Wall of love for Highland Academy
G
Grant
GAIA
I've been following Scot for a few years and have revisited his posts on bonuses over that time. Now that we're rolling out new bonus updates, it was the perfect time to take advantage of this course.
Our company has always been generous with bonuses, but the criteria have been loose and not always tied to actions within employees’ control. We also do profit sharing, but since we’re not an open-book company, it can feel like a black box. Scot’s point that “profits/cash are lagging indicators” really clicked for me—GAIA’s been spending generously but not necessarily getting the most value from those incentives. That realization has completely reshaped how I’m approaching our bonus structure.
I especially liked the “why-go” idea—connecting company goals with personal goals through clear, formula-based metrics. It fits naturally into our year-end goal setting and January career planning. Plus, it solves one of our biggest challenges: tracking bonuses consistently across managers. A transparent formula makes it simpler, fairer, and helps reinforce the performance-driven culture Scot talks about.
I've been following Scot for a few years and have revisited his posts on bonuses over that time. Now that we're rolling out new bonus updates, it was the perfect time to take advantage of this course.
Our company has always been generous with bonuses, but the criteria have been loose and not always tied to actions within employees’ control. We also do profit sharing, but since we’re not an open-book company, it can feel like a black box. Scot’s point that “profits/cash are lagging indicators” really clicked for me—GAIA’s been spending generously but not necessarily getting the most value from those incentives. That realization has completely reshaped how I’m approaching our bonus structure.
I especially liked the “why-go” idea—connecting company goals with personal goals through clear, formula-based metrics. It fits naturally into our year-end goal setting and January career planning. Plus, it solves one of our biggest challenges: tracking bonuses consistently across managers. A transparent formula makes it simpler, fairer, and helps reinforce the performance-driven culture Scot talks about.
AP
Allegra Poschmann
CEO, Pact
Bonus plan provides a clear framework for how the plan can be structured for individual and company performance. The spreadsheet is very clear and actionable, though the video is a little lengthy.
Bonus plan provides a clear framework for how the plan can be structured for individual and company performance. The spreadsheet is very clear and actionable, though the video is a little lengthy.
Trevor Laudate
Co-Founder at EcoDrive
We are in a phase of our business where we need to learn how to transition from builders to scalers and there are not many resources out there to help with that until Highland. Scot provides us with tactical details (backed by real experience) on how to make that shift and implement it across our entire org. I’d recommend Highland to any founder trying to scale their business.
We are in a phase of our business where we need to learn how to transition from builders to scalers and there are not many resources out there to help with that until Highland. Scot provides us with tactical details (backed by real experience) on how to make that shift and implement it across our entire org. I’d recommend Highland to any founder trying to scale their business.
Blake Ruschman
Co-Founder at EcoDrive
Highland has provided not just great strategic but tactical moves we can make to help scale Ecodrive to the next level. Scot has been an incredible resource to reduce learning curves and help overcome realtime hurdles. Would highly recommend to any founders looking for a network of similar stage companies and that need advice on tactical moves from a founder who has seen it all.
Highland has provided not just great strategic but tactical moves we can make to help scale Ecodrive to the next level. Scot has been an incredible resource to reduce learning curves and help overcome realtime hurdles. Would highly recommend to any founders looking for a network of similar stage companies and that need advice on tactical moves from a founder who has seen it all.
Marc Levesque
CEO and WebRunner Media
Highland has been one of the most valuable investments I've made. The content is practical, easy to implement, and designed for busy operators. You can tap in when it matters most and get immediate value.
Since applying the frameworks, my team is more aligned and motivated, and I'm already seeing real gains in both revenue and profitability. Highly recommend. 🙌
Highland has been one of the most valuable investments I've made. The content is practical, easy to implement, and designed for busy operators. You can tap in when it matters most and get immediate value.
Since applying the frameworks, my team is more aligned and motivated, and I'm already seeing real gains in both revenue and profitability. Highly recommend. 🙌
Peter Georgariou
CEO and Founder of Karma Dharma
Highland has been a game changer for me and karmadharma. Both the community and the frameworks/tools arrived at the perfect time to help us scale.
