What happens when everything depends on you?For business owners, it can look like answering every question, solving every problem, approving every decision, and working harder as the business grows. Mike DeJong calls it the “operator trap”—building a business that was supposed to create freedom but instead becomes completely dependent on its owner.But you don’t have to own a business to fall into the same trap.In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins sits down with entrepreneur, author, and business owner Mike DeJong to explore how we become the bottleneck—and what it takes to build people, systems, and cultures that don’t require our constant involvement.Drawing from his experience building businesses, expanding across multiple markets, navigating a near-bankruptcy despite strong revenues, and ultimately building and selling a portfolio of businesses, Mike shares practical strategies for moving from doing everything yourself to developing something that can succeed without you.Whether you own a business, lead a team, manage projects, or have simply become the person everyone comes to for answers, this conversation challenges an assumption many of us carry:Being needed isn’t always the same thing as leading well.
Resources & Links
Connect with Mike DeJong here:Website: https://mikedejong.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-dejong-5a833816/You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMikeDeJongInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejong6000/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572893646716Book: Grow Smart by Mike DeJong- https://a.co/d/0f6nh1PZ
Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com
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About Branching Out with SierraBranching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead.Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: [email protected]
Podcast Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital.Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth.Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/
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