What if chasing “having it all” is exactly what’s making you miserable?

In this episode, Bill challenges what “having it all” means and explores what actually creates sustainable happiness for high-performing leaders. He shares moments from when he had money, success, and recognition, but still felt empty, and explains why joy often comes from subtraction of things.

Topics explored in this episode:

(03:40) Success Without Joy Is Emptiness

*Bill reflects on hitting financial and professional milestones; yet still feeling a strange emptiness.

*Challenge the belief that: achievement = happiness.

*External wins don’t always translate to internal satisfaction.

(07:15) Why the Gratitude Advice Doesn’t Always Work

*Break “Thanksgiving” into two core practices: Thanks (appreciation) and Giving (generosity).

*Start with gratitude for team members, family, and yourself.

*Let go of expectations, and express that through generous action.

(10:50) The Secret Might Be: Wanting Less

*True happiness often comes from removing things, not adding more.

*Reconsider the idea of “having it all.”

*Creating fewer goals for yourself actually might be the real key to fulfillment.

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

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

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

What does it really mean for people to feel like they matter in the workplace?

In this episode, Zach Mercurio unpacks why mattering is the missing piece in most workplace cultures and how leaders can foster it. He also explores how a sense of value and contribution drives engagement, innovation, and retention.

Zach is on a mission to make work and life more meaningful. As an author, researcher, and speaker, he helps leaders create environments where people feel valued.

Topics explored in this episode:

(02:15) The Science of Mattering

* How mattering influences employee performance and well-being.

* Why recognition alone isn’t enough to make people feel valued.

(10:40) Workplace Disconnection

* The hidden costs of employees feeling like they don’t matter.

(18:55) The Role of Leaders in Creating Mattering

* Mattering shouldn’t be just an HR initiative—it’s a leadership responsibility.

(28:30) Purpose vs. Mattering

* Why having a sense of mattering is more foundational than purpose.

* Case studies of companies that have built cultures of mattering.

(47:20) Building a Mattering-Centric Culture

* The three key components of a workplace where people feel they matter.

Thanks to Zach Mercurio for being on the show!

Learn more about Zach: https://www.zachmercurio.com/

Get Zach’s book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8XMWCLJ

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio

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

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Are you planning time off or avoiding the truth about your team?

In this solo episode, Bill explores how the holiday season acts as a diagnostic tool for your business. Are you building a company that thrives without you or one that collapses the second you unplug? He shares why most founders avoid taking time off and how strategically stepping away can highlight leadership gaps, capacity issues, and trust breakdowns. If you're feeling pulled in every direction heading into November or December, this episode is for you.

Topics explored in this episode:

(01:15) The Holiday Season Is a Double-Edged Sword

*The holidays are often very joyful, but they also carry a lot of stress.

*Leaders are managing business deadlines, shorter days, and personal expectations collide.

*It's important to acknowledge that stress exists alongside celebration

(02:25) Redefining “Thanksgiving”

*Break “Thanksgiving” into two core practices: Thanks (appreciation) and Giving (generosity).

*Start with gratitude for team members, family, and yourself.

*Let go of expectations, and express that through generous action.

(5:25) Build Systems That Let You Breathe

*Think through the logistics of how you will see and connect with friends and family.

*What’s gone wrong in the past? How can you prevent it from going wrong this year?

*Apply the same reflection to your team; ask how they’re feeling and what support they need

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

What does it really take to lead powerfully and why does knowing yourself matter more than sounding confident?

In this episode, Bill sits down with Susan Power, Founder and CEO of PowerUp Leadership, for a conversation about what it takes to lead well in today’s world. Susan shares her personal evolution as a leader, from trying to “do it all” to embracing emotional intelligence, slowing down, and showing up as her full self.

They discuss how leadership isn’t about being louder or tougher, it’s about knowing how you operate, communicating clearly, and making space for others to grow. Susan uses with her high-growth clients, including emotional check-ins, mindset shifts, and coaching techniques to increase self-awareness.

Topics explored in this episode:

(06:45) The Path to Becoming a Leader

*Susan discusses how her leadership style has changed over the years.

*Play to your strengths.

*What does Susan struggle with the most in her leadership style?

(15:25) Communicate with Power

*The better leadership skills you have, the better you’ll be at sales.

*When things are hard, when you’re tired, just remember, you’re going to be okay.

*You need to believe in yourself in order to go for new heights.

(28:15) Leadership is Emotional; Lean Into It

*It’s okay to be emotional and expressive.

*Susan loves to use an emotional wheel to help her clients get dialed in on their feelings.

*Sometimes you have to slow down to pay attention to your body.

(31:35) How You Show Up Matters

*The value of coaching helps you increase your self-awareness.

*It’s okay to give people a heads up on how you operate.

*Most people don’t know what their weaknesses are.

Thanks to Susan Power for being on the show!

Learn more about Susan here: https://powerupleadership.ca

Connect with Susan: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerupleadership/

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.

