In this episode, we explore Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott, President of Alliant Consulting. Under Christa’s leadership, Alliant Consulting has achieved significant growth, earning the No. 4,509 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how establishing a Scalable Foundation for Growth has been pivotal in their success, enabling the company to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Christa shares insights into the strategies and practices that have allowed Alliant Consulting to maintain excellence while expanding operations. Tune in to discover how Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth can drive sustainable success in your organization.
- Introduction to Growth Foundations
- Leadership Development Programs
- The Success Plan Explained
- Overcoming Leadership Challenges
- Lessons Learned in Rapid Growth
Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth: Christa Schott on Leadership, Culture, and Social Impact at Alliant Consulting
In this interview, Christa Schott, CEO of Alliant Consulting, shares insights into the scalable foundation necessary for driving growth in a rapidly expanding company. Over the past few years, Alliant has experienced significant growth, achieving a remarkable 200% increase in the last year alone. Acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of this journey, Christa emphasizes the importance of a strong human-centric foundation, detailing strategies employed to cultivate leadership and promote employee development. Christa reflects on her own journey of building Alliant Consulting from its inception 22 years ago, starting as a solo venture, and evolving into a company with over 100 employees operating nationally and internationally. Alliant’s focus on prevailing wage compliance—a vital aspect of ensuring fair compensation for workers—underscores not only their mission but also the social impact they aim to achieve. As Christa discusses the ongoing transformation within the construction industry, she highlights the influence of the green movement and evolving federal regulations that drive demand for their services.
People-First Scaling: How Alliant Consulting Turns Employees into Leaders
At the core of Christa’s approach to scaling the business is an investment in people. She elaborates on the individualized success plans created for every employee, essentially serving as personalized roadmaps for growth. Each team member is partnered with a peer or ‘swim buddy’ who assists them in achieving their defined milestones and objectives. These plans are reviewed quarterly, providing employees the opportunity to pursue promotions or merit increases. Christa believes that this tailored approach to personal development fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, empowering staff to embrace their career trajectories. Leadership development is another critical component of Christa’s strategy. Recognizing that strong management is vital to support a growing team, she has implemented tailored leadership training programs, including a customized mini MBA through a local university. Regular monthly meetings with the management team allow for checks on leadership effectiveness and collective problem-solving. Christa encourages a culture that prizes reflection and growth by urging leaders to assess their contributions and challenges openly—a practice that fosters respect and trust within the organization.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership: How a CEO’s Attitude Shapes Team Morale
Christa also recounts a pivotal moment in her leadership journey when she realized the importance of her attitude on team morale. After experiencing a challenging personal time, she noticed a decline in her team’s spirits, prompting her to understand the ripple effect of her leadership style. A colleague’s advice to “fake a smile” resonated deeply with her, illustrating the interconnectedness of leadership presence and team well-being. This experience solidified her commitment to embodying positivity and resilience as a leader.
Leading from Behind: How Empowering Teams Builds a Foundation for Long-Term Growth
The interview wraps up with Christa emphasizing the significance of a cohesive leadership and management culture. Each organization has its own distinct way of guiding its workforce, and Christa reiterates her belief in leading from behind—empowering employees by providing the resources, tools, and support necessary for them to thrive. This style nurtures trust and collaboration, demonstrating how cultivating a strong culture of growth and development within the team not only benefits individual careers but propels the entire organization forward. Gene Hammett, the host, complements Christa’s insights by reinforcing the essential nature of investing in employee development as a strategy for long-term growth. He highlights that while many businesses focus on operational aspects, the cultivation of human resources—through structured development programs and a conducive culture—creates a sustainable foundation for scaling effectively. The interview serves as a guiding conversation for leaders keen on building capable teams ready to face the demands of a fast-evolving market.
