Think Like an Owner

By: Alex Bridgeman
  • Summary

  • Exploring how the most ambitious CEOs grow great companies. Each week we dive into the strategies and tactics that build transformative businesses with the operators doing it firsthand. Learn more at https://tlaopodcast.com/
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Episodes
  • Integrating MSP and Cyber at Worklyn Partners - EP.246
    Oct 15 2024
    Episode 246: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Johnny Lieberman (@JohnnyLieberman) and Zack Miller (@ZackMiller). In this episode I am joined by Johnny Lieberman and Zack Miller, co-founders of Worklyn Partners, about their approach to integrating cybersecurity and IT services for middle-market companies. We discuss their multi-acquisition strategy and the integration of these services under one platform, as well as the challenges and benefits of merging tech-driven service providers. Insights include aligning incentives, addressing people-related challenges, and restructuring sales strategies for different customer segments. The importance of AI in combating cyber threats, especially during mergers and acquisitions, and the necessity of employee training and robust incident response plans are also highlighted. Additional insights from cybersecurity expert John Flory emphasize the role of AI tools and the rising risk of third-party breaches. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Worklyn Partners Johnny on LinkedIn Zack on LinkedIn Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:29) - Catching up (00:05:02) - Advantages to separation or integration (00:06:50) - Challenges in integrating MSP providers (00:12:50) - Building a Sales org (00:18:58) - The importance of pace (00:20:51) - Learnings from investors and peers (00:32:30) - AI, & First lines of defense to implement in cybersecurity
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    46 mins
  • Jim Lindstrom - Lessons from Being a 3x CEO - EP.245
    Oct 8 2024
    Ep.245: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by James Lindstrom (@James-Lindstrom). The episode features Jim Lindstrom, a seasoned CEO with experience in leading companies like IES, Providence Service Corp and Verdian. The discussion covers his experiences with accelerating company growth, executing turnarounds, managing balance sheets, and strategic value creation. Jim shares insights on governance, operations, capital allocation, team alignment, and business simplification, drawing from his extensive experience in various leadership roles. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: James on LinkedIn Verdian Insights Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:55) - Is there a model you try to follow as a new CEO in the early days? (00:07:26) - Identifying problems and meeting philosophies (00:13:37) - Encouraging urgency (00:16:54) - James’ first executive role (00:21:54) - Formative career experiences (00:25:26) - Preventing layoffs (00:31:15) - Discovering a company’s opportunities before becoming involved (00:37:11) - How do you approach a turnaround? (00:43:21) - What is a “normal” level of company debt? (00:47:53) - How do you manage cyclical businesses? (00:52:27) - Fostering imagination (01:00:39) - Are there any industries you would stay away from? (01:02:40) - Advice for CEOs
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Collin Hathaway - Big Ambition, Dogged Simplicity - EP.244
    Oct 1 2024
    Ep.244: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Collin Hathaway (@CollinHathaway). I'm excited to welcome Collin Hathaway back for his third appearance on the podcast. Collin has a wealth of experience in the home services industry and company operations, and today we dive into his recent exit from Flint Group, which he sold to General Atlantic. We get into what he might have done differently, his belief that "good is usually enough," and the deeply personal process of exiting businesses. We also chat about long-term hold strategies and how they play into the bigger picture. Plus, this is a special episode for me—it's my first time recording in person with Collin, right at his office in Seattle. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Collin on LinkedIn Flint Group Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:31) - Exits are personal (00:14:49) - Bringing on a COO to become CEO (00:18:11) - Aligning incentives (00:24:02) - Keeping a sense of urgency (00:27:31) - Pretty good vs. Perfect (00:30:47) - Hiring styles (00:38:59) - Maintaining culture and values (00:44:43) - What would you change if you were starting the company today? (00:49:26) - What are you working on today that gives you energy? (00:52:33) - How have your views on a long-term hold changed? (01:04:06) - Misplaced CEO advice
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    1 hr and 8 mins

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Essential Listening for Entrepreneurs

This is essential listening for anyone considering buying a small business or already operating a small business. Alex, together with his guests, build an informal sense of support and community for the podcast's listeners; sharing struggles, successes, and lessons-learned along the way. Highly recommended listen!

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