The Operations Room: A Podcast for COO’s

In this episode we discuss: Resilience in Organisations. We are joined by Aušrinė Keršanskaitė, Co-founder of Operations Nation.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Aušrinė Keršanskaitė: How can leaders tell the difference between true resilience and simply powering through burnout?When is “just-enough process” better than perfect systems in a growing company?Which of the five types of resilience—optimistic, stoic, pragmatic, active, or existential—do you rely on most at work?What happens when imposter syndrome hits even the most experienced operations leaders—and how can you use it to grow?Why might learning to walk away from the wrong role or battle be the most resilient decision of all?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausrinewww.operationsnation.comBiography Aušrinė Keršanskaitė is a seasoned operations leader, community builder, and connector at heart. With over a decade of hands-on experience guiding startups from scrappy pre-seed beginnings to thriving Series B stages, she knows firsthand what it takes to build strong foundations and empower people along the way.For the past five years, Aušrinė has been the driving force behind Operations Nation, a community-powered knowledge hub that connects and empowers hundreds of operations leaders around the world. Operations Nation offers a safe, supportive space for ops professionals to share advice and “ops war stories,” helping each other survive, grow, and thrive in their careers.A firm believer that operations is the backbone of every great company, Aušrinė combines her operational expertise with a deep passion for bringing people together and building community wherever she goes.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary05:00 — Balancing speed versus sustainability in scaling operations11:00 — Timing back-office investments and compliance readiness15:00 — Re-orgs, structural resilience, and organizational adaptability17:00 — Introduction to the Five Types of Resilience framework21:00 — Deep dive into each resilience type with personal stories28:30 — Imposter syndrome and trusting your gut as a leader33:00 — Redefining success and boundaries in operations roles37:00 — Shared vulnerability and leadership resilience39:30 — Final takeaway: putting your own oxygen mask on firstThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: The intentional organization. We are joined by Mathias Meyer, The Startup CTO Coach, and Sara Hicks, Product Leader and Founder.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How should leadership roles evolve as a company shifts from startup to scale-up?What’s the real cost of not shipping products regularly, beyond just revenue impact?How can meeting culture be reshaped to truly drive collaboration and outcomes?Where’s the balance between a CEO’s product vision and a COO’s operational priorities?How do you hire quickly for growth without compromising cultural fit?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/themathiasmeyer/https://intentionalorganization.comhttps://intentionalorganization.com/bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/saralouhicks/Biography Mathias Meyer is an executive coach, repeat startup founder, and writer based in Berlin. A former CEO and CTO, he has grown multiple remote teams to successful exits, including Scalarium (Amazon), Travis CI (Idera), and Reaction Commerce (Intuit). Today, through The Intentional Organization, he coaches and advises leaders navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses and themselves. Outside of work, Mathias enjoys nature, cultivating his vegetable garden, and fermenting produce.Sara Hicks is a seasoned product leader and founder, having held senior roles at Yahoo!, Etsy, and Media Temple before launching her own company, Reaction Commerce, where she served as CEO until its acquisition by Mailchimp (later Intuit). Now based in Los Angeles, she partners with Mathias at The Intentional Organization, supporting founders and executives through coaching, mentoring, and facilitation.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:05:58 – Leadership in growth00:08:21 – Shipping momentum00:10:57 – Fixing meeting culture00:14:47 – Scaling challenges00:18:12 – Product alignment00:24:30 – CEO/COO dynamics00:31:05 – Trust as a leadership asset00:37:40 – Vision vs. operations00:41:15 – Hiring for fit00:44:50 – Final reflections This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Navigating through an uncertain world. We are joined by Jillian Reilly, Author, Global change facilitator,  Keynote speaker, and International aid veteran. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Jillian Reilly: What does it really take to be an effective facilitator of change within an organisation?How can operators lead confidently in uncertainty without overpromising outcomes?When should leaders rely on intuition over data—and how do they build that instinct?Can resilience be intentionally developed, or is it only forged through hardship?How do you balance empathy with accountability when leading teams through tough transitions?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianreilly/https://jillreilly.substack.com/www.tenpermissions.comBiography Jillian Reilly is a founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant with 30 years’ experience in social, organisational, and personal change across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe. She helps people navigate change and accelerate growth, and is the author of The Ten Permissions (forthcoming), which challenges outdated approaches to adult life in the 21st century. Her memoir, Shame: Confessions of an Aid Worker in Africa, reflects on her early career in international development. Jillian’s work has been featured in the Washington Post, Newsweek, and the LA Times, and her TEDx talk Vain Aid offers insights from the aid industry. She also created the Courageous Conversations podcast, funded by the Ford Foundation, spotlighting African activists.  