The Business Emergency Room Podcast

Maartje van Krieken
The Business Emergency Room Podcast

Scaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating chaos, making fast but sound decisions, and keeping teams aligned under pressure. The Business Emergency Room helps leaders, founders, and decision-makers sharpen their decision-making mechanics, master people dynamics, and build resilience in uncertain markets. Host Maartje van Krieken shares battle-tested frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks, avoid analysis paralysis, and turn turbulence into traction. Tune in weekly for real-world insights to lead with confidence and thrive in turmoil. For leaders facing: High-stakes decisions, VUCA market conditions, crisis management, and rapid business growth pains.

  1. Delegation Done Right: Free Up 40% of Your Time Without Losing Control

    5일 전

    Delegation Done Right: Free Up 40% of Your Time Without Losing Control

    Most leaders could free up nearly half their workload but refuse to let go. Why is delegation so hard, and what’s the cost of holding on too tightly? Maartje van Krieken unpacks why so many leaders become the bottleneck in their own organizations. Fear of mistakes, trust issues, and the belief that no one else can do the job quite as well keep leaders trapped in a cycle of overwork and micromanagement. But real leadership isn’t about doing everything but about creating the right structures so decisions flow to the right people at the right time. This episode offers an approach to delegation, from defining clear outcomes to setting accountability paths that ensure work doesn’t just get passed around but actually moves forward. Maartje’s “70% rule” challenges leaders to let go sooner, even when it feels uncomfortable, because holding out for perfection will only slow everyone down. In a crisis, the instinct to take control can be strong, but the bigger the challenge, the more essential effective delegation becomes. If you’re constantly overloaded, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you leading, or are you just managing everything yourself? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Importance of Delegation 01:28 Why Delegation is Challenging 02:01 Leadership in High-Pressure Environments 02:45 Focusing on Outcomes, Not Methods 03:18 How to Delegate Like a Pro 03:28 Defining Clear Outcomes 06:01 Setting Clear Accountability and Escalation Paths 09:02 Using the 70% Rule 10:16 Tying Delegation to Decision-Making Frameworks 12:08 Decision Trees in Emergency Response 15:01 Delegation in Chaos 16:37 Summary: Key Delegation Tips 18:24 Practicing Delegation 19:07 Closing Links Connect with Maartje van Krieken: https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    20분
  2. Growing Pains: The Leadership Shift from Doing to Delegating

    2월 26일

    Growing Pains: The Leadership Shift from Doing to Delegating

    Scaling a business comes with big decisions, tough conversations, and the challenge of building a team that can grow with you. How do you know when it’s time to shift roles, implement structure, or step back so others can take the lead? Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jennifer Cresswell, a growth strategist and the founder of Thoughtgro, to break down the realities of scaling in entrepreneurship. They dig into the people dynamics that make or break a growing business. When the team that got you here isn’t the team that will get you there, how do you navigate that transition with clarity and respect? Jennifer shares why removing emotion from role decisions can help leaders make choices that serve both the company and the employees. The episode also tackles a common misconception about process. Many entrepreneurs see structure as a creativity killer, but Jennifer argues the opposite. She explains how the right processes reduce stress, create efficiency, and free up leaders to focus on innovation instead of getting caught in daily operations. From recognizing the warning signs of stalled growth to handling difficult leadership transitions, this episode provides insights for anyone going through the next phase of their business. Jennifer leaves listeners with a key takeaway: growth isn’t just about adding more, but also about building smarter. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Leadership in Uncertainty 01:06 Overlapping Challenges in Different Business Sizes 01:38 People Dynamics in Growing Businesses 03:13 Removing Emotion from Role Assessment 05:29 Process Management in Scaling 07:02 Efficiency Through Process 08:20 Leadership Transition and Delegation 13:06 Fractional Leadership and Finding the Right Fit 15:57 Symptoms of Growing Pains 18:46 Bottlenecks and Decision-Making Overload 21:14 Addressing Feedback and Disgruntledness 22:39 Closing Links Connect with Jennifer Cresswell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cresswell-2a39892b/ https://www.thoughtgro.com/ Jennifer Cresswell is the Founder & Principal of Thoughtgro, helping business owners build lasting legacies through sustained growth and succession planning. With 20+ years in leadership, operations, strategy, and communications, she strengthens businesses using her four foundational pillars—structure, team, process, and culture. A problem-solver at heart, she has quadrupled sales, integrated diverse business models, and boosted both morale and revenue. Whether preparing a company for acquisition or securing long-term stability, she helps owners achieve their vision. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, tennis, cooking, baking, crafting, and continuous learning. Connect with Maartje van Krieken: https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    25분
  3. Avoiding the Fumble: How Leaders Can Make Smarter Calls in Chaos

