Growing and Scaling Is about Balancing Ambition With Intention: Interview with Kaye Gitibin, CEO of Go Rentals
I recently went one-on-one with Kaye Gitibin, CEO of Go Rentals.
Adam: First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Kaye: Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. Looking back, I’d say it’s been an incredible mix of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to doing things differently that brought me to where I am today with Go Rentals. My path hasn’t been without its challenges, but those moments of adversity have been the greatest teachers.
In the early days of my career, I quickly realized that exceptional customer service wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was essential, especially in high-touch industries like aviation and hospitality. That understanding became the foundation of Go Rentals. However, breaking into a competitive and niche market like private aviation wasn’t easy. We faced challenges convincing potential partners and customers that a car rental company could truly understand the expectations of private aviation clients.
There were setbacks along the way, from logistical hurdles to scaling operations while maintaining our high standards. One of the biggest lessons was finding ways to refine our service model while still prioritizing the personal touch that sets us apart. These challenges reinforced the value of resilience and the importance of continuously improving.
Ultimately, what’s been most instrumental to my growth is the ability to surround myself with a team that shares the same vision and values. Together, we’ve built a company that’s not just about transportation—it’s about creating seamless experiences, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations. Every challenge we’ve faced has only strengthened our commitment to delivering excellence.
Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?
Kaye: Growing and scaling a business is both an art and a science, and in my experience, it requires a combination of vision, execution, and adaptability. At Go Rentals, our journey of scaling has been guided by a few key steps:
For us, the cornerstone was truly understanding the private aviation and hospitality industries. Scaling isn’t just about expanding—it’s about deeply aligning your business with the unique needs of your clients and delivering exceptional value. Knowing our niche allowed us to develop specialized services that resonated with our audience.
Growth is only sustainable if your clients can trust your service. We’ve always prioritized consistency and quality, whether that’s ensuring vehicles are meticulously prepared or training our team to provide a seamless experience. This commitment has earned us trust and loyalty, which is crucial when scaling.
Scaling a business isn’t something you do alone. Surrounding yourself with a team that not only shares your vision but also brings diverse skills to the table is critical. At Go Rentals, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible professionals who are as passionate about delivering excellence as I am.
Growth often comes with challenges, and listening to both customers and employees has been invaluable. Their feedback has allowed us to continuously adapt and refine our services, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.
When scaling, it’s tempting to grow as quickly as possible, but we’ve taken a deliberate approach. Whether entering new markets or forming partnerships, we ensure every step aligns with our long-term goals and values.
Ultimately, growing and scaling a business is about balancing ambition with intention. It’s a journey that requires resilience, a willingness to learn from setbacks, and the ability to stay focused on what truly matters—delivering value and creating lasting relationships.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Kaye: An effective leader sees the big picture and can articulate a clear vision for the future. At Go Rentals, our success has been driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, but that only works if everyone on the team understands and believes in the vision. A leader’s role is to provide that clarity and direction.
Leadership is about people. Understanding and valuing the unique perspectives and needs of your team, clients, and partners is essential. I strive to lead with empathy, listening actively and making decisions that reflect both the business’s goals and the well-being of our people.
The business world is dynamic, and challenges are inevitable. Effective leaders stay flexible and open-minded, ready to pivot when needed while maintaining their core values. Resilience and adaptability have been critical as we’ve navigated growth and the ever-changing demands of our industry.
Setting high standards and modeling them is key to inspiring a team. At Go Rentals, excellence is at the heart of everything we do—from the way we prepare vehicles to the way we treat our clients. Leaders set the tone by demonstrating dedication and holding themselves accountable to the same standards.
No leader has all the answers, and recognizing that is a strength, not a weakness. I’ve found that being willing to learn—from successes, setbacks, and others—has been vital to my growth as a leader.
Leadership is about serving others. It’s about being a source of inspiration, a steady presence during uncertainty, and a champion for the success of those around you. When your team succeeds, the business succeeds and that’s the hallmark of great leadership.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Kaye: The business landscape is always evolving, and staying informed is critical. Read extensively, attend industry conferences, participate in leadership workshops, and seek out mentorship. A curious and open mind is the hallmark of a leader who can adapt and innovate.
Leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people. Developing emotional intelligence—your ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others—can help you connect with your team, clients, and partners on a deeper level. Empathy and effective communication go a long way in inspiring trust and loyalty.
Great leaders aren’t afraid to ask, “How can I do better?” Regularly solicit feedback from your team, peers, and mentors. Listening and taking action on constructive input not only improves your leadership skills but also demonstrates humility and a commitment to growth.
