Lean Out Your Business Podcast

The Lean Out Your Business Podcast is dedicated to helping you accelerate business growth, simplify in order to scale, and lean out and do less to achieve more. Join International Lean Business Consultant, Business Coach, and Serial Entrepreneur Crista Grasso to discover the proven systems and strategies that provide more value to your clients, more profits for your business, and give you back more time in your day.

E216 | Trusting Your Intuition When Making Business Decisions 02/18/2025

E216 | Trusting Your Intuition When Making Business Decisions Have you ever found yourself second-guessing a decision? What are the subtle signs your intuition gives you—and are you paying attention to them? How do you balance gut feelings with data when making big decisions in your business or life? In this episode, I dive into the power of intuition in decision-making. I share a personal story about a decision I kept going back and forth on—one that made me realize just how important it is to recognize and trust my intuition. When we learn to listen to those inner nudges, we can make choices that feel more aligned and ultimately lead to better outcomes. I also talk about how moments of reflection—especially during everyday activities like driving—help me process my thoughts and get to the root of what’s really going on. If you find yourself constantly revisiting a decision, that might be your intuition trying to tell you something. While intuition is powerful, I also believe in the importance of data. The best decisions often come from a mix of both. There are times when intuition can see things that data can’t—like when sensing market shifts or coming up with new, innovative ideas. Before we wrap up, I invite you to think about how your intuition shows up in your own decision-making. Try journaling about it or discussing it with someone you trust. You might be surprised at what you discover! In this episode, I discuss: • Understanding Intuition in Decision Making • External Recognition of Intuition • Feelings Associated with Decision Making • Blending Intuition with Data 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/35260525

E215 | Realign Your Business Goals to Regain Business Momentum in Q1 02/11/2025

E215 | Realign Your Business Goals to Regain Business Momentum in Q1 Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your own goals at the start of the year? Is your team aligned with the most important priorities, or are you stuck in busy work? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I talk about the common challenges business owners face at the start of the year. It’s easy to get excited, set big goals, and then realize you’ve taken on too much. I share how to adjust your plans without guilt and refocus on what truly moves your business forward. I also touch on external challenges like economic changes and how they affect sales and growth. Instead of making quick, reactionary decisions, I explain why being strategic and intentional is key. Slow periods can actually be a great time to make smart changes that set you up for success. No matter how your year has started, this episode will help you reset, communicate clearly with your team, and stay focused on what really matters. Tune in for practical tips to keep your momentum strong and scale your business with confidence! In this episode, I discuss: - Handling Market and Economic Challenges - Actionable Strategies for a Successful Q1 and Year - Maintaining Mental and Emotional Balance in Business - Embracing New Beginnings and Energies 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/35189990

E214 | How to Scale Beyond Yourself: Transitioning from Personal Brand to Business Brand 02/04/2025

E214 | How to Scale Beyond Yourself: Transitioning from Personal Brand to Business Brand Are you the face of your business, but wondering how to scale without being involved in everything? How do you transition from a one-person show to a thriving, team-driven business without losing your unique touch? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I dive into a big question many entrepreneurs face: should you build a personal brand or a business brand? I share my own journey, including how I’m shifting things at Strategic Ops Institute, and why moving from a one-person show to a team-driven business is so important for growth. We’ll talk about how to systematize your business, showcase your team, and blend personal and business branding in a way that still feels authentic but also scalable. I’ll also share examples—like Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages—to show how the right balance between personal touch and brand identity can help your business grow. If you’re looking to scale and aren’t sure how to make this transition, this episode is for you! I’ll walk you through practical steps to help you shift your business model. In this episode I discuss: - Scaling a Personal Brand - Challenges of Scaling a Personal Brand - Mental and Personal Growth in Scaling - Personal vs. Business Brand 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/35074365

E213 | What Gets in the Way of Operational Efficiency 01/28/2025

E213 | What Gets in the Way of Operational Efficiency What are some strategies businesses can implement to minimize the time spent searching for information? How can visionary leaders balance their innovative ideas with the need for implementation and maintaining focus on current projects? In this insightful episode, I am joined by Jessica Maine to dive deep into the intricacies of achieving operational efficiency. We talk about the importance of identifying and eliminating waste within a business, especially in small service-based businesses. I explain the ten critical areas of waste such as unnecessary complexity, incomplete work, and searching, which can drain time, money, and energy if not addressed properly. Together, we discuss real-world examples and practical steps for managing resources better, reducing delays, and maintaining high-quality work. We share the importance of constant evaluation and optimization to preserve the effectiveness of a business. Throughout the episode, we emphasize understanding and minimizing knowledge depreciation, highlighting the significance of timely refreshes in your content and the importance of avoiding fragmentation within business elements. Tune in to learn how to create a streamlined, productive, and profitable business environment! "Delays are expensive. Delays are costly. They delay value for your client. They delay revenue for your business." -- Jessica Maine In this episode, we explore: Operational Efficiency Ten Areas of Waste Examples and Specific Cases The impact of Delays 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34987065

