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 leadership, emphasizing that stagnation leads to decline and that maintaining high standards is critical for attracting and retaining top talent. We explore the importance of self-awareness in leadership and how an organization ultimately reflects the mindset, habits, and values of its leader, along with Austin’s innovative marketing philosophy of using social media to build authentic relationships rather than chase clients. a strategy that has contributed to his company’s sustained growth and national recognition. Grounded in the Kaizen principle of becoming “1% better every day,” this conversation highlights the value of leading by example, building trust, cultivating a strong organizational culture, tracking progress, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and committing to relentless self-improvement as the foundation of impactful and enduring leadership.
Episode Highlights & Time Stamps
1:12 Leadership Continuous Improvement with Austin Yarborough
3:11 Building Trust Through Social Media
5:50 Core Principles of Leadership
7:51 The Journey of Continuous Improvement
12:24 Transforming Leadership Skills
14:09 Leading by Example
18:49 Letting Go of the Outcome
Leadership Continuous Improvement as a Competitive Advantage
Change is constant, and the greatest risk for leaders is complacency. Austin Yarborough opens the conversation by emphasizing that if a leader or business is not improving, it is falling behind. Continuous improvement is not about dramatic breakthroughs but about maintaining momentum in an environment where competitors are working just as hard. Leadership growth, therefore, becomes a strategic advantage one that compounds over time and determines whether an organization advances or declines.
High Standards, Self-Awareness, and Attracting A Players
At the core of Austin’s leadership philosophy is standards. Businesses do not rise to the level of their goals; they rise to the level of their leader’s standards. Leaders who want to attract and retain top talent must first become the type of leader A players want to follow. This requires self-awareness, discipline, and ownership across all areas of life. Leadership excellence is not defined by talent alone, but by belief systems, consistency, and the willingness to model the behaviors expected from others.
Kaizen, Tracking Progress, and Sustainable Growth
Grounded in the Kaizen philosophy of getting 1% better every day, Austin explains how small, consistent improvements across multiple areas health, relationships, management, and mindset create exponential results. Tracking is central to this process, as improvement follows measurement. Even in a slowing industry, this disciplined approach enabled Central Coast Moving to scale rapidly and earn recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. Growth, Austin notes, begins when leaders commit to the long game and embrace continuous refinement.
Leading by Example, Trust, and Letting Go of the Outcome
True leadership is built on trust, and trust is earned by doing what you say you will do. Austin shares how leading by example shapes culture, influences behavior, and reinforces standards throughout the organization. As leaders mature, they must also learn to let go of micromanagement and release attachment to perfect outcomes. There is no flawless business—only leaders who care deeply, persist through challenges, and remain committed to developing themselves and their teams.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous improvement is essential for leadership growth and competitive advantage.
- Leaders must set high standards and model the behaviors they expect from their teams.
- Incremental improvements (1% better every day) compound into transformative results.
- Tracking progress and letting go of micromanagement enables sustainable growth.
- Trust and culture are built by leaders who consistently lead by example.
About Austin Yarborough:
Austin Yarborough is the founder and CEO of Central Coast Moving, a rapidly growing moving company recognized as one of the Inc. 5000 companies, ranked No. 2,278 on the Inc. 5000 list. He is also the co-founder of The Moving Army, a coaching network for moving companies focused on growth and transformation. Known for his innovative use of social media and dedication to leadership excellence, Austin helps businesses scale while maintaining a strong culture and high performance.
Connect with Austin:
The Moving Army: https://www.themovingarmy.com
Website: Central Coast Moving
Instagram: @centralcoastmoving | @officialaustinarybrough
Resources & Next Steps
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