Simplify to Scale Show

Crista Grasso

Simplify to Scale is a show dedicated to helping business owners scale a high-impact and high-profit business they love without all of the complexity and chaos that can keep them trapped in the day-to-day. Hosted by Crista Grasso, a scaling strategist and operations alchemist, she brings decades of scaling experience to share what actually works and what's just hype. If you are in the messy middle of trying to scale your business, step into visionary leadership so your business can run without you, and build sustainable success at a sustainable pace, be sure to subscribe and tune in for expert insights each week. Formerly the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, the Simplify to Scale Show with Crista Grasso is THE show for founders and their right-hand leaders who are done with one-size-fits-all scaling advice and overnight success promises and instead want proven and practical strategies that will help simplify operations, build scalable systems, develop and lead a high performing team, amplify profits, and scale smarter not harder.

  1. 4 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    E241 | The Impact of AI on the Future of Operations

    What are the unique strengths and “human touches” in operations that AI can’t replicate? As AI takes over more repetitive and data-driven tasks, what new opportunities or roles might emerge in operations for those willing to embrace and master this technology? In this episode, I explore the impact artificial intelligence is having on business operations. I share my perspective on the opportunities AI brings, highlighting how it changes the way we approach tasks like creating systems, managing workflows, and implementing automations. As more capabilities become available, I discuss the ways AI is transforming how teams work, what skills are needed, and how roles are evolving. I talk about the advantages of seeing AI as a strategic asset, showing that while AI can handle many repetitive or tactical duties, there are areas where human intuition, leadership, and relationship-building are more valuable than ever. I provide insights on future-proofing your work by stepping further into strategic leadership and outcome ownership, which set you apart and keeps you in demand as businesses grow and adapt alongside new technology. In this episode, I explain: AI’s transformative impact on business operations Overcoming fear and embracing AI opportunities Future-proofing your role alongside AI advancements AI’s expanding capabilities in operational tasks Human strengths AI can’t replicate Differentiating strategy and leadership from automation Leveraging AI as a strategic business asset This episode is part of our Future of Operations series.  Listen to the series: bit.ly/opsseries If you’re looking to stay ahead and want to understand how to leverage AI for greater results in your business, I invite you to join me for my live Future of Ops workshop or consider applying for our certification programs. Check out the links in the show notes below to connect, ask your questions live, or see if the program is the right fit for you. Let’s explore how to make AI a valuable part of your business journey together. Want to dig deeper into AI in the Future of Operations? Be sure to get my new eBook: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future-ebook You can also join me for the upcoming Future of Operations to explore these trends and ask your questions live: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future Are you ready to become the scaling expert and strategic thinking partner for today's founders? Sign up for one of our highly coveted certification programs: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    22 phút
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    E240 | How the Visionary + Operator Duo Is Evolving in the Future of Ops

    What really happens behind the scenes when a visionary founder and their right-hand try to scale a business together? What would happen in your company if you suddenly had to cut operational roles? Would you have a strategy in place, or would chaos quickly follow? In this episode of the Simplify to Scale Show, I welcome my right-hand, Jessica Maine, for an engaging conversation about the dynamic between visionary founders and their essential operational support. Together, we explore how the future of operations is shaped by the unique collaboration between visionaries and the right hands who help transform big ideas into working, thriving businesses. We share real stories and examples of what happens when founders overlook the value operations bring to growth, retention, and everyday success. We highlight why cutting operational roles can disrupt progress and lead to burnout, even when it seems like the logical place to trim. There’s plenty of laughter and wisdom as Jess describes how communicating value in a visionary’s language helps strengthen trust and respect on both sides. If you enjoyed this episode and know a founder or operational leader who’d benefit from these insights, share this show with them. Stay tuned for more in the series, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode full of actionable tips and behind-the-scenes stories. In this episode, we discuss: Visionary–Right Hand Relationship Dynamics Importance of Operations in Scaling Communicating Operational Value to Visionaries Common Mistakes in Cutting Operations Trust and Collaboration Between Founder/Right Hand Journey vs. Destination: Different Mindsets This episode is part of our Future of Operations series.  Listen to the series: bit.ly/opsseries Want to dig deeper into the Future of Operations? Be sure to get my new eBook: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future-ebook You can also join me for the upcoming Future of Operations to explore these trends and ask your questions live: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future Are you ready to become the scaling expert and strategic thinking partner for today's founders? Sign up for one of our highly coveted certification programs: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to step into the future of operations? If you want to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency then Get The Future of Operations Ebook  This book is designed to help you shift your positioning, evolve your service model, and stay ahead of the future of operations.   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    36 phút
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    E239 | Branding That Builds Trust and Drives Sales with Emily Paulsen

