The Business Strategist With Adam Strong

• Are You the Soul-Sucking CEO?

  Are YOU the Soul-Sucking CEO? What if the biggest barrier to growth in your company… is you? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Garry Ridge — former CEO of WD-40, Top 10 USA Today bestselling author, and one of the most grounded, wise leaders I know.  Over 25 years, Garry scaled WD-40 into a $3.6 billion global powerhouse — not through ego or control, but by building a culture of belonging, learning, and trust. We dive deep into what most leaders get wrong about company culture, how to recognise (and eliminate) toxic behaviours, and why servant leadership is the most powerful leadership style for scaling a business and empowering teams. You’ll hear: How Garry resisted short-term shareholder pressure and stayed true to long-term vision The “Petri Dish” model for spotting and fixing culture problems What it means to lead with vulnerability — and why it works Why clarity, transparency, and values are the foundation of a high-performing team How to know if you’re the one holding your business back JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 This episode is a leadership masterclass — whether you’re a founder trying to scale, an executive looking to exit, or someone building a company where people love to work. Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Breakdown  00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 05:01 Garry Ridge's Journey to CEO 10:27 Mental Resilience in Leadership 12:43 Tough Leadership Decisions 15:50 Creating a Culture of Belonging 18:13 Identifying Toxic Culture 21:06 The Role of a Leader as a Coach 23:09 Defining Success and Winning 24:30 Leading with Vulnerability and Clarity 27:21 The Smartest CEOs: What They Get Wrong 29:21 Identifying Gaps in Leadership 30:19 Building a Global Company Culture 31:28 Navigating Tough Times with Transparency 35:24 Dealing with Cultural Outliers 36:40 Starting to Build a Positive Culture 37:42 The Journey of Leadership and Learning 40:31 Reflections on Leadership Journey 43:20 Final Thoughts and Leadership Tips 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST 📘 Don’t forget to check out Garry’s new book Any Dumb Ass Can Do It and take his “Dumbass Quiz” at ⁠TheLearningMoment.net⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge⁠ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong⁠ Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: ⁠https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  42:58
• How Assets Set You Financially Free

  What if everything you thought you knew about money was holding you back? Featuring Sharon Lechter—co-author of the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, presidential financial-literacy advisor under Presidents Bush and Obama, and longtime philanthropist—this episode will transform how you think about income, assets, and true wealth. I’m Adam Strong, and in this conversation I sat down with Sharon Lechter to unpack why traditional schooling leaves us financially illiterate, how the famed Cashflow Quadrant can shift you from trading time for money into building businesses and investments that work for you, and the four-part Personal Success Equation that powers entrepreneurial breakthroughs. Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, a budding business owner, or investor, this episode equips you with the mindset and action plan to level up. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways 1. Learn to Build Wealth Through the Cashflow Quadrant Understand the four income-generating quadrants—Employee, Self-Employed, Business Owner, and Investor—and how transitioning to the right side (Business Owner and Investor) can lead to financial freedom. 2. Improve Your Success with the Personal Success Equation Apply the formula: (Passion + Talent) × Association × Action + Faith, to align your strengths and network, take decisive actions, and maintain belief in your mission. 3. Enhance Financial Literacy at Home Encourage open discussions about money with your children to foster financial literacy, breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy perpetuated by traditional education systems. ​ 4. Shift Your Money Mindset Replace limiting beliefs like "I can't afford it" with empowering questions like "How can I afford it?" to stimulate creative solutions and financial growth. ​ 5. Recognise the Importance of Mentorship Seek mentors who have achieved what you aspire to, as they can provide guidance, open doors, and help you navigate challenges more effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Sharon Lecter 02:55 Sharon's Journey into Financial Literacy 05:34 The Importance of Teaching Money in Schools 11:14 The Role of Mentorship in Success 14:19 What the Rich Teach Their Children 16:10 Changing the Mindset Around Money 18:14 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 21:34 Learning from Business Decisions 23:34 Creating a Sustainable Business 25:55 Reflections on Past Choices 27:24 Defining Personal Success 29:22 Continuing to Play Big 31:39 Advice for Securing Financial Future 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://sharonlechter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonlechter Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Sharon-Lechter/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ASharon%2BLechter Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sharonlechter/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  34:56
• Strategic Shifts for Successful Exits

