
Hosted by Bill Gallagher · EN
Are we too busy to think or just out of practice?Scott Burgmeyer and Tammy Rogers dive into one of the most overlooked skills in today’s workplace: thinking. From the rise of “non-thinking” archetypes to the danger of lizard brain decision-making, they explore why so many leaders and employees are stuck in reactive loops; and how to break out of them.Scott shares his signature Swiss cheese analogy to explain how systems thinking can prevent blame culture and improve decision-making. Tammy reframes the idea that "there's no time to think," showing how intentional reflection is a competitive advantage. If you want to lead with clarity, think more critically, and get better at making decisions that matter, this episode will give you the tools and mental models to start.Topics explored in this episode:(05:15) Critical Thinking Skills -- A Dying Art?*Tammy asks the important question of ‘why aren’t people thinking’?*What is ‘Thinking’ really? Scott explains*Tammy shares some common ‘non-thinking’ archetypes.*Having a thought vs. thinking are two very different things.(14:00) Moving Out of Lizard Brain Thinking*It’s important to ask growth questions: What worked/what didn’t work.*Recognizing your logical fallacies is how you grow.*Apply the ‘learning/thinking’ lesson in other areas and categories of life.*What’s more likely to go wrong? --Some people take this the wrong way.(22:10) The Swiss Cheese Analogy*Scott shares his swiss cheese analogy and how it connects to thinking.*We sometimes find scapegoats to shift blame on instead of the actual system that lead up to the mistakes.*Our brains fill in the gaps and make assumptions all the time.*Although we frequently notice subconscious and intuitive cues, we tend to ignore them(34:30) I Don’t Have Time to Think*Things are just too busy to slow down just to think? Tammy reframes this perspective.*Thinking is all about expanding value to you and those around you.*You’re rewarded by how quickly and how WELL you make decisions.Thanks to Scott Burgmeyer & Tammy Rogers for being on the show!Connect with Scott & Tammy: https://www.becomemoregp.comScott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burgy/Tammy’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerarogers/Book: Think: The Road Less Traveled by Scott Burgmeyer & Tammy RogersBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgallThis episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/Mentioned in this episode:Q20 Diagnostic OfferStuck? Q20 Growth Diagnostic will give you a fresh perspective and it's free. ScalingCoach.com/Q20Busy is Broken bookOur new book, Busy is Broken, coming this September. Sign up for the release at busyisbroken.com
Bill emphasizes the importance of approaching others with expectation of hearing "yes" rather than bracing for rejection. He points out that expecting a "no" can negatively affect one's demeanor and the way proposals are presented, potentially leading to self-sabotage before even fully articulating the pitch. To counteract this, Bill advises focusing on the potential "yes" by considering and speaking to what the other party might want or find beneficial, thereby crafting a more compelling and engaging proposal.Moreover, Bill delves into the psychological barriers that fear of rejection can create, suggesting that this fear can significantly impede one's ability to secure affirmative responses. He recommends acknowledging and setting aside this fear to focus on why the proposition could be appealing to the other party. If the fear of rejection is deeply ingrained, seeking external help or therapy might be necessary to overcome these hurdles. Ultimately, the aim is to move beyond the fear, speculate on potential wins for both parties and present a pitch that is both compelling and attuned to the interests and desires of the other person, thus improving the chances of hearing "yes" more frequently in business endeavors.

What are the essential elements of an effective morning routine for executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners?In this episode, Bill breaks down the elements of a powerful morning routine for business professionals. He shares his personal approach to starting the day with mindfulness, gratitude, reading, and planning, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility. Topics explored in this episode: - Creating a morning routine that aligns with your natural rhythm.- Why flexibility in your morning routine leads to better long-term success.- The role of gratitude and mindfulness in setting a positive tone for the day.- How reading and "grazing" on diverse topics can spark creativity and fresh ideas.- The impact of nighttime preparation on a smooth, productive morning.- The importance of balancing productivity with relaxation, such as incorporating a hot tub ritual.- Why a great morning routine isn’t about copying someone else’s formula.Chapters in this episode: (02:30) Why Every CEO Needs a Personalized Morning Routine(04:44) The Power of Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Self-Awareness(05:50) Reading and Grazing(09:25) Planning and Looking Ahead Before the Workday Begins(09:53) Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Routine(13:59) Creating a Routine That Works for YouBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

