Overview

In this episode of Culturally Sound, Chandler Cutler sits down with Matt Haney — founder of Sinclair Ventures — to explore what it really takes to scale as a visionary entrepreneur.

Matt’s journey has taken him from real estate investing before the 2008 crash to consumer products, private equity, and now running Sinclair Ventures, a fractional COO consultancy. His perspective is simple but rare: vision alone won’t grow a company. It takes humility to admit when you’ve tapped out, and hustle to bring in the right systems and leaders to keep moving forward.

From navigating layoffs during COVID to helping $10M+ founders step out of the chaos, Matt shares how humility, curiosity, and structure create space for growth. This conversation dives deep into leadership blind spots, the rise of AI, and why the best entrepreneurs know when to get out of their own way.

Guest Bio

Matt Haney is the founder of Sinclair Ventures, a consultancy providing fractional COO services to visionary entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience across real estate, consumer products, and private equity-backed companies, Matt specializes in building systems, guiding leadership teams, and bridging the gap between vision and execution. Known for his candid and curious approach, he helps small to midsize businesses scale by putting the right people in the right seats — and teaching founders the humility it takes to let go.

Episode Breakdown

Visionaries Need Operators (00:00 – 06:00)

• Why Sinclair Ventures focuses on fractional COO work
• The flooring installer who grew a $10M business — and admitted he needed help
• The humility it takes for founders to say, “I’ve gone as far as I can”

From Real Estate to Fractional COO (06:00 – 12:00)

• Matt’s early career in a family office and the 2008 financial crash
• Lessons learned from visionary leaders who had ideas but couldn’t execute alone
• The moment Matt realized his “place” was beside visionaries as their right-hand operator

Humility, Vulnerability & Candid Leadership (12:00 – 20:00)

• Why leaders who lack humility get stuck — and humble leaders thrive
• How quarterly reviews reveal blind spots and spark honest conversations
• Why candor + curiosity beat “yes-men” cultures every time

The Toughest Moments (20:00 – 27:00)

• Navigating layoffs during COVID and restructuring a company in crisis
• Why outside perspective helps leaders through their hardest calls
• The difference between leaders who adapt vs. those who spiral

AI, Data & the Future of Work (27:00 – 33:00)

• How small businesses are underusing AI
• Practical ways AI can transform analysis and decision-making
• Why curiosity and adaptability will decide who thrives in the new landscape

Success, Family & Leadership Philosophy (33:00 – 45:00)

• Matt’s three words: Curious, Humble, Playful
• Why family time defines success more than revenue
• The mantra: Stay curious, work hard, be kind

Summary

Matt Haney has built a career on pairing vision with execution. Through Sinclair Ventures, he helps entrepreneurs who’ve outgrown their businesses find structure, leadership, and clarity — without losing their spark. This episode is about more than operations; it’s about humility, vulnerability, and the kind of leadership that invites candor instead of control.

Whether you’re a founder, a second-in-command, or building your career inside a growing company, Matt’s story will shift how you see leadership — and...