    What makes a brand stand out and truly grow with your business over time? How can you build trust faster in an evolving marketplace? In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Emily Paulsen, a Brand Growth Expert and the Founder of Electric Collab. We explore how to build a cohesive brand ecosystem that grows alongside your business. After 14 years working in brand and marketing for well-known companies from Abercrombie & Fitch and The Wendy’s Company to startups and small businesses, Emily started Electric Collab to help leaders own their individuality and scale their business with a brand that reflects the premium, unique value they deliver.  Together, we share insights on why your brand is more than just a logo or a color palette, defining it as the first impression and lasting reputation your business carries. By focusing on intentional branding, we uncover how to craft a brand message that reflects your unique value and creates deeper connections with your audience. We also talk about refreshing your brand as your business evolves, the importance of clear language, and showing the true depth of your expertise. We discuss how to keep your branding consistent while adapting to market changes, building trust, and attracting the right clients, especially as buying cycles shift and new discovery channels like AI search become more common. If you’re thinking about refining your brand or scaling your business, this episode is filled with actionable tips to help you create a brand presence that feels authentic and impactful. Tune in to hear how you can make branding a fun and rewarding part of your growth, and connect with us for more ideas on future-proofing your business.   "Nobody buys just because they like a logo. Design gets attention, but words move people to take action." -         Emily Paulsen   In this episode, we explore Brand as first impression and reputation Evolving your brand alongside business growth Importance of intentional, strategic branding The foundational elements of a brand ecosystem Building trust with specificity and authenticity Challenges and opportunities in today's market Enjoying the branding process as a founder   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    30 phút
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    E238 | Your Right-Hand Person's Role in Scaling Your Business

    How would your business change if your operational leader helped co-create your strategy rather than just implementing it? In this episode, I focused on the future of operations and operational leadership, sharing how your right hand person can help you scale your business simply and sustainably. I broke down the three core pillars of the Lean Scaling System: sustainable success, operational excellence, and scalable growth. I explained how your right hand leader supports you, not just by handling day-to-day tasks, but by co-creating strategy, optimizing systems across the business, and truly owning the growth process. I highlighted the changing role of an operational leader, encouraging you to see them as a strategic partner who integrates vision, efficiency, and growth. I shared the value of a right hand person who can look holistically at your business, make the right decisions at every level, and keep things moving forward whether you’re growing, preparing to scale, or already scaling. I also described how certification and mentorship can help your operational leaders further develop these skills. If you’re ready to learn more about simplifying and scaling your business, join me at my upcoming Future of Operations workshop for live Q&A and insights tailored to your needs. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don’t forget to leave a rating or review to help more businesses grow with confidence.   In this episode, I discuss Simplifying and scaling business operations Role evolution of the right hand leader Lean Scaling System: three core pillars Sustainable success through clear vision and planning Operational excellence via holistic optimization Scalable growth integrating marketing, sales, delivery The impact of AI on operational leadership This episode is part of our Future of Operations series.  Listen to the series: bit.ly/opsseries Want to dig deeper into the Future of Operations? Be sure to get my new eBook: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future-ebook You can join me for the upcoming Future of Operations to explore these trends and ask your questions live: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future   Are you ready to become the scaling expert and strategic thinking partner for today's founders? Sign up for one of our highly coveted certification programs: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    25 phút
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    E237 | The Future of Operations is Strategic - Key Shifts for Scalable Growth

    Are you wondering how operational leadership is transforming in today’s fast-moving market? Curious about the growing impact of AI on business teams and hiring decisions? In this episode, I kick off a special series about the future of operational leadership, sharing key market changes and what businesses need to focus on for sustainable growth this year and beyond. I highlight the shift from traditional operations to a more strategic approach, describing how strategic thinkers and systems-minded leaders are vital for scaling. We talk about the rising importance of right-hand team members who can connect your vision to actionable plans, especially as AI tools and agents take on more execution tasks. I also discuss how marketing roles have evolved, potential pitfalls with team fragmentation, and why building the right operational support is so impactful. If you’re an operational leader or visionary founder ready to grow in a purposeful way, this series is for you. Tune in to learn how you can prepare for the next phase of your business and create a strong foundation for long-term success.   In this episode, I discuss: Strategic versus tactical operational leadership Impact of AI on business operations Importance of hiring a right hand Marketing creative vs. marketing operations gaps The need for strategic execution team roles Lean, efficient, and intentional business growth This episode is part of our Future of Operations series.  Listen to the series: bit.ly/opsseries Want to dig deeper into the Future of Operations? Be sure to get my new eBook: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future-ebook You can also join me for the upcoming Future of Operations to explore these trends and ask your questions live: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/future   Are you ready to become the scaling expert and strategic thinking partner for today's founders? Sign up for one of our highly coveted certification programs: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    39 phút
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    E236 | What to Do When Your Business No Longer Needs You with Kris Plachy

    What happens when your business no longer needs you every day? How do you reinvent yourself after reaching all your entrepreneurial goals? What if there’s more waiting for you beyond your CEO title? In this episode, I sit down with Kris Plachy, the coach you call when success doesn’t feel as satisfying as it should! Kris has spent decades helping powerhouse women build empires, and now helps them figure out what to do after that. Through intimate coaching experiences and her signature Sage approach, Kris helps women strip away roles, expectations, and shoulds to uncover what they truly want next. Today, we navigate the exciting and sometimes challenging transition that comes when your business can run without you. We explore the feelings of restlessness, guilt, and uncertainty that often arise for women who have built successful companies, and we share insights on how to disentangle yourself from the daily grind. We discuss how to embrace becoming a strategic advisor or consultant in your own business and what it looks like to step into a new chapter, uncover new dreams, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. If you're feeling unsettled after building your business or wondering what your next chapter could look like, this episode is full of inspiration and actionable steps. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating identity after business success Handling guilt and restlessness post-achievement Disentangling the founder from daily operations Transitioning to a strategic advisor role The importance of intentional exploration and play Stepping into the “sage” era The power of leadership for scaling   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    30 phút
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    E235 | Letting Go of Guilt When Your Business Needs to Change

    Have you ever felt guilty about stepping back from your business commitments, even when you know you're making the right choice for yourself or your family? How do you handle that tension between professional obligations and personal needs? In this heartfelt episode of Simplify to Scale, I open up about a period of personal and professional upheaval following my dad’s health crisis and passing. I share how these life events interrupted my routines and forced me to step back from my business, including my long-standing podcast and other commitments. This experience offered unexpected lessons in letting go of guilt, confronting changes, and redefining what matters most, both in business and life. I reflect on the difficult but necessary process of pausing commitments and how it has sparked important conversations with clients and peers. Many entrepreneurs are feeling drawn to make changes in their businesses, whether that’s stepping back from a program, reimagining team structures, or shifting away from social media. I talk about the very real feelings of guilt and fear that come with these decisions, while highlighting the importance of giving ourselves permission to evolve and pursue what feels aligned. If you’re at a crossroads in your own business or life, I hope this episode encourages you to honor where you are and trust what you need. Share this episode with someone who might need the same reminder, and remember to subscribe so you never miss a new conversation. I’m grateful to be back with you and look forward to connecting again next week.   In this episode I discuss: Navigating business disruptions and personal challenges Letting go of guilt during change Reevaluating business routines and commitments Embracing reinvention and business evolution Balancing personal priorities with business demands Handling your team and offer transitions thoughtfully Permission to align business with new values   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    19 phút
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    E234 | How to Set Up Your Business to Run Without You

    What would happen in your business tomorrow if you had to step away today? Is your team truly ready to take charge, or are there hidden gaps holding them back?  In this special episode of Simplify to Scale, Jessica and Annie talk about what it takes to keep a business running when the founder or a key leader has to step away. They focus on how important it is to build trust within the team and with clients. They also talk about planning ahead by creating clear processes, sharing responsibilities, and keeping communication open. They use real examples to show how teams can step in and handle things when needed. Jessica and Annie explain how to tell if a team is ready to take more responsibility, and what signs show they may need more support. They share useful tools like keeping task boards updated and making sure everyone knows where to find passwords and other important information. The conversation also includes fun moments as they look back on their first times stepping into leadership roles and remind listeners that things don’t have to be perfect. If you're a founder or operations leader who finds it hard to step back, this episode offers helpful advice to get your team ready and take a break with confidence. Press play and subscribe for more ideas to help your business grow at a steady pace. In this episode, we discuss: ·        Building trust with your team and clients ·        Delegation and ownership of responsibilities ·        Importance of documented SOPs and cadences ·        Empowering teams and fostering independence ·        Recognizing readiness and signs of unpreparedness   Join me for my upcoming Scale Smarter Not Harder Workshop: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    32 phút
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Giới Thiệu

Simplify to Scale is a show dedicated to helping business owners scale a high-impact and high-profit business they love without all of the complexity and chaos that can keep them trapped in the day-to-day. Hosted by Crista Grasso, a scaling strategist and operations alchemist, she brings decades of scaling experience to share what actually works and what's just hype. If you are in the messy middle of trying to scale your business, step into visionary leadership so your business can run without you, and build sustainable success at a sustainable pace, be sure to subscribe and tune in for expert insights each week. Formerly the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, the Simplify to Scale Show with Crista Grasso is THE show for founders and their right-hand leaders who are done with one-size-fits-all scaling advice and overnight success promises and instead want proven and practical strategies that will help simplify operations, build scalable systems, develop and lead a high performing team, amplify profits, and scale smarter not harder.