Highland has been a game changer for me and karmadharma. Both the community and the frameworks/tools arrived at the perfect time to help us scale.
Yogesh Shetty
CEO and Founder @ Avibra
Highland has been a great addition to my professional toolkit and we used some of the frameworks provided by Scott to outline our strategy and vision. I use some of the materials extensively in my day to day work when it comes to scaling our operational aspect of our business. Highly recommended
Highland has been a great addition to my professional toolkit and we used some of the frameworks provided by Scott to outline our strategy and vision. I use some of the materials extensively in my day to day work when it comes to scaling our operational aspect of our business. Highly recommended
Anthony Tomes
CEO and Founder at RouteFlo
It's hard enough navigating the business landscape as a new founder. Why do it alone? Highland provides tremendous value through friends, framework, and feedback.
It's hard enough navigating the business landscape as a new founder. Why do it alone? Highland provides tremendous value through friends, framework, and feedback.
Alberto Lopez
CEO at Sunfish
This year, we set out to scale our business, and Highland was the perfect guide. After 10 months in the program, we now have a clear roadmap and the structure to effectively operate and grow our company. The support system is incredible; we have access to experienced operators and a network of founders who have been through it all. What truly sets Highland apart is the insightful dialogue with fellow founders; the shared knowledge on building a strong company has been invaluable. Highland has been instrumental in our progress, and we're excited for what the future holds. If you're a CEO looking to scale with purpose, direction, and progress, I highly recommend Highland.
This year, we set out to scale our business, and Highland was the perfect guide. After 10 months in the program, we now have a clear roadmap and the structure to effectively operate and grow our company. The support system is incredible; we have access to experienced operators and a network of founders who have been through it all. What truly sets Highland apart is the insightful dialogue with fellow founders; the shared knowledge on building a strong company has been invaluable. Highland has been instrumental in our progress, and we're excited for what the future holds. If you're a CEO looking to scale with purpose, direction, and progress, I highly recommend Highland.
Akshay K
CEO and Founder at BEEM
Product-market fit is often celebrated as the summit, but experienced founders know it's just basecamp. The real challenge lies in scaling those heights, and that's where Highland has been transformative for us. What sets Highland apart is how Scot and his network of accomplished founders don't just share theoretical knowledge – they guide you through battle-tested methods they've personally used to scale their own companies. Every framework and strategy comes with real-world context and practical wisdom about the pitfalls to avoid. For founders navigating the crucial journey from 10 to 100 million, Highland isn't just another program – it's an investment in developing yourself as a leader who can confidently scale those heights. The methodologies we've implemented have already created tangible improvements in how we operate, and the ability to learn from founders who've successfully made this journey is invaluable. If you're serious about scaling beyond PMF, Highland provides the roadmap, tools, and support system you need to do it right.
Product-market fit is often celebrated as the summit, but experienced founders know it's just basecamp. The real challenge lies in scaling those heights, and that's where Highland has been transformative for us. What sets Highland apart is how Scot and his network of accomplished founders don't just share theoretical knowledge – they guide you through battle-tested methods they've personally used to scale their own companies. Every framework and strategy comes with real-world context and practical wisdom about the pitfalls to avoid. For founders navigating the crucial journey from 10 to 100 million, Highland isn't just another program – it's an investment in developing yourself as a leader who can confidently scale those heights. The methodologies we've implemented have already created tangible improvements in how we operate, and the ability to learn from founders who've successfully made this journey is invaluable. If you're serious about scaling beyond PMF, Highland provides the roadmap, tools, and support system you need to do it right.
Mark Pecota
CEO & Founder @ LaunchBoom
I've been loving Highland. Scot and the rest of the crew operate at a super high level, but at the same time, are super down to earth. It's refreshing.
A few years back I took my company through a pretty big pivot. We were essentially back in startup mode. Since then, we've grown a lot and mid-2024 I felt like it was time to get some support. Specifically, I wanted proven systems that would help me be the best CEO and set my team up for long-term success.
