70: Build a Flexible Vision with Chris DeJong

Chris DeJong is a former US national swimmer and the Founder & President of Big Blue Swim School, one of America’s fastest-growing swim school franchises. We talk about how successful entrepreneurs franchise their businesses, what diversity can do for your business, and effective time management tips for entrepreneurs.

 

Timestamps

[00:34] Chris’ journey from swimming into entrepreneurship

[02:59] Chris’ experience with management blueprints 

[07:48] Why entrepreneurs need to have flexible visions 

[08:50] How to become ruthlessly efficient with your time

[11:28] When should a process be an art, not a science?

[16:15] Deep Blue Swim School and what makes it so special

[19:54] How and why you need to continuously solve customer problems

[22:35] Practical frameworks for getting great ideas from your team

[24:49] How Chris successfully franchised his business

[27:10] Why the Big Blue Swim School is such an attractive franchise

[30:01] Diversity as a lever for your business

[32:59] The link between diversity and business success

[37:17] Parting thoughts

 

Links and Resources

Chris’ LinkedIn

Big Blue Swim School Website

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown 

The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey

It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff 

When Should a Process Be Art, Not Science?

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