The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

After coaching Jen O'Hare of Bell Box Co on defining her QBR (Queen Bee Role), Adrienne and Emily are back with a debrief — breaking down the biggest themes from the conversation and sharing how they apply to every business, not just gifting. This episode is a must-listen if your offers feel bloated, you're stretched too thin, or you're struggling to decide what actually matters to your customers. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why Jen's QBR wasn't product selection (and what it was instead) ✅ How to define your QBR when you're doing it all yourself ✅ Why trimming services is often the path to more profit ✅ How to structure your team so the QBR always comes first ✅ When to rewrite your big promise to match what customers value This is a powerful reminder that clarity doesn't just help you scale — it also helps you breathe. Whether you're a solo founder or leading a team, understanding your QBR will change how you hire, market, and grow. 🎧 Listen to Jen's original coaching episode here: Defining Your QBR with Jen O'Hare Top 5 Takeaways: You Are Not the Customer – Entrepreneurs often overdeliver in the areas they personally value… instead of what the client actually cares about. Trimming Is a Growth Strategy – Cutting SKUs, product options, or service add-ons can unlock more revenue and reduce operational drag. QBR > Primary Role – Everyone on the team has their own priorities, but the QBR has to come first — always. Redefine Your Promise – A vague or outdated "big promise" makes it harder to market and scale. Let your QBR inform the language you use. Define Before You Delegate – The clearer your QBR is, the easier it is to train others to protect it. ⏰ Chapters: 00:54 – Why Jen's QBR surprised us (and her!) 03:19 – What happens when you think it's the product 06:14 – Why narrowing offers is often the smarter path 09:25 – How the QBR changes your hiring priorities 13:01 – Protecting the QBR across different team roles 16:47 – When your big promise needs a rewrite 20:14 – Knowing your ideal primary role (and getting there) 23:55 – The mindset shift that unlocks sustainable scaling 26:38 – Why "simple" is often the most valuable 29:02 – Final takeaways + where to get QBR support 🔗 Episode Links: 🎧 Listen to Jen's original coaching episode🌐 Learn more about Clockworking your business: runlikeclockwork.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @rlclockwork | @adriennedorison

In this episode of the CEO Help Desk, Adrienne and Emily coach Jen O'Hare, founder of Bell Box Co, through one of the most powerful prioritization tools we use at Clockwork: identifying her business's QBR (Queen Bee Role). Jen runs a high-touch, end-to-end corporate gifting service — but like so many CEOs, she's been wearing all the hats. In this real-time strategy session, you'll hear how we narrowed in on what actually matters most to her customers, and how that clarity can help her scale without sacrificing quality. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why Jen's customers choose her over off-the-shelf gift vendors ✅ How to define your QBR even when you "do everything" ✅ What to eliminate when your offers feel bloated ✅ How to balance logistics with customer experience ✅ Why your primary role should support — not compete with — the QBR Jen walked away with clarity on what her customers actually value — and a path forward that prioritizes premium experience over perfection. 🎁 Learn more about Belle Box Co: 🌐 https://www.belleboxco.com 📲@belleboxco on Instagram + LinkedIn 📚 Learn how to identify your own QBR: www.runlikeclockwork.com 🏆 Top 5 Takeaways Start with the Big Promise – Before you can define your QBR, you have to know what your customers are really buying. Experience Over Product – For Jen, her clients care more about trust, ease, and white-glove service than the specific gift inside the box. Trim the Extras – Premium doesn't mean everything — it means the right things, done well. Define Your Roles – Everyone on the team should know how their primary role supports the QBR. Futureproof with Clarity – When your QBR is clear, it becomes much easier to hire, market, and scale. ⏰ Chapters 01:00 – Meet Jen: What Bell Box Co offers and who they serve 03:22 – What makes Bell Box Co different from ecomm gift boxes 06:17 – The true "Big Promise" Jen delivers to clients 08:45 – Why customer experience trumps perfect product selection 12:02 – Defining your QBR when you wear all the hats 15:18 – How QBR clarity shapes your team and hiring 18:04 – Primary roles, secondary roles, and ideal roles 21:39 – Using your QBR to shape future marketing strategy 24:15 – Jen's next steps after the coaching session    

In this debrief episode, Adrienne and Emily reflect on their conversation with Danielle Hendon — and break down what it actually looks like to loosen your grip without watching the whole business unravel. They share their own experiences stepping back from day-to-day decisions, the tools that helped them build trust with their team, and how to adapt leadership as both your business and personal needs evolve. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why delegation problems are usually communication problems ✅ How to use red/yellow/green light language with your team ✅ The difference between being helpful and being a bottleneck ✅ Why updating your user manual is a team-wide act of service ✅ What to do when your identity and values shift — and your business hasn't caught up yet This is a vulnerable, honest conversation about seasons of leadership, how to create shared language with your team, and what freedom really looks like when you've built a business that runs without you. Top 5 Takeaways: Shared Language is Liberation – Tools like "red/yellow/green" keep communication clear and expectations realistic. Update Your User Manual – You're allowed to change. But if your team doesn't know that, they'll keep working from outdated rules. Vision + Values Still Need Repetition – You can't just say it once. Culture needs constant reinforcement. Let Your Team Own the Outcome – Not just the tasks. You're Not Lazy — You're Leading Differently – And that's the whole point. ⏰ Chapters: 00:56 – Reflecting on Danielle's challenge 02:05 – What bottlenecks look like at different stages 04:18 – Shared language: the red/yellow/green light tool 08:00 – How to train clients and protect your team's boundaries 11:45 – When your internal values shift and your systems don't 14:30 – Rebuilding your work rhythm to support your brain + energy 17:30 – Voice notes > Zoom calls? The tools that work now 21:00 – You're allowed to do it your way Want to Clockwork your own business, too?: www.runlikeclockwork.comAdrienne's IGRLC IG

