8 hours ago

The Real Work of Staying Independent (AUDIO)

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Welcome to the very first episode of Under the Surface. In this conversation, I sit down with Renee Cormier to talk about the real work behind building a sustainable, independent business in a market that’s changing fast.

We go beyond surface-level strategy and dig into what leaders are actually wrestling with — the tradeoffs, the pressure, the infrastructure decisions, and the discipline it takes to build something that lasts. We talk about what it really means to “get good, then get big,” why readiness isn’t just about growth plans, and how leaders need to think differently about risk, security, and long-term stability.

If you’re a CEO, founder, or executive leader navigating growth, independence, and real-world decision-making, this episode is for you.

Guest Introduction:

Renee Cormier is a marketing strategist, business consultant, and the founder of the Fractional Referral Network, a community of independent leaders focused on building long-term, sustainable practices. She works across marketing strategy, business consulting, and organizational design, giving her a front-row seat to what leaders are actually wrestling with in today’s market.

Key Takeaways:

Building an independent business requires discipline, clarity, and long-term thinking — not just growth plans.
The real work happens behind the scenes: infrastructure, boundaries, and decision-making under pressure.
Sustainable growth starts with getting good before getting big.
Fractional leadership is about ownership, accountability, and embedded impact — not surface-level consulting.
Readiness is about choosing the right work for the long term.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 Intro – Welcome to Under the Surface

1:00 Guest Introduction – Meet Renee Cormier

2:00 The Real Work of Staying Independent

7:30 Navigating Growth, Risk, and Uncertainty

15:00 Fractional Leadership vs Traditional Consulting

23:00 Building Infrastructure That Scales

31:00 Getting Good Before Getting Big

36:30 Long-Term Readiness and Leadership Discipline

38:20 Closing Thoughts

Keywords:

Paul Zyla, Renee Cormier, Under the Surface Podcast, leadership podcast, business leadership, fractional leadership, independent business, executive decision making, business growth strategy, organizational readiness, risk management, sustainable business, CEO podcast, CFO podcast, leadership conversations