The Operations Room: A Podcast for COO’s

In this episode, we discuss usage-based pricing, seat pricing, maximising margin and customer expansion. We are joined by Mark Stiving, Founder of Impact Pricing. We chat about: References: Mark on LinkedIN Mark’s podcast, Impact Pricing Biography: Mark Stiving, Pricing Educator, Coach, Podcast Host & 2x Author. He has driven business initiatives worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is sought after for his superpower of finding invincible profits in every company he works with. He is an award-winning international speaker known for helping audiences find hidden value and more profit, immediately. Mark started and successfully sold three powerful companies in the tech sector. His forthcoming book is "Invincible Profits: How to Lead a Value Revolution and Dominate Your Market" To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary: Usage-based pricing with a focus on personalization and avoiding seat-based pricing. 0:05Pricing strategies for SaaS companies, including usage-based pricing and subscription packages. 4:02

In this episode, we discuss: Is it possible to pivot to profitability? We are joined by Libby Penn, she is the COO of Improbable. We chat about the following: References: LinkedIn Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke Biography: Libby Penn has experience in various business development and operations roles across a number of high-growth technology businesses on SaaS and enterprise models, B2B and B2C, in both the UK and the US. This has given her an in-depth insight into the complexities that come with the role as COO. Summary: Gender roles and microaggressions in the workplace. 0:05Pivoting to profitability for a B2B SaaS company. 4:55Pivoting to profitability, focusing on market strategy, operations efficiency, and automation. 12:42Balancing growth and profitability for startups. 15:55Data analysis, product development, and customer focus in tech companies.

In this episode, we discuss: The life-ruining power of routines. We are joined by Markham Heid, he is a Journalist with TIME and New York Times. We chat about the following: References: LinkedIn Article - The life-ruining power of routines Website Biography: Markham has worked as a staff writer at both a major metropolitan newspaper and a national magazine, but for the past 12 years he’s worked as an independent (freelance) journalist. Markham has written about England's Jurassic Coast for Travel & Leisure, covered workplace culture for an HR quarterly mag, and explored Germany's transition away from nuclear energy for Vox. But most of his writing has been in the health and science space. Between 2014 and 2018, he wrote a weekly health column for TIME.com, which was called You Asked. Since 2018, Markham has done something similar for Medium, where he’s followed by ~350k subscribers. He’s still a frequent contributor at TIME, and he also writes regularly for the New York Times. His work has received awards from both the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. Press Association. He’s originally from Detroit, but right now he lives in southeast Germany with his wife and two kids. Summary: The negative impact of routines and habits on personal optimization. 0:05Routines, productivity, and spontaneity in adulthood. 3:15Routine, spontaneity, and finding balance in life and work. 8:21Innovation weeks in companies, with a focus on structure and culture. 14:04

In this episode, we discuss: Why does community matter for organisations? We are joined by Jaclyn Pascocello, she is the founder of Fabrik. We chat about the following: References: Jaclyn LinkedIn Fabrik Biography: Mom + Founder of Fabrik. A driven leader with a passion for hospitality and customer experience and a proven track record of building and scaling startups. Building an IRL solution to uplift our communities and create more serendipity. Expert in creating unique and memorable consumer experiences in DTC, brick-and-mortar, hospitality, and F&B. Summary: Homophobia and the story of a forgotten fashion photographer. 0:06Loneliness in remote work and its impact on employees' well-being. 3:40Combating loneliness in the workplace through professional connections. 9:20Building communities for professionals, both internally and externally. 13:25Workplace community building, employee resource groups, and customer advocacy communities. 17:40

