Calling Operator with Laura Nicol

Laura Nicol
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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.

  1. 08/12/2025

    Ep 57. Leading Across Different Stages & Contexts—Laura Warden

    After 19 conversations with some of the sharpest operators around, I’m closing the year** with someone who rewired how I think about building process: Laura Warden.  Your job as an operator is to make things work. So you do. You patch. You duct-tape. You make something 10% better, then 15%, then 20%. Over time, you get excellent at optimising a system that (maybe) shouldn’t exist in the first place. Laura brought me back to the idea of constructing or reconstructing from first principles: “If you could build this optimally from day one, would it look like this?” She’s operated across different scales and contexts—running recruitment and talent at Hays, managing ~500 people at Google, and now supporting dozens of companies as Head of Operations at Folklore Ventures. We touch on her journey and: How dyslexia shaped her superpowersScaling hurdles: moving too fast without process, founder span-of-control failure, and insufficient communicationWhy leadership teams need to feel visible (and Google’s multi-modal comms example)The management triangle: Empathy + Business outcomes + Clear directionWhy your job isn’t to be the hero—it’s to build an environment where heroes can emergeYour network as an external brain (and why it needs to be small and value-driven)Rising above the weeds: asking, “What have I missed? What’s going to derail this or make it less impactful?”Hiring observations: companies hiring a generalist operator first, then building specialist teams around themLaura's motto: "Sh*t happens. Accept it. Then figure out how you pick yourself, your team, and the organisation up from that.**P.S. Catch my solo episode, "What the Year Taught Me", on December 23, before we tuck into the cauli' cheese and Christmas cheer. Mentioned in this episode: Teresa LillySavannah BlackDianne WardNicole HopkinsAlister ColemanRochelle RitchieSundar PichaiRomy BundyNaomi Browne 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

    Ep 57. Leading Across Different Stages & Contexts—Laura Warden

  2. 24/11/2025

    Ep 56. The Multi-Domain Operator with Kai Crow

    Every great founder has a small Avengers team turning vision into operational reality. This episode shines a light on someone running marketing, customer and revenue operations while acting as the CEO’s trusted right-hand. Inside: 15+ years' CRM, ops, and scaling insights from a multi-functional perspective—from Sonar6 (acquired by Cornerstone), AskNicely, Plexure (formerly VMob) and JoyousLeaving memorable marks that show character and careBalancing startup freedom with enterprise rigour as Ask Nicely’s first employeeWhy Joyous turned off the tap on traditional marketing—and what brokeKnowing when to keep systems simple vs. adding complexityThe CEO partnership model that makes Ruby (Joyous' CEO) say: “I wouldn’t be here without him”When to leverage AI and when to stay firmly humanSpotting whether you’re building or maintaining, and when you’ve outgrown your role 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

    Ep 56. The Multi-Domain Operator with Kai Crow

  3. 06/10/2025

    Ep 55. Anna Prell on Building Forage, Being Acquired and Building Again

    Laura Nicol dials into Anna Prell, VP Operations at Ivo. Anna reminds us why being an operator is a) so damn exciting and b) the ultimate leadership testing ground:  "In a startup, you can be your own version of a founder. You’re the founder of whatever it is you’re in charge of. You keep testing, learning, and scaling until it works."  Inside this conversation: Moving to the US in 2020—and operating inside ANZ companies state-sideShifting from Chief of Staff to leading a function (Ops > Customer Success)Learning how to manage peopleEAB acquiring Forage—Anna’s role in the storyFinding a home in EAB post-acquisitionThe operator-founder partnership. Pure MAGICBuilding again at Ivo as VP OpsHow she found the “right fit”Building the infrastructure that helps teams scaleWant to connect with Anna? Find her on LinkedIn. Also mentioned: Olga EippertMin-Kyu JungJacob DuligallAmy GlanceyClara MaAlicia WellsPre-interview chats: Katie Noonan (Listen to Katie's Calling Operator episode)Tom Brunskill 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

