Calling Operator with Laura Nicol

In this episode, we explore Albert’s journey from growing up as an immigrant in Australia to becoming a startup leader and new dad to his daughter, Ava. Albert is a true fundraising nerd, and watching him level up on his way to Victory Road is a joy. We dive into how he built conviction to leave venture capital and step into a leadership role at Nexl—a vertical SaaS company that provides collaboration, relationship management, and CRM software to B2B law firms (think Pearson Hardman vibes!). Albert also shares lessons from his operator journey—from building scar tissue through experience to understanding why the best teams excel at capital allocation to mastering the metrics that drive relentless focus and success in scaling startups.Find Albert Patajo:LinkedInXSubstackAlbert’s Northstars and Frameworks:ChatGPT Prompt:“You are OperatorGPT, you are an expert portfolio value creation for Series A and later companies. You’ve been asked to solve [X issue in detail] to achieve [Y outcome]. The trade-offs you need to consider are that [A people in company or relevant role, B budget,C timeframes). The company’s values are [X,Y,Z values]. Draft a project plan that steps through a potential solution to solve the problem and achieve this outcome taking into account the trade-offs and ensures alignment to the company’s values.Building your Employee Handbook as you scale: The Gitlab Handbook (Open source)Bullet Proof Problem Solving (Book)Scaling people (Book)Situation, Complication and Question (Framework)Simple framework for Board and Executive communication:What we know: The information we know to be true and what we’re relying on.What we don’t know: The information we need to validate or find evidence for that will help inform our decisions.When we’ll know: The experiments/fact-finding analysis we’ll run to find evidence or validate the information we don’t know and the timeframe to do this.The Glue Club by Molly Graham (Cohort-based operator community)ANZ Operators—Ones to Watch:Annie Liao, Chief of Staff at Relevance AI and Founder of Build ClubJessy Wu, Founder at Encour, Ex Partner at AfterworkOther Folks Mentioned in the Episode:Philipp Thurner (CEO & Founder, Nexl)Niki Scevak (Co-founder and Partner at Blackbird)Allen Zhu (Investor at EVP)HBR’s The Case for a Chief of Staff articleAngad Soin (Ex Deloitte, now Xero)John Henderson (General Partner at Airtree)Michael Batko (CEO at Startmate ) Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