To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:06:10 – Becoming a change facilitator00:08:43 – Leading in uncertainty00:10:46 – Trusting intuition00:14:19 – Navigating profound change00:18:29 – Leading without a grand vision00:22:40 – Building resilience00:28:15 – Reframing setbacks00:35:50 – Holding onto purpose00:42:10 – Empathy vs. accountability00:44:05 – Final reflectionsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: From red flags to green lights, making legal work for your scale-up. We are joined by Helen Goldberg, Co-Founder & COO, Fractional General Counsel, Startup & Scaleup Adviser, and Mentor.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Helen Goldberg: How can founders avoid becoming the bottleneck when every decision passes through them?What should drive hiring decisions—current skill gaps or future strategic needs?How is the evolving role of marketing reshaping sales strategy and growth?Can AI truly transform legal and operational processes without compromising quality?What’s the most effective way to empower sales teams to take ownership of results?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-goldberg-1339801/www.legaledge.co.ukBiography Helen is COO at LegalEdge, working with CEO Donna to deliver fractional in-house counsel services for scaling companies. She focuses on using the right people, processes, and technology to simplify legal work, integrate it into operations, and ensure lean, scalable solutions. Passionate about avoiding “over-lawyering,” Helen champions pragmatic, commercial legal strategies that help clients prioritise what matters, manage risk, and close deals faster.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:03:41 – Founder decision bottleneck00:08:24 – Smarter hiring00:09:07 – Marketing’s new role00:13:56 – AI in legal operations00:15:25 – Scaling the team00:16:49 – Sales team empowerment00:17:10 – Contract management rules00:17:31 – Quarter-end readiness00:43:37 – Startup legal essentials00:43:45 – Scale-up legal strategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we discuss: The pitfalls on the path to exit. We are joined by Dirk Sahlmer, Head of Origination at saas.group.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Dirk Sahlmer: How should leaders balance ambitious growth metrics with the realities of current team capacity?When does leadership involvement cross the line into micromanagement—and how can you avoid it?Can offshoring and distributed teams truly maintain a unified culture and performance standard?What does a “bootstrap future” look like, and is it a viable model for scaling sustainably?How can a central operations team best support rapid growth without slowing innovation?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirksahlmer/https://www.saas.wtfBiography Dirk Sahlmer is the Head of Origination at saas.group, a serial acquirer of small, capital-efficient SaaS companies. Known for his insightful LinkedIn posts and newsletter articles on SaaS industry trends and M&A topics, he is a respected voice in the SaaS community.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:07:06 – Measuring progress towards the future vision00:10:30 – Leadership decisions in action00:13:13 – Workforce shifts and offshoring00:17:57 – The “bootstrap future”00:20:49 – Building a central operations team00:22:59 – Avoiding micromanagementThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: How does AI change the approach to professional development?  We are joined by Anna Tavis, Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Anna Tavis: If career growth is no longer about climbing the ladder, how should we redefine success in professional development?Are our current learning systems truly preparing people for real work, or are they just ticking boxes outside the flow of everyday tasks?Could AI-powered coaching finally make professional development as personalised and responsive as a sports coach with their athletes?What happens to the manager’s role when AI takes over much of the supervision—does it free them to become genuine mentors?How do we ensure AI-driven development tools enhance equity and well-being, rather than deepen existing gaps?References linkedin.com/in/annatavishttps://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business/human-capital-management/coaching-and-technology-summit.htmlhttps://www.amazon.com/Humans-Work-Practice-Creating-Workplace/dp/1398604232https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Coaching-Revolution-Employee-Development/dp/1398612510Biography Dr. Anna Tavis is Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Recognised on the Thinkers50 Radar (2020) and among the Top 100 Global Influencers in People Analytics (2023, 2024), she co-authored Humans at Work (2022) and The Digital Coaching Revolution (2024).Her global career spans business, consulting, and academia, including senior roles at Motorola, Nokia, United Technologies, and AIG Investments, as well as faculty positions at Columbia University, Williams College, and Fairfield University.Her Harvard Business Review articles, “HR Goes Agile” and “The Performance Management Revolution,” co-authored with Dr. Peter Cappelli, have been featured in HBR’s Must Reads, Definitive Management Ideas of the Year, and Agile: The Insights You Need.