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Build It To Sell It Culture

Diary of a CEO: Your Team Isn’t the Problem. You Are!

📅 January 15, 2026 ⏱️ 49:46 🎤 Lance Bachmann, Ian Mlin

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Ego and Growth
    Ian Mlin emphasizes that ego is the primary reason people avoid learning and growth, especially among leaders.
  • 0:57
    Leadership and Identity
    Mlin states that the number one problem for most leaders is identity, as many have settled or grown comfortable, needing to re-evaluate their perspective and mindset for organizational growth.
  • 1:44
    The Entrepreneurial Journey
    The discussion covers the challenging reality of entrepreneurship, acknowledging that it involves frequent setbacks and requires resilience, moving beyond personal conflicts.
  • 2:58
    Authenticity and Vulnerability
    Mlin discusses the importance of leaders being authentic and vulnerable, even when it means acknowledging past mistakes, to build trust and inspire loyalty within their team.
  • 5:53
    Building Real Businesses
    Mlin addresses the criticism that coaching companies don't build 'real' businesses, explaining that the Elliot Group focuses on scalable systems and processes, including their AI hiring software, distinguishing them from traditional coaching models.
  • 6:30
    Health and Leadership
    The conversation touches on the importance of a leader's personal health and well-being, clarifying that Andy's message about fitness is not about aesthetics but about holistic health impacting confidence and leadership.
  • 7:48
    Leader's Energy and Team
    Mlin concludes by stressing that a team's energy can only be a percentage of their leader's, urging leaders to prioritize personal growth and well-being for their team's success.

Speakers

L
Lance Bachmann
Host
I
Ian Mlin
President of the Elliot Group

Key Takeaways

Acknowledge that personal ego can hinder growth; always seek learning opportunities and new perspectives, even from external trainers.

Understand that your business is fundamentally a 'people business.' Invest in developing your team's leadership skills and personal growth, as this directly impacts their performance and company culture.

Be authentic and vulnerable as a leader. Sharing your journey and challenges can build stronger trust and loyalty with your team and attract the right talent.

Cultivate a strong company culture where employees feel valued and motivated, fostering an environment where they are driven to excel and grow both personally and professionally.

Implement scalable systems and processes, not just in operations but in sales and leadership development, to ensure your business is resilient and attractive for future growth or sale.

Prioritize your personal well-being, including physical and mental health. Your energy and mindset as a leader directly influence your team's performance and the overall success of your business.

Don't shy away from criticism or 'hate' when building something great. View it as a sign of impact and use it as motivation to continue driving towards your vision.

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