E212 | The ONE Thing to Focus on for Sustainable Business Success 01/21/2025

E212 | The ONE Thing to Focus on for Sustainable Business Success Are your business goals for the year feeling realistic, or are you struggling to keep up with the momentum you started with? What would it look like if your business had a rock-solid framework that kept you ahead without the constant overwhelm? In this episode, I dive into how you can set realistic and sustainable goals for your business. With January already halfway through, it’s the perfect time to check in on your progress and keep your momentum strong—especially with all the challenges happening in the world. I talk about how success isn’t just about quick wins but creating a solid foundation for long-term growth. I share my SPS TI approach—strategy, planning, systems, team, and insight—that helps businesses thrive by focusing on the right things at the right time. We’ll cover everything from reimagining your offers and improving your processes to using AI and tracking the right metrics to keep your business running smoothly. If this sounds like what you need, make sure to listen until the end. See you next week for more tips to keep to grow and scale your business! In this episode, I discuss: - How to Achieve Goals and Build Sustainable Success - Breaking Down SPSTI - Actionable Steps and Next Focus Areas - Balancing Measurement and Action, Based on Data 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34894085

E211 | New Year Strategies: Aligning Your Team and Vision for Success 01/14/2025

E211 | New Year Strategies: Aligning Your Team and Vision for Success Ready to start the new year with your team fully aligned and crystal clear on their role in achieving your vision? A little clarity can go a long way in setting the stage for massive success and ensuring you have the right people doing the right things. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I am taking you behind-the-scenes and sharing what I do to give my team the clarity they need to move the business forward in the most simple and aligned way. I also share a powerful tool you can use with your team to align them to their zone of genius work, called the "Right Fit Responsibilities Evaluation". When things aren’t quite working, we adjust strategically to lighten the load to boost effectiveness and satisfaction across the team. Wishing you a happy and successful new year! In this episode, I discuss: - Clarifying roles and responsibilities for your team - The power of using a theme for the year - Setting guiding principles that ensure results - Identifying areas for personal and team growth - How to proactively address misalignments - Ensuring everyone on your team is set up for success 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34795940

E210 | Shatter the Ceiling Without Breaking Yourself with Jen Coken 01/07/2025

E210 | Shatter the Ceiling Without Breaking Yourself with Jen Coken As a female leader, how do you continue to advance and shatter the glass ceiling without breaking yourself in the process? Whether you are a business owner or an executive working within a company, we all hit ceilings, some external and some internal. The key is understanding how to recognize them and break through them in a healthy way. That's what Jen Coken and I discuss on this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast. Jen is an internationally acclaimed Imposter Syndrome expert who empowers women executives in male-dominated industries to lead with more authority, influence, and impact and to be leaders people respect and recognize. We discuss the growing number of women in leadership roles and why companies must create better pathways for them to succeed. Jen highlights the importance of self-discovery and confidence, encouraging women to know their worth and tackle biased environments head-on. We share practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, such as speaking up, setting personal goals, and balancing work and life. Jen also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book and her Executive Presence Accelerator Program, designed to support women in STEM. This conversation is full of actionable advice for anyone wanting to grow in their career while maintaining their well-being. "Experiencing imposter syndrome could be a sign that you're playing big or taking risks in your career. Embrace it as a superpower." - Jen Coken In this episode, we dive into how to shatter the ceiling without breaking yourself including: Strengthening your executive presence and influence Turning feelings of imposter "syndrome" into your superpower What imposter syndrome really is - hint: it's not a syndrome What to do when you feel undervalued or invisible Navigating biases and external glass ceilings Recognizing and breaking internal glass ceilings Setting boundaries without feeling guilty 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34701445

E209 | 2025 Predictions for Success and Scale 12/31/2024

E209 | 2025 Predictions for Success and Scale Curious for what it's going to take for success and scale in 2025? As always, it starts with leaning out anything that isn't working. Whether it’s outdated strategies, underperforming offers or team members, challenging clients, or systems that are bogging you down, it’s time for decisive action and necessary endings. But it will take much more than that this year! In the last episode of the year, I break down key predictions for 2025 to help you grow your business. I cover why focusing on a niche, clearly showing how you solve problems, and being authentic and personal are more important than ever. Drawing from my experience working with businesses of all sizes, I share tips on creating a unique framework, building stability, and strengthening client relationships to stay ahead in an AI-driven market. I also discuss the shift from transactional to transformational business models and why personal connections and storytelling matter. By letting go of what doesn’t align with your goals and using automation wisely, you can create exceptional client experiences that boost profits, loyalty, and referrals. With a focus on clarity and action, I provide a guide to rethinking your services to stand out in a changing market. So, as you prepare for 2025, don’t miss these insights on mastering your niche, sticking to solid strategies, and connecting deeply with your clients. In this episode, I share my top predictions for making 2025 a breakthrough year including: Why decisive action is so critical in 2025 Small changes that will make a big difference with conversions How to create deep, value-based connections with clients How to leverage AI for operational efficiency, not just content Reimagining your offers to align with shifting buyer behaviors Differentiating yourself and claiming your unique place in the market 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34631360