I've been following most of the Highland frameworks to a T and it's helped give myself and my team clarity over our vision and how we're going to reach it.
I've been loving Highland. Scot and the rest of the crew operate at a super high level, but at the same time, are super down to earth. It's refreshing.
A few years back I took my company through a pretty big pivot. We were essentially back in startup mode. Since then, we've grown a lot and mid-2024 I felt like it was time to get some support. Specifically, I wanted proven systems that would help me be the best CEO and set my team up for long-term success.
I've been following most of the Highland frameworks to a T and it's helped give myself and my team clarity over our vision and how we're going to reach it.
Georgia Grace Edwards
CEO and Founder @ Gnara
In today's crowded ecosystem of scammy LinkedIn DMs and sales pitch emails promising instant value-add to your company, it's incredibly refreshing as a founder to have found a resource and community that actually does. Scot and the Highland team are about as thoughtful as they come, and fill a real gap in serving as a sounding board with tangible tools, templates, and strategies during the scary period that is scaling past $1MM.
There's a lot of advice out there to be taken with many grains of salt and a lot of learnings that get gate-kept; that which you get from Highland is genuine, personalized, actionable, flexible, generous, and based on real experiences from really successful -- and just plain good -- people.
I'd recommend Highland to any CEO looking to expand their network, gut check themselves and their journey, get inspired after a rut, execute on big future goals and projections, or personally grow and develop alongside their company.
In today's crowded ecosystem of scammy LinkedIn DMs and sales pitch emails promising instant value-add to your company, it's incredibly refreshing as a founder to have found a resource and community that actually does. Scot and the Highland team are about as thoughtful as they come, and fill a real gap in serving as a sounding board with tangible tools, templates, and strategies during the scary period that is scaling past $1MM.
There's a lot of advice out there to be taken with many grains of salt and a lot of learnings that get gate-kept; that which you get from Highland is genuine, personalized, actionable, flexible, generous, and based on real experiences from really successful -- and just plain good -- people.
I'd recommend Highland to any CEO looking to expand their network, gut check themselves and their journey, get inspired after a rut, execute on big future goals and projections, or personally grow and develop alongside their company.
Josh Smith
Managing Director at Me&U
Joining Highland has been the best thing I’ve done for my personal development in years. I feel like I’m learning so much, so fast, at the moment. Scot’s ability to boil down complex operational theories into simple to understand strategies in the Northstar OS is definitely a superpower of his. We’ve been able to adapt it to suit our business, and for the first time we’re going into the new year with all functions and regions fully aligned. Also it’s pretty cool to be able to just slack someone who’s been through it all before and get an answer immediately. After our conversations, I have such high conviction to be able to drive change in our organization.
Joining Highland has been the best thing I’ve done for my personal development in years. I feel like I’m learning so much, so fast, at the moment. Scot’s ability to boil down complex operational theories into simple to understand strategies in the Northstar OS is definitely a superpower of his. We’ve been able to adapt it to suit our business, and for the first time we’re going into the new year with all functions and regions fully aligned. Also it’s pretty cool to be able to just slack someone who’s been through it all before and get an answer immediately. After our conversations, I have such high conviction to be able to drive change in our organization.
Alexander Olesen
CEO and Co-founder at Babylon Micro Farms
Scot and the team at Highland are building a unique experience that's invaluable for any startup Founder looking to scale their venture. The content has helped me dial in our operating rhythm, and I've learnt a ton from the community of Founders looking to scale their ventures. I wish this resource had existed when I was first starting out! It's an experience that will help you and your business grow.
Scot and the team at Highland are building a unique experience that's invaluable for any startup Founder looking to scale their venture. The content has helped me dial in our operating rhythm, and I've learnt a ton from the community of Founders looking to scale their ventures. I wish this resource had existed when I was first starting out! It's an experience that will help you and your business grow.
Alex Fram-Schwartz
CEO and Founder @ InLab
While Highland was originally developed to share Scott's expertise with founders, the true treasure lies in the community. I had the privilege of joining Scott and 100 other founders at their annual summit in Whitefish, MT, this past September, and I left completely inspired.
