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I Don’t Run the Business Anymore
Episode #38 of the Third Turn Podcast with Gary Swick
A spirit of surprise infuses not just this episode title, but much of Gary Swick’s leadership journey.
Gary is still rather surprised by his entrepreneurial journey. He started his career as a consultant, enjoyed working for a bigger company, and definitely preferred a predictable salary. But he couldn’t ignore a very real, emerging market need and his ability to help solve it--smaller businesses who needed one-time or infrequent technical computer help. So against his natural instincts, SWICKtech was born and has grown into a cybersecurity, IT, and compliance firm, whose mission is to help small businesses with big business solutions.
He was surprised too by this seemingly counterintuitive concept--that “a profitable enterprise is one that runs without you--otherwise you own a job.” With consulting help and a solid business partner, he revamped how he approached the business--delegating, empowering, leveraging strengths, sharing leadership.
And now, on the heels of transitioning the business to his almost-20-years-long and 20-years-younger business partner, Gary seems rather surprised by his successful succession--marked by some lessons learned that he shares with us.
At the heart of Gary’s counterintuitive journey and repeated surprises seems a rooting commitment to living and leading “for the sake of others.” From start to finish and throughout his leadership Turns One, Two, and Three--a Maestro-level leader committed to serving things bigger than himself.
Books and resources Gary benefited from and recommends:
The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues (J-B Lencioni Series)
With each episode of the Third Turn Podcast we host a conversation among leaders who want the world to flourish for generations beyond their lifetimes.
Listening with others in some way and enjoying in-depth conversations of your own as you reflect and choose what you would do the same or differently is a plus!
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The Third Turn Podcast is part of the Maestro-level leaders initiative, a production of Design Group International. Strategically Connected's Jennifer Miller is the producer.
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