Founder Independence

Summary In this conversation, Brian Creager and Bernd discuss the challenges faced by founders, particularly the overwhelming workload and the cognitive overload that comes with being the decision-maker in a company. They explore the concept of self-leadership as a foundational element for effective leadership and the importance of understanding one's role as a founder. The discussion highlights the need for founders to delegate decision-making and focus on long-term strategy rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode, which will delve into the relationship between leadership and systems. Takeaways Founders often engage in firefighting rather than strategic thinking. Cognitive overload is a significant issue for founders. Self-leadership is essential for founder independence. Founders must understand their role in the company. Decision-making should be delegated where possible. Being the bottleneck can lead to burnout. Founders need to prioritize long-term goals over short-term tasks. Creating white space in schedules is crucial for strategic work. Leadership behavior mirrors company culture. Self-leadership involves more than just mindset; it requires behavioral change. Sound bites "Most founders are overworked." "It's a cognitive overload." "You need to lead yourself first." Chapters 00:00 The Overworked Founder 03:06 Cognitive Overload and Decision Fatigue 06:07 The Importance of Self-Leadership 08:57 Understanding the Founder's Role 11:59 Delegation and Bottlenecks 14:53 The Path to Founder Independence

In this episode, Brian Creager and Bernd Geropp discuss the concept of Founder Independence, emphasizing the need for founders to transition from being the bottleneck in their companies to establishing systems that allow their businesses to run independently. They explore the importance of self-leadership, delegation, and creating a structured environment that fosters accountability and ownership among employees. The conversation highlights common pitfalls founders face, such as escalation culture and the challenges of growth without proper systems in place. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on leadership and business strategy.   Takeaways The company often depends on one person, the founder. If the founder is the bottleneck, the company struggles to grow. Self-leadership is crucial for founders to let go of control. Clear roles and accountability are essential for delegation. Many founders work in their business instead of on it. Escalation culture can hinder effective decision-making. Growth without structure can lead to chaos. Founders must communicate their vision clearly to employees. Delegation requires a solid foundation and clarity. Leadership is fundamentally about systems, not personality.     Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Founder Independence 03:34 What is Founder Independence 04:21 The Importance of Self Leadership 06:51 Establishing Structure and Clarity 09:19 Symptoms of Self Leadership Problems 11:59 Delegation and Responsibility 14:08 Escalation Culture and Inconsistent Execution 16:50 Growing Pains vs. Structural Issues 19:05 The Foundation of Leadership 21:23 Next Steps in Founder Independence 23:38 Effective Leadership Strategies     Credits:   Host: Bernd Geropp Moderator: Brian Creager Producer: Brian Creager Editor: Brian Creager Executive Producer: Bernd Geropp   To catch the great episodes coming up on Founder Independence, please follow us on Bernd's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.   If you would like new episodes emailed directly to you, subscribe at https://www.berndgeropp.com/subscribe/

In this episode, we talk about why growing companies need a real HR function. One that's not just about contracts and compliance, but about people, leadership, and growth. You'll learn: Why HR must evolve from administration to strategy What happens when HR takes over leadership tasks and why that's dangerous How HR and management can work together as true partners Where HR should lead and where it should only support And most importantly: how HR can empower managers instead of replacing them. Leadership Crashcourse https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/when-just-hr-isnt-enough

Many entrepreneurs reach a point where the very strengths that built their company start holding it back. They're still the expert, the problem-solver, the driving force, but that also means the business can't run without them. In this episode, we explore the hardest transformation for any founder: moving from doing everything yourself to building leaders who take ownership. You'll learn: Why letting go is more emotional than strategic How to build a strong senior leadership team you can truly trust The five steps to create an ownership culture in your company How to shift from control to trust and from maker to mentor If your company depends too much on you, this episode will help you see what needs to change and how to make it happen. Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/from-founder-to-leader  

My guest is Bill Nowicki. He is a former U.S. Navy submariner and nuclear power leader who has spent decades working in some of the most complex and high-stakes environments you can imagine. Bill is also a storyteller and podcast host. His show Submarine Sea Stories takes you deep below the surface into life aboard a submarine, while The Nuclear Leader Podcast explores leadership lessons from the nuclear industry that apply far beyond the reactor room. In our conversation, we'll talk about what it's like to lead in highly regulated, high-risk industries, how trust and relationships can make or break your team, and why creativity still matters even in the most structured environments. If you want to hear more of Bill's insights and stories, I highly recommend you check them out at submarineseastories or nuclearleader.com Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/leading-under-pressure    