  What If Your Success Habits Are Now Holding You Back? You’ve built something from the ground up—but what if the very traits that made you a successful founder are now the biggest blockers to scaling and exiting? In this episode, I speak with John Spence, one of the world’s leading authorities on business and leadership. Named by the American Management Association as one of America’s top 50 leaders to watch—alongside the likes of Larry Page and Jeff Bezos—John became CEO of the Rockefeller Foundation at just 26 and has since advised both Fortune 10 giants and small, fast-growth businesses across the globe. I’ve known John for years, and every time we speak, I’m reminded just how deeply he understands what makes a business thrive—or fail. This conversation was rich in insight, challenge, and practical strategy. We covered: The mental traps founders fall into when transitioning from startup to scale-up The psychological roadblocks that sabotage even the most talented leaders Why reflection, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are now non-negotiables Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info 5 Key Takeaways from the Episode: Most businesses plateau due to a mix of Ignorance, Indifference, Inflexibility and Inconsistency. Recognising which one you're operating in is key to moving forward. The habits that serve you as a founder can become liabilities as a leader. Without shifting your mindset, you risk becoming the bottleneck. Founders who successfully scale are the ones who learn to hire well and step back. Running a £1M company and a £50M company requires completely different skill sets. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability (AQ) often outweigh technical expertise in long-term leadership success. The best leaders take full ownership of their mistakes—and are brave enough to ask for help. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scaling Challenges 06:23 Identifying Patterns in Business Plateauing 10:08 Strategic Shifts for Founders 11:47 Defining Professional Management 14:08 Finding the Right Replacement 18:05 Counterintuitive Mistakes of Founders 21:02 Key Areas for Business Differentiation 22:58 Psychological Blind Spots in Leadership 26:50 Lessons from Early Leadership Experience 29:58 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 30:54 Accountability in Leadership 33:29 Mindset Shifts for Overcoming Plateaus 39:09 Purpose-Driven Leadership 41:03 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Lives 43:15 Curiosity and Uncomfortable Questions in Leadership 46:37 The Five-Step Framework for Business Excellence 49:42 People First: The Core of Business Success 52:50 Identifying and Addressing Performance Issues 53:48 The Evolution of Leadership Frameworks 56:27 A Live Coaching Session: Overcoming Frustrations 01:09:20 Legacy and Leading with Love 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://johnspence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/johnspenceleadership/ Book: https://amzn.eu/d/cDzEDUy ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:10:20
• From Chaos to Consistency: McDonalds Blueprint For Success

  Ever wonder how a simple idea can transform chaos into consistency—even during a crisis? Discover how McDonald's golden arches inspire a resilient, systemised business strategy for navigating uncertainty. In this episode, I chat with Marianne Page, a former McDonald’s veteran and bestselling author, who shares 27 years of firsthand insights on building resilient businesses. Marianne breaks down the power of systems, from enhancing customer experiences to streamlining operations, that empower SMEs to thrive even in challenging times. We explore practical strategies including crisis management, team development, and the “one right way” method that ensures consistency and growth. This conversation distils decades of experience into actionable advice for creating a scalable business model. JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast. Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 Key Takeaways The secret behind McDonald’s resilience lies in systematic planning and consistent processes. Effective systems can transform your business, making it agile in times of crisis. Investing in your team's development boosts operational efficiency and loyalty. Mapping customer journeys is essential to delivering a consistent brand experience. Automating the “one right way” can free you from daily micromanagement, paving the way for scalable growth. What if the one thing holding your business back isn’t your ambition—but the lack of a system that sets you free? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marianne Page and Her Journey 03:41 Resilience in Business: Lessons from McDonald's 06:18 The Importance of Systems in Business 08:54 Building a Strong Team and Culture 11:35 The Role of Consistency and Trust in Business 14:09 Evaluating and Implementing Effective Systems 16:56 Adapting to Change: Customer Experience and Journey 19:37 Automation and Technology in Business 21:57 Final Thoughts: Clarity, Consistency, and Choice 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://mariannepage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannepage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ocNWsGvx2-EJQ6U8vSP1Q ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  40:42
• Unlocking the Science of Selling

  What if your sales breakthrough lies in the science of decision-making? In this episode of the business strategist host Adam Strong and best-selling author Peri Shawn dive into the science behind successful selling. They uncover how neuroscience drives client behaviour, the power of emotional engagement, and the art of asking the right questions.  Learn how to transition from traditional sales pitches to a strategy that aligns with the natural buying decision, ensuring your sales conversations are efficient, engaging, and conversion-driven. Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info Takeaways  Neuroscience in Sales: Understand how the brain’s amygdala and frontal cortex drive buying decisions. Emotional Engagement: Discover how connecting emotionally with clients increases their likelihood to buy and refer. Strategic Questioning: Learn the importance of asking targeted questions to uncover and address client pain points. Active Listening: See why pausing and truly listening can transform your sales conversations. Optimised Sales Strategy: Adapt your approach to match where clients are in their buying journey for more efficient and effective outcomes. Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Overview 02:55 The Science of Selling 06:06 Understanding the Buying Decision 08:55 Emotional Engagement in Sales 12:03 Sales Strategies and Their Effectiveness 15:14 Mindset and Presence in Sales 17:55 Practical Application of Sales Techniques 21:13 Audience Interaction and Real-World Examples 23:50 Addressing Sales Struggles 27:07 Live Sales Coaching Session 30:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 34:16 Building Confidence in Sales Conversations 39:06 Understanding Client Pain Points 45:17 Effective Sales Strategies and Techniques 52:09 The Importance of Active Listening 56:32 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: https://www.coachingandsalesinstitute.com/meet-peri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perishawn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perishawn Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sell-More-Sales-Coaching-Challenges-ebook/dp/B00FC5PI3M?ref_=ast_author_mpb ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  48:56

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