"Our rule is simple: 'No playbook, no hire.' We won’t bring anyone on board unless we have a clear plan to set them up for success.”

Building a business is hard — but building one that lasts? That takes a whole different mindset. On this episode of Inside the Process, Ryan Deiss, CEO of The Scalable Company, breaks down what it really means to scale sustainably, why ditching the 10-year plan might be the smartest move you make, and how systems (not superhero founders) are the real secret to growth. He shares honest insights about learning to prioritize, create clarity, and make decisions that don’t just feel good today, but still make sense three years from now. If you’re tired of winging it and ready to build with intention, this episode’s got you covered.

Key Takeaways:

Ditch the 10-year plan – Long-term visions are great, but staying adaptable wins the game.
Clarity beats chaos – Clear priorities and communication make everything else easier.
Systems scale, not hustle – You can’t outwork broken processes. Build smart, not frantic.
Build from activities that make money first – Don’t worry about culture so early on. Your bottom line keeps your company afloat, master that before anything!
Plan for impact, not just activity – Measuring what matters keeps your business moving forward.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] The first process to put in place

[5:40] Figuring out which processes to document

[8:15] Connecting why we deserve to win

[10:40] When does culture come in?

[13:11] Is leadership enough?

[15:15] How far ahead do you look into the future?

[18:00] The one thing new entrepreneurs should keep in mind

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

How to Stop Overthinking and Build the Right Systems w/ Ryan Deiss