Why Misunderstandings Happen – And How to Avoid Them as a Leader Clear communication is the foundation of good leadership – but clarity is often assumed rather than achieved. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "saying something clearly" doesn't guarantee it will be understood. How the communication loop works – and where leaders go wrong. A simple but powerful feedback technique to avoid misunderstandings. Why choosing the right medium (spoken vs. written) makes a huge difference. Five practical leadership tips to reduce miscommunication in your team. Misunderstandings don't just waste time – they cause frustration, conflict, and demotivation. As a leader, it's your responsibility to make sure your team truly understands your intentions. 👉 Want to dive deeper into practical leadership skills like this? Check out my Leadership Crash Course: a step-by-step program for first-time managers and business owners who want to lead with confidence and clarity. 🔗 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course/

Today we break down why AI doesn't replace great leadership – but it brutally exposes average and slow leadership. I share the 3 biggest fears leaders have about AI, and shows how the reality is far more empowering. You'll discover: Why AI is the "new electricity" for leadership. The most common leadership fears about AI – and what's really true. 3 practical use cases showing how AI gives leaders back time, clarity, and impact. AI won't steal your job. But a leader using AI might. 👉 Don't miss my free live webinar: AI is Changing Leadership – Are You Ready? 📅 Thursday, September 4th at 8am PT / 11am ET / 5pm CEST Register here:https://www.berndgeropp.com/webinar-ai-and-leadership-pod/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/3-biggest-AI-fears-of-leader

In this episode, I talk with Layla Pomper, founder of ProcessDriven and expert in building simple, scalable systems for small teams. Layla shares her refreshing perspective on how processes can fuel creativity instead of killing it and why small businesses need structure without the corporate bloat. If you're running a growing team and want to stay productive without drowning in chaos, this conversation is for you. Layla Pompers YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@LaylaPomper. Shownotes: https://berndgeropp.com/make-work-easier

In this special, more personal episode of Leadership Made Easy, I share why I'm taking a conscious summer break – and what exciting projects are coming in the second half of the year. I'll give you a sneak peek of what's ahead: The rollout of the English BETA version of "Ask Bernd", our leadership chatbot. Fresh podcast episodes planned through October. A new webinar series on AI and Leadership starting on September 4th. My upcoming travels – including the Membership Growth Conference in England, client sessions in India and Dubai, and the Long Haul Leadership Conference in Cambridge. And of course – the official launch of the English Leadership Crash Course in October! I'll also share my 3 key lessons from taking intentional downtime – and why pausing is crucial for creativity, team growth, and sustainable success. Links & Resources: Sign up for my newsletter to get all updates first: https://www.berndgeropp.com/subscribe Listen to my podcast conversation with Chris Ducker:https://www.berndgeropp.com/business-that-does-not-break-you/ More about the Leadership Crash Course:https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course/ Full Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/summer-pause-with-perspective

As a leader, your ability to stay calm in stressful situations sets the tone for your entire team. In this episode, I share why calmness is a crucial leadership skill and how you can develop it even under pressure. You'll hear real-life examples and get 5 practical tools to help you manage stress, respond with clarity, and lead with confidence even when things go wrong. Shownotes: https://berndgeropp.com/how-to-stay-calm-under-pressure

For years, entrepreneurs were told: "Work harder, work longer, sacrifice more… and you'll make it." But here's the hard truth I learned from one of the best in the business: That's a dangerous myth. I recently spoke with Chris Ducker, a man who built a multi–million dollar business with almost 500 employees… and crashed hard. Not once, but twice. Chris shared openly about how chasing growth nearly broke him - and why he now leads differently. Today, he works fewer hours, focuses only on his zone of genius, and builds teams that enable freedom and balance, not burnout. I'm looking forward to seeing Chris in person at his upcoming event in Cambridge in November 2025: "The Long Haul-Leader Summit". And if you're attending too, I'd love to connect! Chris' book The Long-Haul Leader https://longhaulleader.com/ The Long-Haul Leader Summit https://longhaulleader.com/summit Shownotes:https://berndgeropp.com/business-that-does-not-break-you