    Ep 55. Anna Prell on Building Forage, Being Acquired and Building Again

  4. 22/09/2025

    Ep 54. Betting On People with Mahesh Muralidhar

    Laura Nicol dials into Mahesh Muralidhar. From day one, Mahesh has been obsessed with making a difference. He was early in Sydney’s startup scene in the 2010s post-MBA—first chasing his own idea, then finding impact (and peace) in helping others build. What followed? A career that reads like three lifetimes in one. Inside: The romantic, messy-beautiful beginnings of Sydney’s startup scene.That nagging fear you’ve “missed the boat” in tech. Spoiler: the boat’s still boarding.The through-line of his career: founder > operator > investor > political candidate.Building customer intuition and products people love.Betting on people. Building trust. Understanding incentives. Getting obsessed with winning.Spotting great talent—and coaching them like a pro sports manager.Mahesh's founder story at Ureferjobs (a job referral marketplace)—why it didn’t land and the fateful “choosing Canva” moment.Operating inside early Canva, Airtasker, and Simply Wall St (from Head of People Ops to VP to COO).Phase One: why he’s convinced New Zealand founders can build world-changing companies with the right “been there, done that” support.The current chapter: “I want to make New Zealand a significantly happier place".Also mentioned: Read Mahesh's SubstackDavid HearndenAlexey MitkoBec JenkinsYani Hornilla DonatoMick Liubinskas (Pollenizer)Phil Morle (Pollenizer)Tim FungAl BentleyEmer McCannVincent WeiMark Macleod-SmithElise PeateAlexander FalaMelanie PerkinsCliff Obrecht 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

    Ep 54. Betting On People with Mahesh Muralidhar

  5. 08/09/2025

    Ep 53. Savannah Black on Range, Hypergrowth & ADHD

    Laura Nicol dials into Savannah Black. For Savannah, being a startup operator is about making the company work in the real world. All the forward planning, mission, and vision stuff is important. That’s the on-paper part. But being an operator is about making it actually work. You can see it in action at Crypto Tax Calculator: four roles, three promotions, each adding new layers of context. Today, she’s Chief of Staff to CEO Shane Brunette at Crypto Tax Calculator. We get into: Savannah's late ADHD diagnosisWorking with energy management cycles, hyperfocus windows and stimulation requirementsWhat broke (and what didn’t) during Crypto Tax Calculator's hypergrowth from 20 to 60 peopleThe Maker vs Manager schedule that protects deep work (remote-first culture)Why chaos isn't something we need to fix: "It's where innovation comes from""Narrate everything": Learning how to avoid communication breakdowns at scaleHer prioritisation stack: "[Eisenhower Matrix] I will ignore what's urgent till the cows come home"Also mentioned: Michael StocksShane BrunetteBeth MackinnonSophie GerberCrypto Tax CalculatorRange 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

    Ep 53. Savannah Black on Range, Hypergrowth & ADHD

  6. 26/08/2025

    Ep 52. Operational Leadership with Alexey Mitko

    Laura Nicol dials into Alexey Mitko. Alexey’s career has been all about operational leadership. Finance, HR, legal — he’s held the keys to the gritty, foundational work that lets startups scale without falling apart. He puts it simply: “When the startup community has been so generous in teaching me how to see the world differently as a 20-something, it’s my obligation — as an almost 40-year-old (don’t forget to stretch, people) — to do the same. If I can pass it on, use my skills, and maybe get rewarded along the way? That sounds pretty good to me.” Inside: I tapped into Alexey’s communities to crowdsource the questions we all wanted answered. How he operates, what he’s learned, and why he believes in being part of the “supporting cast” that helps others shine.Helping founders survive the weird, wonderful, and maddening ride of going from nothing to somethingWhy one year in a startup can feel like three years of career growthFrom Interactive Accounting in Sydney’s Tank Stream Labs → Canva (back when it was just 20 people in Surry Hills) → Koala (where he built his “early-stage scaffolding” system) → Eucalyptus (his first founder seat)The three things that defined Eucalyptus’ early success: a battle-tested ops team, exceptional early hires, and a dash of luckFinding (and owning) the stage you’re most useful inHow to think about ESOP as an employee. How founders think about ESOP as an employer.Also mentioned: Read this before you accept an equity offer at a startup: Alexey’s guide to employee share schemes in Australia, drawing on lessons from designing Canva, Koala & Eucalyptus’ ESOPs. 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

    Ep 52. Operational Leadership with Alexey Mitko

  7. 11/08/2025

    Ep 51. Falling in Love with Startups and Running—Phoebe Pincus

    Laura Nicol dials into Phoebe Pincus, COO at Startmate and Co-Founder at Cheeky Run Club. We cover a lot. Learning to lead when you've never had female leadership role models. Being the opposite of a perfectionist. Her career journey from psychology student to general manager to chief of staff to COO. We also get into starting Cheeky Run Club, balancing passion projects with big jobs, and finding your “bumper rails". If Cheeky Run Club brought you here, hello cheeky friends!  Inside: The Good Weekend Quiz: A pandemic-born family ritual that still lives on today.Becoming a leader others want to follow: Phoebe’s aha moment? A halftime pep talk at social touch rugby. “I’ve seen you give half-time pep talks at social touch… you just need to find a way to do it that feels authentic to you.”Designing COO-CEO partnerships and her role managing internal operations and external fundraisingTransitioning from Chief of Staff to COO. Differences. Common ground. Practical to-dos.“How do you set goals?” One of the most-asked questions in Chief of Staff circles.Life rules and systems: “Always Swim,” prioritising what you know you should be doing, and the shadow theory of values.Representing running the Cheeky way: joyful, social, best thing for your mental health. Plus why even non-runners turn up for the women's health content.The Cheeky outlet: “this is my thing, it feels like an extension of us”Want to connect with Phoebe? Find her on LinkedIn. Also mentioned: Maisy BennettMichael BatkoJason FangCheeky Run Club: Spotify, Apple, Instagram, Cheeky’s SubstackAnna ColdhamHow to fall in love with running with Phoebe & Anna from Cheeky Run Club (KICPOD)How to fall in love with running (Cheeky Run Club)Pre-interview chats: Bronte McHenry (Listen to Bronte's Calling Operator episode)Kelly Spoerk 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

    Ep 51. Falling in Love with Startups and Running—Phoebe Pincus

  8. 28/07/2025

    Ep 50. Emer McCann on Building People Functions & Scaling Orgs

    Laura Nicol dials into Emer McCann, Head of People & Chief of Staff at Simply Wall St. Emer scaled Deputy’s people and culture through hypergrowth (70 to 350 employees) before joining Simply Wall St as employee #15 to build from zero. She’s the quiet force behind the chaos. The puppeteer, the glue, the phrasebook for hard conversations. Inside this conversation: Irishness, “Notions” and confidence. How cultural conditioning shapes self-advocacy.When to hire your first people lead (or fractional exec)—and what happens if you wait too long.The capacity reality of becoming a new mum while building companies: “I can’t do what I used to do. What’s next is understanding my capacity—and not overpromising.”From solo people operator to team of eight: When Deputy hired its first Chief People Officer, Emer’s one-person people function turned into an eight-person team. “I didn’t know any different—I just thought, oh, this is normal, this is what a startup is. But no, that’s not what a startup is.”Rebuilding from zero at Simply Wall St: Taking lessons from a wild scale journey—and starting again.Gap-filling as a career philosophy: Spot the strategic holes no one else sees—and fill those boots.Why Emer spends time in “small little huddles,” mapping what matters to each person before the big meeting.Signs of people pleasing yourself into burnout: “You do everything—but don’t do anything really well.”Her winning formula: First-principles thinking. Solving for what matters. Tying it all back to the business metrics.Want to connect with Emer? Find her on LinkedIn. Also mentioned: Xavi FerróAl BentleyNaveen NAlex LunnonSparketypeJefferson FisherNadine Blackie 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

    Ep 50. Emer McCann on Building People Functions & Scaling Orgs
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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.

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