Author: Baz Porter

Being nice can often be a death sentence in the cutthroat business arena. Welcome to the world where the gloves come off and the rules are rewritten. Imagine transforming from a mild-mannered leader into a relentless powerhouse, crushing obstacles and competitors alike. This isn’t a fairy tale or a villain’s origin story—it’s the new playbook for survival and success.

In today’s ruthless business environment, the adage “nice guys finish last” has never been more accurate. CEOs who cling to outdated notions of kindness and niceties find themselves outpaced, outmaneuvered, and out of luck. It’s time to shed the Mr. Nice CEO facade and embrace the savage rules that drive real power and dominance.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the savage rules that every aspiring powerhouse CEO needs to adopt. These aren’t just tips or tricks—they’re a comprehensive strategy to seize control, command respect, and achieve unparalleled success. So, buckle up, get ready to challenge your preconceived notions, and prepare to unleash your inner savage.

The Myth of the Nice CEO

Let’s start by debunking a pervasive myth: being a nice CEO leads to success. This misconception often stems from a desire to be liked rather than respected. Historical business leaders who were “nice” often left themselves behind in the race for innovation and market dominance. The truth is that niceness can sometimes be mistaken for weakness, and in the business world, weakness is fatal.

“Success is not for the timid. It is for those who seek guidance, make decisions, and take decisive action.” – Jose Silva

A relatable example from my journey highlights this. Early in my career, I believed maintaining harmony at all costs would lead to a productive work environment. However, this approach led to stagnation and missed opportunities. I saw real progress only when I adopted a more assertive and results-driven leadership style.

The Controversial Side of Savage Leadership

Being a savage CEO is bound to ruffle some feathers—hell, it’s practically a guarantee. The term “savage” itself conjures images of ruthless dictators, merciless cutthroats, and relentless pursuers of power. And why shouldn’t it? In the high-stakes business world, playing nice often means playing to lose.

Defining “Savage” in Business When discussing being a savage CEO, we’re not advocating for unethical behavior or heartless exploitation. Instead, we’re championing a mindset that prioritizes results, embraces boldness, and shuns the sugar-coated pleasantries that hold many leaders back. Savage leadership is about being fiercely committed to your vision, unapologetically making tough decisions, and relentlessly driving your team toward greatness.

“You don’t have to be a nice person to be a good person. You just have to be effective.” – Baz Porter

Ethical Considerations Here’s where it gets sticky. The idea of savage leadership raises ethical eyebrows. Critics will argue that such an approach can breed a toxic work environment, foster fear rather than respect, and undermine collaborative efforts. But let’s not kid ourselves—business is war, and in war, strategy, strength, and a touch of ruthlessness can be the difference between victory and defeat. The key is to balance this savagery with integrity, ensuring that while you’re tough, you’re also fair and principled.

“The road to power is paved with audacity and tenacity.” – Unknown

Real-World Examples Look at the business titans who have shaped industries with their relentless drive and unyielding standards. Steve Jobs wasn’t known for his warm and fuzzy leadership style, but his uncompromising vision turned Apple into a global juggernaut. Jeff Bezos’s ruthless pursuit of efficiency and innovation has made Amazon a behemoth in the retail world. These leaders weren’t afraid to be controversial, make enemies, or push boundaries. Their success is a testament to the power of savage leadership done right.

“Fortune favors the bold, and business favors the ruthless.” – Baz Porter

The savage CEO isn’t about being cruel for cruelty’s sake; it’s about stripping away the fluff and focusing on what truly matters—results. It’s about having the audacity to make decisions that others shy away from, the courage to hold yourself and your team to the highest standards, and the vision to lead with unapologetic clarity.

Yes, this approach is controversial. It’s not for the faint-hearted or the easily offended. But in a world where business is a battlefield, only the savages survive and thrive. If you’re ready to ditch the Mr. Nice CEO act and embrace the raw, unfiltered power of savage leadership, then welcome to the new rules of business power. It’s time to dominate.

Actionable Steps for Embracing Savage Leadership

Step 1: Embrace a Results-Driven Mindset

• Set Aggressive Goals: Don’t settle for mediocrity. Aim high and set challenging targets for yourself and your team. Track progress relentlessly and hold everyone accountable for their performance.
• Measure Performance Ruthlessly: Use data and metrics to evaluate success. Celebrate achievements, but also address shortcomings head-on. Implement a no-excuses culture where only results matter.

Step 2: Cultivate a Bold Attitude

• Develop Resilience: Business is tricky, and setbacks are inevitable. Build mental toughness to bounce back from failures and keep pushing forward. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Assertive Decision-Making: Don’t hesitate when making tough calls. Trust your instincts, back your decisions with solid reasoning, and stand by them. Indecision is the enemy of progress.

Step 3: Master the Art of Influence and Persuasion

• Use Psychological Tactics: Understand what motivates your team and stakeholders. Leverage this knowledge to inspire and drive them towards your vision. Techniques like positive reinforcement and strategic incentives can work wonders.
• Master Negotiation Skills: Be prepared, know your worth, and always aim to secure the best deals. Effective negotiation is a blend of confidence, patience, and strategic thinking.

Step 4: Implement Effective Systems for Dominance

• Streamline Operations: Identify inefficiencies and eliminate them. Optimize processes to ensure smooth, efficient workflows. Use tools and technologies that enhance productivity and reduce bottlenecks.
• Automate Processes: Wherever possible, automate repetitive tasks to free up time for strategic thinking and innovation. Automation reduces errors and increases consistency.

Step 5: Build a Culture of Excellence

• Set High Standards: Communicate your expectations for performance and behavior. Encourage a culture where excellence is the norm, not the exception. Reward top performers and address underperformance swiftly.
• Foster Continuous Improvement: Create an environment where feedback is valued and learning is encouraged. Regularly review processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement.

Step 6: Develop Relentless Focus

• Prioritize Ruthlessly: Identify the most critical tasks that drive your business forward and focus on them. Eliminate distractions and delegate non-essential tasks to others.
• Maintain Laser-Focused Execution: Once priorities are set, execute with precision. Avoid getting sidetracked by less important issues and focus relentlessly on your key objectives.

Step 7: Lead with Unapologetic Clarity

• Communicate Your Vision: Clearly articulate your vision and goals to your team. Ensure everyone understands the big picture and their role in achieving it.
• Be Transparent: Share both successes and failures openly. Honesty builds trust and fosters a culture where people feel empowered to take risks and innovate.

“Great things never come from comfort zones.” – Roy T. Bennett

By adopting these savage rules, you’ll transform from a nice CEO into a powerhouse leader. The RAMS framework—Results, Attitude, Mastery, Systems—will be your guiding compass, driving you to unparalleled success. It’s time to unleash your inner savage and dominate the business world.

Conclusion

The journey from being an excellent CEO to a savage powerhouse is not for the faint of heart. Still, it’s a transformation that can redefine your leadership and catapult your business to unprecedented heights. By embracing a results-driven mindset, cultivating boldness, mastering influence, and implementing effective systems, you position yourself as a leader and a force to be reckoned with.

To recap, savage leadership is about:

• Prioritizing results above all else.
• Making bold, assertive decisions.
• Using influence and persuasion effectively.
• Streamlining and automating operations.
• Building a culture of excellence.
• Maintaining relentless focus.
• Leading with unapologetic clarity.

These principles, aligned with the RAMS framework, will help you dominate your industry and achieve unparalleled success.

But don’t just take my word for it—experience the transformation yourself. If you’re ready to shed the Mr. Nice CEO persona and step into your power, it’s time to take action.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Savage CEO?

Join me for an exclusive, no-holds-barred business consultation—The Adventure Call. We’ll dive deep into your current challenges, strategize your path to dominance, and unlock your full potential as a leader. This isn’t just a meeting; it’s the first step on your journey to becoming a powerhouse CEO.

Click here to schedule your Adventure Call now. Let’s make your business unstoppable.

Hello, fearless leaders and relentless entrepreneurs!

Baz Porter here, the visionary behind R.A.M.S by Baz, where we dive deep into high-performance coaching to help you transcend the ordinary and crush your goals. Today, I’m serving up a heaping dose of reality with a side of no-nonsense tactics. Buckle up because we’re about to dissect and obliterate the five deadly enemies standing between you and unparalleled business success.

1. The Biggest Competitor: You

Let’s start with the harsh truth: your biggest competition is staring back at you in the mirror. Your mindset, behavior, and tactics can be your greatest allies or your worst enemies.

The Mindset Menace

Many business owners sabotage themselves with negative thinking. You feel at a disadvantage, overwhelmed by the obstacles in your path. This mindset is your greatest foe. Remember, your mental blocks are often more formidable than any real-world competitor. The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t those with the best products but those with the strongest, most resilient minds.

Negotiating Against Yourself

How often do you say, “We could never charge those prices!” or “We have to discount because [insert lame excuse here].” Stop it! This self-negotiation weakens your pricing strategy, giving competitors a free pass to outshine you. Even the mightiest competitors have weaknesses. Your mission? Find and exploit them.

Too Busy to Think

If you’re too busy to think creatively, you’re on a fast track to mediocrity. Dr. Edward Kramer noted that a penny held close to the eye can block out the sun. Don’t let your problems become that penny. Fresh perspectives are crucial, and that’s why events like the SuperConference, mastermind sessions, and coaching conversations are essential. They’re your mental “shampoo,” washing away the grime of self-doubt and stagnation.

2. Direct Competition: The Copycats and Undercutters

Direct competitors use similar methods to sell the same products or services to the same market. They’re the shadows lurking around every corner, ready to mimic your every move.

Price Wars and Ad Battles

Direct competitors can be a nightmare, especially if they can undercut your prices or outspend you on marketing. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to play their game. Differentiate yourself. Change up your offerings, target a different market segment, or innovate your marketing methods. If you say, “We can’t do that,” you might as well quit now and get a job.

The Tesla Effect

Ever notice how every successful innovation spawns a horde of copycats? Tesla created a market for electric cars and now look at all the imitators. Your success will inevitably attract followers. The solution? Stay ahead of the curve and keep evolving. Don’t just be a market player; be a market maker.

3. Indirect Competition: The Distractions

Indirect competition is everything else vying for your customers’ attention. And let’s face it, you’re up against some heavy hitters—think sexy ads, viral cat videos, and the latest Netflix binge.

The Attention Economy

Your customers have up to 1,440 minutes of attention daily, but much of that is spoken for. Meetings, meals, and sleep are non-negotiable. What you’re competing for are the remaining 600 or so minutes. And trust me, there’s a lot of competition for those minutes.

Make Them Care

You start as dull compared to a guy on a unicycle juggling flaming swords. So, what do you do? You force a mindset change. Make your plumbing service or financial advisory firm so compelling that it breaks through the noise. Be everywhere your customers are, and make them care about what you offer. Omnipresence is key.

4. Important But Not Urgent vs. Urgent But Not Important

Here’s where you need to sharpen your strategic thinking. Not all competition is created equal.

The Slow Burn

Some competition evolves slowly but can become significant over time. Think of it as a slow-burning fire. You must prepare for these threats, even if they don’t seem urgent. For example, A.I. might not be a direct threat to my consulting services today, but you bet your ass I’m keeping an eye on it and preparing for the day it is.

The Flash in the Pan

Other competitors might be urgent but not particularly important. Remember when everyone thought Netflix would kill traditional TV? It didn’t, but it did force the industry to evolve. Don’t get distracted by every new competitor that pops up. Focus on what truly matters.

5. Imagined Competition: The Monsters Under the Bed

Ah, the power of imagination. It can create terrifying monsters out of shadows. Many entrepreneurs waste time and energy worrying about threats that aren’t real.

The Scary Movie Syndrome

After a horror flick, even adults check under the bed for monsters. The same happens in business. You see a new competitor and suddenly panic, imagining the worst. But not all competition is as dangerous as it seems. Many threats never materialize or fail due to flawed business models.

Stay Grounded

Keep your head on straight. While staying vigilant and prepared is essential, don’t let imagined competition paralyze you. Focus on building strong relationships with your customers. That’s more crucial than anything a competitor might be doing.

Conclusion: Play Your Game, Play It Well

In the grand business arena, your most formidable opponent is often yourself. Direct competitors will always be there, ready to undercut and outspend. Indirect competitors will constantly vie for your customers’ attention. Some threats will creep up slowly, while others will flash brightly and fade away. And many will be mere phantoms, figments of your imagination.

Swiftly and decisively dispatch these five types of competition by focusing on what you can control. Play your game the very best you can. Build those customer relationships, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. Remember, it’s not just about outsmarting the competition; it’s about outsmarting yourself.

Until next time, stay bold, stay relentless, and keep kicking ass.

Ready to obliterate your competition and transform your business? Don’t just read about it—take action!

Schedule your call with me today for R.A.M.S Coaching Insights and start crushing your competition like never before. Click the link now to seize your spot: Schedule Your Call with Baz.

Let’s kick some ass together!

Let’s get one thing straight: strategic planning isn’t some mythical beast reserved for the boardroom elite. It’s the secret sauce that propels businesses from zero to hero. So, why the hell are so many leaders still stumbling in the dark? Because they’re stuck in old-school thinking, chasing their tails with outdated methods, and ignoring the raw power of strategic planning. Well, buckle up, buttercup. We’re about to shake things up.

1. The Bullshit Detector: Calling Out the Corporate B.S.

Here’s a truth bomb: Most so-called “strategic plans” are utter bullshit. They’re just glorified wish lists wrapped in fancy PowerPoint slides, designed to impress shareholders and keep the status quo. But in the trenches, where the real action happens, these plans fall apart. Why? Because they lack substance, vision, and a kick-ass attitude. In RAMS by Baz, we don’t do fluff. We cut through the crap and get to the heart of what works: Results, Attitude, Mastery, and Systems.

2. Results: The Only Metric That Matters

Listen up, folks. If you’re not getting results, you’re wasting your damn time. Strategic planning isn’t about setting lofty goals and then praying to the business gods for a miracle. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and making shit happen. At RAMS, we drill down into what really drives success. It’s not enough to talk the talk; you’ve got to walk the walk. Focus on tangible, measurable outcomes. Anything else is just noise.

3. Attitude: Check Your Ego at the Door

Let’s talk about attitude. You can have the best plan in the world, but if you don’t have the right mindset, you’re screwed. Too many leaders are stuck in their ivory towers, blinded by their own egos. They’re afraid to get real, to admit they don’t have all the answers. Well, newsflash: Nobody does. The key is to cultivate a growth mindset, to be relentless in your pursuit of excellence. At RAMS, we teach leaders to embrace failure, learn from it, and come back stronger. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being unstoppable.

4. Mastery: Skills Over Strategies

Here’s the kicker: Strategies are a dime a dozen. What sets the winners apart is mastery. It’s the ability to execute flawlessly, to turn vision into reality. This isn’t some airy-fairy concept; it’s hardcore discipline and relentless practice. In RAMS, we push leaders to master their craft, to hone their skills until they’re razor-sharp. It’s about building a foundation of expertise that can withstand any storm. Because when the shit hits the fan, it’s not your strategy that will save you; it’s your mastery.

5. Systems: The Backbone of Success

Let’s get real about systems. They’re not sexy, but they’re essential. Without a solid system in place, your strategic plan is just a house of cards waiting to collapse. Systems are the backbone of success, providing the structure and stability needed to thrive. At RAMS, we break down the complexities of strategic planning into simple, actionable steps. We create systems that are robust, scalable, and adaptable. It’s about building a machine that can operate at peak performance, day in and day out.

6. The Reader’s Journey: Making It Personal

Now, let’s turn the spotlight on you. Yes, you, the reader. This isn’t just another article to skim through; it’s a call to action. It’s time to take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself: Are you ready to step up your game? Are you willing to ditch the excuses and embrace a new way of thinking? Because strategic planning isn’t just for the bigwigs; it’s for anyone who’s serious about making an impact.

7. The Controversial Truth: Challenging the Status Quo

Here’s where it gets juicy. The truth is, most of what you’ve been taught about strategic planning is outdated garbage. The corporate world is littered with failed initiatives and broken dreams, all because leaders cling to the past instead of embracing the future. It’s time to challenge the status quo, to break free from the chains of conventional thinking. At RAMS, we’re not afraid to stir the pot, to provoke and inspire. We believe in shaking things up, in pushing boundaries and defying expectations.

8. The Humorous Twist: Laughing at the Madness

And let’s not forget to laugh. Because if you can’t find humor in the madness, you’re missing the point. Strategic planning doesn’t have to be a grim, soul-sucking process. It can be fun, exhilarating, and downright hilarious. At RAMS, we inject a healthy dose of humor into everything we do. We believe that laughter is a powerful tool for transformation. So, let’s laugh at the absurdity of corporate bullshit and get serious about what really matters.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

So, there you have it. Strategic planning, RAMS style. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s exactly what you need to kickstart your journey to success. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t get bogged down in the minutiae. Focus on results, cultivate the right attitude, master your craft, and build rock-solid systems. And above all, don’t be afraid to shake things up. The time is now. The power is yours. Let’s make it happen.

Remember, strategic planning isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. And at RAMS by Baz, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s do this.

Look, you’re not here to play it safe. You’re here because you want to crush it, to rise above the noise and make a real impact. Strategic planning isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the game-changer that separates the winners from the wannabes. If you’re serious about transforming your leadership and skyrocketing your success, it’s time to take action.

Join the RAMS by Baz Revolution. We’re not just talking strategy; we’re living it, breathing it, and kicking ass every step of the way. Don’t just read about it—experience it.

👉 Click here now to book your free Strategy Session and discover how RAMS by Baz can catapult you to the next level. No fluff, no B.S.—just results. Let’s turn your vision into reality and make you the hero of your own success story.

Don’t wait. Take the leap. Your future self will thank you.

In a world where every financial advisor screams, “Diversify your investments!” from the rooftops, I’m here to throw you a curveball: What if the most lucrative investment you’ve been overlooking is your leadership potential? Yes, I’m talking about diving headfirst into strategic executive coaching—a journey that isn’t just a line item on your expense report but a significant multiplier on your end-of-year balance sheets. Let’s debunk some myths and get straight to the point about maximizing ROI through strategic executive coaching services.

The Great ROI Misconception

Here’s a spicy take that might ruffle a few Armani suits: most leaders believe ROI from executive coaching is as elusive as a straightforward answer from a politician. They’re wrong. As a seasoned high-performance coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformational effects of effective coaching on executives. It’s not about holding hands and singing “Kumbaya” around the corporate bonfire. It’s about strategic growth, mastering your mindset, and achieving results that reflect the balance sheet and company culture.

Why Traditional ROI Calculations Don’t Do Justice

Calculating ROI from executive coaching isn’t straightforward. It’s like trying to measure the speed of light with a wooden ruler. Traditional metrics fail to capture the profound impacts on a leader’s strategic thinking, decision-making speed, and error reduction. We don’t aim for incremental gains through the RAMS framework—Results, Attitude, Mastery, and Systems—we go for exponential growth. Think of it as upgrading from a bicycle to a Ferrari on the autobahn of your career trajectory.

The RAMS Method: A Secret Weapon

Let’s cut through the buzzwords and jargon. The RAMS method isn’t just another coaching system. It’s a rebellion against the status quo of executive burnout and mediocre results. Here’s the real kicker: Leaders who embrace RAMS often find their ‘Eureka!’ moments not in the boardroom but in breaking down their psychological barriers.

• Results: We measure our success by your success. The bottom line grows not through mere chance but through precise, actionable strategies.
• Attitude: Your mindset dictates your trajectory. We transform doubt into confidence, turning executives into corporate alchemists who transmute challenges into opportunities.
• Mastery: True leaders are perpetual students. Our approach ensures that you’re not just at the top of your game but redefining the game itself.
• Systems: Efficiency isn’t about doing more in less time but doing the right things flawlessly. Our systems ensure your leadership operates like a well-oiled machine under pressure.

Who’s Afraid of a Little Controversy?

Here’s where I might step on a few toes. Many traditionalists argue that the cost of executive coaching outweighs its benefits. They cling to antiquated practices like barnacles to a ship’s hull, slowing down the progress they wish to achieve. In the modern hyper-competitive business environment, can you afford not to leverage every advantage?

ROI Isn’t Just a Number—It’s Your Legacy

Think of the greatest leaders in history; their ROI wasn’t just in their financial earnings but in the legacies they left behind. When you invest in strategic executive coaching, you’re not just improving your quarterly earnings but crafting a legacy of wisdom, courage, and innovation.

Why This Matters to You

If you’re sitting there, adjusting your tie and skeptically eyeing this article, here’s my challenge: What if, one year from now, you could look back on today as the day you chose to alter your personal and professional destiny radically? Maximizing ROI through strategic executive coaching isn’t just about fattening your wallet; it’s about becoming the leader you were meant to be.

The Bottom Line

If you’re ready to stop playing small and start thinking like the titan you are, then it’s time to talk about RAMS. Let’s not just chase the market — let’s set the pace. Ready to become a legend in your own right? Let’s chat.

If I could solve a high-stakes problem for you. 

Would that be worth 15 minutes of your time?

Thank you for reading this article on cultivating a growth mindset among top executives. The insights and strategies shared here have inspired you to embrace the transformative power of growth and resilience in your leadership journey.

Are you ready to elevate your leadership and unleash your organization’s full potential? In just 15 minutes, I can help you solve your most pressing, high-stakes problems.

To reserve your spot and gain access to exclusive resources and support, book a 15-minute call with me today. I look forward to helping you transform your leadership and achieve your boldest vision for success.

Live with Purpose & Inspire with Leagcy