What does it take to build a company that performs at the highest level, and stays human at the core?

In this second part of my conversation with Mike Chaput, CEO of Endsight, we go beyond values-driven culture and explore the disciplines, systems and operational rhythms that make an organization truly self-sustaining.

Mike’s journey -- buying his first business at 24 with borrowed money, failing, rebuilding, and ultimately creating one of the top-performing IT support companies in the country -- gives him a rare, grounded perspective on what “enduring success” actually looks like.

Today, Endsight is a 140-person company generating $35M+ in annual revenue with a 20% EBITDA margin, putting it in the top 1% of its industry. But the most extraordinary part? Mike built it through people-first leadership, relentless clarity on core values and a deep commitment to operational excellence.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why memorable, clear, branded, and complete core values become the operating system of a healthy business

• The RSVP values framework: Respect & Connect, Servant’s Heart, Value Value, and Progress Over Comfort

• How Endsight hires for culture first, even before skills

• Using lifeline interviews to uncover ethics, motivations, and alignment

• Why avoiding a bad hire is more valuable than landing a good one

• How constraints create freedom, and why discipline unlocks creativity

• The rhythms, systems, and lean practices that operationalize excellence

• How to build a culture where people naturally take ownership and solve problems

• What leaders must understand about motive, followership, and sustainable influence

If you’re a founder, a CEO, or a leader who wants to build a company that outlives you, this conversation is full of gold.

📌 If this episode sparks insight or challenges your thinking, leave a question or reflection in the comments. This community grows through the questions we ask together.Like, subscribe, share, and most importantly… keep asking better questions.

Episode Show Notes and Deep Dive:📚 Deep Dive, Show Notes and Reference Reading: https://www.awayre.com/activate-company-culture-playbook/

Connect with Mike Chaput:🌐 Website: https://www.endsight.net🔗 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchaput/🎞 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thechaputperspective

"The Business Philosopher Within You" Podcast:🎬🎙️📖 Website: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast/🦸‍♀️Be a Guest: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast-guest/

🤔 Podcast: The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast 🗓️ Published: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays📇 Episode: 34📜 Format: Full Episode📅 Date: November 26, 2025👨‍💼 Guest: Mike Chaput, Founder and CEO, Endsight🎙️ Host: Bhavesh Naik

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Introduction

02:35 - Creating an Executable Value System

09:31 - Core Values as Constraining Behaviors

15:16 - Hiring for Culture and Values Vs Skill

23:06 - Cultural Orientation After Hiring

25:54 - Operationalizing Company Culture

31:41 - Achieving 20% Profit Margins

35:49 - Non-Negotiables for Success

40:43 - Impact of AI on the Future

46:08 - Human Vs AI: Insights, Perspectives and a Prediction

47:24 - Darkest Moment Reflection

53:55 - Finding Peace and Inspiration

56:45 - Lasting Words of Wisdom and Getting In Touch

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Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

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Is it possible to scale a company to substantial revenues while nurturing a truly values-driven, people-centric culture without sacrificing purpose?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Mike Chaput, CEO of Endsight, to explore this compelling question. Mike shares his journey from the founding of Endsight to its current success, emphasizing the significance of a people-centric culture and the alignment of vision with daily operations.

Tune in and you will develop your own unique insights into how a well-crafted vision can include all stakeholders, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Mike discusses the iterative nature of core values and how they guide company culture and decisions. He also fleshes out the pros and cons of setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) to inspire and motivate teams.

• The role of vision in inspiring employees and stakeholders
• Strategies for engaging employees and executing strategic plans
• The impact of one-on-one meetings on organizational culture
• How accountability drives performance and growth

Join us as we uncover the secrets to building a high-performing organization that stands the test of time. Tune in to discover how you can apply these principles to your own business journey.

