Podcasts about fractional coo

Episode Overview In this episode, John sits down with Kristyn Drennen, founder of Transform CXO, to dive deep into leadership, scaling, and the power of fractional executives. They explore how business owners can break through growth ceilings, leverage the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and free themselves from solopreneur chaos. From the difference between visionaries and integrators, to how fractional COOs help real estate teams scale without overextending, this is a masterclass in leadership clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth. Kristyn shares her unique perspective from working across multiple industries, showing why the right frameworks and talent can transform both businesses and lives. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Power of Operating Systems Why Scaling Up often overwhelms smaller businesses How EOS provides clarity and simplicity for real estate teams Why consistency, not complexity, drives growth Fractional Executives Explained What fractional COOs and integrators actually do Why “fractional horsepower” beats hiring too early How to know if fractional talent is the right next step Visionary vs. Integrator Roles The difference between creating ideas, executing, and managing Why many team leaders get stuck wearing too many hats How to free yourself into the visionary role without losing momentum Leadership & Team Development Why most growth challenges come down to people or process How to use Working Genius to identify strengths and frustrations Why leadership development gets pushed aside—and why it shouldn't Scaling with Intention Why loyalty can cap your team's growth The importance of building an accountability chart How to hire people who've already been where you want to go Resources & Mentions Traction by Gino Wickman – The foundation of EOS Scaling Up by Verne Harnish – Framework for larger businesses The Motive & The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni – Must-reads for leaders The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Productivity assessment for leaders and teams Transform CXO → transformcxo.com Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway Leadership clarity is the ultimate growth accelerator. By understanding your true role, bringing in the right fractional support, and implementing proven systems, you can scale your business without sacrificing your freedom. “Fractional means fraction of the time, fraction of the cost—but full horsepower.” – Kristyn Drennen Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

Commitment is truly your driving force. The extent of your commitment shapes the forward-thinking perspective that prepares you for effective change management.    Achieving product-market fit is crucial, even for established businesses, as customer needs and perceptions continuously evolve. By asking curious, probing questions, you can stay attuned to hidden opportunities or quick wins within your operations. Are you challenging your thoughts regularly?   In this episode of the BOLD Business Podcast, you will discover how documenting processes can simplify complexity, tackle the significant challenges faced by CEOs, and reveal the depth of insights that data can provide for decision-making.   Jess Dewell engages in conversation with La Tonya Roberts, Fractional COO at Harmony Consulting Group, discussing the importance of believing in yourself and remaining steadfast in your commitment—especially when it seems that no one else shares your vision. Together, they explore why it takes BOLDness to stay true to your vision amidst change.   --------------------   If you want to identify business bottlenecks, the necessary skills, the initial actions to take, the expected milestones, and the priorities for achieving growth, try the "Growth Framework Reset" approach. This will help you to keep learning and growing while working strategically on your business. -------------------- You can get in touch with Jess Dewell on Twitter,  LinkedIn or Red Direction website.

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Sarah Harris, Fractional Chief Operating Officer at OMG Commerce.In this episode, you'll be taken behind the scenes of a dynamic leadership role that's often misunderstood but critical to a company's growth and health. Through candid stories and practical insights, the conversation explores the unique balance required to lead both strategically and operationally, juggling long-term vision with short-term problem-solving. You'll hear how strong delegation, prioritization, and clarity of communication help keep leaders out of the weeds and focused on what matters most.Sarah dives into the hidden challenges companies face as they scale, especially around team structure, decision-making, and culture. You'll learn why emotional intelligence, feedback systems, and psychological safety are not just soft skills but essential operational levers. The episode highlights how creating space for team autonomy, fostering accountability, and removing decision bottlenecks can unlock innovation and engagement at all levels of the business.From moments of breakthrough growth in team members to practical rituals for prioritization, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that challenge traditional notions of leadership and invite a new way of thinking about operational excellence.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Sarah's unique background, starting in commercial roles and eventually becoming a managing director, while also being a qualified therapist and coach.The differences between working with a CEO and a founder CEO, as well as the emotional and personal stakes for the founder.The use of post-mortems and team retrospectives to uncover underlying issues and gather data for making informed decisions.The importance of building a culture of feedback and creating an environment where people feel safe giving feedback in all directions.How Sarah's background in therapy and coaching helps her approach problems with empathy and curiosity.And much more...Guest Bio:Sarah Harris is a Fractional COO at OMG Commerce with a unique blend of operational expertise, coaching depth, and psychological insight. With a background as an ICF-certified coach and MBACP-registered counsellor, she supports growth-stage companies by aligning strategy, leadership, and mindset to scale sustainably. Sarah has spent her career leading business transformation—building leadership teams, optimizing operations, and guiding founders through the complexities of growth. Her integrated approach balances execution with people-centered change, helping leaders shift how they think, lead, and show up. From organizational transformation to mergers and acquisitions, Sarah partners with businesses to create resilient, high-performing teams and structures. She knows scaling isn't just about growing, it's about building something that works and lasts.Resources:Connect with Sarah: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website |

Soothe growing pains with a fractional COO New Livestream guest- Ashish Gupta I'm happy to have Ashish join me on a live broadcast. He's got operational experience in making things go smoothly across a great array of business sizes and types. Tune in and as we'll be discussing how a growing business can take advantage of a fractional Chief Operating Officer while controlling costs vs. having a full time expert on staff. This is a ‘must see event' for anyone growing quickly in their business or who knows they suffer from bottlenecks and clients who regularly ‘slip through the cracks' of how you would like them to be served. Be sure to join live so that you can ask questions, replay will be available. Set yourself a reminder on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/I9HhK21cdr0 We'll be going live September 08, 2025 1 PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time See you there! David C Barnett **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Fractional, Defined: How to Lead (Not Freelance) with Karina MikhliWhat does “fractional” really mean—and is it the right next step after corporate?In this episode, I sit down with Karina Mikhli, founder of Fractionals United, Fractional COO, and COO for the Fractional Leadership Alliance. She breaks down what fractional leadership is (and isn't), how to price and structure your work, and why networking—not job boards—drives real opportunities.We cover: • The difference between fractional vs. consulting vs. interim • Karina's 3-2-1 ops model for structuring engagements • How to avoid the hourly trap and sell on outcomes • Red flags, best practices, and when agencies might make sense • Why SMBs are the sweet spot (and when it's too early/too big for fractional)

Why You Need To Hire Before You're Ready: A CEO's Guide to Strategic Growth Don't wait until you're drowning to hire! In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is going into the CEO mindset around building a powerful team before you need it. Whether you're a solopreneur juggling it all or a growing apparel brand ready to scale, this conversation will change how you think about hiring. Rachel shares candid stories from her own entrepreneurial journey, what she learned about burnout, bottlenecks, and building a dream team. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how top-tier brands in apparel attract elite talent, why racing to the bottom on wages is a losing strategy, and how to create roles that others are excited to step into. If you've ever asked yourself “Can I really afford to hire?” this episode will show you why the better question is, “Can I afford not to?” In this episode, you'll hear: - Why CEOs must hire before they feel ready - The hidden cost of hiring cheap - How top companies recruit elite talent - Structuring your interview process ethically and efficiently - Best practices for onboarding new hires   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!   We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.   

