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

~~~

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

~~~

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

How do you build a sustainable financial advisory business that values the talent of its people as a competitive advantage against the rise of AI?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Podcast," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Brett Bernstein, CEO and co-founder of XML Financial Group, to explore how to create organizations that prioritize people, nurture emotional intelligence and drive sustainable growth. From building a legacy-focused culture to navigating mergers and acquisitions, Brett shares his unique philosophy on leadership, effective communication and empowering teams to thrive.

Among the topics we explored:

• The "bottom-up strategy" to approach to setting people-centric goals. How it helps a company create trackable KPIs and build an engaged work culture.

• How to achieve exponential business growth that outperforms AI-based advisory services. Hint: Build it around natural intelligence.

• The strategies for aligning company cultures after expansion through mergers and acquisitions. How to sustain a vibrant company culture even during expansion.

• The role of innovation and mentorship in building enduring businesses. Strategies for creating a company culture where people don't want to leave.

• The tight-rope that a leader in a professional services firm has to walk while leading the dual role of a CEO and contributing professional.

Key takeaways:

• Discover how collaboration and a strong client-service model fuel organizational growth.

• Learn how XML Financial Group scaled from 4 to 50+ employees across multiple locations.

• Understand the role of culture in creating a business that outlasts its founders.

• Explore the balance between being a leader and a practicing professional.

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring leader, or curious about the intersection of people and performance, this conversation offers actionable insights for personal growth and professional success. Tune in to discover how you can apply these strategies to build lasting, people-centered businesses.

#businessculture #businessgrowth #m&astrategies #clientrelationshipmanagement #employeeinvestment

