Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

Bill Gallagher
Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher

Do you dream of an easier way to scale and grow your business? Do you wish you didn’t have to work so hard and put in as many hours? Do you find growth too slow, or hard to sustain? This podcast—Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher—can help you achieve and maintain the growth you want. A message from your host: “I’ve been in your shoes as a founder, CEO, and executive leader. I’ve coached and trained many leaders just like you over more than 15 years to grow their businesses successfully and profitably. But more than that, I’ve helped give them their time and sanity back. My core strength is making the growth process easier, faster, and way more fun.” A dynamic thought leader, Bill talks with fascinating and brilliant guests each week, including visionary CEOs, trailblazing entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, renowned business strategists, and more. Broadly, each episode focuses on one of the four major decision areas every entrepreneur and company must get right: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. More specifically, the show explores topics such as: * Business Growth & Scaling. * Customer Experience & Marketing. * Innovation & Differentiation. * Leadership Development. * Delegation & Accountability. * Vision & Strategy. * Team Dynamics. * Hiring & Talent Management. * Company Culture. * Employee Engagement. * Crisis Management. * Effective Communication. * Influence & Persuasion. * Business Strategies. Running a business is ultimately about freedom. Subscribe to this podcast to learn how leaders like you can get your organizations moving in sync, create something significant, and still enjoy the ride. Subscribe if you want to elevate your business to unprecedented heights by tuning in to a masterclass in business excellence. For information on Bill Gallagher’s coaching and training programs, and Scaling Up Workshops, visit www.ScalingCoach.com

  1. What are the Hidden Costs of Overwork?

    4D AGO

    What are the Hidden Costs of Overwork?

    What if your relentless hard work is actually costing your business more than it’s helping? In this episode, Bill explores the hidden costs of overwork, particularly when leaders confuse effort with effectiveness. He shares a cautionary tale of a CEO who pushed too hard, micromanaged excessively, and ultimately failed—highlighting how unchecked hustle undermines both personal well-being and team performance.  Topics explored in this episode:  (0:42) The Hidden Price of Hustle * Overwork has obvious personal costs, but its impact on the business is often overlooked. (2:40) The CEO Who Couldn’t Let Go * The story of a SaaS CEO who tried to control every part of the company, despite lacking expertise in many areas. * A promising company failed due to leadership that was anxious and overreaching. (5:27) From Hero to Enabler * True success comes not from doing everything, but from rallying a capable team. (6:38) The Real Cost of Doing It All * Personal sacrifices become habitual and ultimately unsustainable. * Overworking leaders limit their organization’s potential by suppressing ownership and innovation. (8:30) Redesigning Leadership for Scale * Leaders who are central to every decision become bottlenecks. * Overworking doesn’t inspire teams—it demoralizes them. * Evolving leadership is the key to scaling without personal burnout. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/  Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

    11 min
  2. Never Lead Alone with Keith Ferrazzi

    APR 16

    Never Lead Alone with Keith Ferrazzi

    How can leaders create social contracts that foster true team accountability and shared success? In this episode, Bill and guest Keith Ferrazzi explore the importance of moving beyond traditional leadership towards a model of “teamship,” where teams hold themselves and each other accountable. Keith also shares insights about the power of vulnerability and candor, and practical exercises like the “stress test” to build high-performing teams.  Keith Ferrazzi is a powerhouse thought leader and author who’s redefining how we connect and collaborate. His latest book is Never Lead Alone. Topics explored in this episode:  (02:27) From Networking to Vulnerability * Vulnerability is the key to authentic relationships—even in business settings. (06:08) Building Co-Elevating Teams * The goal is not just psychological safety, but teams that push each other to succeed. (10:37) Practices That Change Culture * Teams need a social contract and regular “stress tests” to challenge each other productively. * Keith’s early exposure to empowered teams in manufacturing shaped his view of leadership. * Siloed work structures limit innovation and responsiveness in today’s fast-paced world. (20:53) Candor with Compassion * Candor must serve others’ success, not be used as a blunt instrument. (34:29) Redesigning Work in an AI World * Keith advocates for rethinking workflows from the ground up—not just slapping AI on top. Thanks to Keith Ferrazzi for being on the show!  Learn more about Keith: http://keithferrazzi.com Get Keith’s book: Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063412578/  Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithferrazzi/  Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: a href="https://apple.co/3PKe00u" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    44 min
  3. The Real Reason You’re Working Too Hard