How to Run A Powerful Company Meeting That Aligns Your Team and Grows Your Business Think your team knows where the business is headed? Think again, unless you're holding company-wide meetings like this. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel walks us through exactly how she structures biannual “all hands” gatherings at Unmarked Street. From clarifying the mission and values to reviewing financials, team roles, and growth goals, this is the system that keeps everyone rowing in the same direction. You'll hear how transparency builds trust, why she's implemented people-first policies like core hours, and what she's doing to grow both community and client base in the second half of 2025. Whether you're just starting to grow your team or already leading a growing fashion business, this "CEO minute" offers a full roadmap for how to lead with clarity, purpose, and results. In this episode, you'll hear: - How to structure effective mid-year or annual company meetings - Communicating transparently with contractors and employees - Creating a culture of reliability and ownership - Strategic marketing pivots: what's working, what's not - The power of people-first leadership in the apparel industry   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!   We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.   

In this episode of Peter Lohmann's Podcast, I'm joined by Ginny Wood, former COO at LeadSimple and an experienced fractional COO who has guided multiple high-growth businesses through transformation and scaling.Ginny shares her career journey from early days as a programmer to becoming a trusted operational leader in PropTech and beyond. We explore how she approaches stepping into companies mid-stream, the importance of building a culture of speed, and what leaders should know about property manager blind spots. Ginny also opens up about taking a mid-career sabbatical, turning off the inner critic, and how EOS continues to shape business leadership today.If you're a property management entrepreneur, real estate operator, or business owner looking to find the right #2 or explore fractional COO options, this conversation delivers practical insights and inspiration.00:00 – Intro02:17 – Ginny's background and career11:39 – Where to start as a fractional COO16:36 – Sponsor: Julian Calvo (watch this)18:05 – Inspiring a culture of speed26:54 – Taking a mid-career sabbatical32:43 – Knowing when it's time to move on36:51 – Sponsor: Crane38:15 – Property manager blind spots44:01 – Feedback and hard conversations52:33 – Turning off your inner critic57:33 – EOS1:00:58 – How to find a great #21:05:11 – Fractional COO options for property management companiesContact Ginny:Ginny on LinkedInHoffman InstituteThe Rise of the COO – Harvard Business ReviewContact Peter:Crane – Private PM Owner CommunityFree PM Newsletter RL Property Management

How to Create A Capsule Wardrobe Strategy: Save Time, Make Money & End Closet Stress In this week's episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel is hitting pause on the heavy stuff and diving into something fun, practical, and surprisingly profitable: the capsule wardrobe. Rachel shares how a well-curated closet can help you eliminate decision fatigue, stop overspending, and even earn money through smart resale and donation strategies. Learn why what size on your clothing label doesn't matter, and how building a functional, stylish wardrobe can free up mental space for more important business decisions. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, fashion professional, or just someone tired of closet chaos, this episode will help you take control of your wardrobe AND your time. In this episode, you'll hear: - What is a capsule wardrobe? - How to save and earn money with your closet - Decision fatigue is REAL for business owners - Donation tracking for tax purposes - Resale tools like ThredUp - How to organize a rotating outfit system   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!   We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.   

Alexandra McGauley is a visionary leader and one of the youngest female L8 executives in Amazon's history, achieving the rank at just 27. As an Auburn University Supply Chain Management graduate, she spent eight years at Amazon leading thousands of employees across operations, learning, finance, safety, HR, IT, loss prevention, maintenance, and engineering. In 2020, she built Amazon's pandemic training support team from the ground up, supporting the onboarding of over 150,000 essential workers. Prior to leaving Amazon, she directly led a total org size of about 100+ salaried leaders, 2800 hourly employees, and a network initiative to improve on-time customer deliveries by ~40% YoY across 33 sites.After Amazon, she led at startup unicorn, Scale AI where she designed and scaled a data labeling workforce that generated millions in ARR in less than 4 months. Alexandra then took a leap to confront systemic gaps in dataset diversity and quality by founding Erud AI. Erud AI is fully bootstrapped and profitable in under a year of operations. Erud AI is startup based in Austin, Texas, and specializes in niche fields, expert fields, and multimodal data creation for AI applications. As a business process outsourcing partner, Erud AI handles the heavy operational lift of sourcing, employing, and training AI data teams. Clients appreciate Erud AI's focus on customer service and quality. Separately, Alexandra takes on a limited number of clients as a Fractional COO to boost organization efficiency, productivity, and profitability.Alexandra is passionate about fostering diverse talent and embedding ethical frameworks into AI development across industries and applications. Listeners will value her expertise in scaling high-performing teams, operational excellence, grit and tenacity, and responsible AI data practices. Key Moments [06:06] Ethical Data Sourcing Mission [09:35] Leaving Amazon to Build My Vision [10:54] Managing Payroll for Contractors [15:31] Value of Business Cards Find Alexandra Onlinehttps://erud.ai/newsletterhttps://linkedin.com/in/amcgauleyhttps://alexandramcgauley.com If you're enjoying Entrepreneur's Enigma, please give me a review on the podcast directory of your choice. The show is on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser TrueFans: https://gmwd.us/truefans Also, if you're getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee or support me on TrueFans.fm → https://gmwd.us/truefans. Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://indieweb.social/@phillycodehound Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Leave The Show A Voicemail: https://voiceline.app/ee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Melissa challenges business owners to take an honest look at how they show up in their businesses. Are you bringing CEO energy—strategic, intentional, and future-focused—or are you operating with employee energy—reactive, task-oriented, and stuck in the weeds?Melissa draws on her experience as a former co-CEO, Fractional COO, and current business owner to break down the key differences between leading and doing. You'll learn why staying in the trenches stunts growth, how to audit your time for strategic alignment, and what it really takes to empower your team while stepping into your rightful role as visionary leader.Key Takeaways:The hidden costs of defaulting to employee energy—even when you're the founder.Why “firefighting” feels productive but is killing your long-term growth.The calendar audit every CEO needs to do (six weeks, not one!).How addiction to urgency is sabotaging your leadership capacity.A gut-check framework to determine whether your tasks drive the future of the business.What white space really is—and why you must protect it.If you're feeling stuck in doing mode and wondering how to reclaim your time, power, and growth potential, this episode is your playbook. 

