Unleashing Leadership: Unlocking Greatness and Embracing Change
40 Episodes
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Join Travis Maus, seasoned entrepreneur and business leader, on a transformative journey of leadership exploration. In this thought-provoking podcast, Travis shares his invaluable insights and experiences gained from two decades of managing diverse businesses, including small family enterprises, Fortune 500 companies, and his own successful startups.Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of renowned leadership expert John Maxwell, Travis emphasizes the pivotal role of personal growth and embracing change to achieve greatness. Through candid storytelling and real-life examples, he unveils the profound truth that success or failure ultimately rests upon a leader's ability to recognize and unleash the potential in others.With...
The Benefits of Crisis in Your Business - S8 E60
#453
05/14/2025
Takeaways
You can't put yourself or your business in a box.Listen, read, and experience to learn.Failure is a necessary part of growth.Surviving crises shapes future leaders.You need practice before facing major challenges.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction to Small Giants and Season Reflection
01:27 - The Importance o...
The Artistic Perspective to Business - S8 E59
#452
05/13/2025
Takeaways
Most people agree on social responsibility issues.Create a positive cause without dwelling on broad issues.Small Giants focus on the pursuit of the impossible.Simple changes can lead to significant business improvements.Customer service training can differentiate a business.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Navigating Social Responsibility in Business
02:03 - The...
The Importance of Owning Your Just Cause - S8 E58
#451
05/12/2025
Takeaways
Get in the game and take action.Social responsibility can lead to employee dissatisfaction.A unique just cause is essential for businesses.Every business should prioritize clean air and water.Defining social responsibility is complex and subjective.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction to Unleashing Leadership
01:57 - The Paradox of Socia...
Does Your Business Have Mojo - S8 E57
#450
05/09/2025
Takeaways
Good culture creates good culture.If you have to ask, you don't have it.Mojo is about people, purpose, community, hope, camaraderie, and accomplishment.You need a just cause to have mojo.Fix your people to fix your mojo.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - The Family Analogy in Business Culture
03:05 - Und...
How to Successfully Expand Geographically - S8 E56
#449
05/08/2025
Takeaways
Don't let great be the enemy of good.Your job is to make incremental improvement.You need to be prepared for the future.Small giants focus on the relationship with their constituents.The biggest challenge for small giants is maintaining their mojo during growth.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - The Pursuit of Perfe...
Infrastructure and Gateways Required for Leveling Up - S8 E55
#448
05/07/2025
Takeaways
Celebrating milestones is crucial for team morale.Creating a structured approach helps manage chaos in business.Controlling chaos involves pacing growth and allowing breaks.Infrastructure must be consistently evaluated and improved.Growth brings new challenges that require different strategies.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Celebrating Milestones in Business
03:19 - The Gateway Co...
The Entrepreneurs Demon - S8 E54
#447
05/06/2025
Takeaways
You cannot script out every scenario in every situation.It's important to have broad principles that cover most issues.People will always find loopholes if you create too many rules.Successful entrepreneurs often struggle with recognizing their achievements.Building a supportive team can help alleviate individual pressures.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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More Rules Stifle Success - S8 E53
#446
05/05/2025
Takeaways
Fewer rules can lead to a more adaptable workplace.Employee handbooks can create confusion and limit individuality.Unlimited PTO shifts the focus to performance rather than time off.Over-management can stifle creativity and employee engagement.Self-policing cultures should focus on meaningful standards.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - The Case for Fewer Rules
<...Stop Listening to The Experts - S8 E52
#445
05/02/2025
Takeaways
Experts often lack real-world business experience.Practical experience can be more valuable than academic credentials.The definition of an expert should include hands-on experience.Many successful entrepreneurs do not follow traditional paths.Advice should be tailored to individual circumstances.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - The Nature of Expertise
08:55 - Real-World Exp...