In this episode, I dial into a conversation with Maddi Ingham, 2x Chief of Staff, now working in stealth on her next venture. Maddi's career is a testament to her commitment to creating a better world for people and the planet. We explore her journey from management consulting to her catch-all role in Verve Super’s acquisition—a remarkable all-women-founded exit celebrated as “the business story we need” by Women’s Agenda. We dive into her experiences solving complex early-stage problems, the role of trust in navigating M&A processes during leadership team parental leave, and the impact of executive partnerships. Maddi also shares her thoughts on gender equality, her operator insights gained from CliftonStrengths, and the importance of building a supportive community of peers.Episode note: When discussing the gender pay gap, Maddi uses binary language (e.g., “man” and “woman”). We recognise that this isn’t always the reality for some parents. Find Maddi:Maddi InghamMaddi's Northstars and frameworks:Why the acquisition of all-women-founded Verve Super is a story worth tellingThe Open Org’s Open Source Policies (…and a Rolodex of publicly sourced policies)Future Group's Open Source PoliciesMoving your Super to an ethical superannuation fundStartmate programs:Women's FellowshipLadymatesGender Pay GapHow to respond to 9 myths about our gender pay gap problem by Maddi InghamThe Pay Gap Pledge ToolkitWGEA's Developing a Leading Practice Parental Leave PolicyAirtree’s Open Source VCThe role of the Chief of StaffCliftonStrengthsThe CliftonStrengths skills assessmentWoo theme (One of Maddi’s top five strengths)Communication theme (One of Maddi’s top five strengths)Positivity theme (One of Maddi’s top five strengths)Activator theme (One of Maddi’s top five strengths)The CliftonStrengths PodcastANZ operators—ones to watch:Phoebe Pincus, COO at StartmateZoe Champtaloup, Director of Operations & General Counsel at Perx HealthAlex Carr, Chief Of Staff at ReGen VenturesOther folks mentioned in the episode:Christina HobbsAlex AndrewsVerve Super Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Mikayla builds brands people can't stop talking about. Her latest project is Tracksuit, recognised in The Generalist's Future 50 list as one of the world's highest potential startups. We dive into her career journey from beer to beauty to B2B SaaS; the bumpy (but amazing) road of marketing leadership to $15 million ARR at Tracksuit; the challenges of rapid growth; her experience serving in her first startup board seat; and the role brand will play in the world automated by AI. Plus, some real talk on finding your identity beyond work, fighting for your seat at the table and the power of kindness.Find Mikayla:LinkedInwww.gotracksuit.com Tracksuit has been recognised in The Generalist's Future 50 listMikayla's Northstars and frameworks:Kieran Flanagan - HubspotHe co-hosts the Marketing Against the Grain podcastEmily Kramer - B2B SaaS advisor (pay for her Substack)She writes the MKT1 newsletter  (Mik recommends subscribing)ANZ operators—ones to watch:Harry Flett - Head of Product @ TracksuitMatthew Rossi - Founder @ Oodle | ex Eucalyptus, CanvaJo Blundell - Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer @ Aglow | ex TimelyOther folks mentioned in the episode:Karl MargrainConnor ArchboldMatthew HerbertElly StrangChristine van HoffenJames Hurman Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Episode summary:This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Laura Nicol, the new host of the Calling Operator podcast! In this special transition episode, we get to know Laura and her incredible journey—from the front rows of London Fashion Week beside Anna Wintour and Vivienne Westwood to the picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand, where she was among the first employees at First Table, and finally, her role as Chief of Staff to Maxine Minter at Co Ventures.Laura shares her insights on thinking driven by repeatable motions, learning resilience from athletes, and the unique perspective of the CoS role. She also provides an amazing list of resources that have shaped her career.Join us as we explore Laura's story, her plans for the podcast's future, and how she’s ready to supercharge Calling Operator beyond our wildest dreams. Tune in for an episode filled with personal stories, inspiring discussions, and exciting new beginnings.Find Laura:LinkedInLaura's Northstars and frameworks:Lenny’s PodcastJessica Livingston’s The Social Radar podcastMaxine Minter and Cheryl Mack's First Cheque podcastStephen Bartlett’s Dairy of a CEOMKT1 newsletter: B2B startup marketing guides, frameworks, advice & opinions from ex-marketing exec Emily KramerLessons from Molly Graham First Round’s '1 Review'Airtree's Open Source VCThe First 90 Days by Michael WatkinsOther mentions: Co LabCo Ventures Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Episode summary:This week, we sat down with Shilpa Mohan, Head of Operations at ProcurePro. We explore themes of confidence, career transitions, and true self-belief beyond external validation. Shilpa shares her inspiring vision for diversity in startups, highlighting the positive changes happening in the ecosystem. Tune in for personal stories, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking ideas on building a better future in tech.Shilpa's resources: Guy Raz: How I built this podcast Acquired podcastScaling people: tactics for management & company building, Claire Hughes Johnson  Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Episode summary:This week, Georgia Marshall takes us through her journey from Fishburners to founding Humans for Good and Flock. Georgia shares her experiences building communities, running pitch nights, and developing Flock, a database of diverse communities. Discover how she creates meaningful connections and leverages no-code tools. Perfect for anyone interested in community building and the future of co-living. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration. Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Dive into Jared Bergman's journey on this week's episode, where he shares his transition from developing bionic eyes at university to pushing the boundaries of biotech at Vow. Discover the thrilling world of engineering innovative solutions for sustainable food production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology and sustainability—where science meets the dinner table. Join us to explore how Jared's work at Vow is shaping the future of food.Guest ideas? Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn.   A note from your host, Laura: My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons.   Never miss an episode: Subscribe on your favourite platform: - Spotify - Apple Podcasts - (Other) CallingOperator.com

This week, we delve into Gaby's journey from founding Flaunter to spearheading operations and growth at Carted. Gaby takes us through her unique journey back to an operational role after experiencing the highs and lows of being a founder herself, the shifts in mindset and approach required when moving from leading your business to amplifying someone else's vision. Guest ideas? Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn.   A note from your host, Laura: My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons.   Never miss an episode: Subscribe on your favourite platform: - Spotify - Apple Podcasts - (Other) CallingOperator.com

Resources mentioned:Radical Candor, Kim Scott Spades, Hearts, Diamonds feedback framework Outlive, the science & art of longevity, Peter Attia   Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com

Resources mentioned:Fair Play by Eve RodskyEmotional Agility by Dr. Susan David Guest ideas?Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn. A note from your host, Laura:My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons. Never miss an episode:Subscribe on your favourite platform:SpotifyApple Podcasts(Other) CallingOperator.com