If you have ever felt like you're the glue holding your business together or that stepping away for even a day would send everything into chaos, this conversation is a must listen! Jennifer and Robin are joined by seasoned business strategist, Melissa Franks, to unpack one of the most important and often overlooked pieces of sustainable growth: operational strategy. Melissa has even served as their own Fractional COO, guiding them through tough decisions and intentional enhancements within Tique. In this episode, she shares how to spot the red flags that your business is stuck in survival mode, the difference between running your business and being run by it, and how to build a business that scales without sacrificing your sanity. Plus, you'll walk away with tools you can implement today to set yourself up for long term growth! About Melissa Franks: Melissa is a seasoned business strategist, Fractional COO, podcast host and speaker, and transformation leader with a track record of scaling businesses and driving operational excellence with a people-first approach that mobilizes teams for unprecedented results. A former Fortune 500 executive and OnCon Icon “Top 100 COO” Winner (2022-2024), she has led billion-dollar IT transformations, M&A initiatives, and revenue growth strategies, blending corporate expertise with small business agility. As the founder of On Call COO, she empowers female entrepreneurs by optimizing operations and increasing profitability with her knack for helping business owners break through growth plateaus, implement scalable strategies, and build profitable, sustainable companies. Passionate about women in leadership and business innovation, Melissa is also an advocate for high-performing women, helping them design lives they love while achieving balance and success. She is a strong voice for domestic violence awareness and family court reform. When not strategizing, she enjoys running, traveling, and cheering on her three sons at their sporting events. melissafranks.com instagram.com/melissa_franks Download the SOP Template & Checklist: https://www.tiquehq.com/sop?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+139&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=SOP+Template+%26+Checklist Today we will cover: (02:10) Melissa's background; from corporate to Fractional COO (04:30) Why operational strategy is the secret to sustainable growth (13:35) The mindset shift from scrappy to strategic (20:40) The four pillars every business needs to define (28:20) How to find out where your time and energy is really going (33:50) Separating your personal identity from your business (39:30) People, process, and tech; the trifecta of operational success (47:50) Building a business that works for you Also mentioned in the episode: ClickUp Business Hub Template Agency Expansion Academy JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Check out Moxie & Fourth: Email marketing for travel advisors Stay cool this summer with Cozy Earth! Cozy Days Discount: Get 40% off with code COZYTIQUE from August 05-12

What up, Beasts. Welcome back to the show! Today's guest, Emily Hawkins, brought the absolute fire. She's a fractional COO for small businesses across the U.S.. She's basically the go-to person when your business feels like a colander leaking pasta (her metaphor, not mine, and I'm obsessed). Emily doesn't just fix operations, she fixes people. She helps business owners stop bleeding money, reclaim their time, and ultimately, take better care of themselves. What struck me most is how she sees health not as a side effect of success, but as a core part of it. She's watched corporate execs literally drop dead from burnout, and she's on a mission to rewrite that script, one smart system and one gym session at a time.Emily and I went deep into the ripple effect of a regulated, supported business owner, how reclaiming time and letting go of assumptions can improve not just profit margins but sleep, relationships, parenting, even blood pressure. I mean, this woman had hypertension under a toxic boss and dead-person vitals once she left. That's not just business consulting. That's liberation. Our convo reinforced what I teach in health coaching every day: everything is connected. Your chaos isn't just in your calendar or your body. It's in your systems, your beliefs, your nervous system, and your leadership style. And the good news? If you're the problem, you're also the solution.Bio: Emily Hawkins is the creator of LeaderSHIFT and a Fractional COO who helps small business owners simplify operations, boost profits, and build businesses they love. With 15 years of corporate experience and a background in supply chain, coaching, and an MBA, she brings practical, proven strategies to entrepreneurs, making business growth less overwhelming and more achievable.Music by Prymary: Sean Entrikin (my hot husband) on guitar, Chris Quirarte on drums, Smiley Sean on keyboards, Rob Young on bass, and Jaxon Duane on vocals.Connect with Emily!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emilyhawkins4u/Website:  https://www.emilyhawkins4u.comPerformance Quiz: https://learn.emilyhawkins4u.com/performance/Unique Business Owner Type Quiz: https://learn.emilyhawkins4u.com/type/Where can you find me?Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beautifulbeastwithinstudiosWhat if health wasn't about rules or restriction?What if it felt more like trust, ease, and actually liking the person in the mirror?I help people rebuild their relationship with food, movement, and themselves, so health becomes something you live, not something you chase.Ready for a different kind of conversation? Let's talk. No pressure.https://beautifulbeastwithinstudios.com/exploration-chat-schedulingAffiliate LinksBreakthrough Coaching Certification: If you feel called to help others heal or grow, Sean Smith's Breakthrough Coaching Certification is where that calling becomes real. It was the first step in my coaching journey and changed everything. His teaching goes deep, focusing on real emotional freedom, not surface strategies. Whether you want to coach or simply show up more fully for others, this program is a game-changer. If your heart's nudging you, take this as your sign. https://coachseansmith.ontraport.net/t?orid=27037&opid=43Opus Clip: I use Opus Clip mostly for captions, and it's a game-changer for turning long videos into usable clips. If you use my link, it supports the show, and I appreciate you big time! https://www.opus.pro/?via=1118d2Mary Kay: Listen… I've been using Mary Kay since I was 17. I'm 40 now and people still ask me what college I go to. Not really, but you get the idea. Grab your faves here: https://www.marykay.com/kaitienoelleUnveil the Beautiful Beast Within YOU!Zoom Background:By Behr

The Business Strategy Every Female Entrepreneur Needs As women continue to break barriers in business, many still face challenges that can derail their success. Melissa Franks, Fractional COO, business strategist, and founder of On Call COO, has dedicated her career to helping female entrepreneurs get unstuck, scale their businesses, and create a life they love. Melissa left a 25-year corporate career at the top of her game, only to see many of her accomplished peers start businesses and fail within 9-18 months. The reason? A mix of bad advice, trusting the wrong partners, and lacking the right business strategy to scale and sustain success. Key Business Strategy Lessons from Melissa Franks:

Sara Celotto is a strategic operator and Fractional COO who helps creators, founders, and small businesses turn vision into structure and structure into results. With an extensive background in operations, law, business strategy, and systems building, she's known for creating the foundation that makes sustainable growth possible.Sara spent over a decade working in the legal industry, where she led legal operations and supported business, estate, real estate, and probate matters in high-growth law firms. Today, she advises creators, agencies, and founder-led companies on operations, marketing, hiring, monetization, and long-term planning. Beyond her client work, Sara curates a monthly Substack featuring in-person NYC events for creators and those building around them. She also speaks regularly on the often overlooked side of entrepreneurship, from systems and tax readiness to succession and legacy planning.Raised by a single mom who owned and ran a business while battling cancer, Sara brings heart, clarity, and grit to everything she does. She's a proud twin mom, a trusted partner to visionary leaders, and a firm believer that freedom starts with a strong foundation.Website: The Vision Catalyst

