The Matt Ware Show

Many leaders complain about the lack of quality in their teams, but the real issue is unclear expectations. This episode breaks down why quality is always defined locally and why leaders must state what they want, when they want it, and how they want it done. Quality is meeting stated expectations.

This episode confronts the real reason leaders stay stuck: avoiding the hard decision to fire someone who cannot be part of the future. Matt breaks down why tolerating mediocrity destroys culture, drains momentum, and sabotages purpose. If you lead people, this conversation meets you where you live.

If you're like most leaders, you've tried to master multitasking, not realizing that the very concept is a complete and total myth. Modern neuroscience has proven your brain can only handle one focus-intensive task at a time. Shut the door, shut off your phone, and shut out the world—because your greatest contribution won’t come in thirty-second increments.

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Too many leaders go too fast for too long—and burn out in the process. In this episode, Matt shares why leadership requires different speeds for different seasons, and how learning to slow down strategically can help you lead stronger, longer, and farther.

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The best leaders aren’t obsessed with productivity—they’re driven by results. Matt unpacks the crucial difference between getting things done and making things happen, and how this simple shift can reignite momentum in your leadership and organization.

Leaders talk about vision, strategy, and execution—but most fail at the one thing that matters most: follow through. Matt shares why credibility, trust, and leadership longevity all hinge on this one simple but rare skill.

Most leaders chase professional success at the expense of personal health, family, and peace. Matt reveals why true success starts with the personal, not the professional—and how prioritizing your life off the clock unlocks your greatest leadership potential.

Subscribe for more straight talk on leadership.

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Every leader deals with stress—but not every leader handles it well. Matt unpacks the two kinds of stress, the “unstrung bow” vs. “string follow,” and how to find your healthy middle ground so you can live and lead stronger.

A good leader can lead anything. Why? Because leadership is a meta skill—a higher-order ability that magnifies every other skill. In this episode, Matt unpacks the five essential skills that prove why great leaders can lead anywhere.

Leadership isn’t about collecting followers—it’s about creating more leaders. Matt shares a pivotal lesson from Dr. Sam Chand that reshaped his leadership forever: the call to discover, develop, and deploy leaders.

Do you feel stuck, restrained, or held back in leadership? Matt Ware shows why leaders hold themselves back more than anything else — and how to conquer the fears that keep you from running free.

Every leader wants to grow fast — but big impact always starts small. In this episode, Matt reveals why small beginnings aren’t weakness but the foundation for lasting growth, influence, and leadership.

What if the very thing you’ve been resenting — your small stage, your slow progress — is actually the gift that will set you up for big impact?

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You may know UVA Wine Bar for its incredible atmosphere—but behind it is a story of vision, courage, and deep intentionality. In this bonus episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan sit down with Liz Blakeley, co-owner of UVA Wine Bar in Colorado Springs, CO. Liz shares how a spontaneous trip to Napa turned into a bold career shift after 26 years in physical therapy. She unpacks her approach to leading people with empathy, creating a culture of trust, and building a business where team and community come first. If you’re serious about leadership, longevity, and building some...

Starting a business doesn’t have to take months—or even weeks. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan walk through a step-by-step plan to launch your business and land your first 10 customers in just 30 days. No website. No branding. No social media following required. They unpack what really matters: defining your offer, pre-selling to your warm market, building a minimum viable business, and doubling down on what works. If you’ve been stuck in “planning mode,” this episode is your permission—and your playbook—to stop stalling and start building.

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Thinking about going into business with a partner? You might want to listen first. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous sides of business partnerships. From Dave Ramsey’s “5 Ds” to why true 50/50 splits are a legal and emotional minefield, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and help you make smarter decisions. Whether you’re in a partnership now or considering one, you’ll learn what makes them thrive—and what makes them implode. This one’s a must-listen for founders and leaders at every level.

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Skills don’t sell. Trust does. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down five powerful ways to build trust in business—so you can attract more clients, close more sales, and grow with integrity. You’ll learn why empathy always comes first, how to leverage proof and social credibility, and how quick wins build confidence faster than big promises. They also unpack two proven sales frameworks (Know–Like–Trust and 7-11-4), plus why your longevity in business is a trust-builder all on its own. If you want your market to believe in you, this is th...

How do you know if a new idea is an opportunity… or just a distraction? In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan tackle the entrepreneurial minefield of shiny object syndrome. They break down why more success leads to more temptation, how to evaluate new opportunities with clarity, and the 7 questions every leader should ask before jumping into something new. From niche hopping to resource allocation to vision alignment—this episode is a crash course in strategic decision-making. If you’re tired of starting and stopping, this conversation will help you focus, commit, and win.

