The Operations Room: A Podcast for COO’s

It’s been a whirlwind of a season!In this special wrap-up episode, Bethany and Brandon look back on the last ten weeks of The Operations Room — the highlights, lessons, and chaos that shaped Season 2 — and share a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 3.We reflect on:What it really feels like to step into a CEO role (and why it’s lonelier than expected).The intensity of leading through change — and learning to switch off when the buck stops with you.The balance between growth, leadership, and staying human.The power (and pain) of performance reviews done right.Why our next season will dive deep into AI, leadership, and rethinking operational strategy.Plus, we reveal our guest line-up for Season 3 — including returning favourites like Keith Wallington and Cameron Herold, and new voices exploring AI, sales, and the future of strategy.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.You can also share your guest suggestions — one slot left for next season!Summary00:00 – Welcome and season recap02:00 – Bethany’s first 90 days as CEO07:30 – The reality of responsibility and loneliness at the top11:50 – Brandon’s reflections on scaling a high-growth team15:40 – Lessons from performance and salary reviews20:00 – What’s coming next: AI, leadership, and puzzles vs OKRs26:00 – Behind the scenes: planning the next season28:00 – Our Substack To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: AI employees. We are joined by Matt Lhoumeau, Cofounder & CEO at ConcordLove The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Matt Lhoumeau: How do you balance the need for structure with the chaos of fast-growing operations?What happens when marketing becomes a true conversation rather than a one-way message?Why are standards and expectations so critical to building trust in a growing team?How can leaders create clarity without stifling creativity?What’s the real difference between being busy and being effective?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlhoumeau/https://www.concord.app/https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lMWln0Biography Matt Lhoumeau is the CEO and co-founder of Concord, the leading provider of AI-powered Agreement Intelligence solutions. With over a decade of experience transforming how businesses manage contracts, Matt helps operations leaders unlock strategic value from their agreements and turn contracts from cost centers into profit drivers.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary04:05 – AI tools and operational leadership.08:05 – The power of systems thinking in AI bots12:01 – Using AI to challenge you15:16 – AI-first mantra19:40 – Legal department AI substitutes22:36 – Being a systems owner24:30 – ChatGPT as a therapist27:37 – Using AI to evolve and be durable31:34 – How tools and frameworks are used over time.34:58 – The balance between AI and human intervention35:19 – Evolving with AI37:05 – The right inputsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this discussion, Jonny Burch, a designer-turned-founder and former CEO of Progression, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey. He explores how rethinking office spaces can enhance team collaboration and connection. Jonny emphasizes the importance of creating environments that foster productivity rather than merely managing people. He also discusses the emotional challenges leaders face, the value of understanding company culture, and the necessity of visibly supporting HR initiatives to enhance team dynamics.

In this episode we discuss: How storytelling can get you what you want. We are joined by David Pullan, author, speaker, coach, and gold miner.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with David Pullan: How can leaders use storytelling to make their ideas unforgettable?What makes a message stick in people’s minds long after the meeting ends?Why do leaders often overlook the importance of how they communicate, not just what they say?How can storytelling build trust and psychological safety within teams?What practical steps can leaders take to transform everyday communication into moments of influence?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pullan-4b0619a/www.thestoryspotters.comBiography David Pullan and his wife and business partner, Sarah Jane McKechnie, first met in a rehearsal room over thirty years ago and have been collaborating ever since. From acting alongside Shirley MacLaine, performing for Henry Kissinger, and filming in the former Yugoslavia (with Robert Downey Jr dancing on the table), to cooking a chicken live on stage, their careers have been defined by spotting, shaping and sharing stories in unexpected ways.Together, through their company The Story Spotters, they draw on their backgrounds as performers, coaches, scriptwriters and hypnotherapists to help clients master the communication moments that matter. Their book, The DNA of Engagement, offers a story-based approach to building trust and influencing change in today’s noisy corporate world.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:14:40 – Why stories matter more than facts00:17:37 – Meeting people where they are00:20:23 – How stories help ideas stick00:23:04 – A leader’s process for shaping communication00:28:27 – Common mistakes leaders make with storytelling00:31:07 – Switching gears: the role of vulnerability00:36:26 – How authenticity shapes perception00:39:13 – Balancing emotion and logic in leadership stories00:42:03 – Why psychological safety is essentialThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Resilience in Organisations. We are joined by Aušrinė Keršanskaitė, Co-founder of Operations Nation.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Aušrinė Keršanskaitė: How can leaders tell the difference between true resilience and simply powering through burnout?When is “just-enough process” better than perfect systems in a growing company?Which of the five types of resilience—optimistic, stoic, pragmatic, active, or existential—do you rely on most at work?What happens when imposter syndrome hits even the most experienced operations leaders—and how can you use it to grow?Why might learning to walk away from the wrong role or battle be the most resilient decision of all?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausrinewww.operationsnation.comBiography Aušrinė Keršanskaitė is a seasoned operations leader, community builder, and connector at heart. With over a decade of hands-on experience guiding startups from scrappy pre-seed beginnings to thriving Series B stages, she knows firsthand what it takes to build strong foundations and empower people along the way.For the past five years, Aušrinė has been the driving force behind Operations Nation, a community-powered knowledge hub that connects and empowers hundreds of operations leaders around the world. Operations Nation offers a safe, supportive space for ops professionals to share advice and “ops war stories,” helping each other survive, grow, and thrive in their careers.A firm believer that operations is the backbone of every great company, Aušrinė combines her operational expertise with a deep passion for bringing people together and building community wherever she goes.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary05:00 — Balancing speed versus sustainability in scaling operations11:00 — Timing back-office investments and compliance readiness15:00 — Re-orgs, structural resilience, and organizational adaptability17:00 — Introduction to the Five Types of Resilience framework21:00 — Deep dive into each resilience type with personal stories28:30 — Imposter syndrome and trusting your gut as a leader33:00 — Redefining success and boundaries in operations roles37:00 — Shared vulnerability and leadership resilience39:30 — Final takeaway: putting your own oxygen mask on firstThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Join Mathias Meyer, an executive coach and startup founder, and Sara Hicks, a product leader from top tech firms, as they delve into the nuances of creating an intentional organization. They explore the transition from startup to scale-up, discussing the vital need for regular product shipping and the real costs of delays. They emphasized reshaping meeting culture for better outcomes and the careful balance of leadership dynamics. Plus, they share insights on hiring for growth while maintaining cultural fit and the pitfalls of misusing OKRs.

In this episode we discuss: Navigating through an uncertain world. We are joined by Jillian Reilly, Author, Global change facilitator,  Keynote speaker, and International aid veteran. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Jillian Reilly: What does it really take to be an effective facilitator of change within an organisation?How can operators lead confidently in uncertainty without overpromising outcomes?When should leaders rely on intuition over data—and how do they build that instinct?Can resilience be intentionally developed, or is it only forged through hardship?How do you balance empathy with accountability when leading teams through tough transitions?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianreilly/https://jillreilly.substack.com/www.tenpermissions.comBiography Jillian Reilly is a founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant with 30 years’ experience in social, organisational, and personal change across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe. She helps people navigate change and accelerate growth, and is the author of The Ten Permissions (forthcoming), which challenges outdated approaches to adult life in the 21st century. Her memoir, Shame: Confessions of an Aid Worker in Africa, reflects on her early career in international development. Jillian’s work has been featured in the Washington Post, Newsweek, and the LA Times, and her TEDx talk Vain Aid offers insights from the aid industry. She also created the Courageous Conversations podcast, funded by the Ford Foundation, spotlighting African activists.  To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary00:06:10 – Becoming a change facilitator00:08:43 – Leading in uncertainty00:10:46 – Trusting intuition00:14:19 – Navigating profound change00:18:29 – Leading without a grand vision00:22:40 – Building resilience00:28:15 – Reframing setbacks00:35:50 – Holding onto purpose00:42:10 – Empathy vs. accountability00:44:05 – Final reflectionsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Helen Goldberg, Fractional General Counsel and COO at LegalEdge, shares insights on navigating the complex legal landscape for startups and scale-ups. She discusses how to avoid founder bottlenecks, the importance of strategic hiring, and the evolving role of marketing in driving sales. Helen highlights AI's potential to streamline legal processes while maintaining quality and emphasizes the need for pragmatic risk management. She also tackles common pitfalls in contract management, cap table ownership, and the benefits of using playbooks for legal efficiency.

Dirk Sahlmer, Head of Origination at saas.group, is an expert in acquiring and scaling capital-efficient SaaS companies. In this discussion, he explores the balance between ambitious growth and team capacity, the dangers of micromanagement, and how offshoring can impact company culture. Dirk also shares insights on the 'bootstrap future' for scaling sustainably and the essential elements for effective due diligence. He emphasizes the importance of documentation and readiness to avoid deal-breakers, urging leaders to come prepared for success.

Join Anna Tavis, Clinical Professor at NYU, for a riveting conversation on the future of professional development in the age of AI. She discusses redefining career success beyond traditional ladders and critiques our current learning systems as ineffective. Anna explores AI-powered coaching, likening it to sports training for personalized growth. The impact of AI on management roles is examined, revealing potential for mentorship, while also highlighting the necessity of equity in AI tools. A thought-provoking take on adapting to a new work landscape!