From Pro Cyclist to CEO: Ian MacGregor on Leadership and Building Skratch Labs with Greg McDonough - Episode # 121
What can endurance sports teach us about leadership, motivation, and sustainable growth? Skratch Labs CEO Ian MacGregor shares how an athletic mindset built his business. In this episode of Chief Endurance Officer, Greg McDonough sits down with Ian to explore how a career in professional cycling laid the foundation for a thriving business in sports nutrition. From becoming a two-time national champion to building a national brand, Ian shares how an endurance mindset and early life challenges shaped his approach to leadership and growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or executive, this episode delivers insights on how to lead with purpose, build a passionate team, and stay grounded while reaching ambitious goals.
Takeaways:
- Build a self-motivated culture. Empower your team by encouraging independence, personal ownership, and a growth mindset.
- Start with real problems. Great businesses begin by solving specific, tangible problems. Focus first on serving your niche well.
- Prioritize structure and clarity. A growing team needs clear direction and well-defined roles to thrive and stay energized.
- Leverage support and community. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs and continuously seek opportunities to learn and improve.
- Balance ambition with recovery. Like athletes, leaders need to understand when to push and when to rest. Sustainable performance requires both.
- Innovate for your core audience. Stay committed to your original mission. Let customer needs, not trends, drive your product development.
- Celebrate progress. Focus on the journey and recognize small wins. Growth happens step by step, in sport and in business.
Quote of the Show:
- " There's no reason why your sports nutrition has to be a miserable experience." - Ian MacGregor
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macgregor-ian/
- Company website: https://www.skratchlabs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_ajrTcItb10aPs3fHa1b0pinVM3lFIZX4N1YjLl1xy0JqJY5K
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianskratch/?hl=en
Ways to Tune In:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9
- Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732
- Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357
- Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102
- Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/
Keep up to date on our social accounts:
- Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/
- Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast
- Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual
Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
Creators and Guests
Host
Gregory McDonough
Greg McDonough is a seasoned executive who has owned and operated businesses in the professional services sector, navigating them through both good and tough times. He brings his personal experience of knowing what it’s like to be ‘in the owner’s seat’ when working with clients, taking time to ask the questions others may not.
