In this special full-length episode of Scaling Without Breaking, host Roland Siebelink sits down with producer Nick for a deep dive into the why behind the podcast — and the hard truths every founder faces when their company starts to outgrow them.

From managing chaos and hiring the right people to shifting from founder to true CEO, this candid conversation explores the realities of scaling a business without burning out or losing control. Whether you're a startup founder, operator, or investor, this episode offers valuable lessons on building companies that thrive sustainably.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Scaling Without Breaking

00:26 – What this show is all about

01:04 – Turning the tables: producer Nick interviews Roland

02:09 – The toughest stage of startup growth

03:18 – When success starts breaking what worked before

04:14 – Who this podcast is for

05:34 – The hiring trap: startup vs. corporate mindset

07:12 – Practical lessons for founders in chaos

08:35 – The challenge of making success repeatable

11:27 – Lessons from Amazon’s management style

12:17 – Meet the guests: founders, investors, and advisors

13:38 – The paradox of focus after raising funding

15:17 – Defining real startups vs. lifestyle businesses

17:48 – Why founders pivot instead of quit

20:06 – Balancing vision with pragmatism

21:02 – Future guests and expert perspectives

23:17 – Why outside advice matters when scaling

24:20 – Roland’s origin story and early career

26:20 – Lessons from Europe’s first broadband launch

29:37 – Becoming a coach for scaling startups

31:01 – Childhood roots of leadership

33:29 – Founders, growth, and the courage to change

35:11 – Family influences on leadership

38:07 – Lessons from Roland’s parents’ business

40:36 – Emotional reflections and insights

41:00 – Where to find the podcast and resources

🎧 About the Show

Scaling Without Breaking is the podcast for startup leaders who want to grow smarter, not harder. Each week, you’ll hear real stories, strategies, and solutions from founders, operators, and advisors who’ve scaled through the chaos — and learned how to lead like a CEO.

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