ScaleHQ Podcast

This week, I challenges Founders with five critical questions that can uncover growth bottlenecks, identify profit opportunities, and set the stage for exponential business success in 2025.

Ready to make 2025 a transformational year for your business? In this final ScaleHQ episode of 2024, I reflect on five brutal but pivotal questions every Founder should ask before the year ends. These needle-moving questions are designed to help you reflect, strategise, and plan for the year ahead. Whether you're aiming to scale, improve profitability, or step back from day-to-day operations, these questions are your guide to transformation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Identify growth bottlenecks: Learn how to pinpoint and address the biggest barriers to your growth, from improving your sales process to optimising team efficiency
• Double your profits with simple strategies: Explore actionable ideas like raising prices, cutting inefficiencies, or introducing high-margin premium offerings
• Transform your leadership: Understand why upgrading your own leadership style and letting go of control can drive better business outcomes
• Create exponential results with big moves: Discover the impact of strategic partnerships, subscription models, and focusing on larger, high-value contracts
• Stop tolerating what holds you back: Examine toxic clients, broken processes, and ineffective spending to free up resources and create capacity for growth

This must-listen episode is packed with real-world examples and frameworks to help you contextualise these questions for your own business. Tune in and discover how a few hours of reflection can lead to a year of remarkable growth.

Thank you for an incredible 2024! Signing off for the year, but I’ll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you scale your business. Happy Holidays!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/118⁠⁠⁠

-----------------------------------------------------

This week, I share why traditional position descriptions are outdated and how success profiles can empower your team to thrive.

In this episode of the ScaleHQ Podcast, I dive into why traditional position descriptions are outdated and how they may be holding your business back. I introduce the Success Profile, a practical tool designed to give leaders clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes for team members.

If you’re a Founder or business leader wanting to improve your team’s clarity, performance, and alignment, this episode provides actionable insights and tools to implement right away.

In the podcast, I talk about:

• Why position descriptions fail: I explain why the task-based approach of position descriptions doesn’t define success or foster growth
• Introducing success profiles: A simple, powerful framework that aligns individual roles with business objectives
• Attributes and behaviors matter: How to address team dynamics and accountability through behavioral expectations
• Leading and lagging indicators: How to use these to set clear monthly success benchmarks
• OKRs for alignment: How to define objectives and key results to create a cascading strategy that empowers your entire team

Ready to replace outdated methods with a framework that drives empowerment, growth, and alignment? Listen now!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/117⁠

-----------------------------------------------------

This week, I talk about transforming your business with the Scale Scorecard: a tool to identify and close gaps in your business so you can achieve your goal of stepping up for investment, stepping back to install management, or stepping out for a full exit.

In this episode, I introduce the Scale Scorecard, a diagnostic tool I’ve developed to help Founders self-assess their business’s scalability, sellability, and overall growth potential. I have identified 35 key ingredients critical for successful scaling and put these into a free tool that gives Founders clarity and actionable steps towards achieving their dreams of attracting investment, stepping back from daily operations, or preparing for a profitable exit.

In the podcast, I talk about:

• Why Founders hit growth ceilings:Founders often reach a point where business growth becomes unsustainable without foundational improvements. I discuss how weak systems, lack of delegation, and undefined roles limit scalability. Strengthening these foundational elements prevents Founder burnout and sets the stage for a smooth, profitable scale-up or exit.
• The Scale Scorecard: The 35-question diagnostic tool that evaluates seven key areas, including strategy, execution, leadership, team, financials, offer, sales, and support, revealing strengths and pinpointing areas for improvement.
• Real-world application - Sam’s story: I introduce "Sam," a $14M business owner who uncovered critical insights about his business's execution, sales, and support systems. After taking the Scale Scorecard & a free Growth Audit, Sam was able to identify gaps in his business and prioritise his next moves, resulting in greater scalability without burnout.
• Growth Audit insights: Completing a Scale Scorecard unlocks the option for a free 45-minute Growth Audit with me. Through this Audit, Founders receive tailored advice on their top priorities for the next 90 days and beyond, translating insights from the scorecard into actionable steps.

Don’t miss this impactful episode. Listen now!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/116⁠⁠

-----------------------------------------------------

Discover how Adam Evans leveraged bold decisions, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships to transform his company and navigate the challenges of scaling a service-based business in the defence industry.

