Joe Gagnon
“The body is the first boardroom.”
An ultra-endurance athlete and six-time CEO, Joe guides high performers to inhabit their edge—physically, mentally, and soul-deep.
I am driven by a straightforward mission: helping people realize they are capable of far more than they think.
I am an entrepreneur, ultra-endurance athlete, and author committed to pushing the outer limits of human potential in business, sport, and personal growth. From the Bronx to the boardroom to Badwater, my journey has been shaped by grit, grace, resilience, and a steadfast belief in intentional living. I’ve run six marathons on six continents in six days, completed the Badwater 135 through Death Valley, and rebuilt my life after burnout in my thirties. These weren’t stunts; they were living experiments in resilience, energy, and focus, demonstrating what intentional living demands and offers.
Professionally, I’ve served as a six-time CEO, guiding early-stage companies through disruption and growth. Today, as co-founder and CEO of Raynmaker, I’m building the first AI-native sales platform for small businesses that unites my passion for technology, leadership, and human connection.
This summer, I published my book, Living Intentionally: How intentionality enables success, fulfillment, and growth, to formalize the framework that has guided me through every finish line and boardroom challenge: purpose as the foundation, intentional choices as the path, and integrity as the compass.
For me, intentional living is not just a theory; it is a practice. It involves the discipline of aligning energy, focus, and resilience with what matters most. This is the practice I live, teach, and share so others can create extraordinary results in their own lives.
- Keynote speaker on AI, leadership, and peak performance
- Advisor to startups and growth-stage companies ready to scale
- Featured in The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, CNBC, and The History Channel
I help ambitious leaders and teams embrace discomfort, elevate performance, and live intentionally by design, not by default.
The GR3 Difference
We are not consultants. We are partners in your evolution.
Every engagement is custom-designed, grounded in two decades
of proven results at the highest level.
No formulas. No off-the-shelf playbooks.
Only what works—for you.
Mastering the 1% Growth Rule
We're all familiar with the 80-20 rule, aren't we? It's a staple in business circles. But here at VirtuosoCEO, we're not just aiming for the standard. Why settle for 80% when you can continually reach for the top 10%? Or even better, maintain a position in the top 5% using the same resources. It's about maximizing potential with what you already have.
Now, let's discuss the Rule of 1%. This principle is about enhancing your customer service incrementally—just one percent at a time. It might seem modest, but these incremental steps lead to significant progress. Consistency is key; without it, all potential growth could vanish. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
A word of caution: Avoid overextending yourself. A steady, one-percent improvement each week fosters confidence, not just in you, but across your team. By the end of the year, this could translate into a remarkable 50% enhancement. Consider the transformation possible.
While rules and standards are vital, flexibility is your competitive advantage. Consider clothing retailers—often, they restrict the number of items in a dressing room to prevent theft. However, most customers are not a risk. Therefore, be flexible with your loyal customers. Deliver what they need, consistently and reliably.
Let's shift to technology. In today's world, no CEO operates without AI as part of their arsenal. Those who did have long since faded. AI is no longer just a tool—it's an integral member of your team. The strategies we've explored in previous sessions require new processes to advance both teams and individuals.
Ultimately, your customers depend on you to fulfill your promises. If you overpromise through extravagant advertising, you risk undermining your efforts. Focus on your vision and the incremental steps needed to convert satisfied customers into avid supporters.
I trust you've gained valuable insights into exceptional customer service and its role as your key to success. Should you need assistance with any steps we've discussed, feel free to reach out.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we'll explore strategies for acquiring high value major clients and retaining them effectively.
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