Gene Hammett of Core Elevation On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent Times
My favorite quote comes from Jim Carrey, who once said in a commencement speech, “Life doesn’t happen to you; it happens for you.” This quote has stuck with me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I’ve faced hard times — losing everything on a bad business deal, struggling to figure out how to market and sell my coaching services, and experiencing setbacks that tested me to my core.
As part of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times,” we had the pleasure of interviewing Gene Hammett.
Gene Hammett is a business growth strategist and leadership expert who has helped hundreds of leaders and their teams scale their companies to multi-million-dollar revenue. As the founder of Core Elevation, Gene specializes in leadership development for high-growth businesses. His insights have been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Business Insider. Gene’s research into fast-growth companies has provided a wealth of knowledge on the challenges leaders face and the strategies needed to overcome them, making him a sought-after advisor for those navigating uncertainty.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
I started my entrepreneurial journey after being laid off from a corporate job. With my severance package, I took a bold leap and launched a business with no safety net. That first business grew quickly, and along the way, I faced countless challenges that tested my leadership and resilience. Eventually, I pivoted to consulting and leadership development, which led to the creation of Core Elevation, where I help leaders build teams and scale companies, particularly during turbulent times.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when starting?
“I wouldn’t call this “funny ha-ha,” but looking back, I definitely laugh at myself. Early in one of my first ventures, I had a small team of about seven people, and every day felt like I was putting out fires. I had unintentionally taken on the role of Chief Firefighter, dashing around solving every problem that cropped up. My days were packed with questions, crises, and little fires, and I was exhausted.
One day, I went to a coaching session, hoping for some fresh insight. After I shared my noble tales of firefighting, my coach looked at me with a smile and asked, “Gene, if you solve their problems for them, when do they learn to solve them?” It hit me like a ton of bricks. Here I was, proudly holding the title of Firefighter-in-Chief, and it had never occurred to me that I was actually creating the fires by being the go-to problem-solver.
These days, I can’t help but laugh at that version of myself. I now know that solving every problem only trains your team to bring you more problems. It was a classic rookie move, but one that taught me a valuable lesson about empowering others instead of just putting out fires myself.”
Is there a particular person who helped you get to where you are?
Yes, I hired a business coach early on, and it was a game-changer. She helped me focus on what actually drives revenue and let go of things I “felt like I should be doing” that weren’t yielding results. This clarity allowed me to scale the business and pivot into leadership development. That experience taught me the value of seeking guidance when you’re navigating uncharted territory.
When your organization started, what was its vision and purpose?
The vision for Core Elevation has always been to empower leaders to scale their businesses and build high-performance teams. My purpose is to help businesses create sustainable growth by focusing on leadership development, especially during times of uncertainty. I believe the right leadership mindset can make or break a company’s ability to thrive under pressure.
How did you lead your team during uncertain times?
During uncertain times, it’s essential to be transparent and communicate frequently. People need to feel secure in what they know, even when the future is unclear. I make it a point to be open about challenges while focusing on solutions. It’s also crucial to double down on your vision, reminding your team why they started in the first place. When people believe in the mission, they’re more likely to push through difficult periods.
Did you ever consider giving up? What sustained your drive?
Absolutely. There were times when I questioned if I could continue, especially during financial downturns or major setbacks. What sustained me was my commitment to the people who believed in my leadership, including my team and clients. I realized that quitting wasn’t just giving up on a business; it was letting down those who relied on me to help them navigate their own challenges.
Is there a book that inspired you to be an effective leader?
I can’t point to just one book that inspired me to be a better leader. I’ve read dozens, and no single book provided all the answers. Leadership is complex, and there are so many layers to it. However, I’ve been lucky to interview some incredible authors like Greg McKeown, Horst Schulze, and Seth Godin. Each of them, along with many others, shaped my leadership style in unique ways.
What is the most critical role of a leader during challenging times?
The most critical role is to maintain composure and instill confidence in your team. Even when you don’t have all the answers, you must show that you’re working toward solutions. Your team looks to you for stability, and when you’re calm under pressure, it helps reduce anxiety and keeps people focused on what needs to be done.
How can a leader inspire and motivate their team when the future seems uncertain?
A leader must communicate the long-term vision and help their team see how their efforts today contribute to that future. Even in uncertain times, people need to feel like they’re working toward something meaningful. Recognizing small wins along the way also boosts morale and keeps the team moving forward.
What’s the best way to communicate difficult news to a team?
Be transparent and compassionate. Sugar-coating or hiding the truth only erodes trust. When delivering difficult news, focus on what’s being done to address the situation and how the team can play a role in turning things around. It’s important to also acknowledge the emotional impact of the news, which helps people feel heard and understood.
How can leaders make plans when the future is unpredictable?
Leaders must stay agile and adapt their plans as conditions change. You can’t be rigid when the future is uncertain, but you also can’t afford to be without a plan. It’s about balancing flexibility with focus — setting clear short-term goals that allow you to pivot as needed while keeping the long-term vision in mind.
Can you share 3–4 common mistakes businesses make during tough times?
- Panicking and cutting costs indiscriminately. Cost-cutting can be necessary, but it’s important to be strategic about where you make cuts so you don’t hinder long-term growth.
- Lack of communication. When leaders fail to communicate openly with their teams, uncertainty and fear take over. It’s essential to be transparent, even if you don’t have all the answers.
- Neglecting to innovate. Some businesses go into survival mode and stop innovating during tough times. Those that continue to innovate and find new solutions often come out stronger on the other side.
What are the five most important things a leader should do during turbulent times?
- Be transparent. Keep your team informed about what’s happening and what steps are being taken to address challenges.
- Stay calm under pressure. Your team will take cues from your demeanor, so it’s crucial to maintain composure.
- Communicate frequently. Don’t leave your team in the dark. Regular updates help reduce uncertainty and build trust.
- Stay focused on the long-term vision. Keep reminding your team of the bigger picture and why their work matters.
- Lead with empathy. Understand that people may be dealing with stress and anxiety, and show them that you care about their well-being.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote” and how it’s relevant to your life?
My favorite quote comes from Jim Carrey, who once said in a commencement speech, “Life doesn’t happen to you; it happens for you.” This quote has stuck with me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I’ve faced hard times — losing everything on a bad business deal, struggling to figure out how to market and sell my coaching services, and experiencing setbacks that tested me to my core.
What I love about this quote is how it shifts my mindset. Instead of feeling like life is happening to me (victim thinking), it helps me see challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s about understanding that even the hardest moments are working for me, not against me. When I reflect on those difficult times, I can see that each one helped shape me into the person I am today — stronger, more confident, more patient.
This lesson isn’t just something I’ve applied in my own life. I share it with my clients, especially when they’re navigating their challenges. It helps them reframe their struggles and embrace the growth that comes from facing adversity head-on. It’s been a powerful tool not just for me but for the leaders I coach as they guide their teams through tough times.
How can readers follow your work?
You can follow us through our website, www.coreelevation.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn. We also regularly share leadership insights on my podcast, Growth Think Tank where we interview high-growth leaders navigating uncertain times.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Gene Hammett of Core Elevation On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.