    2월 19일

    Avoiding the Fumble: How Leaders Can Make Smarter Calls in Chaos

    Hesitation under pressure costs more than a bad decision. This season 2 kick-off episode of The Business Emergency Room unpacks how to make fast, confident calls when the stakes are high. When everything is unfolding fast, how do you make the right call without second-guessing yourself? Host Maartje van Krieken shares a real-world example of decision-making gone wrong, turning a simple family outing into a mess of miscommunication and last-minute scrambling. The parallels to business are clear: disruption happens, and leaders who hesitate risk bigger problems. This episode breaks down how to define the decision at hand, communicate what you know (and don’t), and commit to a path even with missing pieces. Decision-making is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Season Two! 00:43 Leadership in Uncertainty 01:04 Fast Decision-Making in Volatile Situations 02:29 Super Bowl Experience Chaos 03:02 Miscommunication and Assumptions 05:05 Defining the Decision 08:23 Importance of Communication 10:10 Different Assumptions 11:14 Sharing Information 13:23 Don’t Blindly Follow Others 15:02 Decision Frameworks 22:03 Final Takeaways 23:05 Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast 25:15 Closing  Links Connect with Maartje van Krieken: https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/ Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    26분
  4. Scaling Without Chaos: Strategies for the Entrepreneur to CEO Transition

    2월 12일

    Scaling Without Chaos: Strategies for the Entrepreneur to CEO Transition

    In the dynamic world of business growth, the transition from entrepreneur to CEO is often fraught with challenges that can either propel a company forward or lead to burnout. This episode sheds light on the pivotal strategies that help business owners navigate rapid growth, avoid common pitfalls, and build sustainable success. The conversation uncovers the importance of strategic planning, effective delegation, and the mindset shifts required to lead with clarity and purpose. Key insights from this discussion: The Entrepreneur’s Growth Struggle – Why many business owners feel stuck working long hours and the critical mindset shift needed to break free.Hiring vs. Outsourcing – When to hire in-house and when outsourcing might be the smarter, more cost-effective solution.Decision-Making Strategies – A simple three-question framework to make better business decisions quickly and effectively.Strategic Planning for Scaling – How a clear roadmap can prevent overwhelm, improve efficiency, and prioritize the right tasks at the right time.Transitioning from Entrepreneur to CEO – The mental and operational shifts required to successfully lead a growing business. About the Guest:  Lynne Roe is the President of LSR Consultants, a certified professional coach, group facilitator, and change-maker, Lynne helps independent businesses owners develop a foundation of leadership that serves as a catalyst for growth. Applying knowledge and skills acquired over decades of working with small and large companies, non-profits, and family businesses, she guides clients in building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and valuable – with a focus on strategic planning, sound decision-making, and leveraging their strengths and those of their teams. Lynne has grown two successful businesses; designed, conducted, and managed market research for major corporations; and developed and led non-profit programs and organizations from the ground up. She has worked with hundreds of individuals and stakeholders over the years, pulling together diverse teams to work towards a common goal. Lynne is also a certified facilitator and coach for The Alternative Board of Northern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to helping business owners and executives excel in their fields through peer advisory, mentoring, and leadership training. Lynne’s Website: lsrconsultants.com Free Resource: Lynn’s Entrepreneur to CEO Assessment About the Host: Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis. Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/ https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a...

