Confessions of an Implementer

People Over Profits: Building A Team That’s Meant to Thrive with Mike Abercrombie

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Abercrombie, a certified EOS Implementor and Community Leader, to explore how having a people first mindset can completely transform a businesses culture. Mike pulls from his personal experience, as a co-founder and CEO of a multi million dollar company, of all the actions he did wrong before finding EOS, and how finding it has changed everything for him. He also shares about the impact peer groups have had on him, why they’re so important, and why prioritizing personal well being is essential for your businesses success.
 
03:17 The Aha Moment
07:40 Learning from Experience
10:20 The Role of Passion in Business
15:20 Founder-Led vs. Private Equity
19:00 The Importance of a Vision
23:30 Navigating Change in Leadership Roles
29:31 Finding Your Sea Legs
31:21 Lessons from the Pandemic
34:03 The Illusion of Diversification
36:30 The Power of Peer Groups
41:10 Building Functional Peer Networks
45:01 Transitioning from Doing EOS to Running on EOS
51:44 Finding the Right Clients
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-abercrombie
Email: mabercrombie@eosworldwide.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-abercrombie/

What Tech Knows About Business Success with Anne Schoolcraft

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you an inside look at the systems’ successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Anne Schoolcraft, a Certified EOS Implementer with a background in software engineering and business integration. Anne shares her journey from working in medical device software to stepping into the integrator role for her husband’s IT managed services company. Her story is one of evolution, from fixing code to fixing businesses, and ultimately, helping companies scale with EOS.We explore:The Transition from Tech to Business – How Anne’s engineering mindset shaped her approach to business operations and leadership.Turning Around a Family Business – The pivotal moment that led to implementing EOS and seeking external expertise to save the company.The Challenges of Dual Roles – Navigating the complexities of being both a spouse and an integrator, and the hard decision to step away.Leadership vs. Management – The key traits that separate great managers from true leaders, emphasizing transparency and genuine care for people.The Visionary-Integrator Relationship – Why success hinges on both roles being filled and aligned.Common EOS Challenges – The biggest hurdles companies face in the early stages of implementation, from commitment issues to maintaining focus.What Makes a Great Client? – The two non-negotiables Anne looks for: a growth mindset and a deep care for their people.Anne’s insights offer a candid look into the realities of EOS adoption, the importance of clear leadership structures, and why some businesses thrive while others struggle.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Winning Formula: Purpose, People, Process with Mark Xavier

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor, where we dive into the stories of implementers and business leaders who’ve shaped successful organizations using the EOS system. I’m your host, Ryan, and in this episode, I sit down with Mark, a Professional Implementer and former professional blackjack player, who shares his fascinating journey from the world of high-stakes gambling to building purpose-driven businesses.We explore:From Blackjack to Business: Mark shares how his background in professional blackjack shaped his approach to systems thinking and leadership.Purpose-Driven Leadership: Mark discusses how aligning business values with operations is key to preventing burnout and building a lasting impact.Building Trust and Culture: Drawing from his experience managing blackjack teams, Mark emphasizes the importance of trust, culture, and people in business success.Navigating Burnout: Mark offers insights into why entrepreneurs struggle when disconnected from their core mission and how to reconnect with your purpose.Long-Term Success: Mark reveals the importance of optimizing for value, not just profits, and how sustainable growth comes from prioritizing people and relationships.This episode offers a unique perspective on how entrepreneurs can use purpose, process, and people to build businesses that not only succeed but thrive. Tune in to hear Mark’s story and gain valuable insights for your own entrepreneurial journey.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

How to Build a Business That Frees You with Renee Russo

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you an inside look at the systems’ successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Renee Russo, an Expert EOS Implementer, founder of Rise Up Business Coaching, and author of Ready to Rise. Renee takes us through her inspiring journey of helping entrepreneurs unlock both business value and personal freedom.We explore:The Toothpaste Analogy: Renee shares how the realization that time is finite can change how entrepreneurs approach both their business and life.Energy Management: The crucial skill of aligning your energy with personal values and purpose, and why it’s key to sustainable success.The Daily Choice of Freedom: Renee discusses her journey from feeling trapped in her business to realizing that freedom is a daily choice, not a destination.The Five Pillars of Freedom: Purpose, people, growth, health, and wealth—and how entrepreneurs can integrate these pillars into their personal and business lives for greater balance.Self-Reflection: The importance of weekly planning and daily focus time to stay aligned with personal and professional goals.Trusted Owner Advisor: How trusted advisors can help business owners create transferable value and achieve personal freedom.Building Exit Strategies: Renee explains how entrepreneurs can build systems that allow for choice and control, and avoid feeling trapped in their businesses.This conversation is full of actionable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to break free from the limitations they’ve placed on themselves. Tune in to hear Renee’s powerful story and learn how you can start living the freedom you’ve been chasing.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Trust and Delegation in Business Growth with Darin Williamson

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Darin Williamson, a dedicated Professional EOS Implementer with a rich background in entrepreneurship. Darin takes us through his journey from his family's logging and auto repair businesses to his current role as an EOS Implementer.We explore:Darin's early entrepreneurial journey and how those formative experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and the importance of work-life balance.The critical need to protect personal time as an entrepreneur, with insights from Darin’s own struggles balancing work and family life.How the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed Darin’s business operations, allowing him to focus on growth rather than getting bogged down in daily tasks.The challenges visionaries face when it comes to delegating and letting go of control, stressing the importance of trust and accountability in business success.The significance of building community among EOS implementers, and how Darin found support from fellow implementers in his new area.The role boredom plays in entrepreneurship, and how Darin used it as fuel for new ventures, including his wife’s successful apparel business and his own ventures in real estate development.How his experiences led him to become an EOS Implementer, helping others grow their businesses with EOS principles.This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and the practical application of EOS to transform businesses. Tune in to hear Darin’s inspiring story and learn how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey!If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