Why Many Cannot Become Small Giants - S8 E51
#444
05/01/2025
Takeaways
The podcast focuses on real-life applications of insights from great books.Small Giants emphasizes the importance of taking chances and having a purpose.Large organizations often prioritize the interests of key stakeholders over the best interests of the business.Small Giants can adapt quickly due to their unified culture.In large companies, individual interests can overshadow the company's mission.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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One Job Per Employee (Most of The Time) - S8 E50
#443
04/30/2025
Takeaways
Founders often expect employees to wear multiple hats.Hiring should focus on specific roles rather than multiple responsibilities.Employees need to build skills before they become overwhelmed.Employers should proactively train employees for future workloads.Micromanagement is not effective; empowerment is key.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Handling an Overwhelming Amount of Work - S8 E49
#442
04/29/2025
Takeaways
Project management is essential for productivity in small businesses.Employees often feel overwhelmed by their workload.Effective project management requires clear milestones and deliverables.A unified language in project management is crucial for team coherence.Complex project management tools can hinder productivity rather than help it.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Navigating Productivity Challenges in Sm...
Enlightened Hospitality - S8 E48
#441
04/28/2025
Takeaways
Business is inherently challenging and lacks a definitive handbook.Successful individuals often learn from various sources rather than following a strict blueprint.Creativity is essential in applying learned concepts to unique situations.Change within organizations should be gradual, focusing on one department at a time.Consistency in business practices is crucial for long-term success.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapters Marke...
Trash Goals = Trash Results - S8 E47
#440
04/25/2025
Takeaways
Avoid arbitrary business goals that lack real meaning.Focus on building a great business rather than just revenue.Lagging indicators should not define business success.A strong foundation is crucial for sustainable growth.Ego-driven goals can lead to poor business decisions.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction to Unleashing Leadership and Small Giants
01:31 - The Pitfalls of...
Stop Confusing Business and Family - S8 E46
#439
04/24/2025
Takeaways
The 'Tour of Duty' concept emphasizes mutual commitment.Leaders must provide opportunities for growth and development.Accountability is crucial when commitments are not met.Communication is key in difficult conversations.Setting clear boundaries helps maintain organizational integrity.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers
00:00 - Understanding Tour of Duty in Leadership
02:57 - The Balance of Commitment an...
Keeping Your Promises - S8 E45
#438
04/23/2025
Takeaways
Customer experience is shaped by all senses.A positive work environment influences customer perceptions.Leaders must take personal responsibility for their employees.Great leadership goes beyond just making money.Employee happiness translates to community engagement.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers
00:00 - The Impact of Customer Experience
02:49 - Leadership Responsibilities in Business
06:02 - The Im...
Creating a Unique Customer Experience - S8 E44
#437
04/22/2025
Takeaways
The 'grow or die' mentality is crucial for business survival.Sustainable growth is about building for the long term.Growth can be incremental and doesn't always need to be grand.Customer experience is often more important than the product itself.A great product can be overshadowed by poor customer service.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers
00:00 - The Gr...
Copping Out of Growth - S8 E43
#436
04/21/2025
Takeaways
Socially responsible investing is evolving and often misunderstood.The ethos of investing should focus on long-term community well-being.Choosing not to grow in business presents its own challenges.Growth requires effort, regardless of the path chosen.Ignorance can lead to greater pain in the long run.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Chapter Markers
00:00 - The Evolution of Socially Resp...
What Happens When Passion and Business Go Separate Ways - S8 E42
#435
04/18/2025
Takeaways
Intimate relationships with the community create organizational mojo.Investing in community can enhance employee loyalty and satisfaction.Long-term success requires looking beyond immediate expenses.Reputation is built through consistent community engagement.Small giants integrate community support into their daily operations.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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How to Own Your Community - S8 E41
#434
04/17/2025
Takeaways
Small giants have a unique relationship with their communities.Active participation is more impactful than just writing checks.Leadership in community initiatives can drive real change.Money alone doesn't solve community issues; leadership does.Transformative projects require taking accountability, not just funding.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Savage Mojo - S8 E40
#433
04/16/2025
Takeaways
You must protect your business's culture and mission.Savage decisions may be necessary to maintain your mojo.Not all investors have your best interests at heart.Building a business is about more than just making money.The right people can elevate your business's purpose.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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The Artists of the Business World - S8 E39
#432
04/15/2025
Takeaways