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:13:29 – Defining professional development00:15:21 – Why traditional tools fall short00:18:30 – AI-driven coaching in action00:25:04 – Rethinking career growth00:30:24 – Responsible AI rollout This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Authenticity in Leadership. We are joined by Matthew Stone, from ME Consulting and Creating Liberating Working Cultures. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Matthew Stone: What message are you sending when you cancel a one-on-one — and is it the one you want employees to hear?Could listening more than you speak be the simplest way to strengthen trust and engagement?One-on-ones aren’t just meetings — how can they become your most powerful tool for retention and inclusion?Without proper training, are managers unknowingly missing the real value of one-on-ones?How can ending every one-on-one with clear commitments turn talk into tangible results?References www.emeiconsulting.comBiography Matthew has spent decades working with some of the world’s leading organisations supporting their cultural evolution. He has designed and led transformational programmes at Group Board and Executive level on an individual and team basis in the areas of leadership, strategy, delivery and performance management and has advised on the attraction, development and retention of leading industry talent.Through his direct experience in multiple settings, he understands organisational ecosystems from Board to early careers and their associated challenges. A master coaching practitioner, Matthew has spent his life exploring and embracing techniques and philosophies from around the world committing his life to building and refining approaches to individual and collective development. These include an understanding of who we are and who we could be at depth, pathways that engineer our optimal development and the interplay of peer to peer development.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary18:14 – Curiosity over metrics in accountability conversations31:06 – The starting point for emotional intelligence35:28 – Building trust during onboarding36:42 – The value of executive coaching38:46 – Vulnerability as a leadership tool41:26 – Preparing for difficult conversations43:36 – One takeaway for leadersThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we chat about what's going on in our lives, share some life changing news, and announce the new seasoned approach. Going forward, we'll be releasing 10 episodes at a time, starting June 5th 2025. Join our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/J8w0bDV0pBtHUPzlvmzTgb Stay tuned! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: the art and science of 1 to 1 meetings. We are joined by Dr. Steven Rogelberg, CEO, Board Member, Editor, Author, Chief Talent Officer, Director.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Steven Rogelberg: Are your one-on-ones actually driving engagement, or are they just another meeting on the calendar?What message are you really sending when you cancel a one-on-one—and how does it impact employee trust?Why is listening more than speaking the secret to making one-on-ones truly effective?How can structured one-on-ones boost productivity, retention, and even inclusion within your team?Are most managers failing at one-on-ones simply because they’ve never been trained to do them well?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogelberg/stevenrogelberg.comBiography Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg is a Chancellor’s Professor at UNC Charlotte and a leading expert on meetings. An award-winning organizational psychologist, he has over 200 publications, 12,000+ citations, and received the prestigious Humboldt Award for his research. Adam Grant calls him the “world’s leading expert on how to fix meetings.”His book The Surprising Science of Meetings appeared on 25+ “best of” lists, including The Washington Post’s #1 leadership book to watch. His latest book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, has earned high praise, including recognition from SHRM and Forbes.Rogelberg has been featured on CBS This Morning, CNN, BBC World, NPR’s Morning Edition, and major publications like The WSJ, NY Times, Bloomberg, and National Geographic. His keynotes have been delivered worldwide at top organizations including Google, Amazon, Pfizer, and the United Nations.In 2022, he testified before the U.S. Congress and was the inaugural winner of SIOP’s Humanitarian Award.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary14:40 The Importance of One-on-Ones17:48 Common Mistakes in One-on-Ones23:40 Building Trust and Connection26:51 Key Elements of Effective One-on-Ones27:22 Surprising Insights from Research30:34 Training and Supporting Line Managers33:28 Creating a Culture of Effective MeetingsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Unlocking AI for Non-Technical Leaders. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Founder of Kowalah and author of "How To Sell Tech" and “The Revenue Operations Playbook”.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Charlie Cowan: Is AI more accessible than we think?What’s the difference between AI agents and workflows—and why does it matter for businesses looking to scale?How can organizations build their own AI-powered tools instead of relying solely on SaaS solutions?What role does leadership play in AI adoption, and why is AI literacy now a must-have skill for future executives?Can a simple “power hour” or habit shift really transform your productivity—and what does AI have to do with it?