The COO Solution Podcast

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Samantha Prestidge, founder of a US-based virtual assistant agency, to explore one of the biggest challenges founders face as their businesses grow: delegation.Most business owners know they need help. What they often do not know is what to delegate, who to hire, or how to create support that actually frees them from day-to-day operational work.Samantha explains why delegating tasks is very different from delegating outcomes, and why that distinction often means the difference between building a scalable business and creating more work for yourself. She explains how founders can identify the responsibilities that truly belong on their plate, build trust with team members, and create support systems that drive results rather than dependency.Derek and Samantha also discuss virtual assistants, hiring frameworks, AI, operational leverage, accountability, and the mindset shifts required to stop being the bottleneck in your own business.Whether you are hiring your first assistant, building out your team, or simply trying to reclaim more time for strategy and growth, this episode offers practical insights for creating a business that runs more effectively without requiring you to do everything yourself.In This Episode:[01:16] Why Founders Struggle to Delegate The common mistake founders make when trying to identify what they should hand off.[03:12] Delegating Tasks vs. Delegating Outcomes Why true delegation requires clarity around results, not just activities.[06:40] Samantha’s Journey Into People and Process How a background in staffing, operations, and process improvement shaped her approach to business support.[11:43] The Trust Factor in Delegation How founders can begin letting go without creating unnecessary risk.[19:42] AI vs. Human Support Where automation works best and where human judgment remains essential.[22:31] Why Delegation Is an Investment, Not a Cost Understanding the real ROI of operational support inside a growing business.[28:46] The Simple Framework for Hiring Support How founders can identify what to keep, what to delegate, and what role they actually need.[33:07] U.S.-Based vs. International Virtual Assistants Samantha shares her perspective on the differences, trade-offs, and common experiences among founders.[37:24] What Samantha’s Team Actually Supports The types of tasks, projects, and responsibilities that virtual assistants can successfully own.Action Steps for Listeners:Identify the responsibilities that only you can perform as the founderDefine outcomes before delegating tasksEvaluate where operational bottlenecks are consuming your timeBuild support around business goals, not just activity listsConsider where AI can automate low-value workCreate systems that allow your team to think critically, not simply follow instructionsInvest in support that gives you leverage, capacity, and focusResources & Links:Samantha Prestidge on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacordero-auxosvs/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a founder who is carrying too much of the business alone and needs a better framework for delegation, support, and sustainable growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Adam Wolf, founder of Wolf Retirement Navigation, for an honest conversation about what happens when a growing business reaches the point where operational support is no longer optional.Adam shares how years of wearing every hat in the business eventually led to frustration, overwhelm, and the realization that growth without stronger systems would eventually limit both the client experience and the company itself. He opens up about the pressure founders carry, the difficulty of letting go, and why bringing in operational leadership became one of the most important decisions for the business's future.Derek and Adam discuss what it actually looks like to implement operational structure inside a founder-led company, including systems, accountability, reporting structure, team communication, and project management. They also explore the emotional side of leadership, including trust, delegation, and the challenge of moving from being deeply involved in everything to building a company that can scale sustainably.This episode offers a transparent behind-the-scenes look at the founder-Fractional COO relationship, the realities of operational change, and why successful scaling starts with building the right foundation first.In This Episode:[01:08] The Breaking Point That Led to Operational Support Why growth, client demands, and operational pressure pushed Adam to seek help.[03:37] Founder Frustration and Wearing Too Many Hats  The hidden cost of carrying too much responsibility inside a growing business.[04:47] Team Buy-In and Operational Change  How Adam’s team responded when operational leadership entered the business.[07:04] The Personal Weight Founders Carry  Adam shares the mental load of trying to manage everything alone.[09:12] Choosing the Right Fractional COO Partner  Why structure, process, and methodology mattered more than promises.[12:10] Implementing Systems and AccountabilityHow Asana, SOPs, and operational structure changed the way the company functions.[13:55] Learning to Let Go as a Founder  What it felt like for Adam to slowly remove work and decisions from his plate.[16:10] Why Operational Change Takes Time  Derek explains why sustainable growth requires process before scale.