Manage episode 513800524 series 3695774
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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2 episodes