At CSA Search & Consulting, we believe great leadership starts with continuous learning. Each month, our team will highlight a book that has shaped how we think, lead, and serve our clients. From timeless leadership principles to modern insights, CSA Bookshelf is designed to share ideas that drive impact across collegiate athletics and higher education. This month we will hear from President of CSA, Drew Turner.
Reviewer: Drew Turner, President
Book: The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible by Mark Roberge
Why I Chose This Book
When I joined CSA, our primary goal was to grow our brand within the college athletics ecosystem and establish ourselves as a premier executive search and consulting firm. During our first several years, we were laser-focused on building the right processes and systems to deliver a best-in-class client experience. Over the past three years, that focus has paid off, and CSA has become the market leader in executive search for Division I athletics departments. While we are incredibly proud of this progress, we are now excited about the next phase of growth. As we look to expand into new markets and scale our business, I wanted to learn from organizations that have successfully navigated growth at scale—why I chose to read The Science of Scaling.
Key Takeaways
One of the most impactful ideas in the book is that scaling is not just about doing more—it’s about doing things differently. What works at a small scale often breaks as an organization grows. Roberge emphasizes the importance of evolving your people, processes, and metrics at each stage of growth.
He also highlights the need for specialization. Early on, teams wear multiple hats, but as organizations scale, clarity in roles and responsibilities becomes critical. This resonated with me, particularly in athletics and higher education, where success often depends on aligning the right talent to the right function at the right time.
Another key takeaway is the importance of data-informed decision making. While relationships and instincts matter, sustainable growth requires disciplined tracking, measurement, and iteration. The best organizations strike a balance between art and science.
Why It Matters for Leaders
For leaders and business owners – especially those guiding an organization from a small business into its next phase – The Science of Scaling offers practical insight through real-world examples of leaders who have successfully grown their companies. Learning how others have navigated similar challenges helps leaders evaluate which strategies may translate to their own organizations.
Ultimately, the book reinforces that effective growth must be intentional, disciplined, and mission-aligned. When done well, scaling isn’t simply about getting bigger – it’s about increasing impact in a sustainable and meaningful way.