Masters of Ops

Introduction:

Welcome to Masters of Ops! Today, we have an incredible panel of experts who have dedicated thousands of hours to leading, teaching, and optimizing operations. Our guests bring immense knowledge and experience, and we are in for a treat as we dive deep into the world of operations.

Episode Format:

• • Opening Updates (5-7 minutes)

  • Guest Introductions

  • Panel Discussion (45-60 minutes)

  • Q&A Session (20 minutes)

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

 

1. Understanding the Difference Between an EA, Ops Manager, and COO

• • • Executive Assistants (EAs) focus on optimizing the CEO’s efficiency and managing administrative tasks.
    • Ops Managers/Directors of Operations (DOOs) streamline business operations, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
    • Chief Operating Officers (COOs) take on a strategic role, driving long-term business growth and systems optimization.

2. Signs You Need an Operations Hire

• • • Overwhelm from handling too many day-to-day tasks.
    • Repeated operational fires disrupting business flow.
    • High team turnover due to lack of accountability and structure.
    • Difficulty scaling despite growing sales and marketing efforts.
    • Inefficiencies in resource allocation and project execution.

3. How to Justify the Cost of an Operations Role

• • • Operators increase profitability by improving efficiency and reducing waste.
    • Optimizing team roles ensures higher productivity and better results.
    • An effective operator frees up the CEO’s time, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks.
    • Proper operational management prevents revenue leaks and enhances business growth.

4. Finding and Hiring the Right Operator

• • • Look internally first – current EAs or team members may be a great fit with the right training.
    • Utilize your network – referrals from trusted connections often yield high-quality hires.
    • Craft specific job descriptions focused on outcomes, not just qualifications.
    • Implement a thorough hiring process, filtering candidates based on skills, experience, and culture fit.

5. Managing and Relating to Your Operator

• • • Operators and CEOs have inherently different working styles – respect and trust are key.
    • The Gas Pedal & Brake Pedal analogy: CEOs drive vision, operators ensure safe execution.
    • Clear expectations and communication are essential to avoid micromanagement or total abdication of responsibilities.
    • Tools like user manuals help CEOs and operators understand each other’s strengths and working preferences.

Guest Panel:

1. 1. Adrienne Dorison – CEO of Clockwork (by Mike Michalowicz), who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs streamline their business operations. Learn more or follow her on Instagram @AdrienneDorison.
   2. Jhana Li – CEO of Spyglass Ops, with extensive experience hiring and training COOs for dozens of companies. DM her the codeword FRANCIS on Instagram @thejhanali for access to her Ops Freedom Vault.
   3. Aaron Whelan – Fractional COO and Co-Founder of Operations.com, with 15+ years of experience as a COO in agencies and expert businesses. Learn more at Operations.com or reach out at Aaron@Operations.com.

Actionable Next Steps for Listeners:

• • Conduct an operations audit to identify bottlenecks in your business.
  • Assess whether you need an EA, Ops Manager, or COO based on your current challenges.
  • Take a time analysis (runlikeclockwork.com/time) to evaluate where your hours are spent and how to delegate effectively.
  • If hiring, focus on skills and outcomes rather than job titles to ensure a successful fit.

Closing Thoughts:

Thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing their insights! Be sure to follow their work and take advantage of the resources provided. If you found value in today’s discussion, check out truthandmastery.com for additional content and event replays.

Stay tuned for more expert insights on operations, leadership, and efficiency. See you in the next episode!