Points of Interest0:00 – 1:20 – Guest Introduction: Marcel introduces Kristen Kelly and sets the stage for a deep dive into the roles of fractional COOs versus building operational intelligence within growing agencies.1:21 – 2:25 – The $1M Growth Threshold: Kristen explains how agencies crossing the $1M mark often face operational strain and confusion about whether to hire help or improve their systems.2:26 – 5:05 – Defining a Fractional COO: Marcel outlines what a fractional COO typically does—bridging strategy and execution—and highlights the lack of standardization across ops roles in agencies.5:06 – 7:59 – Scope Differences by Agency Size: The team discusses how the expectations and responsibilities of a COO differ dramatically between a 20-person and 200-person agency.8:00 – 10:16 – Operational Intelligence vs. Role Ownership: Marcel explains why data and modeling are essential for prioritizing and sequencing initiatives—work that can't fall solely on a fractional COO.10:17 – 13:03 – Metrics Frameworks as a Foundation: The conversation shifts to the importance of shared definitions for key metrics (like utilization and gross margin) to avoid costly misalignment.13:04 – 16:51 – The Risks of Poor Data: They explore the consequences of relying on messy or inconsistent project and financial data—including delayed decisions, accuracy issues, and limited insight.16:52 – 20:21 – When to Hire vs. When to Model: Marcel outlines when it makes sense to bring in a fractional COO versus starting with operational intelligence, depending on strategic versus tactical needs.20:22 – 22:25 – How Parakeeto Supports Agencies: The hosts explain how Parakeeto provides not just reporting tools but also the advisory layer to help agencies convert intelligence into action.22:26 – 24:42 – Bringing Operational Alignment: Kristen emphasizes how Parakeeto helps unify internal teams around a shared understanding of the business model and key profitability levers.24:43 – 27:32 – The Scope of Operational Intelligence: Marcel breaks down the full picture of operational intelligence, from framework creation to data integration, reporting, and cadence-building.27:33 – 34:15 – Final Advice & Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Marcel and Kristen caution against relying on underqualified ops hires to build complex systems, advocating instead for investing in clarity and frameworks first.Show NotesConnect with Kristen via LinkedInFree Agency ToolkitParakeeto Foundations CourseFree access to our Model PlatformLove this PodcastLeave us a review here.

Thinking about hosting a retreat, workshop, or live event but don't know where to start? In this episode, Cat Roten shares what really goes into planning events that feel aligned, run smoothly, and actually sell. From contracts to confidence, we're covering the things most people don't tell you.   CONNECT WITH ATI  

Angela Lapovsky, a seasoned business strategy and operations consultant and Fractional COO with over 15 years of experience driving transformational change and sustainable growth. As Founder of ARL Elevate, Angela helps organizations and teams across a variety of industries translate the vision for their business into reality by helping them solve complex business problems and creating a business strategy to target those challenges. Angela specializes in enhancing operational effectiveness, leading change initiatives, and empowering leadership teams through Fractional COO support, project-based services, and as a strategic advisor. Drawing on her deep expertise across Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses, Angela brings a collaborative and results-driven approach to navigating organizational shifts

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Andrew Hartman about how leaders can help their team members better manage their time. Andrew Hartman is the Founder of Time Boss, an organization that helps leaders and their teams reinvent their relationships with time to get more done with less stress and anxiety. Andrew founded Time Boss after burning out several times, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help business leaders and their teams and avoid the same mistakes and chaos and find their highest sustainable pace. Andrew is a Fractional COO with 18+ years of experience supporting the launch of software and technology startups.  Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

In this episode, Melissa dives deep into one of the most common (and crucial) questions she gets asked:How do I know when it's time to hire a fractional COO?From being the bottleneck in your business to feeling scared to scale, Melissa shares the top 8 signs that signal it's time to bring in experienced operational leadership — and what to look for when vetting a fractional executive. You'll learn:What a fractional COO actually does (and doesn't do)Why seasoned operations support is different from hiring a VA or DOOHow business size, structure, and growth stage factor into COO readinessThe difference between strategy-only support and strategy + executionHow to evaluate if someone is truly a “real-deal” operations executiveWhy past experience and credentials matter more than titles Plus, Melissa shares personal insight into how On Call COO matches experienced operators with the right businesses—and the red flags to avoid when searching for one. Whether you've tried hiring operations support before or you're just starting to explore the idea, this episode will help you determine the right time, the right role, and the right fit to help your business thrive. 

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Melissa Franks, founder of On Call COO, a fractional COO company. Melissa talks about her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur and how aligning business goals with personal vision is key to sustainable success. She suggests that when looking to make a career pivot, you should ask yourself: 1) What does my life need to look like right now? 2) What does the next year need to look like? 3) What will my life look like once my goals are achieved.  Melissa doesn't believe in waiting for the right opportunity. She believes in creating it, and part of that comes from knowing how influence really works. If there's a decision you're trying to move forward at work, find out who's influencing the decision-maker. That's where your relationship-building should start. As a Fractional COO, Melissa provides part-time operational leadership and expertise. In 2022, she left corporate life with a mission to support small businesses with pragmatic approaches to unique problems and a healthy dose of optimism that all businesses can be successful with the right people, doing the right things at the right time.   Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment—we'd love to hear your thoughts!     MORE ABOUT MELISSA FRANKS: LinkedIn: Melissa Franks Website: Melissa Franks ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

Melissa Franks is the founder of a Fractional COO agency and business coach. Melissa shares her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, overcoming toxic relationships and personal upheaval. She discusses how aligning business goals with personal vision is key to sustainable success, and offers practical strategies for business growth without burnout. The conversation highlights resilience, the importance of intuition, and balancing work with well-being, providing inspiration and actionable advice for women navigating entrepreneurship and life transitions. https://www.melissafranks.com https://www.her-drive.com

Send us a textRon Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.Main Topics:Journey from Naval Flight Officer to Executive CoachDeveloping People Skills in Technical ProfessionsSystems Thinking in LeadershipOvercoming Communication and Leadership ChallengesStrategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership RolesAbout the guest: Ron Higgs is an experienced executive coach and operational strategist with a strong background in both military and corporate leadership. A U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, developing key leadership skills in adaptability and mission execution. With over 20 years in engineering and operations roles at companies like Boeing and L3 Technologies, Ron has successfully led initiatives that enhanced performance and increased company valuations.He now leads Wolf Management Solutions and serves as a Scale Architect using the Predictable Success model, helping technical leaders grow into visionary executives. Ron also acts as a Fractional COO and board member, emphasizing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and sustainable team development. His human-centered approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that great leaders are made and that engineers have the potential to become exceptional leaders.Links:Ron Higgs LinkedInWolf Management Solutions Website 

Theresa Lambert is a Business Consultant, Fractional COO, and Mentor who helps visionary entrepreneurs and service-based business owners simplify their operations, scale sustainably, and get paid like real CEOs. With a legacy rooted in luxury hospitality, Theresa scaled a boutique hotel to eight figures at North America's #1 ski resort, blending precision, performance, and intentional leadership. Now, she brings that same strategic depth to both early-stage founders who need clarity and structure—and established CEOs ready to streamline, grow, and step back from the daily grind.In 2020, she became an Amazon Bestselling Author with Achieve with Grace: A Guide to Elegance and Effectiveness in Intense Workplaces. She's also the host of the Diaries of a Six-Figure Coach podcast and a sought-after speaker, known for her grounded yet visionary voice. Theresa's work has been featured in Hotelier Magazine, Profiles of Excellence, Thrive Global, Fresh Magazine, Authority Magazine, and Brainz Magazine. Now based in Tulum, Mexico, she works with both rising coaches and multi-six to seven-figure CEOs across the globe—helping them build high-value businesses that create time freedom, sustainable growth, and serious profit.In this episode, we discover the following: 1. How to make 10k as an online coach. 2. Why it's important to still welcome one client on your group coaching program. 3. How to scale your business and stay true to your essence. 4. What is strategic clarity?With podcast host Mark SephtonHope you'll enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Hamilton shares her journey into Jiu Jitsu, inspired by her son, despite initially knowing nothing about martial arts. She reflects on the challenges and personal growth she's experienced through seven and a half years of practice, emphasizing that perseverance and doing hard things on the mat translate to greater resilience and determination in her work as a Fractional COO. Jen highlights the value of being a beginner, the importance of community support, and how embracing failure has made her a stronger leader. She also talks about how her “And” makes her a more empathetic and well-rounded person. Jen encourages listeners to follow their interests, even if they have nothing to do with their job, as those passions help shape a richer, more empowered sense of self. Ultimately, she believes that continually challenging oneself in new ways is key to growth both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Jen started jiu jitsu not because she was naturally athletic, but because she wanted to support her son and later challenged herself. She found it difficult but rewarding, showing the value of pushing through discomfort and not giving up. · Her dedication to jiu jitsu, despite not being naturally gifted at it, reinforced her ability to tackle hard things at work. It gave her the confidence to handle professional challenges, knowing she's capable of perseverance outside her comfort zone. · Jen emphasizes how practicing jiu jitsu with a supportive group has been crucial, highlighting the value of learning from and being encouraged by others, both on and off the mat. · She openly discusses her struggles and the slower pace of her progress, noting that consistently showing up and persisting, even when success is hard-won, is more important than immediate wins. · Jen points out that fully embracing who you are—including your non-work passions—makes you a stronger, more empathetic leader. It deepens your humanity, ability to relate to others, and brings out strengths like determination and consistency.

