Align Your True North

Brooke Elder

Are you an entrepreneur or visionary leader who refuses to choose between a successful business and a fulfilling life? Do you crave practical strategies, powerful tools, and transformative mindsets that will help you optimize your operations, scale your impact, and achieve your wildest dreams – all without sacrificing what matters most? If so, Align Your True North is the podcast for you. Each week, we dive deep into the topics that matter most to purpose-driven leaders, from automating workflows and delegating effectively to aligning with your values and being present with your family. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, Align Your True North will provide you with the insights, inspiration, and actionable advice you need to build a business and life you love. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you live and lead!

  1. 3d ago

    EP 230 90-Day Plans That Actually Finish! Free Claude + ClickUp Skill

    It's the first week of the new quarter and your calendar is already swallowing you whole. You've heard it from every coach, every podcast, every "top business book of the year" — set quarterly priorities, build a real 90-day plan, work the plan. Sound familiar? And yet, here you are again, hoping that "kind of focusing on growth this quarter" counts as a strategy. Trust me, you're not behind, and you're definitely not lazy. You're just missing the part where someone helps you SIZE the priorities, BREAK them into weekly moves, and push them where your team will actually see them. Today I'm walking you through the free Claude skill I built that does exactly that — and I'm pairing it with ClickUp so the whole 90-day plan lives where your team already works. Grab your favorite drink, this one's a build-along! We dig into the biggest reason your past quarterly plans went sideways — sizing. Most owners pick priorities that are either WAY too big (annual goals in a quarterly wrapper) or way too small (done in two weeks, then it's just vibes until April). The skill pressure-tests each priority and gives you a verdict — green light, or push back. And yes, you can push back on Claude when you disagree, because it's a conversation, not a verdict. We walk through Start, Stop, Keep for the last quarter's review, the 13-week rule that keeps you honest about what fits, and the two ways to run the skill — straight from your Claude project knowledge base OR inside Claude Cowork pulling live from QuickBooks and Xero. Strategy first, AI second, every single time. By the end you'll know how to install the skill in Claude, how to talk it through a real plan in about two hours, and how to push the entire thing straight into ClickUp (or Notion, or Monday) with monthly milestones, weekly subtasks, an owner on every task, and a due date on every task. Because every task needs a name on it AND a date on it — that's the rule. The grab-it-now bonus? Claude starts feeling less like a tool and more like your second team member, the one who actually remembers what you said three weeks ago. Hit play, and let's build the plan that actually finishes! Takeaways: Most quarterly plans fail because priorities are wrong-sized — too big finishes nothing, too small leaves dead time after week three The 13-week rule keeps you honest about what actually fits in a quarter, no more annual goals dressed up as quarterly priorities Push back on Claude when you disagree, because the skill is built for a real conversation, not a one-shot verdict Every task needs a name on it AND a date on it, the rule that keeps quarters from quietly dying mid-March Once the plan pushes to ClickUp, Notion, or Monday, your team finally sees exactly what's supposed to happen each week of the quarter Links referenced in this episode: Grab the free Quarterly Planning Skill in the Ops Yacht ClubJoin the Strategic AI Crew Companies mentioned in this episode: Claude ClickUp Notion Monday QuickBooks Xero Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    15 min
  2. May 19

    EP 229 Stuck on Level 2? The 5 Levels of AI Every Founder Needs!

    It’s 9:45 at night, your laptop is glowing, six AI subscriptions are happily hanging out on your credit card, and the sneaking truth is that nothing in your business is actually being run by AI. Sound familiar? Trust me, you are not behind, and you are definitely not lazy. You’re just stuck on Level 2, and most founders never get past it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five levels of AI that take you from tool collector to AI-powered agency, so you can stop tinkering and start running. Grab your favorite drink and let’s map out exactly where you are right now! We get real about Level 1, the Tool Collector — the YouTube-tutorial-watching, prompt-bookmarking, six-subscription-hoarding stage that feels like you’re getting smart but isn’t actually moving the business an inch. Then we slide into Level 2, the Copy Paster, where templates and other people’s workflows pile up on your desktop and break the moment something goes sideways. Here is the thing nobody is telling you: AI does not fix a business, AI amplifies one. If your processes are a mess at 5 people, AI just makes that mess louder at 10. I’ll show you exactly why most founders get stuck right here, and the one mindset shift that finally moves you forward. From there we head into Level 3 (Strategic Builder, where the real magic kicks in with fewer tools pointed at real bottlenecks), Level 4 (Operator, where AI runs in the background and your team thinks strategically instead of babysitting prompts), and Level 5 (the AI-Powered Agency, where you turn your operating system into a product). It’s strategy first, AI second, every single time. By the end of this one you’ll know exactly what level you’re at right now, AND the one afternoon move that gets you out of Level 2 for good! Takeaways: Level 1, the Tool Collector, feels like you’re getting smart but nothing is actually deployed in your business Level 2, the Copy Paster, is where most founders stay stuck because dashboards look full but no real work is moving AI doesn’t fix a broken business, it amplifies whatever is already there, bottleneck and all Strategic builders run with FEWER tools, not more, because each one is pointed at a real bottleneck The move out of Level 2 is not another subscription, it’s one afternoon mapping the actual shape of your business Links referenced in this episode: Join the Strategic AI Crew Companies mentioned in this episode: ChatGPT Claude Notion AI Lindy Make n8n Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    14 min
  3. 11/25/2025

    EP 228 How to Build Landing Pages Like a Boss with AI Tools

    Ready to turbocharge your landing page game? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into some super cool tips on how to use AI to whip up landing pages that not only look slick but also convert like crazy! We’re breaking it down into three essential tools, starting with a nifty Chrome extension called Go Full Page. This little gem lets you snap a pic of any landing page you fancy—your own or your competitors’—so you can steal their best ideas (in a totally legal and ethical way, of course!). Then, we’ll stroll over to Claude, our AI buddy, who’s going to help us brainstorm and optimize our landing pages with ease. Trust me, by the end of this episode, you’ll be building landing pages faster than a caffeinated squirrel on a sugar rush! So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's get this party started! Ready to turbocharge your landing page game? Buckle up, because we’re diving into a jam-packed session all about using AI to whip up those snazzy landing pages faster than you can say 'conversion rate'. We kick things off by introducing a nifty little Chrome extension called Go Full Page, which is basically like your personal paparazzi for landing pages. Snap a full-page screenshot of any web page, save it as a PDF, and voilà! You've got a treasure trove of inspiration right at your fingertips. Whether you're analyzing your own pages or gathering ideas from your competitors, this tool is a game-changer for making notes and tweaks. But wait, there’s more! We then roll into the magical realm of Claude, an AI tool that’s like having a brainstorming buddy 24/7. It helps you create or refine your landing pages by asking all the right questions—think of it as your creative wingman, nudging you to fill in the gaps and sharpen your messaging. We share tips on structuring your projects, adding files, and even how to get the most creative juice out of Claude. Plus, you’ll learn all about crafting prompts that get the best results, including how to be specific about what you need. Finally, we wrap it all up by demonstrating how to take your initial ideas and turn them into a full-blown landing page that not only looks good but converts like crazy! We’ll show you how to use the HTML that Claude generates, and how to piece it together in your favorite page builder. Just like that, you’re ready to tackle any landing page challenge thrown your way! So gear up, grab your tools, and let’s make landing pages that don’t just look pretty but also bring in the bucks! Takeaways: Building landing pages can be a breeze with AI tools, making the process super speedy and fun! The Go Full Page Chrome extension is a game-changer for capturing landing page inspiration effortlessly. Creating a dossier about your offer helps you clarify your messaging and also guides the AI in crafting a killer landing page. Using Claude, you can optimize existing landing pages by asking it to analyze and suggest improvements for better conversion rates. Links referenced in this episode: gofullpage.comclaude.aigoogle.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Go Full Page Claude Google Doc Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    15 min
  4. 11/11/2025

    EP 227 Ditch the Hourly Rate: Level Up Your Business and Your Income!

