Leading from the Front: Navigating the Jump from Site Work to Leadership

In this episode, Brad sits down with Dan Gurney to discuss his unique career trajectory, transitioning from the host's personal trainer to ascending the ranks as Operations Manager at Aquamark. Dan shares the challenges of moving from hands-on site work to managing a growing team, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining strict standards, leaning on the "teacup method" to stay calm under pressure, and always leading by example. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lead from the Front: Transitioning into management requires setting the standard and maintaining clear expectations across the board.

The Power of Discipline: Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is what gets the job done on tough days. Sticking to non-negotiables and pushing through difficult moments ultimately generates the motivation needed to keep moving forward.

Always Have a Backup Plan: In operations, unexpected challenges are inevitable. Staying calm under pressure and ensuring you always have a Plan B and Plan C allows the team to pivot smoothly without panicking.

Embrace Accountability: A blame culture is toxic to any growing business. Fostering an environment where team members own up to mistakes and use them as active learning opportunities is vital for long-term organizational success.

Prioritize Your Own Well-being: You cannot effectively lead a team or support your family if you are burnt out. Committing to your own health and happiness acts like putting on your own oxygen mask first, equipping you to be a stronger, more present leader and parent.

BEST MOMENTS

"Leaders have to lead. As in, whether I'm in the office or on the field, I've always led from the front."

"Discipline creates motivation when all motivation isn't there... once you've done what you should be doing, that motivates you to continue."

"If you make a mistake, be accountable for it. I think in order for you to grow, you have to understand where you made the mistake and be accountable for it."

"I didn't start as a window cleaner, I started actually as a personal trainer... but I think definitely those fundamentals and the foundations that I learned, work ethic, the simple things I learned in the gym, definitely shaped the way I was going to go about window cleaning."

"I just want to inspire people. I think that's a major thing for me this year is like, be like an inspiration if you can."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.