LAUNCH Podcast with Allison Michels

Many growing companies believe they have a marketing problem.More campaigns.More content.More agencies.More tools.But in reality, most companies don’t have a marketing problem.They have a marketing leadership problem.In this episode, Allison Michels — Fractional CMO and strategic growth partner — explains why marketing often feels scattered inside growing companies and what actually needs to change before results improve.You’ll learn:• Why more marketing activity rarely fixes the real issue• The leadership gap most companies don’t realize they have• Why strategy, clarity, and alignment matter more than tactics• How a Fractional CMO helps companies build scalable marketing systemsIf marketing inside your company feels busy but inconsistent, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on.

You know those conversations you don’t want to have—but know you need to?In this episode, Allison walks you through how she reframes difficult conversations so they feel empowering instead of draining. She shares the mindset shifts that turn avoidance into clarity, and tension into productive outcomes.You’ll learn how to approach hard conversations with confidence, stay grounded in the moment, and create solutions that actually move things forward—without blowing things up or backing down.If you’ve been putting off a conversation because it feels uncomfortable, emotional, or risky… this episode is for you.

What does it really take to build a business that lasts—not just financially, but culturally and personally?In this episode, Allison sits down with David Hori, an experienced operator, investor, and advisor who has spent over 25 years scaling, acquiring, and exiting businesses while preserving the people and culture behind them.David has led multiple successful exits, including a company acquired by Toyota, and has achieved something incredibly rare in growth and transition: integrating more than 1,100 employees with a 98% retention rate. He brings a buyer’s mindset, not a consultant’s playbook—focused on real-world decisions that give owners more options, not more noise.Together, Allison and David dive into the mindset shifts and operational processes required to scale well, not fast. This is a practical, honest conversation about:The leadership mindset required to grow beyond founder-led bottlenecksThe processes owners need in place before scaling, stepping back, or exitingWhat business owners often overlook when trying to grow sustainablyWhy people and culture matter more than spreadsheets during transitionWhat private equity often gets wrong—and what owners should understand earlyHow thinking like a buyer creates clarity, leverage, and long-term optionalityThis episode is especially valuable for founders and owners who:Have built something meaningful and want to protect itFeel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next moveCare about legacy, not just valuationWant clear processes and grounded leadership—not hustle-driven growthIf you’re thinking about scaling, stepping back, or eventually exiting, this conversation will help you make smarter decisions long before you’re forced to.🎧 Listen in and learn how to build a business that truly lasts.

In this episode, Allison Michels pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a business and a life you love. She shares what’s been happening behind the scenes — from helping brands elevate their message and marketing strategy to creating a long-dreamed-of space for collaboration and creativity: the new LAUNCH Studio.Allison also opens up about her mission to help leaders step into their potential, the lessons she’s learned this season, and what’s next as she prepares for the 9th Annual LAUNCH Youth Leadership Conference.If you’re ready to find clarity, momentum, and courage to launch your next chapter this episode will leave you inspired to take action.

In this episode, Allison sits down with globally recognized business growth coach and Forbes mentor Dawn McGruer to explore what it really takes to scale with soul. Dawn shares why so many entrepreneurs hit a plateau—and how it’s often not a strategy problem, but a mindset one.Together, they unpack the inner blocks that hold leaders back and discuss how aligning purpose, passion, habits, and discipline can unlock both personal fulfillment and next-level business growth. If you're ready to grow your brandwithout sacrificing your well-being, this episode is for you.Connect with Dawn McGruer: https://dawnmcgruer.com/ In this episode, Allison sits down with globally recognized business growthcoach and Forbes mentor Dawn McGruer to explore what it really takes to scalewith soul. Dawn shares why so many entrepreneurs hit a plateau—and how it’soften not a strategy problem, but a mindset one.Together, they unpack the inner blocks that hold leaders back and discusshow aligning purpose, passion, habits, and discipline can unlock both personalfulfillment and next-level business growth. If you're ready to grow your brandwithout sacrificing your well-being, this episode is for you.Connect with Dawn McGruer: https://dawnmcgruer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessconsort/https://www.instagram.com/dawnmcgruer/