Cultivate the ability to remain calm and focused in challenging situations and be willing to adapt your approach as circumstances change. Resilient leaders set the standard for their teams during times of change. The true measure of leadership is the success of those you lead. Focus on empowering your team members to take ownership of their work and grow in their roles. Provide opportunities for professional development, encourage innovation, and celebrate their achievements.
Leadership rooted in authenticity and integrity is the most impactful. Stay aligned with your core values and lead in a way that reflects them. When people see consistency between your words and actions, they’re more likely to respect and follow you. Leadership excellence is about continuous improvement. The most inspiring leaders are those who remain committed to their own growth while elevating those around them.
No matter what role you play—entrepreneur, executive, or civic leader—your success hinges on understanding and serving your audience. Listen closely to their needs, anticipate challenges, and create solutions that deliver real value. At Go Rentals, this philosophy drives everything we do. By focusing on the needs of our aviation partners and their clientele, we’ve built a reputation for exceptional service. Always keep the people you serve at the center of your strategy.
No leader succeeds alone. Surround yourself with talented, driven individuals who share your vision and values. Empower them by providing the tools, trust, and autonomy they need to excel. Recognize their contributions and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. When your team thrives, your organization flourishes.
The world is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt is essential. Be willing to rethink your strategies, explore new opportunities, and remain flexible in your approach. At Go Rentals, our ability to evolve—whether it’s expanding into new markets or refining our customer experience—has been instrumental to our growth. Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks to evolve and stay ahead of the curve.
These principles—staying customer-focused, empowering your team, and embracing adaptability—are universal keys to success. They’ve guided my journey and are just as applicable to a startup founder as they are to a civic leader striving to create meaningful impact.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Kaye: Listen to your clients and design your products and services based on their needs. Be passionate about your services and products. Educate them of the values you bring to your partnership. Build a lasting culture. Always teach, train, and coach. Lead by example. Build meaningful relationships with your clients. Show them you care. Under promise and over-deliver.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Kaye: Building, leading, and managing teams is about creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to perform at their best. Building a great team starts with hiring the right people. Look for individuals who align with your company’s core values and vision. Skills can be taught, but attitude, work ethic, and a shared commitment to excellence are foundational. At Go Rentals, we prioritize cultural fit because it fosters collaboration and a sense of purpose across the organization.
Effective leadership requires open and honest communication. Share your vision, set clear expectations, and make sure everyone understands their role in achieving your goals. Regular check-ins and feedback loops ensure alignment and help address challenges before they become obstacles.
Great leaders don’t micromanage. Instead, they trust their team to deliver and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Empower your team by delegating responsibility and encouraging them to take ownership of their work. At the same time, hold everyone accountable to the high standards that drive your organization forward.
Acknowledge your team’s hard work and celebrate milestones, big and small. Recognition fosters motivation and reinforces the value of each team member’s contributions. Whether it’s a formal award or a simple “thank you,” showing appreciation goes a long way in building morale.
Your team looks to you for guidance, especially during challenging times. Demonstrate the qualities you want to see in your team—integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. When leaders lead by example, they inspire their teams to follow suit. Building and managing teams is both an art and a science. It’s about creating a culture where people feel empowered to contribute, innovate, and grow together. When you invest in your people, the results speak for themselves.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?
Kaye: The heart of sales is trust. Focus on building genuine relationships with your clients rather than treating them as just another transaction. We invest in understanding our clients’ unique needs, preferences, and expectations. By delivering tailored solutions and exceeding those expectations, we turn one-time clients into lifelong brand ambassadors.
Great marketing isn’t just about promoting a product or service; it’s about storytelling. Share your brand’s journey, values, and mission in a way that resonates with your audience. Whether through strategic campaigns, social media, or traditional advertising, your story should evoke emotion and create a connection. For Go Rentals, highlighting our commitment to service excellence and the seamless experiences we provide to private aviation clients has been key to our marketing success.
People buy from brands they trust and feel connected to. Align your brand with values and causes that resonate with your audience. Whether it’s sustainability, community involvement, or a relentless focus on customer service, find ways to create meaningful connections with your customers.
In a constantly evolving marketplace, staying ahead requires adaptability. Be open to fresh ideas, explore new ways to engage your audience, and refine your approach based on feedback and industry trends. At Go Rentals, our focus has always been on enhancing customer experiences and making it easier for clients to interact with us. By prioritizing relationships, compelling storytelling, and consistency, businesses can build a strong sales, marketing, and branding strategy that not only attracts customers but also earns their loyalty.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Kaye: People depend on you and never fail them.
Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.
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