Hi everyone, Carl Gould here with your #70secondCEO—just a little over a one-minute investment every day for a lifetime of results.

You’ll know you’ve entered Stage 4 when every role in your business begins to take on a life of its own. Things start happening without your direct involvement. The pace of the business slows down—but in a good way. You might walk into the office and find it calm, almost quiet. That’s not a bad sign—it’s a sign of growing efficiency.

This is a big shift from the hustle of Stages 1 and 2. It’s not that your business is moving slower; it’s that it’s moving smoother. Early in Stage 4, the focus turns inward. You’re building systems, processes, and internal structure.

Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike—you’re still right there with your hand on the seat, just in case. During this time, your energy is focused on your internal client—your employees. Because of that, your sales might dip slightly—but that’s normal and expected. You're laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Like and follow this podcast to learn more. I’m Carl Gould, and this has been your #70secondCEO.