Greg Alexander

This week on the podcast I talked about my disappointment in having to leave Colorado to go back to Texas. When times are tough and things are not going your way, how do you keep a positive mindset and reframe your thinking? What are your best tips for staying optimistic and not letting your circumstances get you down?

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The Hidden Truths of CMO Hiring: A CEO's Guide to Getting It Right Just listened to a brilliant podcast by Erica Seidel, the marketing leadership hiring expert, and it sparked some crucial insights for fellow CEOs. After spending decades as both a CMO and CEO across multiple industries, I can confirm: her advice is pure gold 🥇. What really matters when hiring your marketing leader? 🔹 The Long Game Marketing isn't a quarterly sprint—it's a marathon. Your CMO needs runway to build momentum. Expecting overnight transformation? That's like asking for a garden to bloom the day after planting seeds. 🔹 Smart Money vs. Quick Fixes The best CMOs balance today's demands with tomorrow's growth. During interviews, probe deep: "How do you juggle immediate results with long-term brand value?" Their answer reveals their strategic DNA. 🔹 Reality Check: What You're Really Ready For - Brand building takes sustained investment and patience - Product-market fit issues can't be solved by marketing alone - Your team must be ready for change—resistance kills innovation Pro Tips for Success - Test before you commit—consider starting with a fractional CMO - Let candidates educate you (if they can't help you learn about ABM, ICPs, or marketing KPIs clearly, that's a red flag) - Co-create the role—the best CMOs will help shape their mission Bottom Line The most successful CMO hires happen when CEOs are crystal clear about their company's readiness, expectations, and commitment to transformation. Want to dive deeper into any of these points? Drop a comment below. #CEOInsights #MarketingLeadership #ExecutiveHiring #CMOSuccess

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Join us for the next episode of The Entrepreneur’s Journey LIVE on Wednesday, 9/4, at 12:00 PDT, featuring a special conversation with Mindy Vail, Author, Coach, and CEO of The MindShift Effect. In a world where change is constant and leadership is more critical than ever, how do you ensure that you’re not just keeping up, but leading the charge? Mindy Vail has spent over two decades answering that very question. As the visionary behind The MindShift Effect, Mindy has guided countless leaders through the intricacies of change management and leadership development, empowering them to transform not only their organizations but also themselves. This episode will explore: The transformative power of internal work and how it shapes effective leadership. Key strategies for managing change in a way that inspires and motivates your team. How to navigate the psychological barriers that often hinder successful organizational change. The role of resilience, optimism, and gratitude in overcoming challenges and leading with authenticity. Mindy’s approach is more than just a business strategy; it’s a call to action for leaders to look inward, confront their own limitations, and emerge as the catalysts for the positive change they wish to see in their organizations. With her extensive experience in leadership coaching, change management, and public speaking, Mindy brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world insights that you won’t want to miss. We encourage you to bring your questions! Whether you're curious about how to lead a team through turbulent times or seeking advice on personal growth as a leader, this is your chance to get answers from an expert. Drop your questions in the comments before or during the show, and Mindy will address them live. If you can’t join us live, don’t worry – the recording will be available for you to watch at your convenience. This episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you and your business thrive in the face of change. #HeartAndBrain #BusinessLife #entrepreneurship #MindShift

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Had a great time talking with Scott Fitzgerald on his GAF (Great Advisory Frameworks) podcast about why Founders and Entrepreneurs need to think about leadership and why so many struggle with it! Thanks for having me Scott!! Listen to our conversation on Episode 41 of the Scott Fitzpatrick podcast, where we delve into the importance of leadership for entrepreneurs. Check out the link below to listen in. https://lnkd.in/g_99bjKf

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66% of New Businesses Die in 10 Years -- What Should You Do To Succeed? According to BLS data (see the great graphic at https://lnkd.in/gMZhfaEv), about 66% of new businesses are said to die within 10 years. Here are some suggestions after more than 50 years in venture capital, venture financing, venture development, and venture education: If you become an entrepreneur: * Do it to become wealthy to offset the risk and hard work. Don't just think "small." Small often gets eaten by the big. * To become wealthy, control your venture to create wealth and reduce dilution. * To control the venture and reduce dilution, control the angels and the VCs. * To control the angels and VCs, get skills and use finance-smart strategies to avoid or delay VC, which is what 94% of 85 billion-dollar entrepreneurs did (see The Truth About VC at www.dileeprao.com. Getting VC is not success. * Creating wealth and controlling it is. 80% of those who get VC end up failing. Only one becomes a home run. To build a unicorn: * There are few 100% rules in business, and I have found only one -- (nearly, I say this out of habit) every billion-dollar entrepreneur started in, or pivoted to, an emerging multi-billion dollar trend. So find your emerging trend. Venture success is a competition. Ideas do not win. People do. * In the Olympics, only one gets a gold. One gets a silver and one a bronze. The others fail. Same thing in business. That's one reason why the failure rate was 66%. * YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO WIN YOUR RACE -- YOU HAVE TO BE BETTER. Get skills to be better. * First movers only win 11% of the time. Smart movers win all the time. * It's not about the idea. Shark Tank is entertainment. That's why Mark Cuban is underwater on Shark Tank -- and he is the smartest shark. KEY: If you want to create wealth and retain it, no one will hand it to you. You have to earn it. Get skills and rely on yourself to grow and takeoff without VC. Good luck.

