The COO Solution Podcast

Derek Fredrickson
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Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders ready to scale their companies with confidence and clarity, supported by a trusted partner. This podcast is hosted by Derek Fredrickson, Founder and CEO of The COO Solution. It offers a hands-on approach to operational excellence, delivering both big-picture strategies and detailed tactics designed to drive sustainable growth. Each episode explores entrepreneurs' real-world challenges when building and scaling a business—creating accountability, optimizing team performance, or streamlining systems. Through relatable examples, candid conversations, and actionable advice, Derek shares the proven insights he’s developed in the trenches with business owners like you. Whether you’re stepping out of the day-to-day grind to focus on visionary leadership or feeling stuck in operational chaos and looking for answers, this podcast provides the tools and guidance you need to overcome obstacles, align your team, and achieve meaningful results. If you’re ready to turn entrepreneurial overwhelm into scalable success, join us for new episodes filled with practical advice, relatable stories, and empowering solutions. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work—together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Reclaiming Freedom, Health, and Growth Through Second-in-Command Leadership with Lucy Rayden

    OCT 28

    Reclaiming Freedom, Health, and Growth Through Second-in-Command Leadership with Lucy Rayden

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson interviews Lucy Rayden, founder of InTech Search, a global recruitment firm specializing in deep tech industries like semiconductors, photonics, and electronics. Lucy opens up about her journey from burnout to breakthrough and how bringing in a fractional COO helped her regain balance, reclaim her time, and transform her business operations for sustainable growth. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to step back, invest in the right support, and rebuild her company into a stronger, more systemized version of itself. This conversation dives deep into leadership evolution, burnout recovery, team accountability, and the powerful mindset shift from doing it all to leading intentionally. In This Episode: [01:00] Lucy’s Turning Point – The moment of burnout forced her to reevaluate how she was leading and living. [02:40] Hiring for Experience, Not Just Skills – Why bringing in a seasoned second-in-command changed everything. [06:00] The Power of Letting Go – How releasing control led to clarity, alignment, and stronger systems. [10:00] Real Change in Action – From chaotic communication to streamlined operations with structure and accountability. [16:00] The Marketing Breakthrough – How a fresh approach simplified execution and reignited visibility. [22:00] “Who, Not How” – Finding the right people accelerates results more than doing it yourself. [28:00] Leadership and Lifestyle – The lessons Lucy learned about rest, self-care, and redefining success. [35:00] Ego and Self-Awareness – How great leaders get out of their way and build more innovative teams. 📌 Why This Matters Lucy’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building a business that runs without depending on you. When you invest in systems, support, and the right people, you buy back more than your time — you buy back your life. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: Audit your leadership habits — where are you still holding on too tightly?Identify one area where an experienced second-in-command could help.Simplify communication: one system, one process, one point of truth.Schedule time to rest — not as a reward, but as a requirement. Resources & Links:InTech Search - https://intechsearch.com/about-us/Lucy Rayden on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrayden/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast Subscribe & Stay Connected New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook 👉 If Lucy’s story resonated with you, share this episode with another business owner ready to scale smarter, not harder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  2. The Self-Managing Team — How to Build a Business That Thrives Without You

    OCT 14

    The Self-Managing Team — How to Build a Business That Thrives Without You

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson unpacks one of the biggest breakthroughs every business owner needs to experience: how to build a self-managing team that runs (and thrives) without you. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you stepped away from your business for a week or two and feared it would all fall apart, this episode will shift your perspective. Derek walks through the three core pillars that make a self-managing team possible: systems, accountability, and trust. He shares how these work together to free you from day-to-day bottlenecks, empower your team to take ownership, and allow your business to grow sustainably, without constant supervision. In This Episode: [00:08] The Vision – What would it feel like if your business kept running (and thriving) without you? [01:38] The Reality Check – Why most founders don’t have businesses—they have jobs with helpers. [02:30] Why It Matters – The burnout, bottlenecks, and missed potential that come from doing it all. [04:22] The 3 Pillars of a Self-Managing Team: Systems & Processes – SOPs, automation, and project management tools that create repeatability.Accountability Structures – Roles, scorecards, and KPIs that keep everyone aligned and transparent.Culture of Ownership & Trust – How to move from micromanaging to true leadership.[07:09] The Mistakes That Keep You Stuck – Hiring helpers instead of owners, keeping everything in your head, and avoiding hard conversations. [09:38] A Real Client Example – How one founder went from overwhelm to taking a two-week unplugged vacation while her business grew. [12:04] Your Takeaway – What happens when you finally stop being the bottleneck and let your team lead? 📌 Why This Matters You can’t scale if everything depends on you. Freedom comes from systems, structure, and trust—not from doing more. When you empower your team to own their roles and outcomes, your business doesn’t just survive your absence—it thrives because of it. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: Audit your current operations: Could your business run for a week without you?Start documenting your key systems and processes.Create accountability by assigning clear owners for every result.Build trust through delegation—not micromanagement.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast Subscribe & Stay Connected New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
  3. Leading As A Whole Human And The Power of Second-in-Command Leadership, With Kristie Clayton