In this week’s ScaleHQ Podcast interview, Sean speaks with Adam Evans, the visionary Founder behind Anywise’s strategic growth. Adam shares his journey from working in defence to building a purpose-driven business that thrives on bold decisions. He discusses the strategic pivots that led to massive growth, including walking away from guaranteed revenue and taking risks that paid off.

If you're a Founder looking to scale, this episode offers a wealth of insights on overcoming the challenges of growing a service-based business. Sean and Adam discussed:

1. The decision to walk away from 30% of revenue: Why Adam and his team turned down a significant client and how it sparked unexpected growth.
2. Scaling with purpose: How Anywise shifted from typical consulting to managing larger projects and developing their own technology.
3. Innovating through crisis: Leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to streamline processes, empower the team, and boost profitability.
4. The power of saying no: Understanding the importance of focusing on core values and how learning to say ‘no’ can drive real growth.
5. Collaborating to scale: Adam’s approach to building partnerships and managing risk without raising capital in the early days—and what he’d do differently now.

Don’t miss this insightful episode. Listen now!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/115⁠

-----------------------------------------------------

In today’s episode, Sean continues his deep dive into the 8 critical mistakes that holds Founders back from scaling, exiting, or stepping away from their business. These stumbling blocks not only hinder growth but can also jeporadise long-term success, keeping you from achieving the financial freedom you’ve worked so hard for. Whether you’re looking to attract investment, step back from day-to-day operations, or prepare your business for sale, understanding these mistakes—and how to avoid them—is key. Key topics covered include:

1. Mistake #5 - Financial visibility and working capital: How poor financial visibility and insufficient working capital hinder growth, decision-making, and investor confidence.
2. Mistake #6 - Offer design and margins: Strategies for creating a differentiated, bold offer to maximize margins and lifetime value.
3. Mistake #7 - Lead generation and sales process: Building a scalable lead generation and sales ecosystem to support predictable revenue growth.
4. Mistake #8 -External advisory and peer support: The importance of building a strong external network to navigate strategic challenges.
5. Bonus mistake: The value of mentorship and peer support in avoiding costly missteps and accelerating growth. Tune in to discover actionable insights for avoiding these common pitfalls and positioning your business for success!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠

Apple: ⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw

ScaleHQ website: ⁠www.ScaleHQ.com.au/114

-----------------------------------------------------

In this episode, Sean dives into the eight critical mistakes that prevent Founders from scaling their businesses, successfully exiting, or stepping back. These are the very issues that can block your progress, whether you're looking to take on investors, sell your company, or install management and reduce your day-to-day involvement.

From identifying leadership gaps to clarifying strategy and improving execution, Sean breaks down real-world examples from his experience in corporate and due diligence processes, highlighting the actionable steps you need to take to position your business for success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Holy Trinity of options: Step up, step out, or step back. Learn what path Founders are striving for in the next 3-5 years

2. Mistake #1: Lack of a clear strategy and aligned execution plan

3. Mistake #3: Not having a capable leadership layer that inspires trust and retains top talent

4. Mistake #4: Failing to enable individual success through clear expectations and support

5. Mistake #5: Poor financial visibility and insufficient working capital

6. Real-life example: A million-dollar business run by two Founders failed to scale due to leadership and culture issues, making it risky for investors

Don’t miss this 2-part series! Tune in now!

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA

Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4

YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw

ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/113

-----------------------------------------------------

This week, we speak with Drew Horsell, the mastermind behind Horsell’s explosive success.

Discover how Drew leveraged an advisory board to triple his company’s size while innovating and navigating the challenges of scaling a service-based business.

In this ScaleHQ podcast episode, we sit down with Drew Horsell, the dynamic Founder and managing director of Horsell, a veteran-owned professional services firm that has achieved remarkable growth in just a few short years.

For Founders looking to scale their businesses beyond seven figures, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and hard-won lessons.

Drew shares his journey from military life to entrepreneurship, revealing how he overcame the challenges of scaling a business in a highly competitive industry.

Whether you're a service or product-based business owner, this conversation is full of actionable advice that can unlock your company's potential.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Power of an Advisory Board in Scaling Growth: Drew shared how he leveraged an advisory board to triple or even quadruple his business growth. He explains the strategic role the board played, not just in decision-making but in challenging his ideas, refining strategies, and providing the confidence to pursue bold initiatives. If you're considering whether an advisory board could take your business to the next level, this episode offers a clear roadmap.

