What if the biggest thing holding your company back isn’t your strategy, your tech stack, or even your people—but a simple four-sentence exercise that almost every leadership team gets wrong?

We uncovered a pattern that could change how you think about growth, culture, and AI—and it’s probably not what you expect.

Want to know the one leadership blind spot that could be costing you results (and why it’s the first thing we fix before implementing anything new)?

Stick around, because this might flip your approach to performance on its head.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how building a performance-driven company culture can unlock untapped potential and accelerate your team's success.

• Explore ways to implement AI in organizational operations that transform efficiency without overwhelming your workforce.

• Master strategies for successful mergers and acquisitions that ensure smooth transitions and maximize value.

• Uncover proven tactics for expanding into new markets that drive sustainable business growth and competitive advantage.

• Enhance internal communication to boost team alignment and create a more connected, productive workplace.

My special guest is Mickey Andersen.

Mickey Andersen brings a refreshing, real-world approach to company growth and culture. With a rich background working with businesses ranging from $20 million to $300 million, Mickey has tackled everything from marketing to mergers and acquisitions, and even transforming internal teams.

After spending years in the trenches of a major consulting and BPO firm, Mickey has seen firsthand how success isn’t just about strategy or numbers—it’s about getting people truly aligned and communicating clearly.

Mickey’s knack for pinpointing where companies get stuck, especially when it comes to leadership and internal communication, makes him a go-to for organizations aiming to turn culture into a competitive advantage.

Whether working with cleaning organizations or tech-driven teams, Mickey’s down-to-earth style and experience in building performance-driven systems help leaders cut through the noise and get everyone rowing in the same direction.

Get more information from Mickey via her website: https://loyaltyops.com/

Connect with Mickey via email: mickey@loyaltyops.com

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Organizational Growth and People Challenges 00:02:24 - Mickey Andersen’s Career Journey and Consulting Experience 00:04:50 - Evolving From Marketing to Organizational Performance Systems 00:07:30 - Leadership Alignment as the Foundation of Company Culture 00:12:00 - Operationalizing Core Values with Clear Communication and Behaviors 00:14:09 - Aligning Leadership Behaviors for Effective Internal Communication 00:15:27 - Defining Core Values and Behaviors to Drive Teamwork 00:18:24 - Mission Command and Empowering Decision-Making in Organizations 00:23:21 - The Critical Role of People Alignment Before AI Integration 00:26:30 - The User-Dependent Nature of AI and Its Impact on Culture 00:28:10 - Embracing AI to Enhance Workplace Efficiency 00:30:10 - Building a Performance-Driven Company Culture 00:32:12 - Leveraging Resources and Tools for AI Readiness 00:34:14 - Personal Stories and Work-Life Balance Insights 00:36:37 - Future Growth and Strategic Partnerships

Did you ever think a cleaning business could teach you more about surviving unexpected situations than a martial arts dojo?

From dodging run-ins with police to figuring out how AI and robots might be your next team members, this episode is packed with the kind of stories that make you rethink what it means to launch—and grow—a commercial cleaning company.

But the biggest surprise? It’s not about shiny tech or overnight success. It’s about the one thing nearly everyone overlooks, and it just might be the key to making your business bulletproof.

Curious what it is? Stick around…

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how starting a commercial cleaning business can open doors to steady income and long-term success with the right approach.

• Uncover the surprising benefits of robotic cleaning technology that can boost efficiency and reduce labor costs like never before.

• Learn proven growth strategies that can take your cleaning company from a small startup to a thriving enterprise.

• Understand why investing in thorough training can transform your cleaning team’s performance and client satisfaction.

• Explore how adapting to AI in janitorial services can future-proof your business and keep you ahead of the competition.

My special guest is Ricardo Buffara.

Ricardo Buffara brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the commercial cleaning industry, starting his journey after moving from Brazil to San Diego in 2009.

Originally planning just a short stay to learn English, Ricardo quickly found his entrepreneurial spirit kicking in and launched his own cleaning company, navigating everything from learning the language to understanding local business culture.

With a background in running businesses since the age of 18, he’s built a thriving operation focused on commercial clients, grown organically through word of mouth and strong company culture.

Ricardo’s team is known for its reliability and trust, and he’s passionate about training, efficiency, and adapting to new technology—always looking for better ways to serve clients and support his staff.

His story highlights the value of resilience, adaptability, and genuine connection in building a successful cleaning business.

Visit SD Janitor here: https://www.sdjanitor.com/

Connect with Ricardo via email: operations@sdjanitor.com

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Ricardo Buffara 00:05:00 - Starting and Growing a Commercial Cleaning Business in the U.S. 00:08:00 - Building a Workforce and Company Culture with Mexican Employees 00:11:00 - Unexpected Challenges and Importance of Safety Training in Commercial Cleaning 00:14:30 - Emphasizing Health and Safety in the Cleaning Industry 00:16:33 - The Impact of AI on Local Business Operations and Customer Interactions 00:19:00 - Practical AI Examples and Challenges in Business Problem Solving 00:22:01 - Leveraging AI for Competitive Intelligence and Industry Insights 00:24:24 - Business Growth and Client Niching Strategies in the Cleaning Industry 00:27:55 - Future of Robotics and Automation in Commercial Cleaning 00:32:52 - Advancements in Cleaning Technology and Robotics Adoption 00:34:18 - Business Growth and Scaling Cleaning Operations in 2026 00:36:09 - Ambitious Growth Targets and Operational Expansion 00:37:06 - Personal Goals and Life Balance Beyond Cleaning 00:41:18 - Closing Thoughts: The Journey Ahead for Ricardo Buffara