In this powerful episode of AI Biz, we explore the truth behind business growth with Don Markland—CEO of Accountability Now, Forbes AI Council leader, and strategist behind $75B+ in business growth. If you're a founder struggling to scale, chasing hacks, or overwhelmed by tech hype, this conversation is your no-fluff roadmap. Don breaks down how most leaders misuse AI, why tech alone won't save you, and how sales, accountability, and a clear operating system can scale any business—without burnout. Whether you’re building your first product or managing a multi-figure team, this episode offers direct, actionable insights to turn chaos into clarity and ideas into impact.

ABOUT THE GUEST
Don Markland is a renowned business strategist, Forbes contributor, and CEO of Accountability Now. He has helped grow companies from zero to 9 figures using a balance of cutting-edge AI tools and radical personal accountability. Don also chairs the Forbes AI Council and coaches founders worldwide.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sales first, always: Don emphasizes that without a working sales engine, nothing else matters—no tech, no team, no growth. Start here before scaling.

• Tech doesn’t solve problems—it exposes them: Founders often invest in software expecting miracles. Instead, tech only magnifies what’s already broken or working.

• Use AI like a system, not Google: Most people treat ChatGPT like a faster search engine. Don recommends starting with custom GPTs tailored to your business processes for productivity and scaling.

• The SCORE Model: Sales, Controlled Delivery, Operational Data, Really Massive Goals, Empower Team. A proven roadmap Don uses to grow companies sustainably.

• Accountability matters more than hustle: Success isn’t about working 20-hour days. Don urges founders to drop hustle culture, hire coaches, and own their decisions—good and bad.

• Coaching is a game-changer: Hiring a coach shifted Don’s trajectory entirely. It’s not a weakness—it’s leverage.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.accountabilitynow.net
Instagram: https://instagram.com/executivecoach.don

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