Business Wingmen Podcast

Are your best employees turning down management roles? You're not alone. An emerging trend is showing that up to 70% of high-potential individual contributors are actively avoiding the climb to a leadership position. This isn't just a challenge; it's a Management CRISIS that threatens your company's growth, profitability, and sustainability.In this critical episode, your hosts Steve and Travis Smith dive deep into the first principles behind this reluctance. We unpack the psychological barriers, the generational shifts, and the critical management training gaps that are causing your top talent to say, "No thanks," to the next big promotion.

Why do so many promising new hires—the ones who looked great on paper—end up being a disappointment? It often comes down to a gap in professionalism, accountability, and the "soft skills" that no one seems to be teaching.As a manager, executive, or business owner, you've felt the frustration. You have to chase people for follow-ups, you see them on their phones in meetings, and they lack the initiative to think one step ahead. It costs you time, money, and energy. In this episode of The Business Wingman Show, Steve and Travis Smith break down the critical behaviors that separate the "A-Players" from the "bad hires."This is the perfect resource to share with your new and young professionals. It’s a masterclass in the unspoken rules of a successful career.Use this episode to start a conversation with your team about:* Taking true ownership and initiative (not just waiting to be told)* The power of "active listening" and being present* Why you MUST participate in meetings (even if you don't have the title)* The correct way to follow up (and why "one email" isn't enough)* How to "manage up" to help your boss* Why taking constructive criticism is a non-negotiable skill

Every successful business starts with a visionary founder, but not every founder is the right person to lead the company once it begins to scale. Knowing when to step aside — or when to level up your leadership — can make or break your startup’s future. In this episode, Steve Smith and Travis Smith unpack:The critical shift from startup founder to commercial CEOHow to recognize if your leadership style fits your company’s next stageThe dangers of ego and why self-awareness is key to scalingWhat investors look for when deciding to back your businessOptions for founders: CTO, CMO, Chairman, or staying CEO — which role is best?Real-world examples (from Zuckerberg to startups that imploded)How to avoid chaos, retain your best people, and build sustainable growthWhether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or leader navigating change, this discussion will give you a practical framework to evaluate your role — and your company’s future.

Leaders face many challenges, but one of the toughest is dealing with passive aggressive behavior in the workplace. From sarcasm and missed deadlines to victim-playing and quiet resistance, passive aggressive employees can quietly drain your team’s performance and culture.If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I deal with a passive aggressive employee, teammate, or even boss?” — this conversation is for you. Just tune into this episode of the Business Wingmen and let your hosts, Steve Smith & Travis Smith, guide the way!

Ever feel like you're the most knowledgeable person in the room, but your ideas get dismissed? If your communication doesn't reflect your true value, you create a "credibility gap" that can stall your career. This isn't about being the loudest person; it's about communicating with intention and influence.In this episode, we dissect the three pillars of communication that will ensure you are never overlooked again. You'll learn the practical mindset shifts and tactics to manage conflict, leverage emotional intelligence, and demonstrate accountability in a way that commands respect and establishes you as a true leader in your organization.

The episode discusses the challenges of transitioning individual contributors into management roles, highlighting a significant 60% failure rate within the first 24 months. The hosts, Steve and Travis Smith of "The Business Wingman Show," share personal anecdotes and expert insights, emphasizing that successful managers must shift from a "me" to a "we" mindset, prioritize the success of others, and embrace delegation despite initial inefficiencies. Key areas for development are outlined, including moving beyond day-to-day tactical work, adopting essential behaviors like setting boundaries and embracing accountability, and cultivating a proactive, collaborative leadership mindset focused on anticipation and problem-solving. Ultimately, the discussion aims to equip both aspiring managers and those responsible for promoting them with the knowledge to foster long-term success.

Are you unknowingly exposing your business to crippling lawsuits and financial disaster? Many business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs are walking into hidden legal traps that can have devastating consequences. In this essential interview, corporate attorney John Newell of Shell New LLP joins The Business Wingman Show to shed light on the most common and costly legal mistakes businesses make – and, more importantly, how YOU can proactively avoid them.

This discussion highlights that while partnerships can be a strong way to build a business by combining skills and resources, they are statistically the most common reason for small business failure, often due to partners being unable to work together effectively. The key to successful partnerships, as emphasized in the source, lies in choosing the right partner, establishing clear expectations through written agreements (including a plan for dissolution), seeking guidance from mentors, maintaining consistent and clear communication, and fostering mutual respect even when disagreements arise. The overarching message is that proactively addressing these factors from the outset can prevent many common pitfalls and allow the partnership to thrive.

Tired of hiring headaches that turn into legal nightmares? In this crucial episode of The Business Wingman Show, Steve and Travis Smith sit down with employment law expert Jim McDonald from Fisher Phillips to reveal the secrets to smart hiring and how to avoid bringing a "walking lawsuit" into your organization.Discover the critical steps you MUST take during your hiring process to identify and screen out potential problem employees *before* they cost you time, money, and endless stress.Here's what you'll learn:The Fatal Flaw in Resumes: Why relying solely on resumes is a recipe for disaster (and what to do instead!).The Power of the Employment Application: Uncover the key questions you need to ask and red flags to watch out for (including those tricky "mutual decisions"!).Interviewing Like a Pro: Legal and effective questions to uncover a candidate's true work ethic, attitude, and potential for conflict. Learn what you *can* and *cannot* ask!Decoding Red Flags: From forgotten supervisors to victim mentality – Jim shares his decades of experience in spotting trouble early.The Salary Conversation: Navigate compensation discussions legally and effectively.The MUST-HAVE Document: Learn about the California Dispute Resolution Agreement (arbitration agreement) and why it's a game-changer for employers.Reference Checks That Actually Work: Go beyond HR and get the real scoop on candidates.The Introductory Period Advantage: How to use the first 90 days (or more) to ensure a good fit and address issues proactively.Documenting for Protection: Why written records are essential for managing employee performance and mitigating legal risk.Key Takeaways:Don't gamble with your hiring decisions! This episode provides actionable insights and practical strategies to build a high-performing team while safeguarding your business from costly legal battles. Learn how to hire with confidence and create a positive, productive work environment.

We're headed into a period of potentially great economic uncertainty. To prevent your business from a severe setback, focus on these 4 areas that will enable you to avoid financial damage and achieve economic resilience.

Career growth and development is a lifetime pursuit. So, how do you know you are doing things right and will eventually receive the rewards associated with career success? In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts, Steve Smith & Travis Smith reveal the 4 universal principles that ensure career success.

Why are self managed employees more likely to be high performers in their jobs? The answer lies in how they manage themselves and the work they do. Hiring these folks is the best approach but how can you identify and develop employees who may exhibit high performance tendencies? In this episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts Steve and Travis Smith define what to look for and how to approach developing self managed employees.