    20분
  5. Applying Disaster Response Tactics to Business Disruptions

    2월 5일

    Applying Disaster Response Tactics to Business Disruptions

    Disruptions are an inevitable part of both life and business, but how we respond to them can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore the structured crisis response strategies used by the Red Cross Disaster Action Teams and how these same principles can be applied to business disruptions. With clear decision-making, effective communication, accountability and escalation definition, and a focus on immediate priorities, businesses can strengthen their resilience and navigate crises with confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or part of an organization facing unexpected challenges, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to stay prepared and in control. Key Takeaways from This Episode: How emergency response strategies from the Red Cross can be adapted to business crisis management.The importance of structured decision-making and escalation protocols during disruptions.Why clear, transparent communication is essential for effective crisis resolution.How to prioritize and triage issues within the first 24–48 hours of a crisis.The role of post-crisis debriefs in strengthening future resilience and preparedness. About the Host: Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis. Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/ https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    23분
  6. The Leadership Formula for Turbulence: Trust, Resilience, and Psychological Safety

    1월 29일

    The Leadership Formula for Turbulence: Trust, Resilience, and Psychological Safety

    Navigating high-pressure situations in the workplace requires more than just strategy—it demands trust, empathy, and a culture of psychological safety. In this episode, Maxine Legal, CEO and founder of Thrive Inclusively, shares insights from her 20+ years of leadership in healthcare to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. Discover actionable strategies to foster resilience, communication, and trust, even in the most dynamic business environments. Throughout this talk, we dive into: The importance of psychological safety and how it transforms workplace dynamics.Why transparent communication builds trust, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.How to tailor your leadership approach to different communication styles and personalities.The balance between holding employees accountable and maintaining empathy as a leader.Practical tips on investing in self-care to lead effectively and build resilient teams. About the Guest: Maxine L. Legall is a dynamic speaker and the visionary founder of Thrive Inclusively LLC, a premier consulting firm based in New York. With over 20 years of groundbreaking experience across healthcare, non-profit, and corporate sectors, Maxine empowers organizations to thrive through transformative inclusion initiatives, cultural transformation, leadership development, and strategies that prioritize resilience and self-care. Her actionable insights inspire growth, drive impactful change, and foster environments where individuals and teams excel. Maxine L. Legall is a passionate and empowering coach, dedicated to guiding leaders and teams toward unlocking their potential, building resilience, and achieving meaningful success through personalized strategies and transformative growth. Maxine Legall’s website: www.thriveinclusively.com About the Host: Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis. Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/ https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    25분
  7. Defusing the Dilemma: How Resourcefulness Solves Big Challenges

    1월 22일

    Defusing the Dilemma: How Resourcefulness Solves Big Challenges

    What happens when you’re tasked with solving a high-stakes problem you know almost nothing about? This episode of The Business Emergency Room takes you behind the scenes of a fascinating real-life challenge: tackling the unknown to support critical decision-making. Join Maartje as she recounts a pivotal experience early in her career—a multi-billion-dollar investment opportunity in Iran, fraught with risks, including unexploded ordinances in an oil field near the Iran-Iraq border. With little knowledge of the issue and limited resources, her team had to think fast, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively to provide leadership with the insights needed to make a decision. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to approach complex, high-risk challenges with resourcefulness and creativity.The importance of de-risking decisions by identifying what you know—and what you don’t.Why collaboration and transparency are essential in problem-solving under uncertainty.Lessons learned from both the successes and missteps in their decision-making process. This story is more than a case study; it’s a masterclass in resourcefulness, decision-making, and leadership. Whether you’re tackling a small challenge or navigating a major business emergency, the lessons in this episode will inspire you to face the unknown with confidence and clarity. About the Host: Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis. Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/ https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    31분

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Scaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating chaos, making fast but sound decisions, and keeping teams aligned under pressure. The Business Emergency Room helps leaders, founders, and decision-makers sharpen their decision-making mechanics, master people dynamics, and build resilience in uncertain markets. Host Maartje van Krieken shares battle-tested frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks, avoid analysis paralysis, and turn turbulence into traction. Tune in weekly for real-world insights to lead with confidence and thrive in turmoil. For leaders facing: High-stakes decisions, VUCA market conditions, crisis management, and rapid business growth pains.

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