Episode 2: The Chutes and Ladders of Business Growth
Shownotes
Episode Overview
Business rarely grows in a straight line. Some weeks you’re climbing a ladder — momentum is high, systems are working, and everything clicks. Other weeks, an unexpected challenge sends you sliding backward. In this episode of R Readiness Lens, Sheri Radler explores the chutes and ladders of business and why having a framework matters when life and business feel unpredictable.
Sheri shares real stories from her early accounting career, explains how corporate structure can benefit small businesses, and walks through the most common reasons companies get stuck — from losing sight of their vision to becoming the bottleneck in their own operations. She also talks about how readiness helps you pivot instead of panic when external factors (market shifts, staffing issues, competition, or life emergencies) hit.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not moving forward, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do next.
Key Takeaways
Business is full of ladders and chutes. Some lift you quickly, others catch you off guard. The goal isn’t to avoid them — it’s to know how to navigate them.
Framework brings clarity. Bringing a “corporate-level” mindset down to small business owners helps create structure, consistency, and intentional growth.
Losing vision is a major chute. Many owners get stuck because they forget why they started or stop looking ahead.
Founder bottlenecks slow everything down. When every decision flows through you, your team disengages and growth stalls.
Life happens — plan for it. External events (market shifts, illness, emergencies) can derail operations, but readiness helps you pivot instead of panic.
Systems create ladders. Documenting processes, delegating outcomes, and building strong support systems allow you to climb higher with fewer setbacks.
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome + how Episode 1 helped Sheri settle into the podcast groove
00:44 — Why business feels like chutes and ladders (and why that’s normal)
02:20 — Bringing corporate strategy down to small business owners
03:02 — “Your entity is the asset” — shifting from owner-centered to entity-centered thinking
05:11 — Sheri’s early accounting experience that shaped the readiness framework
07:27 — The power of team alignment and weekly strategic meetings
08:55 — Why businesses get stuck: losing vision, bottlenecks, complacency
11:26 — Reconnecting with your “why” and evaluating whether you’re the bottleneck
13:41 — How to assess broken ladders and repeated chutes in your operations
16:03 — Case study: the pediatric therapy practice overwhelmed by a single billing bottleneck
18:22 — External chutes: market changes, competitors, life emergencies, lawsuits, and more
20:44 — The importance of structure, consistent messaging, and accountability
22:57 — Why Sheri embraced AI early — and how it became an unexpected ladder
27:40 — Final thoughts: ladders, chutes, and being ready to pivot with confidence
Mentioned Resources
AI Tools (ChatGPT) — Sheri’s example of using AI to streamline brainstorming and content development.
The 12-Week Year — A book that aligns closely with accounting rhythms and helps break down big goals into manageable cycles.
Hit-By-The-Bus Plan — Sheri’s internal framework for contingency planning and operational resilience.
R Accounting Group — Advisory support, resources, and systems for business owners ready to scale with intention.
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Connect with Sheri
Follow Sheri on LinkedIn for weekly insights and updates.
What is next
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow business owner or client who’s ready to turn structure into strategy. And don’t forget to follow R Readiness Lens for more conversations on business readiness, clarity, and growth.