    SEP 30

    Leading As A Whole Human And The Power of Second-in-Command Leadership, With Kristie Clayton

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Kristie Clayton, founder of Herverse and a seasoned second-in-command leader turned visionary, to explore what it really means to thrive in leadership. Kristie shares her journey from COO to CEO, the power of Integrator–Visionary partnerships, and why embracing “whole human leadership” transforms not only how we lead, but also how we live. From the sandbox analogy for vision and execution to building trusted communities for women executives, Kristie’s insights are packed with wisdom and practical takeaways. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance strategy with emotional intelligence—or how to step fully into your role as a leader without losing yourself—this conversation is a must-listen. In This Episode:[01:32] Kristie’s journey from second-in-command to visionary leader.[06:21] The “energy boost vs. vampire” test: how to find your leadership sweet spot.[10:42] Why visionary–integrator partnerships are essential for scaling.[16:07] How to say “no” without stifling your visionary’s ideas.[20:59] The sandbox analogy: creating space for ideas before execution.[23:35] Whole Human Leadership—bringing strategy + emotional intelligence together.[28:38] A real-world story of leading with empathy instead of just data.[33:55] The origin of Herverse: building community for women second-in-command leaders.[41:30] What to expect from Herverse membership, mastermind, and annual summit.[45:22] Kristie’s gift: a special discount for listeners to join Herverse events. 📌 Why This Matters True leadership isn’t about titles or doing it all—it’s about alignment, energy, and leading as your whole self. By embracing the integrator–visionary dynamic and connecting with supportive communities, you can grow faster, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: Identify whether your current role is giving you energy or draining it.If you’re a visionary, give your ideas a “sandbox” before execution.As an integrator/COO, practice saying “tell me more” instead of “no.”Explore communities like Herverse to surround yourself with peers on the same journey.Resources & Links:Learn more about Herverse + upcoming Summit: https://herverse.orgUse code Thrive2025 for 10% off summit registration or elite membership.Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast Subscribe & Stay Connected New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  4. How to Align Your Team With Your Vision and Mission

    SEP 16

    How to Align Your Team With Your Vision and Mission

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson unpacks one of the most overlooked yet critical elements of scaling a business: team alignment. If your team is working hard but progress still feels off or if you’re frustrated that projects move forward but don’t quite match your bigger vision, this episode is for you. Derek reveals why alignment isn’t just a buzzword but the foundation of efficiency, accountability, and scalable growth. You’ll learn how to identify signs of misalignment, the role a COO plays in bridging the gap between vision and execution, and practical steps to clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and build a culture where everyone is rowing in the same direction. In This Episode:[00:54] The Hard Truth – Why your team’s alignment determines your capacity for growth.[01:59] The Cost of Misalignment – How inefficiency, confusion, and missed objectives slow progress.[05:48] The COO as the Bridge – Why a second-in-command is essential for turning vision into reality.[09:09] The Alignment Audit – Three key questions to evaluate your team’s clarity and priorities.[13:37] Common Challenges – Overlapping roles, top performers bogged down, and chasing tactics over strategy.[14:37] Four Steps to Align Your Team – Clarify vision, define roles, establish accountability systems, and review regularly.[18:16] Culture of Alignment – Communication, empowerment, and recognition as lasting drivers of growth.[21:45] Your Action Step – Map out roles and responsibilities and identify one misalignment to correct this week. 📌 Why This MattersWithout alignment, even the most talented teams and innovative ideas fall short. Scaling requires more than a system. It demands that your people, roles, and priorities connect seamlessly with your vision. This episode gives you the framework to realign your team and unlock growth with clarity and confidence. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners:Audit your team: Do roles, responsibilities, and accountability connect with your vision?Identify at least one area of misalignment and correct it this week.Create a “clarity document” to communicate roles, priorities, and expectations.Consider how a fractional COO can help bridge the gap between your vision and your team’s execution.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast Subscribe & Stay Connected New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  Let’s connect: ➡️ LinkedIn ➡️ Instagram ➡️ Facebook 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  5. The Power of Support: How a Fractional COO Transformed Amy Anderson’s Vision