From Founder-Led to Mission-Driven: Transforming Organizations with Rob Drynan

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Rob Drynan, a Certified Implementer, to explore the power of core values in hiring, the role of board governance, and strategies for organizational growth. Rob shares his journey leading nonprofits and implementing the EOS framework to drive success. From overcoming founder-led challenges to fostering mission-driven cultures, this insightful conversation offers practical advice for leaders aiming to elevate their organizations to the next level.Rob Drynan is a seasoned business leader and a Certified EOS implementer with over 30 years of experience in business ownership and leadership. Having founded and led multiple companies, Rob specializes in helping small and medium-sized business owners overcome growing pains and achieve clarity, accountability, and alignment. A mission-driven leader, he has also held nonprofit leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Blue Jays Foundation (Jays Care). Rob is passionate about fostering purpose-driven organizations, empowering teams to row in the same direction, and enabling leaders to focus on the bigger picture while building stronger, more successful businesses.Episode ResourcesRob Drynan on LinkedInRob Drynan on EOS WorldwideApex Catalyst Group Website Ryan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Visionary vs. Fixed Mindsets: Unlocking the Key to Lasting Success with Sandi Mitchell

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Sandi Mitchell, CEO of Apex Catalyst Group, a Certified Implementer, and a bestselling author, to dive into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. We discuss the differences between visionary and fixed mindsets, the role of curiosity in effective leadership, and the importance of creating strong onboarding experiences. Sandi shares practical tips from her corporate experience, emphasizing how mentoring, continuous learning, and reinvention can foster growth and drive organizational success.Sandi Mitchell is the CEO of Apex Catalyst Group, where she helps leaders from small businesses, major corporations, and nonprofits enhance their performance in leadership, team alignment, communication, and emotional intelligence. With over 25 years of experience in corporate roles and business ownership, Sandi specializes in strategic planning, negotiations, and employee engagement as a Certified EOS Implementer and Executive Coach. Sandi is also a bestselling author, and her book Coloring Outside the Lines: A Grown-Up’s Creative Guide to Increasing Emotional Intelligence showcases her expertise in fostering growth through creativity and emotional intelligence.Episode ResourcesSandi Mitchell on LinkedInSandi Mitchell on EOS WorldwideApex Catalyst Group Website Ryan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Resilience & Grit: Paul Meadows on Navigating Adversity

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, I chat with Paul Meadows, a Certified Implementer and President of Integrated Technology Group Inc. They explore Paul’s remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the challenges of adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and the pivotal role of leadership and personal growth. Paul shares candid insights on resilience, grit, and the power of transparency in both business and life. Paul Meadows is a first-generation business owner with a passion for entrepreneurship. In 2008, he launched his first company, initially finding success despite limited knowledge and experience. However, after a decade, Paul faced significant challenges as his business stagnated, impacting his personal life and health. Discovering the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) marked a turning point. By embracing EOS, Paul transformed his company, fostering a thriving, passionate workplace. Now, with over five years of EOS experience, Paul dedicates his time to helping leadership teams unlock their potential and achieve their business goals, driven by his own transformative journey.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Navigating Ego and Growth in Leadership with Mike Gruley

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Mike Gruley, a Certified Implementer and seasoned entrepreneur. We dive into the importance of core values in partnerships, tackle some of the common challenges of business relationships, and unpack the complex role of ego in leadership. Through personal stories and practical advice, Mike shares his insights on building a thriving company culture and the lessons he learned from his entrepreneurial journey.Mike Gruley is a Certified EOS Implementer and a lifetime entrepreneur. He helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams eliminate chaos and achieve extraordinary success. With a proven framework, Mike guides businesses to gain clarity, alignment, and control. He helps bring focus to chaotic operations for organizational growth. Mike empowers leaders to achieve the growth they want, the profits they deserve, and the fulfilling life they envision by fostering healthy, aligned teams driven by accountability, discipline, and trust. Episode ResourcesMike Gruley on LinkedInVistage Michigan WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Building Businesses with Purpose with Rod Smith

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Rod Smith, Founder and Chief Steward at Hundredfold Life and a Certified Implementer, to explore how simplifying systems and aligning core values can transform businesses. Rod shares his diverse experiences, from military service to scaling a supply chain company and ultimately transitioning into EOS implementation. We discuss how to overcome fear, foster trust, and create actionable momentum within organizations. Packed with relatable stories and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for leaders and entrepreneurs navigating growth and change.Rod Smith began his entrepreneurial journey working in his family business at a young age, cultivating a strong work ethic and a passion for leadership. Over the last two decades, he has owned and led companies across supply chain logistics, healthcare, and other industries, gaining invaluable experience in operations and business strategy. Rod’s most transformative season came when he discovered the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework that reshaped his approach to leadership and team alignment. Today, as the Founder of Hundredfold Life, he helps businesses in San Antonio achieve sustainable growth by coaching, teaching, and facilitating with the EOS methodology. Beyond business, Rod serves on the boards of Christian organizations, integrating his faith into his work and guiding others to do Episode ResourcesRod Smith on LinkedInHundredfold Life’s WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so