In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Ben Poswalk, Director of Business Development at The Child Care Success Company, for a chat about what really separates owners who keep growing from the ones who stay stuck in the same overwhelm, year after year. Because after years of working with child care owners in every stage of the journey, Ben has seen the patterns clearly: where owners break through, where they get in their own way, and what actually helps them move forward.

Together, they talk about the habits that show up inside successful businesses, the blind spots that keep owners spinning, and why the biggest problem is not always the one sitting on the surface. They also get into trust, relationships, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stop carrying everything alone.

Key Takeaways:

[3:57] Ben shares how his path into child care started unexpectedly and became a calling he never planned for.

[6:47] The owners who grow are usually the ones who take action on what they learn instead of just gathering more information.

[8:09] Many owners stay stuck because they are buried in the day-to-day and are trying to control too much at once.

[9:25] Letting go of tasks your team can handle often creates more freedom and better results than holding on too tightly.

[10:42] A lot of staffing struggles point back to leadership, culture, and clarity, not just hiring.

[11:53] Better hiring starts with helping people see the purpose of the work and how they fit into the bigger vision.

[14:03] One major blind spot is chasing outside solutions for problems that are really happening inside the business.

[15:07] Strong enrollment systems are built on trust and relationship-building, not pressure or rushing families.

[18:25] The owners who keep growing are usually the ones willing to do the hard things and have the hard conversations.

[19:40] Vulnerability is often the thing that helps owners get support, build confidence, and move forward.

[26:58] In 2026, one of the biggest opportunities is getting back to real human connection with staff, families, and children.

[31:48] Owners do not have to carry everything alone, but they do have to be honest about what is not working.

[33:33] Often, the biggest breakthrough starts by identifying the one issue that will create the most momentum first.

Quotes:

"I feel like it's a calling more than anything else, and we end up serving the children and families that are in our care, because it was just meant to be." — Ben [4:09]

"It's the owners that implement and actually take action on the information that they receive." — Ben [7:06]

"Relationships are everything, because it's not about what we can do or the shiny objects that we can build; it's about who we are on the inside, showing up and being authentic, building trust, and building relationships with them." — Jennifer [17:14]

"We are in the trust business. Always." — Jennifer [17:50]

"Vulnerability is such a key component to success." — Ben [20:32]

"My passion is getting fulfilled, and that's making this world a better place, one child at a time, and that's only possible through those conversations I have on a regular basis with owners." — Ben [35:02]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

Jennifer Conner

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Ben Poswalk Facebook

Ben Poswalk Instagram

Ben Poswalk LinkedIn

Brené Brown