Chris Sterle, Founder and CEO of Acoustic Design Systems, joins The Flywheel Effect to share his unconventional journey to success. Chris openly discusses his early career struggles, marked by a "that's not my problem" attitude and a resistance to authority. After facing the harsh realities of the 2008 recession, Chris realized the importance of building a company culture that values its employees.

Chris prioritized creating detailed processes for every aspect of his business, empowering his team to contribute and take ownership. He emphasizes that documenting these processes is crucial, even for smaller companies, as it creates a roadmap for success and allows for easier delegation and growth.

He further solidified this cultural shift by forming an internal advisory board comprised of employees from all levels. This board ensures every team member has a voice, fosters transparency, and generates invaluable feedback that Chris uses to enact meaningful change within Acoustic Design Systems.

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Chris Sterle

Key Insights

True Leadership Means Putting Your People First

Chris's journey underscores a powerful leadership lesson: shifting your mindset from "employees work for me" to "I work for my employees" can unlock tremendous growth. When you prioritize the well-being and success of your team, fostering a culture of transparency and trust, they become more engaged, invested, and ultimately, more productive. This shift requires vulnerability, empathy, and a willingness to listen actively to your team's needs and ideas.

Systematize Your Business, Even When You Think You're Too Small

Documenting processes is not just for large corporations. Creating clear, detailed procedures for every aspect of your business, even in the early stages, provides a foundation for scalability and frees you from micromanagement. By involving your team in this process, you empower them to take ownership and ensure the systems truly work for everyone.

Embrace Discomfort as a Catalyst for Growth

Both Chris and Matt emphasize the importance of leaning into discomfort to achieve meaningful progress. Whether it's facing tough financial decisions, challenging your own leadership style, or dedicating time to systemization, stepping outside your comfort zone is often the key to unlocking new levels of success and personal fulfillment.