Scaling Up with Strategy and Psychology

Special Guest Carly Pepin

 

https://www.westcoastgrowthadvisors.com/podcast-gift

 

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Carly Pepin—an extraordinary business strategist and mindset expert—who helps founders and C-suite teams scale their companies not just with numbers, but with heart, purpose, and clarity.

What stood out most in our conversation was Carly’s view that business is not just a money-making vehicle—it’s a personal development journey. I couldn’t agree more. She works primarily with leaders in construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, helping them navigate growth by aligning strategic frameworks with powerful psychological insights.

 

We talked in depth about her comprehensive approach, which focuses on four core areas: cash, strategy, execution, and people. But the game-changer? Carly brings in the lens of psychology. She explains how emotional equilibrium—the constant dance between pride and shame—can drive or derail a company’s success. When leaders understand this, they can make better decisions, stay grounded, and build stronger teams.

One of my favorite moments was when Carly shared how culture isn’t just about values on a wall—it’s about recognizing those values in action. I loved her example of a Polaroid wall showcasing team wins. These small practices create real emotional alignment and reinforce a sense of purpose.

We also explored why many businesses stall. Often, it’s not about cash flow—it’s about misaligned vision, unclear strategy, or unaddressed mindset blocks like imposter syndrome. Carly’s method digs deep to reveal the real obstacles, not just the surface-level symptoms.

 

Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Carly:

• Business growth starts with delivering true value — not just chasing profit.
  
  
• Scaling requires both strategy and inner alignment with your team and yourself.
  
  
• Emotional dynamics like pride and shame are always at play — learn to recognize and balance them.
  
  
• You don’t have to have it all figured out — but having a coach helps you see what’s really going on.
  
  
• A misalignment in people or execution might look like a cash problem — but it’s not.
  
  

💬 Curious what's really holding your business back? Carly offers a free business diagnosis call to help leaders identify root issues. Learn more at westcoastgrowthadvisors.com.

 

🎧 Stay tuned after the break—I’m sharing tips on how to monetize your podcast, even if you’ve got a small but mighty audience!