2. Innovation Without Proportional Headcount Growth

One of the biggest challenges for growing businesses is scaling operations without exponentially increasing costs. Drew discusses how he used technology to improve service delivery and increase efficiency, allowing Horsell to manage more projects with the same or fewer resources. This approach is particularly relevant for Founders looking to optimise their operations and drive sustainable growth.

3. Letting Go to Grow: A Founder’s Journey:

Drew candidly shared the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning from working in the business to working on the business. His journey of trusting others with his "baby" and focusing on the strategic direction of the company is something every Founder can relate to, especially those struggling to let go of control as they scale.

4. Building a Values-Based Business in a Profit-Driven World:

In an industry often focused on profits over people, Drew discussed the importance of maintaining a values-based approach, where customer outcomes and employee satisfaction take precedence. This philosophy differentiates Horsell by building a loyal client base and a committed team—key ingredients for long-term success.

Tune in to hear Drew’s inspiring story and discover how you can apply these strategies to scale your own business effectively!

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

#businesspodcast #scalemodel #revenuegrowth #SeanSteele #DrewHorsell

Join us this week as we dive into an insightful conversation with Siimon Reynolds. 

Learn how to overcome entrepreneurial challenges and achieve sustainable growth with his proven methods.

In this episode, Sean sits down with renowned entrepreneur and business mentor Siimon Reynolds. 

Siimon shares his extensive experience and insights into scaling businesses, enhancing productivity, and mastering the entrepreneurial mindset. 

Here are the key topics covered in this episode:

The Journey of an Entrepreneur: 

• Siimon reflects on the lessons he learned over a decade of building and growing businesses, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial journey. 

Focus Areas for Business Growth: 

• Siimon discusses the critical areas he focuses on in his one-on-one coaching sessions, including business growth strategies, productivity enhancement, mental performance optimization, and the need for entrepreneurs to use their time effectively.

Combatting "Zombie Entrepreneurship": 

• Siimon discusses the concept of "zombie entrepreneurs" – those who have lost their passion and drive but continue running their businesses out of necessity and strategies to maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout, ensuring long-term business success.

Maximizing Potential and Performance: 

• Siimon highlights the importance of functioning at full potential and not settling for mediocrity in business operations. He offers practical advice on eliminating negative thinking and fostering a positive, productive mindset.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and inspiring insights, perfect for Founders looking to scale their businesses and elevate their entrepreneurial game. 

Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry.

Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Join us for this week’s ScaleHQ Podcast with Luke Nolan as he shares his transformative insights on building the world’s largest student accommodation marketplace and provides practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.

In this ScaleHQ episode, Sean sits down with Luke Nolan, the visionary Founder of Student.com, the world’s largest student accommodation marketplace.

With operations in over 40 countries and close to $3 billion in transactions, Luke shares his journey from startup to global success, offering valuable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Here are some key points discussed in the interview: • Genesis of Student.com: Luke recounts the "aha moments" that led to the creation of Student.com.

As an international student himself, he identified a massive opportunity to simplify the student accommodation process.

His unique perspective and firsthand experience fueled his passion for solving this problem on a global scale.

• Scaling through Technology: Luke emphasises the importance of leveraging technology to scale the business.

He shares how early investments in tech helped Student.com expand rapidly, particularly in large markets like China.

By focusing on creating a seamless user experience, the platform was able to cater to millions of students worldwide.

• Overcoming Challenges and Pivots: The journey wasn’t without its hurdles.

Luke discusses a major pivot that involved reducing operational costs and laying off 42 employees in a single day.

This painful but necessary step was crucial for the company's long-term sustainability and growth.

• Leadership Transition: Luke talks about his recent transition from CEO to a more strategic role, bringing in a new CEO to lead the company.

He shares the steps taken to ensure a smooth transition and the importance of building a strong leadership team to drive the business forward.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Luke Nolan’s strategies for scaling a business, navigating challenges, and creating a global impact in the student accommodation industry.

-----------------------------------------------------

Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify:  • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple:  • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube:  • https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: • https://www.scalehq.com.au/110