Scaling with Intention or Just Growing by Default?

When it comes to scaling a business, it’s not just about adding revenue or hiring more people. The real question is: Are you intentionally building a business that can scale without you? This week's ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode compares the journeys of Csaba Toth, founder of ICQ Global, and Ukponu Ayogu, founder of the Tech & Boujee Podcast. Their stories reveal two very different but equally valuable approaches to sustainable growth.?

From Data to Diversity: Csaba Toth's Measured Approach?

Csaba’s experience of a failed startup taught him that ignoring early warning signs in partnerships and team dynamics can derail success. That insight became the foundation for ICQ Global, a business that now helps organisations build high-performing, psychologically safe teams through metrics like cognitive diversity and motivational drivers.?

Key Takeaways:?

Psychological safety and cognitive diversity are not just buzzwords—they are measurable factors that improve team performance.?

Scalability was baked in from the start, with a licensing model and no physical office.?

Csaba learned the hard way that strategic partners matter more than quick money when it comes to investment.?

"Cognitive diversity is the immune system of a team."?

Patience Over Pace: Ukponu Ayogu's People-First Philosophy?

Ukponu focuses on empowering underserved groups—particularly immigrant women and mothers—to start and grow businesses. Her journey has been defined by learning to slow down, avoid burnout, and build strong foundations before scaling.?

Key Takeaways:?

Knowing your 'why' is essential for business longevity. For Ukponu, it's about building legacy and community.?

She warns against growing too fast by hiring too early, a mistake that cost her dearly.?

Through her Rising Phoenix Network, she’s creating a scalable platform for targeted support.?

"You need to let your business go through the process."?

What Sets Them Apart (And What Brings Them Together)?

While Csaba and Ukponu serve different audiences and approach scaling from different angles, their core lessons are surprisingly aligned.?

Target Audience?

Csaba focuses on entrepreneurs and business teams, particularly around improving performance and dynamics. Ukponu is driven by a mission to empower women, especially mothers and immigrants, to build sustainable businesses.?

Scaling Model?

Csaba has built ICQ Global using a licensing model with master trainers, enabling rapid and lean scalability. Ukponu is scaling through a community-based platform that provides practical support, training, and mentorship via her Rising Phoenix Network.?

Biggest Lesson Learned?

Csaba emphasises the importance of choosing the right partners and not ignoring early warning signs. Ukponu highlights the danger of growing too quickly and the importance of building strong foundations first.?

Core Strengths?

Csaba brings a data-driven, analytical approach to team performance. Ukponu offers empathy, holistic support, and real-world solutions to balance entrepreneurship with life’s demands.?

What the Data Tells Us?

The ScaleUp Challenges Report reinforces many of the lessons shared by both founders:?

49% of businesses would suffer significantly if the founder stepped away for 3 months.?

Only 7% have a truly scalable business model (recurring revenue, low founder dependency, clear advantage).?

Challenges evolve as you grow: micro-businesses struggle with cashflow and sales; 7-figure businesses face people and delegation issues.?

Both Csaba and Ukponu exemplify what it takes to beat these odds: vision, discipline, and the willingness to let go of control.?

Want to dive deeper into the research? Download the ScaleUp Challenges Report to uncover what’s really holding businesses back—and how to break through the barriers.?

ScaleUp Radio Shorts ???

In this week's podcast short, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson dig into what business leaders can learn from Csaba and Ukponu. They highlight:?

Why psychological safety is a strategic asset?

How your personality type can shape your scaling strategy?

The critical role of strategic patience?

?? Listen to the Shorts episode hosted by Kevin Brent and Granger Forson: https://youtu.be/85iROAmQaKs?

Smart90? and SmartBoards?: Building with Intention?

Csaba’s emphasis on rhythm and consistency aligns closely with the Smart90? approach. His business operates like a Smart90 plan in action: clear priorities, systems for execution, and regular reflection. Ukponu’s journey mirrors the SmartBoards? philosophy—leveraging peer support, community, and accountability to drive smarter growth.?

Ready to scale smarter??

??? Listen to the full interviews with Csaba Toth and Ukponu Ayogu on ScaleUp Radio?

?? Check out the ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode for a digestible comparison?

?? Book a call with BizSmart to explore how we can support your scaling journey?

?? Download the ScaleUp Challenge Report for more insights backed by real data?

?? Visit ScaleUp Radio, BizSmart, and our YouTube Channel?