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Danielle Hendon, founder of 4 Corners CFO, to unpack a surprisingly common (and sneaky) bottleneck: too many leads. If you've ever thought "more leads = more money," this episode might change your mind. Danielle shares the real challenges of managing overwhelming demand as a solo CFO — and why growing her client roster wasn't translating to growing her business. Together, they explore what it looks like to: Get clear on capacity before hiring Protect your most valuable skillsets And rebuild around you — not just your offers Whether you're at capacity, nearing burnout, or unsure if you should grow your team, this episode is packed with strategic and mindset shifts to help you move forward confidently. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why "too many clients" is a real bottleneck ✅ The hidden costs of discounting financial services ✅ How to restructure your offers around value, not time ✅ When to grow your team (and when not to) ✅ Why sustainable scaling requires tough trade-offs Top 5 Takeaways: Not All Leads Are Good Leads – Growth isn't always about more. Sometimes it's about better. Pricing Should Reflect Outcomes – Especially for expert services, time-based pricing leaves value on the table. Redesign Around the Right Roles – You can't hire until you know what you're hiring for. Avoid Scope Creep by Design – Define boundaries in your offers upfront — and stick to them. Build a Business That Works for You – Design your business to support your life, not consume it. ⏰ Chapters: 00:58 – Meet Danielle and her business challenge 03:44 – The overwhelm of too many leads 06:52 – Why underpricing is still hurting her business 11:20 – The hidden trap of being "easy to work with" 15:16 – Redesigning offers to reflect true value 21:30 – Hiring decisions: what's next? 25:18 – Scaling through boundaries, not burnout 31:04 – Danielle's next steps 📲 Connect with Danielle: Website: https://www.4cornerscfo.com Instagram: @4cornerscfo

When is the right time to start something new?  In this debrief, Adrienne and Emily unpack their coaching session with Catherine Roe and offer a powerful reframe for any multi-passionate CEO: context determines the strategy. They explore what made Catherine ready to grow something new — and how to know if you are too. 🎧 Listen in as they discuss: ✅ The truth about "multi-passionate" founders ✅ Why seasons of business matter more than hustle ✅ What happens when you try to grow two things that both need you ✅ The trap of chasing new ideas because you're bored ✅ Why minimum deposits might be the most CEO thing you do This episode is your reminder to stay focused, stay human, and trust that there's a right time for everything — just not everything at once. 🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: It's Not Burnout — It's Overcommitment – Trying to grow two things at once when neither can run without you = stress. Seasons Shape Strategy – What's wise in one season might be reckless in another. Minimum Deposits Matter – Everything doesn't need 100% — it needs intentionality. Context Is Everything – Advice isn't one-size-fits-all. Make decisions based on your reality. Stay Bored (Sometimes) – Not every lull means it's time to pivot. Mastery is boring — and powerful. 🕰️ Chapters 01:12 – Why we gave Catherine a green light 04:45 – When to not start the new thing 09:30 – The danger of distraction disguised as inspiration 13:18 – Our year of "yes"… and what we learned 18:42 – Why minimum deposits changed everything 23:40 – What to trim so your priorities can thrive 28:05 – Business ≠ Brand – How to stay in integrity when you're the face 32:11 – Your business can evolve. So can you.  

Catherine Roe built a successful accounting firm that now runs without her. But instead of coasting, she's launching a second brand — an educational business focused on financial literacy. In this coaching episode of The CEO Help Desk, Catherine shares how she's balancing new ideas, team capacity, and her own energy as she grows her next business. If you've ever felt the pull to start something new and the fear of slipping back into overwork… you're going to relate to this one. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why her first business can grow without her — and what that changes ✅ How to build something new without burning out ✅ What it really means to be multi-passionate ✅ Why your boundaries matter more when you're energized ✅ The power of deciding what's "enough" in every season 👉 Learn more about Catherine's work at Cowart Roe, including her educational brand at Cowart Roe Academy 👉 Want to clockwork your own business so it runs without you? Get started with us here 🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: Run One Business First – Start something new only after the first can thrive without you. Excitement ≠ Sustainability – New energy doesn't mean you can (or should) do it all. Borrow Resources Thoughtfully – Use your current team wisely, without overloading them. Hold Your Boundaries – Set clear limits, even in seasons of expansion. Minimum Deposits Matter – Small investments in other areas of life + business keep everything steady. 🕰️ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Catherine + the two sides of her business 03:22 – Where the second brand came from 06:35 – The "No More 24/7" philosophy 10:41 – Navigating energy, seasons, and priorities 14:25 – How minimum deposits work in real life 18:58 – What she's cutting to make space 24:10 – Communicating priorities and boundaries 28:40 – Building the right foundation for new growth  