[20:54] The CEO–COO Relationship Dynamic  The importance of trust, accountability, and alignment between founder and operator.[24:04] Advice for Founders Considering a Fractional COO  Adam shares what he wishes he had done earlier in his growth journey.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Identify where operational bottlenecks are slowing your business down  Evaluate which responsibilities are draining your time and energy  Build systems before aggressively scaling your company  Create accountability structures that support both leadership and team growth  Consider whether operational leadership could free you to focus on your strengths  🔗 Resources & Links:Adam Wolf - Wolf Retirement Navigation Website– https://wolfretirement.com  Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a founder who feels stuck carrying too much of the business alone and is ready to build the operational foundation required to truly scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Cameron Herold, founder of the COO Alliance, author of Second in Command, and one of the most recognized voices in the world of operational leadership, to unpack what the second-in-command role really looks like at scale.Cameron shares his journey from being a COO inside high-growth companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK to building a global platform dedicated to elevating the COO role. He explains why the second-in-command role is one of the most misunderstood in business and why getting it right can completely change a company's trajectory.This episode explores how founders should think about hiring a COO, why fit matters more than experience alone, and how different types of operators thrive at different stages of growth. Derek and Cameron also dive into the realities of fractional leadership, the importance of early ROI, and what separates true operational leaders from managers with inflated titles.They also unpack the concept of Vivid Vision and how alignment between the CEO and COO creates clarity, momentum, and execution across the entire organization.In This Episode:[00:53] Why Cameron Champion the COO Role How his experience as a second-in-command led to building a global COO community.[04:28] Entrepreneurial vs Corporate COOs Why different business stages require different types of operators.[09:17] Where Founders Start When Hiring a COO Why understanding yourself comes before defining the role.[11:27] The Different Types of COOs How the role shifts depending on the company’s needs.[13:09] What a True COO Actually Is The difference between a COO, VP, and Director.[16:53] What Great COOs Do Differently Why real operators come in with clarity and direction.[19:08] Fractional vs Full-Time COO When each model makes sense for scaling businesses.[24:17] The Power of Vivid Vision How alignment turns vision into execution.[30:42] CEO–COO Relationship Dynamics Why trust, communication, and alignment are critical.[35:15] Creating ROI in the First 90 Days How early wins build momentum and confidence.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Define your strengths and gaps as a founder before hiring a COOClarify what outcomes you expect in the first 90 daysIdentify whether you need execution, strategy, or leadership developmentEvaluate fractional vs full-time based on your current stageCreate a clear Vivid Vision to align your team🔗 Resources & Links:Cameron Herold Website – https://cameronherold.comFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a founder or operator who is stepping into the second-in-command role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Danielle Levy, a fractional COO at The COO Solution, to pull back the curtain on what operational leadership really looks like behind the scenes.This conversation offers a rare inside perspective into the day-to-day role of a COO, how they partner with founders, and the real impact they have not just on the business, but on the people inside it. Danielle shares her journey into fractional COO work, how she approaches problem-solving, and what it takes to balance strategy with execution in a fast-moving business environment.If you’ve ever wondered what a COO actually does—or what it feels like to have one embedded in your company—this episode brings clarity to a role that is often misunderstood but critical for scale.In This Episode:[00:36] Danielle’s Journey into Fractional COO Work How a series of unexpected connections shaped her path into operational leadership.[05:51] What a COO Really Does Why Danielle defines the role as “professional problem solving” across strategy and execution. [07:58] Balancing Strategy and Execution How COOs design the path forward while guiding teams through the steps to get there. [09:01] Building Trust and Accountability Across Teams Why trust is the foundation for effective leadership and how it cascades through an organization. [12:39] How COOs Define Success The signals that show a client relationship is working—and when things start to drift. [14:15] The Moment That Captures the Impact of a COO A powerful story of how clarity and structure transformed a team member’s confidence and performance. [18:56] What Makes The COO Solution Model Different Why collaboration, support, and shared experience elevate both client outcomes and COO performance. [26:30] Leading Through Complexity and Human Challenges How operational leadership adapts when real-life situations impact the business. [28:58] What It Takes to Be a Fractional COO Why this role requires both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence—and is not for the faint of heart. [31:02] When Founders Should Consider Hiring a COO The signals that it’s time to bring in operational leadership to regain momentum and clarity. 