Build for a Big Exit – Even If You’re Not Selling
Episode Summary
In this episode, Rob sits down with Lewis Schiff, entrepreneur, author, and Chairman of Birthing of Giants. Lewis shares his insights on what it takes to scale a business, build the right leadership team, and prepare a company for long-term success—whether or not you plan to sell. They dive into the mindset shifts founders must make, the realities of hiring “A” talent, and why every business owner should be thinking like a capital owner in today’s economic landscape. Packed with practical takeaways and sharp commentary, this is a must-listen for growth-minded business owners.
Key Takeaway
Every company has a culture—either by design or by default—and business owners must align their talent strategy, leadership, and long-term goals accordingly. Building a team that can run the company without you doesn’t just create freedom—it multiplies enterprise value and future-proofs your business against market changes.
Questions I ask Lewis
01:39 What are the most successful founders get right and or wrong about building their teams?
05:25 How do you know if your leadership team is truly strong? One question I heard recently sums it up: Are they pushing you or pulling you?
07:26 What mindset shifts do entrepreneurs typically make after going through the Birthing of Giants program—especially when it comes to talent?
10:15 What's the biggest opportunity and the biggest threat that business owners have in front of them right now?
14:35 What are the best companies you work with doing to attract and retain top talent at all levels?
19:03 What megatrends should founders be paying attention to right now?
More About Lewis Schiff:
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Check out Birthing of Giants.
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Connect with Jon on LinkedIn.
More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:
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Lewis Shiff
Lewis Shiff is an entrepreneur, author, and educator with a passion for helping businesses grow. He’s the Chairman of Birthing of Giants, a powerful community of entrepreneurs focused on scaling their companies.
Lewis has successfully built and sold two businesses to publicly traded companies, and he’s the author of several acclaimed books, including Business Brilliant and The First Habit.