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle dive deep with Leslie Liondas to tackle a major challenge in her coaching business — the attract bottleneck. If you've ever struggled to bring in the right leads, this one's for you! Here's what we cover: ✅ How to generate consistent, high-quality leads ✅ Refining your messaging so it actually converts ✅ The power of effective opt-ins (and why your freebie might not be working) We also get into the nitty-gritty of webinars — how to make them engaging, convert more attendees, and even use AI to streamline your content creation. Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down:

3 big ideas discussed in this episode: BIG IDEA #1: The fractional leadership model provides small businesses access to executive-level expertise at a fraction of the cost. BIG IDEA #2: Leverage AI to streamline operations, compliment your human team members, and give you back more time to build your business. BIG IDEA #3: How I use my signature Operations GOLDMINE framework to help CEOs build simplified, sustainable, and scalable business. Get the show notes for this episode here: https://AskJeremyJones.com/podcast

Innovation comes in many forms, and compliance professionals need to be ready for it and embrace it. Join Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, as he visits with top innovative minds, thinkers, and creators in the award-winning Innovation in Compliance podcast. In this episode, host Tom Fox visits with La Tonya Roberts to discuss the concept of the fractional COO and how it can benefit organizations of all sizes. Roberts shares her professional journey, including transitioning from working for a major consulting firm to becoming an entrepreneur and fractional COO. She emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, relationship building, and effective change management in achieving business success. She also highlights how fractional COOs can provide valuable expertise to visionary founders and smaller companies, ensuring operations run smoothly and effectively. They explore the critical role of a fractional COO in supporting business growth, optimizing processes, and leveraging AI to enhance efficiency. Roberts introduces her Operations Gold Mine Framework, an eight-part process that helps businesses develop sustainable and scalable operations. Listeners will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the fractional COO model and practical tips for fostering resilience and creativity in the entrepreneurial space. Key highlights: • Roberts's Professional Journey• The Fractional COO Model• Leveraging AI in Business• CEO and COO Relationship Dynamics• Operations Gold Mine Framework Resources La Tonya Roberts on LinkedIn Harmony Consulting Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Innovation in Compliance was recently honored as the number 4 podcast in Risk Management by 1,000,000 Podcasts.

In this diagnostic episode, Brandon Gano, Fractional COO of Whadif, shares how he helps his clients cut through the noise to discover the only 3 things they need to work on to create the success they want. If you feel frustrated by your people or overwhelmed by your problems, you won't want to miss this episode!You will discover:- Why almost every founder is trying to solve the wrong problem- Why the secret to your growth isn't found in more leads, more revenue, or perfect people (and how to find it)- How simple it is to balance process and people for maximum successThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 3,4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizBrandon Gano is a visionary entrepreneur who turned frustration into a successful business he built, franchised and sold for a significant profit. He is passionate about helping business owners transform their companies from where they are now to where they want to be. Now, with his business partner and friend Sean Delaney, he's pioneering an unprecedented approach to educate and empower small business owners to achieve business growth like never before.Want to learn more about Brandon Gano's work at Whadif? Check out his website at https://whadif.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you're a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you're doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

Matt Haney, a fractional COO with Sinclair Ventures, shares how his passions for golf, travel, and fishing have shaped both his personal and professional life. As a lifelong golfer, Matt describes the sport as more than competition, focusing on the value of relationships and time spent in nature. He highlights the transformative power of golf trips with friends, like his curated adventures to Bandon Dunes, and the deep connections formed through shared experiences. Matt talks about inheriting the “travel bug” from his wife's family, crediting his grandfather-in-law's adventurous spirit and prioritization of experiences over things. Fly fishing, especially in mountain streams, is another source of joy, reminding him of the importance of being present and connecting with nature. Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes that having outside interests is mission-critical for humanizing the workplace and fostering lasting connections with colleagues. Episode Highlights · Matt emphasizes that hobbies like golf, fishing, and travel are essential for personal well-being and professional effectiveness. They make you a better person and leader. · Golf isn't just a game for Matt, but an opportunity to connect with others, enjoy nature, and continually challenge himself. The relationships and mental shifts he's gained through golf have been life-changing. · Inspired by his wife's family, Matt believes experiencing new places and cultures expands your world and creates stories and bonds you carry throughout life. · Using practices like EOS Meeting Segues, Matt brings people together at work by encouraging them to share personal 'wins' and outside interests, which boosts morale, builds trust, and deepens collaboration. · Matt prioritizes his "Ands" and encourages the same for his teams, stressing that a culture of overwork isn't healthy—real success is supporting each other's full lives, goals, and well-being, both in and out of the office.

What if the next leadership level isn't about doing more, but becoming more of who you already are? When the title fades and the checklist clears, how you show up remains. La Tonya Roberts—a seasoned Fractional COO and human capital strategist—unpacks the mindset shifts leaders must embrace to build trust, retain talent, and scale without burning out.From her leap into entrepreneurship to the real reasons transformations fail, La Tonya shares hard-earned lessons on operational clarity, team dynamics, and why leadership without ego isn't optional. Whether you're managing change, navigating quiet quitting, or rethinking what success looks like, you'll walk away with insights that challenge how you lead and why it matters.Meet Latonya: COO, Strategist, Change-MakerFrom Booz Allen to founding Harmony Consulting GroupWhy transformation work must begin with peopleThe power of being a fractional leaderHuman capital isn't just HR—it's strategyWhy Most Transformations FailLack of clarity kills momentumCommunication—even with no update—is still criticalProcess documentation is often missingDebriefs aren't optional; they're evolution checkpointsThe Fear-Freedom TradeoffLatonya's transition from corporate to entrepreneurship“When your money is funny, so are your decisions”Why calculated risks unlock creativityDon't wait for rock bottom to make a changeAuthenticity Over TitlesWhy Michelle Obama inspires LatonyaLeaders must stop hiding behind titlesAuthenticity leads to new levels of impact“If you don't show up as yourself, people don't get the best of you”Quiet Quitting & Team AwarenessLeaders need to see their peopleQuiet quitting is often a sign of deeper misalignmentRole fit isn't always about capability—it's about contextReassignment may beat resignation The Future of Work & LeadershipEmployees today expect agency, not hierarchySystems, KPIs, and communication aren't optional anymoreEmbracing AI as a team member, not a threatThe leader of the future leads with inclusivity, not egoKey Quotes:Authenticity unlocks the next level—for you and the people around you.” - La Tonya Roberts“Leaders today aren't just bosses—they're builders of safe spaces.” - La Tonya RobertsBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with La Tonya:Website: www.harmonyconsultinggroup.org.LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/La-Tonya-roberts Connect with Denis:Email: denis@leadingchangepartners.comWebsite:

