Bruce Eckfeldt is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker on organizational development and performance management. Originally an architect, he was a pioneer in the use of computer-aided design and 3D modeling. He transitioned to software design and development converting his spatial problem-solving skills to informational architecture and user experience design.
Seeing the need for a more fast-paced and innovative approach to technology development, Bruce was an early adopter of Extreme Programming (an early Agile/Lean software methodology). He advanced the field as an early contributor to the Agile Conference and as the founder of Cyrus Innovation in 2003, one of the first Agile/Lean development consulting firms.
After more than a decade of developing products and coaching companies adopting Agile/Lean practices, such as Extreme Programming, Scrum, Kanban, and other Lean methodologies, Bruce sold Cyrus in 2014 to focus on broader organizational development initiatives.
Today, Bruce works with startups and high-growth companies to develop business and operational strategy, talent planning, and performance coaching. His expertise includes growing leadership teams, planning and developing middle management, accelerating high-performance individuals, and coaching teams to higher performance.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How Bruce has used his journey to help other entrepreneurs grow their business
- Creating innovative solutions in the face of challenges and restraints
- Therapist and analyst: the two hats Bruce wears in his position and how he integrates the left and right side of the brain to achieve objectives
- Bruce’s realization that led him to sell his business
- Why “pull” is imperative when selling a business or leaving a position
- Challenges people tend to have when selling their businesses
- Passion and how it drives entrepreneurs
- Techniques Bruce uses to help entrepreneurs successfully move on from a venture when they’re ready
- Self-sabotage that happens when people leave a position and don’t have “pull”
- Tips for finding your role as a CEO
- How Bruce helps companies grow 50-100% per year
- Tips for what CEOs can do in their company when they are having trouble letting go of the product and delivery aspect of the company
- When it’s the right time to bring in a new CEO, and how they can help you
- How finding little, incremental ways to get better can lead to the ultimate result you’re looking for
- Mapping your energy level; how Bruce does it and why he thinks it’s integral to success
- The importance of building relationships and having the right network
- Bruce’s strategy to keep moving when things aren’t going well
- Why you should focus on what you can control and make an action plan in order to move forward in any situation
Ways to contact Bruce: