- Lex Sisney, the founder of Organizational Physics, applies principles of physics to organizational design, helping leaders understand their companies as interconnected systems.
- Organizational Physics is a framework designed to help companies align their strategy, structure, and execution to drive growth without compromising their core values.
- Lex says, “When you resist natural laws, you create unnecessary friction, which can stall growth or lead to breakdowns.”
“In physics, you identify clues that lead to fundamental truths. You build models and see if they can explain the world around you.” – Safi Bahcall.
Lex Sisney has spent his career doing just that, only his laboratory isn’t confined to the realms of physics—it’s the dynamic world of business leadership. What if the very laws that govern our physical world could be applied to organizations? This question led Lex on a journey to explore the hidden patterns and forces shaping companies as they scale. Today, as the founder of Organizational Physics, Lex has crafted a unique framework to help CEOs and their teams grow their businesses in ways that don’t sacrifice integrity or values.
But how did Lex bridge the gap between the natural world and the challenges businesses face? And what makes his approach so different from traditional leadership frameworks? In the following story, we dive into his insights, struggles, and triumphs as he’s guided organizations toward sustainable, scalable success.
MR: Can you explain the inspiration behind your approach to business leadership, particularly how Organizational Physics came to be?
Lex: I’ve always been fascinated by how systems—whether in nature or manmade—scale. Early in my career, I realized that many companies, despite having brilliant ideas and talented teams, face monumental challenges when trying to scale from start-ups to industry leaders. This led me to become obsessed with finding a framework that could help leaders not only grow their organizations but do so with resilience and adaptability.
That’s when I started applying the principles of physics to business. I began noticing patterns, such as how energy flows in systems or how friction can cause breakdowns. I applied these principles to business, creating tools and frameworks that help leaders create strategic clarity, design scalable structures, and manage dynamic forces within their organizations.
Over time, this approach evolved into what I now call Organizational Physics. It’s a framework designed to help companies align their strategy, structure, and execution to drive growth without compromising their core values. Essentially, it helps you diagnose challenges, optimize growth, and ultimately create a business that scales smoothly without losing momentum. What makes this approach unique is its foundation in universal laws that govern both the natural world and organizations.
MR: How does Organizational Physics differ from other leadership frameworks?
Lex: The uniqueness of Organizational Physics lies in its systems-thinking approach. Instead of focusing on isolated problems, we look at the organization as a whole—understanding how each part interacts and influences the others. Many leadership frameworks tend to zero in on behavior change or tactical solutions. However, without understanding the larger system in which those behaviors or tactics exist, any success will likely be short-lived.
Our methodology goes deeper, helping leaders uncover the root causes of their challenges. This could be anything from team misalignment or a flawed organizational structure to an unclear strategy. We also recognize that, like natural systems, businesses evolve through predictable stages. The strategies that work in one stage of growth often create friction in the next. That’s why we prepare leaders for these transitions, teaching them how to manage energy—both human and organizational—so they stay aligned and continue moving forward.
MR: One of your principles is “Don’t fight the physics.” Can you elaborate on it and how it applies to managing an organization?
Lex: “Don’t fight the physics” means embracing the natural laws that govern your organization. When you resist these laws, you create unnecessary friction, which can stall growth or lead to breakdowns. For instance, the law of entropy tells us that systems naturally move toward disorder. In business, this manifests as declining performance, misalignment, or team dysfunction.
Instead of resisting entropy, we harness it by continuously evolving the organization. This might involve streamlining processes, adapting strategies, or realigning teams. Breakdowns, in fact, are signals that it’s time for a breakthrough. When you understand the forces at play, you can anticipate and manage them before they escalate into critical failures.
MR: What types of clients typically seek your coaching services? What are their most common pain points, and how do you guide them through these challenges?