    Trying to level up your business can feel like climbing a mountain without a map, am I right? Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of how to package your offers so clients don’t just nod politely but say, “Heck yes, take my money!” We’re all about helping freelancers, VAs, and OBMs break free from the hourly grind and start charging what they’re truly worth—because who wants to earn less just because they’re getting better at their job? Instead of focusing on tasks, we’re flipping the script to outcomes, showing you how to create packages that deliver the results your clients crave. So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s get ready to transform your offers into something that shines brighter than a disco ball at a 70s party! Imagine you're on a wild rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of running a business! Today, we’re diving into the exhilarating world of upleveling your offers. Picture this: you’re a freelancer or a virtual assistant, and you want to charge more for your services, but you’re stuck in the hourly grind, feeling like you’re running in circles. Fear not! We’re here to help you break free from the shackles of hourly billing and get paid what you’re truly worth. In this lively episode, we unpack the magic of creating packages that highlight the outcomes you deliver, rather than just the tasks you perform. Spoiler alert: business owners don’t care about the hours you clock; they want results! So, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting offers that resonate with clients and turn those 'maybes' into enthusiastic 'yeses'. Get ready to sprinkle some strategic pixie dust on your business and watch it soar! Takeaways: Upleveling your business can feel like a mountain to climb, but it’s totally doable! Raising rates and positioning offers can be tricky, but we’ve got the scoop for you! Clients want the outcome of your work, not just the hours you clock in; let's package that! Charging hourly might mean losing money as you get better at your job—what a twist! Crafting offers based on outcomes leads to happier clients and a healthier paycheck—score! Join our Strategic Operations bootcamp for insider tips on mastering your business offers! https://alignedops.com/strategic-operations Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    21 min
  5. 11/04/2025

    EP 226 Say Cheese! Creating AI Headshots of You Using Replicate

    Ready to dive into the world of AI-generated images? We’re spilling the beans on how to create stunning AI images of yourself that can jazz up your social media, website, or even your next big branding adventure—without breaking the bank! Say goodbye to pricey photo shoots, because we’re using a tool called Replicate to whip up images that look just like you. I’ll walk you through the whole shebang—from signing up for Replicate to uploading your favorite pics and training the AI to recognize your fabulous face. Buckle up, because by the end, you’ll be a pro at getting those perfect headshots without ever leaving your couch! Let’s get our digital glam on! Ever thought about generating your own AI images? Well, grab your digital camera and your sense of humor because we're diving into the wild world of AI imagery! Picture this: instead of shelling out big bucks for those professional headshots that never seem to capture your true essence (like that time you tried to smile and ended up looking like a deer caught in headlights), you can create your own stunning images using Replicate! We’ll show you how to whip up images that not only look just like YOU but can also be splashed all over your social media feeds or your business website. It’s like having your own personal photo shoot, minus the awkward posing and questionable lighting! First things first, we’re talking about setting up your account on Replicate, and trust me, it’s easier than pie (and way less messy)! You’ll need some images of yourself – we recommend about 10 to 20, but hey, if you’re like me and have 183 (no judgment!), the more, the merrier! Just make sure to rename those beauties with your name so the AI knows who’s boss! Then, we’ll zip those images up and upload them for some AI magic to happen. It’s like sending your selfies to a secret lab where they get a glow-up! And the best part? It’s super affordable too, with costs that won’t have you crying into your wallet! As we get into the nitty-gritty, we emphasize the importance of quality images for training the AI. Think of it like teaching a puppy to fetch: you want to give it the best training possible! The more varied and high-quality images you provide, the better your AI will be at creating images that truly represent you. And when it comes to prompts, we talk about how to craft fun and engaging prompts that will result in the coolest images! So, buckle up for a fun ride as we transform your selfies into digital masterpieces that’ll have everyone asking, ‘Who’s that superstar?’ Takeaways: Creating AI images of yourself is a super fun way to enhance your personal branding without breaking the bank! You can easily generate personalized images for social media and websites by training an AI model with your own photos. The more diverse images you upload, the better the AI gets at making you look fabulous! Using platforms like Replicate makes it easy to create your own AI images for just a couple of bucks a month. To get started, you need to create a folder of 10 to 20 images, and then zip them up for training. Don’t forget to play around with your prompts to get the best AI-generated images – think punk rocker vibes or whatever tickles your fancy! Links referenced in this episode: replicate.comhttps://replicate.com/ostris/flux-dev-lora-trainer/train Companies mentioned in this episode: Replicate Claude Flux Laura Trainer Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    11 min
  6. 10/28/2025

    EP 225 10-Minute Workdays? Yes, Please! Discover the Secrets!