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecowan/www.charliecowan.aiwww.kowalah.comBiography Charlie works with CEOs and senior leaders looking to embed AI behaviours across their organisation.With a 25 year career in SaaS, consulting and enterprise sales, Charlie bridges the gap between AI technology and practical applied use cases that help teams work smarter and faster.Charlie is the author of two books - How To Sell Tech and The Revenue Operations Playbook.Charlie is the founder of Kowalah, an AI-powered platform that helps buying teams to run a great buying processes, pick the right vendors and reduce the fear of messing up.Charlie built Kowalah as a solo-founder using AI development tools.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary26:36 Introduction to AI Adoption for Non-Technical Executives027:16 Understanding AI Optimism vs. Pessimism28:08 Defining AI Policies for Effective Implementation29:52 The Concept of Agentic AI31:23 Distinguishing Between Agents and Workflows33:01 Building Effective AI Agents37:49 Evaluating Future Tech Stacks for AI Integration43:05 Empowering Leadership in the Age of AI46:06 Navigating AI Tools for Policy Management46:23 Crafting Effective Prompts for AI Tools49:54 Building a Data Repository for Enhanced Insights51:44 The Power Hour: Maximizing ProductivityThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Is the COO the single source of truth? We are joined by Eric Collins, Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, CEO & Founding Member at Impact X Capital investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs; Author of We Don’t Need Permission (amzn.to/3Qp6G9d); & Host of Channel 4's The Money Maker.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Eric Collins: What makes the COO the true "source of truth" in scaling a venture-backed company?How can COOs balance growth while CFOs maintain financial discipline—and why does this partnership make or break success?Why is succession planning not just a CEO concern, but a critical step for every COO aiming to lead?Can a COO ever match a founder's passion, or is their power found in something entirely different?What does it really take for a COO to transition into the CEO seat—and what role does backfilling play in that journey?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdcollinsba/?originalSubdomain=ukwww.impactxcapital.comBiography Eric Collins is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and host of Channel 4's The Money Maker. He’s held leadership roles at AOL, TimeWarner, SwiftKey/Microsoft, and Touch Surgery/Medtronic.Appointed by President Obama to the Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities, Eric now serves on the boards of Cirata, UnLtd, Crux, and Autograph ABP. A sought-after speaker and Audi brand ambassador, he’s consistently featured on The Powerlist of influential Black Britons.His award-winning book, We Don’t Need Permission (Penguin), advocates for investing in Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs as a powerful driver of social change.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary23:55 The unique role that the CEO plays in a scaling organisation 28:05 The value of the COO next to the CFO30:58 Progressing as a COO33:11 CEO and COO Succession Planning33:51 The Passion of Founders vs. COOs39:56 Planning for Success as a COO43:16 Setting the Agenda in Board MeetingsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: How to tackle mental health in an organization. We are joined by Chris Hatfield, Mindset & Well-being Coach.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Chris Hatfield: What if naming your anxiety was the first step to taking back control?How can leaders foster vulnerability without losing authority?Is your ‘stress container’ full, and how do you know when it’s overflowing?Are we truly addressing the root of anxiety, or just applying quick fixes?What if managing mental health was less about avoidance and more about sitting with discomfort?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishatfieldsalespsyche/www.salespsyche.co.ukBiography A sales mindset and well-being Coach and Author of Sales Psyche. With over 15+ years of experience working with the likes of Meta, Google, Salesforce, Experian and O2. Focused on supporting salespeople and leaders in developing a healthy and high performing mind. Also founded a run community, Run Your Mind, that is focused on mental well-being. To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary16:31 Understanding Anxiety16:52 The Nature of Anxiety in Men19:14 Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety20:36 Proactive vs Reactive Approaches to Anxiety22:46 Identifying When Anxiety Becomes a Problem25:10 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership29:01 Understanding the Stress Container Exercise36:05 The Importance of Reflection and Action37:59 Tools for Managers to Address Anxiety34:14 Creating a Mental Health Culture in Organizations39:18 Training Managers for Mental Health Awareness42:49 Sales-Specific Strategies for Managing StressThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Jumpstarting your workplace culture. We are joined by Eric Stone, International Keynote Speaker | Award Winning Author | Expert in Building High-Performance Cultures | Empowering Leaders to Drive Engagement & Transform WorkplacesLove The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Eric Stone: Is your workplace culture truly driving success, or just a ‘flavor of the week’ experiment?How can leaders balance structure and empowerment without losing control?What does a simple story like ‘Johnny the Bagger’ reveal about ownership and impact at work?Are we equipping employees with the right tools and trust, or just expecting results without support?What makes relationships the hidden engine behind high-performance workplace cultures?