What struck me most was the caliber of people: 99% of the attendees were not only intelligent and passionate but also genuinely authentic and kind. In most communities, you’d be lucky to find 25% with those qualities. I’m not sure how they managed to gather such an extraordinary group, but the stunning backdrop, the playful alpacas, and Scott's hilarious dogs perfectly reflect the vibrant energy he has created and helps to draw in that crowd.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this community and am excited to forge new friendships, develop partnerships, and support an amazing group of founders.
While Highland was originally developed to share Scott's expertise with founders, the true treasure lies in the community. I had the privilege of joining Scott and 100 other founders at their annual summit in Whitefish, MT, this past September, and I left completely inspired.
What struck me most was the caliber of people: 99% of the attendees were not only intelligent and passionate but also genuinely authentic and kind. In most communities, you’d be lucky to find 25% with those qualities. I’m not sure how they managed to gather such an extraordinary group, but the stunning backdrop, the playful alpacas, and Scott's hilarious dogs perfectly reflect the vibrant energy he has created and helps to draw in that crowd.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this community and am excited to forge new friendships, develop partnerships, and support an amazing group of founders.
Dominic Kalms
CEO and Founder @ B Generous
I often get invited to join private startup groups and eco-systems, but in all of my years running VC backed companies, the Highland program has delivered the most compelling, unique, and substantive value for me as an entrepreneur and tech CEO. Being able to interact with and learn from some of the leading tech CEOs is invaluable as I build my business, and specifically learning from Scot's experience and his eagerness to help Highland companies is truly remarkable. The Highland operating system has worked wonders for my team as well and we have all benefited from being a part of the Highland community. If you are a startup Founder/CEO and are lucky enough to be asked to join Highland I strongly recommend you do it!
I often get invited to join private startup groups and eco-systems, but in all of my years running VC backed companies, the Highland program has delivered the most compelling, unique, and substantive value for me as an entrepreneur and tech CEO. Being able to interact with and learn from some of the leading tech CEOs is invaluable as I build my business, and specifically learning from Scot's experience and his eagerness to help Highland companies is truly remarkable. The Highland operating system has worked wonders for my team as well and we have all benefited from being a part of the Highland community. If you are a startup Founder/CEO and are lucky enough to be asked to join Highland I strongly recommend you do it!
Holman Gao
CEO & Founder @ Boost My School
As a first-time CEO & founder, Highland has been extremely valuable for Boost My School in 2 regards - 1) access to growth-stage ops playbooks (e.g. operating cadence, OKR framework, meeting structure) and 2) a community of CEOs at a similar stage of growth. I'd recommend Highland for other CEOs looking to level up and lead their companies in the post PMF phase of growth.
As a first-time CEO & founder, Highland has been extremely valuable for Boost My School in 2 regards - 1) access to growth-stage ops playbooks (e.g. operating cadence, OKR framework, meeting structure) and 2) a community of CEOs at a similar stage of growth. I'd recommend Highland for other CEOs looking to level up and lead their companies in the post PMF phase of growth.
Cassie Abel
CEO and Founder @ Wild Rye
Learning from someone who has scaled a billion-dollar, values-aligned company has been wildly impactful, but what I love most about this program is the ability to get down to the nitty, gritty of how, when and why! In addition, I've loved having the opportunity to dialog and discuss real-time challenges with Scot and fellow founders at a similar stage.
I've participated in several founder programs, but my favorite part about Highlands is the opportunity to include my right-hand woman. For the first time, I'm not the only one on my team hearing valuable information and then trying to put it into action myself.
Learning from someone who has scaled a billion-dollar, values-aligned company has been wildly impactful, but what I love most about this program is the ability to get down to the nitty, gritty of how, when and why! In addition, I've loved having the opportunity to dialog and discuss real-time challenges with Scot and fellow founders at a similar stage.
I've participated in several founder programs, but my favorite part about Highlands is the opportunity to include my right-hand woman. For the first time, I'm not the only one on my team hearing valuable information and then trying to put it into action myself.
