Have you ever been so focused on keeping up with growth that creating connection started slipping to the bottom of the list?

In this episode, Jule sits down with Maddy Niebauer—Co-Founder and CEO of VChief, a company that helps organizations scale by providing fractional executive talent and strategic leadership support.

Maddy shares what happened as her business experienced rapid growth and the tension that came with trying to scale without losing the culture and connection that made the organization successful in the first place. As the pace accelerated, she realized that sustaining growth wasn't just about getting more work done—it was about creating the space for people and relationships to thrive.

For leaders balancing growth, competing priorities, and the constant pressure to do more, Maddy's story is a reminder that connection doesn't happen by accident.

It happens by design.

In this conversation, Maddy and Jule discuss:

• Why rapid growth can unintentionally create disconnection within teams
• Why trust—not time—is often the biggest barrier to effective delegation
• How setting clear expectations helps teams and clients succeed together
• The importance of protecting time for strategic thinking instead of constantly reacting
• Why great leaders focus on where they create the most value—not where they can stay the busiest

If you've ever felt like there aren't enough hours in the day, you're carrying too much yourself, or your calendar is dictating your priorities, this episode will challenge you to rethink where your time creates the most value.

Because great leadership isn't about doing everything.

It's about knowing what only you can do.

Connect with Maddy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleineniebauer
Website: https://vchiefs.com/

Connect with Jule:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesalem/
Website: www.julesalem.com

Dialing In is a leadership podcast for operators, executives, and founders building under pressure. Each episode explores how connection—when it’s intentional—becomes a true performance advantage.

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