Before you think about vision, charisma, or big-picture strategy, ask yourself: "What makes a good employee?" Most people say things like: ✅ They take responsibility ✅ They follow through ✅ They communicate clearly ✅ They're proactive ✅ They act with integrity Here's the leadership twist: 👉 Everything you expect from a great employee – your team expects from you. Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about being the example. Your team mirrors your behavior. If they're avoiding decisions, ask: "Am I giving them clarity and trust?" If they're unmotivated, ask: "Have I shown them purpose and direction?" Shownotes:https://www.berndgeropp.com/what-makes-a-great-leader

Most managers and entrepreneurs set goals they know they can achieve. Because it's safe. Because it feels realistic. But here's the truth: Small goals lead to small results, but big goals force you to grow. In this episode, I explain: ✅ Why "realistic" goals are often a trap ✅ How big goals shift your mindset and your business ✅ A simple framework to start setting goals that scare (and excite) you Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.de/big-goals

I recently sat down with my long-time colleague and leadership expert Dr. Burkhard Bensmann for a very personal and honest conversation. We didn't talk about buzzwords or the latest leadership trends. We talked about what really matters when you're leading a team, a company—or just yourself. In this new episode of Leadership Made Easy, we discuss: 🔹 What cooperative, people-centered leadership looks like in practice 🔹 Why rituals like journaling, piano practice—or even LEGO—can keep you sane 🔹 What we can learn from India, Colombia… and the power of perspective 🔹 How we deal with noise, negativity, and digital overwhelm as coaches and humans This is one of the most personal and wide-ranging episodes I've recorded so far. If you're a business owner or team leader, I think you'll find it inspiring—and maybe a bit surprising, too. Burkhards Podcast: https://bensmann-consulting.com/podcasts/ Burkhards Website: https://bensmann-consulting.com/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/conversation-between-coaches-burkhard-bensmann

In this special episode of Leadership Made Easy, we take a step back from our usual focus on day-to-day leadership and zoom out to discuss international business strategy — specifically, how small and mid-sized companies from Germany (or Europe in general) can successfully enter the U.S. market. My guest is Brian Creager, an experienced American business leader who has spent decades working on both sides of the Atlantic. He's fluent not only in English but also in the language of European business culture. His practical insights are grounded in long-term experience with transatlantic business expansion. If you're thinking about taking your business into the U.S. or simply want a clearer view of what international expansion could look like, I highly recommend getting in touch with him: https://callbrian.vip/geropp  Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/smes-going-global

So why do so many companies throw new managers into their roles with zero onboarding?  The result? Confused leaders, frustrated teams—and top performers heading for the exit. Shownotes:https://www.berndgeropp.com/new-managers-into-the-deep-end Leadership Crashcourse: https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course

Today, we're diving into a simple, yet incredibly powerful leadership tool that many overlook: One-on-Ones. If you don't already have regular One-on-Ones in your leadership routine, I encourage you: Make them a habit. Start this week. Block time with each of your team members and make One-on-Ones part of your leadership routine. To make this even easier, I created a practical One-on-One blueprint for you. You can donwload it here: One-on-One Blueprint and Checklist https://www.berndgeropp.com/one-on-one-blueprint/ Shownotes of these episode: https://berndgeropp.com/the-power-of-one-on-ones  

The first 100 days as a leader set the stage for everything that follows. By focusing on clarity, relationships, and balanced progress, you can make a lasting impact. Don't forget to sign up for the Leadership Crash Course at berndgeropp.com/VIP . Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/the-first-100-days-as-a-leader

In this exclusive interview, leadership expert and bestselling author David Burkus shares powerful and practical strategies for building high-performing teams — especially in small and mid-sized businesses.   Website David Burkus: https://davidburkus.com/ Davids Book "Best Team Ever https://davidburkus.com/books/best-team-ever/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/best-team-ever-david-burkus

  Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/debunking-leadership-myths VIP Early Access to my Leadership Crashcourse: Secure your exclusive spot now: https://www.berndgeropp.com/VIP