If you're frustrated at work, consider making a change.Your skills can be applied in various fields.Leadership is crucial for organizational change.Entrepreneurs take risks that others won't.Business requires both art and science.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Everybody's Job is Customer Service - S8 E38
#431
04/14/2025
Takeaways
Growth should not come at the expense of control.Transforming client experience can differentiate a business.Training all staff on client service is essential.Employee and customer focus must be balanced.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Small Giants and Blue Oceans - S8 E37
#430
04/11/2025
Takeaways
Creativity is inherent in everyone; it's about willingness to try.Thinking differently can lead to new revenue sources.Being proactive in finding solutions is crucial for growth.Businesses should align services with customer needs.Growth means finding unique paths that differ from the majorityπ Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Keep Your Identity by Killing Bureaucracy - S8 E36
#429
04/10/2025
Takeaways
Bureaucracy can hinder decision-making and slow down processes.Growth should be controlled to maintain a company's distinctiveness.Empowerment must be clearly defined for effective leadership.A strong organizational culture can overcome product failures.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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Stop Fearing Failure - S8 E35
#428
04/09/2025
Takeaways
Exit planning involves regular refresh cycles to assess business vulnerabilities.Succession planning is crucial for smooth ownership transitions.Cleaning up financial records can rejuvenate a business owner's commitment.Authenticity in leadership is essential for building trust and culture.Flexibility allows businesses to adapt to changing circumstances.Leaders must be open to new ideas and perspectives for growth.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
Sponsors
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How Good Succession Planning Improves Your Business - S8 E34
#427
04/08/2025
Takeaways
Succession planning should be a continuous process, not a last-minute decision.Every entrepreneur will eventually leave their business, whether by choice or circumstance.Planning for an exit can enhance the business's value while the leader is still present.Identifying and developing potential successors is crucial for reducing key employee risk.Maintaining control while sharing equity can motivate employees and secure the business's future.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
Sponsors
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Utilizing Spin Offs to Protect and Grow Your Brand - S8 E33
#426
04/07/2025
Takeaways
The DNA of a small giant is sticking to your purpose.Creating new opportunities can help retain talent.Spin-offs can provide growth without diluting the brand.Communication during crises can foster trust and loyalty.Maintaining brand identity is crucial for business success.Education can be a separate venture that supports the main business.Adapting to market needs can lead to innovative solutions.It's important to balance multiple business identities.Financial planning requires evolving services to meet client needs.Purpose-driven businesses can thrive through strategic pivots.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of...
Control Your Culture or Fail - Every Time - S8 E32
#425
04/04/2025
Takeaways
Culture is a combination of actions and behaviors.You cannot fake culture; it must be genuine.Culture is the unwritten constitution of a company.Good culture is like a healthy immune system.Bad culture can lead to organizational failure.Leadership is responsible for cultivating culture.Culture is experienced, not just learned.A strong culture can expel negativity quickly.Culture is present in every aspect of the organization.Good leaders do not allow bad cultures to persist.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
S...
Client Satisfaction Formula - S8 E31
#424
04/03/2025
Takeaways
Properly trimming your client base is essential for organizational health.Reputational risk is particularly significant for smaller companies.A client that was once a great fit may no longer align with your business.Engagement and profitability must be balanced for both clients and employees.High-paying clients with low engagement can harm your reputation.Employees with high engagement but low compensation risk burnout.It's crucial to keep employees compensated fairly to prevent poaching.Constantly evaluate your client base to ensure alignment with business goals.Finding solutions for clients who no longer fit is key to maintaining relationships.Utilizing...Firing Bad Fits - S8 E30
#423
04/02/2025
Takeaways
Artificial intelligence is evolving towards more efficient models.New AI systems can operate without massive supercomputers.Businesses must adapt to disruptive technologies.The 80-20 rule is crucial in client management.Not all clients are worth the investment of time and resources.Success can lead to better problems that require strategic thinking.Entrepreneurs should challenge conventional business wisdom.It's important to focus on clients who align with your business values.Disruption in technology can create new opportunities for growth.Building a movement requires courage and innovation.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of...
Stop Chasing the Herd Off the Cliff - S8 E29
#422
04/01/2025
Takeaways
Starbucks exemplifies the balance between customization and standardization.Flexibility within a business template is crucial for success.Consistency in processes leads to a better client experience.Every employee should follow a standard method for tasks.Military discipline serves as a model for business consistency.Leaders must adapt to local preferences and differences.Feedback from employees can lead to significant improvements.Understanding business metrics is essential for informed decision-making.Not all business practices need to follow a standard menu.Creativity in business can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Gre...