    SEP 2

    The Power of Support: How a Fractional COO Transformed Amy Anderson’s Vision

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this special episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Amy Anderson, CEO of ACG Practice Partners and a current client of The COO Solution. Amy is an expert in the aesthetics industry who has helped hundreds of surgeons and practice leaders launch and scale successful, high-performing practices. In this candid conversation, Amy shares what it was like to amicably split from her previous partnership, launch a new company, and face the overwhelm of starting fresh—even with clients and team members by her side. She opens up about the fears she navigated, the clarity she gained from partnering with a fractional COO, and how quickly momentum began to shift in her business. Together, Derek and Amy unpack the tangible benefits of second-in-command support, the importance of core values in building team culture, and why letting go of “doing it all” creates the space for visionary leadership. In This Episode: [01:22] Amy’s Journey – From co-founding a consulting firm to launching ACG Practice Partners. [02:46] The Overwhelm of Starting Over – The fears, doubts, and heavy responsibility of re-launching. [07:18] Why Amy Chose a Fractional COO – The turning point that made support non-negotiable. [14:43] Quick Wins & Relief – How structure, strategy, and accountability shifted everything. [19:31] Partnership with Jessica – The “boots on the ground” COO experience. [22:32] CEO Mindset – How Amy is learning to protect her time and think bigger. [29:05] Core Values in Action – Integrity, empathy, expertise, and excellence as guiding principles. [35:49] Final Insights – Why accountability and support are game-changers for entrepreneurs. 📌 Why This Matters Even the most talented, experienced entrepreneurs can hit a wall when they try to do it all themselves. Having the right second-in-command unlocks both business momentum and personal peace of mind. Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that scaling requires both strategy and support. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: Audit your role—where are you holding on to tasks that no longer serve you as CEO?Define (or revisit) your company’s core values and use them to guide hiring and decision-making.Consider the impact of adding second-in-command support, whether through a fractional COO or another leadership partner.Resources & Links: Connect with Amy Anderson: Instagram @amyandersonMBA | ACG Practice Partners | LinkedInFree Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.com Subscribe & Stay Connected Let’s connect: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/ ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/ ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  6. Delegation Mastery: Freeing Yourself from Micromanagement

    AUG 19

    Delegation Mastery: Freeing Yourself from Micromanagement

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson dives deep into one of the most common challenges business owners face: micromanagement. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin, chances are you’re still holding on to too much, and it’s keeping your business stuck. Derek shares how learning the art of effective delegation unlocks freedom, builds trust, and creates the space you need to focus on what only you can do. From systems and SOPs to team trust and role clarity, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to help you stop micromanaging and start scaling. In This Episode: [00:45] Why You’re Still the Bottleneck – The emotional and operational cost of doing it all yourself. [02:49] The Hidden Damage of Micromanagement – How it stalls growth, drains your energy, and disempowers your team. [03:46] Delegation = Freedom – Why letting go doesn’t mean losing control (and what it actually gives you back). [04:43] Common Delegation Mistakes – Vague expectations, hovering, and assigning tasks to the wrong people. [07:19] Systems That Support Delegation – Why you can’t scale without documented processes and tools that keep everyone aligned. [08:19] SOPs and Structure – How to ensure your team operates effectively without you. [09:17] Delegation and Trust – The difference between micromanaging and being informed. [11:03] Action Step – Delegate one task this week with clear expectations and outcomes. Why This Matters Scaling your business requires a shift in both mindset and systems. If you’re still stuck in every detail, you’ll never reach your next level. Delegation isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for growth, freedom, and a truly self-managing team. Action Steps for Listeners: Identify one task to delegate this week and outline success criteria.Match it to the right team member and give them ownership.Consider where systems, documentation, or a fractional COO could help you let go with confidence.Resources & Links:Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay ConnectedNew episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/ ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/ ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  7. Why Role Clarity Is the Secret to a Confident, Scalable Team with Melissa Ortiz

