Oct 28, 2026
What happens when the founder who built a company hands the keys to someone new? On today's episode of Electrifying Growth, Managing Partner Chris Sugden welcomes Operating Partner Steve Schloss back to the show to explore what changes for CEOs as a company scales from $20 to $50 million in revenue toward $200 million. Steve's first appearance, "Even Tiger Had a Coach," remains one of the most-watched episodes of the show, and this conversation picks up right where it left off.
Drawing on more than 35 years as a people leader, including Chief People Officer roles at Citi, Time Warner, LivePerson, and the USGA, Steve shares what he has learned coaching founder and non-founder CEOs through their next stage of growth. He explains why most founders hire reactively and the question every CEO should ask before filling a role. He also makes the case for keeping the founder on speed dial during a new CEO's first 90 to 180 days, and describes the moment an incoming leader finally takes full ownership of the business.
Chris and Steve also dig into the four types of urgency highlighted in our 2026 Growth Index and what boards can do to build real trust with the CEOs they back. Whether you are a founder preparing for the next stage or an executive stepping into a company someone else built, this episode is full of practical advice you can put to work right away.
Interested in guest-starring on Electrifying Growth? Apply Here to be a guest!
