2025-06-20
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: 🔗 https://highfunctioning.show If you’re rushing to open your doors without understanding your customers, your culture, or your operations, you’re not building a brand. You’re building a liability. Marcus Johnson-Smith has done the reps. From founding Kush Groove as a streetwear line to expanding it into a respected, multi-shop cannabis retail brand, Marcus shares how culture, creativity, and consistency can carry a business further than hype ever could. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to grow a real brand: staying close to your customer, testing your model small before you scale, and avoiding the traps of ego and comparison. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: ✅ The origin story of Kush Groove ✅ Why most founders rush—and pay for it ✅ Customer obsession vs. competitor anxiety ✅ How Marcus mentors future founders at Tufts ✅ The mindset behind slow, sustainable growth 💡 Whether you’re launching a business or leveling up your leadership—this is a masterclass in building with meaning. 🔔 Subscribe: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe 🎙️ Spotify: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningapple 🚨 21+. This episode contains adult-use business discussions. Please engage responsibly.