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/ericdstone.com and clearpathventures.comhttps://www.instagram.com/clearpathventures_/ c. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040382190383 d. https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1/aboutBiography ERIC D. STONE’S passion for business led him to an influential twenty-six-year career at the iconic rental car company Enterprise Holdings, where he quickly became one of the most decorated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. His ability to connect and motivate employees from all different generations and demographics allowed his teams to sustain top-level results and a culture of pride. Eric attributes much of this success to his ability to create, ignite, and sustain a high-performance culture—one that enabled him to lead his teams through challenges like 9/11, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Great Resignation—along with an extraordinary ability to adapt to the unexpected and help others do the same.Eric is the author of the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture and an international speaker on leadership, employee engagement, and creating high-performance organizations. He retired from Enterprise in 2018 and founded Clear Path Ventures, which specializes in guiding young professionals and businesses as they navigate their path to success.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary17:17 Core Thesis of 'Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture'18:25 Understanding Employee Engagement19:04 Building Strong Relationships in the Workplace20:17 Leadership's Role in Workplace Culture23:57 Effective Communication Strategies26:54 The Johnny the Bagger Story: A Lesson in Ownership30:05 Empowerment vs. Accountability in Leadership31:04 Balancing Standardization and Empowerment32:33 Ego and Leadership: Letting Go of Control34:18 Identifying and Nurturing Culture Carriers36:12 The Importance of Clear Communication and Culture This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Making AI happen in 2025 for your organization. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Author of "How To Sell Tech" and “The Revenue Operations Playbook”.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Charlie Cowan: How can professionals stay updated in an era where AI is rapidly disrupting industries like sales and marketing?With AI advancing faster than its everyday adoption, how can businesses bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation?How can non-developers leverage AI tools to accelerate product development while overcoming emotional and technical challenges?In a world where restrictive AI policies hinder adoption, how can organisations balance data privacy concerns with fostering innovation?Rather than replacing jobs, how can AI be used to supercharge teams, enhance leadership effectiveness, and drive productivity?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecowan/charliecowan.aihttps://v0.dev/https://replit.com/aihttps://lovable.dev/Bolt.newhttps://www.cursor.com/https://codeium.com/windsurfhttps://notebooklm.google.com/Biography Charlie Cowan helps organisations accelerate AI adoption, guiding CxOs in embedding AI-driven processes to unlock new opportunities. As the founder of Kowalah, an AI-powered buying platform, he built the business from scratch—without prior coding experience—using AI tools. Now, he shares his journey to inspire others to embrace AI innovation.An author of four books on sales, revenue operations, and go-to-market strategy, Charlie provides practical insights for scaling startups and sales teams. Passionate about AI and business transformation, he continues to drive conversations on the future of AI adoption and leadership.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary20:13 Introduction to Charlie Cowan and His Journey23:14 The Impact of AI on Business and Personal Reinvention25:35 Building Koala: The Journey of a Non-Developer28:00 Navigating Challenges in AI Development30:48 Balancing Consulting and Product Development31:27 Leveraging LinkedIn for AI Insights32:40 The AI Bubble and Company Policies34:55 Embracing AI: Opportunities and Risks41:28 Transforming Organisations with AI44:02 Innovative Tools for Information Management46:38 Practical AI Applications in Leadership49:23 Final Thoughts on AI and AutomationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: how to implement the first team concept. We are joined by Cassie Young, General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, and seasoned SaaS CRO/CCO.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Cassie Young: How can leaders ensure that their "first team" prioritises organisational success over individual functions?What steps can teams take to align incentives and build trust to resolve conflicts more effectively?How does empathy in communication and transparency enhance team dynamics, especially in structured yet flexible meeting cadences?Why is developing P&L fluency and understanding market dynamics essential for senior executives, and how can organisations address these gaps?How can leaders strategically network and cascade critical insights to maintain clarity and alignment within teams?