Episode#639: Designing organisations that scale by putting people first - with Peter Rimmer

Aug 17, 2026

Growing a business isn't just about strategy, systems or structure.

As organisations grow, founders often discover that the biggest obstacle isn't the market. It's themselves.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Peter Rimmer, founder of Tusk Consulting, to explore why scaling successfully requires founders to evolve alongside their businesses. Peter shares why organisation design should start with people rather than process, how founders can overcome the fear of letting go, and why creating a culture where both hiring and leaving are positive experiences is essential for long term growth.

One standout message from the conversation:

"The biggest barriers to growth are often the conversations leadership teams aren't having."

 

In this episode we discuss:

• Why organisation design must combine strategy, operating model and human dynamics.
• The warning signs that your current business model has reached the end of its first growth curve.
• Why founders often struggle to let go of the approaches that originally made them successful.
• How to build the confidence to recruit for the business you want, not just the one you have today.
• The transition from being the person with all the answers to becoming a leader who enables others to think.
• How Nancy Klein's Thinking Environment helps leadership teams make better decisions together.
• Why culture should actively manage both successful recruitment and positive exits.
• How a clear Employee Value Proposition creates trust from day one.
• Why former employees can become some of your strongest ambassadors.
• Peter's own entrepreneurial journey from HR into organisation design consultancy.

 

About Peter Rimmer

Peter Rimmer is the founder of Tusk Consulting, a consultancy specialising in human first organisation design.

Working primarily with charities, social enterprises and purpose led organisations ranging from around 50 to more than 5,000 employees, Peter helps leadership teams align strategy, structure and culture so organisations can grow sustainably.

Rather than relying purely on data or process redesign, Peter focuses on the quality of leadership conversations and the human dynamics that ultimately determine whether strategy succeeds.

 

The one key thing...

Scaling doesn't require founders to have more control. It requires them to build the confidence to let go, develop others and create an organisation that can succeed without depending on them.

 

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Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

[e-mail]

 

Peter can be found here:

https://tuskconsulting.co.uk/

[e-mail]

 

Resources:

Range by David Epstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/range-how-generalists-triumph-in-a-specialized-world-david-epstein/35c1839e592e618a?ean=9781035053049&bkshp-astro=t