The COO Solution Podcast

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

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson breaks down one of the most common turning points for growing business owners — recognizing when your company has outgrown you as its operator.Suppose you’ve been feeling stuck, overextended, or like your business only moves when you’re involved. In that case, this episode will help you identify the five clear signs that it’s time to bring in operational leadership. Derek shares how a Fractional COO bridges the gap between vision and execution, creating structure, accountability, and sustainable growth — so you can finally lead instead of manage.In This Episode:[00:07] The Hidden Leadership Gap — Why growth feels heavy even when business is booming.[02:07] Sign #1: You’re the Bottleneck — When everything runs through you, speed and progress stall.[04:11] Sign #2: You’re Managing Instead of Leading — Why CEOs should be thinking, not doing.[05:16] Sign #3: You Have a Team, But No Accountability — How lack of clarity keeps your team busy, not productive.[06:19] Sign #4: You’ve Hit a Ceiling — Why hustle alone won’t get you to the next level.[08:10] Sign #5: You’re Losing Trust in Your Business — The emotional cost of constantly checking in.[09:38] The Cost of Waiting — What happens when you delay getting the proper operational support.[10:55] Real Client Transformation — How one founder went from chaos to clarity in 90 days.[11:48] Your Call to Action — How to know if your business is ready for a Fractional COO.📌 Why This MattersFreedom doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from letting go. When you wait too long to install operational leadership, growth stalls and burnout sets in. A Fractional COO helps you reclaim time, clarity, and trust in your business, so you can finally lead with focus and confidence.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Identify which of the five signs describes your business right now.Audit your role — are you leading, or managing?Book a strategy call at thecoosolution.com to explore whether Fractional COO support is right for you.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon — subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a business owner who’s ready to scale smarter.

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

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson unpacks one of the biggest breakthroughs every business owner needs to experience: how to build a self-managing team that runs (and thrives) without you.If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you stepped away from your business for a week or two and feared it would all fall apart, this episode will shift your perspective. Derek walks through the three core pillars that make a self-managing team possible: systems, accountability, and trust. He shares how these work together to free you from day-to-day bottlenecks, empower your team to take ownership, and allow your business to grow sustainably, without constant supervision.In This Episode:[00:08] The Vision – What would it feel like if your business kept running (and thriving) without you?[01:38] The Reality Check – Why most founders don’t have businesses—they have jobs with helpers.[02:30] Why It Matters – The burnout, bottlenecks, and missed potential that come from doing it all.[04:22] The 3 Pillars of a Self-Managing Team:Systems & Processes – SOPs, automation, and project management tools that create repeatability.Accountability Structures – Roles, scorecards, and KPIs that keep everyone aligned and transparent.Culture of Ownership & Trust – How to move from micromanaging to true leadership.[07:09] The Mistakes That Keep You Stuck – Hiring helpers instead of owners, keeping everything in your head, and avoiding hard conversations.[09:38] A Real Client Example – How one founder went from overwhelm to taking a two-week unplugged vacation while her business grew.[12:04] Your Takeaway – What happens when you finally stop being the bottleneck and let your team lead?📌 Why This MattersYou can’t scale if everything depends on you. Freedom comes from systems, structure, and trust—not from doing more. When you empower your team to own their roles and outcomes, your business doesn’t just survive your absence—it thrives because of it.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Audit your current operations: Could your business run for a week without you?Start documenting your key systems and processes.Create accountability by assigning clear owners for every result.Build trust through delegation—not micromanagement.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

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

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson unpacks one of the most overlooked yet critical elements of scaling a business: team alignment.If your team is working hard but progress still feels off or if you’re frustrated that projects move forward but don’t quite match your bigger vision, this episode is for you. Derek reveals why alignment isn’t just a buzzword but the foundation of efficiency, accountability, and scalable growth.You’ll learn how to identify signs of misalignment, the role a COO plays in bridging the gap between vision and execution, and practical steps to clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and build a culture where everyone is rowing in the same direction.In This Episode:[00:54] The Hard Truth – Why your team’s alignment determines your capacity for growth.[01:59] The Cost of Misalignment – How inefficiency, confusion, and missed objectives slow progress.[05:48] The COO as the Bridge – Why a second-in-command is essential for turning vision into reality.[09:09] The Alignment Audit – Three key questions to evaluate your team’s clarity and priorities.[13:37] Common Challenges – Overlapping roles, top performers bogged down, and chasing tactics over strategy.[14:37] Four Steps to Align Your Team – Clarify vision, define roles, establish accountability systems, and review regularly.[18:16] Culture of Alignment – Communication, empowerment, and recognition as lasting drivers of growth.[21:45] Your Action Step – Map out roles and responsibilities and identify one misalignment to correct this week.📌 Why This MattersWithout alignment, even the most talented teams and innovative ideas fall short. Scaling requires more than a system. It demands that your people, roles, and priorities connect seamlessly with your vision. This episode gives you the framework to realign your team and unlock growth with clarity and confidence.✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Audit your team: Do roles, responsibilities, and accountability connect with your vision?Identify at least one area of misalignment and correct it this week.Create a “clarity document” to communicate roles, priorities, and expectations.Consider how a fractional COO can help bridge the gap between your vision and your team’s execution.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

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

Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson dives deep into one of the most common challenges business owners face: micromanagement. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin, chances are you’re still holding on to too much, and it’s keeping your business stuck.Derek shares how learning the art of effective delegation unlocks freedom, builds trust, and creates the space you need to focus on what only you can do. From systems and SOPs to team trust and role clarity, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to help you stop micromanaging and start scaling.In This Episode:[00:45] Why You’re Still the Bottleneck – The emotional and operational cost of doing it all yourself.[02:49] The Hidden Damage of Micromanagement – How it stalls growth, drains your energy, and disempowers your team.[03:46] Delegation = Freedom – Why letting go doesn’t mean losing control (and what it actually gives you back).[04:43] Common Delegation Mistakes – Vague expectations, hovering, and assigning tasks to the wrong people.[07:19] Systems That Support Delegation – Why you can’t scale without documented processes and tools that keep everyone aligned.[08:19] SOPs and Structure – How to ensure your team operates effectively without you.[09:17] Delegation and Trust – The difference between micromanaging and being informed.[11:03] Action Step – Delegate one task this week with clear expectations and outcomes.Why This MattersScaling your business requires a shift in both mindset and systems. If you’re still stuck in every detail, you’ll never reach your next level. Delegation isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for growth, freedom, and a truly self-managing team.Action Steps for Listeners:Identify one task to delegate this week and outline success criteria.Match it to the right team member and give them ownership.Consider where systems, documentation, or a fractional COO could help you let go with confidence.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!Let’s connect:➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

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