E208 | Finding Growth in Challenging Situations: Year-End Reflections 12/24/2024

E208 | Finding Growth in Challenging Situations: Year-End Reflections What are some personal or business challenges you faced this year, and what lessons have you taken away from them? How do you plan to apply the lessons learned from this year to make the next year more successful? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I reflect on the past year and analyze how to find the positives, even in tough situations. I share a personal story about a challenging time I faced and how using cards for introspection helped me uncover valuable lessons. I encourage you to reflect on any patterns in your lives that might need to change to avoid repeating negative experiences. I also highlight the importance of celebrating wins—big or small—and appreciating joyful moments from the year. To get into the right mindset, I offer simple tips like journaling, talking to a coach or mentor, or connecting with a trusted business friend. This episode is a gentle reminder to embrace both the good and the bad, as they all help us grow personally and professionally. As we move into the new year, take time to reflect, learn, and carry those lessons forward! In this episode, I discuss: Personal Reflection and Tools Practical Reflection Methods Lessons Learned from Challenges 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34492925

E207 | Selling Naturally Without the Cringe with Aleasha Bahr 12/17/2024

E207 | Selling Naturally Without the Cringe with Aleasha Bahr Do you ever feel sales calls are more cringe than connection? Many of us dread those overly scripted, awkward interactions that seem anything but natural. But what if there was a better way to connect that’s genuine and effective? That's exactly what Aleasha Bahr and I chat about in this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast. Aleasha is a sales strategist speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the Black Sheep Sales Method™️. Aleasha shares her refreshing take on sales, focusing on being authentic and personal instead of using traditional, pushy tactics. She brings insights from her journey as a former “idea seller” in the corporate world and explains why being transparent about product fit can actually win you more clients. Plus, we’re busting the myth that introverts can’t excel in sales—hint: empathy and listening skills play a huge part. Aleasha offers practical advice on her sales philosophy, highlighting the value of curiosity and empathy over manipulation. Finally, we emphasize the importance of ensuring a good match between a client and the service, creating mutual benefits for long-term success. "Creating an ‘anti-audience’ helps attract the right clients by clearly stating who you are, and who you are not." - Aleasha Bahr In this episode, we dig into approachable sales techniques that feel good and actually work, including: How to use curiosity and empathy effectively in sales conversations The “pitch weaving” technique to keep engagement high Identifying your “anti-audience” to attract the right clients Pre-call educational materials to streamline your sales process Making pricing a collaborative discussion How to embrace a black sheep sales philosophy 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34438090

E206 | Assessing and Refining Your Offer Suite for New Year Success 12/10/2024

E206 | Assessing and Refining Your Offer Suite for New Year Success Can your business actually achieve your financial targets for 2025? This answer is 'no' far more often than you may think. One of the first things I do when working with a business is assess their scalability by looking at their offer suite, business model, and supporting ecosystem. In a lot of cases, the business has a (mostly invisible) ceiling below the financial targets and goals that have been set. Meaning that unless something changes, the business can't support the level of growth the business has planned. This can show up in a lot of different ways, but one thing is common... changes usually need to start within the offer suite. In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I discuss how your offers shape who you attract, how scalable your business is, and your overall success. I share an interesting story about a competitor who copied my strategies but made critical mistakes that will likely impact their long-term sustainability. Further, I explain why aligning your offers with your audience's needs is essential, why simplicity is key for profitability, and how understanding your financial goals can create a better experience for your clients. Through practical tips and reflection, you'll learn to evaluate your offers, team capacity, and systems to ensure your business thrives without unnecessary complexity. In this episode, I discuss: How your offer suite impacts your audience Recognizing mismatched offers and their effects Evaluating financial targets and capacity Strategies to simplify and streamline Identifying and overcoming business growth ceilings 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34254205

E205 | Becoming a Visionary Whisperer with Jessica Maine 12/03/2024

E205 | Becoming a Visionary Whisperer with Jessica Maine Ever feel like the conversations between a visionary founder and an operational leader is like deciphering 2 different languages? Aligning visionary ideas and thinking with operational strategies and actions is critical for a business’s success but it comes with plenty of challenges and ways for things to get lost in translation. In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast we dive into how the is helping leaders connect, grow, and find their flow. Special guest, Jessica Maine, shares how this community supports fractional COOs, strategy advisors, and more with collaboration and learning. We chat about the powerful role of a “visionary whisperer”—the person who helps founders turn big dreams into clear action steps while speaking their language. You’ll learn how to align strategies with founders’ visions without overwhelming them and how tools like the Lean Strategic Planning Framework make goal-setting simple and effective! "Effective communication is key to aligning visionary thinking with actionable strategies." - Jessica Maine In this episode, we discuss: Effective communications between visionary thinkers and operational thinkers The art of translating vision and strategy into day-to-day actions Building a cohesive team that has both strategic and operational strengths How visionaries and their right-hand can effectively work together to achieve results 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34202170

E204 | Simplifying How to Build a Certification Program 11/26/2024

E204 | Simplifying How to Build a Certification Program Thinking about launching a certification program but not sure where to start? If the idea of turning your expertise into a certification program feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share my experience launching two certification programs: Chief Strategy and Operating Officers (CSOO) and Entrepreneurial Project Managers (EPM). I break down the process of designing and implementing certifications, focusing on starting with the end goal in mind. I introduce the Shuhari framework, inspired by martial arts, to simplify the process into three stages: SHU (learning), HA (practicing in context), and RI (mastery). This method helps structure certifications, whether they're short knowledge-based courses or in-depth skill-building programs. I also discuss the importance of hands-on application through capstone projects and share key lessons from my journey, including how I determined the length and structure of my programs. In this episode, I share how to alleviate the overwhelm using a simple (and surprisingly effective) framework inspired by martial arts including: A breakdown of the shu ha ri framework and why it’s perfect for creating certifications Tips on structuring programs with varying durations to fit different needs How to make sure your certification delivers real-world results Strategies for keeping your certification relevant with ongoing support and renewal How to avoid overthinking the process and get started If launching a certification is priority for you next year, you won’t want to miss this one. 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: Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY 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: 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 Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram or 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/34110851

E203 | Increasing Freedom and Wealth with Melissa Unsell-Smith 11/19/2024

E203 | Increasing Freedom and Wealth with Melissa Unsell-Smith Do you want more freedom in your business as you look ahead at 2025? Many entrepreneurs feel so buried in details and distractions that it can seem impossible to reclaim control of your time and clarity in focus. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I chat with Melissa Unsell-Smith, founder of Catalytic Icon, about creating a business that aligns with the life you truly want and achieving success without overworking. Melissa shares her journey building multimillion-dollar B2B SaaS companies and highlights the power of stepping outside our comfort zones to unlock potential and boost revenue. Melissa also breaks down the core principles she uses to guide her clients: staying aligned with one’s identity, using the 80/20 rule, cutting out non-essential tasks, as well as embracing discomfort to grow. Melissa and I both emphasize the importance of self-care, with simple strategies like organizing your calendar and taking solitude retreats to support growth in both life and business. "Clutter and complexity lead to procrastination and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity." – Melissa Unsell-Smith In this episode, we explore: Key principles for achieving freedom and wealth Eliminating distractions and gaining clarity Utilizing the 80/20 rule for maximum impact Embracing discomfort to drive growth Practical steps to reclaim your time Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33920292

E202 | Knowing When to Let a Team Member Go 11/12/2024

E202 | Knowing When to Let a Team Member Go Ever struggled with knowing when it’s time to let a team member go? If you’re constantly questioning it, you might already have your answer. In this episode, I share insights from a recent conference where I led a workshop on growing your business sustainably (without burning out). During the workshop, someone asked about knowing the right time to part ways with a team member. My answer? If you’re already wondering, it might be time. I also emphasize how important it is for team members to bring a sense of relief, not stress. Alignment is also key, so I encourage business owners to listen to their instincts and consider if their team truly supports their future vision. Additionally, I share tips on how to help great employees grow, and when it’s best to make hard choices with those who may be holding you back. If you’re thinking about making changes in your team or want to be ready for success in the new year, this episode is for you. In this episode, I discuss: Identifying the right time to let someone go How to make the decision without overthinking Balancing loyalty with business success and scale How to best support the person you need to let go Preparing your team for next-level growth Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33821994

E201 | From Vision to Reality: Planning for a Successful New Year 11/05/2024

E201 | From Vision to Reality: Planning for a Successful New Year Are you set up for a successful new year? Ending the year strong isn’t just about closing this chapter but setting the tone for the next one. In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I discuss actionable steps to wrap up the year successfully and set the right foundation for the upcoming year. I guide you on how you can optimize your time, evaluate business activities, and get ready to hit the ground running in the new year. Learn how to objectively take a closer look at your business practices, investments, and the individual roles within your business. And of course, I discuss best practices for planning ahead, and how to make sure your vision is grounded in practical and actionable goals. I also share how having the right people, systems, tools, and automations can support your goals and why measuring progress is vital to ensuring progress. In this episode, I dive into planning for a successful finish to this year and start to next year including: Clarifying next year's vision and goals Clearing out what doesn’t serve you How to avoid overworking in the new year Setting up the right systems and team to support you Maximizing end-of-year $ opportunities Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit . /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33668062

