Summary

In this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Del Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Acclinate, to discuss leading with purpose, building trust at scale, and why great businesses solve meaningful problems.

Del shares how Acclinate is working to improve representation in clinical research by educating and empowering underserved communities to make informed healthcare decisions. The conversation also explores startup leadership, company culture, learning to delegate, and the mindset required to build an enduring business.

Del also shares the deeply personal story that inspired his passion for healthcare and why reaching his 50th birthday represented a milestone far beyond business success.

Whether you're a founder, leader, or simply passionate about building organizations that make a difference, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons and meaningful perspective.

In This Episode

Why Acclinate was founded to improve diversity and trust in clinical research
The importance of education before engagement
How to scale a mission without compromising your values
Balancing purpose with business growth
Leading teams through both wins and setbacks
Why founders must evolve from player to coach to owner
Building leadership teams that complement your strengths
Del's personal health journey and the family legacy that drives his mission

Key Takeaways

Purpose drives sustainable businesses.

Companies that focus on solving real problems create stronger long-term value than those focused solely on revenue.

Leadership requires emotional consistency.

Celebrate victories, learn from losses, and remain steady through both.

Hire for your weaknesses.

Great leaders surround themselves with people whose strengths complement their own.

Growth means letting go.

Founders must continually evolve from doing the work to empowering others to lead it.

Business success is measured by impact.

The legacy you leave matters more than the number in your bank account.