📌 Why This MattersA COO is not just an operator.They are a force multiplier for clarity, accountability, and execution.When done right, operational leadership creates stability inside the business and confidence across the team. It allows founders to step out of the day-to-day while ensuring that the company continues to move forward with intention.This episode shows you:What a COO actually does inside a growing companyHow operational leadership impacts both strategy and team performanceWhy clarity and structure can transform how teams work and feelWhat to look for when deciding if your business needs a COO✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Reflect on whether your team has clear priorities, ownership, and structure.Identify where lack of clarity may be creating friction or inefficiency.Consider whether you are still carrying operational responsibility that could be delegated.Ask yourself if your business still feels aligned—or if it feels heavier than it should🔗 Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated, share it with a founder or operator who wants to understand what real operational leadership looks like inside a growing business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with LinkedIn strategist, PR expert, and founder of Good Girls Get Rich, Karen Yankovich, to unpack what it really means to build a thought leader brand in today’s digital world.If you’ve ever wondered how some entrepreneurs consistently attract high-level opportunities, media features, partnerships, and premium clients without constantly chasing leads, this episode will shift your perspective.Karen breaks down the difference between a personal brand and a thought leader brand, why trust is the new currency online, and how platforms like LinkedIn can become your “money tree” when used strategically. This conversation goes far beyond posting content. It’s about positioning, credibility, visibility, and building relationships that lead to real revenue.In a world where AI, noise, and content overload are everywhere, standing out requires more than credentials. It requires clarity about what you stand for and the courage to be visible.In This Episode:[01:02] Personal Brand vs. Thought Leader BrandWhy being known for something specific builds trust faster than listing qualifications.[03:16] What Women Entrepreneurs Get Wrong About VisibilityWhy many women hesitate to promote themselves—and how to shift that mindset.[06:08] Imposter Syndrome at Every LevelWhy confidence isn’t a one-time achievement but an ongoing practice.[09:43] Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters More Than You ThinkHow your profile can create unexpected opportunities—even locally.[12:38] Engagement Over PostingWhy LinkedIn isn’t about posting daily, but about building real relationships.[17:36] Leveraging PR Without a Big BudgetHow to strategically land podcast interviews and media exposure.[24:02] Visibility Builds TrustWhy sharing your beliefs and perspective attracts aligned opportunities.[28:35] The One LinkedIn Strategy Most People IgnoreHow jumping into conversations trains the algorithm and builds authority.[31:15] The “Money Tree” MindsetWhy LinkedIn works when you nurture relationships instead of spamming.📌 Why This MattersYour next high-value opportunity is rarely one cold DM away.It’s one relationship away.Thought leadership isn’t about being louder. It’s about being clearer. When your positioning, profile, and presence align with what you stand for, the right opportunities start finding you.This episode shows you how to:Build trust before someone ever speaks to youUse LinkedIn as a relationship-building platform, not a resumeLeverage PR and media strategically to increase credibilityAttract aligned, high-level clients without chasing them✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Review your LinkedIn profile from the perspective of your ideal client.Jump into five conversations a day around the topic you want to be known for.Identify one podcast or media outlet that aligns with your message and begin building a relationship.Get clear on what you stand for and let your voice reflect it.🔗 Resources & Links:Karen’s Free PR Resource: https://LinkedInForPR.comFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow founder who’s been thinking about writing a book but wants to do it the smart way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, Derek Fredrickson sits down with master coach, speaker, and creator of The Art of Being Unmessable With, Josselyne Herman-Saccio, for a powerful conversation about leadership, burnout, and how to stop running your business from reaction and survival.With over 35 years of experience coaching leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers around the world, Josselyne brings a deeply practical framework for staying grounded in vision, even when life and business feel chaotic. This episode is not about hustle, pushing harder, or managing more. It’s about learning to lead from creation rather than crisis.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in firefighting mode, or as if your business has become something you’re managing rather than intentionally creating, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership, vision, and freedom.In This Episode:[02:49] What It Really Means to Be “Unmessable With”Being unmessable isn’t about toughness or emotional shutdown; it's about staying anchored in your vision, no matter what’s happening around you.