    APR 9

    The Real Reason You’re Working Too Hard

    What are the hidden costs of micromanaging and overworking on team morale and business outcomes? This episode explores the main reasons why leaders often work too hard, including lack of trust, fear of failure, ego, habit, and being too busy to delegate. Bill argues that overworking is not a badge of honor but rather a sign of inadequate team building.  Topics explored in this episode:  (0:26) A Case Study in Micromanagement * A new CEO's micromanaging during a company sale led to longer transition times and negative impacts on team morale.  (2:54) The Five Reasons Why Leaders Overwork * The five main reasons include lack of trust/perfectionism, fear of failure, ego/hero syndrome, habit (founder syndrome), and—you’ll have to listen to or watch the episode to find out the fifth!  * Ego can drive leaders to seek out crises in which they can be the hero.    (6:59) The Impact of Overworking * Why overworking indicates a failure to build and empower a team.  (8:22) Shifting Your Mindset * Identifying the reasons for overworking is the first step toward changing those behaviors.  (9:26) Creating a New “Why” * Leaders can invent a new "why" to motivate themselves to adopt healthier work habits.  * Coaching can help leaders shift their mindset and behaviors to build stronger teams and scale effectively. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/  Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

    11 min
  4. The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio

    APR 2

    The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio

    What does it really mean for people to feel like they matter in the workplace? In this episode, Zach Mercurio unpacks why mattering is the missing piece in most workplace cultures and how leaders can foster it. He also explores how a sense of value and contribution drives engagement, innovation, and retention.  Zach is on a mission to make work and life more meaningful. As an author, researcher, and speaker, he helps leaders create environments where people feel valued.  Topics explored in this episode:  (02:15) The Science of Mattering * How mattering influences employee performance and well-being. * Why recognition alone isn’t enough to make people feel valued. (10:40) Workplace Disconnection * The hidden costs of employees feeling like they don’t matter. (18:55) The Role of Leaders in Creating Mattering * Mattering shouldn’t be just an HR initiative—it’s a leadership responsibility. (28:30) Purpose vs. Mattering * Why having a sense of mattering is more foundational than purpose. * Case studies of companies that have built cultures of mattering. (47:20) Building a Mattering-Centric Culture * The three key components of a workplace where people feel they matter. Thanks to Zach Mercurio for being on the show!  Learn more about Zach: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ Get Zach’s book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8XMWCLJ  Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio  Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/billgall/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    47 min
  5. Growing a Business Doesn't Have to Suck

    MAR 26

    Growing a Business Doesn't Have to Suck

    What leadership habits can help your team take more ownership and solve their own problems? In other words, how can you step back in a way that actually makes your business stronger? In this episode, Bill challenges the hustle culture myth and shares how stepping back, empowering your team, and embracing balance can actually strengthen your company. Topics explored in this episode:  (00:16) The Myth of Hustle Culture * The real cost of hustle culture and why it can harm your company. * Bill’s story of taking a month-long family trip to Italy while his business thrived. (01:51) Leadership That Empowers, Not Micromanages * The power of asking the right questions instead of providing immediate answers. (04:17) Making Work More Fun  * The benefits of hobbies and interests outside of work. * How compartmentalizing time helps maintain balance. (06:23) Embracing Challenges Without Unnecessary Suffering * The key difference between unavoidable problems and optional suffering. * Shifting your mindset to tackle obstacles without burnout. (09:25) The Power of Support and Coaching * Why you don’t have to figure everything out alone. * Why being coachable and seeking support is key to sustainable success. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/  Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

    13 min
  6. How to Train Unshakable Self-Belief with Dr. Nate Zinsser

    MAR 19

    How to Train Unshakable Self-Belief with Dr. Nate Zinsser

    How can anyone, regardless of their background, develop lasting confidence? Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you build, and Dr. Nate Zinsser has spent his career helping elite athletes, military leaders, and business professionals master it. In this episode, he shares lessons from his work with NFL star Eli Manning, Olympic athletes, and West Point cadets, revealing how anyone can develop unshakable self-belief. Dr. Nate Zinsser is a mental performance coach, author The Confident Mind, and a longtime director at West Point’s Performance Psychology Program.  Topics explored in this episode:  (02:00) The Foundation of Confidence - Why some people embrace coaching while others resist it. (10:30) The Making of a Performance Psychologist - How wrestling and martial arts shaped Nate’s approach to confidence. (20:45) Training the Mind  - How the military and top athletes develop mental resilience. - The story of Olympic bobsledder Jill Bakken and her confidence breakthrough. (30:20) The Eli Manning Mindset Shift - How Eli Manning transformed from an uncertain quarterback to a Super Bowl MVP. - The specific mental habits that made him a clutch performer. - Why reframing struggles can lead to a breakthrough. - The bus driver lesson: Changing your mind to change your day. Thanks to Dr. Nate Zinsser for being on the show!  Learn more about Nate on https://www.natezinsser.com and  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-zinsser-35349010/  Get Nate’s book, The Confident Mind: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1847942946/  Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/billgall/" rel="noopener...

