Blog

AI has officially arrived in the business world. And let’s be honest: most companies are still treating it like cupcakes in the breakroom (should they indulge? Maybe just one?).

But faster than the cupcakes disappear, your team starts using ChatGPT to draft emails. Someone else tries Perplexity for research. Your ops manager finds a tool that auto-generates reports. It feels like you’re innovating… until one day you realize you’ve got half a dozen disconnected tools, no clear outcomes, and zero alignment across your team, or worse, your team is sending out misinformation.

That’s the danger of implementing AI without a strategy.

So, what does AI strategy really mean? And how do you make sure your efforts actually move the needle, instead of just adding more

AI is transforming the business landscape at a breakneck pace, yet many mid-size company CEOs remain on the fence about its adoption. While tech giants race ahead, mid-market firms often struggle with AI hesitancy—fearing the unknown, worrying about costs, or simply not knowing where to start.

But here’s the reality: AI isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies with massive R&D budgets. It’s a tool that can help mid-size firms scale smarter, compete more effectively, and unlock efficiencies that weren’t possible before. The challenge isn’t whether AI is relevant to your business (it is). The challenge is shifting your mindset from skepticism to advocacy—because the sooner you embrace AI, the sooner you’ll reap its benefits.

If you’ve been hesitant to take

As a CEO of a mid-market company, you’re constantly balancing the demands of scaling your business, leading your team, and staying ahead of the competition. The pressure is real—and the landscape is shifting faster than ever thanks to AI. 

The fact is: AI is an essential tool for leaders like you to make smarter decisions, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth. And, with many leaders scrambling to catch up, adopting AI in your business–intelligently and quickly–can become a competitive advantage.

The question isn’t if you should integrate AI into your leadership strategy—it’s how you can do it effectively to gain a competitive edge.

Forget the sci-fi version of AI taking over the boardroom. In reality,

Over twenty years ago, as I pioneered online data backup, I learned a lesson that has stuck with me to this day: the most powerful tools are only as effective as our understanding of how to use them. This insight has never been more relevant than in today’s AI-driven landscape.

As a Chief AI Officer and Scaling Up Coach, I’m frequently asked, “Steve, how can AI transform my business?” My response often surprises people: AI isn’t a magic wand – it’s a sophisticated tool that amplifies human expertise rather than replacing it.

Think about it this way: In 2007, when I started hosting servers and desktops in the “cloud,” success didn’t come from merely adopting the technology. It came from understanding how to leverage it effectively. When Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, our cl

The conversation around AI often focuses on automation and efficiency. But there’s a more powerful way to think about AI: as your thought partner. This isn’t just another buzzword – it’s a fundamental shift in how we can leverage AI for business growth and innovation.

What Does “AI as a Thought Partner” Really Mean?

Think about your most valuable business relationships. They’re probably with people who don’t just execute tasks but challenge your thinking, offer new perspectives, and help you see blind spots. That’s what AI can be – not just a tool that follows instructions, but a collaborative partner that enhances your decision-making process.

Consider this: AI has access to over 200 million books and the entire internet’s worth of knowledge. B

As we approach 2025, business leaders stand at a critical intersection where proven principles of strategic growth meet the transformative potential of AI. Having worked with companies from ambitious startups to established enterprises, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the thoughtful combination of ScalingUp methodology and AI implementation can accelerate growth while reducing complexity.

The past year brought rapid evolution in AI capabilities, but it also reinforced a crucial lesson: tools without strategy create chaos. The companies who thrived weren’t those who adopted every new AI tool – they were the ones who integrated AI thoughtfully into their existing business framework.

I recently read The AI-Driven Leader by Geoff Woods, in which he presents a compelling vision for how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform leadership – as more than a tool for automation but as a strategic thought partner for business leaders. 

In the book, Woods offers a roadmap for integrating AI into leadership decision-making in ways that enhance creativity, challenge biases, and drive innovative solutions. As a business coach who teaches my clients how to harness AI for growth, there were dozens of points in this book that resonated strongly, and I wanted to share a few key takeaways on developing and implementing your AI strategy, particularly with the support of an AI-focused advisor or Ch

If you’re a business coach and you’re not tapping into Generative AI, you’re playing small. Your clients expect more—personalization, faster results, and tailored solutions. Every minute you spend on repetitive tasks is time that could be spent making a bigger impact for clients and growing your business..

Generative AI isn’t just another tool—it’s a game-changer. It can eliminate busy work, helping you deliver better results faster, and position yourself as a leader in your niche.