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You’re not lazy—you’re just working outside your genius. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan dive deep into the 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework developed by Patrick Lencioni that’s transforming how leaders approach productivity, team dynamics, and self-awareness. You’ll discover your unique working genius, where you’re wasting energy, and why feeling guilty about your weaknesses is actually a sign you’re ready to level up. Whether you lead a team of two or 200, this episode will show you how to stop white-knuckling your way through work—and start building around your stre...

Most entrepreneurs don't have a strategy problem—they have a habit problem. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan expose the three biggest bad habits sabotaging business leaders: procrastination, perfectionism, and avoidance. You’ll learn how to apply the habit swap strategy, how to use your environment as a cheat code, and why consistency always beats intensity. From personal discipline to professional execution, this episode offers practical tools you can apply right now to get back in control of your time, your leadership, and your life.

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Whether you love or hate politics, one thing is certain—it's leadership in its rawest form. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan unpack five powerful leadership lessons from the 2024 U.S. election cycle. From knowing your base and casting clear vision to rocking the boat and embracing confidence, this conversation will challenge you to lead louder, bolder, and more intentionally. No political rants—just real takeaways that translate directly to your business and leadership. If you're serious about growing, it’s time to study the moves of the most influential leaders in the world.

What really holds entrepreneurs back? In this bonus episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan sit down with Dr. Alok Singh—a board-certified psychiatrist, entrepreneur, and author of the just-released book Profit From Pain. With a rare blend of medical expertise, business acumen, and deep personal insight, Dr. Singh dives into the hidden emotional roadblocks that limit leaders: unresolved trauma, identity confusion, anxiety, burnout, and more. If you're grinding hard but still feeling stuck, this conversation will help you connect the dots between inner healing and outer success. It’s raw, real, and packed with wisdom.

How much pain can you take? In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan unpack the brutal truth behind personal and professional growth: it always comes with pain. You’ll learn why leadership pain is unavoidable, how avoidance becomes your cap, and why disruption and discomfort are actually the fuel for your next level. From skydiving and 75 Hard to Maxwell, Goggins, and Hormozi—this episode is loaded with real-world wisdom. If you're trying to grow your business, your leadership, or yourself… this conversation will stretch you.

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Momentum isn’t magic—it’s a leadership skill. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down why momentum is a leader’s greatest friend—or worst enemy—and how you can create it on purpose. They unpack the myth that momentum is outside your control and show you how to build it step by step, starting with small wins and stacking them into unstoppable progress. You’ll also learn why momentum always follows disruption, and how morale and money are the two engines every business must keep moving forward. If you feel stuck, this episode will g...

“If it weren’t for the people…” Sound familiar? In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down the one thing that drives every business, regardless of industry: people. From internal leadership to external customer interactions, your ability to lead, communicate, and connect will make or break your business. You’ll hear how companies like Zappos and TOMS scaled by putting people first, why “soft skills” should be considered survival skills, and how to shift your mindset from transactional to transformational. Plus, four actionable ways to grow your people skills this week.

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Summary:

Your business was supposed to give you freedom—but now it feels like it owns you. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down why most business owners are stuck in operator mode, the dangerous “owner-operator” identity, and how to start building a company that runs without you. They cover two tactical steps you can take this week—a time audit and SOP creation—to shift from chaos to clarity. If you’re ready to stop doing it all yourself and start thinking like a true owner, this is the episode to get you movi...

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Most leaders think they’re one hire away from a breakthrough—but what if you’re actually one fire away? In this powerful episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt dive into the most avoided (but necessary) leadership move: letting someone go. You’ll learn the difference between a training issue and a character problem, five red flags it’s time to fire, and a practical 4-step framework to make the process clearer and less emotional. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about leading with clarity, courage, and responsibility. If you’re holding onto someone who’s...

Most entrepreneurs are grinding hard—but on the wrong things. In this episode, Evan and Matt expose the trap of "feel-good" tasks that don’t actually drive growth and show how to identify what truly moves the needle. They explore how experience is earned through growth—not time—and how using the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) can lead to game-changing results. You'll learn how to shift your focus, apply strategy through ruthless prioritization, and get actionable steps to unlock the next level in your business. If you're feeling stuck or plateaued, this conversation will help you break through.

