In this episode, “Disciplined Leadership Means No Micro-Management,” I sit down with Kevin Chern, CEO of Sanguine Strategic Advisors, currently ranked #94 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We explore how building a High-Performing Culture requires leaders to step away from micro-management and trust their team to deliver results. Kevin shares insights on how Sanguine’s approach to creating a High-Performing Culture has been key to their rapid growth and success. We’ll dive into specific leadership practices that help drive accountability and encourage innovation within fast-paced environments. Tune in to discover how you, too, can foster a High-Performing Culture without falling into the trap of controlling every detail.
- Introduction to Discipline Leadership
- The Marketplace Model
- Understanding Leadership Characteristics
- Hiring for Character
- Exploring Discipline Leadership
- Ownership and Responsibility
- The Power of Perseverance
- Optimism in Leadership
Empowering Through Autonomy: Kevin Chern on Discipline Leadership and Fostering High-Performance Teams
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I sit down with Kevin Chern, the founder and CEO of Sanguine Strategic Advisors, to explore his unique approach to leadership, which he calls “discipline leadership.” Kevin explains how this concept revolves around empowering employees by giving them autonomy instead of micromanaging them. He shares how his leadership philosophy is about identifying strong leaders within the organization and stepping back to let them thrive.
Kevin breaks down the key traits he seeks in effective leaders: autonomy, perseverance, a collaborative mindset, and high emotional intelligence (EQ). He emphasizes that by fostering a culture where individuals are self-motivated, work well together, and handle challenges with resilience, leaders can drive both business growth and create a more positive, innovative work environment.
How Kevin Chern’s Marketplace Model and Discipline Leadership Drove Sanguine’s Remarkable Growth
I ask Kevin to dive deeper into his leadership philosophy, particularly why he chose a marketplace model for Sanguine Strategic Advisors instead of operating solely as a service provider. Kevin shares insights from his past experiences in complex businesses and highlights a common struggle many small business owners face—choosing the right vendors due to a lack of training. By creating a marketplace that connects business owners with top-tier service providers, Sanguine simplifies this process, helping companies grow more efficiently.
Our conversation also touches on Sanguine’s impressive growth, including its recent ranking of 94 on the Inc. 5000 list, with a staggering 3,491% revenue increase over three years. Kevin attributes much of this success to his “discipline leadership” approach, which empowers his team by fostering ownership and avoiding micromanagement, while still guiding and nurturing their talents.
From Micromanager to Mentor: Kevin Chern on Empowering Teams and Cultivating Leadership from Within
In our conversation, Kevin and I dive deeper into the nuances of leadership. Kevin reflects on his own evolution from being a micromanager to embracing a more supportive role. He shares how, despite his natural tendency to be involved in every project, he’s learned the value of giving his team the autonomy to make decisions, which fosters their growth and development. We also touch on the role of resilience, exchanging personal stories about the importance of perseverance when facing setbacks.
Kevin also shares his belief that the best leaders often come from within the team. He explains how internal referrals are powerful because great employees tend to surround themselves with others who share the same values and work ethic. This approach not only strengthens the team but also preserves and enhances the company culture, creating a thriving environment for growth and collaboration.
Empowering a Can-Do Culture: Kevin Chern on Resilience and Leadership at Sanguine Strategic Advisors
As we wrap up the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the importance of maintaining a “can-do” attitude when facing challenges. He shares how this mindset empowers individuals and drives success, not just in his leadership style but as a core philosophy at Sanguine Strategic Advisors.
In this insightful interview, listeners are offered key takeaways on leadership—specifically the value of empowering employees through autonomy and the role of resilience in both personal and professional growth. This episode captures the essence of building a culture where people thrive, ultimately fueling business growth and innovation.
