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The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast

The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast

Brad Sugars

Business

Hosted by Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, the world’s #1 business coaching company, The $100M Entrepreneur is where ambitious business leaders come to learn how to scale, grow, and transform their companies. Brad sits down with global entrepreneurs, investors, and business experts, including Gary V, Simon Squibb, Daniel Priestley, and more, to uncover the strategies, systems, and mindset that take businesses from startup to $100 million and beyond. The $100M Entrepreneur is more than a podcast. It is a space to dream boldly, think strategically, and take action, a place for entrepreneurs to gain insight, inspiration, and practical tools to build lasting success.

Episodes

The Founder Bottleneck: How to Build a Business That Grows Without You

The Founder Bottleneck: How to Build a Business That Grows Without You

Most entrepreneurs start their business for freedom — but end up becoming the bottleneck. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad breaks down how to build a team that doesn’t just run the business, but actually grows it without you. He walks through the four stages of leadership development — Direction, Delegation, Duplication, and Development — and explains why many founders stay stuck managing tasks instead of building leaders. You’ll learn how accountability really works inside high-performing companies, how to identify and develop A-players, and why clear goals, transparent metrics, and leadership systems are essential if you want your business to scale beyond you. If you want a company that performs even when you step away — this episode will show you how to build it. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
14min•Mar 11, 2026
If It Ain’t Broke… Break It: How to Scale Without Collapsing

If It Ain’t Broke… Break It: How to Scale Without Collapsing

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is killing your growth. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad breaks down the Systems Maturity Model — the five stages every scaling business moves through, from chaos to autonomy. He explains why the systems that got you to $1M won’t get you to $10M, and why you must break your own systems before the market breaks them for you. You’ll learn the five levels of systems maturity (Chaos → Consistency → Scalability → Optimization → Autonomy), how to identify bottlenecks slowing your growth, and why most businesses run on good people instead of a true operating system. If you want a business that scales without collapsing — and eventually runs without you — this episode will show you how to build it. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
13min•Mar 4, 2026
The Freedom Pivot: The Operator → Owner → Investor Shift

The Freedom Pivot: The Operator → Owner → Investor Shift

Built a successful business… but don’t feel free? In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad breaks down the “Freedom Pivot” — the shift from operator to owner to investor. He explains why what got you to $1M won’t get you to $10M, how growth can quietly trap you, and why real freedom isn’t just about money — it’s about time, choice, and control. You’ll learn the three stages of business evolution, how to eliminate bottlenecks, and why systems × leadership create freedom, along with practical strategies for auditing your calendar, redesigning decision flow, and building an asset that’s scalable, saleable, and built for long-term wealth. If you don’t want to own a job — you want to own an asset — this episode will show you how to make the shift. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
13min•Feb 25, 2026
You Can’t Scale Chaos: The Systems Required to Reach $100M with Jeb Blount

You Can’t Scale Chaos: The Systems Required to Reach $100M with Jeb Blount

Most companies don’t stall before $100M because of strategy — they stall because the founder can’t see the business at $100M, and the team feels that ceiling. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars sits down with Jeb Blount to break down what it really takes to scale: building momentum, moving fast, and replacing “sales heroes” with a repeatable sales system (recruiting, onboarding, ramp time, comp, playbooks, and leadership). They also dig into when growth requires acquisition — and why you can’t scale chaos. Subscribe and share this with the founder who’s still doing it all. About Jeb Blount: Jeb Blount is the Founder and CEO of Sales Gravy, a global sales training and coaching organization. He’s a bestselling author of 17+ books on sales and sales leadership, including Fanatical Prospecting, Sales EQ, Objections, The AI Edge, and The LinkedIn Edge. He’s also a keynote speaker and the host of the Sales Gravy podcast. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
29min•Feb 18, 2026
Go Big Once: The Mindset Behind Building Generational Wealth with John Pennington

Go Big Once: The Mindset Behind Building Generational Wealth with John Pennington