In this episode we discuss: What are the priorities for COO’s in 2024? We are joined by Cameron Herold, he is the founder of the COO Alliance and author of the Second in Command. We chat about the following: References: Cameron Herold COO Alliance YouTube Channel Biography: Founder of the COO Alliance & Invest In Your Leaders Course Author of Vivid Vision & The Second In Command Meet Cameron Herold, the mastermind behind the exponential growth of hundreds of companies. As the founder of the COO Alliance and the Invest In Your Leaders course, Cameron is a dynamic consultant who has coached some of the biggest names in business, including Sprint Telecom and a monarchy in the Middle East. Known as the "CEO Whisperer", Cameron has a reputation for guiding his clients to double their profits and revenue in just three years or less. Cameron's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and by 35, he had helped build his first two $100 million dollar companies. But his greatest achievement came as the COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he engineered the company's spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue and from 14 to 3,100 employees - all in just six years. Cameron is not just a successful business leader, but also a captivating speaker. The current publisher of Forbes magazine, Rich Karlgaard, stated "Cameron Herold is the best speaker I've ever heard...he hits grand slams”. When he's not on stage, Cameron continues to teach through his Second In Command podcast and his bestselling books, including Vivid Vision, Meetings Suck, Free PR, Double Double, and The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs. Cameron is a top-rated international speaker and has been paid to speak in 26 countries and on all 7 continents, including Antarctica in early 2022. He is also the top-rated lecturer at EO/MIT's Entrepreneurial Masters Program and a powerful and effective speaker at CEO and COO leadership events worldwide. Summary: Budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning for businesses. 0:05

In this unique episode, Bethany Ayers and Brandon Mensinga share their personal stories. This episode is simply titled: Life Lessons. Bethany and Brandon are experienced scale-up COO’s and the co-hosts of the Operations Room. We chat about the following lessons: Summary: Career goals and adaptability. 0:05Overcoming fear and ambition in business. 4:31Personal growth and career development. 9:37Embracing unique strengths and work ethic for career success. 17:09

In this episode we discuss: Which HRIS do I need? We are joined by Matt Bradburn, Founder & CEO of the People Collective. We chat about the following: References: HRIS vendor evaluation RipplingHiBobFactorialPersonioBambooHR Other HRIS vendors mentioned CharlieHRHumaansAshbyPinpointWorkableGreenhouseSmartRecrruiters Other products mentioned Sana LabsPandoHarrietHR Biography: Matt is a globally recognised People and Talent leader. Through his work as the founder at People Collective, he's helped over 150 companies shape forward thinking people and talent strategies to scale sustainably. Passionate about how talent shapes business outcomes, he loves to discuss the best ways to help employees reach their full potential. He previously led People Ops at Peakon prior to their exit to Workday. Summary: Healthy eating habits and vegetable subscriptions. 0:05HRIS options for a 100-person company. 3:02

In this episode we discuss: What does a good COO framework look like? We are joined by Simon Wakeman, former COO of TPXimpact and creator of the B3 Framework. We chat about the following: References: B3 FrameworkSimon Wakeman Biography: I help founders in post-seed and series A technology businesses to scale their operations and create resilient organisations. I’ve created and used the B3 framework® to enable businesses with 25 to 250 people to successfully grow at pace. Before becoming an independent interim COO, consultant and advisor I held senior operational leadership roles in two scaling technology businesses. The first - a digital business - I led from 15 people / £1.6m revenue to 40 people / £3m revenue. The second - a technology and design business - grew from 361 people / £31.5m revenue to 700 people / £83m in around three years. My career experience includes co-founder, MD, COO and non-exec director roles in growth companies, including successful exits across listed and privately held businesses. Summary: Creating high-performance companies with a CEO framework. 0:06Business framework for scaling startups. 7:16Operating models and their importance in business. 11:32

In this episode we discuss: Is wellbeing a complete waste of time? We are joined by Gethin Nadin, cited as one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers and author of the bestseller “A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient Organisations.” Bethany and I discuss: We chat about the following with Gethin: References: A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient OrganisationsWorkplace wellbeing is a complete waste of timeWork ‘wellness’ programmes don’t make employees happier - but I know what doeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gethinnadin/http://www.hellobenefex.comSpill Biography: I am a leading psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience in HR tech, employee wellbeing, and engagement. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the British Psychological Society, I have been recognised as one of the world's most influential HR thinkers and a top global employee experience influencer. Currently, I serve as the Chief Innovation Officer at both Benefex and Zellis, two of the UK's leading providers of employee benefits and payroll solutions. In this role, I leverage my expertise in wellbeing, employee experience, and financial wellbeing to create innovative and sustainable solutions for organisations and their people. I am also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Employability, where I advise on policy and practice for improving the employability of the UK workforce. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and insights with others through speaking, writing, and teaching. I have published two bestselling books, 'A World of Good' and 'A Work in Progress', which explore the best practices and emerging trends in improving the employee experience and wellbeing across the globe. I have also contributed to various media outlets, such as Forbes, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, and co-hosted a UK tour with Ruby Wax OBE to campaign for better mental health in the workplace. My mission is to help organisations and individuals thrive in the changing world of work. Summary:

