In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Claire Colvin, co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader, to explore the mindset, strategy, and leadership skills needed to scale a business with confidence and sustainability.
With over 23 years of experience in business transformation, Claire shares her expertise in building high-performing teams, creating people-centred systems, and overcoming the challenges of scaling. She discusses why authenticity is the #1 leadership trait, how to crush self-doubt for good, and the key business lesson every leader needs to hear.
Claire also dives into why many business leaders fall out of love with their work, the common leadership habits that drive—or hinder—growth, and why most leaders are terrible listeners. She breaks down the #1 leadership mistake that leads to failure and explores the role of love in leadership—can it actually make you a better leader?
Key Highlights:Authentic Leadership in Scaling – Why vulnerability, trust, and leading with heart are essential for business growth.
Overcoming Self-Doubt – How taking action, even in uncertainty, builds confidence and resilience.
The Power of Relationships in Business – Why successful partnerships focus on mutual success, not just transactions.
Scaling Beyond Strategy – The crucial role of energy management, mindset, and delegation in sustainable scaling.
Fear vs. Trust in Leadership – How leaders who operate from trust foster innovation, while fear-based decisions create roadblocks.
Building People-Centred Systems – How the right structures and culture drive long-term success.
Takeaways for Business Leaders:Lead with Authenticity – The best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they build trust and empower their teams.
Trust Over Fear – A leadership style rooted in trust creates stronger teams and better results.
Success Is a Team Effort – Scaling isn’t just about strategy; it’s about creating the right culture and systems.
Invest in Relationships – Business growth is built on strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Energy Management Matters – Sustainable scaling requires leaders to manage their energy, not just their time.
About Claire Colvin:Claire Colvin is the co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader dedicated to helping companies achieve scalable, sustainable growth. With over 23 years of experience in high-growth SMEs, global organisations, and major UK PLCs, Claire specialises in building people-centred systems that empower businesses to scale effectively. As a CIPD-qualified expert with a Master’s in HRM, she has a deep understanding of leadership, organisational development, and team performance. At Simple Scaling, Claire works alongside Brendan McGurgan to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the strategies, mindset, and tools needed to scale with confidence. Passionate about fostering trust, self-awareness, and high-performing teams, Claire is committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential.
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