There are few thought leaders who work behind the scenes to create, develop, and deploy programs while simultaneously being the face of the brand. What does it take to find success on both ends? Today we’ve invited internationally recognized presenter, content developer, business leader and coach Curtis Bateman!  He is currently the Vice President of International Direct Offices at FranklinCovey, and was previously the President and CEO of Red Tree Leadership before orchestrated a buyout to FranklinCovey. With few thought leaders working both the back and front of the house, Curtis gives us some insights into what it takes to be successful doing both.  He tells us about the passion and extra hours that are required to practice what you preach.  However creating doesn’t have to be a solo job, in fact, Curtis shares how having Brain Buddies can help sharpen your skills.  Having a knowledgeable team around you to help research stories and ideas as well as draft or polish content creates a high quality end product. Curtis tells us how being in the market place every day while creating content creates a constant cycle of feedback as content goes out to the audience, gets live reactions, and can be revised based on that input. This system has been used to pressure test everything from their framework to his newest book Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. Having had a boutique company that exited to FranklinCovey, Curtis fully understands what it takes to position yourself for acquisition.  While each instance is different Curtis shares how having principle-based content that matched up with the prospective buyer, having a Fortune 50 client, and thought leaders with significant industry experience that were capable of making contributions inside the new organization all played a role in a successful acquisition.  Three Key Takeaways: ·         Content creation doesn’t have to be a single player game.  By working with others you can polish your skills and elevate your content. ·         Taking ideas to your audience and revising based on feedback can give you real time advice on where the market agrees or disagrees with your content. ·         Exiting a boutique firm for a bigger company means you don’t get to touch every aspect of the business anymore.  You have to learn to trust others.