In this episode we discuss: How do you build an organisation to compete with Google? We are joined by Omid Ashtari, ex-COO of Streebees and President of Citymapper. We chat about the following with Omid: References: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtari http://www.startuppragmatism.com Biography: I have two decades of experience in tech and worked in sales, business development and strategy roles for Google across the Dublin, London and San Francisco office during his 7 years there. As the first international employee, I set up Foursquare in Europe as Managing Director. I subsequently joined Citymapper for 6 years as President running the non-engineering side of the business. I then joined Streetbees as COO running operations, international expansion, finance and legal. Throughout my career I have raised north of 100 million dollars of funding for businesses I have worked for. I am an angel investor in more than 45 businesses and advise many of them in all manner of things including strategy, operations, business development, fundraises etc. I am also part of the Mayor of London's Business Advisory Board, and a Mentor at Seedcamp and Entrepreneur First. I am also an aspiring writer for my blogs startuppragmatism.blog and thefullspectrum.blog. Summary: Personal growth and evolution over 13 years. 0:05Organizational structure and skills for a business. 4:09Organizational design and hiring for a scaling startup. 9:57

In this episode we discuss: How do you scale from 100 employees to IPO? We are joined by Mark Logan, ex-COO of Skyscanner and currently Chief Entrepreneurial Advisor to the Scottish Government We chat about the following with Mark: Biography: I have over 25 years' experience in highly successful startups and 1st-tier internet tech companies. I have been instrumental in the success of multiple award-winning start-ups, including Skyscanner, one of Europe's most successful tech companies, where I joined in 2012 to take on the general management of the business, culminating in a £1.5billion acquisition in 2016. My experience spans consumer internet economy startups, executive management, organisational development, change management, strategy development, contract negotiation and delivery, software development, growth science, sales and marketing , HR, large scale programme delivery and operations management, including lean agile techniques. Currently mainly focused on helping to nurture the start-up community in Scotland and the UK as an investor, non-executive director and advisor. Summary: Scaling a business from 100 employees to IPO with ex-Skyscanner CEO Mark Logan. 0:06Resource allocation and technology adoption in business. 8:17Scaling organizations and maintaining agency. 11:03

In this episode we discuss: What can VC and PE backed operators learn from each other? We are joined by Sam Smith, the founder & MD of PepTalks, a training provider for private equity backed CEOs and their management teams. We chat about the following with Sam: References Sam SmithPepTalks Biography: Sam Smith is the founder of PepTalks, a peer to peer training provider for private equity backed CEOs and Management teams. Founder of Marble Hill Partners an exec search and interim management consultancy which was sold to Henley Insights Group in September 2021. Summary: Career relevance and identity after unexpected death. 0:05Identity, ambition, and financial freedom. 3:35Entrepreneurship, private equity, and networking. 9:02Private equity fundraising and investment strategies. 11:07

In this episode we answer the question: How do you build a business that is smarter than you? Our guest is Jennifer Sundberg, the co-CEO of Board Intelligence and author of Collective Intelligence. We discuss the following with Jennifer: References The Collective Intelligence Book Biography: Jennifer is the founder and co-CEO of Board Intelligence, a mission-led technology firm that helps transform boards and leadership teams into a powerful driver of performance and a force for good. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year for London & South East and The Times Young Business Woman of the Year, and has held regular columns with Management Today and the Financial Times. Together with co-CEO Pippa Begg, Jennifer has authored a book published in November 2023, titled ‘Collective intelligence: How to build a business that’s smarter than you are’. Summary: Using electric currents for beauty. 0:05Effective questioning and meeting strategies. 5:20Effective meeting practices and pre-reads. 9:52