Let’s break down exactly how Generative AI can revolutionize your coaching practice and give you a competitive edge.

Your clients want a unique, personalized experience—one t

The Key Pillars to Robust Business Execution

Execution makes or breaks any business. You might have the best-crafted strategy and a brilliant team, together with crystal-clear market potential, but without great execution, it will all be for naught. 

In order to scale, you need to be fiercely focused on a few crucial elements of execution. 

Mastering these will make the difference between growing steadily and grinding out.

Rhythm: The Cadence of Communication

Building and maintaining a regular pattern of communication keeps your organization aligned and responsive. Rhythm refers to the daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly meeting pulse needed to be on track.

Each meeting has a purpose. Your daily huddle keeps

Harness small changes to make a big financial impact 

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Yet, many companies need help managing it effectively. 

Poor cash flow management can hinder operations and drive businesses to closure. 75% of businesses today will not survive the next decade. Only when armed with the proper tools and strategy can you beat the trend, and make sure your business not only survives but thrives.

One of my favorites is the “Power of One” methodology, which helps to identify the key levers most affecting your cash flow. 

Cash Flow Story is a powerful financial analysis tool that helps business leaders understand and improve their cash flows. It interprets complex financial information into

As a business coach, I’ve seen countless organizations start as the brainchild of passionate entrepreneurs. These visionaries breathe life into their ideas, building something from the ground up with relentless dedication and time commitment. However, as the business grows, many entrepreneurs find themselves facing challenges they hadn’t anticipated. It’s a common yet seldom discussed phenomenon: organizations outgrowing their founders. Let’s delve into why this happens and how a business coach can be a game-changer in navigating this transition.

In the early stages of a business, the entrepreneur is often the driving force behind every decision. Their vision, energy, and hands-on approach are crucial in tu

As business executives, we know that cash flow is the lifeblood of our companies. Yet, understanding and managing it effectively remains a challenge for many. Enter the Cash Flow Story – a game-changing approach that not only demystifies your financials but also empowers you to make strategic decisions that drive growth and profitability.

The Cash Flow Story goes beyond traditional financial statements, providing a clear, actionable narrative about where your cash is coming from and where it’s going. It highlights your business’s critical drivers and shows you how to optimize them for maximum impact.

Imagine having the power to identify hidden cash within your operations, improve your working capital, and fuel your growth without needing external f

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, many entrepreneurs and business owners face the dilemma of whether to go it alone (DIY) or seek professional guidance through business coaching. While the DIY approach might seem cost-effective and empowering, it often comes with hidden challenges and limitations that can hinder growth and success. Here’s why investing in business coaching is a superior alternative to the DIY route.

Business Coaches Bring Expertise: Professional business coaches have a wealth of knowledge and experience across various industries. They understand the intricacies of running a business and can provide insights that are not easily accessible through self-learning.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: With th

In today’s competitive business landscape, hiring the right talent goes beyond just finding candidates with the right skills and experience. It’s equally important to ensure that new hires align with your company’s core values and culture. This alignment, often referred to as “cultural fit,” can be the difference between a thriving, cohesive team and a dysfunctional workplace. In this blog post, we will explore why cultural fit is crucial and provide practical strategies for hiring employees who will seamlessly integrate into your company’s culture, ensuring long-term success.

• Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention - Employees who fit well with the

In the process of scaling up your business, you might encounter unexpected hurdles that seem to impede growth. Surprisingly, one of the most common barriers could be closer to home—it might be you. As your Business coach, I’m here to help you identify any blind spots, increase self-awareness, and clear the path for uninterrupted progress.

Despite having a solid strategy and a talented team, growth can sometimes slow down or hit a plateau due to unintended impacts. This could be a result of certain behaviors, decisions, or communication styles that we might not even realize are causing bottlenecks.

Here’s how we can tackle this together:

In the dynamic landscape of business growth and development, scaling up successfully requires a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various essential pillars. Among these pillars, one stands out as foundational and indispensable—the focus on people. In the Scaling Up methodology, people are recognized as one of the four critical components for achieving sustainable and impactful growth.

As a Scaling Up coach, I often emphasize the significance of nurturing and empowering your team as a key driver of organizational success. A fundamental question that arises when considering the people aspect of scaling up is this: Would you rehire all of your current e

As we navigate through the second quarter of 2024, it’s time to pause and reflect on the progress we’ve made towards our goals and aspirations for the year. Back in January, I shared insights on how to elevate your business game for 2024. Now, let’s take a moment to see how you’re doing and recalibrate if necessary.  This should be done every quarter!

