The Bear isn’t just a TV show about running a restaurant; it’s a masterclass in transformation, leadership, and scaling. Watching Carmy try to turn a modest sandwich shop into a fine dining experience isn’t just compelling—it’s packed with lessons that resonate with my own life and leadership journey.

Carmy starts by holding things together, but when he commits to growth, it requires a complete overhaul—training his team, setting bold deadlines, and focusing on his own health. Here’s what I’ve learned from The Bear about scaling up, and how these lessons apply to my own journey with Members’ Wealth:

1. Transformation Isn’t Easy—It Requires Bold Moves

In The Bear, Carmy doesn’t just tweak things; he transforms the entire operation. Going from 2x to 10x isn’t about small changes—it’s about rethinking the whole game. At Members’ Wealth, this means not just fine-tuning processes, but aiming for audacious goals like building a billion-dollar first class service organization. The key is embracing bold moves, even when they’re uncomfortable.

2. Elevating the Team

Carmy knows that his restaurant can only grow if his team grows. He sends his chefs to train with Michelin-starred experts, understanding that raising their skill level is crucial for success. For me, this highlights the importance of empowering my own team to develop, so we can all reach new heights together.

3. Set Aggressive Deadlines

Carmy’s deadlines force his team to move beyond their comfort zones. Similarly, setting real, time-bound goals in business creates urgency and focus. Without deadlines, it’s easy to drift. With them, progress accelerates, and what seemed impossible becomes achievable.

4. Focus on Health

As Carmy battles his own inner struggles, he realizes that growth isn’t just about business—it’s about personal well-being. This has reinforced my own commitment to health, both physical and mental. Whether it’s through hiking, running, or mindfulness, staying healthy fuels the energy needed to pursue ambitious goals.

5. Honoring Tradition While Going Bigger

Carmy respects the old family recipes but doesn’t let them limit the restaurant’s potential. Similarly, I respect the values and methods that got me here but won’t let them hold me back from thinking bigger. Growth requires balancing the tried-and-true with bold innovation.

A Summary of Growth

What The Bear teaches is that true transformation is hard but rewarding. Whether it’s in a kitchen, a wealth management firm, or life, transformation and scaling up requires:

• Reimagining what’s possible
• Building up the team
• Setting bold deadlines
• Prioritizing personal health and well-being
• Balancing respect for tradition with the courage to innovate

In my own journey, these lessons inspire me to push boundaries, invest in my team, and continue transforming Members’ Wealth into something far better than its humble beginnings. Whether I’m hiking, working, or reflecting on life’s next steps, I’m reminded that growth—while challenging—is always worth it.

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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