After coaching Ben and Cody from Five Star Interpreting, Adrienne and Emily are back to debrief the conversation — and dig into what it really takes to evolve from a hands-on founder to a strategic leader. If you've stepped out of the doing but still find yourself making all the decisions, this debrief will hit home. Here's what we cover: ✅ The illusion of being "out of the weeds" — and why decision fatigue proves otherwise ✅ How to train your team to spot problems and solve them ✅ Letting go of control… without letting go of clarity ✅ Navigating leadership with a co-founder who sees the world differently ✅ Why self-awareness and communication tools (like the Enneagram) are game-changers This is an honest, behind-the-scenes reflection on what it takes to truly design your business — so that the right people are solving the right problems at the right time. Plus, we unpack the metaphor of bikes vs. race cars — and why growth speed can look different even when the destination is the same. Top 5 Takeaways: You're Not Out Until You're Unnecessary – If every decision still needs your input, you're not free yet. Build Problem-Solvers, Not Just Task-Doers – Your team needs the skills and autonomy to act before they ask. Shared Vision = Smoother Roads – When co-founders stay aligned, everything else moves faster. The Enneagram Reveals More Than You Think – Understanding motivation helps reduce conflict and build trust. Compassion Over Control – Assume your partner is on your side, even when you disagree about the path forward. Read the transcript here Chapters: 00:56 – Why "not doing" isn't the same as "not deciding" 04:42 – Team autonomy starts with training and trust 08:14 – The dashboard difference: measuring + interpreting data 13:00 – Getting team leads to own problems and solutions 17:22 – Working with opposite strengths + communication styles 23:05 – How the Enneagram shifted their partnership 27:36 – Bikes vs. race cars: the real pace of progress 32:04 – Final takeaways + what this means for your business Connect with Adrienne: @adriennedorisonLearn more about Run Like Clockwork: www.runlikeclockwork.com

In this coaching episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Ben and Cody, co-founders of 5 Star Interpreting, to tackle a challenge many visionary founders face: What does your role become when the business runs without you? If you've ever felt unsure of how to stay involved at a strategic level without slipping back into the day-to-day, this one's for you. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why "letting go" doesn't mean disappearing ✅ How to build metrics that matter (and get your team to own them) ✅ Navigating partnership dynamics when your working styles clash ✅ Identifying the high-leverage work only you can do ✅ What a fully developed right-hand leader can unlock Ben and Cody share how their values-driven business model — serving the Deaf community across Utah, Illinois, and beyond — continues to thrive thanks to a strong team. But with growth comes a new challenge: redefining their leadership roles to focus on vision, alignment, and long-term impact. Hit play for a powerful conversation on leadership evolution, co-founder communication, and building a business that runs without you — but still reflects you. Top 5 Takeaways: Redefine Leadership – You don't have to leave your business to scale. You just need to lead differently. Design Your Dashboard – Tracking what matters helps you manage without meddling. Strengthen the Middle – Develop your internal leaders so they're solving problems before they reach you. Own Your Zone – Decide which high-value activities are truly yours — and delegate the rest. Stay Aligned – Founders don't need to agree on everything, but alignment on vision is non-negotiable. Chapters: 01:02 – Meet Ben and Cody + What 5 Star Interpreting does 03:24 – The challenge: leading without doing 07:10 – Why the same metrics won't get them to the next level 12:58 – Building trust through dashboards + team decision-making 19:42 – Reframing leadership roles as visionaries 25:06 – Personality conflicts + Enneagram insights 31:22 – Developing their right-hand leader for operational autonomy 35:44 – Takeaways + next steps from the session Read the transcript here  🌐Learn more about 5 Star Interpreting Adrienne's IGRLC IG

After coaching Lisa Whitehouse on her team and scaling challenges, Adrienne and Emily are back to debrief the conversation — and get honest about how fear, beliefs, and untested assumptions shape our most critical business decisions. If you've ever delayed a hire, undercharged for your work, or jumped back into client delivery because "it's just easier," this debrief is a must-listen. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why journaling and mindset work alone won't help you scale ✅ The numbers that make hiring decisions feel safer ✅ How to calculate your onboarding runway + caseload breakeven ✅ The belief that "I must work hard to make money" — and why it lingers ✅ Building a business that doesn't need you (and why that's hard) Adrienne and Emily share what Lisa's episode revealed about the unspoken rules so many founders still follow — and why building a self-sufficient team starts with building a belief system that supports growth. 👉 If you want to stop getting pulled back into the work and start leading with clarity, this is your episode. Top 5 Takeaways: Beliefs Drive Behavior – If your subconscious says growth = danger, no strategy will override it. Track Onboarding Timelines – Knowing when a hire becomes profitable gives you confidence to scale. Budget for Training – Create a team training account, just like you would for marketing or software. DIY Is a Trap – Re-inserting yourself into the work feels helpful… until it kills momentum. Leadership Starts with Choice – You can run a solo business or build a team — just don't complain about the trade-offs. Chapters 00:56 – Adrienne's take: mindset as the true bottleneck 02:10 – Emily's POV: mindset without numbers won't cut it 04:20 – How long does it take a new hire to become profitable? 07:15 – Why you must budget for the training runway 10:02 – "Scrappy" doesn't scale: why scrappiness isn't strategy 12:58 – Adrienne's own growth edge: wanting things done yesterday 16:33 – Trade-offs: fast results vs. long-term freedom 20:20 – Resentment happens when you say yes to too much 23:00 – Letting go isn't just tactical—it's emotional 27:50 – Choosing your hard: reframe vs. repeat Want to be a guest on the podcast? Just fill in this form now!

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Lisa Whitehouse, founder of Clever Vine — a UK-based outsourced business development agency — to unpack the mental and operational roadblocks keeping her from hiring and scaling with confidence. If you've ever second-guessed whether it's safe to grow your team, this one's for you. Here's what we cover: ✅ What "team trauma" looks like — and how it lingers in your decision-making ✅ Why Lisa keeps jumping back into client work (and what it's costing her) ✅ The challenge of hiring for soft skills and high performance ✅ How to create capacity before you need it ✅ Navigating the tension between small clients and large contracts Lisa shares how a past business failure still shapes her thinking — and how that fear shows up in her leadership today. Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down: - The mindset shifts required to grow sustainably - How to set up hiring systems that feel safer - Why pricing must reflect skill (not just service) If you're a service-based business owner trying to scale your team without losing quality or control, this episode will help you lead with clarity instead of fear. 🔥 Hit play and let's get into it! Top 5 Takeaways: Fear Isn't Strategy – Past business trauma can silently shape present-day decisions. Unpack it or risk staying stuck. Hire Ahead of Demand – Build the bench before you need it. Otherwise, you'll always be catching up. Let Go to Grow – Just because you can jump in doesn't mean you should. Founder fill-ins cost more than they save. Profit Needs Pricing Power – If your service is high-touch and human-led, your pricing should reflect that. Don't Just Attract Talent—Train It – A clear onboarding timeline builds trust (and saves money). Chapters 01:10 – Meet Lisa: What Clever Vine does and who they serve 03:42 – The challenge: balancing demand with capacity 06:58 – Why past team layoffs still shape Lisa's fear 10:24 – Jumping back in: the hidden cost of being the fallback 14:08 – Improving onboarding speed with better hiring clarity 17:02 – Balancing a values-driven culture with performance goals 19:50 – Creating team diversity across big and small clients 22:20 – Why pricing must match value in a human-led business 25:12 – Facing the fear: journaling, self-awareness, and belief work 31:00 – Lisa's biggest takeaway + next step Connect with Lisa: 👉 Website: https://www.clevervine.co.uk

In this debrief session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle break down the key takeaways from their conversation with Robert Gauvreau about managing a fast-growing team and handling the challenges of an acquisition. If you've ever faced pushback from your team during a big change, this episode is for you! Here's what we cover: ✅ Why resistance to change is normal — and how to work through it ✅ How to create user manuals to improve team communication ✅ Why you need to frame change around the benefits to your team ✅ How to present new systems in a way that creates buy-in ✅ When saving money isn't worth the team morale hit Adrienne and Emily share personal stories about how small changes (like switching a software system) can have a big impact on team morale — and why it's essential to lead with the "what's in it for them" approach when introducing change. Missed the conversation with Robert? Click here to listen to the full episode Top 5 Takeaways: Resistance is Normal – Every team has at least one person who will push back on change. Expect it and plan for it. Create User Manuals – User manuals help team members understand how to work better together and reduce conflict. Frame the Benefit to the Team – Don't present change as something that helps you — explain how it benefits them. Change Takes Time – Rushing through change increases friction and reduces trust. Sometimes It's Not Worth It – A small financial gain isn't worth a big hit to team morale and efficiency. Chapters 00:28 – Robert's Acquisition Challenge – Why managing change is so hard. 02:23 – Resistance to Change – Why teams push back — and how to handle it. 04:41 – Why User Manuals Matter – How to improve communication and reduce conflict. 07:33 – Presenting Change – How to frame change around benefits to the team. 11:49 – Lessons from the Clockwork Book – Why the second edition focuses more on team benefits. 14:40 – Practical Next Steps – How to create a user manual that works for your team. User Manual Template: 👉 Need help creating a user manual for your team? Grab our free template here! Want to Clockwork your own business, too? www.runlikeclockwork.comAdrienne's IGRLC IG

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Robert Gauvreau, CEO of Gauvreau CPA, to tackle a major challenge — navigating a fast-growing team and a recent acquisition.  If you've ever struggled with managing change, integrating new teams, or setting clear expectations, this one's for you! Here's what we cover: ✅ How to lead through acquisitions without creating friction ✅ The power of curiosity in change management ✅ Building trust with a newly acquired team ✅ Why user manuals are the key to working better together ✅ How to clarify roles and KPIs for better performance Robert shares how his company grew from 18 employees to over 180 in just a few years — and the lessons learned along the way.  Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down: 👉 How to approach a team integration without overwhelming them 👉 The importance of clear expectations and performance outcomes 👉 Why understanding individual work styles increases team cohesion If you're navigating growth and want to avoid common integration mistakes, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Hit play and let's get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Lead with Curiosity – Approach change with curiosity rather than assumptions. Trust your team's knowledge and listen to their insights. Establish User Manuals – Creating personal user manuals helps team members understand how to work together more effectively. Slow and Steady Wins – When managing an acquisition, avoid rushing changes. Build trust first before implementing new systems. Clarify KPIs and Roles – Employees perform better when they know exactly what's expected of them. Adapt and Learn – Even with a successful team, there's always room to learn from new additions and different systems. Chapters 01:24 – Robert's Business Background – How Robert built his CPA firm from 18 to 180 employees. 04:20 – Managing a New Acquisition – Robert's challenge of integrating a newly acquired team. 07:43 – The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership – Why listening first builds trust and reduces friction. 11:56 – Creating a User Manual – How user manuals improve team communication and understanding. 18:36 – Setting Clear Expectations – How to define KPIs and roles to improve performance. 25:21 – Learning from Change – Why cross-learning is key in mergers and acquisitions. Connect with Robert: 👉 Website: https://www.gauvreaucpa.ca👉 Social Media: @gauvreaucpa 👉 Robert's Personal Handle: @robertgauvreau  

In this follow-up episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on last week's conversation with Danielle Cherewyk. Danielle shared how she solved one business challenge — needing more stylists — by purchasing a hair school. But with every solution comes a new bottleneck, and now Danielle is focused on recruiting high-quality students to keep her business thriving. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why buying a school created a new business challenge ✅ How Danielle is rethinking her recruiting strategy for long-term success ✅ Why focusing on high-quality students is more important than filling seats ✅ The role of social media and strategic partnerships in attracting talent ✅ How to build a talent pipeline that supports future growth Adrienne and Emily explore the business lessons behind Danielle's experience and how identifying and solving the right bottleneck can unlock new levels of growth in any business. Danielle's story is a powerful reminder that business growth isn't always linear. If you're struggling to attract the right leads, this debrief is packed with insights to help you rethink your strategy and find sustainable success.   🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Every Solution Creates a New Bottleneck – Solving one business problem often uncovers another, but growth comes from working through each challenge strategically. 2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity – Recruiting the right students who are passionate about the industry is more important than simply filling seats. 3. Leverage Partnerships for Growth – Partnering with other local businesses and schools creates a more sustainable recruiting funnel. 4. Educate and Engage – Social media should focus on educating potential students about the value and opportunities within the industry, not just promoting the school. 5. Build a Long-Term Talent Pipeline – Introducing try-it days and summer camps can help build interest early and sustain a future pool of talent.   🕰️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Recap of Danielle's Story 02:33 – Why Buying the School Created a New Bottleneck 04:44 – Danielle's Shift from Filling Seats to Recruiting the Right Talent 07:16 – Why Recruiting is Different in a Rural Community 10:38 – Long-Term Strategy: Building a Pipeline with Try-It Days 14:52 – How Social Media Can Support Recruiting Goals 16:41 – Creating a Reputation That Attracts Top Talent 17:56 – Closing Thoughts and Takeaways   👉 Listen to Last Week's Interview with Danielle Cherewyk:🎧 The Recruiting Challenge: How to Attract Top Talent with Danielle Cherewyk 👉 Learn more about Peak Beauty Academy: 🌐 Visit Peak Beauty Academy 📲 Follow on Instagram: @peakbeautyacademy Want to Clockwork your own business, too?: www.runlikeclockwork.comAdrienne's IGRLC IG

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle dive deep with Danielle Cherewyk, a former client and successful salon owner, to tackle a major challenge — recruiting high-quality students for her newly purchased hair school. If you've ever struggled to create a consistent talent pipeline, this one's for you! Here's what we cover: ✅ How purchasing a school created new opportunities (and new challenges) ✅ Strategies for recruiting top-tier students and building a long-term talent pipeline ✅ The power of partnerships with local businesses and high schools ✅ Creating effective "Try It" days to introduce potential students to the industry ✅ How social media and referral programs can boost recruitment Adrienne and Emily break down: 👉 How to shift recruitment strategy to target quality over quantity 👉 The balance between organic and referral-based recruiting 👉 Why building partnerships with local businesses strengthens long-term success 👉 How to use social media to educate and engage prospective students 👉 Creating scalable and effective recruiting events You can also check out Danielle's episode from 2022 here! If you're ready to unlock the next level of growth in your business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play and let's get into it! 🔥   🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Build a Quality Pipeline – Recruiting the right talent takes more than just getting applicants — focus on high-quality leads who are committed to the industry. 2. Partner with Local Businesses – Creating strong relationships with other salons helps build trust and increase referrals. 3. Introduce "Try It" Days – Letting potential students experience the work firsthand creates interest and increases enrollment. 4. Referrals Matter – Offering small incentives for alumni and local salons to refer students can drive high-quality leads. 5. Strategic Social Media – Educating and engaging on platforms like Instagram and TikTok helps target the right demographic effectively. 🕰️ Chapters 01:00 – Danielle's Background – From salon owner to hair school owner 03:32 – How Purchasing the School Created New Challenges 05:16 – Current Recruiting Strategies and Why They're Not Working 10:11 – Shifting Focus to High-Quality Recruitment 13:42 – Creating "Try It" Days and Summer Camps 18:34 – The Role of Social Media in Recruiting 22:56 – Partnering with Local Salons 29:25 – Setting Growth Goals and Long-Term Vision 33:17 – Next Steps for Building a Strong Recruiting Pipeline   Learn more about Peak Beauty Academy: 🌐 Visit Peak Beauty Academy 📲 Follow on Instagram: @peakbeautyacademy Want to Clockwork your own business, too?: www.runlikeclockwork.comAdrienne's IGRLC IG