Why do visionary entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk need strong operational counterparts like Tim Cook and Gwynne Shotwell? Successful businesses don’t just need visionaries. They need strong operational leaders to turn big ideas into reality. This episode highlights the crucial roles of Tim Cook at Apple and Gwynne Shotwell at SpaceX—leaders who ensured consistent execution behind the scenes. Topics explored in this episode: - The myth that a single visionary leader drives business success—why execution matters just as much.- How Steve Jobs relied on Tim Cook to scale Apple into a global powerhouse.- The critical role Gwynne Shotwell plays in running SpaceX while Elon Musk drives innovation.- Characteristics of great second-in-command leaders: consistency, reliability, and people management.- Why hiring a COO or operational leader is not about cloning the CEO but complementing them.- The risks of hiring externally vs. developing leadership talent from within the company.- Strategies for gradually transitioning a new COO into their leadership role.Chapters in this episode:(02:36) Why Musk & Jobs Needed Their Right-Hand Leaders(04:23) Tim Cook & Gwynne Shotwell(06:59) The Key Traits of an Effective Second-in-Command(09:07) Hiring vs. Developing Leadership Talent Internally(12:11) Common Pitfalls in Hiring a COO(13:33) Strong Operational LeadersBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

How can teachers bring their unique styles and passions into the classroom while staying effective?In this episode, Jeff Gargas shares his unexpected journey from musician and college dropout to education innovator. Host Bill Gallagher and Jeff explore the intersections of creativity, resilience, and education, with a focus on engaging audiences and scaling impactful solutions. Jeff Gargas is a four-time college dropout who turned his love of music and creative energy into a thriving career in education. As the co-founder of Teach Better, Jeff helps educators across the country improve their craft with passion, flexibility, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll flair.Topics explored in this episode: - Jeff’s journey from being a record label owner to co-founding Teach Better.- Engaging students by capturing their interest right from the start.- How a mastery learning framework empowers teachers to adapt to their unique classrooms.- The challenges of scaling a business, from cash flow issues to team adjustments.- The value of keeping profits in the business.- The buying cycles and funding structures of educational institutions.- The parallels between creating music and fostering creativity in teaching.Chapters in this episode: (02:30) Jeff Gargas: From College Dropout to Education Innovator(05:58) Creativity and Collaboration(12:49) Engaging Students Effectively(19:25) Adaptability in Business and Education(27:22) Founding Teach Better (32:38) Challenges in Scaling: Cash Flow and Team Growth(40:52) Resilience and Building SystemsThanks to Jeff Gargas for being on the show! Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgargas/overlay/photo/ Learn more about Teach Better’s community for EDUcreators, educators who create things outside their classrooms: www.teachbetter.com/educreators Get Teach Better, a book co-authored by Jeff: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5RZ5RX Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

“What is the lesson you want to teach our kids?” “Who do you want to be for our kids?” My wife asked me these questions during a particularly stressful time in my career. They grounded me. Refocused me. Made me prioritize what kind of person—both a dad and a business owner—I wanted to be. In this episode, I explore the following lesson: honesty and vulnerability in leadership can be far stronger than having specific business plans. Topics explored in this episode: - The emotional toll of leading a business through financial uncertainty.- How a supportive family dynamic can provide clarity and motivation.- Asking for help and involving others in problem-solving.- Why vulnerability and honesty strengthen leadership.- How to inspire loyalty and commitment from a team during tough times.- Parents teaching resilience and determination to our children.(00:00) Bill’s Personal Story of Challenge(02:13) Facing the Fear of Losing Everything(03:10) A Heartfelt Conversation with My Wife(04:42) Asking for Help(05:56) Rallying the Team with Honesty and Vulnerability(06:29) Courage and TeamworkBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