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Most leaders think they’re communicating—until nothing changes. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt tackle one of the most crucial (and overlooked) leadership skills: effective communication. You’ll hear why “being nice” often leads to confusion, how the last 10% of a conversation is usually where the real breakthrough lives, and why clarity is the kindest thing you can give your team. Whether you're leading remote teams, managing conflict, or trying to encourage better performance—this episode is your wake-up call. If you want more trust, alignment, and progress in your leadership... it starts with saying what...

Hiring is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs—but it’s also one of the most important drivers of business growth. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware break down the difference between delegating and empowering, why hiring for character over skill leads to better long-term results, and how to set new hires up for success with clear expectations. They share practical strategies for building a high-performance team, avoiding common hiring mistakes, and ensuring your next hire moves your business forward. If you're a solopreneur looking to expand your team or struggling with past...

In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware dive into the concept of increasing your value in the marketplace by climbing the "value ladder." They break down the four levels—Worker, Supervisor, Strategist, and Visionary—and discuss how solving bigger problems can elevate your position and impact. Through practical advice and relatable examples, they explore why mindset, skills, and tools are critical for providing value to your team, company, and customers. Tune in to learn how to assess where you are on the value ladder and take actionable steps to climb higher.

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In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware discuss the importance of taking action over excessive analysis. Drawing insights from Derek Sivers' Ted Talk and John Maxwell's leadership principles, they reveal how leaders with a bias toward action achieve greater success. Learn practical strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis, embracing imperfection, and using action to drive meaningful growth in your business and life.

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Summary:

In this special bonus episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware sit down with Kevin Utile, pastor and founder of Doulos Coffee Shop. They explore the incredible story of how a small coffee shop funds church programs, supports missions, and helps vulnerable populations while staying true to its faith-driven mission. Kevin shares practical insights on balancing business profitability with ministry goals and highlights the importance of excellence in leadership and service. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs of faith looking to integrate purpose and profit in their ventures.

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Summary:

In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware explore the transformative power of personal branding. They discuss how core values and reputation form the foundation of an authentic personal brand, sharing examples like Deion Sanders and Budweiser. Learn practical steps to build, improve, and evolve your personal brand over time, attracting the right people and repelling the wrong ones. Whether you're a business owner or leader, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage your personal brand for influence and impact.

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Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware discuss the elusive concept of work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Exploring the tension between work and rest, they share actionable insights on managing burnout, balancing family life, and finding purpose through meaningful work. With lessons from elite athletes and biblical principles, Evan and Matt uncover practical strategies to thrive in both personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sustainable approach to work and rest.

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Summary: In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware dive into the transformative power of reflection and reframing when facing setbacks. Sharing personal stories, including unexpected client losses and lessons from leadership experts like Michael Hyatt, they discuss how to shift perspective on challenges. Learn practical techniques to turn difficult situations into growth opportunities, helping you navigate your business journey with resilience and purpose.

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Summary: In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware dive into a critical topic for entrepreneurs—when to pivot and when to persevere. They discuss how success is often a product of time and consistency, sharing insights on the importance of making decisions based on data rather than emotions. With real-life examples and practical advice, they explore how to balance intuition with experience to make the best decisions for long-term growth.

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Summary:

In this powerful episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware tackle the importance of extreme ownership for entrepreneurs. They explore the impact of taking full responsibility on personal and business growth, discussing how blame can derail progress and why owning every outcome is essential for leaders. Referencing insights from Jocko Willink’s Extreme Ownership and Brian Tracy’s No Excuses, Evan and Matt share actionable strategies for developing self-awareness and prioritizing responsibility in all aspects of life and work.

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Summary:

In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt dive into the critical differences between being self-employed and owning a business. They discuss why working on your business is more valuable than working in it and share personal experiences about the transition from solopreneur to entrepreneur. If you've ever struggled to shift your mindset from self-employed to business owner, this episode is for you.

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Summary:

In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt dive into the critical differences between being self-employed and owning a business. They discuss why working on your business is more valuable than working in it and share personal experiences about the transition from solopreneur to entrepreneur. If you've ever struggled to shift your mindset from self-employed to business owner, this episode is for you.

Contact:

theshiftpodcast.co

Contact Evan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanweiland/

Matt Ware:

https://themattware.com/

Episode Title: Buy Then Build

Episode Number: EP4

Hosts: Evan Weiland & Matt Ware

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt explore the concept of business acquisition as a pathway to entrepreneurship. They break down the strategy behind buying an existing business, its advantages over starting from scratch, and how this approach can fast-track your entrepreneurial journey. Learn the ins and outs of acquiring a business, the steps to take after the purchase, and how to build and scale it for success.

Key Takeaways: