The Right-Hand Roadmap

Always visible, but feeling unseen. At Second First, we hear this all the time from seconds-in-command: “I’m running the company. I’m making the decisions. I’m keeping the team on track… but I don’t feel seen.” It’s a hard feeling to name, but it’s real. You’re essential to the business, yet your impact is often invisible. This invisibility shows up in two ways. First, your contributions don’t always get recognized, because smooth operations and prevented crises rarely make headlines. And second, you may feel like no one at work truly knows you as a person. It’s a strange loneliness: surrounded by people all day, yet carrying the sense that the “real you” isn’t visible. You'll hear all about: 00:28 — The paradox of being a second-in-command: running operations yet feeling unseen. 01:16 — Two dimensions of invisibility: lack of recognition for contributions and not being known personally. 01:43 — Why your best work often feels invisible: preventing crises, aligning teams, and acting as the "glue." 02:40 — How wins get attributed to others—and why that’s by design for team development. 03:15 — Why founders struggle to articulate your value (and the absence of formal reviews). 04:04 — The emotional toll: loneliness, wearing a mask, and feeling like no one knows the “real you.” 05:07 — Why this matters: the cycle of over-communicating, second-guessing, or retreating into tactical work. 06:28 — Three strategies to feel more seen: Work Out Loud — Track and share decisions and their impact. Think Out Loud — Make your strategic thinking audible in meetings. Personal Value Statement — Create a one-sentence mission for your role. 10:41 — A mindset shift: some of your best work will always be invisible—and that’s part of your power. 11:19 — Combatting loneliness: finding peers who understand your role through community.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Retreat September 16-17 Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

If you’re always too busy to invest in yourself, your career might be stuck. In this short but powerful solo episode, Megan Long addresses the all-too-familiar excuse: “I’m too busy.” Whether you're putting off professional development, skipping strategic planning, or just stuck in back-to-back meetings, it’s time to ask what that busyness is really costing you. This is a pep talk for every second-in-command who’s running on fumes—and a reminder that making time for yourself is a leadership skill, not a luxury. You'll hear all about: 01:30 – The mastermind retreat in Nashville and what people are saying about why they “can’t go” 02:09 – The real cost of saying “I’m too busy” Common trap: saying no to opportunities that would help you grow EOS implementer insight: teams are skipping Rocks because of day-to-day chaos 03:14 – The pandemic slowdown vs. the current pace of business Remembering daily 2pm walks—and why they feel impossible now Just being busy doesn’t mean you’re making an impact 04:15 – 3 reflection questions to reclaim your time and direction: When was the last time you invested in your own growth? When was the last time you asked for something you want at work? When was the last time you created space to think about your future? 05:00 – Selflessness is admirable—but it shouldn't mean self-neglect Entrepreneurs don’t want their right-hand leaders burning out Make the second half of the year count for you   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Retreat September 16-17 Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Before you chase growth, fix these foundational cracks that could break your business.  Before you chase aggressive growth targets, you have to ask yourself a hard question: Is your business actually ready to scale? We work with leaders every day who are stuck in the messy middle: growing revenue while cash gets tighter, roles get blurrier, and the founder still has a hand in every decision. In this week’s episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long walks through five common problems that must be fixed before you scale. From cash flow visibility to repeatable sales processes and reducing founder dependency, this episode is your growth-prep checklist. Growth can’t be powered by vision alone. It takes clarity, systems, and some financial truth-telling to make growth possible. If your 2025 plan is off track, or if you're leading through a pivot, this episode will help you assess what to fix now (and what you can build mid-flight).   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Episode #49: The Lead-Gen Blueprint for SMBs & Perfecting an Outsourcing Partnership with Cindy Dodd Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Most companies don't have a real strategy.  What’s the difference between being the “best” in your industry and being the only one of your kind? In this episode, bestselling author and street strategist Alex M H Smith joins Megan Long to break down the myths of business strategy. If you’re a COO or second-in-command trying to steer your company toward a clear, scalable, and profitable future, this conversation is your shortcut. Learn how to avoid the trap of generic positioning, unlock strategic leverage, and bring a real strategy to the table.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Alex's LinkedIn Basic Arts Website "No Bullsh*t Strategy" Book Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Unlock time and scale smarter by learning what to delegate and how to successfully partner with a remote VA In this episode, Megan Long sits down with Kimeran Johnson, COO of Nexus Point, to dive deep into how executives can offload the right work, reclaim their time, and scale their companies using offshore virtual assistants. Kimeran shares practical delegation frameworks, red flags to avoid when outsourcing, and best practices for building trust and engagement with remote team members. Whether you're overwhelmed or trying to unlock new growth, this conversation offers a step-by-step approach to making your first or next VA hire successful.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Kimeran's LinkedIn Nexus Point Website Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

50 Lessons for 50 Episodes In this special 50th episode, host Megan Long reflects on the hard-won wisdom gathered from years of working as (and with) Seconds-In-Command at founder-led companies. She shares 50 rapid-fire lessons she wishes she could give her younger executive self, ranging from mindset shifts and leadership tactics to strategic guidance and personal boundaries. If you’re navigating the complex and rewarding role of COO or integrator, this episode will speak directly to your experience.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Scaling Smarter: What Every COO Needs to Know About Lead Gen In this episode, Megan Long interviews Cindy Dodd, the powerhouse COO and cofounder of PEMA.io, an Inc. 5000 B2B appointment-setting firm. Cindy breaks down the most common lead generation mistakes, shares how to hold outsourced vendors accountable, and reveals the revenue planning process that helps her team scale with confidence. Whether you're managing a sales team, overseeing growth initiatives, or just trying to help your CEO hit ambitious targets, Cindy delivers clear, practical advice every Second-In-Command needs to hear. You'll hear all about: 02:07 – How PEMA.io helps entrepreneurial businesses 03:08 – The biggest mistake entrepreneurial companies make with lead gen 04:52 – What to do when you’ve been placed over sales with no sales experience 05:26 – The difference between delegation and abdication 06:00 – How to get ROI from outsourced marketing and sales partners 07:20 – How to vet lead gen vendors (hint: demand proof, not promises) 08:24 – The importance of aligning expectations with partners 09:12 – Leading vs. lagging indicators in outbound sales 10:28 – Lessons learned from client delivery and expectation management 12:11 – Why having a strong internal sales process is critical for outsourced partnerships 14:04 – What COOs should focus on to scale their business in 2025 16:12 – How to set realistic revenue goals based on data (not CEO wishes) 18:33 – Why quarterly reviews with your sales team help spot and replicate what’s working 19:51 – Cindy’s backstory: from Johannesburg to asset management to entrepreneurship 21:57 – The ups and downs of cofounding a business with your spouse 23:52 – Sneak peek at Cindy’s expert session for Second First members 25:29 – Where to find Cindy online and get her free resources 26:14 – Free downloads: Outbound Sales Playbook & LinkedIn Guide   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: FREE Outbound Sales Playbook PEMA.io website Cindy Dodd's website The Takeover Podcast Cindy Dodd's Instagram Cindy Dodd's LinkedIn Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Protect the business and your team by identifying and eliminating risk before it derails your growth. One of the most powerful (and often invisible) things you can do in this role is proactively de-risk the business. That means thinking ahead, planning for disruptions, and removing single points of failure that could knock the business off track. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we unpack the real meaning of de-risking. It’s not about fear—it’s about responsibility. We talk through how to evaluate operational systems, vendor dependencies, leadership bandwidth, and revenue streams with fresh eyes. Megan also shares a true story from a tornado that tested her own continuity plans, and an ADA compliance issue that could’ve quietly cost $20,000 if not addressed. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – Why de-risking is a critical function for Seconds-in-Command in founder-led companies 01:03 – The three core priorities you must balance: growth, team health, and risk mitigation 01:33 – Understanding key person risk: what happens if the CEO—or you—can’t work? 02:01 – The value of cross-training, documentation, and succession planning 02:22 – Operational risk: how to spot single points of failure in systems and processes 02:47 – A business continuity exercise that lists every function, tool, and backup plan 03:32 – The real-life value of this work: how a tornado in 2020 tested their contingency planning 04:17 – Payroll goes down? Here’s a backup plan that ensures no one misses a paycheck 05:01 – Strategic and financial risk: are you too reliant on one client, channel, or product? 05:51 – Vendor risk: how to evaluate suppliers and what to do when terms change unexpectedly 06:16 – The two-part vendor checklist: security protocols and financial terms 07:25 – How to approach worst-case scenario thinking without being a fearmonger 07:48 – Pitching risk-mitigation to your CEO: making it real with examples 08:00 – A real ADA website lawsuit story—and why a $20K surprise could derail your year 09:14 – Use storytelling and real-life examples to prioritize de-risking in your annual plan   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Avoid the Hidden Traps in Your Compensation Plan and Financial Planning as a Six-Figure Earner. In episode 47 of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sat down with Brenton Harrison, a Certified Financial Planner who specializes in helping first- and second-generation high-income earners. Brenton pulls back the curtain on the emotional baggage that often comes with financial success, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of compensation plans that sound good on paper but leave you over-leveraged, underpaid, or misinformed. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever second-guessed your bonus structure, wondered whether equity is really worth it, or felt embarrassed not knowing what questions to ask about financial planning. Brenton’s insights will challenge how you think about money, and give you the tools to build a smarter, more sustainable financial future. You'll hear all about: 00:41 – Meet Brenton Harrison: Financial planner for first- and second-generation high earners 02:25 – Why Brenton launched New Money, New Problems and the emotional baggage behind financial success 05:40 – The blind spots of compensation plans for seconds-in-command 07:55 – Why “you should be thankful” is a red flag in any compensation conversation 10:32 – When commissions and bonuses are more about control than reward 14:47 – How to recognize a toxic comp plan 17:10 – Planning for income that fluctuates (like commission-based roles) 21:18 – Should you accept equity? What questions to ask first 25:00 – The “six-figure lifestyle” trap 27:36 – How high earners can build a financial strategy that’s actually sustainable 30:41 – Why your net worth matters more than your income 32:19 – Tips for COOs navigating equity, risk, and career growth 36:03 – When to hire a financial planner—and what to look for 38:45 – Brenton’s advice for COOs in fast-growing companies   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: New Money, New Problems website Brenton D. Harrison’s Instagram  New Money, New Problems Podcast Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Encouraging employee-generated content and building a personal brand on LinkedIn can position your company and team as industry leaders (while also making hiring easier than ever). In today’s episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we’re diving into employee-generated content (EGC) and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for attracting top talent and building a strong company presence. We’ll also explore why Seconds-in-Command should start developing their own personal brand online, separate from their company. You’ll learn how to leverage LinkedIn without feeling cringey, encourage your team to become thought leaders, and strategically position yourself as an expert in your industry. You'll hear all about: 00:29 – Introduction to employee-generated content and personal branding 00:41 – What is UGC (user-generated content) and how does it apply to companies? 01:08 – Two main types of UGC and how brands use it 02:13 – Applying the UGC concept to your employees and company 02:49 – Why the fear of employees posting too much on LinkedIn is outdated 02:55 – The benefits of encouraging your employees to post online 03:02 – How thought leadership from your team strengthens sales and hiring 03:49 – How to help employees start posting on LinkedIn 04:45 – Why Seconds-in-Command need to build a personal brand separate from their company 05:06 – Your company is a rented brand—so it’s critical to establish your own reputation 05:43 – Boz Saint John as an example of a strong personal brand 06:21 – Practical first steps for building your LinkedIn presence 07:12 – Your personal brand is more than just LinkedIn—it’s the unique value others expect from you   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Get practical answers to questions COOs are asking—about SOPs, staffing ahead of growth, and managing disengaged employees. In this Q&A episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long tackles real-world questions from second-in-command leaders navigating fast growth, resource constraints, and team dynamics. Whether you're wondering when to systematize your startup, how to staff for a 30% growth forecast, or what to do with employees who are just clocking in and out, this episode has guidance you can apply immediately. Megan draws on years of experience working inside and alongside founder-led businesses to help you set smart priorities and avoid common missteps. You'll hear all about: 00:00 – Introduction to the Q&A format and how to submit your own questions 01:47 – Q1: Prioritizing SOPs and processes at an early-stage company with ambitious growth goals 02:11 – Why sales and marketing systems must come before internal process-building 03:10 – Strategic planning example: focusing on partnerships and lead gen over documentation 04:08 – A warning: 300% growth will break your current systems—so build flexibly 05:08 – Story: Megan’s mistake of over-documenting accounting procedures too early 06:47 – Challenge your CEO on whether SOPs are the most urgent need right now 07:08 – Q2: Should you staff up in anticipation of growth or wait until overwhelmed? 08:16 – The cultural and operational risks of premature hiring 08:46 – Megan’s rule of thumb: distinguish between proven vs. unproven growth 09:04 – Second First benchmarking data: turnover and revenue trends across members 10:07 – Forecasting in the post-2020 era: why historical data can be misleading Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Want your CEO to actually read your emails? Master the art of concise communication. As a COO or second-in-command, you don’t have time for long-winded explanation, and neither does your CEO. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long shares why brevity is an essential leadership skill in founder-led companies. You’ll hear real-life examples of communication failures and learn how to craft messages that get read (and acted on). If you’ve ever written a detailed email that went ignored, this episode is for you. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – Why conciseness is a must-have leadership skill 00:40 – A real-world example: The director with PhD-level emails 01:36 – The manager whose messages were unreadable walls of text 02:32 – Have you ever written an email that was ignored? Here’s why. 02:53 – The #1 rule of communicating with CEOs: Get to the point 03:05 – The power of clarity: Trial lawyers and plain English 03:28 – How to write emails your CEO will actually read 03:35 – Start with an executive summary (2-4 sentences) 03:47 – Use bullet points for key facts 03:58 – Cut the fluff: Eliminate filler words and phrases 04:39 – The golden rule: Give CEOs access to supporting details, but don’t make them hunt for the key takeaways Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Prepare for quarterly planning with a structured prework process that ensures alignment, clarity, and execution for your leadership team. Quarterly planning isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about ensuring your company is focused, aligned, and equipped to execute effectively. In this episode, Megan Long breaks down the essential prework every second-in-command should complete before heading into a quarterly planning session. From reviewing financials to aligning with your CEO, these steps will help you walk into the room prepared, confident, and ready to lead a productive strategy meeting. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – The purpose of quarterly planning: alignment, focus, and execution 00:36 – The impact of preparation on a successful planning session 01:15 – Review last quarter’s results 01:56 – Evaluate last quarter’s rocks (goals) 02:47 – Review key business metrics and trends 03:17 – Meet with department heads 04:32 – Personal pre-planning session 05:19 – Align with your CEO   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Secrets to success being a Second-In-Command to your spouse while balancing business and family life with Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and founder of The Helm. Being a second-in-command in any business is a challenge, but when your CEO is also your spouse, the dynamics become even more complex. In Episode 42 of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sat down with Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and founder of The Helm, to discuss what it takes to balance leadership, marriage, and motherhood. Amy also shared how she carved out her role as “Chief Matriarch” in a growing company, managing operations while supporting her husband’s vision. You'll hear all about: 02:15 – Amy’s background and how she became the Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and “Chief Matriarch” in life as a whole. 05:30 – Defining the role of a Second-In-Command in a family-run business 09:45 – The biggest challenges of working with a spouse and how to navigate them 14:10 – The benefits of setting boundaries, or not setting boundaries! 19:30 – Why communication is the key to success in business and marriage 23:50 – The importance of trust between the entrepreneur and Second-In-Command 27:40 – How Amy’s experience led her to create The Helm and share her expertise with other Second First members. 32:15 – Advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role alongside their spouse Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode:   Chief Matriarch - Amy's Website Low County Case & Millwork Second First Membership Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn Amy Stasiukaitis on LinkedIn Amy Stasiukaitis on Instagram

