Building for the Long Game – Episode 65
How John Sanders built Bridgeforce, led through crisis, and found purpose in the long game
This episode of Outside Insights is brought to you by Placers — a values-led staffing partner helping businesses and individuals reach their highest potential. Build a flexible workforce or take the next step in your career at myplacers.com
This week on Outside Insights, I sat down with my good friend John Sanders, founder of Bridgeforce, to talk about what it really takes to build a business that endures.
John’s story isn’t about quick wins or flashy exits. Over the past 25 years, he and his partner have built a management consultancy serving global banks, credit unions, fintechs, and lenders — staying true to the values they set on day one.
The Leap of Faith
Bridgeforce began with a breakfast conversation, a bold “I’m in,” and a same-day resignation. No parachute. No safety net. Just conviction that failure was not an option.
That leap defined the next quarter-century of John’s life.
Lessons from the Journey
Throughout our conversation, John shared some hard-earned lessons:
Every stage brings new challenges. Surviving the first three years was one kind of test. Scaling brought others. Even today, the obstacles evolve.
Motion creates insight. You can’t steer a parked car. Progress requires movement, even when the path isn’t perfect.
Culture matters. Bridgeforce was built on a simple plus/minus exercise: do more of what we admired in others, none of what we didn’t. That clarity still guides the company.
Protect what you value. Whether it’s intellectual property, your people, or your principles, what matters to you will matter to others — and sometimes it must be defended.
Strategic energy beats constant energy. You don’t need to win every race. You just need to run the right ones.
Leadership Through Crisis
We also talked about leading in uncertain times, including the pandemic. John’s approach was deeply personal: calling every employee, shouldering their worries, and reminding them they didn’t have to carry the weight alone.
That philosophy — let me worry for you — says a lot about the leader John has become.
What He’d Tell His 21-Year-Old Self
Relax. Sit in the pocket. Don’t rush.
And… buy Apple stock.
Recommended Reading
One of John’s all-time favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom — a reminder that the most profound lessons on how to live often come from those nearing the end.
Connect with John
You can learn more about John and Bridgeforce at:
👉 Bridgeforce.com
In the end, John and I agreed that the true rewards in business and life are often the simplest: a good meal, a walk, and maybe a nap.
🎧 Listen to Episode 65 now
📩 Share this with someone who’s carrying too much alone — and could use a reminder that leadership means sharing the load.
Until next time, friends,
Chris
If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.
This episode of Outside Insights is brought to you by Placers — a values-led staffing and workforce solutions company helping businesses and individuals reach their highest potential.
Whether you’re looking to build a more flexible workforce or take the next step in your career, Placers is your partner in creating what’s next.
Learn more at myplacers.com.
If you enjoyed this podcast, I recommend listening to these past Outside Insights episodes:
Find Your Cult Customer—and Scale Without Losing Your Soul – Episode 64
Reset Your Journey — How One Family Traded Comfort for Freedom – Episode 63
From Engineer to CEO: The Calculated Risks That Built a Business – Episode 62
This Outside Insights blog is brought to you by my Life Plan Review. If you’re looking for the life you want, have a goal or two to achieve, and are looking for accountability in a community click here for more information.
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