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In the #40 episode of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, Thomas J Marki, CPA and I jump headfirst into a great discussion on 20 Common Issues that all Founders should consider when planning for the sale disposition or succession of your business. If you need this checklist or have a question, send me a DM or call at 480-367-9000. We hope you enjoy this episode: https://lnkd.in/grvx5rHk #ArizonaBusiness #MergersandAcquisitions #FamilyOffice #IncreaseProfits #Operations #FamilyBusiness #BusinessAttorney #BusinessPodcast #AmericanDream #ScottsdaleFoundersForum

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The numbers are talking... Are you listening? On today's CoachEm podcast, Jean-Daniel Sillion shares that coaching isn’t just about steering people toward success—it’s about building an environment where success is inevitable. 🌱✨ In his leadership journey, particularly in high-growth scenarios, he developed a coaching framework rooted in strategy, structure, and culture. When stepping into a new organization or role, he starts with a 90-day plan that focuses on these three pillars. Because behind every KPI is an ecosystem of behaviors, habits, and processes. Here’s what we discussed: ➡ Success isn’t a single outcome; it’s the result of aligning the right strategy with a structure that supports it and a culture that empowers it. ➡ Numbers may guide decisions, but it’s the people behind those numbers that drive outcomes. Let’s stop treating coaching as an afterthought or a checkbox activity. It’s the differentiator between teams that meet their quotas and those that exceed them sustainably. How do you approach coaching to you strategy, especially during leadership transitions or organizational change? I’d love to hear your strategies or challenges in coaching to scale. #CoachingForImpact #LeadershipFramework #SalesSuccess #BusinessStrategy #TeamPerformance Coach2Scale: How Modern Leaders Build A Coaching Culture

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I had the incredible honor of interviewing the powerhouse leader, David Melzer on the latest episode of the Lead Stronger Longer podcast! 🎙️✨ David Meltzer is a renowned entrepreneur, speaker, and author who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve their potential and find happiness. In this episode, we dive deep into his philosophy on success, wealth, and fulfillment. 🌟 Discover how to: ✅ Get rich ✅ Help a lot of people ✅ Have a lot of fun David shares his wisdom and actionable insights that will inspire you to elevate your life and leadership to the next level. You don’t want to miss this episode! #icon #leader #sportsmarketing #expert

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As entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges we face is focus. It’s easy to think that after one success, we can replicate it anywhere. But success isn’t just about ambition; it’s about alignment. I’ve learned this the hard way. At one point, I was juggling eight businesses. On paper, it looked impressive. In reality, it was chaos. I failed miserably at ventures like a restaurant and a coffee shop—not because they weren’t great ideas, but because they weren’t aligned with my strengths. The truth is, trying to do everything often leads to excelling at nothing. I had to step back, have tough conversations with partners, and decide where I could truly add value. I had to double down on what works and walk away from what didn’t. Majoring in the majors means knowing where to focus your energy for the greatest return—not just financially, but in purpose and fulfillment. So here’s my question for you: Are you majoring in the majors or getting lost in the minors? Let’s discuss.

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The latest Q1 2024 Vistage CEO Index reveals a significant rise in CEO confidence, reflecting positive economic trends and heightened revenue expectations. Discover the key insights and implications for business strategies and how CEOs can take full advantage of this rising trend. #Vistage #CEO

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Ready to transform your organization's culture? Don't miss this upcoming #Vistage webinar, where we'll dive into strategies for fostering a culture of #accountability. Gain valuable insights from Certified #EOS Implementer Jeanet Wade and leave knowing how to create a thriving workplace. #WorkplaceCulture #Webinar

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Succession planning has evolved from a "should do" to a "must-do" and a "cannot wait." Retirements and economic changes are creating new urgency. Learn three succession scenarios that CEOs should consider in the coming years. #CEO #SuccessionPlanning https://lnkd.in/ebv8CCiz

