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E239 | Branding That Builds Trust and Drives Sales with Emily Paulsen

Simplify to Scale Show

Release Date: 07/29/2025

E260 | The True Cost of Keeping Low Performers on Your Team show art E260 | The True Cost of Keeping Low Performers on Your Team

Simplify to Scale Show

Have you ever wondered what really makes a team thrive? Do you know who might be your weakest link right now? Are you curious about how one team member’s performance can ripple across the entire business? In this episode, I share my personal experience on the impact that every team member brings to the table and why focusing on your team’s strength is key as we gear up for 2026. I walk through a candid story about bringing on a new team member who seemed perfect on paper but silently affected everyone’s performance and focus. Together, we explore how even the most well-intentioned...

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E259 | 2026 Business Trends and Predictions - Part 2 show art E259 | 2026 Business Trends and Predictions - Part 2

Simplify to Scale Show

Are you ready to shape your business for 2026 and beyond? Wondering how human connection and strategic thinking will help you stand out in a market filled with automation? Curious about practical ways to build resilience and nurture your team’s success? In this episode, I share the latest trends and predictions for entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably. Together, we discover why personalized touches matter more than ever, how transformation wins over simple transactions, and which strategies will help you create loyal clients and innovative teams. You will learn why building strong cash...

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E258 | Guide to Hiring the Right Marketing Agency with Behdad Jamshidi show art E258 | Guide to Hiring the Right Marketing Agency with Behdad Jamshidi

Simplify to Scale Show

Are you wondering how to find the perfect marketing agency for your business? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the countless options and unsure whether to build your marketing team in-house or outsource it? Curious about which strategies and trends will set you up for success as you scale? This episode brings you insights from a marketing connector who has evaluated over a thousand agencies to help companies make the right choices. Today I am joined by Behdad Jamshidi, who started CJAM The Marketing Connector after realizing that most companies don’t know how to evaluate the value of a...

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E257 | 2026 Business Trends and Predictions - Part 1 show art E257 | 2026 Business Trends and Predictions - Part 1

Simplify to Scale Show

Are you ready to scale your business in 2026 but wondering what will truly set you apart? Are you curious how AI and lean teams are impacting small business growth? Thinking about the power of connection and community for next-level success? In this episode, I share my top trends and predictions for the new year, focusing on practical ways to simplify and scale a business you love. We explore why being lean and agile is more important than ever, how AI integration is reshaping teams, and why strategic partnerships and communities are driving growth. I dive deep into the growing impact of...

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E256 | How to Plan for 2026 During a Season of Unpredictability show art E256 | How to Plan for 2026 During a Season of Unpredictability

Simplify to Scale Show

Are you ready to set your business up for a successful new year? Are you curious about the best way to tackle planning in times of uncertainty? Do you want to feel confident about the direction your business is heading? In this episode, I break down how planning needs to adapt based on your current season of business, especially when you’re working through experimentation and unpredictability. I introduce my Lean Strategic Planning Framework, which combines visionary, strategic, and just in time planning to help you stay agile and aligned. You’ll learn how to create a high-level roadmap...

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E255 | Guiding Principles for Success and Scale in 2026 show art E255 | Guiding Principles for Success and Scale in 2026

Simplify to Scale Show

How would your business transform if every team member made aligned decisions without needing constant oversight? What if your offers, operations, and goals worked together seamlessly? Are you ready to discover guiding principles that drive consistent growth and fulfillment every year? In this episode, I highlight the foundation of success and scaling through thoughtfully crafted guiding principles for 2026. You’ll hear how extraordinary excellence, exceptional quality, elite client experience, embodying your next-level business, and a “right fit or no fit” approach shape every decision...

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E254 | Letting Go to Fuel Business Growth and Transformation show art E254 | Letting Go to Fuel Business Growth and Transformation

Simplify to Scale Show

Have you been holding on to practices, offers, or even identities that no longer serve you? What if letting go could be the key to growing your business? Are you ready to embrace transformation on your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode, I share heartfelt stories and reflections about the power of endings and the beauty of stepping into a new era, both in business and personal life. I explore how true transformation requires not just strategic tools and planning, but also an honest look at what needs to end to make space for new beginnings. Through personal experiences of letting go,...

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E253| Transform Operational Roles from a Cost Center to a Profit Driver show art E253| Transform Operational Roles from a Cost Center to a Profit Driver

Simplify to Scale Show

How can you transform your operations team from a cost center to a powerful profit driver?  Have you ever wondered how your team structure impacts your growth and sustainability? In this episode, I share my insights on shifting the mindset and approach to operational roles within small businesses. I explain why every team member should be directly or strategically connected to growth, retention, or increased profitability, and introduce the Lean Dream Team Pyramid as a game-changer for building a sustainable business. I emphasize the importance of hiring at the strategic execution level...

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E252 | Building a Million Dollar Business with Julie Chenell show art E252 | Building a Million Dollar Business with Julie Chenell

Simplify to Scale Show

Are you striving to hit your first million in business but worried about burnout? Curious how to stand out and scale sustainably, even in today’s crowded digital space? Wondering what high-leverage actions will actually move the needle? In this episode of the Simplify to Scale show, I sit down with Julie Chenell to unpack real-life strategies for building a million-dollar brand without losing your momentum or sanity. Julie is a digital marketing expert and coach, helping companies use growth hacking strategies and marketing tools to navigate the fast-paced & ever-changing landscape of...

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E251 | What To Do When Your Goals Feel Out of Reach Before They Even Begin show art E251 | What To Do When Your Goals Feel Out of Reach Before They Even Begin

Simplify to Scale Show

What does it really take to set a vision for the new year? How do you make confident decisions for your business in Q4? Are you ready to align your goals with what truly matters to you? In this episode, I share insights on visionary planning and strategic action, inspired by major shifts in my own life and business. From reflecting deeply on your goals to navigating transitions, I reveal why it’s important to create a supportive environment and team as you enter the new year. You’ll hear how distinguishing between possibility-focused conversations and practicality can protect your vision...

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More Episodes

What makes a brand stand out and truly grow with your business over time? How can you build trust faster in an evolving marketplace?

In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Emily Paulsen, a Brand Growth Expert and the Founder of Electric Collab. We explore how to build a cohesive brand ecosystem that grows alongside your business. After 14 years working in brand and marketing for well-known companies from Abercrombie & Fitch and The Wendy’s Company to startups and small businesses, Emily started Electric Collab to help leaders own their individuality and scale their business with a brand that reflects the premium, unique value they deliver. 

Together, we share insights on why your brand is more than just a logo or a color palette, defining it as the first impression and lasting reputation your business carries. By focusing on intentional branding, we uncover how to craft a brand message that reflects your unique value and creates deeper connections with your audience.

We also talk about refreshing your brand as your business evolves, the importance of clear language, and showing the true depth of your expertise. We discuss how to keep your branding consistent while adapting to market changes, building trust, and attracting the right clients, especially as buying cycles shift and new discovery channels like AI search become more common.

If you’re thinking about refining your brand or scaling your business, this episode is filled with actionable tips to help you create a brand presence that feels authentic and impactful. Tune in to hear how you can make branding a fun and rewarding part of your growth, and connect with us for more ideas on future-proofing your business.

 

"Nobody buys just because they like a logo. Design gets attention, but words move people to take action."

-         Emily Paulsen

 

In this episode, we explore

  • Brand as first impression and reputation
  • Evolving your brand alongside business growth
  • Importance of intentional, strategic branding
  • The foundational elements of a brand ecosystem
  • Building trust with specificity and authenticity
  • Challenges and opportunities in today's market
  • Enjoying the branding process as a founder

 

Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter

 

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

 

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale

 

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

 

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

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