

Calling Operator with Laura Nicol
Laura Nicol
Join Laura Nicol (your host) as she dials into the stories of startup operators in the trenches of building and scaling companies. Together, we master the art of ‘building the plane while flying it', drawing on insights from leaders and rising stars at companies like Tracksuit, Canva, Culture Amp, Atlassian, me&u, Airwallex, Eucalyptus, and more. Laura's day job is Chief of Staff to Maxine Minter﹢Co Ventures—all views shared on this podcast are her own.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 24, 2024 • 42min
Ep 25. Shilpa Mohan's journey from award winning interior designer to head of ops at ProcurePro and finding confidence through changes
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

Jun 12, 2024 • 41min
Ep 24. Georgia Marshall on Building community, co-living across the world and small changes for big impact
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

May 13, 2024 • 56min
Ep 23. Jared Bergman's Journey to Vow — From Bionic Eyes to Blowing Up the Bioreactor (Not Literally, Yet)
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

Apr 23, 2024 • 51min
Ep 23. Gaby Howard on Navigating the Shift from Founder to Operator in Tech: Insights from Carted and Flaunter
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

Apr 1, 2024 • 52min
Ep 22. Polina Nesterova on Pioneering Meaningful Change in Health Tech with Neurode, Inventia Life Sciences, and HealthMatch
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

Mar 18, 2024 • 51min
Ep 21. Emma Earley From Unconventional Paths to Remarkable Outcomes: Defying Norms & Embracing Inclusive Leadership at Remarkable
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

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep 20. Deanna Hood on Becoming a technical leader in Health Tech robotics at Vexev and Inventia, Embracing Learning as a Skill and Shattering STEM Stereotypes.
Find Deanna here:TikTok / @deanna.stemInstagram @deanna.stemhttps://dhood.io/ Resources mentioned: Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talkingBrave not Perfect: Fear less, Fail more and Live Bolderhttps://www.meetup.com/
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

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ep 19. Sam Garven from dreaming of living in the forrest studying gorilla's to people leadership at ZipCo, Kinde + more
You can find Sam here on Linkedin Resources mentioned: WGEA report: Gender Pay GapFair Work amendments 2024 Josh Bersin Podcast
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

Feb 5, 2024 • 48min
Ep 18. Holly Brooks - From Childhood in Doha to Overcoming Early Career Hurdles, Achieving Her Dream Job at Startmate
Resources mentioned in this episode:MKT1 NewsletterHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
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

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep 17. Nicole Meaker on studying Engineering in adulthood, figuring out what you actually find interesting and working at Marqo as a Product Manager
Listen to this interview with Nicole Meaker and dive into... Unexpected Paths Lead to Rewarding Careers: Nicole's journey into tech was unplanned. Despite an initial lack of interest in math and science, her diverse experiences, including working in bars and a call centre, led her to discover a passion for technology. A reminder to never forget the importance of exploring and being open to unexpected career paths.Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Nicole emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, as seen in her decision to study engineering in her twenties and her varied roles in IT. Listen to hear about how adaptability helps growth in an ever-evolving tech industry.Challenges for Women in Tech: Nicole's experience reflects the challenges women face in tech, including being often the only woman in a team and encountering gender-based barriers and harassment. Her journey underscores the need for and is part of the solution for greater diversity and inclusion in the tech sector.Balancing Parenting and Career in Tech: While admitting she is very tired, we explore concepts of flexibility and Nicole shares how she believes she's become a better operator, and parent thanks to her career. Listen to the full episode and please send any feedback either email me at palomabnewton@gmail.com or ping me directly here on LinkedinAlso get in touch if you or someone you know would be a great guest on the pod! ☎️
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