E200 | Scaling in the New Era with Kim Woods 10/29/2024

E200 | Scaling in the New Era with Kim Woods Ready to better align your business growth with personal growth in the new year? Scaling in 2025 looks different than prior years. It is a new era and requires a new approach. That's where Kim Woods comes in! Kim and I teamed up recently in Colorado to deliver a keynote that blends her unique astrology-driven strategies and "knowing, liking, and trusting" yourself with my “simplify, sustain, scale” model. Kim Woods is a master astrologer and business strategist and she is all about combining astrology with modern business strategies. Kim explains how astrology has influenced important tools like Carl Jung's work and the Myers-Briggs personality test. She also shares details about her popular 12-question quiz, which has been taken by 22,000 people to help understand different decision-making styles. Kim’s method blends masculine and feminine energies, making her strategies pragmatic for today’s fast-changing business world. She highlights the power of self-awareness and building real connections, rather than relying on automated systems, to achieve business success. We also discuss how our approaches, "know, like, trust" and "simplify, sustain, scale," are coming together in a new live event focused on making big business moves. "It's crucial to balance innovative ideas with practical implementation. That's where true growth happens." - Kim Woods Tune in to this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast - our 200th episode! - where Kim and I merge insightful ideas and practical steps to help businesses thrive and scale in the new era including: How "know, like, trust" helps you to "simplify, sustain, scale" Balancing structure with flexibility in business planning Impact of astrological insights on effective business moves Practical steps for staying adaptable in 2025 What it looks like to successfully scale in the new era Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit . /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33632337

E199 | The Future of Operations in 2025 10/22/2024

E199 | The Future of Operations in 2025 Is your business ready for success and scale in 2025? As you look at what it will take make your big bold vision and goals a reality in the new year, there are some key things to consider. Not only has the way we market and sell shifted, but the way our business operates needs to shift as well. Things that were a nice-to-have in prior years are now a bare minimum for success. In this episode, I'm excited to celebrate the launch of my new brand, the Strategic Ops Institute, and share some important insights on the future of business operations. I talk about key market changes and how AI is playing a big role in transforming the way we work. It’s not just a competitive advantage anymore—AI is something businesses must use to grow and run more efficiently. I explore why strategic planning is so important, how we need to balance innovation with steady growth, and why it's essential to connect marketing with operations. I introduce my S.P.S.T.I Framework, Strategy, Planning, Systems, Team, and Insight—which is the foundation for scaling a business in a simple and sustainable way. In this episode, I dive into what I see as the future of operations and scaling success for small businesses including: The role AI plays in scalable and sustainable growth in 2025 The critical integration of marketing and operations Balancing short-term wins with long-term sustainability How the way we build out our team is changing The top 3 changes that impact your operations Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33503992

E198 | The 2 Things You Need for Sustainable Scaling 10/15/2024

E198 | The 2 Things You Need for Sustainable Scaling Do your business results ever leave you feeling like you're on a roller coaster? You want to create a stable and predictable business that avoids burnout and minimizes constant stress. So how do you scale your business without burning out? In this episode, I explore the concept of sustainable scaling and break down the two key components of building a business that grows without leading to burnout: sustainable results and a sustainable pace. I discuss how many entrepreneurs get caught up chasing what's "new"—new ideas, tools, or strategies—that may offer short-term wins but don't create lasting stability. I also highlight the importance of maintaining a sustainable pace in business operations. While periods of intense work, like during a launch, are sometimes necessary, it's crucial to recognize when these bursts of effort become the norm rather than the exception. Whether it's systematizing processes to eliminate redundancy or ensuring tasks align with your zone of genius, finding a sustainable rhythm is essential for you and your team. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I share the two key elements to do so successfully including: Why consistency is key when you want lasting results How chasing new ideas can sabotage your scaling efforts The importance of a sustainable work pace for both you and your team Why a predictable business model leads to long-term success Practical tips on planning and systems to support sustainable scaling Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33391667

E197 | Why Client Experience Is Critical with Kim Breiland 10/08/2024

E197 | Why Client Experience Is Critical with Kim Breiland Why is it important for businesses to block out distractions and focus on what really matters, especially in today’s tough market? Providing an exceptional client experience isn't just about what you deliver, but how you make your clients feel throughout their journey with you. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I am joined by Kim Breiland, a customer experience expert and creator of The Customer Experience Formula™. Kim specializes in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses without burning out. We explore it’s crucial for businesses to avoid distractions and focus on the essentials. Kim shares her story, including her background in psychology and customer service at Princeton University, stressing that businesses need to offer not just good products but also great customer experiences. She explains key moments for keeping clients engaged and the risks of ignoring customers after they’ve made a purchase. Kim also gives practical tips, like adding a personal touch to business interactions, making sure the customer experience is smooth, and gathering regular feedback to make clients feel heard. Her advice, backed by her certifications in neuroplasticity, offers a well-rounded approach to balancing both emotional and business needs. "Retaining clients should be as much a priority as acquiring new ones. Both are key to improving profit margins." - Kim Breiland Kim shares the critical role client experience plays in business success including: How personal interactions can improve client satisfaction How to implement effective feedback loops How to evolve your client experience in line with market changes Ensuring each customer interaction is positive and impactful Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33321542

