In this episode, Andy Goldstrom of Midcourse Advisors joined us. He has a remarkable track record of building and exiting two Inc. 5,000 companies to Fortune 50 buyers.

Andy shares the powerful difference between mere growth and true scaling.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What Andy’s first two fast-growth companies were and how they disrupted their industries.
• The first cracks Andy typically sees in a company trying to scale too fast
• Why focus is the absolute key to scaling, and how a lack of it causes business owners to spend money on fragmented marketing or adding new services when they have "holes in their current bucket".
• How to build the "business muscle" for people who are great at their craft, but haven't been to business school.
• The two things that often unlock significant growth
• Andy’s three-part framework for success in business

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygoldstrom/

Company - Midcourse Advisors: www.midcourseadvisors.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On this episode, Dr. Julie Gurner, executive performance coach and author of the Ultra Successful Substack newsletter, to unpack one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership: assertiveness.

Most people equate assertiveness with rudeness — especially when it comes from women. But as Dr. Gurner explains, assertiveness is simply clarity — the opposite of expecting people to read your mind. The two discuss how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ownership separate high performers from those who stay stuck in their comfort zones.

• Why being assertive isn’t the same as being abrasive
• How fear of judgment keeps professionals from being direct
• The myth of “micromanagement” and what clarity actually looks like
• How emotional intelligence shapes perception of leadership styles
• Why clarity builds trust faster than politeness ever will
• The danger of surrounding yourself with excuse-makers
• Why growth plateaus are rarely caused by markets — and usually by mindsets

Dr. Gurner also dives into limiting beliefs and the power of an internal locus of control, showing how elite performers take total ownership of outcomes — good or bad. Monique adds her own experiences leading teams across industries, from engineering to beauty and wellness, highlighting the real-world tension between intention, perception, and leadership maturity.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On Substack: https://substack.com/@drgurner

Website: https://ultrasuccessful.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

2026 is shaping up to be the year that separates companies that are just keeping up from those creating what’s next. In this forward-thinking solo episode we break down the trends, technologies, and shifts that will define business success in the near future.

We dive into why many employees—though excellent at their roles—don’t understand the business behind what they do, and why that lack of understanding will become a liability as AI continues to evolve.

Listeners will learn why the smartest investment leaders can make before the year ends isn’t another software tool—but their people. Developing business acumen and innovation capability across teams can transform an organization’s culture, competitiveness, and ability to adapt.

If you’re a leader preparing your company for 2026, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.s

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/