Scale Smart, Stay Grounded

Amber Matthews, Fractional Chief of Staff + Lifestyle Strategist

Scale Smart, Stay Grounded is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a business without losing sight of yourself or your priorities. Each episode offers practical strategies to reduce overwhelm, reclaim clarity, and build a business that doesn’t come at the expense of your health or relationships. Grab My FREE Checklist Unlock 10+ Extra Hours a Week with Strategic Delegation 🔗Grab It Now  🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support.🔗 Schedule Here 🚀 Vision Casting + Strategic Planning Session Are you a solopreneur inspired by this podcast but unsure of your next move? Our 90-minute Vision Casting + Strategic Planning Session is designed to bring clarity to your chaos. This isn’t just another surface-level conversation—it’s a deep, solution-focused session where we assess:✅ What’s working✅ What’s not✅ What needs to shift for you to scale smarter If you’re ready to streamline your business and create a clear action plan, let’s dive in.🔗 Book Your Session Now ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here  

  1. JAN 26

    Eps. 14: Building Venture-Backed Companies Without Burnout | Founder Lessons from Christopher King

    Send us a text In this episode of Scale Smart, Stay Grounded, host Amber Matthews sits down with venture partner, angel investor, and ecosystem builder Christopher King for a candid conversation on scaling a business without burnout. Christopher shares his journey from activism and education into entrepreneurship, venture capital, and founder advisory, drawing on more than 20 years of experience supporting early-stage and growth-stage founders. Together, they discuss mental load, founder decision-making, sustainable growth strategies, delegation, and redefining success beyond revenue and exits. This episode is ideal for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage leaders who are scaling fast and want practical insights on venture-backed growth, leadership, founder wellness, and building long-term impact—without sacrificing health, relationships, or personal values. Connect with Christopher King on LinkedIn  Schedule Time with Christopher King Purchase Startup Stories   by Christopher King ................................................................................. My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    35 min
  2. JAN 12

    Eps. 13: From “Chief Of Everything” to CEO: Delegation & Ops That Scale w/ Tiffani Sims

    Send us a text In this episode, Amber Matthews sits down with Tiffani Sims, Founder of Global Talent Scouts, to unpack what it really takes to scale hiring without burnout.  With over 20 years in talent acquisition, Tiffani shares how founders can move from Chief Everything Officer to true CEO by implementing EOS metrics, delegation, and operational support that actually scales. They discuss building high-trust, high-accountability teams, leading international talent with autonomy, creating belonging without sacrificing standards, and why revenue is vanity but profit and systems create legacy.  Tiffani also breaks down how to hold teams accountable without micromanaging, when founders need operational leadership, and how protecting your well-being makes you a better decision-maker. This conversation is a must-listen for founders scaling teams, hiring strategically, and building sustainable companies that thrive without founder exhaustion. Connect with Tiffani on LinkedIn  Follow Global Talent Scouts on Instagram Apply to be Tiffani's Business Development Manager (NC Residents ONLY).  Check out Job Opportunities sponsored by Global Talent Scouts Learn More About Global Talent Scouts ************************************************* My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    44 min
  3. 06/02/2025

    Eps. 11: The HR Conversation Founders Actually Need to Have – with Denise La'Salle

    Send us a text In this episode, Denise La'Salle, opens up about her transition from corporate HR leader to transformational coach and founder of The HR Executive.  She dives into the real struggles entrepreneurs face—from boundary burnout to navigating leadership in a post-pandemic world.  Denise offers powerful reflections on mental health, redefining success, and why automation isn’t just a tool, but a necessity. Her story is a high-level walkthrough on resilience, reinvention, and building a business that honors both growth and well-being. ****************************************** Stay Connected to Denise:  LinkedIn Email: Support@thehreexecutive.com ****************************************** My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    49 min
  4. 05/19/2025

    Eps. 10: Engineering a Creative Business: Ryant Nelson on Systems, Strategy & Sanity