Learn the key differences between an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and COO, and how to maximize your partnership with a founder, featuring expert insights from Hallie Warner. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we dive deep into the evolving roles of Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and COOs with Hallie Warner, founder of The Founder & The Force Multiplier. Hallie shares her expert perspective on how each role serves a founder differently, what makes for a successful right-hand partnership, and when it’s time to level up. If you’re a COO, EA, or Chief of Staff (or you’re thinking about hiring one) this episode will give you a clear roadmap to making that partnership thrive. You'll hear all about: 03:12 - The distinct roles of an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and COO—and how they evolve over time 08:45 - How a founder’s needs dictate the right-hand role they should hire for 12:30 - The biggest misconceptions about EAs, Chiefs of Staff, and COOs 17:55 - What makes a right-hand partnership successful, from both the founder’s and the operator’s perspective 23:40 - When it’s time for an EA to step into a Chief of Staff role—and when that might not be the right move 29:10 - Key skills that Chiefs of Staff and COOs need to develop for long-term success 34:50 - Hallie’s advice for founders looking to hire their first right-hand Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: The Founder & The Force Multiplier Second First Membership Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn Hallie Warner on LinkedIn Hallie Warner on Instagram

Feeling less confident in your role as a Second-in-Command? Learn how the Dunning-Kruger effect impacts your leadership and how to overcome it. Ever feel like the more you learn, the less confident you become? You’re not imagining it. This is the Dunning-Kruger effect at work. In this episode, we break down how this psychological phenomenon affects Seconds-in-Command and why gaining experience can sometimes feel like a confidence killer. Learn how to push past self-doubt, trust your expertise, and lead with confidence...even when you don’t have all the answers. You'll hear all about: 01:11 – Why COOs and Integrators often feel less confident over time. 02:17 – The paradox: the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. 03:00 – Real-world examples from coaching engagements where confidence dips after deeper learning. 03:42 – Understanding "Mount Stupid"—why overconfidence is highest when knowledge is lowest. 04:11 – Three ways the Dunning-Kruger effect impacts Seconds-in-Command: 04:16 – Second-guessing decisions, even when you’re the most qualified. 04:44 – Assuming the CEO has all the answers (hint: they don’t). 05:22 – Holding back on leading boldly when your perspective is most needed. 06:03 – How to counteract self-doubt and embrace your role: 06:09 – Trust your expertise and recognize self-awareness as a strength. 06:32 – Assert yourself with confidence—your CEO needs your input. 07:34 – Embrace continuous learning, but don’t let it paralyze you.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: The Dunning-Kruger Effect Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Want to connect with top industry leaders and expand your executive network? Learn how to make high-impact connections and build relationships that open doors. As an executive, your network is one of your greatest assets. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we dive into the art of strategic networking: how to connect with key industry leaders, build meaningful professional relationships, and leverage those connections to grow in your role. Megan Long shares actionable strategies for getting in front of decision-makers, breaking into exclusive circles, and maximizing networking opportunities at events. Whether you're looking for mentorship, new opportunities, or simply a stronger support system, this episode will help you make the right connections. You'll hear all about: 00:48 – Why networking matters for executives and leaders, not just entrepreneurs 03:05 – The importance of owning your network and making your value transferable 03:58 – The power of bold introductions: How a simple conversation led to a career-changing internship 06:05 – The art of networking with high-profile individuals (without being awkward or pushy) 07:25 – The “one-degree separation” strategy: Using mutual connections to get introductions 08:14 – Leveraging conferences and events to meet industry leaders 