Scaling with the Right People with John McKenna at Peachtree VA
- Introduction to Scaling
- The Importance of Hiring Right
- The Emerald Group Consultants
- Letting Go of Control
- Shifting Mindsets for Delegation
- Reflections on Early Concerns
- Selecting the Right VA
- Onboarding Secrets
- Core Principles of Delegation
- Leadership Principles
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode, I sit down with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, to discuss the importance of Scaling with the Right People and how it impacts business growth. As the leader of Peachtree VA, John has helped countless businesses scale efficiently by building strong, dedicated teams. We dive into the strategies for hiring, developing, and retaining top talent to ensure long-term success. John shares insights on how Scaling with the Right People leads to increased productivity, better company culture, and sustainable growth. Tune in to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success by Scaling with the Right People from the start.
Scaling Success: John McKenna on Leadership, Delegation, and Building Trust in Business
The interview with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA and founder of the Emerald Group Consultants, explores the intricacies of scaling a business by hiring and effectively managing the right people. The discussion begins with John reflecting on his own journey of entrepreneurship, sharing insights on how acquiring Peachtree VA introduced him to the virtual assistant (VA) space, a field he was initially unfamiliar with. He emphasizes the importance of setting aside ego to trust and learn from the existing team, acknowledging that their expertise was essential for successfully navigating this new venture. As Gene Hammett, the host, guides the conversation, he outlines the core principles of good leadership, particularly the necessity of delegating responsibilities. John concurs, explaining that early on in his own career, he struggled with control issues typical of many business owners. He recounts how his constant engagement with every aspect of his business led to burnout and diminished effectiveness. The turning point was recognizing the value of delegation; as he began to offload tasks, he experienced a smoother and more efficient business operation. John underscores the sentiment that to lead effectively, one must learn to “work on the business” rather than “in the business.”
Unlocking Efficiency: John McKenna on Leveraging Virtual Assistants, Strategic Hiring, and Effective Onboarding
The discussion transitions to the pivotal role of virtual assistants. John advocates for the inclusion of VAs in every executive’s team, noting that they often possess skills that executives may lack or wish to delegate. He shares insights into the selection process for hiring VAs, stressing the importance of aligning skill sets with specific needs of the business. He notes that assessing personality can also be beneficial, but skill alignment remains paramount. When discussing onboarding processes, John emphasizes the significance of consistent communication. He believes that many companies fail during the onboarding phase due to lack of engagement. By establishing structured touchpoints, businesses can ensure new hires feel supported and aligned with company goals. This philosophy of open dialogue extends into delegation strategies, where he recommends leaders be transparent about their communication styles and expectations, thereby fostering a productive working relationship with their team members.
Leading with Trust and Empathy: John McKenna on Building Strong Teams Through Effective Communication and Delegation
Leadership style is also a core topic in the interview. John advocates for establishing trust within the team, stating that successful delegation hinges on confidence in the abilities of others. He highlights that maintaining open communication and empathy is vital for building strong relationships within the organization. John shares his belief that effective leadership is grounded in recognizing the diverse ways team members may approach tasks, which can lead to achieving collective goals through varied perspectives.
From Control to Empowerment: John McKenna’s Leadership Journey and Lessons for Scaling Your Business
Toward the end of the conversation, John acknowledges the growth challenges he faced, with many of his initial concerns proving to be unfounded once he toned down his control mindset. He identifies this evolution as a crucial part of his leadership journey and a fundamental lesson for other business owners. Overall, the dialogue between Gene and John sheds light on the essential factors driving business growth through effective hiring, skill alignment, proactive delegation, and empathetic leadership. John’s insights provide a practical framework for listeners looking to scale their organizations successfully while focusing on empowering their teams.
About the Host
Hi, I’m Gene Hammett. I’m an executive coach – I help founders and CEOs create company growth. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies — the Inc 5000 — I have discovered how their approach to leadership activates new growth. I’m on a mission “To Change the World Through Extraordinary Leadership.” If you know you want to be a better leader, let’s keep going. ’m also a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Growth Think Tank, recognized as a top podcast for leaders by Inc.com and Entrepreneur.com. I love to write about leadership and culture that activates new growth. My work has appeared in large publications like Inc., Entrepreneur, and Success Magazines. ver 1,000,000+ business leaders, founders, and CEOs have listened to my podcasts, read my articles, or used my growth strategies to shift their mindsets to achieve incredible business results. Take your leadership to the next level and get access to a proven leadership framework to activate new growth for your company.
How Core Elevation Can Help You Create Leadership At All Levels and Grow Your Company
Core Elevation is designed to empower leaders at all levels, helping companies foster leadership growth and scalability. By focusing on key areas such as accountability, communication, and alignment, Core Elevation develops leadership traits throughout the organization. This approach leads to better decision-making, higher engagement, and stronger team performance. Companies that embrace leadership at all levels can expect increased innovation and faster growth. The program provides tools and strategies to cultivate leaders who drive transformation. Ultimately, Core Elevation helps businesses create a culture of leadership, positioning them for sustainable success.
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