The A Player Advantage: Cultivating Elite Talent and Scaling Up Success With Rick Crossland

America: Open for Business

Rick Crossland is the CEO of A Player Advantage, a firm specializing in high-performance coaching and recruitment, and the author of The A Player. He is an internationally recognized expert and thought leader in talent development, best known for his work developing and recruiting teams of A Players across a wide variety of industries. As a certified Scaling Up Coach, Rick helps midmarket companies boost their business strategies, enhance execution, and increase cash flow. He has been published in leading business publications, including Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fortune. In addition to his writing and consulting work, Rick is a dynamic speaker who loves to captivate audiences with his unique A Player approach.

In this episode…

What separates a mediocre business from a high-performing one? How can companies transform their teams and strategies to achieve exceptional growth and profitability? The key lies in cultivating elite talent and implementing a robust business framework. What practical steps can leaders take to ensure their teams and strategies are top-notch?

According to Rick Crossland, a renowned expert in business coaching and talent optimization, the secret to success is building a team of A Players and employing the Scaling Up methodology. He highlights that having over 90% A Players — those in the top 10% of their industry — can transform business performance and culture. This approach not only drives higher profitability and smoother operations but also prepares businesses for successful exits at a premium value. Rick underscores the importance of rigorous coaching and strategic planning, which help maintain high standards and continuous improvement within the team.

In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Rick Crossland, CEO of A Player Advantage, to discuss the secrets behind cultivating elite talent and Scaling Up success. They explore the importance of having a high percentage of A Players, the impact of effective coaching, and the significance of strategic planning in achieving business excellence.