This podcast started in 2014 to serve leaders on their journey of growth and significance with their work. It is conversations with leaders for leaders. My name is Gene Hammett, host of the show. I am proud to be recognized by Inc Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine for our impact on leaders that are evolving to better serve their teams. Currently we are ranked #13 on the 100 Best Leadership Podcasts on Feedspot and listed as a top leadership podcast on TheeDigital.
This is the one and only podcast that interviews founders and CEOs of Inc 500 companies. The interviews uncover the key principles of fast-growth. You will find topics of growth, culture, leadership and other areas of growth for leaders.
In this episode, I explore a challenge many growing companies face: founder dependency. Once a business grows beyond about 20 employees, founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of every decision. While that level of involvement helped in the …
On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. …
In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance …
In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I chat with Peter, the CEO of Your Your Money Line, about People First Leadership and its role in enhancing organizational success. We discuss the vital link between employee well-being and performance, highlighting …
In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that “What got you here won’t get you there,” as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt …
In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human …
In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing …
Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest …
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I tackle the often-ignored topic of blame in the workplace. I highlight how attributing performance issues to employees or external factors can impede both personal and organizational growth. Drawing from my experience coaching …
In this episode, I sit down with Austin Yarborough, founder of Central Coast Moving ranked No. 2,278 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list to discuss why continuous improvement is essential to effective leadership. Austin challenges the notion of comfort in …
In this episode, I share critical year-end reflections for growth-stage CEOs, especially those leading organizations of around 20 employees. As companies scale, leadership must shift from personal execution to empowering others and ensuring the business can thrive even in the …
In this episode, Gene Hammett interviews AJ Cassata, founder of Revenue Boost, about AI-driven lead generation in B2B marketing. AJ emphasizes the collaborative use of AI in sales, warns against full outsourcing, and explains his “10-80-10 rule.” He discusses the …
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I unpack the critical shifts CEOs must anticipate as we approach 2026, with a sharp focus on clarity in leadership and organizational expectations. I share five key predictions shaping the business landscape: sustained …
In this episode, John Bradford, CEO of Pet Screening, ranked No. 879 on the Inc. 5000 in 2025. Joins Gene Hammett to talk about what it really takes to build a “category of one” business. Bradford shares how visionary leadership …
In this episode, we’re diving into something every organization talks about but few truly master: urgency. I share what I’ve learned coaching CEOs about why urgency matters so much and how clarity, energy, and ownership all work together to create …