In this episode, I discuss the evolution of CEO leadership, emphasizing that "What got you here won't get you there," as introduced by Marshall Goldsmith. I share insights from over 800 interviews, focusing on the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets and strategies as their businesses scale. Through a client's growth story, I highlight the importance of strategic shifts and personnel changes to meet new challenges. I encourage leaders to continuously reassess their approaches and balance operational tasks with empowering their teams, reinforcing that effective leadership is a dynamic and evolving journey.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

3:28 The Challenge of Growth
5:52 Evolving as a Leader
7:14 The Importance of Transformation
8:38 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways

• What helps you start a business can eventually slow its growth
• Scaling requires upgrading your team, strategy, and leadership mindset
• Complexity grows faster than most CEOs expect
• The best leaders evolve early — not when things break
• A CEO's real job is building leaders, not doing everything themselves

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level?
Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com
to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Baker, CEO of Jeenie, Inc. (ranked No. 271 in 2025), a platform dedicated to breaking down language barriers through live interpretation. We explore the powerful intersection of AI innovation and the irreplaceable human element required for meaningful communication. Kirsten shares her perspective on building a culture of innovation, highlighting collaboration, embracing failure as a learning tool, and leading with purpose. We also discuss Jeenie's mission-driven approach to leadership, the importance of hiring for values alignment, and the successes of managing a diverse, fully remote team. Our conversation offers a compelling look at the future of Jeenie and underscores how effective leadership empowers people, nurtures creativity, and drives collective innovation.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps
2:08 Leading Innovation
10:23 Core Leadership Principles
16:35 Embracing AI in Business
17:35 Creating a Culture of Innovation
23:20 Wrapping Up Insights

Follow me on Twitter @genehammett
Website: www.genehammett.com

About Kirsten Baker
Kirsten Brecht Baker is CEO & Co-Founder of Jeenie, an AI+Human multilingual and multicultural platform powering the next generation of smart-tech and AI for more inclusive communication. A Wharton MBA and serial entrepreneur, she has built and scaled ventures across SaaS, tech, and global market development. She is an Ernst & Young 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year, and made the top lists of Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company for leading in equity, innovation, and human connection. She is also a member of YPO, the SAFE-AI Task Force, INC. Leadership Forum, and Fast Company's Impact Council.

How to Connect with Kirsten Baker:
LinkedIn: Kirsten Baker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-brecht-baker/
Company Website: Jeenie, Inc. https://jeenie.com/

Resources & Next Steps
Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level?
Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

🌐 Explore More: training.coreelevation.com
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast

In this episode, I explore the concept of the Multiplier CEO and how this leadership model differs from the traditional, operationally driven approach. I share why sustainable growth requires a mindset shift from doing everything yourself to empowering and developing the people around you. As businesses scale, leaders who invest in their teams reduce micromanagement, relieve burnout, and unlock collective performance. I also announce a free training for CEOs focused on overcoming burnout and building businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement. This episode is an invitation to adopt the multiplier mindset for long-term, scalable success.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

1:55 Shift from Operator to Multiplier
2:55 The Role of a CEO Coach
4:17 Developing Leadership Across the Company
4:56 Upcoming Free Training Invitation

Most CEOs approach growth by working harder, refining strategy, or hiring more people. While these tactics can create short-term gains, they often lead to burnout, time scarcity, and rising costs. Operator-style leadership eventually hits a ceiling; there are only so many hours in a day, and only so much energy to give. True, sustainable growth requires a different lens. The real constraint isn't effort, strategy, or headcount, it's how the CEO shows up as a leader.

A Multiplier CEO shifts focus from "What can I do?" to "How do I engage and develop my team?" Instead of solving every problem personally, they build alignment, strengthen leadership systems, and empower others to make decisions. This mindset allows the business to grow beyond the founder. Small improvements come from working harder, but long-term, scalable growth comes from multiplying the capability and ownership of the entire organization.

Multiplier CEOs intentionally develop leaders across the company so the business no longer depends on a single hero. They create shared leadership language, accountability systems, and decision-making frameworks that enable people to lead confidently. When leadership is distributed, CEOs regain space to think strategically, step away when needed, and avoid burnout. This episode isn't a how-to; it's an invitation to reflect. If growth feels heavy or burnout is creeping in, it may be time to embrace the multiplier shift.

• Sustainable growth doesn't come from working harder it comes from multiplying leadership and capability across your team.
• Operator-style leadership creates short-term gains but eventually leads to burnout, time constraints, and rising costs.
• Multiplier CEOs shift their focus from solving problems themselves to engaging, developing, and empowering others.
• Hiring alone is not leverage; leadership systems, alignment, and accountability create true scale.
• Businesses that grow beyond the founder are built by developing leaders at every level—not by relying on a single hero.
• Adopting the multiplier mindset allows CEOs to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on long-term impact.

Ideal For:
Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity.

Resources & Next Steps

Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level?
Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com
to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

Explore More: training.coreelevation.com
Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast