Building a successful small or midsize business is rarely a linear journey. It is a series of lessons – some anticipated, many hard-earned. As entrepreneurs, it is these lessons that shape the way we lead, hire, and grow. 

For Season One of the Great Talent, Great Business podcast sponsored by WorkBetterNow, it was my pleasure to speak with a group of exceptional minds in leadership, culture, hiring, and organizational health and uncover their hard-earned lessons.  

In a recent reflection on the first nine episodes, a powerful theme emerged: the so-called "soft skills" are no longer optional. They are what draw the dividing line between companies that thrive and those that stagnate. 

Today, with competition for talent fiercer than ever and expectations for leadership higher than they’ve ever been, these lessons are essential for companies wishing to grow. If you're serious about scaling a sustainable, profitable business – consider the following nine truths carefully.  

1. Generational Differences Are Real – and They Present an Opportunity (Listen now)  

Jon Sheppard reframed a common discussion: rather than judging other generations, seek to identify and leverage the best qualities within each. With five generations now sharing the workforce, smart leaders will embrace this complexity rather than wish it away.  

2. Your "Employer Brand" Speaks for You More Than You Know (Listen Now) 

Alyssa Gelbard emphasized that what individuals say about your organization carries weight. It can impact whether clients want to hire you, which organizations want to partner with you, and whether a candidate wants to work for you. In this era of transparency, showcasing the people behind your business in the best light possible can be just as influential as any marketing effort.  

3. Most Business Problems Are People Problems (Listen Now) 

In this episode, Chris Beer articulated a vital point: "Processes" are, more often than not, reflections of people-related issues. If you’re facing persistent challenges, look to your team. Strengthen your people, and most operational deficiencies will naturally diminish. 

4. Company Culture Is Caught, Not Taught (Listen Now) 

Jade Green offered us a memorable insight: culture cannot be mandated. It is something your team absorbs by watching you as a business owner. It is up to you to set the tone. As Jade wisely stated, "happiness is the greatest hack for performance and profitability." 

5. Untapped Human Potential Is Costing You (Listen Now) 

Bob Borcherdt revealed an invisible hidden challenge in most businesses: unused human capacity. In the absence of clear expectations and consistent feedback, people disengage, and you lose out on the achievements and productivity that “could have been.” Clear expectations, when clearly communicated – can help your employees expand their capacity and reach their full potential.  

6. Leadership Development Is No Longer Optional (Listen Now) 

Mark Taylor made it clear: promoting a high-achieving team member into management without real leadership training is setting them up to fail. And when managers fail, not only do you lose that manager – you lose the employees underneath them. These instances can be catastrophic for small and midsize businesses – making formal leadership development more critical than ever. 

7. Understand Why Your Employees Join, Stay, and Leave (Listen Now) 

Chason Hecht posed three deceptively simple questions every leader should be able to answer: Why do people join us? Why do they stay? Why do they leave? If you don't have data-driven answers, you're guessing – and guessing could cost you. 

8. Your Hiring Process is Ready for Modernization (Listen Now) 

Michael Deutsch did not mince words: many businesses operate with outdated, inefficient hiring processes that are misaligned with today’s talent market. In many cases, good candidates can be more difficult to secure than new customers. They must be treated accordingly.  

9. Culture by Default is Culture by Disaster (Listen Now) 

Jack Daly highlighted a final, urgent truth: culture will form regardless of whether leaders design it or not. Recognition systems, developmental programs, and intentional communication should not be treated as “extras.” Rather, they are fundamental to building a competitive advantage. 

Put These Insights into Action  

Explore the entire season of the Great Talent, Great Business podcast on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe so that you do not miss any of the valuable conversations and insights from Season 2. And if you’re ready to grow your team, keep reading for how podcast sponsor WorkBetterNow can help. 

Why This Matters More Than Ever 

The business landscape is evolving rapidly. Remote work, generational turnover, evolving expectations around leadership and flexibility: these aren't trends to watch. They are forces reshaping how businesses must operate to survive and thrive. 

The organizations that will excel in the coming decade are not necessarily the biggest or the flashiest. They will be those that build teams intentionally, lead with clarity, and create cultures that employees actively seek to join. 

At WorkBetterNow, we witness this transformation daily. Businesses that succeed today aren’t doing it alone. They are investing in talent wisely, often by integrating outstanding nearshore professionals who bring critical support and scalability – allowing their companies to go farther, faster.  

Schedule a consultation with WorkBetterNow today to find out how we can provide great talent for your great business – and make it even greater.