What does it really take to scale a business from $6 million to over $100 million in revenue? In this episode of Show Up With Priyanka, I sit down with Josh Gould—CEO of The Big Word, investor, operator, and host of the ExecCraft Podcast—for a conversation that goes far beyond business strategy. Josh shares the realities of scaling companies through disciplined execution, acquisitions, operational excellence, and AI transformation. But what makes this conversation so powerful is that beneath every business lesson is a deeper message about leadership, resilience, humanity, and purpose. Together, we explore why sustainable growth isn't built through shortcuts or hype. It's built by solving meaningful problems, embracing difficult seasons, taking ownership, and remembering that behind every business are real people. From navigating the uncertainty of COVID after losing nearly half of his company's revenue overnight to leading AI innovation without losing the human element, Josh offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to build businesses that stand the test of time. In This Episode, We Discuss: -How Josh helped scale The Big Word from $6M to over $100M -Why execution matters more than great ideas -Lessons learned from losing 47% of revenue during COVID -Building resilient businesses through change and uncertainty -How AI is transforming operations—and why people still matter most -Why relationships remain your greatest competitive advantage -Leadership, ownership, and making yourself "irresistible" in business -Creating businesses that serve both people and purpose Connect with Josh Gould LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadgould/ The Big Word: https://www.thebigword.com/ ExecCraft Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@exec_craft
Episode Notes
Josh Gould's entrepreneurial journey didn't begin with a grand vision—it began with paying the bills.
From selling beer in England to eventually leading The Big Word through exponential growth, Josh shares how business success is rarely the result of overnight breakthroughs. Instead, it's built through years of disciplined execution, continuous learning, and the willingness to keep moving forward when things become difficult.
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation comes as Josh reflects on COVID, when his company lost 47% of its revenue almost overnight. Rather than accepting defeat, his team pivoted toward digital solutions and government partnerships, transforming one of the hardest seasons in the company's history into one of its greatest opportunities.
We also dive deep into artificial intelligence.
While many businesses view AI as a replacement for people, Josh offers a more balanced perspective. Having implemented AI long before it became mainstream, he explains why technology should automate repetitive work—not replace the human relationships that create trust, empathy, and long-term success.
Throughout the conversation, Josh continually returns to one core belief:
Business is ultimately about people.
Whether discussing leadership, client relationships, company culture, or innovation, he reminds us that technology can improve efficiency, but genuine human connection will always remain the greatest competitive advantage.
This episode is filled with practical business wisdom, honest leadership lessons, and a refreshing reminder that sustainable success comes from combining strategy with humanity.
What We Explore in This Episode
● Scaling Beyond the $10 Million Barrier
Why very few companies make it beyond $10 million—and what separates businesses that continue growing.
● Leading Through Uncertainty
How Josh navigated one of the biggest business disruptions of his career and what every entrepreneur can learn from it.
● AI Without Losing Humanity
How artificial intelligence can improve operations while strengthening—not replacing—human relationships.
● Leadership Through Ownership
Why taking ownership creates more opportunities than blaming circumstances.
● Building Businesses That Matter
How purpose, resilience, and service create companies that thrive for the long term.
Connect with Josh Gould
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadgould/
The Big Word: https://www.thebigword.com/
ExecCraft Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@exec_craft
About Show Up with Priyanka:
Show Up With Priyanka is a Top 1% globally ranked podcast where we have conversations with heart-centered, soul-led entrepreneurs exploring leadership, healing, intentional living, and sustainable success. Hosted by Priyanka Khandalkar, a transformational Business Scaling Coach, and founder of SynrGEE LLC, this show is devoted to helping you rise, reset, and lead from within.
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Work with Me Through SynrGEE LLC
As founder and CEO of SynrGEE LLC and Fractional COO to multiple businesses, I support business owners in simplifying and systemizing their operations and marketing so they can scale sustainably while staying aligned with their vision.
We provide Fractional COO leadership combined with hands-on team implementation, so you’re not just getting strategy - you’re getting execution that actually moves the business forward. When you partner with us, we embed our SynrGEE Scale Engine System across every area of your business to build a foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.
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