    AUG 5

    Why Role Clarity Is the Secret to a Confident, Scalable Team with Melissa Ortiz

    In this episode of The COO Solution Podcast, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Melissa Ortiz, founder of Activate Human Capital Group, to explore the often-overlooked root cause of team frustration, burnout, and misalignment: unclear roles. If your team is working hard but not necessarily on the right things, this episode is for you. Melissa breaks down what role clarity really means—and why it matters more than ever for growing companies. From using the Predictive Index to hiring smarter, to transforming underperforming teams into aligned, high-performing units, this episode is packed with practical advice for founders, integrators, and team leaders. In This Episode: [00:56] The Power of Alignment – Why engagement and clarity go hand in hand. [02:33] Why Role Clarity Is the Missing Link – And what “right seat” really looks like. [05:04] Job Description ≠ Clarity – What founders often get wrong when hiring. [08:17] Getting Practical – How to create a one-pager that defines success for each role. [12:44] From Chaos to Confidence – How teams transform when responsibilities are defined. [14:40] Living Documents – How to revisit and update role clarity as your business evolves. [18:32] All About Predictive Index – Why this five-minute assessment is game-changing. [21:12] Think-to-Talk vs. Talk-to-Think – How this distinction improves communication. [27:00] Hiring Smarter – How to define your ideal candidate profile using PI. [31:07] Sifting Through the Noise – Using assessments to save time (and bad hires). [34:39] The Waste Factor – How role clarity and alignment eliminate wasted time, energy, and talent. Why This Matters Confused roles create confusion everywhere else—in decision-making, accountability, and even culture. This episode will help you step back, audit your team, and reset the foundation for scale. Whether you’re hiring or optimizing an existing team, clarity is your first and most powerful move. Action Steps for Listeners: Identify one role on your team that needs a clarity reset. Ask: “What exactly do I expect from this person?”Create or update a one-pager that outlines time allocation, core responsibilities, and success metrics.Consider using the Predictive Index to improve your hiring and communication strategy. Resources & Links: Activate HCG Website: https://activateHCG.comConnect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-ortiz-employee-retention-expert/Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastLet’s connect: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/ ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/ ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution 👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  8. Scaling Smarter: The Right People, Right Seats Framework

    JUL 22

    Scaling Smarter: The Right People, Right Seats Framework

    Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this solo episode, host Derek Fredrickson tackles one of the biggest (and often most ignored) reasons businesses plateau: team misalignment. Whether you’re leading a small but mighty team or managing a fast-growing company, your next level of growth depends on more than just sales and systems—it hinges on your people. In this episode, Derek shares how to utilize the “Right People, Right Seats” framework to audit your team, identify misalignment, and make informed leadership decisions that propel the business forward. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to assess your team’s current structure, clarify expectations, and realign your team to support your future growth. In This Episode:[00:54] The Hard Truth – Why your team, not just your offers, determines your growth capacity.[01:54] Right People, Right Seats Framework – How to assess values, energy, and performance alignment.[02:46] When Good Isn’t Good Enough – A client story about letting go of loyal but misaligned team members.[04:22] The Right Seats – Understanding skill sets, responsibilities, and clarity of roles.[06:16] Role Clarity in Action – A client example of redefining team structure to eliminate confusion and chaos.[08:07] Signs of Team Misalignment – From stepping back into tasks to gut instincts you’re ignoring.[10:21] The Team Audit – Two critical questions to ask about every team member.[12:44] Leadership, Not Emotion – Why keeping misaligned team members helps no one.[13:37] The Ruthless Commitment – How scaling businesses apply this framework consistently.[15:10] Your Takeaway Challenge – Reassess one team member’s alignment for where you’re going, not just where you are. 📌 Why This Matters Your systems and offers won’t scale unless your people can support them. By aligning your team to your vision, values, and future goals, you remove the friction that slows growth and reclaim the energy to lead with clarity and confidence. ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: Do a team audit: List every team member and ask, “Would I enthusiastically rehire them today?”Evaluate whether each person has the necessary skills, energy, and alignment to support your goals.Choose one person you’re unsure about and assess: are they set up for success long-term?Have the tough conversations now—it only gets harder later. Resources & Links:Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for Fractional COO support: https://thecoosolution.comPodcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcastSubscribe & Stay Connected Subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/ ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/ ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
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About

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders ready to scale their companies with confidence and clarity, supported by a trusted partner. This podcast is hosted by Derek Fredrickson, Founder and CEO of The COO Solution. It offers a hands-on approach to operational excellence, delivering both big-picture strategies and detailed tactics designed to drive sustainable growth. Each episode explores entrepreneurs' real-world challenges when building and scaling a business—creating accountability, optimizing team performance, or streamlining systems. Through relatable examples, candid conversations, and actionable advice, Derek shares the proven insights he’s developed in the trenches with business owners like you. Whether you’re stepping out of the day-to-day grind to focus on visionary leadership or feeling stuck in operational chaos and looking for answers, this podcast provides the tools and guidance you need to overcome obstacles, align your team, and achieve meaningful results. If you’re ready to turn entrepreneurial overwhelm into scalable success, join us for new episodes filled with practical advice, relatable stories, and empowering solutions. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work—together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Derek Fredrickson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Derek Fredrickson
  • Show Website
    The COO Solution Podcast

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