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What do you do when everything feels like it's falling apart?

In this solo episode, Bill explores why “feeling groovy” isn’t just a quirky phrase; it’s a powerful tool for high-performing CEOs. Drawing inspiration from Simon & Garfunkel’s 59th Street Bridge Song, Bill breaks down the connection between presence, creativity, luck, and leadership effectiveness.

Topics explored in this episode:

(01:15) Why CEOs Need to Feel Groovy

*What “feeling groovy” means in a leadership context.

*You can’t inspire others if you're always in survival mode.

*Slowing down is a powerful gateway to clarity, presence, and leadership.

(03:50) The Power of Pause

*How taking breaks helps you recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.

*Even brief pauses improve your ability to make strategic decisions.

*Creating space leads to insights and better human connection.

(06:25) The “Happy People” Study

*A fascinating social study on why “lucky” people spot more opportunities.

*Presence and joy increase awareness and your luck!

*Why mindset affects what you notice (or don’t) in your environment.

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

What happens when the hardest workers on your team start burning out?

In this episode, Bill is joined by Paul Austin-Menear for a conversation about the unseen toll of hustle culture on your team, your operations, and your long-term performance. Together, they explore the red flags leaders often miss, from rising sick days to unchecked overachievement, and offer practical ways to build smarter, more resilient companies. You’ll hear stories about simplifying systems, protecting downtime, acting on feedback fast, and creating environments where people thrive instead of burn out.

Topics explored in this episode:

(02:45) Having Hustle Isn’t Enough

*When is too much ‘Hustle’ in your company a problem?

*More sick days, more absences; leaders shouldn’t ignore these signs!

*Things break down and you lose business when your hustlers start to burn out.

(9:50) Reframing Your Off Time

*When you rest, you perform better.

*On the weekends, everything should be OFF! Emails, messages, everything.

*For those overachievers who couldn’t help themselves, Paul would shut their emails off over the weekend. Work performance improved.

(27:30) Are You Overcomplicating Your Process?

*Bill shares a client story on how you can find ways to simplify.

*Reduce the redundancies. It might not be as hard as you think!

*Everything is trackable. You can find ways to reduce workload.

(37:50) Act on Feedback Quickly

*Engage your whole team, even from different departments, to spark innovation.

*How to structure bonuses and incentives in a smart way.

*So many times feedback sits in a folder and no one acts on it.

Thanks to Paul Austin-Menear for being on the show!

Learn more about Paul here: https://6catalysts.ca/

Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwamenear/

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

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What do you do when everything feels like it's falling apart?

In this solo episode, Bill talks openly about when things just don’t go according to plan. When life hits harder than expected, and when the most reliable tools seem to stop working, there are still ways out of it. He reflects on his recent client experience and how he coaches his clients out of hardship and being stuck.

Topics explored in this episode:

(03:45) When the Tools Stop Working

*Even experienced leaders can hit moments when none of their usual tools work.

*Bill shares a client story about his brain and body shutting down, and how to navigate out of it.

*What to do when your energy is gone and your head won’t cooperate.

(06:50) Get Curious About the Breakdown

*The key question: “What do I need right now?”

*Shifting from judgment to curiosity during emotional shutdowns.

*Sometimes the fastest path forward is to stop fighting and get present.

(09:15) Rebuilding from Ground Zero

*Bill shares how he gets his clients unstuck.

*When you can’t make progress, focus on one small action.

*This process isn’t about fixing fires, it’s about listening and realigning.

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

What if the real reason you’re not closing deals has nothing to do with your leads and everything to do with your process?

In this episode, Sean Samson breaks down the myths around what makes someone great at sales, and why most people fail. Sean shares how he went from average to top 1% by mastering the process, not his ‘sales’ personality. He reveals why decent leads don’t matter if your close rate is broken, how to adjust pricing based on buyer beliefs, and the difference between sales and business development (hint: most people don’t know it). Whether you’re hiring your first sales rep or trying to close more deals yourself, Sean offers insights into creating scalable sales systems.

Topics explored in this episode:

(07:10) Understand the Game of Sales

*Sean knew if he wanted to be a 1% top performer in his industry, he had to know sales.

*First things first, you need to understand why people aren’t buying from you.

*You need consistency, and to have consistency, you need a process.

(9:40) Create a People-First Company

*Sales fall through because the customer didn’t have enough information.

*...and they had the wrong price! You can adjust your price to the needs of the customer.

*You run a sales call to find out what your customer believes and to meet them there.

(19:15) Decent Leads, Horrible Close Ratio

*How are leads coming to you?

*Why are they coming to you?

*You need to track the customer journey through a CRM.

(31:35) Business Development vs. Sales

*What’s the difference between business development and sales? Most don’t know!

*How do you get your sales guys to stay longer?

*Most people fail at sales because they don’t understand there’s a structure and scalability factor to it.

Thanks to Sean Samson for being on the show!

Learn more about Sean here: https://www.seansamsontraining.com/

Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansamsontraining/

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: