In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, host Heneka Watkis-Porter is joined by Andrew Almazon, a seasoned executive coach and cross-functional operations leader. As a GM in the craft brewing industry and an expert in high-performance team development, Andrew shares how building scalable systems and strong leadership habits can future-proof businesses. Together, they explore the human side of growth, leadership, and organizational change.
Andrew’s Career Journey and Passion for People
Andrew takes listeners through his professional evolution—from media staff writer to executive coach. Early in his career, he discovered a talent for helping others achieve their goals, which led to a passion for task management and process improvement. Over time, this focus on supporting others grew into a broader leadership mission centred on guiding teams through complex transformations. Andrew explains how embracing change helped him become a catalyst for renewal in the companies he served.
Fostering High-Performance Teams Through Leadership
Heneka and Andrew dive deep into what it takes to cultivate high-performing teams while still preserving morale and cultural integrity. Andrew champions active listening and empathy, noting that every voice in an organisation has value. He stresses the importance of introspective leadership—where leaders must first confront their own blind spots to lead others more effectively. Heneka also shares details about upcoming leadership programs and mentorship opportunities for listeners looking to enhance their leadership skills.
Leading With Courage and Vulnerability
Andrew discusses how leadership requires both courage and vulnerability. He encourages leaders to confront moments of uncertainty head-on and to ask themselves what truly holds them back. Whether it’s a tough decision or a daunting task, he suggests building a relationship with the discomfort, practising it with peers, and leaning into personal growth. He believes honesty—especially with oneself—is the gateway to leading powerful change.
Organisational Change and The Executive Playbook
Wrapping up the conversation, Andrew shares key insights from his work in organisational change and his ebook, The Executive’s Playbook for Better Business Execution. This resource distils 11 real-world initiatives into actionable frameworks for scaling impact and driving transformation. Heneka invites listeners to connect with Andrew, download his free ebook, and reflect on the power of cross-functional collaboration in building successful, sustainable businesses.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How to build scalable systems while preserving company culture
• Why active listening is a cornerstone of team leadership
• The value of introspection in navigating leadership challenges
• How courage and vulnerability unlock stronger performance
• Andrew’s unique journey from media to executive coaching
• Key principles from The Executive’s Playbook for Better Business Execution
• Practical strategies for leading change across departments
COMMUNITY CONNECTION:
Now it’s time for our Community Connection segment! We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode or any questions you have—just send a message via WhatsApp to 876-849-2571 or email us at heneka@henekawatkisporter.com.
And hey, don’t forget—the LeadHerShip Cruise is coming up! It’s your chance to network, grow, and be empowered aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. This four-day experience blends leadership and learning in the beautiful Bahamas. Want in? Just reach out via WhatsApp or email—we’d love to have you with us!
CONTACT ANDREW ALMAZAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveleadershipguild
GIVE-AWAY:
Free eBook The Executive’s Playbook for Better Business Execution. Link to receive: https://braveleadershipguild.com/merch-blg/executives-playbook-for-better-business-execution
TRENDING NOW:
Did you know that companies with strong cross-functional collaboration are 5x more likely to achieve high performance, while poor communication costs businesses an estimated $12 billion annually? Scaling isn’t just about adding resources—it’s about optimizing how those resources work together.
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AFFIRM WITH ME:
I am building scalable systems that empower my team and drive sustainable growth.