E196 | Operational Mistakes That Prevent Sustainable Scaling 10/01/2024

E196 | Operational Mistakes That Prevent Sustainable Scaling How have the operational areas of your business impacted your overall results? How do you balance staying engaged with your business's strategy while delegating operational tasks? Have you encountered any issues with completely delegating without oversight? In this episode, I talk about the challenges of growing a business in a sustainable way, especially when it comes to operations. I highlight common mistakes founders make, like only addressing operational issues during a crisis or hiring the wrong people. I also discuss how important it is to make operations a key part of the business from the start and how to avoid these mistakes for better efficiency and smoother growth. One of the most common hiccups I see in businesses trying to scale is treating operations as a backend chore instead of an integral part of the business. This often leads to avoidable issues eating up valuable time and resources. In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I tackle these critical operational mistakes head-on: Importance of integrated operations for business success Risks of undertrained operational staff Strategies for proactively preparing for growth Balancing simplicity with necessary documentation Ensuring operations align with your growth strategy Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit . /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33231497

E195 | Strategies for Short-Term Cash Flow That Work Right Now 09/24/2024

E195 | Strategies for Short-Term Cash Flow That Work Right Now How do you manage to avoid the "revenue roller coaster” in your business and what strategies have you found to be most effective for both immediate and future growth? As we enter the last 3 months of the year and come out of summer, you may be looking to generate some short-term cash flow to make up for slower summer revenue or to hit your financial targets for the year. Balancing urgent cash flow needs with long-term growth can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I dive into actionable strategies for driving short-term cash flow and outline twelve high-impact strategies such as leveraging VIP days, offering referral incentives, and introducing payment plans for higher-ticket offers. Each strategy is designed to help entrepreneurs not only boost their revenue in the short term but also lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the new year. I also emphasize the importance of balancing short-term cash flow with long-term sustainable strategies to avoid the dreaded "revenue roller coaster." I share personal experiences and practical examples, including my own successful methodologies within the program. The episode is packed with insightful tips tailored for tackling urgent financial goals while keeping an eye on future stability. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I share strategies for short-term cash flow that are working right now including: Simple yet powerful promotional strategies for quick wins Tips for creating high-value offers that convert well How to tap into unmet needs in the market Streamlining efforts to maximize efficiency and profit Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33130557

E194 | Bridging Marketing and Operations for Sustainable Growth 09/17/2024

E194 | Bridging Marketing and Operations for Sustainable Growth Ever find yourself so focused on marketing and growth that your backend operations and ability to keep up falls apart... or putting so much focus on running efficient operations that your sales pipeline ends up empty? Balancing how much you focus on marketing and operations can be tricky. Ignoring one for the other could spell disaster and lead to “emergency panic marketing” or an all-hands-on-deck operational recovery. Neither are ideal. Welcome back to another episode of The Crista and Annie Show! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the balance between marketing and operations for sustainable business growth. Both areas are crucial, yet they often compete for a business owner's attention. Drawing from our personal experiences and client stories, we highlight the pitfalls and offer practical advice on how to align these two critical business areas. I emphasize the importance of investing in cost-effective tools and automation to boost profitability, while Annie reveals how to spot blind spots and tap into existing customer relationships for quick revenue growth. Together, we also discuss why reviewing systems and running efficient marketing campaigns is essential before diving into any major rebranding effort. Additionally, we touch on the dangers of rewarding "noisy" marketing tactics that often lead to inefficiencies, instead advocating for lean and intentional strategies in both marketing and operations. We dive into the common pitfalls and practical solutions to ensure both aspects work together cohesively to drive success, including: Balancing focus between marketing and operations in different seasons of growth Managing your client pipeline effectively to avoid feast or famine Giving yourself permission to ditch misaligned marketing approaches Ensuring you don't lose your brand experience when improving operational efficiency Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/33006402

E193 | Identifying the Best Right-Hand Person for Your Business Growth 09/10/2024