Santhosh Cherian
CEO & Founder @ Medtrics
For founders who have achieved product-market fit, Scot Chisholm's Highland is the single best investment you can make in yourself and your company. Scot shares battle-tested wisdom from his journey scaling Classy to $1B. Through Highland, he gives you the operating system necessary to go from PMF to a successful business that can outlive you.
In a few months, Highland has transformed how I lead - bringing clarity to our mission, values, and goals, and aligning my team around concrete targets. Scot's no-BS mentorship, grounded in empathy for the founder experience, has accelerated my development as a leader.
If you want to level up as a leader, you need to learn from someone who's been there. Scot is that rare mentor who can light the path, push you to grow, and give you the necessary tools to implement what you learn. Sign up for Highland - your future self will thank you.
In a few months, Highland has transformed how I lead - bringing clarity to our mission, values, and goals, and aligning my team around concrete targets. Scot's no-BS mentorship, grounded in empathy for the founder experience, has accelerated my development as a leader.
If you want to level up as a leader, you need to learn from someone who's been there. Scot is that rare mentor who can light the path, push you to grow, and give you the necessary tools to implement what you learn. Sign up for Highland - your future self will thank you.
For founders who have achieved product-market fit, Scot Chisholm's Highland is the single best investment you can make in yourself and your company. Scot shares battle-tested wisdom from his journey scaling Classy to $1B. Through Highland, he gives you the operating system necessary to go from PMF to a successful business that can outlive you.
In a few months, Highland has transformed how I lead - bringing clarity to our mission, values, and goals, and aligning my team around concrete targets. Scot's no-BS mentorship, grounded in empathy for the founder experience, has accelerated my development as a leader.
If you want to level up as a leader, you need to learn from someone who's been there. Scot is that rare mentor who can light the path, push you to grow, and give you the necessary tools to implement what you learn. Sign up for Highland - your future self will thank you.
In a few months, Highland has transformed how I lead - bringing clarity to our mission, values, and goals, and aligning my team around concrete targets. Scot's no-BS mentorship, grounded in empathy for the founder experience, has accelerated my development as a leader.
If you want to level up as a leader, you need to learn from someone who's been there. Scot is that rare mentor who can light the path, push you to grow, and give you the necessary tools to implement what you learn. Sign up for Highland - your future self will thank you.
Fernando Cao Zheng
Co-Founder @ Thoughtleadr
Learning from someone who's scaled a $1 billion company is a rare opportunity. I've seen how much time and energy Scot has invested in creating something genuinely useful and practical for CEOs and founders to scale their businesses.
He's helped me create systems of unity so that my team spends more time doing the things that move the needle and less time doing busy work.
At any point in your journey, there'll be problems that you can't solve by yourself. Scot's community provides a great environment to learn and continue to build with the guidance of someone who's done it before. Joining the community is a no-brainer.
He's helped me create systems of unity so that my team spends more time doing the things that move the needle and less time doing busy work.
At any point in your journey, there'll be problems that you can't solve by yourself. Scot's community provides a great environment to learn and continue to build with the guidance of someone who's done it before. Joining the community is a no-brainer.
Learning from someone who's scaled a $1 billion company is a rare opportunity. I've seen how much time and energy Scot has invested in creating something genuinely useful and practical for CEOs and founders to scale their businesses.
He's helped me create systems of unity so that my team spends more time doing the things that move the needle and less time doing busy work.
At any point in your journey, there'll be problems that you can't solve by yourself. Scot's community provides a great environment to learn and continue to build with the guidance of someone who's done it before. Joining the community is a no-brainer.
He's helped me create systems of unity so that my team spends more time doing the things that move the needle and less time doing busy work.
At any point in your journey, there'll be problems that you can't solve by yourself. Scot's community provides a great environment to learn and continue to build with the guidance of someone who's done it before. Joining the community is a no-brainer.
Jared Parker
CEO and Co-Founder @ Rasgo
Working with Scot as my CEO coach through the Highland program, has been pivotal to my growth as a company leader. Scot excels at simplifying highly complex concepts into a simple system, empowering me to enhance my performance and unite our organization around a clear vision. His guidance has been invaluable in my development journey.
