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. 9小时前

    E246 | The Key Thing That Prevents Freedom and Autonomy for Founders

    What do you think are the biggest obstacles founders face when letting go of control, and how have you seen this play out in your own business or workplace? How would you mentor someone on your team to develop better discernment, and why do you think it’s so hard to teach? In this episode of the Simplify to Scale show, I dive into the ideas of freedom and autonomy for founders who want to step back from the constant demands of their business. I break down why simply building a good team or getting sharper at delegation isn’t enough if everything still ends up coming back to you. Instead, the real shift comes from transferring true ownership, not just tasks, to your team and guiding them to take inspired action on their own. I share my perspective on the difference between delegation, decision-making, and the power of discernment. I offer examples from my work with founders and teams, showing how moving beyond telling people what to do can help close those endless mental tabs and create more space for your next chapter. I explain how building a team that understands the “why” behind what they do means fewer interruptions and more trust, so you can finally be present outside of work. If you’re ready to have more time, find true freedom from the day-to-day, and help your team truly step up, this episode has something for you. Share it with another founder who might need to hear this encouragement, and join me again next week for more practical ideas to help you simplify to scale. In this episode, I discuss: •    Misconceptions of Delegation •    Empowering Inspired Ownership •    Decision Making •    True Freedom = Closed Mental Tabs •    Steps to Scale and Freedom     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.

    23 分钟
  2. 9月9日

    E245 | Unseen Causes of Burnout and Getting Home Support with Sue Reeve

    Why do so many entrepreneurs invest heavily in their business teams but overlook getting the same kind of support at home? What practical steps can busy professionals take today to build a trusted home support system that actually works? In this episode, I sit down with Sue Reeve, the founder of Consider it Done, a UK-based concierge and executive support firm designed to help high-performing professionals regain time and control in their personal lives. Togetehr we shine a light on how the unseen pressures of home life can impact our business goals.  Drawing from over two decades of experience running a top-tier concierge and executive support firm, we explore why entrepreneurs often invest in business teams but forget to seek help at home. From juggling school logistics and caring for ageing parents to the frequent distractions of working from home, we share real stories and tips on building support systems that keep both business and personal life running well. We discuss the benefits of outsourcing at home in the same way we do in business, highlighting the freedom and clarity this brings. The conversation covers practical strategies, such as finding trusted help for daily needs, building local networks, and designing strong routines for household management. We share firsthand experiences navigating crises, finding balance, and why investing in the right kind of home support is as important as hiring the best people for your company. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or wished for more hours in the day, this episode is for you. Take a moment to reflect on where you need support, and consider seeking help at home just as you would in your business. Share this episode with anyone who could use a little encouragement to make life and work more manageable In this episode, we explore: •    Unseen Burnout Triggers •    Mental Clutter at Home •    Home Support Services •    Emotional Barriers   Guest links: House & Home Calendar: https://consider-it-done.myflodesk.com/househomecalendar  Website: consider-it-done.co.uk  Portfolio: consider-it-done.co.uk/ebrochure-2025  Hop on a call with Sue: bit.ly/LIexplore2R    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.

    37 分钟
  3. 9月2日

    E244 | Surviving the September Scramble and Setting Up a Strong Q4

    How can business owners best balance the pressure of Q4’s “September scramble” with the need to set themselves up for a strong start in the new year? What role does intentional planning and “leaning out” play in ensuring your business doesn’t just survive the end-of-year rush but actually thrives going into Q1? In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Maine to talk about the September scramble and how to make the most of the fast-paced final months of the year. As summer winds down, we recognize the pressure and opportunities that come with Q4 planning, from resetting goals to styling our business strategies. We analyze the value of being intentional with our time, focusing on what’s possible, and realistically mapping out goals around holidays, team capacity, and our own energy levels. We explore actionable ways to streamline our offers, plan impactful promotions during major holidays, and set clear, achievable financial targets. We share personal experiences about leaning into what fires us up, realigning priorities, and how important it is to stay flexible and experiment with new approaches. As you approach your own September scramble, take a deep breath and look ahead. Take stock of what you want to achieve, identify what truly matters, and plan intentionally for a strong finish this year and a fresh start in the next. If today’s episode sparked ideas or helped you regroup, tune in again next week for more practical strategies and inspiration. In this episode, we explore: •    Embrace the Reality of the September Scramble •    Reset and Realign Your Goals •    Plan with Reduced Capacity in Mind •    Laser-Focus on Revenue Drivers •    Clarify and Simplify Your Offer Suite   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.