Most entrepreneurs try to scale by working harder. John Pennington scaled by changing the structure. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars sits down with John Pennington — a 14-time entrepreneur who built a fund platform that snowballed into $28B in assets under management, 1,000 employees across 33 states, and a New York Stock Exchange listing. They break down what actually makes growth “unstoppable”: why a fund structure scales when most businesses stall and how to recruit people who are smarter than you by offering ownership instead of a paycheck. John also explains the real mechanics of raising capital — from high-net-worth investors to institutions — and why you must become “institution-ready” before they take you seriously. Subscribe, share it with the operator who keeps trying to do it all, and press play. About John Pennington: John Pennington is a serial entrepreneur and fund builder who has started 14 businesses and learned the hard way why most companies struggle to scale. His breakthrough came through building a general partnership / limited partnership fund platform across multiple asset classes — from real estate lending to multifamily, senior living, office, and industrial — ultimately helping grow a firm to $28B AUM and a public listing. He’s known for pairing structure with elite talent, using equity to attract high-level partners, and playing the long game to raise institutional capital. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
33min•Feb 11, 2026
It's Time for Your Business to Run Without You: How to Build an Exit-Ready Company w/ Sharon Lechter

It's Time for Your Business to Run Without You: How to Build an Exit-Ready Company w/ Sharon Lechter

In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur podcast, Brad Sugars sits down with Sharon Lechter for a real conversation about what actually creates wealth at the highest levels—and why most business owners never get there. This isn’t about making your next sale. It’s about building a business that works without you and becomes a true asset. Sharon breaks down why founders become the biggest bottleneck in their own companies, and how failing to plan an exit quietly caps growth, valuation, and freedom. They talk through what separates businesses that stall at a few million from those that scale to nine figures and beyond. You’ll hear why systems matter more than personality, why intellectual property is often a company’s most valuable (and overlooked) asset, and how strategic buyers think very differently than financial buyers. Brad and Sharon dig into exits that don’t involve walking away with a check—businesses that continue producing income, impact, and legacy for generations. If you want your business to run without you, scale past your current ceiling, and one day give you real options instead of obligations, this episode will stretch how you think. About Sharon Lechter: Sharon is a CPA, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential leaders in financial education. She is best known as the co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and for helping build the Rich Dad brand into a global powerhouse through licensing, partnerships, and intellectual property strategy. Over her career, Sharon has worked behind the scenes scaling multiple companies to nine figures while focusing on systems, leverage, and long-term impact. Her work centers on helping entrepreneurs create businesses that outlive them. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
24min•Feb 4, 2026
Lost $65M OVERNIGHT: Here’s What Dan Fleyshman Did Next!

Lost $65M OVERNIGHT: Here’s What Dan Fleyshman Did Next!

Most entrepreneurs work harder when they should be thinking bigger. In this episode, Brad Sugars sits down with Dan Fleyshman to break down what actually drives growth at every level — from your first million to building a $100M business. This is a no-nonsense conversation about why sales cure everything, why demand must come before structure, and why doing low-value work is one of the fastest ways to cap your growth. They unpack the real shifts required to scale: raising capital the right way, building an ecosystem that pulls major players toward you, hiring executives who’ve already done it, and letting go of the tasks and people that can’t take you to the next level. If you’re serious about scale — not just staying busy — this episode will challenge how you think and how you operate. Subscribe, share it with someone who says they want $100M, and press play. About Dan Fleyshman: Dan Fleyshman is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, social media mogul, philanthropist, and speaker — and holds the distinction of being the youngest founder in history to take a company public. By age 23 he had sold over $15M in apparel and launched the “Who’s Your Daddy” energy drink into more than 55,000 retail stores and military bases. He later built one of the top online poker brands worldwide, co-founded the 100 Million Mastermind Experience, and has invested in 40+ companies across tech, consumer products, and media. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
31min•Jan 28, 2026
Scaling Against the Odds: How Grit, Strategy and Leadership Built a $100M Brand with Harmeet Ahuja

Scaling Against the Odds: How Grit, Strategy and Leadership Built a $100M Brand with Harmeet Ahuja

In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars sits down with Harmeet Ahuja to break down what actually changes as a company moves from the tens of millions into the hundreds. They unpack why systems, processes, and structure must be built ahead of growth, not after problems show up, and how disciplined leaders install safeguards that prevent the business from slipping backward as it scales. Brad and Harmeet dive into the role of people, culture, and values in long-term growth. From developing talent from the ground up to building trust through clear communication and accountability, this conversation shows why strong culture is not optional at scale. They also explore branding, distribution, and partnerships, including why standing behind your partners and guaranteeing outcomes can become a serious competitive advantage. If you believe your business has the potential to go much bigger and you want a clearer way to scale strategically, protect what you’ve built, and think long-term like a real $100M leader, this episode will sharpen how you approach growth. About Harmeet Ahuja: Harmeet Ahuja is a seasoned business leader and the Group CEO of Sun Mark, one of the UK’s fastest-growing FMCG distribution and export companies. Under his leadership, Sun Mark expanded from a modest £8 million turnover to approaching £200 million in annual sales, now exporting products to over 130 countries across emerging and challenging markets. Ahuja has been recognized as CEO of the Year in the Thames Valley 250 and has driven sustained global growth by building strong teams, empowering people throughout the organization, and navigating complex international trade environments. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
17min•Jan 21, 2026
The Exponential CEO: Leading at Scale Through Multiplication, Not Effort

