Episode Details
November 12, 2025
25 minutes
What do you do when a massive payday requires you to compromise the very principles your company was built on? In this philosophical and deeply personal episode, Jeremy and Doug debate the CEO's ultimate dilemma. Jeremy argues for the pragmatic realities of survival, while Doug champions the long-term brand value of integrity. They don't offer a clean, easy answer; instead, they walk you through the messy, high-stakes meeting where they had to choose, and the difficult conversation that followed. This is a masterclass in navigating the gray areas, proving that the most profitable path is often the one you can be proud of in the morning.
Featured Quotes
"Chasing money is like grabbing at smoke. Build a business with integrity, and the money will have no choice but to follow"
Jeremy Axel
"A 'perfectly profitable' client who forces you to betray your values isn't a revenue stream - they're a cultural toxin"
Doug Cox
Episode Transcript And Overview
Timeline Notes
Introduction: The Profit vs. Purpose Dilemma - The central tension is introduced.
eadership Decisions: People vs. Profit - Establishes that leaders set the tone by choosing between these priorities.
Learning to Say No & Pre-Qualifying Clients - The key tactic of refining sales processes to ensure alignment.
Integrity Over Chasing Money - Emphasizes prioritizing process and integrity, especially during tough times.
Discovery Phase & Alignment - Explains how the sales discovery process is used to stay within core competencies.
Stretching into New Markets - Discusses how to expand without compromising core values.
Purpose-Driven vs. Purpose-Delusional Leadership - A crucial distinction between authentic purpose and a toxic, unrealistic vision.
Profit Follows Purpose and Alignment - The core conclusion: profit is a natural result of getting purpose and team alignment right.
Empowering Teams for Win-Win Decisions - Stresses the importance of empowering the entire team, not just leadership, to uphold values.
Final Thoughts: Integrity and Purpose First - The final takeaway: align integrity and purpose first, and profitability will follow.
Notable Guests
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit is the Founder of Business Success Consulting Group and the host of the Systems Simplified podcast. With nearly three decades of experience as an industrial engineer and process consultant, she has helped hundreds of growth-focused companies systematize their operations to scale successfully.
Known as “The Process Guru,” Adi specializes in designing and implementing turnkey systems that reduce dependence on the owner, empower teams, and increase profitability. Her clients range from fast-growing trades businesses to multi-location professional service firms, and she is a trusted advisor to CEOs across the U.S.
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.
Joe pioneered virtual divorce mediation in 2011, nearly a decade before others adopted online practices during the pandemic. His results speak for themselves: Equitable Mediation Services maintains a 98% case resolution rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70%.
Jeremy Axel
Host
Jeremy Axel
Host
Founder and sales manager of Fluent Conveyors, brings over 10 years of experience transforming the conveyor industry with innovative design, exceptional service, and strong dealer partnerships. Serving sectors like recycling, agriculture, and packaging, he delivers custom solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. Known for his strategic relationship-building and customer-focused approach, Jeremy has earned top honors such as Sales Rep of the Year and President’s Club, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth and industry leadership.
