35: This CEO’s Surprising Key To Overcoming Fear | Adam Hill
In this incredibly honest and insightful episode of “The Learn-It-All Podcast,” Damon Lembi and Courtney Ritchie welcome Adam Hill, the nine-figure CEO of a 101-year-old family business, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and host of the Flow Over Fear podcast. Adam shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and anxiety, reframing fear as a catalyst for growth, and building a thriving business while prioritizing his values and family. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about perfection, but about embracing vulnerability, seeking connection, and finding strength in unexpected places.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Adam Hill, CEO, best-selling author, and host of Flow Over Fear, is introduced.
[02:42] Adam discusses growing up in a family business, his struggle with anxiety and alcoholism, and balancing personal and professional life.
[05:58] Entering Hill Brothers Chemical Co. and the pressure to prove himself without special treatment.
[09:16] Building a centralized customer service division and his passion for envisioning the future.
[11:29] Challenges of modernizing a legacy company while preserving core values and addressing "sacred cows."
[14:00] Moving from a family-centric to a tribal culture within the company, focusing on common goals and values.
[16:12] Impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) on the company, enhancing communication, accountability, and sustainability.
[20:50] Applying EOS principles to family life, including weekly meetings and core values exercises with his children.
[22:31] Importance of evolving core values for personal and organizational growth with regular reassessment.
[26:40] Overcoming non-confrontational culture through healthy conflict and leadership.
[30:05] Gaining leadership buy-in for EOS by identifying and addressing clear organizational issues.
[31:09] His path to sobriety after a DUI accident, the role of Alcoholics Anonymous, and its positive impact on his life and leadership.
[34:21] Reframing anxiety as a growth signal and its benefits for his leadership.
[39:59] Advice for navigating social situations involving alcohol.
[43:25] Adam’s TEDx Talk on creating a positive community through daily puns to counter social media negativity.
[46:27] His recommendation of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents for understanding parental influence and improving self-awareness.
[48:02] Adam reveals his struggle with imposter syndrome and the importance of authenticity in leadership.
[49:28] Information on where listeners can follow Adam’s work on YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Our Guest:
Adam Hill is the CEO of Hill Brothers Chemical Co., a thriving family business with over 100 years of history. He is a best-selling author, TEDTalk speaker, and host of the Flow Over Fear podcast. Adam is a passionate advocate for mental health, sobriety, and building supportive communities, inspiring others through his vulnerability, humor, and commitment to continuous growth.
Resources:
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Adult Children of...
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