We recently worked with Chris Scharman, CEO at AvTech Capital. Here we discuss whether CEOs should promote from within or bring in external leadership talent.

For CEOs scaling a $1M to $5M business, this decision shows up faster than expected.

Do you double down on your internal team, giving them clear career paths and the runway to grow into leadership roles?

Or do you inject outside experience and fresh thinking when the next phase demands new muscle?

Chris shares a powerful bias toward promoting from within because it builds loyalty, continuity, and a true sense of mission. When people see a future inside the company, performance rises and attrition drops. At the same time, he stays pragmatic. If the capability simply does not exist internally, bringing in external talent can unlock new perspectives and accelerate growth.

The real question for CEOs is not either-or. It is when to lean into internal development and when to

intentionally import new leadership DNA.

If you are scaling fast, this single choice can shape culture, execution speed, and long-term enterprise value.

Wisdom From Wizards with Nitin Kartik is brought to you by Caribou Strategic, helping CEOs grow revenue $1M+ in 12 months with our money back guarantee:

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We recently worked with Shana Cosgrove, CEO at Nyla Technology Solutions. Here we discuss whether leaders should over-communicate or risk ambiguity when driving growth and alignment.

One of the fastest ways a $1M to $5M company stalls is not lack of strategy, but lack of clarity.

Shana shares a simple truth most CEOs underestimate. People rarely absorb a message the first time they hear it. It takes repetition, reinforcement, and consistency before teams truly internalize priorities, expectations, and direction.

When leaders assume “everyone already knows,” misalignment creeps in. Execution slows. Decisions drift. Momentum leaks.

Over-communicating is not noise. It is leadership. It anchors strategy, sharpens accountability, and keeps teams moving in the same direction as you scale.

If your growth feels slower than your ambition, the opportunity may not be a new playbook. It may be clearer, more intentional communication.

Wisdom From Wizards with Nitin Kartik is brought to you by Caribou Strategic, helping CEOs grow revenue $1M+ in 12 months with our money back guarantee.

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We recently worked with Paige McPheely, CEO at BASE. Here we discuss whether CEOs should optimize a working business model or disrupt it before the market forces their hand.

For founders and CEOs in the $1M to $5M revenue range, this decision shows up constantly. Do you double down on what’s working and squeeze more efficiency, or step back and challenge assumptions before disruption finds you?

Paige shares a sharp perspective from the executive assistant space, where AI is reshaping how work gets done. Her takeaway is refreshingly pragmatic. Optimization is essential, but real leadership means being brutally honest about what no longer works, cutting what’s broken, and refocusing on what truly drives value. Disruption does not always mean flashy reinvention. Often, it starts with clarity and courage.

If you’re navigating growth, changing buyer expectations, or emerging technology pressure, this conversation will resonate.

Wisdom From Wizards with Nitin Kartik is brought to you by Caribou Strategic, helping CEOs grow revenue $1M+ in 12 months with our money back guarantee:

https://cariboustrategic.com/s

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