What does it take to build a company that performs at the highest level, and stays human at the core?

In this second part of my conversation with Mike Chaput, CEO of Endsight, we go beyond values-driven culture and explore the disciplines, systems and operational rhythms that make an organization truly self-sustaining.

Mike’s journey -- buying his first business at 24 with borrowed money, failing, rebuilding, and ultimately creating one of the top-performing IT support companies in the country -- gives him a rare, grounded perspective on what “enduring success” actually looks like.

Today, Endsight is a 140-person company generating $35M+ in annual revenue with a 20% EBITDA margin, putting it in the top 1% of its industry. But the most extraordinary part? Mike built it through people-first leadership, relentless clarity on core values and a deep commitment to operational excellence.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why memorable, clear, branded, and complete core values become the operating system of a healthy business

• The RSVP values framework: Respect & Connect, Servant’s Heart, Value Value, and Progress Over Comfort

• How Endsight hires for culture first, even before skills

• Using lifeline interviews to uncover ethics, motivations, and alignment

• Why avoiding a bad hire is more valuable than landing a good one

• How constraints create freedom, and why discipline unlocks creativity

• The rhythms, systems, and lean practices that operationalize excellence

• How to build a culture where people naturally take ownership and solve problems

• What leaders must understand about motive, followership, and sustainable influence

If you’re a founder, a CEO, or a leader who wants to build a company that outlives you, this conversation is full of gold.

📌 If this episode sparks insight or challenges your thinking, leave a question or reflection in the comments. This community grows through the questions we ask together.

Like, subscribe, share, and most importantly… keep asking better questions.

Episode Show Notes and Deep Dive:

📚 Deep Dive, Show Notes and Reference Reading: https://www.awayre.com/activate-company-culture-playbook/

Connect with Mike Chaput:

🌐 Website: https://www.endsight.net

🔗 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchaput/

🎞 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thechaputperspective

"The Business Philosopher Within You" Podcast:

🎬🎙️📖 Website: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast/

🦸‍♀️Be a Guest: https://www.awayre.com/business-philosopher-within-you-podcast-guest/

🤔 Podcast: The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast

🗓️ Published: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

📇 Episode: 34

📜 Format: Full Episode

📅 Date: November 26, 2025

👨‍💼 Guest: Mike Chaput, Founder and CEO, Endsight

🎙️ Host: Bhavesh Naik

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights and Introduction

02:35 - Creating an Executable Value System

09:31 - Core Values as Constraining Behaviors

15:16 - Hiring for Culture and Values Vs Skill

23:06 - Cultural Orientation After Hiring

25:54 - Operationalizing Company Culture

31:41 - Achieving 20% Profit Margins

35:49 - Non-Negotiables for Success

40:43 - Impact of AI on the Future

46:08 - Human Vs AI: Insights, Perspectives and a Prediction

47:24 - Darkest Moment Reflection

53:55 - Finding Peace and Inspiration

56:45 - Lasting Words of Wisdom and Getting In Touch

~~~

Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

~~~