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassyoung/https://www.primary.vc/Biography Cassie Young is a General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, a $1B AUM early-stage venture capital firm in New York, backing companies like Chief, Alma, and K Health. She leads B2B software investments and oversees the firm's portfolio impact team, the largest of its kind among seed funds globally.Previously, Cassie was Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Marigold (formerly CM Group), where she led global operations and strategy across a portfolio of marketing tech brands, following Marigold’s acquisition of Sailthru in 2018. At Sailthru, she held multiple executive roles, ultimately serving as Chief Revenue Officer. Earlier, she led marketing and analytics teams at GLG, Savored (acquired by Groupon), and TheLadders, starting her career as an analyst at Citigroup.A Duke graduate with an MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where she earned the Dero Saunders Award, Cassie is passionate about advancing women in leadership. In 2023, she launched On the Business, a program helping hundreds of senior women in software enhance their P&L fluency and boardroom skills.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary08:12 Introduction and Context Setting19:17 Understanding the Concept of First Team21:00 The Importance of Team Dynamics21:35 Creating a First Team Mindset23:00 Fostering Cross-Functional Collaboration24:13 Aligning Incentives for Team Success28:25 Overcoming Pushback on Team Engagement31:12 Communicating with Empathy34:04 Effective Meeting Cadences41:03 Navigating Conflict and Accountability42:23 Essential Skills for Executives46:06 The Role of Founders and Leadership Styles48:43 The Importance of Alignment and CommunicationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: What is a COO's strengths and gaps? We are joined by Divinia Knowles, The COO Coach. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How do COOs turn their knowledge gaps into strengths through experience?What can personality tests like the Enneagram teach us about effective COOs?How do COOs balance servant leadership with the challenges it brings?What’s the secret to building a powerhouse CEO-COO relationship?How can COOs use self-awareness to grow as leaders and advisors?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowleswww.daijo.iowww.cooroundtable.comBiography Divinia Knowles is an accomplished operator and coach with extensive experience supporting startup and scale-up COOs, CEOs, and leadership teams through growth, exit, and beyond. With a career spanning roles as COO, CFO, CEO, and Board Advisor, Divinia has worked with companies like Pact Coffee and Mind Candy, helping scale global brands and drive success.As the founder of the London COO Roundtable, Divinia has built a thriving network for operational leaders. Since 2017, she’s coached over 150 executives, combining advanced coaching accreditation with expertise in organizational psychology, resilience, and team dynamics.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary16:42 Exploring COO Strengths and Weaknesses26:36 Personality Types and Archetypes in Leadership28:09 The Shadow Side of COOs29:06 Servant Leadership30:21 The Relationship Between COOs and CEOs35:24 Ruminating vs. Acting: Different Leadership Styles37:24 Embracing Public Speaking and Thinking on Your Feet39:28 The Ruminator: Processing Information Over Time41:04 The Caregiver Archetype in Leadership45:39 Balancing Empathy and Performance Management47:54 The Nature of Relationships in Leadership48:44 Directness and Good Intent in Communication49:33 Embracing Self-Awareness and Personal GrowthPubjU2Ffmb2y4RsmnPUcThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: What is a COO's strengths and gaps? We are joined by Divinia Knowles, The COO Coach. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How do COOs build trust with key decision-makers while staying behind the scenes?What’s the secret to thriving in a role that demands constant adaptability?How can COOs master resource allocation when scaling feels chaotic?Why is being an external spokesperson a game-changer for COOs?How do COOs and CEOs create a partnership that drives success?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowleswww.daijo.iowww.cooroundtable.comBiography Divinia Knowles is an accomplished operator and coach with extensive experience supporting startup and scale-up COOs, CEOs, and leadership teams through growth, exit, and beyond. With a career spanning roles as COO, CFO, CEO, and Board Advisor, Divinia has worked with companies like Pact Coffee and Mind Candy, helping scale global brands and drive success.As the founder of the London COO Roundtable, Divinia has built a thriving network for operational leaders. Since 2017, she’s coached over 150 executives, combining advanced coaching accreditation with expertise in organizational psychology, resilience, and team dynamics.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary04:49 Introduction to COO Strengths and Weaknesses19:23 Exploring COO Strengths20:33 Identifying Gaps in COO Skills21:22 The Role of External Spokesperson26:37 Resource Allocation Challenges for COOs31:16 Understanding Financial Reports and Business Metrics32:44 The Importance of Financial Forecasting31:23 Exploring Business Models and Metrics40:18 Future-Facing Opportunities in Business46:04 Strengths-Based Management and Just-in-Time LearningThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: a COO's journey to a Google exit. We are joined by Shane Harris, Former COO @ Cameyo. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Shane Harris: What role does sustainable growth, cash flow positivity, and dynamic budgeting play in a company’s success?How can company culture and strategic alignment influence decision-making and long-term growth?Why is understanding customer lifetime value and identifying productive customers critical for sustainable business strategy?What steps should startups take to prepare for a successful exit?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanecharrisBiography Shane is a seasoned tech executive with a passion for building high performance teams, optimizing business systems and establishing KPI frameworks that drive scalable growth. As COO of enterprise software company Cameyo, acquired by Google, he has a proven track record of strategic leadership through scale and exit. Prior to Cameyo, Shane led operations and helped grow Vasion (formerly PrinterLogic) from 13 to 300+ employees and over 35x revenue growth. Shane has an MBA from Duke University where he graduated at the top of his class.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary06:46 Introduction27:05 Startups, goals, and roadmaps28:07 No frills28:49 Cameo's Exit Strategy and Company Culture30:42 Exit strategies32:18 The Value of Bootstrapping vs. Funding33:54 Navigating Growth Paths and Strategic Decisions35:26 The Role of Operations in Business Success39:38 Preparing for Acquisition: Metrics and Data42:58 Stages of Development and Strategic Objectives47:40 Lessons Learned for Future ExitsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Patents and IP strategy for Scaleups. We are joined by Jon Calvert, IP strategy expert.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Jon Calvert: How can startups effectively protect their innovations through intellectual property (IP)?What are the key differences between patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, and when should each be used?How can a well-crafted IP strategy enhance a startup's valuation during funding rounds or mergers and acquisitions?What steps should startups take to meet the criteria for patentability, such as novelty and inventiveness?How can education and awareness about IP help startups maximize its value and explore alternative financing options like IP asset-based lending?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncalvert/www.clearviewip.comhttps://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/financial-advisory/perspectives/deloitte-ip-360-survey.htmlReading list:Protecting Intellectual Property: What Startups Need To KnowWhat is Intellectual Property? IP Competitive Benchmarking — ClearViewIPIP Due Diligence — ClearViewIPIP Sales, Licensing & Tech Transfers — ClearViewIPIP Valuations — ClearViewIPValuing Intellectual Property AssetsBiography A globally recognised IP Strategist, Jon helps clients drive business value and competitive advantage through effective management of their intangible assets. Jon has advised investors, Boards and C-suite executives on hundreds of transactions and built winning Value Creation and Risk Management strategies for some of the World’s most innovative and successful organisations.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary03:07 Introduction to Intellectual Property and Its Importance14:22 Understanding Patent Types and Their Roles16:33 When Should Startups Consider Patents?19:35 What is Patentable? Exploring Novelty and Inventiveness23:15 User Interface Design and Intellectual Property25:25 Building an IP Strategy for Startups27:52 The Role of IP in Funding Rounds35:37 IP Asset-Based Lending: A Financial Strategy38:39 Valuing Intellectual Property for Buyers43:56 Final Thoughts on IP Education and StrategyAdditional ResourcesShort essential e-learning:

In this episode we discuss: What you need to know about ESOPs. We are joined by John Fraser, Financial Director for PEAK.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with John Fraser: How can companies effectively educate employees to ensure the success of their ESOPs?What steps should organizations take to navigate the complexities of share options and stakeholder involvement?How can companies balance basic implementation steps with long-term implications when designing share schemes?At what point should companies transition from spreadsheets to dedicated tools for managing share data?What are the best practices for communicating compensation strategies and leveraging resources like the Index Ventures report?Referenceshttps://linkedin.com/in/john-fraser-a1bb8876Biography John Fraser brings a wealth of experience with over 20 years in finance and accounting. He spent 4 years specializing in VAT with HMRC and 10 years in the oil and gas industry, working with a NYSE-listed company in diverse roles spanning statutory reporting, management accounting, FP&A, internal audit, and controllership. For the past 6 years, he has been a key contributor at Peak, leveraging his expertise to drive financial excellence.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary19:52 Introduction to ESOP and Its Evolution21:17 Navigating the Initial Steps of ESOP Implementation24:05 The Importance of Employee Education and Communication26:07 Challenges in Seeking External Support for ESOP26:58 Strategic Considerations for Future-Proofing ESOPs29:00 International Considerations and Cross-Border Challenges32:21 Choosing the Right Share Management Tools40:12 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy