The COO Solution Podcast

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

The 3 Systems Every CEO Needs to Break the Bottleneck and ScaleWelcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, Derek Fredrickson breaks down the root reason most founders stay overloaded, overwhelmed, and stuck in the weeds: you can’t delegate chaos.If your team depends on you for answers…If projects stall unless you step in…If your business grows but you get busier instead of freer…Then you’re missing one (or more) of the three foundational systems that make scaling possible.In this episode, Derek walks through the exact systems that free your time, remove you as the bottleneck, and create clarity and consistency across your team so the business can run without you.In This Episode:[00:02] The Pain of Growth Without FreedomWhy your business can look successful on the outside but feel heavier than ever behind the scenes. [01:02] The Real Problem: Not People — SystemsWhy even great teams fail without structure, and why all roads still lead back to the founder. [03:12] System #1: CommunicationHow to eliminate “quick questions,” stop being the hub, and streamline updates, decisions, and collaboration.[04:20] System #2: OperationsWhy you can’t scale what lives in your head — and how SOPs, workflows, and tools create consistency you can trust.[05:28] System #3: AccountabilityThe system that keeps everyone aligned, performing, and owning results (without you chasing follow-ups).[06:34] Case Study: From Firefighting to FreedomHow one CEO went from daily chaos to finally leading again after installing these three systems.[07:34] The Big QuestionWhich system is missing for you — communication, operations, or accountability?📌 Why This MattersA business that requires you to run is not scalable. It’s fragile. Freedom comes from systems, not hustle.With the right structure underneath you, your team moves faster, decisions get made without you, and growth becomes effortless instead of exhausting.✅ Action Steps for ListenersIdentify which of the three systems is weakest in your business.Document one core process that your team still depends on you for.Establish a simple accountability rhythm: scorecards, metrics, and owners.Audit your communication flow — eliminate anything that unnecessarily routes through you.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Find out if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:➡️ LinkedIn➡️ Instagram➡️ Facebook👉 If this episode helped you see where your business might be stuck, share it with a founder who needs it.

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 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!