E256 | How to Plan for 2026 During a Season of Unpredictability
Release Date: 11/25/2025
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...
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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
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
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
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...
info_outlineAre 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 for your year without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. I share actionable tips for integrating monthly, weekly, and daily check-ins to move your business forward, while avoiding overwhelm and wasted effort. Plus, I highlight a powerful metric that can simplify decisions and guide your next steps.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Lean Strategic Planning Framework
- Don’t Over-Detail Your Annual Plan
- Types of Planning Matter
- Strategic Roadmaps Over Rigid Plans
To make the most of our Small Business Saturday specials (including the Propel 1-Day Virtual Retreat), visit: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sbs
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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