09:14 – How to maximize company sponsorships to access exclusive networking opportunities 10:18 – The key to effective follow-ups and making connections stick Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Discover how to reclaim 20% of your team’s time and master your digital tools with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sit down with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, to tackle the hidden costs of "digital chaos" in your organization. Shawn shares practical strategies for optimizing digital tools, streamlining workflows, and reclaiming 20% of your employees' time. Whether you’re drowning in a sea of Slack messages, struggling to find that elusive Google Doc, or wondering how to finally implement efficient systems, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can start using today. You'll hear all about: 01:20 – Introduction to Shawn Lemon and The Digital Organizer: Shawn explains his mission to help companies escape “digital chaos.” 03:45 – Identifying "digital chaos": Common signs your organization is losing efficiency due to poor digital organization. 06:15 – Reclaiming 20% of employee time: How systematizing your tools and workflows can unlock hours of productivity. 08:50 – Essential tools for digital organization: Shawn’s go-to platforms and why less is more when it comes to tech. 11:10 – Email mastery: Tips for managing overflowing inboxes and setting boundaries. 13:30 – Overcoming resistance to change: How to get buy-in from your team to adopt new systems. 16:00 – The power of a "single source of truth": Why a centralized platform is the foundation of digital clarity. 19:40 – Real-world examples: Stories of teams who regained control and boosted productivity through Shawn’s methods. 22:15 – Quick wins: Immediate steps you can take today to reduce digital clutter. 25:00 – Closing thoughts: Shawn’s advice for sustaining long-term digital organization. Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Download Your Free Guide from The Digital Organizer The Digital Organizer Website Second First Membership Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn Shawn Lemon on LinkedIn The Digital Organizer on LinkedIn The Digital Organizer on Instagram

Simple yet powerful phrases to elevate your leadership, empower your team, and reclaim your time. In this episode, host Megan Long shares three essential phrases every COO or second-in-command should master. These tools are designed to grow your team’s problem-solving skills, build trust with your CEO, and help you maintain focus by avoiding unnecessary urgency. You'll hear all about: 00:29 – Introduction to the episode: three phrases to add to your leadership toolbox. 01:01 – Phrase 1: “What do you suggest?” — Empower your team to think critically and solve their own problems, boosting their confidence and decision-making muscles. 02:10 – Benefits of using “What do you suggest?” for your team’s growth and your freedom as a leader. 03:05 – Phrase 2: “How do you feel about that?” — Gain insight into your team’s and CEO’s perspectives while strengthening trust and connection. 04:13 – How asking your CEO this question enhances your partnership and provides a deeper understanding of their thought process. 04:29 – Phrase 3: “When do you need an answer by?” — A strategy for managing decision-making pressure and prioritizing effectively. 05:52 – The hidden benefit of teaching your team the difference between urgency and importance.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: “Who’s Got the Monkey?” by Harvard Business Review Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Set realistic revenue goals for the year and create a strategic plan to hit them. In this episode, Megan Long breaks down the process of setting accurate revenue goals for your business. If you’re tired of arbitrary revenue targets, this episode will teach you how to evaluate your sales funnel, crunch the numbers, and build a clear path to success. Whether you're a COO or second-in-command, this episode gives you actionable steps to help your company achieve its financial targets—and even exceed them. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – The common pitfall: arbitrary revenue targets set by CEOs without sufficient planning. 01:20 – The importance of working backward to assess team capacity and realistic targets. 01:55 – Megan introduces the downloadable worksheet to guide listeners through the exercise. 02:12 – Start by analyzing your sales funnel and collecting five key data points. 03:36 – Calculating average deal size using historical sales data. 04:14 – Breaking down an example sales funnel with clear metrics and close rates. 05:45 – How to calculate your company’s revenue capacity based on your sales funnel. 06:17 – Adjusting team capacity or hiring needs to meet ambitious revenue goals. 07:26 – Evaluating individual salesperson capacity to handle increased quotas. 08:12 – Using sales funnel math to communicate actionable plans to your CEO.   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn