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This week, Mike is joined by Ben Johnson, CEO and Founder of Particle 41, for a sharp, energizing look at what it really takes to lead in today’s tech world. With more than 20 years of software experience and over $30 million raised across five startups, Ben brings the hard-earned lessons only a seasoned builder can offer.

Ben breaks down the traits of effective tech leadership—setting a clear vision, empowering teams, and avoiding micromanagement. He shares candid stories from his early days as a founder, including a memorable misunderstanding of “burn rate.” He explains why learning to speak the language of investors is essential for every entrepreneur.

The conversation dives into what it takes to build strong, predictable teams through communication, structure, and proven frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and the “Cone of Certainty.” Ben also highlights the importance of starting with an MVP, validating demand, and iterating quickly—illustrated through the growth of Forte, an online music lesson platform that found success through smart, agile execution.

Ben also opens up about the four pillars that ground his life—faith, family, fitness, and finance—and shares a touching story about helping his son conquer a fear of heights, a moment that shaped his own philosophy on courage and leadership.

Ben then previews Particle 41’s new AI Transformation service, designed to help companies integrate AI through smarter workflows and human-like digital agents. His perspective is clear: AI isn’t a threat—it’s a tool every business can harness to unlock its next level of performance.

Packed with practical insights and inspiring lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building products, leading teams, or stepping into the future of tech.

IN THIS EPISODE:
🚀 Vision-Driven Leadership: Why the Best Tech Leaders Empower Teams
🧠 Using Smarter, Faster Workflows: Unpacking Scrum, Kanban, and the “Cone of Certainty”
💡 Building What Customers Want: The Power of MVPs, Validation, and Product-Market Fit
🤖 AI as Your Advantage: How AI-Augmented Workflows Can Transform Business Operations

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
Leadership isn’t only a professional skill—it’s a personal practice. The same principles that build strong teams also shape strong families: clear communication, guiding without micromanaging, and creating space for others to grow. Ben’s story about helping his son face a fear of heights shows that the best leaders don’t only develop products or companies—they develop people, starting at home.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the show, Ben Johnson!
02:14 Diving into Ben's Entrepreneurial Journey
02:26 Lessons Learned from Early Mistakes
05:01 Building and Leading Effective Tech Teams
08:07 The Importance of Established Processes
11:02 Navigating the Investment Landscape
12:35 Bootstrapping and Validating Your Idea
17:40 Launching and Scaling Your Product
28:44 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
41:38 Parenting Challenges and Overcoming Fears
42:54 Encouraging a “Yes I Can” Attitude
44:47 Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs
47:45 AI Transformation and Business Integration
52:52 Advice on Parenting in the Digital Age
59:35 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections
01:12:32 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Shout outs

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Particle Accelerator Podcast https://particle41.com/podcast/#:~:te....
Particle 41’s AI Tools https://particle41.com/services/ai/st...
HabitTrove https://habittrove.app.enting.org/
Forte: Live Online Music Lessons https://www.fortelessons.com/
“Traction” by Gino Wickman https://a.co/d/bcUYCFU
“Measure What Matters” by John Doerr https://a.co/d/i93ARVI
Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box https://a.co/d/d2F0MhX
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results https://a.co/d/6LF91Lc
Rise Up Kings https://riseupkings.com/
Collective 54 https://www.collective54.com/

Connect with Ben & Particle 41:
Website https://particle41.com/
LinkedIn   / benjaminrjohnson  
Instagram   / particle_41  
YouTube    / @particle41podcast  

Connect with Mike:
Linktree https://linktr.ee/mikedicioccio

SPONSORS:
Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast https://socialchameleon.us

AFFILIATES:
Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code...
Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside https://riverside.fm/homepage?utm_cam...

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email [email protected]

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