How can anyone, regardless of their background, develop lasting confidence?

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you build, and Dr. Nate Zinsser has spent his career helping elite athletes, military leaders, and business professionals master it. In this episode, he shares lessons from his work with NFL star Eli Manning, Olympic athletes, and West Point cadets, revealing how anyone can develop unshakable self-belief.

Dr. Nate Zinsser is a mental performance coach, author The Confident Mind, and a longtime director at West Point’s Performance Psychology Program.

Topics explored in this episode:

(02:00) The Foundation of Confidence

- Why some people embrace coaching while others resist it.

(10:30) The Making of a Performance Psychologist

- How wrestling and martial arts shaped Nate’s approach to confidence.

(20:45) Training the Mind

- How the military and top athletes develop mental resilience.

- The story of Olympic bobsledder Jill Bakken and her confidence breakthrough.

(30:20) The Eli Manning Mindset Shift

- How Eli Manning transformed from an uncertain quarterback to a Super Bowl MVP.

- The specific mental habits that made him a clutch performer.

- Why reframing struggles can lead to a breakthrough.

- The bus driver lesson: Changing your mind to change your day.

Thanks to Dr. Nate Zinsser for being on the show!

Learn more about Nate on https://www.natezinsser.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-zinsser-35349010/

Get Nate’s book, The Confident Mind: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1847942946/

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill on Facebook:

What are the two most important factors for scaling a business?

Scaling a business comes down to two key elements: focus and differentiation. Companies that maintain a clear customer and product focus while emphasizing what sets them apart are more likely to achieve sustainable growth.

Topics Bill explores in this episode:

(0:30) Two Critical Factors

- The importance of focus and differentiation in scaling a business.

(4:47) Identifying Your Ideal Customer and Maintaining Focus

- Focusing on one primary customer type, even for large companies.

- The importance of staying in your lane and not deviating from your focus.

(5:59) Focusing on Core Products and Services

- The example of Steve Jobs' return to Apple and his focus on a simplified product matrix.

- Identifying and focusing on the profitable, growth-oriented parts of your business.

(7:15) Differentiating Your Business from Competitors

- Identifying your unique value proposition.

- Not trying to be everything to everyone and instead focusing on your strengths.

- Utilizing AI to analyze your company and competitors.

- Gathering feedback from new employees, applicants, and customers to identify your differentiation.

- Using customer language to articulate your differentiation.

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/

Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing:

What are some practical ways that businesses can optimize their operations with AI?

Scaling a business is tough, but scaling by 300% while dealing with fraud and financial chaos is next-level challenging. In this episode, Gerard Murtagh shares how AI helped his company, MouldMen, navigate rapid growth, uncover fraud, and optimize operations. This conversation is packed with real-world AI applications, leadership lessons, and practical strategies for business owners looking to stay ahead.

Gerard Murtagh doesn’t do business the conventional way. From launching his first venture at 17 to flying across the world to learn mold remediation firsthand, he’s built his success on innovation, grit, and a whole lot of AI-powered problem-solving.

Topics explored in this episode:

(2:00) The Unexpected Crisis

* Gerard discovers a staggering $1.4M in fraud and financial mismanagement.

(10:54) Turning to AI for Answers

* Using AI to analyze company financials and expose fraudulent expenses.

* Early AI wins convince Gerard to dig deeper into automation.

(19:23) Scaling Smarter with AI

* Using AI to replace manual admin processes while increasing efficiency.

(32:14) Overcoming Resistance to AI

* Working with employees who initially push back against automation, fearing job losses.

* A structured approach to AI integration.

(49:41) The Future of AI in Business

* Why business owners should consider building a “data lake.”

* How AI will reshape customer interactions, from service to sales.

Thanks to Gerard Murtagh for being on the show!

Learn more about Gerard: https://www.gerardmurtagh.com/bio

Connect with Gerard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardmurtagh/

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill on Facebook:

When growing your business, how can you differentiate between good advice and bad advice?

In this episode, Bill shares a personal story about taking bad advice that cost him millions. He also explores the importance of timing when raising capital and the difference between surface-level advice and experience-based guidance.

Topics explored in this episode:

- Why a “good story” is an opportune time to bring in investors or partners.

- The danger of waiting too long to reach revenue milestones before seeking investment.

- How greed and the desire for control can cloud business judgment.

- Questioning an advisor’s experience behind their recommendations.

- How confirmation bias can lead you to seek advice that validates your preferences.

Chapters in this episode:

(00:20) The Danger of Bad Advice

(03:45) The Costly Decision to Wait for a Revenue Milestone

(05:32) Missing the Perfect Timing to Raise Capital

(07:04) Aligning with Company Values and Goals

(08:11) Learning to Probe for Experience Behind Advice

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill 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 did Eugene Tutunikov grow SwissWatchExpo from a local storefront to a $90M+ e-commerce business?

In this episode, Bill talks with the CEO of SwissWatchExpo, a retailer of certified authentic luxury Swiss watches, about how he scaled his family business. Eugene shares insights on the importance of timing, customer experience, and focusing on sustainable growth. The conversation dives into lessons learned from pivoting careers, working with family, and navigating market disruptions.

Eugene Tutunikov (pronounced “Too-Too-Nikoff”) is a former Wall Street pro who traded spreadsheets for Swiss watches.

Topics explored in this episode:

- The pivotal role of timing in scaling a luxury e-commerce business.

- Offering a personalized, video-based shopping experience.

- Building trust through in-house authentication and servicing of watches.

- Why compounding growth is more sustainable than hyper-growth.

- The impact of super-fake watches on the luxury market and how SwissWatchExpo counters it.

- Why focusing on one business model can lead to stronger, long-term success.

Chapters in this episode:

(01:23) Eugene's Journey from Wall Street to Watches

(09:55) The Immigrant Experience and the American Dream

(15:19) Lucky Breaks

(23:06) Standing Out in a Competitive Market

(29:05) Trends in Luxury Watches

(34:49) Advice for Scaling Up

Thanks to Eugene Tutunikov for being on the show!

Connect with Eugene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenetutunikov/

Learn more about the Swiss Watch Expo: http://Swisswatchexpo.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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/

Bill on Twitter/X:

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 You

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill 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 Leaders

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/BillGall

Bill 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/3PGhWPJ

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00u

Bill 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 Systems

Thanks 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/BillGall

Bill 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