In this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, hosts Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard dive into the power of culture—what it looks like when a leader becomes obsessed with it, and how that obsession transforms an organization.

Fresh off a trip to Miami, Wade shares how visiting VU Church and meeting Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. reignited his passion for intentional leadership. From the way their team celebrates small wins to their obsession with excellence, Ben and Wade unpack how the same principles can elevate any business.

They explore:

🔥 The difference between control and culture

💡 Why excellence requires confrontation

💪 How great leaders model servant leadership

⚡ The power of energy and momentum in shaping a thriving team

If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants to build a culture worth obsessing over, this episode will leave you fired up and focused.

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Ep. 24 – Clarity Beats Comfort: Why Great Leaders Face the Hard Stuff

In this episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, Ben and Wade break down one of the toughest (and most avoided) parts of leadership: looking at the numbers. From dodging sales reports to tying your identity to performance, they explore how real leadership means leaning into the discomfort — not away from it.

With analogies like stepping on a scale after the holidays and stories from early business days, this episode is both sharp and relatable. You’ll leave with practical mindsets and tools to stay objective, build resilience, and lead with clarity — even when the data stings.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• The two types of leaders: Avoiders vs. Engagers
• How to untangle your emotions from performance
• Why reviewing numbers isn’t punishment — it’s power
• The discipline of weekly review rhythms
• Questions that shift your mindset and team culture

Great leaders don’t wait for comfort — they pursue clarity.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share if this one challenged or encouraged you.

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In this powerful episode of The Big Small Business Podcast, hosts Ben Hendrix and Wade Lombard step away from their usual lighthearted stories to tackle one of the hardest realities leaders face—guiding a team through tragedy.

Ben and Wade reflect on the national impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and then share deeply personal stories of loss, crisis, and resilience from their own companies. From navigating employee tragedies to processing anger and grief, they open up about the challenges leaders face when “business as usual” collides with life-altering events.

You’ll hear practical lessons on:

• How to be present and authentic when your team is hurting
• Why strength and empathy must go hand-in-hand
• Building systems that prepare your organization for crisis
• Finding purpose and moving forward after tragedy

This is a sobering but necessary conversation for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to lead well when it matters most.

👉 Follow us on Instagram for more content and behind-the-scenes: @bigsmallbusinesspodcast