Lex: I primarily work with funded, high-potential growth companies, typically at the expansion stage. At this point, the stakes are high, and the complexity of scaling starts to become a serious challenge. These CEOs and leaders often grapple with misaligned teams, broken communication processes, or structures that no longer support their growth. They’ve grown quickly but are beginning to feel like their organization is starting to fray at the edges.
The most common pain points revolve around clarifying strategy, aligning teams with that strategy, and designing scalable structures and processes that can adapt as the company grows. I help them by focusing on systems thinking—seeing the interconnected nature of their challenges and guiding them toward solutions that address the root causes, not just the symptoms.
MR: Can you share more about your role and the challenges you’ve faced in introducing Organizational Physics to business leaders?
Lex: My role is primarily focused on thought leadership and client coaching. I spend a lot of time developing new tools, writing, and coaching executives to align their strategies and scale their businesses. It’s a blend of creating, teaching, and designing.
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was convincing leaders that applying physics to business was a valid approach. It sounded abstract and unconventional at first, but I stuck with it because I knew it worked. Over time, as I was able to show real-world results and the long-term success of the companies I coached, the idea gained traction.
Another challenge was learning how to scale myself. I couldn’t be the bottleneck for growth, so I had to systematize my methodology through training, programs, and tools.
As for achievements, I’m proud of the impact Organizational Physics has had across industries, helping businesses grow and thrive sustainably. I’ve been fortunate to be recognized as a top business coach and keynote speaker at various events. However, what gives me the most satisfaction is hearing the feedback from CEOs I’ve coached, often years after they’ve implemented the program. The gratitude they express for the lasting change in their organizations is what truly makes it all worthwhile.
MR: Your books cover a range of business topics. Can you explain how each reflects your core philosophy and helps leaders address specific challenges?
Lex: All of my books revolve around the core principle that businesses and teams are dynamic systems. They need to be designed, led, and managed with that understanding in mind. In Designed to Scale, I focus on the structural elements required for growth—how to build a scalable foundation that can adapt as the business expands.
In Organizational Physics, I dive deeper into how natural laws impact organizations. It’s about understanding how energy flows, where friction occurs, and how to manage those forces to keep the business aligned and moving forward.
Lastly, How to Think About Hiring guides leaders in hiring the right people for the right roles. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about aligning talent with the broader system of the organization to maximize success.
Each book is designed to give leaders a unique perspective and practical roadmap for diagnosing and solving the most common challenges they face when scaling a business.
MR: What are your future goals for Organizational Physics? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?
Lex: I’m excited to expand Organizational Physics to a broader global audience. One of our next big initiatives is developing a series of online workshops, giving more leaders the ability to access these tools in a self-paced environment. I’m also working on new content that focuses on leadership during chaotic, disruptive times—because that’s when these frameworks really shine.
MR: How do you manage to have a perfect work-life balance? What are your hobbies/interests beyond the cabin?
Lex: I don’t believe in work-life balance; I believe in integration. Over the years, I’ve consciously spent my time on activities and relationships that add value and energy to my life. I’ve also been very intentional about cutting out energy-draining activities and relationships, and I coach my clients to do the same. It’s a constant evolution, but the lens of focusing on energy gains over drains is a powerful one. If you want to maximize the gains, then minimize the drains.
In my free time, I love being outdoors and spending time with my family. Nature is where I recharge, and it helps me bring a fresh perspective to my work. It’s not about achieving a perfect balance every day but making sure that, over time, you’re investing in the relationships and activities that matter most.
MR: As a leadership coach, what three pieces of advice would you give to modern business leaders trying to scale their companies?
Lex:
- Think in systems. While every business is unique, the underlying principles are often the same. Understand the interconnectedness of your organization.
- Embrace evolution. Growth comes from constantly adapting your structure, strategy, and team as you scale.
- Align energy, not just strategy. It’s crucial that your team is aligned not only on the vision and roles but also on the energy required to execute successfully.
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Also Read: The Exceptional 10 Leadership Coaches in the USA for 2024