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

04:12 - What's in a Name? The Story Behind XML

07:42 - Client-Centric Philosophy

10:51 - Competitive Difference

12:26 - Vision and Growth Strategy

15:30 - Mergers and Acquisitions for Growth

17:22 - Building a Legacy Business

21:12 - Leadership and Culture in a Growing Firm

23:23 - Installing a Culture Deck Vs Cultivating a Culture

26:31 - Balancing Productivity and Happiness

28:30 - The Role of KPIs in Business Growth

31:19 - Navigating Leadership Through a Bottom-Up Approach

32:44 - Essence of the Culture

34:30 - Balancing Leadership and Advisory Roles

38:43 - Overcoming Challenges & Learning from Setbacks

41:11 - Personal Growth Through Life Experiences

43:32 - Finding Grounding in a Fast-Paced World

45:56 - Happiness as a Driver of Positive Relationships

48:11 - The Importance of Communication in Business

49:53 - AI's Role in Financial Advisory Services

52:13 - Future Aspirations for XML Financial Group

53:20 - Getting In Touch

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

~~~

Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/scaling-people-first-advisory-firms-ai-talent-culture-legacy/

What does it take to scale organizational culture with Software As a Service (SaaS) business model, and ensure your business thrives for the long haul?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher," host Bhavesh Naik dives into the secrets of building high-performing, resilient organizations with special guest Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG). Drawing from decades of experience, Geoffrey shares how FPG has revolutionized the hospitality industry, transforming frontline employees into empowered revenue drivers while fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.

Key topics include:

• Unlocking the potential of frontline employees through service-based sales.

• How to leverage the SaaS (Service as a Software) model to build a company culture that scales.

• The intersection of self-awareness, leadership development, and organizational growth.

• How to lead with empathy and effective communication to inspire teams.

• Practical strategies for scaling businesses with technology and cultural alignment.

• Lessons from navigating acquisitions, remote work, and post-pandemic challenges.

Discover how FPG’s innovative approach—combining the art of human connection with the science of analytics—has helped thousands of hotels worldwide increase revenue, boost employee engagement, and create unparalleled guest experiences.Join us to explore actionable insights into scaling team dynamics, driving personal growth, and mastering the balance between accountability and care. Whether you're a leader seeking sustainable results or a professional invested in growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Tune in to uncover how you can build a culture of resilience and excellence in your organization. Don’t miss this transformative conversation!

#hospitalityperformance #revenuemanager #hospitalitymanagement #servicerecovery #hoteltrainingCHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Intro

03:11 - Origins of Frontline Performance Group

09:22 - Service-Based Sales Strategies

12:46 - Vision for Frontline Performance Group

15:37 - Evolution of Business Vision

23:49 - Acquisitions During Pandemic

28:30 - Identifying Your Customer

32:43 - Impact on Bottom Line

37:15 - Changing Behavior in Business

45:08 - Company Culture Insights

50:55 - Exploring the Dark Night of the Soul

55:30 - Seeking the Changeless Beneath Change

01:00:15 - Parting Thoughts

01:02:13 - Connecting with Geoffrey

01:04:40 - Feedback: What It's Like to be on this Podcast

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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/scaling-organizational-culture-saas-frontline-performance/

How do purpose-driven leaders transform organizational culture and build lasting businesses?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Carol Cone, a pioneer in purpose-driven business strategies, to explore the transformative power of purpose in both personal and organizational contexts.

They explore how a well-defined purpose can drive growth, employee engagement and societal impact. The discussion covers the process of discovering both personal and organizational purpose, the role of leadership in activating purpose and the impact of purpose-driven companies through various case studies. The conversation also highlights the significance of authenticity and the need for businesses to balance profit with purpose in a changing world.

Carol shares her extensive experience in helping organizations discover and activate their purpose, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in embedding purpose into company culture. She discusses the societal shift from a "me" to a "we" mindset and how this impacts business practices and leadership.

Listeners can discover insights into the importance of authenticity in purpose statements, the strategies for activating it in their daily execution and the tangible impact of purpose on business performance and success. Carol also provides real-world examples of companies that have successfully integrated purpose into their business models, offering a roadmap for others to follow.

Tune in to learn how purpose-driven leaders can create lasting business success by aligning personal and organizational goals, and discover actionable strategies to transform your company into a force for good while enhancing it performance metrics.

You will:

• Discover the transformative power of purpose in business and personal life.
• Understand the role of leadership in embedding purpose into organizational culture.
• Explore the societal shift from individualism to collectivism and its impact on business.
• Gain insights into the importance of authenticity in purpose statements.
• Learn about real-world examples of companies successfully integrating purpose.
• Hear about the challenges and opportunities in aligning personal and organizational purpose.
• Find out how purpose-driven leaders create lasting business success.
• Listen to strategies for engaging employees in purpose-driven initiatives.
• Uncover the significance of aligning career choices with personal purpose.
• Get inspired by Carol Cone's personal journey and purpose-driven insights.

Key Insights Covered:

• The role of purpose in driving leadership development and organizational growth.
• Practical examples of companies like Unilever, Patagonia, and Aflac thriving with purpose-driven strategies.
• How aligning personal and organizational values drives empathy, collaboration and personal growth across teams.
• Strategies to engage employees at every level in discovering and activating a company's purpose.

#business #managementconsulting #leadership #communicationskills #employeeengagementstatistics

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Intro

04:56 - What is Purpose

08:54 - Personal vs Organizational Purpose

15:50 - Discovering Your Purpose

23:55 - Activating Personal Purpose

29:00 - Defining Organizational Purpose Responsibility

36:07 - CEO's Role in Purpose Alignment

50:35 - Shift from "Me" to "We"

56:07 - Carol's Purpose Statement

58:34 - Off Purpose Experiences

01:01:08 - The Aflac Duck and the Trajectory of Purpose

01:06:22 - Parting Message of Purpose: Hand, Head and Heart

01:08:42 - What's Next for Carol Cone on Purpose

01:11:22 - What It's Like to be on The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast

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

~~~

Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/purpose-driven-leaders-organizational-culture-carol-cone/

TL; DR Discover how achieving flow state can transform your work experience, leading to effortless workplace productivity and fulfillment. Learn leadership and management strategies to enhance your team's performance.

Are you stuck in the hustle culture, feeling like productivity is synonymous with stress and long hours?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Steven Puri, founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, to explore how you can transform your work experience by tapping into the flow state. Discover how the principles of Sukha, happiness, fulfillment and ease, can revolutionize your approach to productivity.

Steven shares his journey from the film industry to tech, revealing how lessons from Hollywood can be applied to modern workplaces. He delves into the concept of flow state, a powerful mental state where individuals perform at their peak, and explains how it can be achieved by anyone willing to embrace the right conditions.

