Kirk Dando Speaking Topics

• Next-Level Growth: How to Move From ‘Start-Up’ to ‘Scale-Up’

  Key Takeaway: Don't spend your IQ points as an executive solving problems that have already been solved by thousands of others. Learn from them; don't repeat their mistakes.

  Description: In the world of entrepreneurship, the path from "start-up" to "scale-up" is a challenging one. It's a stark reality that less than 10% of companies successfully make this transformation. What's even more intriguing is that we have a treasure trove of historical and transactional data that not only reveals the keys to joining that coveted 10% of companies that scale but also the secrets to remaining there.

  While getting to the top is hard, staying there is even more challenging. Many executives and their teams often grapple with the complexities that growth and success bring. This can lead to declining performance, significant breakdowns in communication, misalignment, and a prevailing sense that "this is much harder than it should be."

  As a leader, it's imperative to introduce deliberately planned structures, processes, and strategies to unlock the next phase of growth. This presentation isn't about theoretical concepts; it's packed with actionable real-world guidance that you can start implementing right away.

  In this presentation, you will learn:

  • Assessing Your Position: HOW to conduct a thorough analysis of your company's position in the Business Growth Lifecycle.
  • 12 Warning Signs of Success: HOW to recognize any of the 12 Warning Signs of Success and why they can be double-edged swords.
  • Navigating Complexity: WHY the best companies often grow into success-related issues and WHAT you, as a leader, need to do to prevent these issues from escalating and adversely impacting your outcome and your income.

• Leading Through Change: What CEO Excellence Looks Like at Each Stage of Growth

  Key Takeaway: Learn why only 10% of companies mature from 'start-up' to 'scale-up,' how they get there, and what holds 90% of companies back.

  Description: As a CEO, the journey to high performance is a path paved with valuable lessons from those who have tread it before you. I can't stress enough how important it is to seize the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. I've been fortunate to occupy a "seat at the table" as both the COO & CFO of a company that we transformed from a small business into a powerhouse with over $1 billion in annual revenue.

  Following our remarkable journey from scaling to selling that business, I've dedicated the last 28 years to coaching more than 17,000 CEOs and their teams—each coming to me through word-of-mouth recommendations. I share this not to impress you, but to impress upon you that such a journey is only possible when one can offer real value to help and genuinely loves building relationships that evolve into true friendships.

  Now, I'm eager to impart the wisdom I've gleaned about how the most exceptional CEOs and their teams transition from one stage of growth to the next. More importantly, I aim to show you how you can achieve the same and become a high-performing CEO at any stage of growth.

  In this presentation, you will be challenged with the following:

  • Real-World Guidance: This presentation isn't filled with abstract theories but is packed with practical and actionable guidance that you can put into practice immediately.
  • Control and Focus: Are you truly in control of your business? CEOs and their teams often lack the time or focus to consistently develop, validate, and personally oversee critical initiatives. How are you doing in this area?
  • Readiness to Implement: There are no shortages of fresh concepts for business growth. What we truly require is not more information, but more implementation. You need proven methods for unwavering focus and healthy prioritization to actively bring your best strategies to life–right now.

The 12 Warning Signs of Success: What 17,000 CEOs & Their Teams Taught Me About Navigating Growth

Key Takeaway: Connect with executive leaders on the 12 warning signs of success and best practices learned from coaching over 17,000 CEOs and their teams over 28 years of executive leadership and business success growth expertise.

Description: As a leader, have you ever found yourself grappling with the realization that there are many "unknown unknowns" in your journey to success? On a modest scale, this can stir up some anxiety, but on a grander scale, it can trigger extreme disbelief, including imposter syndrome. These thoughts are a common thread that weaves through the minds of leaders at various points in their careers.

The encouraging aspect is that both success and failure leave behind discernible traces. However, what's challenging is that success can inflate one's ego, and failure can wound one's spirit. What I aim to do is guide you in becoming not only the leader you aspire to be but also the leader that everyone else confidently relies on.

In this presentation, you will learn:

• Learn Your CEO Type: Breaking down the two categories of CEOs,why it is so critical for you to understand and how it helps inform you on the type of team to put around you.
• What Kind Leader are You: Connecting with the three different types of business leaders, discover which one aligns with your style and find out if you align with the one that consistently gets the best results.
• Warning Signs of Success: Helping you predict and prepare for change on the way to success and uncovering the hidden challenges that growth and success cause.
• These critical insights will equip you with the perspective, tools, and inspiration necessary to navigate the challenges that accompany growth and success. These are the very challenges that often conceal the underlying issues that hinder you from reaching your full potential.