical thinking, warning signs of unhealthy cultures, leadership vulnerability, burnout prevention, and how leaders can create environments where people and performance thrive together. [00:00] Scaling with purpose and brain-friendly cultures [04:15] Formula One as a laboratory for high performance [09:40] Why talent alone does not create winning teams [15:25] Communication cascades and meeting effectiveness [22:10] Building better agendas and decision-making meetings [29:45] Communication challenges as organisations scale [36:20] Psychological safety and team performance [43:15] Flat authority gradients and speaking up [49:30] Neuroscience of stress, control and micromanagement [57:10] Emotional regulation under pressure [64:20] The power paradox and leadership empathy [71:45] Purpose, storytelling and intrinsic motivation [79:15] Creating cultures of feedback and learning [87:20] Accountability versus burnout [93:10] Neurodiversity as a performance advantage [99:40] AI, critical thinking and future leadership [106:20] Culture warning signs leaders often miss [112:50] Three timeless takeaways on environment, brain and behaviour GUESTS REFERENCED: Amy Edmondson, David Coulthard, David Marquet, James Clear, Chris Voss, Jason T Smith, Craig Lawson, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen ABOUT SIMPLE SCALING: 📘 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🚀 ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalex-elevate ⚡ ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator 🌐 Website: https://simplescaling.com✉️ Email: hello@simplescaling.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling RESOURCES MENTIONED: Driving Performance: 10 Lessons About Building High Performing Teams From Neuroscience And Formula One Brain Matters Consulting Psychological Safety Research by Amy Edmondson Atomic Habits by James Clear Turn The Ship Around by David Marquet Formula One Team Performance Case Studies If you're an SME or B2B leader serious about scaling your business: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment: What is the biggest challenge in your company culture today? 🔁 Share with a leader building a high performance team 🔔 Subscribe for more scaling insights Host: Brendan McGurgan, Co-Founder Simple Scaling Guest: Dr Marcia Goddard, Neuroscientist, Formula One Researcher, Author of Driving Performance
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]— Why Most Strategy Is Bullsh*t (Alex Smith) 19.06.2026 6min

  Strategy for SMEs is often misunderstood—and in this clip, Alex Smith, author of No Bullsht Strategy*, breaks down why most strategy for SMEs is either meaningless, misused, or completely non-existent. Alex explains that most businesses don't actually have a real strategy for SMEs. Instead, they rely on reactive optimisation, vague goals, or statements like "be number one," which sound like strategy but don't explain how growth actually happens. In this discussion, he reveals the three most common types of fake strategy for SMEs: no strategy at all, goals mistaken for strategy, and vague motivational statements with no execution path. Each one gives the illusion of direction but fails to define how value is actually created in the market. The result? Most leaders believe they have a strategy for SMEs, but when asked to explain it clearly, they can't. This exposes a deeper issue: businesses often confuse activity, ambition, and language with real strategic thinking. Alex reframes strategy for SMEs as something simple but demanding—clarity on how a business creates unique value that cannot be easily copied. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most businesses do NOT have a real strategy for SMEs "Be number one" or "pursue excellence" is not strategy—it's a goal Reactive optimisation is not a growth strategy Real strategy for SMEs must explain HOW value is created, not just what is desired Many leaders mistake language and ambition for actual strategy Without clarity on execution, strategy becomes meaningless CORE MESSAGE True strategy for SMEs is not a slogan or aspiration—it is a clear, actionable system for creating unique market value and sustainable growth. If this changed how you think about strategy for SMEs, make sure to: 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on scaling SMEs 💬 Comment: Do you think your business has a real strategy—or just goals? GUEST Alex Smith Author of No Bullsht Strategy* Strategist helping CEOs and founders build clear, practical business strategy for growth and competitive advantage. Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/
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  [ScaleX Bite-Size]- Alex Smith on Why Most Leaders Have No Real Strategy 19.06.2026 4min

  Strategy for SMEs is often misunderstood—and in this clip with Alex Smith, author of No Bullsht Strategy*, we break down why most leaders don't actually have a real strategy for SMEs, even if they believe they do. When asked what it would take to 3x a business in 12 months, most founders quickly realise their strategy for SMEs is unclear, reactive, or based on assumptions rather than a defined growth plan. Alex explains how the right questions expose the gap between perceived and real strategy for SMEs, revealing why so many businesses struggle with clarity, direction, and scalable growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most leaders believe they have a strategy for SMEs, but cannot explain how growth will actually happen Asking "how would you 3x your business?" exposes the absence of real strategy Self-deception is the biggest barrier to effective strategy for SMEs Vague answers like hiring or marketing are not real growth strategies True strategy for SMEs is only valid if it clearly connects actions to measurable outcomes Better questions force leaders to confront reality, not assumptions Strategy is clarity, not language, labels, or intention   WHY THIS MATTERS FOR SME LEADERS If you're scaling a business, this clip forces a hard reset on what strategy for SMEs actually means. It challenges the comfort of "we have a plan" and replaces it with a more uncomfortable but necessary truth: most businesses are operating without one.   If this changed how you think about strategy for SMEs, make sure to: 👍 Like this video 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on scaling SMEs 💬 Comment: What would it take to 3x your business in 12 months?   GUEST Alex Smith Author of No Bullsht Strategy* Advisor and strategist helping CEOs and founders build real, actionable business strategy for growth.   Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business  ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/  ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/   Website: https://simplescaling.com  Email: hello@simplescaling.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/