Listeners will gain insights into the differences between engagement and entertainment, the history and future of remote work, and the importance of setting meaningful goals. Steven also provides actionable strategies for leaders to help their teams enter the flow state, enhancing both individual and collective productivity.

Among the themes we explored were:

● Understanding Flow States: Explore the psychological concept of flow and its significance in enhancing focus and productivity.

● Creating the Right Environment: Learn how to set up physical and mental spaces that encourage flow, including minimizing distractions and optimizing work settings.

● Skill and Challenge Balance: Discover the importance of aligning tasks with skill levels to maintain engagement and enter flow states.

● Leadership's Role in Creating Flow: Understand how leaders can facilitate flow by providing clear goals, meaningful work and autonomy to their teams.

● Time Management and Deep Work: Explore techniques like time blocking and deep work sessions to maximize productivity and maintain flow.

● Personalization of Flow: Navigate strategies for identifying personal triggers and conditions that best support their flow states.

● Community and Collaboration: Explore how a supportive community and collaborative environment can enhance flow and productivity.

Tune in to learn how to shift from a culture of hustle to one of ease and flow, and discover the tools and techniques that can help you and your team achieve your best work effortlessly.

#flowstate #workplaceproductivity #sukha #remotework #employeeengagement #workfulfillment #leadingflow #highperfromanceteams #happyproductivity

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Introduction

04:53 - The Journey of Sukha: From Film to Tech

11:37 - The Power of Sukha: Happiness, Fulfillment and Ease in Work

13:01 - Sukha vs Dukkha: The Comparison

19:21 - Engagement vs Entertainment

24:48 - Understanding Flow State and How to Achieve It

30:51 - Can All Work Be Remote Work?

35:15 - The Misconception of Productivity: Hustle Vs Ease and Flow

38:10 - Flow State Explained: How to Enter It

44:47 - Effective Goal Setting Strategies for Flow

49:01 - Getting Your Team into Flow State

53:08 - Deep Work vs Flow State Explained

53:43 - Assessment Tools: Being in a Zone for Intuitive People

01:00:02 - Benefits of Team Flow State

01:01:20 - Dark Night of the Soul

01:05:57 - Personal Growth: 10-Year Reflection

01:08:29 - Future Plans for Sukha and Getting In Touch

01:11:03 - Reflections on Being a Guest and Ideas for Improvement

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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/flow-state-effortless-workplace-productivity/

What if the key to your organization's success lies in how you approach learning and development?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Christie Vanorsdale, a seasoned learning systems architect, to explore the transformative power of effective learning environments. Together, they delve into the intricacies of building sustainable learning ecosystems that not only meet compliance requirements but also inspire personal and organizational growth.

Christie shares her unique insights on the philosophical aspects of learning, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that foster low anxiety and high motivation. She discusses the role of design thinking in understanding learners' needs and the significance of prototyping and testing in learning design. The conversation also touches on the challenges of customizing learning management systems to fit organizational needs and the strategies for overcoming these hurdles.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the differences between teaching adults and children, as well as the importance of clear communication and accessibility in education. Christie also opens up about her personal journey in learning and development, offering reflections on transformation and self-reflection that resonate with anyone seeking to foster a culture of continuous learning.

Tune in to discover how you can transform compliance into an opportunity for growth and build a thriving learning culture in your organization.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Highlights and Introduction

00:04:12 What Is Learning? Perspectives That Shape Effective Organizations

00:09:11 Designing Learning Environments: The Two-Pronged Approach

00:12:04 Facilitating the "Aha" Moment and Helping Students Open Up to Learning

00:17:47 Breaking Down Silos: Collaborative Learning as a Catalyst

00:36:01 Simplifying the Complexities of Learning Management Systems

00:43:41 From Compliance to Culture: Making Learning Meaningful

00:52:00 Adult Learning Principles: Meeting Learners Where They Are

00:55:22 Overcoming Learning Barriers

01:02:51 Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Journey of Growth and Resilience

01:08:06 Transformation and Self-Reflection

01:15:15 Connecting and Moving Forward

01:17:47 Reflection: About Being on the Podcast

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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/collaborative-learning-leadership-sustainable-organizations/