From Overwhelmed Operator to Visionary CEO: How EOS Transformed His Agency with Drew Larison

Catalytic Leadership

Send us a text

Most agency owners build a business around their skills—then hit a ceiling when those same skills become their greatest limitation. In this episode, I sit down with Drew Larison, founder of Five Door Media, to unpack the real shift that unlocked scale in his agency: moving from overwhelmed operator to visionary CEO. For leaders navigating growth, structure, and team development, this conversation cuts to the heart of what it truly means to lead at scale.

Drew shares how implementing EOS wasn’t just a process upgrade—it was a complete redefinition of leadership inside his agency. We explore the emotional friction of letting go, the identity shift that comes with the visionary seat, and the difference between running campaigns and building a company that multiplies impact through people. You’ll hear how his Five Door Method clarified client results, why his agency now audits client sales calls to improve performance, and what it looks like to create a framework that empowers scale without sacrificing culture.

This is a must-listen for agency founders who feel the weight of growth and know they need to shift from operator to architect. And near the end, Drew shares a powerful leadership story from his family that reframes everything we think we know about legacy, loyalty, and what truly defines a great leader.
Connect with Drew Larison
Follow Drew at @MrDrewLarison on Instagram or LinkedIn, and learn more at fivedoormedia.com. Be sure to check out The Five Door Media Podcast for deep-dive agency growth strategies.

Books Mentioned

• Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
• 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

🌟 Check out our podcast sponsor, Competitive Edge Business Consulting, and book your free discovery call with them today at www.CompEdgeConsulting.com 🌟
Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence.

• Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:
  Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success.
  
• Special Offer:
  Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference.
  

Connect with Dr. William Attaway:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

Chapters

1. Drew Larison's Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Kitchen Table Leadership: Drew’s Entrepreneurial Legacy (00:00:46)

3. Servant Leadership That Lasts Beyond the Business (00:07:12)

4. From Music, Marketing, and Subway to Agency Startup (00:09:41)

5. Launching Five Door Media and Building a Home Services Niche (00:16:09)

6. The Five Door Method: Diagnosing Where Client Campaigns Fail (00:20:41)

7. Implementing EOS: Drew’s Transition into the Visionary Seat (00:27:23)

8. 10x Thinking, Identity Shifts, and Building Legacy Through Leadership (00:34:30)