The Exponential CEO: Leading at Scale Through Multiplication, Not Effort

What does it really take to become an exponential CEO? In this episode, Brad dives deep into what separates average operators from truly exponential leaders — the ones who build companies that scale fast, attract top talent, and create real wealth. You’ll learn how the best CEOs grow themselves just as aggressively as they grow their businesses, multiplying results through people, systems, and strategy instead of grinding harder. Brad lays out the critical mindset shifts every $100M CEO must make: moving from control to trust, from doing to multiplying, and from short-term firefighting to building long-term enterprise value. He unpacks the five core disciplines exponential CEOs master — strategy, business development, people, execution, and mission — and shares hard-earned lessons from his own journey about when to step up, when to let go, and when it’s time to hand the CEO seat to someone else. If you’re building a fast-growth company — or you’re determined to — this episode will challenge your thinking, push your standards, and give you practical steps to become the leader your business actually needs next. If you’re ready to build a company that grows because of you, not around you, this conversation gives you the mindset, cadence, and playbook to get there. Subscribe, share with a founder who needs it, and leave a review with the one shift you’ll make this week. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
12min•Jan 14, 2026
The Power of Leverage: Work Once, Get Paid Forever

The Power of Leverage: Work Once, Get Paid Forever

Most businesses struggle to scale because they confuse effort with leverage. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad explains why one hundred million dollar companies are not built by working harder. They are built by structuring businesses so the work is done once and the value keeps paying back over time. He breaks down the four types of leverage every scalable business must master: people, systems, marketing, and finance. You will learn why repeat customers, subscription models, durable systems, and long-running marketing campaigns create exponential growth, while effort-based businesses eventually stall. If your business depends on you showing up every day to make money, you do not have leverage yet. Using real examples from decades of building and coaching companies, Brad shows how leverage replaces grind with structure and turns one-time work into long-term income. From books that still sell decades later to businesses that shifted from single transactions to predictable recurring revenue, the lesson is clear: effort alone will not get you there. Listen now and learn how to do the work once and get paid for it long term. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
10min•Jan 7, 2026
How Scaling Through Partnerships Helps You Reach $100M

How Scaling Through Partnerships Helps You Reach $100M

Scaling to $100 million requires more than hard work and great execution. It requires leverage. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad explains why partnerships are one of the fastest and most effective ways to scale a business into new markets. He breaks down the different partnership models that high-growth companies use, including strategic alliances, joint ventures, affiliates, licensing, and franchising, and how each one helps you grow beyond a single team, location, or customer base. Brad walks through the partnership models that help businesses expand faster, reduce risk, and enter new markets with leverage. Using real examples from ActionCOACH® and established brands like McDonald’s and Disney, Brad shows how borrowing trust, leveraging existing audiences, and sharing resources can speed up growth while lowering costs and risk. He also outlines the factors that make partnerships work, from aligned values and clear expectations to complementary strengths and clear agreements. If you are looking for practical ways to expand your reach, enter new markets, and scale beyond yourself, this episode gives you a clear framework to start building the right partnerships. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
11min•Dec 30, 2025
From Vision To $100M: A Practical Strategy Playbook

From Vision To $100M: A Practical Strategy Playbook

In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad shows you how to build a strategic plan that can actually take your business to one hundred million. He explains why most owners fail before they even start. Their goals are too small, too safe, and not nearly bold enough to create real change. Brad shares how setting crazy goals early in his life pushed him to learn faster, think bigger, and take action long before he felt ready. He then breaks down the core planning elements you need. A three to five year target that creates urgency, 90 day sprints that keep everyone accountable, and leading indicators that show whether you are on track long before profit appears. Brad also covers OKRs, planning rhythm, and why your systems and leadership must evolve as you scale. If you are ready to stop playing small and build a plan that forces growth, this episode gives you the clarity and structure to start your journey to one hundred million. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
10min•Dec 23, 2025
Avoiding the Entrepreneurial Plateau: The Real Reason You’re Stuck at $1M–$3M