What can business leaders learn from the best sports teams that have had success for decades?In this episode, Sam Walker joins host Bill Gallagher to discuss the leadership secrets of the world’s most successful sports teams. From the unassuming captains who drive dynasties to the cultural pillars that make teams legendary, Sam shares powerful insights for business leaders. Sam Walker is the guy who cracked the code on what makes great teams tick. As a former global sports editor at The Wall Street Journal and author of the bestselling book The Captain Class, Sam’s obsession with leadership and teamwork has taken him into locker rooms, boardrooms, and beyond.Topics explored in this episode: - The surprising importance of unassuming captains in driving team success.- Why Michael Jordan’s leadership wasn’t the key to the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty.- How a culture of winning defines teams like the New Zealand All Blacks.- Lessons from the 2004 Red Sox and their dramatic midseason turnaround.- Why team success often depends on "invisible" leadership work behind the scenes.- The value of dissent and conflict in building a strong team culture.- How Ted Lasso humorously portrays key lessons about leadership and team dynamics.- Why great leaders prioritize collective success over personal recognition.- The Cuban women’s volleyball team’s dominance and their innovative approach to practice.Chapters in this episode: (02:20) Meet Sam Walker(05:10) The Role of Captains in Sustained Success(09:50) Bill Cartwright and the Chicago Bulls(15:00) The 2004 Red Sox Story(19:45) The New Zealand All Blacks(27:50) The Cuban Women’s Volleyball Team(40:06) Leadership Lessons from Ted LassoThanks to Sam Walker for being on the show! Sam will be the keynote speaker at our upcoming SCALING UP LIVE event on June 10-12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado: https://chiefexecutive.net/scaling-up/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-walker-captain-class/ Learn more about Sam: https://www.bysamwalker.com/ Get Sam’s book, The Captain Class: The Hidden Force That Creates the World's Greatest Teams: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812997190 Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

When processes fail, chaos follows. In this mini-episode, Bill recounts a high-stakes story from his own leadership journey and a public company's desperate cash-flow crisis. Bill shares how simple yet powerful fixes—born from collaboration and hard truths—turned the tide. If broken workflows are holding your business back, this episode reveals how to rebuild for resilience and success. Keep scaling.

Got peak performance? How can leaders use science to optimize their daily routines for better outcomes?In this episode, Bill chats with Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD about the intersection of science and leadership. Dr. Fowler shares how her medical background informs her coaching approach, offering insights on stress management, focus, and decision-making.Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD, is a high-energy performance coach who blends her expertise with a passion for helping leaders thrive. As the founder of THAXA, she’s on a mission to turn science-backed strategies into game-changing results for her clients.Topics explored in this episode: - The physiological impact of stress on leadership and decision-making.- Lessons from the medical field that translate to coaching and business leadership.- Prioritizing tasks to achieve significant goals.- How clarity and alignment can boost team motivation and performance.- Separating ideation from execution.- Strategies for balancing creative vision with practical business actions.- Why experimentation and curiosity are vital for personal and organizational growth.- The role of play in maintaining high performance and avoiding stagnation.Chapters in this episode: (02:01) Meet Dr. Carla Fowler(05:16) The Science Behind Leadership (10:19) Transitioning from Medicine to Coaching(18:05) The Importance of Focus in Leadership(24:46) Aligning Team Priorities (35:14) Experimentation and Growth: Lessons from Science(45:29) Play, Passion, & Quality of LifeThanks to Dr. Carla Fowler for being on the show! Learn more about Dr. Fowler and THAXA Executive Coaching: https://www.thaxa.com/ Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth. Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/ Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

People challenges are the toughest part of growing your business. In this episode, Bill shares a story of uncovering why a high-potential team member was struggling and how rethinking roles transformed their performance. The right answer was to find this team member a right seat on the bus rather than kicking them off.Don’t let people problems hold you back—this episode is your guide to turning challenges into growth opportunities. Get in touch with Bill if you want solutions in this area.Keep scaling.