In this engaging episode, host Irvin sits down with his good friend Tomas Keenan to dive deep into the world of business, personal growth, and success. Tomas shares candid insights on his journey from facing business failures to becoming a highly sought-after business coach.   They cover the importance of systems, processes, and recurring revenue models, along with personal anecdotes about family and work-life balance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to optimize your current business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable strategies to elevate your game. Don't miss it! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:28 Catching Up and Weather Talk 00:50 Event Planning and Experiences 01:40 Working as a Fractional COO   03:44 Personal Growth and Lifestyle Changes   08:12 Business Beginnings and Lessons Learned   22:02 The Importance of Systems and Processes   32:44 Calculating Your Worth Per Hour   33:34 The G3 Method: Get It Done, Documented, and Delegated   34:37 Training and Delegation Strategies   37:29 Empowering Employees Through Resourcefulness   42:38 Personal and Professional Life Adjustments   52:59 Balancing Work, Health, and Family   58:55 Mastering Time Management     Follow Tomas: Tomas Website   Connect with us: Website

In this episode, we sit down with Carmen Orr, a seasoned operations leader and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience, to explore the evolution of leadership, the power of values-driven leadership, and the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics. As Senior Vice President at Think2Perform, Carmen specializes in Fractional COO services and leadership development, helping organizations align with their core values to achieve sustainable growth.Carmen shares her journey from the financial services sector to leading small and mid-size businesses, offering valuable insights into aligning personal and organizational values. She discusses the importance of bringing your best self to work, leading through resistance, and maintaining composure during high-pressure moments. Reflecting on her leadership evolution, Carmen reveals the most significant lesson she's learned and how it's shaped her approach today.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, Carmen's wisdom will inspire you to build a culture of accountability, excellence, and purpose within your team. Tune in for a transformative conversation on leadership, fractional operations, and how to scale effectively in today's business world.

In this episode, we sit down with Carmen Orr, a seasoned operations leader and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience, to explore the evolution of leadership, the power of values-driven leadership, and the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics. As Senior Vice President at Think2Perform, Carmen specializes in Fractional COO services and leadership development, helping organizations align with their core values to achieve sustainable growth.Carmen shares her journey from the financial services sector to leading small and mid-size businesses, offering valuable insights into aligning personal and organizational values. She discusses the importance of bringing your best self to work, leading through resistance, and maintaining composure during high-pressure moments. Reflecting on her leadership evolution, Carmen reveals the most significant lesson she's learned and how it's shaped her approach today.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, Carmen's wisdom will inspire you to build a culture of accountability, excellence, and purpose within your team. Tune in for a transformative conversation on leadership, fractional operations, and how to scale effectively in today's business world.

In this powerhouse episode of The OBM Opportunity Podcast, Leah Steinkirch of Prowess Project chats with Dr. Susie Carder—a seasoned profit coach, fractional COO, and business strategist with over 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs build, scale, and sell multimillion-dollar businesses. Together, they dive deep into the game-changing role that OBMs play in the entrepreneurial journey. From streamlining chaos to scaling operations and boosting profit, OBMs aren't just helpful—they're essential. Dr. Susie shares why OBMs are her very first hire, even before assistants or sales teams, and unpacks what truly separates six-figure businesses from seven- and eight-figure empires. This episode is a guide to stepping fully into your OBM power and becoming a CEO's most valuable asset.

What are the fundamental differences between scaling and growing a business? Also, when is the right time to bring in a fractional COO or CFO? In this episode, Scott and his guest break down the key differences between scaling and growing, the financial blind spots that business owners often overlook, and how fractional leadership can be a game-changerToday's guest is Michael Straza, a fractional COO and CFO who brings hands-on experience in fixing inefficiencies, optimizing cash flow, and setting businesses up for success. Join Scott and Michael as they explore: (03:45) Scaling vs. Growing* Mike's background in business scaling.* Business owners often confuse hiring more people with scaling effectively.(19:45) Fractional COOs & CFOs* How a fractional executive can optimize operations without adding full-time costs.(30:45) Improving Cash Flow * Understanding business data and trends to make smarter decisions.(40:45) Navigating Organizational Change * Getting employee buy-in when implementing operational changes.* Why embracing outside expertise can accelerate business growth.Thanks to Michael Straza for being on Business, Bourbon & Cigars. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstraza/ Learn more about Straza Consulting: https://www.consultstraza.com/ Download Scott's Free “Limitless Growth” ebook mentioned in this episode: https://meplusultra.com/ebooks/limitless-growth-2/ BUSINESS, BOURBON & CIGARSBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes. * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3SN2fHn * Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49EwtTo * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MePlusUltraNetwork/ Business, Bourbon & Cigars is the preeminent resource for ambitious leaders who want a backstage pass to the top. Each episode, we sit down with ultra-successful executives and industry leaders who share their insider strategies for growth and success. And of course, we may even sip on some of the finest bourbon and light up our favorite cigars while we chat.Each week, we bring you in-depth interviews with high-level executives and industry leaders who have a proven track record and in-depth understanding of what it takes to grow a business. They'll share their no-nonsense approach, the challenges they faced on their journey to the top, and the strategies that helped them overcome obstacles and forge their own path to ultra-success.ME PLUS ULTRA Transform your business and redefine your world with Me Plus Ultra virtual masterminds and leadership retreats: https://MePlusUltra.com Me Plus Ultra is a place where visionary entrepreneurs come together, not just to network, but to forge lasting connections, inspire one another, and grow their businesses with confidence and purpose. With exclusive access to industry-leading knowledge, personalized growth strategies, and high-impact events, we empower you to transcend traditional business

