What Tighe Burke Learned from Interviewing 1,000 CEO's

What Tighe Burke Learned from Interviewing 1,000 CEO's

February 11, 2026

27:17

About this episode

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tighe founded SRCH to introduce founders to Door number 3: neither grinding forever nor selling out, but transitioning to owner by hiring exceptional operators for their 5-50M dollar businesses.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top 3 Value Bombs</span></p> <p>1. Proven CEOs bet on themselves with performance-based upside, while unproven leaders seek guaranteed protection.</p> <p>2. Great operators speak in "we" and "us," crediting teams, while insecure leaders default to "I" and "my."</p> <p>3. If there's doubt during a leadership hire, there's no doubt; the right operator feels obvious.</p> <p>Recruiting catalysts for growth-stage companies - <a href= "https://www.srchpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SRCH Partners</a></p> <p>Sponsors</p> <p><a href="https://highlevelfire.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>HighLevel</strong></a> - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at <a href="https://highlevelfire.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>HighLevelFire.com</strong></a>.</p> <p><a href="https://shopify.com/onfire" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>Shopify</strong></a> - Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world! Sign up for your 1 dollar-per-month trial today at <a href= "https://shopify.com/onfire" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>Shopify.com/onfire</strong></a>!</p> <p><strong><a href="https://quo.com/fire" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Quo</a></strong> - The #1-rated business phone system on G2 with over 3,000 reviews! Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to <a href="https://quo.com/fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quo.com/fire</strong></a>! Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers.</p>