E193 | Identifying the Best Right-Hand Person for Your Business Growth Are you making the most of your right-hand person in your business? Your right-hand person isn’t just a support role; they’re your strategic partner, crucial for bringing your business vision to life. Think of them as the bridge between where you are now and where you want your business to go. But how do you find the right fit person? And once you do, how do you communicate effectively to avoid frustration and unproductive interactions? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I dive into why having a capable right-hand person is essential for your business success and which type of right-hand you need at different stages of your business journey. Drawing from personal experience, I clarify the distinct roles of a VA, an ePM, and a CSOO, highlighting how each can help optimize operations and enhance productivity. I also emphasize the importance of having that right-hand individual who can seamlessly blend vision with practicality, ensuring that bold ideas are executed in a sustainable way. Throughout the episode, I provide valuable tips on working effectively with your right-hand, from setting the right tone for communication to establishing a framework for successful collaboration. In this episode, I discuss: The most critical skill any right-hand person needs to have Building the bridge between vision and results Importance of aligning communication styles Deciding who is the best fit based on your stage of business Why your business may need a CSOO to achieve your next level Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32815752

E192 | Building an Internal Company Knowledge Base with Alyson Caffrey 09/03/2024

E192 | Building an Internal Company Knowledge Base with Alyson Caffrey Ever feel like you're the only one who can do certain things in your business? This can keep you trapped in the day to day and keep your business from running like a well-oiled machine. What if you could shift that by systematizing your operations and building a knowledge base? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I sit down with operations strategist and best-selling author Alyson Caffrey to discuss streamlining business processes for growth. She emphasizes the importance of developing a "company knowledge base" to ensure consistent and efficient operations, which is especially crucial for remote teams. Alyson is committed to using her experience growing businesses and streamlining operations to help 'parentpreneurs' kid-proof their businesses and live family-focused lives. We explore the need for clear roles, structured processes, and a simplified approach to avoid the pitfalls of scaling complexity. Alyson introduces the concept of "operation simplified," emphasizing the importance of fixing issues as they arise and having a solid maintenance plan in place. Tune in for insights on optimizing operations and achieving a joyful, scalable business. “Structure in your business operations isn’t restrictive. It gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters.” - - Alyson Caffrey In this episode, Alyson and I dive into how systematizing operations can drive growth, create consistency, and ultimately give you the freedom you're looking for as a business owner, including: - The importance of a company knowledge base - Why structure leads to more freedom - Overcoming resistance to systematization - How to attract & retain top talent - The benefits of saying 'no' more often - How time off is crucial for growth Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32784452

E191 | BTS Architecting an 8-Figure Brand 08/27/2024

E191 | BTS Architecting an 8-Figure Brand Want to set up your business for massive success as we transition from Summer into Fall? I'm seeing many businesses in different states right now - some riding a high, others slowing down and trying to figure out how to pick things back up. Whichever state you're in, it's an interesting time to reflect and really think intentionally about what you want your business to look like in its next evolution of success and scale. This is what I am doing as I'm launching my newest brand, Strategic Ops Institute. I'm architecting it differently from prior businesses, strategically planning from day one for it to become an 8-figure business. This is shaping the decisions I am making and how I am building my vision in a simple and streamlined way. In this special episode, I am inviting you in the backstage of architecting an 8-figure brand! I discuss how my past experiences have shaped my current business strategies and decisions. If you're ready to reimagine your business and align it with your ultimate vision, this episode is a must-listen! Step into a world of possibilities and gain insights into building a brand that thrives. In this episode, I share how I'm setting up this new venture, and how you can apply a similar thought process to scale your business seamlessly including: Architecting a multi-7 or 8-figure brand from where you are today Recognizing market gaps and growth opportunities to leverage Slowing down to speed up and when you need to Building the bridge between today's reality and your future vision Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32672302

E190 | Aligning Your Business with Your Soul Language with Jennifer Urezzio 08/20/2024

E190 | Aligning Your Business with Your Soul Language with Jennifer Urezzio Are you truly aligned with your purpose or just going through the motions in your business? There is a big difference between leading a business that feels fully aligned and one that doesn't. An aligned business feels light and freeing, while a misaligned one feels heavy and frustrating. So how do you get into alignment? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I was joined by Jennifer Urezzio, the founder of Soul Language. We discussed her special approach to helping entrepreneurs connect with their true selves and align that with their business. She introduces the idea of Soul Language, which focuses on three key energies: your mission, how you support that mission, and your soulful personality. Jennifer highlights how important it is to understand these energies to build a business that truly reflects who you are and connects with your clients. She also shares how entrepreneurs can check if their business is in line with their core values. Jennifer provides practical exercises to help shift your mindset from focusing on problems to finding solutions, offering clear steps to realign your business. Additionally, she talks about common challenges like being inconsistent or fearing sales and advises on overcoming these issues by being authentic and using insights from Soul Language. If you're intrigued by how understanding your soul language can transform your business and personal growth, you won't want to miss this episode. "Your business starts and ends with you and what you put into it. Look within to solve why your business isn’t successful." - Jennifer Urezzio In this episode, you’ll discover: - How to identify your soul's mission - Understanding your business’ unique soul language - Simple steps to get back in alignment - How to put consciousness behind business decisions Links: Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32566952