Join Heneka Watkis-Porter, the #JamaicanPodcastQueen, in this power-packed episode of The Entrepreneurial You, where as she connects with a true expert in leadership and business growth Mike Straza, a seasoned Fractional COO and CFO with over two decades of experience in helping businesses streamline operations, optimize finances, and scale smartly. Scaling a business isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. Many entrepreneurs hit a growth ceiling, unsure of how to break through operational bottlenecks, financial roadblocks, and leadership challenges. That's where fractional leadership comes in—giving businesses access to high-level expertise without the full-time cost. If you're a business owner looking to scale efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage financial strategy for sustainable success, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss! COMMUNITY CONNECTION: In this segment, I invite our community to share your reviews, questions, feedback, ect to engage with us. This week I am sharing a podcast review: Great info from Dr Don MacDonald ★★★★★ “This podcast is full of great tips and pointers to help you live the life you have always wanted. I recommend you take a listen. Great job!” CONTACT BO BENNETT: Website: https://www.consultstraza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstraza  TRENDING NOW: Businesses worldwide are increasingly turning to fractional executives as a cost-effective way to access top-tier leadership. According to a 2023 survey by the Fractional Executive Network, nearly 65% of small to mid-sized companies have either hired or are considering hiring a fractional C-suite leader to optimize operations and financial performance. This shift is driven by the rising need for specialized expertise without the long-term commitment of a full-time executive. With the gig economy and remote work expanding, fractional leadership is becoming a strategic advantage for companies looking to scale smartly while maintaining financial flexibility. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit henekawatkisporter.com to download a free eBook on how to conduct podcast interviews like a pro! AFFIRM WITH ME: I am building a business that thrives on strategy, efficiency, and smart decision-making. Every challenge is an opportunity, and I am equipped to scale with confidence and success! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're diving deep into how dealership owners and managers can build a more structured, efficient, and profitable business with two powerhouse guests—Daniel Govaer, Fractional COO, and Matt Haiken, Principal and President of Prestige Collection Auto Group. Matt, who now runs six dealership locations, shares how his approach to leadership has shifted. He's moving away from making gut-based decisions to structured planning, daily forecasting, and full financial transparency. Daniel, a fractional COO, reveals key strategies he's uncovered while working inside dealerships—identifying profitability leaks, optimizing daily schedules, and improving internal efficiency. We cover: ✅ Where dealerships are losing profitability—and how to fix it ✅ The power of total financial transparency in hitting targets ✅ Why structured daily schedules for salespeople and managers drive better results ✅ How communication impacts sales—and how AI is reshaping messaging ✅ Can a dealership succeed using a Tesla-style transactional sales model? ✅ How top-performing dealers are leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for next-level customer interactions Matt and Daniel share real, actionable ways to rethink dealership operations so leaders can scale with less chaos, better accountability, and stronger results. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Tiffany Borne Jones is a Business Operations Strategist and Fractional COO who helps 6- and 7-figure business owners escape the overwhelm of day-to-day operations and scale their businesses with clarity and efficiency.With over 15 years of experience in corporate operations, process improvement, project management, and human resources—along with an MBA, PMP, and Six Sigma Black Belt—Tiffany specializes in turning chaotic back-end operations into streamlined, scalable systems. She and her team help business owners create a strategic roadmap, implement smart automation, and use data-driven decision-making to increase efficiency, revenue, and peace of mind. Through her Visionary Roadmapping Intensive, Tiffany helps entrepreneurs align their big-picture goals with actionable strategies so they can fully step into their CEO role, delegate with confidence, and build a business that supports their life—not the other way around.Social Media Links: www.instagram.com/tiffanybornejoneswww.linkedin.com/in/tiffanybornejonesWebsite: http://www.magnoliarootsconsulting.com

Send us a textIn this uplifting episode of "Soulful Self-Care Conversations," host Pearl Chiarenza chats with Emily Hawkins, a fractional COO and leadership strategist. Emily shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of simplifying business operations to rediscover joy. Pearl discusses her own experiences with people-pleasing and setting boundaries. Together, they explore the challenges small business owners face and offer practical advice on delegation, self-care, and maintaining a balanced life. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to streamline their operations and prioritize personal well-being to find true fulfillment in their work.Key Topics Covered:Importance of self-care in personal and professional lifeChallenges faced by small business ownersStrategies for simplifying business operationsThe impact of people-pleasing on personal joy and boundariesThe significance of delegation and empowering team membersRecognizing and overcoming internal saboteurs that hinder joyThe relationship between self-care and creativityThe necessity of setting clear expectations and onboarding processes for new hiresEmbracing change and knowing when to pivot in businessEncouragement for listeners to reflect on their own journeys and take actionable steps toward joy and fulfillmentMeet Emily Hawkins, creator of LeaderSHIFT, whose mission is helping small business owners stop drowning in complexity and start building profitable, sustainable businesses they love.Through her proven approach, small business owners learn to simplify their operations, maximize their profits, and rediscover the joy of running their business.After 15 years saving corporate giants millions, Emily now brings those same powerful strategies to small businesses, having guided hundreds of small business owners to keep more money in their pockets through surprisingly simple solutions.Her innovative approach, combining her MBA, supply chain expertise, and life coaching certification, was featured in Forbes in 2020.Emily's message is refreshingly simple: you don't need fancy degrees or technical expertise to transform your small business—just curiosity and willingness to try something new.https://www.emilyhawkins4u.com/https://www.instagram.com/emilyhawkins4u/https://www.facebook.com/emily.hawkins.1276https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhawkins4u/https://www.emilyhawkins4u.com/typeTake my 2-minute quiz to unlock your LeaderSHIFT Amplifier type and receive a personalized strategy for a more efficient, profitable and fulfilling business.Follow Pearl onsocial media TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @PearlchiarenzaGo to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wsliving.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Remember to embrace your inner pearl, nourish yourself, and find balance in life. Staytrue to your authentic self and continue working on your personal growth.

In today's episode of The Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Susan Goebel, a Fractional COO, as well as the Founder and CEO of Scaling Management Consulting Group, Inc.During the discussion Cameron and Susan dive into the challenges businesses face as they scale and grow, especially when it comes to operational inefficiencies and leadership struggles. Susan shares stories of companies that unknowingly drain resources through overlooked expenses and hiring missteps, highlighting the hidden costs that can quietly sabotage success.You'll discover a unique solution for business owners feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day operations. A strategic approach is introduced, aimed at helping leaders regain focus by offloading critical tasks to seasoned professionals. This method not only identifies inefficiencies but also puts systems in place to create sustainable growth, allowing entrepreneurs to shift their attention from fighting fires to driving their vision forward.Whether it's growing financial complexities, hiring the wrong people, or simply feeling stuck despite increasing revenue, this episode presents actionable advice for recognizing—and solving—those barriers.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The concept of a fractional COO; a "back pocket COO" who assists with strategy, people management, and operational efficiency.The importance of having a strategic perspective and the ability to communicate effectively with the CEO and other C-suite executives.The typical starting point for a fractional COO, focusing on financial issues and operational efficiency.The typical engagement cost and the value a company gets from having a fractional COO, including improved profit margins and operational efficiency.And much more...Resources:Connect with Susan: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In this episode, David sits down with Executive Consultant and Fractional COO, Joshua Monge. He brings over two decades of leadership experience across industries like Food & Beverage, Finance, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Economic Development. Joshua specializes in helping businesses refine their operations, integrate scalable systems, and drive sustainable growth. Whether you're a startup or an established business looking to optimize, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your operations.   In this episode, Joshua & David dive into: Essential strategies for business growth and scalability The core basics of building a strong business structure Why growth requires more people—but only if the right processes are in place Common challenges CEOs face as their businesses expand   For more info about Joshua & the work he's doing, click here! To take advantage of the Emerging Leader Holiday special, join the waitlist here.   Click here for access to my free ebook Check out https://www.davidmcglennen.com/podcasts/in-the-growth-space-2 for links, transcript, and more details  