In this follow-up episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on their conversation with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios, about the challenges of scaling creative businesses without losing quality. If you've ever felt torn between delivering high-end results and making your services more accessible, this one's for you! → Missed Ryan Koral's episode? Listen to it here. Here's what we cover: ✅ How to create tiered offers without lowering your brand standards ✅ Why your "6/10" might be your client's "10/10" ✅ The importance of protecting your QBR (Queen Bee Role) at every price point ✅ Why adjusting your offers doesn't mean disappointing past clients ✅ How to balance exclusivity and accessibility to reach more clients Adrienne and Emily explore how luxury brands like Chanel offer both runway and ready-to-wear collections — and how creative entrepreneurs can apply that model to their business. They dive into the mindset shift required to deliver high-value outcomes at different price points without compromising on quality. If you're struggling to find the right balance between premium and accessible offers, this episode will give you the framework you need to scale confidently. Hit play and let's get into it!  Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Client Perception > Your Own Standards – Your client's 10/10 might be what you see as a 6/10. Focus on their satisfaction, not perfection. 2. Protect Your QBR at Every Tier – Your core offering and big promise should stay consistent, even if the execution varies. 3. Tiered Pricing Increases Accessibility – Offering different pricing levels allows more clients to experience your services without sacrificing quality. 4. Don't Worry About Past Clients' Perceptions – Markets change, and it's okay to create new offers to adapt. 5. Adjusting Your Offer Doesn't Mean Lowering Standards – You can simplify your offer while maintaining brand alignment and delivering strong results. Chapters: 01:52 – Creating Tiered Offers – How to scale creative services without losing quality 03:11 – Client Perception vs. Reality – What matters more than perfection 05:25 – Protecting the QBR – How to maintain your core promise at all levels 13:28 – Luxury vs. Ready-to-Wear – Applying a brand model to creative businesses 18:34 – Managing Client Expectations – How to communicate value at different price points 24:44 – Why Past Client Opinions Shouldn't Hold You Back – Adapting to market changes 29:44 – Tiered Pricing Strategy – How to balance exclusivity and accessibility 34:38 – Delivering Value at Every Level – Meeting client expectations without overdelivering 36:11 – Business Growth Through Simplification – Why less can be more 39:30 – Take Action – Next steps for simplifying and scaling Links Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more about Ryan Koral and Tell Studios: tellstudios.com/easy🔗 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: Ryan Koral Want help Clockworking your business: www.runlikeclockwork.com  

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios, to tackle a common challenge among creative entrepreneurs — scaling without losing quality. If you've ever felt like you need to burn it all down and start over, this one's for you!  Here's what we cover: ✅ How to simplify your business offerings without sacrificing quality ✅ The difference between premium vs. ready-to-wear product models ✅ Overcoming the mindset blocks that stop you from scaling ✅ The power of meeting clients where they are — without compromising your brand ✅ How to use strategic downsizing to unlock sustainable growth Ryan opens up about the challenges of running a creative business for 20+ years and the internal conflict between delivering a "10/10" product and providing scalable, accessible solutions. Adrienne and Emily help Ryan shift his mindset, focusing on how to provide exceptional value without overdelivering — and why simplifying can be the key to long-term success. If you're ready to simplify your business model, while still maintaining high value and client satisfaction, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Hit play and let's get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Define Your "Ready-to-Wear" Offer – Just like luxury brands offer both high-end and accessible products, you can create scalable solutions without sacrificing quality. 2. Client Perception Matters More Than Your Own Standard – Your 5/10 might be a 10/10 for your client. Focus on the result, not perfection. 3. Simplification Leads to Scalability – Streamlining your offerings can help you serve more clients without increasing your workload. 4. Measure Success by Results, Not Perfection – If your work drives client results, it's a win — even if it's not "perfect" in your eyes. 5. Use Downsizing as an Opportunity – Losing team members or simplifying your offerings isn't a setback — it's a chance to create a leaner, more effective business model. Chapters: 01:52 – Feeling Like Burning It All Down – Why business owners feel like starting over 03:11 – Scaling vs. Simplifying – How to make your business more scalable 05:25 – Client Perception vs. Reality – Understanding what clients actually care about 13:28 – "Runway vs. Ready-to-Wear" Model – Why offering different tiers can drive growth 18:34 – Pricing and Positioning – How to communicate the value of different offers 24:44 – Creative Constraints – How to thrive with limited resources 29:44 – Mindset Shifts – Overcoming the fear of simplifying 34:38 – Sustainable Business Growth – Why less can be more 36:11 – Long-Term Success – Building a business model that supports future growth 39:30 – Take Action – Ryan's next steps to simplify and scale Links Mentioned: 🔗 Grab Ryans free resource to make your video marketing easier: tellstudios.com/easy🔗 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: Ryan Koral Connect with Adrienne: @adriennedorisonLearn more about Run Like Clockwork: www.runlikeclockwork.com

