What if the question you’re not asking is costing your company millions?
In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Jon Bassford – an operational change agent and former COO who helped lead a $7M nonprofit out of a downward spiral, 20% revenue growth, and 500% programming growth… all starting from one simple question: “Where is this written?”
Jon reveals how curiosity is not a soft skill – it’s an operational strategy. From uncovering broken systems buried in conference manuals to turning every team member into a daily “auditor” of their own work, Jon shows how leaders can build cultures where people don’t just do their jobs… they improve them. If you’re a founder, operator, or leader who wants sustainable growth, deeper engagement, and a culture that actually thinks – this episode is your roadmap.
5 Big Takeaways
- Curiosity is an operational weapon – Jon shows how a single curious question unlocked 20% revenue growth and 500% more programming.
- 95% of your day is on autopilot – and why that’s dangerous for strategy, innovation, and culture if left unchecked.
- Make improvement part of the job description – how to turn every employee into a micro-innovator, not just a task executor.
- Culture starts with how you treat people, not what you write in manuals – why knowing what your team loves to do leads to fewer errors, higher engagement, and longer retention.
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Small reflections create big transformations – the 5–10 minute habit Jon recommends to compound efficiency and impact over time.
Timestamps
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00:00 – The question that changed a $7M nonprofit
How Jon’s discomfort with “this isn’t written anywhere” exposed a buried process and transformed an entire organization. -
02:42 – Why 95% of your thoughts are on autopilot (and what that does to your business)
Jon breaks down subconscious habits, SOPs, and how comfort quietly kills innovation. -
04:51 – Turning curiosity into company strategy
The simple shift: making “improve your job” a formal part of everyone’s role. -
06:04 – Building psychological safety for real feedback
Why one-on-ones, genuine interest, and understanding what people love to do change everything.
Guest Links
jonbassford.com
https://www.instagram.com/jon_bassford
https://www.youtube.com/@JonBassford
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Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
