# Navigating the Messy Middle (Episode 71)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unlocked-podcast-7056483/navigating-the-messy-middle-episode-71
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unlocked-podcast-7056483/navigating-the-messy-middle-episode-71.md
Podcast: [Unlocked Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/unlocked-podcast-7056483)
Published: 2026-03-26T13:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/podcastunlocked/episodes/Navigating-the-Messy-Middle-Episode-71-e3gv5bu
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fc2278e0/podcast/play/117461822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-25%2F36104f8d-9357-f5ee-4bd5-700e41ecbfdb.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/unlocked-podcast-7056483/episodes/navigating-the-messy-middle-episode-71
Duration seconds: 4339

## Resource

In Episode 71 , Chad ( Loc-Doc Security ), Tony ( Assured Security ), and Lars ( Calgary Lock & Safe ) dive into the psychological and operational warfare of "The Messy Middle." Inspired by Scott Belsky’s framework, the trio explores the volatile space between the dopamine-heavy start of a project and the satisfaction of the finish line. The conversation gets tactical as they discuss how to distinguish a "false positive"—like a lucky $1.2 million contract—from a truly scalable system. They also tackle the "Burden of Excellence," discussing how to protect your A-players from being punished with more work while C-players coast. From moving toward flat-rate "per door" pricing to reconcile the ego of no longer being the "fixer" in your own company, this episode is a guide for any leader currently in the thick of scaling.

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## Transcript

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