In this episode we unpack the topic of: Why is hybrid working an inclusivity issue?. We talked with Brian Elliott, he is the co-founder of Future Forum, author of the bestseller How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to do the Best Work of Their Lives We then discuss the following with Brian: References Hybrid work: Making it fit with your diversity, equity, and inclusion strategyLinkedInHow the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to do the Best Work of Their LivesFuture Forum Biography: Brian Elliott is a seasoned executive turned leadership advisor and speaker. He's the co-founder of Future Forum, author of the bestseller How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to do the Best Work of Their Lives and one of Forbes’ Future of Work 50. Brian’s work enables leaders to build a future of work that’s better for people and organizations. Prior to Future Forum, Brian spent 25 years building and leading teams and companies as a startup CEO, and as an executive at Google and Slack. Brian got his MBA from Harvard Business School and BA at Northwestern and started his career at Boston Consulting Group, where he’s now a Senior Advisor. Brian is also the proud dad of two young men and one middle-aged dog. You can find Brian on LinkedIn. Summary: Hybrid working and inclusion issues. 0:05Hybrid work and its impact on gender and privacy. 6:12

In this episode we unpack the topic of: What is it like being COO of a private equity backed business? We are joined by Pete Harris, COO of Pipedrive. Bethany and I discuss: We then discuss the following with Pete: References PipedriveTED Talk on ’Start with Why’ Biography: As Chief Operating Officer for Pipedrive I am responsible for a broad range of value creation activities, including business strategy, execution, and Pipedrive’s approach to global markets - determining which markets we are in, why and associated investments. I work closely with our Board from Vista Equity Partners and Bessemer Partners. Previously I led Global Business Development and Global Partnership team at Intuit - supporting our customers across the US, UK, Australia, France, Brazil, Mexico and our expansion markets. I also spent 12 years at Deloitte with roles including risk consulting in Financial Services, UK Innovation Lead and UK Ventures Lead. The latter involved managing a £25m fund to invest in external start-ups but also internally in those ideas that might change Deloitte from within. Summary: Lung health and private equity CEO experience. 0:06Leadership, passions, and personal growth. 5:53Unlocking potential and creating a fulfilling life. 10:27

In this episode we unpack the topic of: Do product leaders make good COO's? with Martyn Fagg, COO of Tillo and Matt Jones COO at ex-COO at ParentPay. Bethany and I discuss the following: We then discuss the following with Martyn and Matt: References The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything The Four Foundations of SaaS Biography: Martyn Fagg is a seasoned CTO with 20 years experience in software engineering and fintech leadership - passionate about fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Currently COO at Tillo, a B2B embedded rewards & incentives platform working with some of the world’s top brands to deliver real-time digital gift & prepaid cards. Matt Jones recently served as the Group Chief Operating Officer at ParentPay, a leading provider of payments and MIS solutions for schools in the UK and Europe. He joined the company in 2017 and initially held responsibility for Product Management, Software Engineering, IT, Service Operations, Customer Implementation, and Customer Support across several early Group businesses (ParentPay, Schoolcomms, Cypad, WIS, and nimbl). Additionally, Matt oversaw the group Security function, ensuring the protection of the company's and customers' data assets. Prior to his tenure at ParentPay, Matt briefly served as COO at IRIS Software. He also spent six years as Senior Vice President of DevOps at NewVoiceMedia (acquired by Vonage) and held previous roles at Mimecast and MessageLabs (acquired by Symantec). Summary: Product development in CEO role with Twilio and Parent Pay leaders. 0:06Product leadership and CEO roles in tech companies. 4:50Product...