Working with Scot as my CEO coach through the Highland program, has been pivotal to my growth as a company leader. Scot excels at simplifying highly complex concepts into a simple system, empowering me to enhance my performance and unite our organization around a clear vision. His guidance has been invaluable in my development journey.
Ben Halliday
Co-Founder & CEO @ Zippy
I joined Highland as my business entered scale up mode. As a first-time founder, I was looking for a resource to learn how to scale myself alongside my company.
What I found at Highland has not only been valuable for myself, but also my team who is learning alongside me. We are getting more focused, more efficient, and more effective from the lessons learned.
What you will find in the Northstar operating system is clarity of purpose for yourself and your team. And you’ll also gain a network of people that simply get it, having been in your seat past and present.
If you’re a founder in scale up mode, this is for you.
I joined Highland as my business entered scale up mode. As a first-time founder, I was looking for a resource to learn how to scale myself alongside my company.
What I found at Highland has not only been valuable for myself, but also my team who is learning alongside me. We are getting more focused, more efficient, and more effective from the lessons learned.
What you will find in the Northstar operating system is clarity of purpose for yourself and your team. And you’ll also gain a network of people that simply get it, having been in your seat past and present.
If you’re a founder in scale up mode, this is for you.
Kevin Edwards
CEO @ Real Leaders
Highland has become a not-miss meeting. In a relatively short period of time these masterclasses have improved company alignment and clarity on our vision, goals, and objectives. If we hit our stretch goals this year, it will be because of Scot’s playbook.
Highland has become a not-miss meeting. In a relatively short period of time these masterclasses have improved company alignment and clarity on our vision, goals, and objectives. If we hit our stretch goals this year, it will be because of Scot’s playbook.
Aedan Fida
Co-Founder & CEO @ Blade Air
Highland is the program that empowers you to translate the theories behind all the great management books into practical, reliable, and steadfast resources. The program focuses on developing your ability to manage, make decisions, and create clarity, focus, and alignment throughout your entire organization by providing you with the tools and knowledge to work smarter. Scot and his team use real examples and provide valuable and candid insights to help you understand the underpinnings of how each mechanism is supposed to work. They will spend the time answering any questions, deep diving into an issue, and work tirelessly to help you find the right fit for you and your team.
As a CEO and entrepreneur, Highland was the best investment I have made in myself. As a company, it has revolutionized how we approach and do business.
As a CEO and entrepreneur, Highland was the best investment I have made in myself. As a company, it has revolutionized how we approach and do business.
Highland is the program that empowers you to translate the theories behind all the great management books into practical, reliable, and steadfast resources. The program focuses on developing your ability to manage, make decisions, and create clarity, focus, and alignment throughout your entire organization by providing you with the tools and knowledge to work smarter. Scot and his team use real examples and provide valuable and candid insights to help you understand the underpinnings of how each mechanism is supposed to work. They will spend the time answering any questions, deep diving into an issue, and work tirelessly to help you find the right fit for you and your team.
As a CEO and entrepreneur, Highland was the best investment I have made in myself. As a company, it has revolutionized how we approach and do business.
As a CEO and entrepreneur, Highland was the best investment I have made in myself. As a company, it has revolutionized how we approach and do business.
Craig Lewis
Founder & CEO @ GigWage
Highland has by far been one of the best decisions I've made as a CEO. The time to value has been unbelievable. The clarity and alignment we have as a growing startup now that we've implemented the Highland operating system helps me see things more clearly. Scaling feels less impossible, and more inevitable.
Highland has by far been one of the best decisions I've made as a CEO. The time to value has been unbelievable. The clarity and alignment we have as a growing startup now that we've implemented the Highland operating system helps me see things more clearly. Scaling feels less impossible, and more inevitable.
Dan Martell
Author of Buy Back Your Time | Highland Speaker
Are you kidding me? Learn from a billion dollar
founder & CEO. I'd kill for this earlier in my career.
Junaid Kalmadi
Founder & CEO @ Farmers Juice
Last week's class was amazing! Love how the online
community is setup too, very positive experience!