    Today, we're diving into the magical world of automation and how it can totally transform your client experience! Say goodbye to the days of juggling a massive team and endless tasks—after implementing some snazzy systems, one of us went from a whopping 27 team members down to just 8, while only working about 10 to 15 minutes a day! Yup, you heard that right. We’re all about working smarter, not harder, and trust me, these strategies are the secret sauce to cutting down your work hours and expenses. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some tips on how to use AI to scale your biz like a pro. So grab your favorite snack and get comfy, because we’re about to level up your business game! Bringing you a treasure trove of automation wisdom straight from our vault, this episode is like a magic wand for your business! Imagine slashing your workload to just 10-15 minutes a day. Sounds too good to be true? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of client experience and automation that will flip your business on its head. We’re talking about how to streamline your operations so effectively that you could practically run your empire from the comfort of your couch (snacks included, of course!). We kick things off with a personal story that’ll have you chuckling and nodding in agreement. Remember the days when spreadsheets were your best friend? Yeah, we’ve been there too! But fear not, because automation is here to rescue you from the clutches of manual labor! From sending contracts in a snap to creating a seamless client onboarding experience, we’ll break it all down. We’ll explore the ‘power of one’ system that ensures your clients feel like rockstars right from the get-go, turning that initial excitement into long-term satisfaction. And guess what? We sprinkle in some juicy examples, like how a delightful edible arrangement can make your clients feel like they hit the jackpot. Who doesn't want to be showered with chocolate-covered strawberries, am I right? As the episode rolls on, we’ll chat about the importance of community engagement and how merging your course and community platforms can skyrocket your interactions by up to 40%! That’s right! You’ll learn how to automate welcoming new members and keep the momentum going so your clients feel cherished and connected. By the end, you’ll be armed with strategies that not only save time but also turbocharge your client satisfaction and referrals. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and get ready to revolutionize your business operations with a sprinkle of fun and a dash of automation magic! Takeaways: Automating your client experience can drastically reduce your workload and team size, making you more efficient. Implementing systems allows you to work smarter, freeing up time to focus on growth and strategy. Creating a seamless onboarding process can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and retention rates. Using AI tools in your business is a game changer for scaling and improving operational efficiency. Companies mentioned in this episode: Kajabi Kartra Teachable Facebook Telegram Discord Amazon Edible Arrangements Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    25 min
  7. 10/21/2025

    EP 224 Tame Your Time: Build Your Own AI Executive Assistant!