Avoiding the Entrepreneurial Plateau: The Real Reason You’re Stuck at $1M–$3M

Most companies plateau. Brad shows you why and how to break through. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars explains the real ceilings businesses hit at $1M, $3M, and $10M and what it actually takes to push past each one. He breaks down the “million-dollar founder ceiling,” where everything still runs through you; the $3M systems ceiling, where the business is trapped in people’s heads instead of documented processes; and the $10M leadership ceiling, where growth stalls because you haven’t built leaders who can build the next phase. Brad also dives into the biggest enemy of scale: complexity. He explains why simplifying products, narrowing focus, and doing the one thing you can be the best in the world at is the fastest path to $100M. He shares lessons from Apple, McDonald’s, and even Cheesecake Factory to show how modularization and clarity unlock leverage. From there, Brad walks you through the real choke points that stop companies from scaling, and how each one suffocates growth if you don’t solve it early. He then lays out the path forward: building systems at $1M, building leaders at $3M, and building strategy at $10M, so you can scale from there to $100M and beyond. If you want to understand exactly why businesses stall, and what to do next, this is the episode for you. See you next week, on the 100M Entrepreneur Podcast, new episode every Wednesday. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
9min•Dec 17, 2025
The Blueprint for Building a Team That Scales Without You

The Blueprint for Building a Team That Scales Without You

Most companies hire. The best ones recruit. In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars, founder and chairman of Action Coach, explains why relying on job posts keeps businesses stuck — and why real scale comes from actively finding, attracting, and keeping A-players. He breaks down the true difference between hiring and recruiting, the principle behind A’s hiring A’s, and how a single great person can completely transform a company’s trajectory. Brad shares real examples from his own businesses — recruiting a competitor’s top salesperson, bringing in a server who boosted dessert sales overnight, and building teams that multiply results instead of divide them. He also lays out the simple three-page process he uses before filling any role: getting clear on who he wants, what the job truly is, and how success will be measured. Brad then breaks down the leadership framework that turns talent into real performance — vision, mission, values, and OKRs to set direction, along with strong communication, decision-making, and feedback to drive execution. He explains why culture isn’t a slogan; culture is strategy, and it’s the strongest magnet for A-players. He also shares a simple method for evaluating your team across competency, productivity, passion, and focus, giving you a clear picture of who’s driving growth and where improvements matter most. If you’re ready to recruit like the pros, elevate your leadership, and build a team that builds the company, hit play. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
12min•Dec 10, 2025
How $100M Entrepreneurs Build Wealth Beyond the Business

How $100M Entrepreneurs Build Wealth Beyond the Business

In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars, founder and chairman of Action Coach, breaks down what real freedom actually looks like and why most entrepreneurs never reach it! He does that by teaching you the three layers of wealth that every founder must master to create true long-term freedom. He explains how active wealth is built inside the business, how passive wealth is created through disciplined investing, and how lifestyle wealth ensures that money translates into time, health, and meaningful relationships. Brad outlines the fundamentals of building a sellable company, including why buyers prioritize a consistent two-year track record, how EBITDA multiples shape valuation, and how different buyer profiles can change the trajectory of an exit. He also shares his approach to consistently moving profit out of the business and into assets that compound over time, with a simple real-estate model and a diversified investing strategy at the core. Finally, Brad highlights the importance of intentionally designing a life that aligns with your values, not just your workload, and why founders must treat time, energy, and relationships as strategic assets. Subscribe to The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast for more conversations on strategy, wealth building, and designing a life that scales with you. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
12min•Dec 3, 2025
The $100M Growth Flywheel: Marketing That Compounds

The $100M Growth Flywheel: Marketing That Compounds

Forty percent of buyers just want to click a button and purchase without ever talking to a salesperson. At the same time, most people want to be sixty to eighty percent through their own research before they even consider booking a call. In this new landscape, marketing is no longer a support function for sales. It is the engine. Brad explains why the balance has shifted to eighty percent marketing and twenty percent sales, and what that means for every business owner who wants to scale. In this episode of The $100M Entreprenuer Podcast, Brad unpacks the 100M growth flywheel and shows how each turn of the wheel builds momentum through three areas. First, he breaks down the three layers of lead generation, from top of funnel education to bottom of funnel buying decisions, and explains why you need at least seven hours of content across multiple platforms for serious buyers to study. Then he dives into how social media has become social proof media, why one in five posts should clearly tell people what you sell, and how raise your hand marketing, nurture sequences, and simple sales systems convert interest into revenue. Finally, he walks through retention, mapping the first hundred days, training A-grade customers, and using the power of “only” so you onboard the right clients at the right pace. If you are ready to build a growth flywheel that keeps spinning faster as you scale, this episode will give you the practical structure to start putting in place today. Subscribe now so you never miss a strategy that can change your business and your life. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
15min•Nov 26, 2025
The Reinvention Formula: Growing Into Your Biggest Goals

