In this essential episode, Ken sits down with author and talent development expert Andy Storch to tackle the cycle of diminishing returns that traps business owners in the day-to-day operations. Andy, who recently relocated his family and business to Barcelona, Spain, discusses how intentional leadership is the only way to build a company that can truly scale without being dependent on you.

You'll discover:

• The Micromanagement Trap: Why the number one complaint about bad leaders is also the primary reason founders can't find a great second-in-command.
• The Ownership Mindset: How to encourage employees to stop drifting by asking them the one scary question that great leaders must ask: "Where do you want to be in five or ten years?".
• Guidance vs. Smothering: Learn the clear line between providing supportive direction and trust-killing micromanagement, and why giving freedom is critical for innovation.
• The Accountability Reset: How to handle a dysfunctional team by having the leader go first—taking self-accountability, admitting mistakes, and committing to better communication and follow-through.

Segments:

04:20 - Why Founders Can't Find a Good Number Two

05:40 - The Micromanagement Trap: The #1 Complaint

07:00 - The Power of Timely Feedback

11:45 - From Drifting to Ownership: Leading with Curiosity

13:30 - The Scary Question Great Leaders Must Ask

17:10 - Guidance vs. Smothering

17:50 - Freedom Enables Innovation

23:55 - Coaching Different Personalities

32:55 - Teaching the Ownership Mindset

37:45 - Self-Reflection to Build Self-Awareness

40:05 - Why the Leader Must Go First

🔗 Connect & Next Steps

If you're ready to stop putting out fires and start working on your business, connect with us!

Ready to find your Number Two? Visit theleaderslab.co to learn how we help you hire the right leaders who fit your culture and drive growth from day one.

Join Ken live! Register for the upcoming webinar, "Understanding the Power of DISC," to learn how to lead and coach every personality type on your team: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7388918729037807616/?originTrackingId=D9NFDWkqTFS2zdiN8UGUxw%3D%3D

#Leadership #FounderLife #ScaleUp #TalentDevelopment #SuccessionPlanning #ThePlaybookPodcast