At the beginning of the year, did you envision a year of unprecedented growth and success for your business? Did your ambitious goals include:

• Significantly increased revenues and profits.
• Heightened productivity and accountability from all employees.
• Fewer fru

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, navigating the journey of building and growing a business can often feel like a solitary expedition of climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. The weight of decision-making, problem-solving, and strategizing can be overwhelming, leaving many business owners seeking support and guidance. That’s where a mastermind group like our Coach’s Corner comes into play—a transformative space where entrepreneurs unite, share experiences, gain insights, and collectively thrive. 

Let’s explore the myriad benefits of joining a mastermind group:

Within a mastermind group, such as our Coach’s Corner mastermind group, you’re surrounded by li

Are you a small business owner with big dreams of growth and expansion? Scaling your business can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled five essential strategies for scaling your small business successfully.

Before embarking on the journey of scaling your business, it’s imperative to articulate clear and purpose-driven goals that resonate with your core values, mission, and purpose. Whether your aspirations involve amplifying revenue streams, broadening market reach, or diversifying product offerings, establishing specifi

In the fast-paced world of small business, the journey from startup to sustained growth demands a strategic mindset and a well-defined plan. Scaling up requires more than just ambition; it requires a meticulous approach to strategic planning. This blog post explores the intricacies of strategic planning for small business growth by adopting a Scaling Up approach to unlock the full potential of your enterprise.

Embarking on a journey of growth necessitates a solid foundation. Strategic planning serves as the compass, guiding small businesses through the complexities of expansion. A Scaling Up approach to strategic planning involves:

1. Setting Clear Objectives and Goals:

Define the destina

Scaling up a business is an ambitious pursuit that demands strategic planning, efficient execution, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement. One powerful approach gaining traction in the business coaching realm is the “13-Week Race.” In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of the 13-week race, its benefits, and how it can be a game-changer for businesses looking to accelerate their growth.

Scaling up is not just about expanding the size of a company; it’s about increasing efficiency, improving processes, and achieving sustainable growth while removing company drama and getting everyone more free time.  Many businesses struggle with the daunting task of scaling, often overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of t

Hey fellow trailblazers! Ready to catapult your venture to new heights? Strap in because, as a Scaling Up coach, I’ve got the lowdown on the transformative Rockefeller Habits inspired by the legendary John D. Rockefeller. Let’s dive in and propel your business to the top of the charts!

Imagine your business as an epic playlist. To get everyone vibing to the same rhythm, set those priorities loud and clear. Let’s sync up your vision with your team and kick things off like the opening act of a rock concert.

In a world ruled by data, don’t get left in the analog era. “Data” is your superhero sidekick. Crunch track and measure progress weekly, make informed decisions

As we enter another holiday season and gear up for a brand new year, the question looms large – is your business truly prepared for 2024? It’s time to reflect on the past and set the stage for a year of unprecedented growth and success. Will 2024 be just another rendition of the status quo, or are you ready to propel your organization to new heights? As a seasoned Scaling Up coach, I am well-versed in unlocking the full potential of businesses. It all boils down to defining your priorities, setting goals, and addressing the obstacles preventing you from reaching them.

Imagine looking back at the end of 2024 with a sense of accomplishment, having achieved the following:

•  Significantly increased revenue

Lately, I’ve found myself having more and more conversations with commercial lenders at networking events. The usual pleasantries lead to the inevitable question, “Steve, what do you do?” When I explain that I’m a certified Scaling Up coach and how I assist businesses grow and scale while increasing profits and margin, the bankers often respond with a common sentiment: “I wish that many of my potential clients would work with you. They could benefit from your expertise because when they seek funding, unfortunately, their company’s financials and operations often raise too many red flags and risks.” It’s from these discussions that this blog takes shape. Here are some insights into what banks look for and how a Scaling U

Hey there, I just wanted to give a big shout-out to Michael Pacheco for recently having me on “The Remarkable Coach” show recently. It was such a blast!

We dived into some super interesting stuff about how the Scaling Up methodology can totally transform businesses, making them bigger and better. Our chat covered a bunch of important business topics, like:

• You know, the whole deal about getting everyone on your team rowing in the same direction towards those common visions and goals.
• Finding the perfect fit for your team and holding them accountable – that’s a big one!
• Oh, and how your core values can b