    31 分钟
  4. 8月26日

    E243 | When Your Business Needs a New System, Not a New Hire

    How can a founder or ops lead know if it’s time to tighten up their systems or bring more people on board? And what happens when you stop worrying about single tools and start looking at the whole system? Does the business run smoother and scale faster? In this episode, I break down what a system really is and why it matters so much for operations in any business. I clear up common confusion between systems, tools, and SOPs, and share why systems need to be viewed at a strategic level, not just tactically. Using a real client case, I show how businesses often jump to hiring new people when a better-designed system can actually solve the root issues of inefficiency and overwhelm. Together, we explore how to architect systems that bring consistency, clarity, and scalability to your business. I walk you through the steps to minimize unnecessary handoffs and dependencies and explain how important it is to look at communications, decision points, and the actual results you want to achieve. By thinking bigger than just processes or tools, you create stronger foundations that can adapt even as the market and your goals evolve. If you want to get more predictable results, better profits, and a clearer path forward, make systems thinking a priority. If you need support or want to join a community focused on building great systems, check out the links in the show notes. I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you take your business to the next level. In this episode, I discuss: •    Systems Are Strategic, Not Just Tactical •    Mistakes in Growing Businesses •    Continuous Improvement and Experimentation •    The Importance of True Systems Thinkers •    Advice for Founders and Consultants 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 This book is designed to help you shift your positioning, evolve your service model, and stay ahead of the future of operations. 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.   ·

    25 分钟
  5. 8月19日

    E242 | Evolving Your Offers to Stand Out with Stacey Brass-Russell

    How can owning your unique “Genius Edge” help you grow your offers without constantly feeling like you have to start from scratch? And how do your real passion and energy shape the way people see the value of your signature program? In this episode, I am joined by the transformational business coach Stacey Brass-Russell, who brings her insights on achieving growth without overhauling everything. Stacey introduces the concept of your "Genius Edge," which is the powerful intersection of your personal brilliance, how you deliver your work, and your client attraction strategy. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on evolutionary change and stay true to the work they love, rather than responding to industry noise with drastic reinventions. The conversation is full of practical advice on refining your messaging, reconnecting with your mission, and evolving your offers in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Stacey shares stories and strategies for checking in with your vision, tweaking what you already do well, and finding ways to make your business light you up. If you run group programs, work one-on-one, or want a leaner, smarter business, you’ll find inspiration and clear steps to stay excited and effective as you grow. Ready to rediscover your own Genius Edge and bring fresh energy to your business? Tune into this episode and find out how a few meaningful adjustments can reignite both your passion and your results. If you enjoyed today’s insights, check out Stacey’s upcoming event in New York and connect with her for even more ways to simplify and scale with heart. You actually have to figure out how to convey who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best person for it, in a way that maybe you haven’t yet -    Stacey Brass-Russell In this episode we explore: •    Genius Edge framework for business growth •    Evolutionary change versus radical reinvention •    Adapting offers without burning down business •    The importance of niche and ideal clients •    Crafting offers aligned with personal strengths •    Energy and authenticity in sales and delivery •    Scaling smarter with lean business models Links: https://www.staceybrassrussell.com/ https://www.facebook.com/staceybrassrussell1/   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.

    35 分钟
  6. 8月12日

    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 This book is designed to help you shift your positioning, evolve your service model, and stay ahead of the future of operations. 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 分钟
  7. 8月5日

    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 This book is designed to help you shift your positioning, evolve your service model, and stay ahead of the future of operations. 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   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 分钟
  8. 7月29日

    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 分钟
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关于

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.

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