There’s something we don’t talk about enough in the entrepreneurial world—the reality check that hits when you realize your way of doing things isn’t working anymore. I recently had a great chat with Jordan Goldrich, founder of Workplace Warrior Inc., and author of Workplace Warrior: People Skills for the No-Bullshit Executive. Right away, I knew this conversation was going to be one of those that sticks with you, because Jordan isn’t just talking theory—he’s been through the wringer and come out on the other side.
I think a lot of us have been there. You know, you’re doing things a certain way—maybe it’s how you talk to your team, or how you handle feedback—and it works for a while, right? Until one day, it doesn’t. And that’s where Jordan’s story comes in. His journey from being a fired COO to becoming an executive coach for other “abrasive” leaders is packed with lessons that any of us can learn from. The biggest takeaway? You might be good, but you can always do better.
Being Abrasive Won’t Keep You on Top
One of the first things Jordan shared was how his own communication style—blunt, no-nonsense, very New York—got him into trouble. He told me how he helped grow a company from four employees to 65, only to be fired a few years after it was acquired. Why? Because his direct style, which had worked wonders in a smaller environment, didn’t fly in a corporate setting.
“I was my overly direct self,” he said, “and I realized my style worked great in an entrepreneurial company, but not in a multilayered corporate structure.” That hit me. How many times have we thought, “This is just who I am,” when it’s actually holding us back?
Jordan didn’t sit there feeling sorry for himself, though. He could have played the victim card, but instead, he took it as a sign that he needed to change. It’s something we’ve all been through—whether you’re managing a business, a team, or just yourself, at some point you realize that the way you’re doing things isn’t going to cut it long-term.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion
- Your style won’t work everywhere: Just because something worked once doesn’t mean it’ll always work. Adapt or get left behind.
- Respect goes both ways: You can be direct without being a bulldozer. People respect leaders who communicate with clarity and empathy.
- You don’t know everything: Jordan learned, the hard way, that the people around you often know more than you give them credit for. It’s on you to listen.
Change Isn’t Optional—It’s Inevitable
Jordan was clear about one thing: change is tough, but it’s non-negotiable. After he got fired, he had a choice. He could have doubled down on his style, blaming everyone else, or he could have taken the hint the universe was giving him and made a change. He chose the latter.
“The only way I could not be a victim here was to treat this as if I was being smacked over the head by the universe. It was time to straighten out my act.” And he did.
Jordan started to rethink how he communicated. One of his coaches gave him a hard but valuable piece of advice: “Whenever you tell someone to do something, they get to tell you why it won’t work.” That line stuck with me. It’s so simple, but it’s also something that most of us overlook. How many times do we tell someone to do something without even considering their perspective? As leaders, we think we’ve got it all figured out, but more often than not, the people we work with have insights we don’t.
What I Learned from His Experience
- You can always improve: No matter how good you think you are, there’s always room for growth. Sticking to your old ways is a surefire way to stagnate.
- Listen before you lead: Jordan realized that people weren’t challenging him because they didn’t respect him—they were scared of how he’d react. When he started listening, things changed.
- Growth requires discomfort: The most valuable changes are the ones that feel the hardest. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s where the magic happens.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with Jordan was like getting a much-needed slap in the face—one of those wake-up calls you didn’t know you needed. Here’s a guy who could’ve coasted after getting fired, but instead, he chose to dig in and do the work to change. That takes guts, and it’s something I think we can all learn from, especially those of us who think we’re already “good enough.”
Here’s What I’m Taking Away
- Stop making excuses: Blaming others doesn’t solve anything. If something’s not working, look in the mirror first.
- Your team is your best asset: They know things you don’t. If you’re not tapping into that knowledge, you’re wasting a valuable resource.
- Change before it’s too late: Don’t wait until you’re forced to make a change. Be proactive about improving yourself and your leadership.
- Communication is key: It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Treat people with respect, and you’ll be amazed at how much better things go.
- Success isn’t a straight line: Jordan’s path wasn’t what he expected, but he rolled with the punches and came out better for it. Flexibility is the key to long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Jordan’s story is about understanding that leadership and success aren’t static. You don’t just “arrive” at being a great leader or entrepreneur. It’s a constant process of learning, changing, and adapting. His journey from abrasive executive to thoughtful coach is proof that we all have the potential to evolve, no matter where we’re starting from.
If there’s one big takeaway from my chat with Jordan, it’s this: don’t be afraid to look at yourself and ask, “What can I do better?” Whether it’s how you talk to your team, how you handle adversity, or how you approach your goals, there’s always room to grow. And that growth often starts with getting uncomfortable.
CONNECT WITH JORDAN GOLDRICH:
Website: https://www.workplacewarriorinc.com/
Email: jordan@jordangoldrich.com