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What's in your leadership Library? Not your kindle or your nook or on your podcast line up. What printed books are in your possession that help you with leadership? Tomorrow I start leading an annual LeaderShip Cohort for terrific ongoing client partner Oregon Resource Association. In fact, this is the 5th annual Cohort ~ and here are 6 observational thoughts. 1. When you focus on the people in the room, not those who aren't, everyone has a better experience. The size of audience has little to do with possible action and impact. Those present at the present 🎁 and deserve full focus. 2. Experimenting with format variables is highly likely and helpful - i.e. number of sessions, format, length, space. We started with 3 sessions, then 3 again, then 4, then 6 - and this year it's 5. Partially to celebrate the 5th year of the series. The registered students will tell you what's working vocally and behaviorally. 3. Be willing to add a group and perhaps a 2nd session. We added a 2nd cohort group [max 30 per group] the very first year due to enthusiastic response! Same day, 2 different times, everybody in. That may have also boosted further registration. 4. Have a focused area of growth and be sure to build sessions ecosystemically. A theme is another way of stating this: what's the purpose of the gathering for growth? Having a theme jump starts the connection within the group, since the purpose is aligned from the start. Ours is LeaderShip, and this year I've chosen 5 books to utilize for the 5 classes. 5. Enjoy the organic nature of adjustment as you progress. In every class there are revelations! Respond to those and use them to enhance the future classes. Reference them so that people know they're being heard and their contribution is fuel for the group. If you teach online and in person series, what lessons and observations have you found lightbulby? Please share them below. Stoked for the new series (with some returnees) to begin tomorrow! And there's still time to register if you wish to join us - the link is in the comments below. Connection & LeaderShip. Industry agnostic, fun, interactive, online, good humans. Huge thanks to ORA's Training Coordinator, pro Kimberly Mintrone 🙏🏼 #connection #leadership #professionaldevelopment

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As a CEO or business owner, you’re constantly making tough decisions, navigating uncertainties, and driving growth. But who do you turn to for objective advice, fresh perspectives, and innovative solutions? This article from Vistage dives into the transformative power of learning from peers in mastermind groups—the ultimate resource for leaders who want to reach the next level. Now’s the time to surround yourself with other successful leaders who’ve been where you are and are willing to help you thrive.  #CEO #mastermind #peeradvisory #growthmindset

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Sometimes your best producers are your biggest problem: that Partner who drives so much economic value for the business, but ignores their impact on internal firm morale.   As CIO and CHRO, you field a lot of complaints internally about their conduct. You’ve tried to coach them with feedback but nothing seems to get through.  At some point, it’s making you look bad if you can’t moderate their behavior. You’re facing the difficult reality of having to let a great producer go or have your own credibility as a leader questioned. Other great people might be leaving out of frustration.  The costs of both options are huge.  Fortunately, there’s a better way. DM me to learn how to retain your best senior talent while helping them become the high quality leader you need them to be.  #privateequity #leadership

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Running a small business can often feel isolating, with the weight of every decision resting on your shoulders. However, when you have a group of like-minded, cooperative peers to lean on, the path to success becomes clearer and more manageable. Surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs who understand the unique challenges of business ownership allows you to tap into a collective wisdom that you simply can’t find on your own. These peers aren’t just colleagues; they become a vital sounding board for ideas, a source of accountability, and a network of trusted advisors who can help you navigate the ups and downs of business growth. This is exactly what the Vistage Worldwide, Inc. experience offers. Through regular meetings, members share their knowledge, experiences, and strategies, working together to solve problems and seize opportunities. The collaborative environment fosters real growth, providing new insights that can help you refine your vision, improve operations, and make smarter decisions for your business. If you’re an entrepreneur or business leader in the Houston area, now is the time to take the next step. My Vistage group is designed for business owners like you, who are ready to push beyond the status quo and elevate their companies to the next level. Learn more about the power of peer advisory groups and sign up for my newsletter at ChuckHendee.com to stay connected. #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSupport #VistageHouston #BusinessGrowth #PeerAdvisoryGroups #LeadershipDevelopment #HoustonEntrepreneurs #EntrepreneurCommunity

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[𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴] 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Whether you've hit a plateau or are on a roller coaster of inconsistent growth - this training shares the strategies and tactics to drive growth for your shop. What You'll Learn: - Strategies to overcome growth plateaus - Pitfalls to avoid in your countertop business - Focus on the right customer segment - Develop a predictable customer acquisition plan - Monitor and scale effectively Why Watch? After 7+ years of working with countertop companies, we've identified the key challenges and solutions that can make or break your business. From avoiding the “build it, and they will come” trap to ensuring you have the right systems and people in place, this video covers a lot of ground. Would love to hear your thoughts in the YT comments 👇👇👇 [𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴] 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Whether you've hit a plateau or are on a roller coaster of inconsistent grow this training shares the strategies and tactics to drive growth for your shop. What You'll Learn: - Strategies to overcome growth plateaus - Pitfalls to avoid in your countertop business - Focus on the right customer segment - Develop a predictable customer acquisition plan - Monitor and scale effectively Why Watch? After 7+ years of working with countertop companies, we've identified the key challenges and solutions that can make or break your business. From avoiding the “build it, and they will come” trap to ensuring you have the right systems and people in place, this video covers a lot of ground. Would love to hear your thoughts in the YT comments 👇👇👇

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New Episode Alert! 🎧 Join us on "Thanks for Coming Back" as we talk career growth and strategic positioning with leadership guru Liz Weber - Strategic Leadership Advisor. Learn how to carve your own path to success and lead without limits, no matter where you started. 💡 👉 Listen now to learn how to excel in your career by understanding and applying strategic thinking in ways you may never have thought possible! Perfect for aspiring leaders eager to make an impact. Tune in here:

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