Audiologists and practice owners often avoid tough conversations about underperformance or conflict, leading to unresolved issues and workplace tension. Addressing these challenges is key to improving team dynamics, retaining talent, and fostering practice growth. After a decade in corporate, Gene Hammett built a $7 million online business, only to lose it all when a deal went sour. From this setback, he discovered a passion for coaching CEOs to develop strong leaders and address limitations. In this episode, Gene joins Kevin to share actionable strategies to enhance leadership and navigate tough conversations for a thriving audiology practice.

Gene Hammett is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps founders and CEOs develop strong leaders at every level. Over 1 million business leaders have used his advice to improve their leadership and grow their companies.

In this episode, Kevin and Gene will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:46) Pivoting from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship

(01:51) Growing His Sports Tour Business from Zero to $7 Million

(03:14) Rebuilding From Scratch After Losing Everything

(05:35) His Journey to Becoming a Top Leadership Coach

(10:50) Transforming Leadership Styles for Better Results

(14:35) Why Mission-Driven Practices Attract and Retain Top Talent

(16:08) The Power of Tough Conversations in Team Growth

(23:08) How Leadership Styles Impact Tough Conversations

(26:25) Mastering Difficult Conversations in Four Simple Phases

(32:08) Gene’s Straightforward Guide to Leading with Impact

(34:50) The Framework for Handling Tough Conversations

(40:20) Why Every Hard Talk Needs a Follow-Up

(43:52) Connecting with Gene

Gene Hammett is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps founders and CEOs develop strong leaders at every level. After studying the leadership of fast-growing businesses on the Inc. 5000 list, he discovered strategies that help companies grow. Gene is also the founder of the Growth Think Tank podcast, which is recognized as a top resource for leaders. His work has appeared in publications like Inc., Entrepreneur, and Success magazines. Over 1 million business leaders have used his advice to improve their leadership and grow their companies.

Connect with Gene:

Gene’s Website: https://genehammett.com/

Gene’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genehammett/

Resources Mentioned:

Gene’s Book, How to Have Tough Conversations: The Framework for Great Leaders to Say What Needs to Be Said When the Pressure Is On: https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Tough-Conversations-Framework-ebook/dp/B0D7WFLZL5

Start With Why by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Simon-Sinek/dp/1591844517/

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/B09BK342ZW/

The Only Thing:

If you’re an audiologist and want to grow your practice – we’ve got a