In this episode we unpack the topic of: How do you tame a visionary CEO? with Rob Liddiard, B2B SaaS Founder (acquired 2022); Reformed Lawyer. Bethany and I discuss the following: We then discuss the following with Rob: References https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard Biography: I previously founded a software company called Yapster. Although we had 100,000 licensed users, amazing customers like Next plc, Brewdog, Krispy Kreme and Caffe Nero and the business looked healthy to outsiders, we secretly struggled internally to execute plans and hit our financial goals. I worked and stressed 24/7. I was a qualified Corporate Lawyer and experienced Businessperson, but I didn’t feel a success. All I could feel was the underlying tension in my leadership team and investor base. Then I read Gino Wickman’s Traction and it was like someone turned a light on. I realised that I hadn’t been leading my organisation to its potential. By adopting EOS’s simple habits and frameworks we quickly achieved Traction. Suddenly I was more successful at work and more relaxed at home. In late 2022 I sold Yapster to a company backed by Google. I’ve since qualified as a Professional EOS Implementer® and now my personal Mission is to help other UK business owners achieve their goals more quickly, with less frustration. Summary: Golf inclusivity and personal experiences with the sport. 0:06Entrepreneurial operating system and vision alignment. 4:18Simplifying performance management systems. 10:21

In this episode we unpack the topic of: The COO Role: Why Would You Ever Want the Job? with Chuck Orzechowski, CEO of the COO Forum. Bethany and I discuss the following: We then discuss the following with Chuck: References COO ForumFind Your COO™ Biography: Chuck Orzechowski serves as CEO of the Chief Operating Officer Business Forum® (COO Forum®.) Since 2004, the COO Forum’s mission has been to support operations executives in achieving more in their business and professional lives. As a peer-based professional development organization, the COO Forum has helped 1000’s of executives navigate the challenges of their roles and improve business outcomes. Over the past 28 years, Chuck has spent most of his career leading operations in a wide variety of industries and company sizes, ranging from start-up through Fortune 500s. Chuck has a passion for improving operations, scaling businesses, and the professional development of others. It’s what gets him out of bed each morning...that and coffee! Summary: Whiskey, rock concerts, and personal values. 0:05

In this episode we ask the unpack the question of: Do COO's have a two year shelf life? We discussed this topic with Casey Woo, CEO @Operators Guild. We discuss the following with Casey: References www.operators-guild.com Biography: Casey Woo is a seasoned multi-stage operator and 7x CFO with over two decades of experience in business operations and finance from investment banking on Wall Street to Silicon Valley tech start-ups. Casey now leads 800+ CFOs, COOs, and Biz Ops company builders as the co-founder of Operators Guild, a community for professionals in strategic finance and operations roles. He believes strongly that community is what makes the difference for start-ups and professionals. When he’s not working, Casey is spending time in California’s Bay Area with his wife and three children. Summary: CEO shelf life and software frustrations. 0:06Communicating option value to employees and talent acquisition teams. 7:57CEO role and responsibilities. 12:50

In this episode we unpack the topic of: Leadership Transitions: Uncompromising Strategies for Success with Andrew Duncan, Talent @ Atomico (ex-UpGroup) and Maddy Cross Partner @ Erevena (ex-Notion Capital) We discuss the following with Maddy and Andrew: References Former Netflix CFO Barry McCarthy Joins Super-Secretive Payments Startup Clinkle As COOClinkle's Still a Hot Mess as Its Big Shot COO DepartsClinkle Up In Smoke As Investors Want Their Money BackStepping up: What COOs will need to succeed in 2023 and beyondSecond in Command: The Misunderstood Role of the Chief Operating OfficerHow Best To Onboard Into Different Types Of COO RoleWhat is a Chief Operating Officer?From the beginning to a billion. How unicorns built their leadership teamsWhat to Look for in Your VC's Talent ArmHow to Understand the ROI of Investing in People Biography: Maddy Cross is a Partner at Erevena, an Executive Search firm focussed on investor backed businesses, where she leads the European Technology and Engineering practice for B2B. Previously she was Talent Director at Notion Capital, a $1bn B2B SaaS focussed VC, and she holds an MBA from London Business School. Andrew is a Talent Director at Atomico, one of Europe's largest venture capital funds. He supports portfolio companies in finding and hiring elite executive talent and is responsible for advising founders on the evolution of their leadership