Partnership Is Your Growth Multiplier

Hello there,

How’s your week going?

Following a brilliant conversation with Chad Jenkins on ScaleX Insider (coming up in S17), I’ve been reflecting on the 9th Principle from the Simple Scaling ScaleX framework: Partnerships.

The deeper I go into this, the more convinced I am that no great scale story happens in isolation. This week’s newsletter explores how transformative partnerships and aligned collaborations can become your organisation’s biggest growth lever.

Here’s what I’m covering in this week’s edition, all in under 5 minutes:

3 Scaling Tactics

2 Leadership Lessons

1 Final Reflection Question

This will take less than 5 minutes to read. Let’s dive in ⬇️

3 Scaling Tactics

#1. Build an Ecosystem, Not Just a Business

Jean Oelwang , CEO of Virgin Unite and author of Partnering reminds us that the most meaningful ventures begin when we tap into something bigger than ourselves.

Her Six Degrees of Connection framework emphasises co-creation, deep bonds, and shared purpose.

If you want your business to scale, think ecosystem. Start forming partnerships with suppliers, allies, and even competitors. The stronger your network, the stronger your scale.

2. Leverage “Who Not How”

Nick Bradley echoes Dan Sullivan ’s philosophy that scale isn’t just about doing more, it’s about finding the right who.

One of the fastest ways to scale is to find people who’ve already done what you’re trying to do. Strategic partnerships can shortcut learning curves, open up markets, and supercharge momentum.

This principle is about moving from operator to orchestrator. Stop asking “How do I do this?” and start asking “Who can I partner with to get there faster?”

3. Make Partnership a Value, Not Just a Strategy

In Simple Scaling, we highlight that partnerships flourish when they’re rooted in shared values, not just shared objectives.

Great partnerships are like great marriages: they require trust, clear expectations, and constant communication.

If your values misalign, you’ll eventually clash. So before shaking hands, align hearts.

Build your partnership playbook around shared principles, purpose, integrity, and mutual growth.

2 Leadership Lessons

1. Celebrate Friction….Don’t Avoid It

One of my favourite concepts from Jean’s conversation is “celebrating friction.”

In any partnership, conflict is inevitable. But when approached with curiosity and respect, it becomes the birthplace of innovation. Leaders who shy away from tough conversations end up stuck. Those who lean in, grow.

Don’t fear tension. Learn to manage it. It’s where breakthroughs begin.

2. Partner with Purpose, Not Convenience

Nick’s journey from private equity to purpose-led entrepreneur is a masterclass in intentional alignment.

When building partnerships, whether with investors, co-founders, or collaborators, don’t default to what's easiest. Seek those who challenge your thinking, match your ambition, and elevate your purpose.

The right partnership isn’t just additive. It’s multiplicative.

1 Final Reflection Question

Who are your business’ hidden partners, those you’ve overlooked or under-utilised and how might you co-create something greater with them?

Thanks for tuning into this week’s 3-2-1 Insider. If this sparked ideas or gave you fresh perspective, I’d love for you to share it with someone in your network.

Let’s limitless and scale with purpose together.

Take care, Brendan