The Reinvention Formula: Growing Into Your Biggest Goals

Most entrepreneurs set goals based on what they can do today, not who they need to become tomorrow. In this episode, Brad shares how he went from a young solopreneur in Brisbane to building ActionCOACH into a global franchise doing $100M a year in revenue, and why the real game is learning, reinvention, and scaling beyond yourself. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story: early hustle jobs, mentors who collapsed decades into days, the shift from “doing it all myself” to franchising, and how building models, systems, and intellectual property allowed Brad to multiply his impact worldwide. He also breaks down the concept of “Disney-fying” your ideas (one core IP, many packages), the dangers of limiting beliefs, and why growth now requires constant reinvention, not a one-time pivot. If you’ve set a massive goal and feel miles away from it, this episode will show you how to use that goal as a roadmap for what you must learn, who you must become, and what you must build so your business can outgrow you. Subscribe for weekly strategies to think bigger, grow faster, and become a $100M entrepreneur. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
12min•Nov 19, 2025
From Operator to Owner: The CEO Blueprint for Freedom and Scale

From Operator to Owner: The CEO Blueprint for Freedom and Scale

What does it take to run a business in just one hour a week? In this episode, Brad Sugars reveals the mindset and methods behind evolving from operator to owner and becoming the kind of CEO who builds businesses that run without you. Most entrepreneurs stay stuck in the business; Brad shows how to step out by mastering the four hats of a CEO: Visionary, Builder, Leader, and Investor. You’ll learn how to delegate with confidence, structure your time for maximum impact (customers, team, numbers, and future), and build systems, culture, and capital that compound. From coaching your CEO to knowing what to say no to, Brad breaks down the real work of scaling to $100M and how to design your business so it grows whether you’re in the room or not. Subscribe now to The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast and start thinking like a CEO who leads with leverage, not labor. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
11min•Nov 12, 2025
5 Strategic Disciplines to Build a $100 Million Company | Exponential Growth Secrets

5 Strategic Disciplines to Build a $100 Million Company | Exponential Growth Secrets

A grade businesses are built by A grade people. In this episode, Brad Sugars breaks down the five disciplines every one hundred-million-dollar company masters: Strategy, Business Development, People, Execution, and Mission. Learn how to create real leverage so you do the work once and get paid forever, choose the right business model, and cut what slows you down. You will also see how to modularize growth (X times Y) so each new location or segment scales faster and the next sale costs less and is easier. Brad brings it to life with examples from McDonald’s systems to Apple and Disney’s leverage engines. Inside the business, you will learn why management systems create accountability, how to recruit and develop A players who stay, and how onboarding and customer experience drive retention and profitability. Use this episode to rate yourself across the five disciplines, find your weakest link, and upgrade it now. Subscribe for weekly playbooks that turn vision into scale. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
14min•Nov 5, 2025
How to Build a Business That Works Without You | The $100M Entrepreneur Mindset

How to Build a Business That Works Without You | The $100M Entrepreneur Mindset

In this transformative episode of the $100 Million Podcast, Brad Sugars issues a blunt reality check: if you're the business, you don't have a business, you have a demanding job working for a crazy person, namely yourself. He redefines a true business as a commercial, profitable enterprise that thrives without the owner’s constant presence, introducing his golden rule of leverage: do the work once, get paid forever. Drawing from his own life, Brad recounts how, after 10 years building Action Coach, he appointed a CEO to run the company so he could step away and be a present dad when his daughter was born. He also shares the clever story of a multi-award-winning hairdresser who faked a broken arm to force a handoff of clients, ultimately tripling his prices, working one day a week, and keeping the salon thriving. Brad lays out the three foundational pillars, robust systems (document, automate, delegate with training and measures), an empowered team (recruited, trained, and trusted), and strong cash flow (through predictable leads, sales, and repeat business) and maps the four levels of work that elevate you from employee (paid once) to manager (paid long-term), owner (paid forever), and finally investor (money works for you). This episode is your roadmap to escaping the owner’s trap, systemizing your way to freedom, and building a scalable enterprise that doesn’t collapse without you. Subscribe to the $100 Million Podcast now and never miss a strategy to scale your freedom and wealth. About Brad Sugars Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone. Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/ Build a Business That Gives You More Time, Money & Life: Get The $100M Playbook: https://go.bradsugars.com/100m-playbook-ebook
10min•Oct 29, 2025
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