E189 | How Relearning Past Lessons Can Propel Your Business Forward 08/13/2024

E189 | How Relearning Past Lessons Can Propel Your Business Forward What was the catalyst for starting your business? Did you find yourself having to learn a tough lesson or overcome something yourself that you are now passionate about helping others with? As entrepreneurs, we often share what we most needed to learn ourselves to get to where we are today. But there is a myth that once we've mastered something, we are done with the lessons. The reality is that we often need to revisit and relearn those lessons again, sometimes when we least expect it. This can cause feelings of imposter syndrome and self-doubt when you find yourself re-experiencing the very thing you help your clients with and are considered an expert at. But relearning past lessons can also be the push needed to propel your business forward and I think it's time we normalize the natural cycles of relearning that occur, even to the most seasoned experts, instead of hiding them. In this episode, I explore the ongoing journey of learning and relearning essential lessons as an entrepreneur. I share my own experiences of overcommitting and overworking even though I'm an expert in scaling businesses (without the burnout). I also highlight how recognizing and addressing recurring challenges with refreshed strategies can significantly impact your business's growth and sustainability including: Early recognition when you're falling into old patterns How to move quickly through a period of relearning How to leverage your experiences to improve client results Tools and frameworks to stay focused and avoid overcommitting Strategies to prevent burnout and maintain high performance Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32498252

E188 | How to Sign Bigger B2B Deals with Laura Khalil 08/06/2024

E188 | How to Sign Bigger B2B Deals with Laura Khalil How can you overcome limiting beliefs and gain the confidence to land big B2B contracts? What specific strategies can consultants use to build relationships and trust within a large corporation to secure bigger deals? What steps are involved in determining and implementing value-based pricing? In this exciting episode, I sit down with Laura Khalil, a sales and marketing advisor who has spent the last seven years helping service providers sign B2B clients with contracts ranging from $50,000 to $350,000. Today, she pulls back the curtain to help others go after that “big deal energy”. Laura shares with us how to be proactive, build a network of supporters, and not rely solely on referrals. The conversation dives into the differences between working with small businesses and large corporations, emphasizing the importance of value-based pricing and maintaining strong client relationships. She also offers practical advice, such as using the guiding question, "Does it make the boat go faster?" and shares essential tips for securing testimonials, writing case studies, and identifying new prospects within client organizations to continually grow your business. Don't miss this profound and insightful episode if you're eager to elevate your consulting business and secure bigger deals with large companies. “It's just as hard to get a $5,000 contract as it is to get a $500,000 contract. There's not much difference in the process.” - Laura Khalil We discuss practical strategies for working with large companies and landing larger, more lucrative contracts including: - How to position your value to large corporations - What to do and what not to do when pricing contracts - How to strategically leverage testimonials and case studies - Balancing client work with business growth activities Links: Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32392437

E187 | Improving Client Results & Retention in a Changing Market 07/30/2024

E187 | Improving Client Results & Retention in a Changing Market What steps can you take to better understand your client's current challenges and constraints? How can businesses leverage AI to support their clients better and streamline their operations? As you shift your business to adapt to market changes, are you also shifting how you support your clients to achieve successful results? As buying behaviors change and economic constraints tighten, many business owners are grappling with new challenges. I discuss how small businesses, compared to their larger counterparts, are struggling with slower revenue streams and tighter budgets, making them less agile than before. Through insightful analogies and real-life examples, I highlight the importance of adapting your services and products to meet the current needs of your clients. If market changes are impacting your business (or businesses around you), they are impacting your clients' as well. You may have worked on changing your offers, marketing, and messaging to increase conversions, which is great... but what happens after a new client says 'yes'? Will they still be able to achieve results in the same way they would have a year or two ago? The reality is that most people have even more on their plate now than they did before. Their time is more limited, their budgets are tighter, and their focus may be non-existent. This impacts much more than their buying decisions - It impacts their ability to show up and take action, the rate at which they implement, and their ability to achieve results. This in turn impacts your likelihood for retention and referrals. No matter how incredible your programs or services are (and I am sure they are really incredible!)...The way you deliver them may need to shift to better support the challenges and constraints your clients are currently experiencing. In this week's episode, I dive into how current and future market changes impact the way your clients achieve results and practical things you can do to set them up for success including: How to adapt your services to current client needs The impact of market changes on small businesses Strategies for helping clients achieve results with limited resources Streamlining your client experience for better results The key takeaway is that businesses need to be mindful of their clients' new realities and find ways to deliver results with less effort on their clients' part. Don’t miss this episode to learn actionable strategies to refine your client offerings and improve retention despite market challenges. Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business? We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at . 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. For full show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/leanout/id/32277267

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