E264 | The Energetics of Simple Sustainable Scaling
Simplify to Scale Show
What if scaling your business actually gave you more personal freedom, fulfillment, and energy? Are you wondering how to balance your own growth with your business needs? Curious about becoming the visionary leader your next chapter requires? In this episode, I share my approach to sustainable scaling, focusing on both practical strategies and personal alignment. I talk about defining your rich, fulfilled life, understanding where your needs and your business's needs overlap, and how to set up the support that keeps you focused on what you love. I also open up about how working through inner...
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E263 | Leading a Soul-Aligned Business with Natalie Cutsforth
Simplify to Scale Show
How do you define success for yourself in business and life? What does it take to create an aligned company that truly fits who you are? How can your energy shape your next chapter? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Cutsforth to explore the journey of simplifying to scale and making authentic choices in your work. She is a clairvoyant shamanic reader, healer, mentor, and author. She has channeled over 6,000 private sessions worldwide, helping clients release blocks, reclaim their power, and align with their soul’s calling. Natalie shares her transition from a fast-paced...
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E262 | This is the Future of Small Business
Simplify to Scale Show
How will small business teams transform by 2026? What new roles are set to shape the future? How can you stay ahead of massive change rather than react to it? In this visionary episode, I explore how rapid shifts in technology, especially AI, are restructuring the core of small businesses. Drawing from decades of experience scaling both startups and Fortune 500 companies, I share why the business models most entrepreneurs rely on are about to get a fundamental overhaul. I look beyond tactical conversations and offer a fresh perspective on the new landscape, revealing why adaptability in...
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E261 | How Future Casting and Strategic Hiring Set Your Business Up for Success in 2026
Simplify to Scale Show
Have you ever wondered how to plan for a thriving year in your business? Do you know what future casting is and how it can impact your growth? Are you hiring the right people to help your business grow? In this episode, I invite you behind the scenes of my strategic planning retreat, sharing powerful strategies to set your vision for the next decade, reflect on big milestones, and map out actionable steps for the coming year. I reveal how future casting helps you reimagine your goals and spot next steps you might not have considered, along with practical advice for building a strong support...
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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
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
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
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
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
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...
info_outlineWhat are the unique strengths and “human touches” in operations that AI can’t replicate?
As AI takes over more repetitive and data-driven tasks, what new opportunities or roles might emerge in operations for those willing to embrace and master this technology?
In this episode, I explore the impact artificial intelligence is having on business operations. I share my perspective on the opportunities AI brings, highlighting how it changes the way we approach tasks like creating systems, managing workflows, and implementing automations.
As more capabilities become available, I discuss the ways AI is transforming how teams work, what skills are needed, and how roles are evolving.
I talk about the advantages of seeing AI as a strategic asset, showing that while AI can handle many repetitive or tactical duties, there are areas where human intuition, leadership, and relationship-building are more valuable than ever.
I provide insights on future-proofing your work by stepping further into strategic leadership and outcome ownership, which set you apart and keeps you in demand as businesses grow and adapt alongside new technology.
In this episode, I explain:
- AI’s transformative impact on business operations
- Overcoming fear and embracing AI opportunities
- Future-proofing your role alongside AI advancements
- AI’s expanding capabilities in operational tasks
- Human strengths AI can’t replicate
- Differentiating strategy and leadership from automation
- Leveraging AI as a strategic business asset
This episode is part of our Future of Operations series. Listen to the series: bit.ly/opsseries
If you’re looking to stay ahead and want to understand how to leverage AI for greater results in your business, I invite you to join me for my live Future of Ops workshop or consider applying for our certification programs.
Check out the links in the show notes below to connect, ask your questions live, or see if the program is the right fit for you. Let’s explore how to make AI a valuable part of your business journey together.
Want to dig deeper into AI in the Future of Operations? Be sure to get my new eBook: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future-ebook
This book is designed to help you shift your positioning, evolve your service model, and stay ahead of the future of operations.
You can also join me for the upcoming Future of Operations to explore these trends and ask your questions live: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future
Are you ready to become the scaling expert and strategic thinking partner for today's founders? Sign up for one of our highly coveted certification programs: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification
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.
If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.