You don’t have to burn yourself out to build a successful business.

I learned that the hard way.

On paper, everything looked great.
✔ Built three businesses to $200M in revenue
✔ Bootstrapped a service business to $25M with 25 people in five years
✔ Scaled a VC-backed tech company to $28M ARR in under two years with just 12 people
✔ Made a double-sided consumer marketplace profitable in three months with a five-person team
✔ Raised $30M in venture capital

But behind the scenes, I was exhausted, constantly putting out fires, and convinced the business would fall apart if I stepped away.

So I pushed harder, thinking that was the only way.

Then life forced me to stop.

I ran headfirst into a glass window. A concussion took me out for eight weeks. No emails, no meetings, no problem-solving. For the first time, I couldn’t step in to fix things.

And when I came back, I was shocked. The business hadn’t just survived. It had thrived.

That moment forced me to question everything.

I always thought the key to scaling was working harder and building better systems. And systems did help. But what really made the difference wasn’t the business. It was me.

I had built a company that depended on me, not because it had to, but because I didn’t know how to let go. I believed that stepping back meant losing control. That if I wasn’t involved in everything, things would fall apart.

That belief had to change.

Learning to trust my team, step back, and stop being the bottleneck wasn’t easy. But once I did, everything changed.

The systems worked because I let them. My team thrived because I gave them space. And the business grew faster than ever, not because I was in every decision, but because I wasn’t.

Now, I help founders do the same.

Most founders come to me because they feel stuck. They’re scaling, but at the cost of their time, health, and freedom. It doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’re ready to build a business that grows without you being in the weeds, join me for daily insights on scaling, leadership, and personal growth.

Let’s get started.
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⚫️ 1:1 CEO Coaching – If you want direct guidance to break free from the grind, let’s talk. 

Let’s connect:
Email: hello@christinecarrillo.com
Twitter: @ChristineCarril

Christine Carrillo

No one stays for the perks.

They stay to feel seen.

Too many leaders think loyalty comes from money.

You can offer top salaries.
Perks. Bonuses. Company shares.

But if your team feels invisible?
They'll leave.

Here's what actually builds loyalty:
→ Being seen.
→ Being heard.
→ Knowing their work matters.

Team members aren't asking for a parade.
They just want to know their work means something.

Because when they feel appreciated:
→ They care more.
→ They give more.
→ They show up more.

Without ever being asked.

You want people to go above and beyond?
Start with a simple "thank you."

How do you make your team feel valued?

♻️ If this hits home, share it with your network.
Follow Christine Carrillo for more leadership insights.
Ready to build a big business with a tiny team? This is the playbook: https://lnkd.in/gQCveimB

James Lawrence

President/Founder

I believe in PEOPLE and the power of COMMUNITY. A great TEAM is the most important competitive advantage any organization can have.

At POWER, our mission is simple yet powerful: We fuel automotive dreams. Whether you’re behind the wheel, tinkering in the garage, or chasing down the next 200 mph thrill, we create stories, events, and videos to entertain, inspire, and connect. Cars ignite our passions, build vibrant communities, and create unforgettable moments—and we’re here to share that magic with the world.

I’m focused on pushing the loud pedal every day, driving innovation, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts to deliver exceptional automotive content and experiences.

I also run a tech startup called HAPPY – which delivers intelligent coaching based on behavioral science. That has been an amazing experience as well.

My leadership journey wasn’t straightforward—I learned early on that real authority doesn’t come from a title. It comes from understanding your team, building trust, and fostering a culture where people thrive. That belief has shaped every company I’ve launched, every team I’ve led, and every decision I’ve made.

Here’s a bit about me:
	•	Launched four startups, including Happy, our tech coaching platform
	•	Former Chairman of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association (SEMA)
	•	National champion in auto racing and youth football coaching
	•	Proud husband to Melissa and dad to Bradley, Jordan, and Taylor

When I’m not leading the team at POWER/HAPPY or spending time with my family, you’ll find me:
	•	Coaching youth football
	•	Chasing the next adrenaline rush behind the wheel
	•	Diving into great books like The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

I love connecting with like-minded people who share a passion for innovation, leadership, and creating incredible experiences. Whether it’s through a podcast, public speaking, or collaborating with entrepreneurs and visionaries, I’m always looking for opportunities to share ideas and solve big problems.

💌 Let’s connect: james@powerautomedia.com

At my core, I believe the cornerstone of every great organization is its people. My mission has always been to create extraordinary things by unlocking the power of connection, collaboration, and passion—whether that’s in the workplace, at the racetrack, or in a garage full of wrenches and dreams.

CEO & Cofounder

In the new era of work, building effective teams is more important than ever to organizational performance. Happy enhances organizational culture, communication and manager effectiveness at scale – making your people your competitive advantage. Happy is a coaching platform that uses behavioral science & AI to build a user manual for your entire team in less than 10 minutes.

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