In this episode, Adrienne and Emily unpack their biggest takeaways from the conversation with Denise Duffield-Thomas and discuss how to the Clockwork business and their own personal growth. Denise built a $5M business with a lean, part-time team by staying focused on one core offer and simplifying her operations — and Adrienne and Emily reflect on how that same principle applies to Clockwork and the challenges they've faced while scaling. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why trying to launch too many offers creates chaos ✅ How staying focused on one offer creates consistent growth ✅ Why mindset shifts around success and simplicity are essential ✅ How to avoid the trap of thinking you've saturated the market (you haven't!) ✅ The importance of finding fulfillment outside of your business They also reflect on the challenges of navigating business growth, why it's easy to feel stuck when things feel hard, and how to use creative energy without overcomplicating the business model.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or scattered in your business, this is the episode you need to reset and refocus. 🔑 Top 5 Takeaways: Lean Growth is Possible – Denise built a multimillion-dollar business with a small team by staying focused on her core offer. Focus on One Offer – Scaling happens more easily when you focus on improving and selling what's already working. Stop Adding to Fix a Problem – The urge to create new offers usually comes from feeling like something isn't working — but it's usually a messaging or marketing problem, not a product problem. Seasons Matter – Your business will have different seasons — understanding and respecting them creates longevity. Set Personal Goals – Achievements outside of work create balance and prevent burnout. ⏰ Chapters: 01:24 – Why Denise's business model works so well 04:50 – The power of staying focused on one offer 06:46 – Why simplifying creates more growth, not less 10:42 – The trap of thinking you've saturated the market 14:44 – How to create fulfillment outside of work 18:31 – How creative energy can either fuel or complicate your business 22:34 – Finding the right balance between growth and simplicity 29:44 – Lessons from running a lean, profitable business 📲 Links & Resources: Connect with Denise: denisedt.com Follow Denise on Instagram: @denisedt Listen to Denise's episode: ADD LINK Connect with Adrienne: @adriennedorisonLearn more about Run Like Clockwork: www.runlikeclockwork.com  

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with best-selling author Denise Duffield-Thomas to explore how she and her husband built a $5M business with a small, part-time team — and how they've structured their lives to work less without sacrificing income or success. Denise opened up about the strategies and mindset shifts that allowed her to create a thriving business while maintaining balance and freedom. If you've ever wondered how to grow your business without overloading your schedule, this one's for you!  Here's what we cover: ✅ How Denise built a $5M business with a part-time team ✅ Why focusing on one core offer creates more growth (not less) ✅ The mindset shift around seasons of business and life ✅ Why building assets outside the business creates freedom ✅ How to avoid the trap of constantly launching new offers Adrienne and Emily also dig into: 👉 The power of simplifying your business model 👉 How Denise maintained revenue while stepping back from the business 👉 Why saying "no" is crucial for sustainable success 👉 The importance of having personal goals and wins outside of work 👉 Why perfectionism and identity shifts are holding you back If you're ready to scale your business without working more, this episode will give you the inspiration and tactical advice you need. Hit play and get ready to simplify and grow! 🔥 🔑 Top 5 Takeaways: Lean Growth is Possible – Denise built a multimillion-dollar business with a small team by staying focused on her core offer. Focus on One Offer – Scaling happens more easily when you focus on improving and selling what's already working. Seasons Matter – Your business (and life) will have different seasons — understanding and respecting them creates longevity. Build Outside the Business – Investing in assets and real estate created more financial freedom for Denise's family. Set Personal Goals – Achievements like winning a ballet trophy or succeeding at cross-stitch can give you fulfillment beyond business success. 📚 Check Out Denise's Book: Denise is the author of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!, and Chillpreneur — must-reads for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to break through money blocks and grow their wealth. 👉 Grab your copy here: https://www.denisedt.com/books ⏰ Chapters: 01:24 – How Denise built a $5M business with a lean team 04:50 – The decision to keep the team small and efficient 06:46 – Why staying focused on one core offer creates more growth 10:42 – Understanding seasons of business and life 14:44 – Personal wins and why hobbies matter 18:31 – The freedom that comes from building assets outside the business 22:34 – Overcoming identity shifts and perfectionism 29:44 – How Denise simplified her business model 34:38 – Saying "no" to protect personal time and energy 39:30 – Lessons from taking a sabbatical 📲 Links & Resources: 👉 Connect with Denise: denisedt.com 👉 Follow Denise on Instagram: @denisedt Adrienne's IGRLC IG  

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on their recent coaching session with Beth Carter, The Badass Bookkeeper. Beth shared how she struggles to step out of the doing in her business — even with a team of 10 and a seven-figure business. Adrienne and Emily dive deeper into the root of this challenge, unpacking the Four D's (Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing) and how understanding them can help business owners break free from the day-to-day grind. Here's what we cover: ✅ The Four D's – Why knowing the difference between Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing is key to business growth ✅ Why deciding for your team isn't delegation (and how to fix it) ✅ How to empower your team to make decisions without you ✅ Why short-term profitability can limit long-term scalability ✅ How to balance stepping in during emergencies versus taking on too much Plus, Adrienne and Emily share strategies to help business owners invest in their teams, strengthen employee retention, and increase long-term profitability. Let's get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Master the Four D's – Understanding the difference between Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing is key to growing your business. You should be aiming to spend more time in Designing and Delegating as the CEO. Deciding vs. Delegating – If your team constantly needs your input to move forward, you're still deciding — not delegating. The goal is to empower them to handle it independently. Invest in Your Team – Investing in team training and development strengthens relationships and improves retention — reducing lost productivity from turnover. Hiring Timing is Crucial – Hiring too late causes burnout and lost revenue, but hiring too early drains profitability. Finding the balance is key. Short-Term Profit vs. Long-Term Growth – Focusing only on short-term profitability limits scalability. Shifting into design and delegation mode is essential for long-term success. Chapters: 00:01 – Introduction – Recap of Beth Carter's coaching session and why getting out of the doing is so difficult 01:25 – The Four D's Explained – Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing – and how they apply to business growth 02:39 – The Problem with Deciding – Why answering questions for your team isn't the same as empowering them 04:46 – Strategic Delegation – How to shift from deciding to delegating 07:44 – Why Design Time Matters – How high-level planning and strategy drive long-term business growth 08:18 – Investing in Your Team – How training and mentorship reduce turnover and increase efficiency 09:54 – Why You Might Not Be the Best Mentor – When to seek external training or support for your team 12:30 – When to Step In vs. Let Go – How to balance short-term help with long-term autonomy 15:40 – Hiring at the Right Time – Why hiring too late is more dangerous than hiring too early 16:24 – Next Steps and Takeaways – How business owners can apply these strategies to their business Relevant Links: 🔗 Clockwork Book – Read the Clockwork book for a deeper dive into the Four D's. 🔗 COO Training Program – Learn how to train your team to handle operations independently.  Listen to Beth's Episode Adrienne's IGRLC IG  

In this coaching episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Beth Carter, the "Badass Bookkeeper" and owner of BBA Bookkeeping, to tackle a challenge many business owners face — getting stuck in the doing. Beth shares how, even with a team of 10 and a seven-figure business, she still finds herself pulled back into production work, limiting her ability to grow and scale. Here's what we cover: ✅ Why business owners struggle to stop doing the work themselves ✅ How to identify inefficiencies in your team and processes ✅ When to hire versus when to improve internal capacity ✅ Balancing profitability with growth — without losing control ✅ The power of process mapping to increase efficiency and autonomy Plus, Adrienne and Emily share strategies to help Beth streamline her business, empower her team, and reclaim her time for high-value CEO-level work. If you're ready to stop doing it all yourself and unlock the next stage of business growth, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play, and let's get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Stop Getting Pulled Into the Doing – If you keep getting pulled back into production work, it's a sign of a capacity or efficiency problem — not a staffing problem. Process Mapping is Key – Mapping your client workflow step-by-step will help you identify inefficiencies and eliminate wasted time. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking – Profitability might look better when you're doing the work yourself, but long-term growth requires strategic delegation and scaling. Team Training Increases Capacity – Investing time in mentoring and training your team will pay off in efficiency and long-term profit growth. Redefine Your CEO Role – Your highest value work is in business development, not production. Protect your time for high-impact activities.     Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Beth Carter – Meet Beth, owner of BBA Bookkeeping, and hear about her current business challenge. 02:07 – The Struggle of Getting Pulled Back Into Doing – Why business owners struggle to let go of production work. 04:46 – Identifying the Root Cause – When staffing issues are actually efficiency issues. 06:40 – Capacity Planning and Time Tracking – How to measure workload and spot gaps. 08:39 – Short-Term Profit vs. Long-Term Growth – How to balance profitability with scalability. 12:06 – The Power of Process Mapping – How to visually map out your processes to spot inefficiencies. 16:42 – Reducing Waiting Time and Handoff Delays – Why reducing wait times increases profitability. 18:52 – Increasing Team Autonomy – How to empower your team to handle more work independently. 21:53 – Mentorship vs. Correction – Why mentoring your team creates long-term value. 27:24 – Takeaways and Next Steps – Beth's key insights and how she plans to implement them.   🔗 Camp Clockwork – Join Adrienne, Emily, and Beth at Camp Clockwork in 2025! 🔗 Clockwork Time Tracking Template – Start tracking your time to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Beth's IG Adrienne's IG RLC IG Want to be a guest for season 2? Just fill in this form!