[05:17] Vision vs. GoalsThe critical distinction most leaders miss and why goals without vision often lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.[06:58] Why Context Shapes EverythingHow the same outcome can feel fulfilling or exhausting depending on the context you’re operating from.[09:36] The Trap of Reaction-Based LeadershipWhy high-performing founders often get stuck in survival mode and how it impacts their nervous system, decision-making, and creativity.[12:30] When Success Becomes a PrisonHow founders unintentionally become the bottleneck in their own businesses.[15:03] Designing a Life Instead of Chasing DreamsWhy most people die with their dreams intact and how to live your vision now, not someday.[20:48] The Real Causes of BurnoutWhy burnout isn’t about workload alone, but about narrative, context, and disconnection from vision.[23:35] Spotting the Red Flags of Reaction ModeHow to recognize when your nervous system has taken over and what to do in the moment.[26:56] Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of StressThe importance of physical interruption and pre-designed practices.[30:06] Vision as a Daily PracticeHow to create a pre-designed way of returning to vision throughout your day.[33:57] Using Your Calendar as a Leadership ToolWhy your calendar is one of the most powerful places to intentionally design your life and business.Why This Conversation MattersMost founders are incredibly skilled at reacting, solving problems, and pushing through. But reaction-based leadership comes at a cost: burnout, loss of creativity, and businesses that depend entirely on the founder to function.This episode offers a different way. One where leadership comes from clarity, vision, and intentional design, not constant urgency. It’s a reminder that freedom, fulfillment, and sustainable growth are created, not earned through exhaustion.Action Steps for Listeners:Identify where you’re operating from reaction instead of vision.Notice the physical and mental red flags that signal survival mode.Pre-design a vision you can return to during stressful moments.Use your calendar intentionally to support energy, clarity, and leadership.🔗 Resources & Links:Be Unmessable With – Josselyne’s website and free resources: https://beunmessablewith.comFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow founder who’s been thinking about writing a book but wants to do it the smart way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Ally Machate, publishing strategist, bestselling author, and founder of The Writer’s Ally, to unpack one of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship: that every business owner should write a book.With over 25 years in the publishing industry, including experience at Simon & Schuster, Ally brings a grounded, strategic perspective to what it really takes for a book to support business growth. This conversation goes far beyond writing advice. It’s about clarity, intention, and using a book as a leveraged business asset rather than a vanity project.If you’ve ever thought, “I should write a book,” but weren’t sure why, when, or how it fits into your business strategy, this episode will give you the framework to decide before you invest years of time and energy.In This Episode:[00:00] The Big Question - Should every entrepreneur write a book, or is that advice outdated?[02:22] Ally’s Publishing Journey - From traditional publishing to building a trusted author services company.[03:00] The Myth Explained - Why a book can be powerful but only if it’s the right tool at the right time.[03:40] Timing Matters - Why writing a book too early can actually stall your growth.[04:09] The Real Cost of a Book - Time, energy, and resources most founders underestimate.[05:32] Right Book vs. Wrong Book - Why good writing isn’t enough without a clear business goal.[07:36] Start With the End in Mind - How to reverse-engineer your book from the outcome you want.[07:53] Strategy Examples - Speaker books, lead-generation books, credibility books, and where people go wrong.[08:37] Case Study: The Wrong Format - Why a workbook failed to land keynote speaking opportunities.[10:39] Memoir vs. Business Book - How personal stories should support the reader’s transformation, not overshadow it.[13:02] Storytelling That Serves Strategy - Why every book uses story, but the reader’s problem must stay front and center.[15:41] AI and the Writing Process - The difference between AI-assistive tools and AI-generated books and why it matters.[18:51] What Readers Really Want - Why the market is rejecting AI-generated creative work.[25:17] Traditional vs. Self-Publishing - How publishing has come full circle and what entrepreneurs should choose today.[28:15] Books as Business Tools - Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t aim to sell books but to sell what comes next.[31:00] The Real Leverage - Why giving away books can be more profitable than selling them.[32:25] How Ally Helps Authors - From idea clarity to publication and marketing, without writing the wrong book.📌 Why This MattersA book is not a rite of passage. It’s a strategic decision.When aligned correctly, a book can:Build authority and trustOpen doors to speaking and partnershipsGenerate leads for high-ticket offersWhen misaligned, it becomes an expensive distraction.This episode helps you decide when and what to write, and whether to write at all, so your book supports your business instead of draining it.