As your business grows and evolves, success can quietly create blind spots. Processes that once worked just fine may no longer fit the size or complexity of the business.

Places where processes are missing can become hidden constraints.

Decisions live in people's heads, and teams keep doing things a certain way simply because that's how they've always been done.

In this episode, Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods) explore why outside perspective - from the right sources - is so helpful and becomes more valuable as your business evolves.

Through real-world examples from startups to multi-million dollar businesses, Katie and Clint talk about what happens when "it's just how we've always done it" becomes the norm, but it's time to revisit something(s)...from sales systems and simple operational processes to understanding your consumer more deeply. They talk about how fresh eyes can help reveal what growth can cover up, and then silently hold you back.

This conversation is a reminder that leadership doesn't mean having all the answers. It means knowing when to surround yourself with a team to invite fresh perspective, challenge habits, and evolve how your business works so growth feels intentional and aligned with your vision.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• • Why growth naturally creates blind spots—even when things are going well
  • How habits and "the way we've always done it" can limit clarity over time
  • The value of outside perspective in sales, operations, and team communication
  • Why processes need to be revisited as your business grows
  • How fresh eyes can also lead to a closer consumer connection
  • Letting go of the lone-wolf mindset as a food business leader

WANT TO GO DEEPER?

Join Katie's weekly newsletter HERE to get the Weekly Worksheet for this episode, designed to help you build your own brand strategy workbook over time. You'll also get additional insights and reflections that aren't shared on the podcast.

This is also the only way to get the link for single Brand Strategy Sessions! (more on why that is in the episode)

Visit www.realfoodbrands.com to see how you can work with Katie & Clint to get an outside perspective on your food business, then reach out to Katie@RealFoodBrands.com.

126. The Power of a Fresh Perspective to Avoid Running in Circles (Katie's funny but related story about a run and a port-a-potty :)

Let's Go Shake Up Shopping Carts!

Katie Mleziva