Episode Show Notes and Deep Dive:

📚 Deep Dive, Show Notes and Reference Reading: https://www.awayre.com/scale-revenue-values-leadership-ceo-lessons/

Connect with Mike Chaput:🌐 Website: https://www.endsight.net🔗 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchaput/

"The Business Philosopher Within You" Podcast:

🎬🎙️📖 Website: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast/

🦸‍♀️Be a Guest: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast-guest/

🤔 Podcast: The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast

📇 Episode: 33

📜 Format: Full Episode

📅 Date: November 12, 2025

👨‍💼 Guest: Mike Chaput, Founder and CEO, Endsight

🎙️ Host: Bhavesh Naik

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Introduction

03:34 - The Origin of Endsight

06:45 - Understanding Vision in Business

13:28 - Inclusive Vision for Success

16:22 - Leadership as a Follower of Vision

20:20 - Setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals

22:14 - Employee Engagement Strategies

25:28 - Vision at the Start of Endsight

29:35 - Vision, Direction, Lean Practices and Quality Control

34:36 - Bringing Vision to Daily Operations

38:28 - Executing the Strategic Plan

41:15 - Importance of One-on-One Meetings

45:33 - Accountability as a Leadership Tool

51:21 - Accountability Practices at Endsight

55:33 - Defining Core Values

57:50 - Embracing the Business Philosopher Mindset

59:36 - Identifying Core Values

1:08:27 - End of Part 1: Vision and Values | Part 2 Covers: Strategies and Disciplines

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Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

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How can the Virtual CFO business model propel small and mid-size enterprises to long-lasting success?

In this conversation, Bhavesh Naik interviews Ellen Wood, CEO and co-founder of VCFO, who shares her journey of pioneering the virtual CFO concept. They discuss the importance of understanding client needs, the role of culture in financial management, and the lessons learned from navigating economic challenges. Ellen emphasizes the significance of focusing on shareholder value and the need for entrepreneurs to be aware of their company's worth. The conversation concludes with Ellen's insights on leadership, grounding oneself amidst change, and the importance of integrity and people-first values in business.

Ellen shares her experiences and insights on the role of a virtual CFO, the importance of understanding client needs, and the psychological and cultural aspects of financial management.

Throughout the conversation, Ellen delves into the founding story of vcfo, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to overcome them.

She discusses the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on her business and how she adapted to the changing landscape. Ellen also highlights the significance of assessing shareholder value and aligning financial management with client values.

Among the topics we explored:

• What it takes to pioneer a deep-thought idea - the Virtual CFO model in this case - and build a sustainable business around it that lasts decades and beyond.

• How to leverage the financial strength of a business as the foundation for its long-lasting growth and success.

• How a company that helps other companies build financially strong businesses itself be an example of such strength and longevity.

• What role the culture plays in managing finances and building an enduring business.

• How paying attention to the human factors can drive the financial culture of a company.

• What a business leader can do to not just prepare for financial crises like 2008 but also capitalize on the opportunities they present.

• Why a business owner should pay attention *now* to their company's shareholder value even if they are small or mid-size.

• Why it's important for leaders to keep themselves grounded in the midst of relentless change.

• How prioritizing values that drive culture are innate to building a sustainable business that stands the test of time.

• The role that the culture plays in building an enduring businesses.

• How human factors drive the financial culture of company.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Ellen's leadership style, her approach to supporting clients' value systems, and her strategies for internal company growth. The episode also covers the differences between organizational and accountability charts and how vcfo implements these concepts to foster growth.

Tune in to discover actionable advice and strategies from Ellen Wood that can help you enhance your financial management practices and drive business success.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

02:47 - The Genesis of vcfo

09:57 - Vision for vcfo and Who It Benefits

13:37 - The Perspective of a Virtual CFO

17:55 - Understanding the Ideal Client

19:44 - Psychological and Cultural Aspects of Financial Management

22:29 - Supporting Clients' Value Systems

26:37 - Internal Strategies for Company Growth

29:27 - Organizational Vs. Accountability Chart

31:46 - Honoring a Legacy: Award-Winning Leadership

33:11 - Overcoming Obstacles and Learning from Crisis

38:30 - Insights from the 2008 Financial Crisis

41:33 - Entrepreneurial Journey: Navigating Change While Remaining Grounded

46:30 - Importance of Assessing Shareholder Value

49:14 - Getting In Touch with Ellen Wood and vcfo

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Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

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Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/fractional-cfos-virtual-cfo-lasting-value-smbs/