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Get clear on what you want a book to do for your business.Identify the book's target audience and the problem it solves.Decide whether a book is the right tool right now.Use AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement for your voice.🔗 Resources & Links:Don’t Write the Wrong Book — Ally’s evergreen webinar 👉 https://offers.thewritersally.com/coosolutionFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedLet’s connect:➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution👉 If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow founder who’s been thinking about writing a book but wants to do it the smart way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast!In this episode, Derek sits down with Andrea de la Cerda, CEO of Clover Agency and founder of Candula, for a powerful conversation on leadership, trust, and what it truly means to step into the visionary role.Andrea shares her honest journey of hitting the “I can’t do this alone anymore” moment, why she chose Fractional COO support, and how learning to let go transformed both of her companies. From clearing operational chaos to reclaiming her energy and building a future-focused vision, Andrea shares the mindset shifts and practical changes that helped her lead at a higher level.If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, overwhelmed by the weeds, or afraid to relinquish control, this episode will speak directly to you.In This Episode:[01:09] The Turning Point Why Andrea finally admitted she needed strategic operational support—and why she wanted it now.[02:31] When the Business Becomes “Too Big” The moment business ownership shifted from excitement to exhaustion.[04:24] Hiring People Smarter Than You How Andrea embraced the power of surrounding herself with experts—and the mindset shift that changed everything.[07:52] Protecting Your Energy as a CEO Why staying in your zone of genius isn’t optional—it’s essential.[11:37] The First 90 Days with a Fractional COO The cleanup phase, the systems audit, and how trust became the foundation for real progress.[15:45] Stepping Out of the Weeds How having a true second-in-command opened up space for vision, growth, and long-term planning.[18:47] Delegating Big Initiatives A real example of how Andrea leaned on her COO to execute a major company-wide upgrade from start to finish.[22:19] Why Visionaries Need a “Make-It-Real” Partner The difference between making ideas up vs. making them happen.[23:51] The Wake-Up Call for Her Second Business How burnout resurfaced—and how she knew it was time to duplicate the Fractional COO support for her second company.[28:52] Advice for Founders Hesitating to Let Go Andrea’s guidance for leaders afraid to relinquish control or bring in high-level support.[31:56] Her Personal Mindset Practices Meditation, breathwork, journaling, therapy, and how she stays grounded as a leader.📌 Why This MattersYour effectiveness as a CEO depends on your energy, clarity, and ability to stay in your zone of genius. When you’re buried in operations, compliance, or constant decision-making, you lose the capacity to lead.Andrea’s story is a real-world example of what happens when a visionary gets the right operational partner—your business grows, your confidence returns, and the future opens up.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Identify what drains your energy most—and ask if it belongs on your plate.Visualize your business with experts in their zone of genius supporting you.Ask yourself: What would shift if I stopped doing everything myself?Consider whether now is the time to bring in a Fractional COO.Resources & Links:Connect with Andrea de la Cerda on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-de-la-cerda-1380219/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a business owner who’s ready to scale smarter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast!In this episode, Derek sits down with AI strategist and educator Marnie Wills for a practical and eye-opening conversation about how founders can utilize AI not just for content or marketing, but as an operational partner that functions like a second brain or a “silent COO.”Marnie explains how AI can support decision-making, streamline communication, accelerate execution, and enhance every aspect of your operations. She also shares how leaders can shift into an AI-first mindset, how to involve their team, and why the future of business belongs to those who learn to collaborate with AI, rather than compete with it.If you’ve been curious about how to apply AI beyond simple prompts, this episode will change everything about the way you work.In This Episode:[01:04] How Marnie’s entrepreneurial journey and early adoption of AI tools changed her confidence, capacity, and efficiency as a business owner.[02:54] Why your AI model must be continuously updated and trained with your meetings, notes, research, brand identity, and operational context.[09:40] Using AI to capture what you read, watch, research, and learn—so you never lose track of insights again.[24:43] What founders need to understand about data training, toggling off training settings, and when to use temporary chats.[30:20] Real examples of how Marnie built AI tools for her team, gamified adoption, and built SOP creation into their weekly workflow.[39:57] Agents & Monetizable Tools How businesses can create AI tools based on their IP—for lead generation, customer experience, or paid offerings.[43:29] Why even experts feel behind and why curiosity, consistency, and intention are the keys to staying ahead.Why This MattersAI is no longer a trend. It’s a foundational shift in how every business operates. When used as a strategic partner, AI can help founders make more informed decisions, streamline operations, empower teams, and eliminate the bottlenecks that slow growth.This episode shows you how to move beyond “prompting” and start using AI like a true operational asset.Action Steps for Listeners:Select one AI tool (Claude, Perplexity, or Recall) and integrate it into your daily workflow.Begin training a “second brain” by feeding your AI meeting notes, ideas, goals, and brand guidelines.Discuss with your team: Where could AI help remove friction or accelerate your workflow?Explore how your business could eventually build its own AI tool using your IP.Resources & Links:Connect with Marnie Wills on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-wills-entrepreneur/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastLet’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a business owner who’s ready to scale smarter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson interviews Lucy Rayden, founder of InTech Search, a global recruitment firm specializing in deep tech industries like semiconductors, photonics, and electronics.Lucy opens up about her journey from burnout to breakthrough and how bringing in a fractional COO helped her regain balance, reclaim her time, and transform her business operations for sustainable growth.She shares the pivotal moments that led her to step back, invest in the right support, and rebuild her company into a stronger, more systemized version of itself. This conversation dives deep into leadership evolution, burnout recovery, team accountability, and the powerful mindset shift from doing it all to leading intentionally.In This Episode:[01:00] Lucy’s Turning Point – The moment of burnout forced her to reevaluate how she was leading and living.[02:40] Hiring for Experience, Not Just Skills – Why bringing in a seasoned second-in-command changed everything.[06:00] The Power of Letting Go – How releasing control led to clarity, alignment, and stronger systems.[10:00] Real Change in Action – From chaotic communication to streamlined operations with structure and accountability.[16:00] The Marketing Breakthrough – How a fresh approach simplified execution and reignited visibility.[22:00] “Who, Not How” – Finding the right people accelerates results more than doing it yourself.[28:00] Leadership and Lifestyle – The lessons Lucy learned about rest, self-care, and redefining success.[35:00] Ego and Self-Awareness – How great leaders get out of their way and build more innovative teams.📌 Why This MattersLucy’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building a business that runs without depending on you. When you invest in systems, support, and the right people, you buy back more than your time — you buy back your life.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Audit your leadership habits — where are you still holding on too tightly?Identify one area where an experienced second-in-command could help.Simplify communication: one system, one process, one point of truth.Schedule time to rest — not as a reward, but as a requirement.Resources & Links:InTech Search - https://intechsearch.com/about-us/Lucy Rayden on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrayden/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If Lucy’s story resonated with you, share this episode with another business owner ready to scale smarter, not harder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Kristie Clayton, founder of Herverse and a seasoned second-in-command leader turned visionary, to explore what it really means to thrive in leadership.Kristie shares her journey from COO to CEO, the power of Integrator–Visionary partnerships, and why embracing “whole human leadership” transforms not only how we lead, but also how we live. From the sandbox analogy for vision and execution to building trusted communities for women executives, Kristie’s insights are packed with wisdom and practical takeaways.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance strategy with emotional intelligence—or how to step fully into your role as a leader without losing yourself—this conversation is a must-listen.In This Episode:[01:32] Kristie’s journey from second-in-command to visionary leader.[06:21] The “energy boost vs. vampire” test: how to find your leadership sweet spot.[10:42] Why visionary–integrator partnerships are essential for scaling.[16:07] How to say “no” without stifling your visionary’s ideas.[20:59] The sandbox analogy: creating space for ideas before execution.[23:35] Whole Human Leadership—bringing strategy + emotional intelligence together.[28:38] A real-world story of leading with empathy instead of just data.[33:55] The origin of Herverse: building community for women second-in-command leaders.[41:30] What to expect from Herverse membership, mastermind, and annual summit.[45:22] Kristie’s gift: a special discount for listeners to join Herverse events.📌 Why This MattersTrue leadership isn’t about titles or doing it all—it’s about alignment, energy, and leading as your whole self. By embracing the integrator–visionary dynamic and connecting with supportive communities, you can grow faster, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Identify whether your current role is giving you energy or draining it.If you’re a visionary, give your ideas a “sandbox” before execution.As an integrator/COO, practice saying “tell me more” instead of “no.”Explore communities like Herverse to surround yourself with peers on the same journey.Resources & Links:Learn more about Herverse + upcoming Summit: https://herverse.orgUse code Thrive2025 for 10% off summit registration or elite membership.Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this special episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Amy Anderson, CEO of ACG Practice Partners and a current client of The COO Solution. Amy is an expert in the aesthetics industry who has helped hundreds of surgeons and practice leaders launch and scale successful, high-performing practices.In this candid conversation, Amy shares what it was like to amicably split from her previous partnership, launch a new company, and face the overwhelm of starting fresh—even with clients and team members by her side. She opens up about the fears she navigated, the clarity she gained from partnering with a fractional COO, and how quickly momentum began to shift in her business.Together, Derek and Amy unpack the tangible benefits of second-in-command support, the importance of core values in building team culture, and why letting go of “doing it all” creates the space for visionary leadership.In This Episode:[01:22] Amy’s Journey – From co-founding a consulting firm to launching ACG Practice Partners.[02:46] The Overwhelm of Starting Over – The fears, doubts, and heavy responsibility of re-launching.[07:18] Why Amy Chose a Fractional COO – The turning point that made support non-negotiable.[14:43] Quick Wins & Relief – How structure, strategy, and accountability shifted everything.[19:31] Partnership with Jessica – The “boots on the ground” COO experience.[22:32] CEO Mindset – How Amy is learning to protect her time and think bigger.[29:05] Core Values in Action – Integrity, empathy, expertise, and excellence as guiding principles.[35:49] Final Insights – Why accountability and support are game-changers for entrepreneurs.📌 Why This MattersEven the most talented, experienced entrepreneurs can hit a wall when they try to do it all themselves. Having the right second-in-command unlocks both business momentum and personal peace of mind. Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that scaling requires both strategy and support.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Audit your role—where are you holding on to tasks that no longer serve you as CEO?Define (or revisit) your company’s core values and use them to guide hiring and decision-making.Consider the impact of adding second-in-command support, whether through a fractional COO or another leadership partner.Resources & Links:Connect with Amy Anderson: Instagram @amyandersonMBA | ACG Practice Partners | LinkedInFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comSubscribe & Stay ConnectedLet’s connect:➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The COO Solution Podcast, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Melissa Ortiz, founder of Activate Human Capital Group, to explore the often-overlooked root cause of team frustration, burnout, and misalignment: unclear roles.If your team is working hard but not necessarily on the right things, this episode is for you.Melissa breaks down what role clarity really means—and why it matters more than ever for growing companies. From using the Predictive Index to hiring smarter, to transforming underperforming teams into aligned, high-performing units, this episode is packed with practical advice for founders, integrators, and team leaders.In This Episode:[00:56] The Power of Alignment – Why engagement and clarity go hand in hand.[02:33] Why Role Clarity Is the Missing Link – And what “right seat” really looks like.[05:04] Job Description ≠ Clarity – What founders often get wrong when hiring.[08:17] Getting Practical – How to create a one-pager that defines success for each role.[12:44] From Chaos to Confidence – How teams transform when responsibilities are defined.[14:40] Living Documents – How to revisit and update role clarity as your business evolves.[18:32] All About Predictive Index – Why this five-minute assessment is game-changing.[21:12] Think-to-Talk vs. Talk-to-Think – How this distinction improves communication.[27:00] Hiring Smarter – How to define your ideal candidate profile using PI.[31:07] Sifting Through the Noise – Using assessments to save time (and bad hires).[34:39] The Waste Factor – How role clarity and alignment eliminate wasted time, energy, and talent.Why This MattersConfused roles create confusion everywhere else—in decision-making, accountability, and even culture. This episode will help you step back, audit your team, and reset the foundation for scale. Whether you’re hiring or optimizing an existing team, clarity is your first and most powerful move.Action Steps for Listeners:Identify one role on your team that needs a clarity reset. Ask: “What exactly do I expect from this person?”Create or update a one-pager that outlines time allocation, core responsibilities, and success metrics.Consider using the Predictive Index to improve your hiring and communication strategy.Resources & Links:Activate HCG Website: https://activateHCG.comConnect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-ortiz-employee-retention-expert/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastLet’s connect:➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.