Understanding Accountability and Growth - S8 E28
#421
03/31/2025
Takeaways
Success can lead to changes in personal relationships.Jealousy can arise from friends and family as one becomes successful.It's essential to evaluate the importance of success versus relationships.Unhealthy relationships should be removed from your life.Accountability becomes crucial as a business grows.Defining roles and responsibilities is vital for effective growth.Systematization is necessary to manage larger teams and operations.Leaders must delegate responsibilities to avoid burnout.Employees should not be overloaded with multiple roles.Leadership requires setting a good example for the team.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Ins...
Better Problems Ahead for the Successful - S8 E27
#420
03/28/2025
Takeaways
Success means you're going to have better problems.Challenges are a sign of growth and success.You can measure success by how you handle problems.Operating under stress can enhance performance.Experience builds resilience in entrepreneurs.Good problems indicate a thriving business.Transitioning from survival to growth mindset is crucial.It's important to learn from past challenges.Demand for services can be a positive indicator.Making decisions based on values, not just money, leads to better outcomes.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
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<...Clean Up Sloppy Communication - S8 E26
#419
03/27/2025
Takeaways
Social consciousness is like the brain of an organization.Growth involves cycles of expansion and retraction.Learning from experience is essential for progress.Understanding the 'why' behind actions prevents misdirection.Failure should be embraced as part of the learning process.Mentorship is about encouraging resilience after failure.Transparency fosters trust and collaboration in teams.Everyone in an organization should speak the same language.Creating a unified understanding helps prevent fragmentation.People need to be aware and engaged in organizational goals.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
...Avoid the Trap of Conformity - S8 E25
#418
03/26/2025
Takeaways
Going public can be tempting but comes with risks.The rush to IPO can lead to ethical dilemmas.Investors may lose trust if companies fail after going public.Authenticity and passion are crucial for effective leadership.Conformity in business can stifle individuality and innovation.Successful leaders are often those who embrace their uniqueness.Reading non-business books can provide valuable insights for leaders.It's important to be true to oneself in business decisions.The best ideas often come from genuine passion, not just following the rules.Leadership should focus on character and values, not just profit.π Buy...
Should You Take Your Company Public? - S8 E24
#417
03/25/2025
Takeaways
Money can destroy relationships and communities.Being driven solely by profit can lead to business failure.Surrounding yourself with growth leads to personal improvement.Going public may not be the best choice for every business.Public companies often prioritize short-term gains over long-term vision.Leadership can be compromised when a company goes public.Self-financing growth can be painful but necessary.Not all entrepreneurs are trained to manage large companies.The pressure for high returns can stifle innovation.It's crucial to have a clear exit plan when considering going public.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to...
Small Giants Emphasize the Extraordinary - S8 E23
#416
03/24/2025
Takeaways
Being deliberate in hiring is crucial for business success.The job of a leader begins after hiring someone.Successful companies operate with a purpose beyond profit.Money should be a tool, not the primary goal.Passion drives growth and fulfillment in business.A just cause is essential for sustained success.Chasing money can lead to significant issues later on.Successful businesses prioritize employee growth and value.Money will follow when the focus is on purpose.A strong mission can prevent unfulfilled success.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo...
Your Growth Plan is About People - S8 E22
#415
03/21/2025
Takeaways
ο»ΏAs businesses grow, they attract world-class employees.World-class employees require opportunities for growth to stay.A well-defined growth process is essential for employee retention.Nine-month performance cycles can enhance employee development.Clear expectations lead to greater employee fulfillment.One-on-ones should focus on personal improvement and accountability.Team huddles should prioritize task completion and obstacles.Stability at work can help employees manage personal crises.Regular feedback is crucial for employee engagement.Growth plans should be transparent and structured.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
...
You Cannot Survive Without Growth - S8 E21
#414
03/20/2025
Takeaways
ο»ΏBusinesses must grow or die is a myth.Growth can take many forms, not just revenue.Constant change is necessary to stay competitive.Regulatory pressures can necessitate growth.Lifestyle businesses may not need to grow.Effective growth management is crucial for leaders.Different phases of growth require different strategies.Stagnation can lead to business failure.Individual dependency can trap a business.Growth should be strategic, not just about numbers.π Buy "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" by Bo Burlingham
Sponsors
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