    Ever felt like your to-do list is a never-ending saga, leaving you wondering, “What was I supposed to be doing again?” Well, if time management is your Achilles’ heel, fear not! Today, we're diving into the magical world of AI and how to whip up your very own AI executive assistant. This handy-dandy digital sidekick will help you brainstorm tasks, carve out precious deep work time, and even review your week, boosting your confidence like a superhero cape! We’re sharing tips, tricks, and step-by-step guidance on using Claude to create an assistant that gets you organized and focused. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s turn that chaos into a symphony of productivity! Time management woes? We've all been there, right? You sit down at your computer, ready to tackle that monster to-do list, and suddenly it's like your brain goes on vacation without you! Fear not, because today we’re diving into how you can craft your very own AI executive assistant to help you wrangle those tasks like a pro. Picture this: an assistant that knows your schedule, helps you carve out time for deep work, and even boosts your confidence by keeping track of what you actually accomplish each week. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, buckle up, because we're about to turn that dream into a reality! This episode is packed with tips and tricks on utilizing AI—specifically our buddy Claude—to streamline your productivity. We’ll walk through everything from setting up your AI assistant to connecting it with your Google Calendar and Docs, ensuring it’s fully equipped to help you conquer the chaos of your workweek. Get ready to say goodbye to the overwhelming clutter of your mind and hello to a more organized, efficient you! Takeaways: Managing time can feel like herding cats, especially if you've got a million things on your to-do list! Creating your own AI executive assistant can help streamline your calendar and boost productivity like a rocket! Reflecting on your week allows you to celebrate wins and learn from mistakes, building confidence like a boss! Claude, our favorite AI tool, is here to save the day with scheduling and productivity hacks that are ADHD-friendly! Don’t forget to regularly check in with your AI assistant to ensure you’re maximizing your focus time! Weekly planning sessions with your AI can help turn overwhelming tasks into bite-sized pieces of productivity pie! Links referenced in this episode: opsyachtclub.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Claude Google Docs Google Calendar Gmail Canva Asana ClickUp Notion Zapier ChatGPT Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    31 min
  8. 10/14/2025

    EP 223 Your AI Dream Team: Build Your Own Board of Directors!

    Feeling a bit like a lone wolf in your entrepreneurial journey? Well, guess what? You're definitely not alone, and today we're diving into a super cool concept: creating your own AI Board of Directors! Inspired by Napoleon Hill's classic idea of having a council of wise minds (even if some of them are just floating in the great beyond), we’re all about harnessing the power of AI to get that sage advice you crave. Imagine having a crew of five virtual mentors—alive or not—ready to dish out wisdom and help you tackle life’s little dilemmas, both business-related and personal. I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting this up using Claude, our favorite AI sidekick, so you can level up your decision-making game like a boss! Let’s get this party started and make those decisions a whole lot easier! Picture this: you’re a solo entrepreneur, hustling hard but feeling a bit like a lone wolf in a vast business wilderness. Ever wish you had a squad to bounce ideas off of? Well, you're in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the wild world of creating your very own AI Board of Directors. Inspired by the legendary Napoleon Hill, who gathered wisdom from great minds (some alive, some not), we’ll show you how to craft a virtual think tank that’s ready to tackle your toughest decisions, whether they’re business-related or personal. We kick things off by exploring the idea of a personal board of directors—think of it as assembling a dream team of advisors, but without the corporate stuffiness. With the help of AI tools like Claude, you can channel the wisdom of historical figures, modern-day moguls, or even your favorite fictional characters. Who wouldn’t want to ask advice from George Washington or Oprah? We talk about how to pick your five board members, ensuring a diverse set of perspectives that challenge your thoughts rather than just nodding along. As we guide you through setting this up, expect a mix of tech tips and personal anecdotes, all while keeping it light and playful. By the end, you’ll have a fully functioning AI Board of Directors to consult for advice on everything from launching a new product to figuring out dinner plans. Seriously, who needs a crystal ball when you’ve got AI and a bit of imagination? Takeaways: Running a business as a solo entrepreneur can feel super lonely at times, right? Creating your own AI Board of Directors is a genius way to get guidance! Using AI, like Claude, helps you find advice from your imagined board members easily. Make sure to choose diverse members for your board to get different perspectives! Set clear business goals so your AI Board can provide you with relevant advice. This process empowers you to think creatively and break free from repetitive patterns. Links referenced in this episode: claudeopsyachtclubchatgptperplexitygrokgemini Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com

    13 min
4.8
out of 5
153 Ratings

About

Are you an entrepreneur or visionary leader who refuses to choose between a successful business and a fulfilling life? Do you crave practical strategies, powerful tools, and transformative mindsets that will help you optimize your operations, scale your impact, and achieve your wildest dreams – all without sacrificing what matters most? If so, Align Your True North is the podcast for you. Each week, we dive deep into the topics that matter most to purpose-driven leaders, from automating workflows and delegating effectively to aligning with your values and being present with your family. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, Align Your True North will provide you with the insights, inspiration, and actionable advice you need to build a business and life you love. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you live and lead!