Welcome back to the Dean Svarc Podcast, where we help business leaders move from chaos to clarity. In Episode 1, we introduced the concept that change starts with you (the captain) and the necessity of shifting your mindset.

Today, we dive into the hidden dangers of success. Dean shares a deeply personal and humbling story of how his seemingly successful manufacturing company dropped to $10,000 in the bank. This crisis revealed a profound truth: even when external factors—like a general manager sabotaging the company—are present, the leader is accountable. Dean stresses: it was my fault from the beginning, middle, and end.

We discuss the critical difference between working hard and asking the right questions. Without using tools like the five W's (root cause analysis), leaders often treat symptoms instead of the actual disease. Historical data ("that's how it's always been done") is often wrong 98% of the time. Failure to identify the root cause leads to firing good employees because the leader didn't do their job.

Learn why establishing a professional environment—declaring that "We are not family"—is necessary to maintain accountability and stop employees from being treated poorly. If your mindset is not right, any tactical implementation will flop, because your employees won't understand the "why".

Next time, we ask a provocative question: Are you a spectator in your own life?

Recommended Components

This hour is the best investment you’ll make if you’re a business owner feeling stuck.

• Pick up your copy of Dean’s new book, Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems, at your favorite book retailer.

• Need critical help now? Get on Dean's calendar for a complimentary discussion: DeanSvarc.com/connect