Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Richards.
Hi Scott, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent more than 25 years as a CEO, building and selling three companies, including Dial800, a telecom software company that helped businesses manage their calls and marketing performance. I was fortunate to have a balanced life even while scaling those companies—especially at Dial800, where I brought in a talented operator named Steve to run day-to-day operations. That allowed me to step fully into the visionary role, focus on innovation, and create ideas like “Call Delivery Systems” and “Number Chunking,” which generated millions in revenue.
It was only after I sold my companies that I discovered the concept of a Business Operating System, or BOS. When I learned how powerful it is—how it integrates leadership, structure, and accountability—I realized how much better I could have been as a leader had I known it earlier. That insight inspired me to write my book, What Good Is an Empire If You Can’t Take a Vacation?, which shares those lessons and helps other founders avoid the mistakes I made.
Today, through Scott Richards Consulting, I teach founders and their leadership teams how to build thriving companies where people are happy, purposeful, and performing at their best. My “why” is simple: I believe work should elevate people, not burn them out. When a company runs on structure, strong culture, and great leadership, people do their best work—and that leads to happier teams, stronger families, and healthier communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasn’t always smooth. Like most founders, I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Early on, I thought being a great leader meant working harder than everyone else—long hours, constant problem-solving, carrying the weight of the company on my shoulders. Over time I realized that approach leads to burnout, not growth. The real breakthrough came when I learned to delegate, trust others, and build structure around me. Hiring strong leaders, like Steve at Dial800, allowed me to step out of the weeds and focus on vision and innovation. Looking back, every challenge—cash flow stress, hiring mistakes, sleepless nights—was part of learning how to build a business that could run without me. Those lessons became the foundation for what I teach today: that a company built on clarity, accountability, and strong culture not only performs better but also creates happier people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a strategic advisor to founders, teaching them how to build profitable companies that can run—and even grow—without them. I specialize in helping leadership teams install what’s called a Business Operating System, or BOS—a framework of structure, accountability, and culture that keeps a company running smoothly. My approach blends real-world experience from 25 years as a CEO with practical tools that help founders reclaim their time and scale sustainably.
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived it. I’ve built and sold three companies, so I understand the pressures founders face every day. I’m most proud when I see my clients’ companies thriving—not just financially, but with people who are genuinely happy, purposeful, and performing at their best. For me, success is when work elevates people instead of burning them out.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with me is through my company, Scott Richards Consulting. I mentor and guide founders and their leadership teams through a structured process to build a Business Operating System that helps their company run more profitably—with less stress. I also offer workshops and master classes for groups that want to learn the fundamentals before diving in.
For those who want to get a taste of my approach, my book What Good Is an Empire If You Can’t Take a Vacation? is a great place to start. It’s available on Amazon and outlines the same principles I teach my clients. And of course, I’m always open to collaborations, speaking opportunities, and connecting with founders who share a passion for building thriving companies where people are happy and purposeful.
Pricing:
- Full Journey (12–14 Months) Seven full-day sessions spread over a year. The first three are held within 90 days, followed by quarterly and annual planning sessions. (14 monthly payments of $3,250)
- 90-Day Program Phase 1 of the Full Journey. Ideal for teams who want to start strong and then self-manage their quarterly and annual sessions. (6 monthly payments of $3,250)
- 1-Day Intensive Learn all 9 Core Competencies in a single day. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what to do, why it matters, and how to implement it. (2 monthly payments of $3,250)
- 2.5-Hour Group Session A fast-paced, interactive crash course (minimum 10 participants). $250 per person
- Self-Study For those who prefer to go solo, my book What Good Is an Empire If You Can’t Take a Vacation? (available on Amazon) is a practical, step-by-step guide. $7.99 e-book / $14.99 paperback
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scottrichardsconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottrichardsconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottdotrichards/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrichardsconsulting/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ScottRi11251824
Image Credits
Jona Light Photograpy: https://www.jonahlight.com/
