Continuous Improvement & Leadership Insights with John Papazian - Scale Like a CEO

Scale Like a CEO

What makes a leader truly effective in today's complex business landscape? For John Papazian, Chief Business Officer at InnerSources Inc., the answer lies in approaching management as a coaching opportunity rather than a series of transactions.
During our enlightening conversation, Papazian revealed how Dr. Deming's principles of continuous improvement became the foundation for his leadership philosophy. "This idea of continuous improvements, doing things better, not leaving things at the status quo became the guiding principles," he shared, explaining how this mindset applies not just to business processes, but to developing people as well.
Papazian's approach to team building is refreshingly human-centered. He empowers employees at all levels to communicate directly with leadership, breaking down hierarchical barriers that often stifle growth and innovation. "I am empowering you, even as line individuals, to speak to anybody in the organization," he tells his team, fostering an environment where questions are encouraged and personal growth is prioritized. This philosophy extends to his hiring practices, where he looks beyond technical skills to find candidates who demonstrate individualism, engagement, and cultural alignment.
Perhaps most fascinating is Papazian's organic approach to leadership development. Rather than simply appointing team leaders, he sometimes allows teams to self-identify their natural leaders, then methodically develops these individuals through incremental responsibilities and consistent feedback. "The delegation happens in small pieces and there's a feedback loop," he explained, highlighting how this builds confidence and competence simultaneously. As InnerSources continues to scale, this thoughtful approach to organizational structure and talent development ensures consistent messaging and clear employee roles throughout the company.
Whether you're leading a small team or a large organization, Papazian's insights offer valuable strategies for nurturing talent, fostering open communication, and building a culture of continuous improvement. Connect with John on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about leadership that truly empowers people to reach their full potential.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Coaching Leadership (00:00:00)

2. John's Coaching Management Approach (00:03:18)

3. Breaking Barriers Through Empowerment (00:05:38)

4. Hiring for Cultural Fit (00:07:30)

5. Effective Delegation and Leader Development (00:10:43)

6. Organizational Structure for Alignment (00:13:26)