    48 min
  7. Master These 2 Fundamentals to Scale Successfully

    MAR 12

    Master These 2 Fundamentals to Scale Successfully

    What are the two most important factors for scaling a business? Scaling a business comes down to two key elements: focus and differentiation. Companies that maintain a clear customer and product focus while emphasizing what sets them apart are more likely to achieve sustainable growth.  Topics Bill explores in this episode:  (0:30) Two Critical Factors - The importance of focus and differentiation in scaling a business.     (4:47) Identifying Your Ideal Customer and Maintaining Focus - Focusing on one primary customer type, even for large companies.     - The importance of staying in your lane and not deviating from your focus.     (5:59) Focusing on Core Products and Services - The example of Steve Jobs' return to Apple and his focus on a simplified product matrix.     - Identifying and focusing on the profitable, growth-oriented parts of your business.     (7:15) Differentiating Your Business from Competitors - Identifying your unique value proposition.     - Not trying to be everything to everyone and instead focusing on your strengths.     - Utilizing AI to analyze your company and competitors.     - Gathering feedback from new employees, applicants, and customers to identify your differentiation.     - Using customer language to articulate your differentiation. Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/  Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall  This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: a href="https://www.successwithstories.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    14 min
  8. AI Business Transformation with Gerard Murtagh

    MAR 5

    AI Business Transformation with Gerard Murtagh

    What are some practical ways that businesses can optimize their operations with AI? Scaling a business is tough, but scaling by 300% while dealing with fraud and financial chaos is next-level challenging. In this episode, Gerard Murtagh shares how AI helped his company, MouldMen, navigate rapid growth, uncover fraud, and optimize operations. This conversation is packed with real-world AI applications, leadership lessons, and practical strategies for business owners looking to stay ahead. Gerard Murtagh doesn’t do business the conventional way. From launching his first venture at 17 to flying across the world to learn mold remediation firsthand, he’s built his success on innovation, grit, and a whole lot of AI-powered problem-solving. Topics explored in this episode:  (2:00) The Unexpected Crisis * Gerard discovers a staggering $1.4M in fraud and financial mismanagement. (10:54) Turning to AI for Answers * Using AI to analyze company financials and expose fraudulent expenses. * Early AI wins convince Gerard to dig deeper into automation. (19:23) Scaling Smarter with AI * Using AI to replace manual admin processes while increasing efficiency. (32:14) Overcoming Resistance to AI * Working with employees who initially push back against automation, fearing job losses. * A structured approach to AI integration.  (49:41) The Future of AI in Business * Why business owners should consider building a “data lake.” * How AI will reshape customer interactions, from service to sales. Thanks to Gerard Murtagh for being on the show!  Learn more about Gerard: https://www.gerardmurtagh.com/bio  Connect with Gerard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardmurtagh/  Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.  Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop  Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGall Bill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach  Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.    Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts. Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJ Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u Bill on Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/billgall/"...

    56 min
    4.8
    out of 5
    76 Ratings

    About

    Do you dream of an easier way to scale and grow your business? Do you wish you didn’t have to work so hard and put in as many hours? Do you find growth too slow, or hard to sustain? This podcast—Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher—can help you achieve and maintain the growth you want. A message from your host: “I’ve been in your shoes as a founder, CEO, and executive leader. I’ve coached and trained many leaders just like you over more than 15 years to grow their businesses successfully and profitably. But more than that, I’ve helped give them their time and sanity back. My core strength is making the growth process easier, faster, and way more fun.” A dynamic thought leader, Bill talks with fascinating and brilliant guests each week, including visionary CEOs, trailblazing entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, renowned business strategists, and more. Broadly, each episode focuses on one of the four major decision areas every entrepreneur and company must get right: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. More specifically, the show explores topics such as: * Business Growth & Scaling. * Customer Experience & Marketing. * Innovation & Differentiation. * Leadership Development. * Delegation & Accountability. * Vision & Strategy. * Team Dynamics. * Hiring & Talent Management. * Company Culture. * Employee Engagement. * Crisis Management. * Effective Communication. * Influence & Persuasion. * Business Strategies. Running a business is ultimately about freedom. Subscribe to this podcast to learn how leaders like you can get your organizations moving in sync, create something significant, and still enjoy the ride. Subscribe if you want to elevate your business to unprecedented heights by tuning in to a masterclass in business excellence. For information on Bill Gallagher’s coaching and training programs, and Scaling Up Workshops, visit www.ScalingCoach.com

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