    Send us a text In this episode, I sat down with Ryant Nelson, founder of Reel Designs Media, to explore his journey from electrical engineer to creative entrepreneur.  We talked about the early challenges he faced launching his video strategy and production company, and how mentorship and networking helped him find his footing. Ryant shared the systems-thinking approach that’s guided his success, the mental toll of decision fatigue, and why repeat clients are one of the most powerful signs of doing things right. We also got candid about the transition from corporate to entrepreneurship—what it really takes, what gets sacrificed, and how he protects his time and mental health while leading a growing team.  From setting boundaries to promoting yourself with confidence, Ryant’s insights are a must-listen for any founder or creative building something of their own. We wrapped up with a few great resources for videographers looking to level up their business operations. Follow Ryant on...  LinkedIn InstagramReel Designs Media Ryant's FREE Scorecard for Videographers to help pinpoint what’s keeping them from leveling up—and what to fix first. Join Ryant's SKOOL community to connect with other growth-minded videographers and get access to free trainings. My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    37 min
  5. 05/05/2025

    Eps. 9: Evolving with My Clients: The Real Reason I Stepped into the fCoS Role

    Send us a text What happens when your clients start leaning on you for more than they hired you for? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I officially stepped out of the Executive Assistant title—and into the role I was already fulfilling behind the scenes: Fractional Chief of Staff + Lifestyle Strategist. You’ll hear... How my work naturally evolved as my clients scaledWhy traditional support models weren’t cutting it anymoreHow this pivot is helping founders get the high-level, strategic support they actually needIf you’re a founder who’s outgrown “just help” and are craving a partner who can think with you, lead alongside you, and help you reclaim your capacity—this one’s for you. My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    6 min
  6. 03/17/2025

    Eps. 7: Frustrated with Your Executive Assistant? The Fix Might Be Simpler Than You Think

    Send us a text Are you feeling like you still have to do everything—even with an assistant?  Do you find yourself waiting hours for a response, chasing down unfinished tasks, or wondering if your EA is truly the right fit?  You’re not alone.  In this episode of Scale Smart, Stay Grounded, I dive into the most common frustrations founders have with their assistants and, more importantly, how to fix them. I break down: ✅ The #1 reason most founder-assistant relationships fail (hint: it’s not a skill issue—it’s a communication issue) ✅ How to set crystal-clear expectations from the start to avoid misalignment ✅ Why texting and emailing your assistant is sabotaging your productivity (and what to use instead) ✅ The simple 30-minute weekly meeting that solves 90% of assistant-related frustrations ✅ When it’s time to hire a Lifestyle Manager to streamline both your business and personal life If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or just frustrated with your level of support—this episode will help you pinpoint what’s missing and take action to fix it. Tune in now and learn how to create a truly efficient, aligned, and proactive support system that helps you scale without stress!  My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now 🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here Let's Stay Connected... Connect With Amber On LinkedIn Follow Daniel & Lane Consulting on Instagram Learn More About Daniel & Lane Consulting

    10 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Scale Smart, Stay Grounded is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a business without losing sight of yourself or your priorities. Each episode offers practical strategies to reduce overwhelm, reclaim clarity, and build a business that doesn’t come at the expense of your health or relationships. Grab My FREE Checklist Unlock 10+ Extra Hours a Week with Strategic Delegation 🔗Grab It Now  🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary? If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle. 💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support.🔗 Schedule Here 🚀 Vision Casting + Strategic Planning Session Are you a solopreneur inspired by this podcast but unsure of your next move? Our 90-minute Vision Casting + Strategic Planning Session is designed to bring clarity to your chaos. This isn’t just another surface-level conversation—it’s a deep, solution-focused session where we assess:✅ What’s working✅ What’s not✅ What needs to shift for you to scale smarter If you’re ready to streamline your business and create a clear action plan, let’s dive in.🔗 Book Your Session Now ✨ Want More Exclusive Content? Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here