Send us a textIn episode 248 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Kelsey Daingerfield, a Business Coach and Pocket COO, as she helps multi-six- and seven-figure entrepreneurs streamline operations and reclaim their time, and also offers insights into her backstory, detailing the experiences that led her to her current role and the impact of coaching on her professional growth. Tune in to gain insights into the evolving landscape of fractional roles and the power of community in driving success.TIMESTAMPS[00:02:02] Becoming a fractional COO.[00:06:03] Strategic oversight in entrepreneurship.[00:08:26] Finding purpose in business.[00:11:29] Fractional COO for business growth.[00:15:06] Delegating business responsibilities effectively.[00:20:07] Business Operations Support.[00:20:50] Podcast subscription and reviews.QUOTES“It was just a breath of fresh air and it's been ever-evolving. I think that's the beauty of entrepreneurship too. And when you run your own show you evolve, you figure out what you like and what you don't like.” - Kelsey Daingerfield“I find that taking the time to ask for help and start asking like, ‘Who can help me with this? Who can I lean on for support,' is the best way to grow yourself and your business because you're making yourself a little more vulnerable too.” - Kelsey Daingerfield"It's kind of sales, it's kind of marketing, but it's more about deals, partnerships, and long-term sustainability that's going to drive new business and new opportunities from there." - Sebastian Rusk==========================Need help launching your podcast?Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY!PodcastLaunchLabNow.com==========================SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSSebastian RuskInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/Facebook: Facebook.com/sruskLinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLabKelsey DaingerfieldInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseydaingerfield/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelky.douglasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseydaingerfield/WEBSITEKelsey Daingerfield: https://www.kelseydaingerfield.com/==========================PAYING RENT? Earn airlines when you do with the Bilt Rewards MastercardAPPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the question of whether businesses truly need a Chief Operating Officer or if alternative solutions would be more cost-effective and practical.Many business leaders assume they need a high-level executive to manage operations, but taking that step prematurely can lead to unnecessary costs, friction, and even structural upheaval. Before committing to a major hire, it's essential to assess the true gaps in the business—because sometimes, the best solution isn't a full-time executive at all. You'll learn why a well-placed assistant or a specialized department head might resolve bottlenecks without the financial and organizational burden of a second-in-command. Even when higher-level coordination is required, alternative options — such as bringing in an experienced leader on a part-time or project basis — can provide flexibility while maintaining control over costs and responsibilities. This episode shows the reasons why, before making a major commitment, leaders must evaluate whether they're solving the right problem — and whether there's a smarter, more scalable way forward.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why hiring a COO too soon can be a costly mistake — and what to consider before making the commitment. When a functional department head, such as a CFO or VP of Technology, might be a better fit than a COO. The benefits of hiring a Fractional COO as a flexible, cost-effective alternative for scaling operations. How to assess whether a COO will truly add value to your business and align with long-term goals.And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

“Sometimes you have to work a job because you need the job, but you can still work towards your dreams.”In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Kristin Cummings, a Fractional COO who helps small to mid-sized businesses clear the chaos and focus on what matters most. Kristin shares her inspiring journey of leaving a corporate career, selling her home, and traveling with her family while running a business remotely.Rebecca and Kristin talk about what it means to create the life you want—without hustling for someone else's version of success. They explore how intentional planning and trust in your unique talents can lead to bold decisions and personal freedom.In this episode, you'll learn:  How to align your career with your ideal lifePractical steps for making bold life changesWhy giving your dreams space can lead to clarityThings to listen for:(00:00) Intro(01:44) Journey to remote work and travel(03:25) Pursuing the life you Want(06:34) Leaving a dream job(20:19) Working with small and midsize businesses(21:32) Discovering the LinkedIn world(22:31) The role of a fractional COO(22:58) How fractional services benefit small businesses(26:28) Balancing family and business dreams(28:46) Intentional living and career choicesConnect with Kristin:Website: https://www.kristincummings.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinrandi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinrandi/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

During the conversation, Cameron and Milly dive into the intricate balance of leadership, strategy, and adaptability required to navigate the fast-evolving landscape of modern business. You'll find a fresh perspective on how dynamic roles can bring order to chaos while preserving the creative spark essential for growth. Through candid insights, Milly shares her approach to designing flexible yet effective systems that allow companies to flourish during critical early stages.They also explore the delicate interplay between innovation and structure in growing organizations. How much is too much when it comes to planning? How do leaders strike a balance between guiding their teams and fostering autonomy?Milly also reflects on her unique career path, revealing how unconventional choices shaped their ability to lead and problem-solve. With a focus on people, purpose, and long-term sustainability, she shares how her experiences in philosophy, communication, and creative thinking helped build a foundation for success.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Milly's role at the London School of Economics and Imperial College London, focusing on entrepreneurship and commercializing IP. (3:11)The importance of finding something that is both a strength and a passion to productize. (5:39)The balance between offering cost-effective solutions and delivering value to clients. (16:28)How Milly matches clients with the right fractional COOs based on experience and personality. (19:24)And much more...Resources:Connect with Milly: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Are you ready to unlock the secret to scaling your business? In this episode, I explore the game-changing role of a fractional COO with Ashish Gupta, founder of ScaleUpExec.com. With two founder-level exits in e-commerce and tech (including a Fortune 500) and hands-on experience from senior management at Apple, Ashish shares practical insights on how fractional COO's help businesses achieve exponential growth. Discover real turnaround stories, including how Ashish and his team drove massive revenue and profit growth for over 20 clients. We also dive into: • The key benefits of hiring a fractional COO. • How fractional executives can transform operations and strategy. • Practical tips for scaling in industries like SaaS, tech, e-commerce, and more. Ashish's team at ScaleUpExec includes top-tier COOs and CFOs with proven track records, from startups to Fortune 500s.

What separates the über-successful groups from those who simply maintain, or worse, stagnate? Join Jamie and Polaris Fractional COO and Executive Consultant, Adin Bradley, as they explore factors for driving operational efficiency and committed leadership. Don't miss Adin's  "3P Formula" for achieving alignment and success!

One of the common denominators between the successful guests we've had on this show is their ability to systematize, streamline, and scale their business to increase their revenue. But building a team and processes that allow you to do that can be daunting. Hiring an Executive Assistant and/or Chief Operating Officer, or COO, can help accelerate your growth, but paying a full-time salary is out of the question for many investors and business owners. Today we're going to discuss Executive Assistants and COOs, what they do, how they can help you, and how finding one might be easier than you think. My guest is Matt Viebrock, founder of Let's Grow COO, who helps real estate entrepreneurs streamline and scale their businesses to make more net profit. Find out more: http://rpoa.letsgrowcoo.com/ matt@letsgrowcoo.com Text 512-757-7467 Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com Attention real estate investors! Save the date for the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, happening April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the perfect place to connect with fellow investors, gain valuable insights, and elevate your real estate game. With a lineup of expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities, you won't want to miss it. https://www.midwestreiconference.com