Secret Ops

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Jenna Pederson , Staff Developer Advocate at Pinecone.io . Jenna shares her journey from software engineer to developer advocate building developer communities through the product development process. We chat about the practical tips for founders and discuss the importance of empathy, authentic community engagement, and listening to developers’ real need...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Sarah Smart and Sofia Whelan , Co-Founders of HorizonHuman , to discuss the transformation of HR in today’s organizations. We explore HR’s shift from compliance to a strategic, tech-driven function, the impact of AI, and the need for agility and user-centric design. In this episode, we discuss the: Evolving role of Human Resources in organizations. Integ...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Dr. Hannah Weisman , Clinical Psychologist and healthcare startup operator. We explore how clinical expertise informs operational decisions in mental health startups, tackling challenges like state regulations, ethical tensions, and the implications of AI within clinical psychology. In this episode, we discuss the: Integration of clinical psychology and...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Jen Hamilton Fractional Chief Operating Officer and Founder of the Fractional COO Collective . We discuss the rise of fractional executive roles, especially in operations, and the importance of community and mentorship among fractional leaders. In this episode, we discuss the: Jen’s personal journey from CPA to operational leader The emerging role of fra...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Adam Honig CEO of Spiro an AI-powered “Anti-CRM” CRM for manufacturers. Now, Adam has seen the evolution of CRMs first hand over the years and he knows all the heads that come with implementing one. That’s why he and his team are working on removing the manual input bottlenecks by leveraging AI to automate data entry and help overcome user adoption hurdl...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with  Todd Bracher acclaimed Industrial Designer and Founder of Betterlab . Our conversation explores context-based design, the importance of integrating design early in product development, and Todd’s philosophy of making products intuitive and impactful. We also dive into the mission of Betterlab to bridge scientific innovation and practical appli...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with John Forbes Scrugham , Principal Solutions Architect at Coda. We chat about the evolving role of a solutions architect, shifting from a solely technical delivery to a more human-centric approach. John breaks down how he navigates the different phases of developing solutions within businesses, sharing stories and tricks that he’s picked up through his jou...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Alison Stewart , Co-Founder and COO of Overalls , a life concierge service. Alison shares her journey as a strategic doer—those who both devise and implement strategies. We chat about innovation, prioritization, and everything in between! In this episode, we discuss: Differences in operational approaches between corporate and startup environments The con...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Maxwell Nee award wining entrepreneur and Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp . Maxwell shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor to Chief Revenue Officer, bringing to life the lessons he’s learned along the way. In this episode, we discuss: Transiting from investor to an internal business role The importance of alignment among business partners The...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Erika Giuggio , Business Optimization Specialist at Schooley Mitchell. As a specialist in her field, Erika reveals her strategies for helping businesses in industries like construction and utilities, slash expenses and enhance their operations within 90 days. We also discuss her journey of patenting a cosmetic brush system! In this episode, we discuss: W...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Kevin Dean , Founder and CEO of ManoByte . With over two decades of experience, Kevin walks us through how innovative automation solutions not only streamlines workflows and enhances customer experiences, but is a key driver to overall business growth. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of automation from traditional logic-based systems to AI Str...

On the 50th episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Joey Cofone , CEO of Baronfig and author of the bestselling book The Laws of Creativity. This episode is an absolute favorite of mine with my favorite person in the world, so it’s not one to miss. I’ve always believed that operators are creatives. It’s a vital part of our work. Joey takes that thought a step further and believes that everyone possess...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with sustainability expert  John Pabon , author, consultant, speaker, and UN advisor. This is truly one episode you don't want to miss. Not only does John break down what sustainability actually encompasses, but he also talks us through practical approaches for individuals and businesses to engage in it. In this episode, we discuss: Definition and dimens...

As we wrap up 2024, I want to give all my gratitude to our wonderful listeners. You make this whole thing worthwhile and I will forever be grateful! Make sure to check out the 12 Days of Operations , which are a bunch of bit-sized tips and tricks to help you become a top operator in business and in life. You can find it on our: Newsletter LinkedIn YouTube 📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com 🤓 Lear...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we flip the script where I am the guest and KC Procter , Marketing Operator extraordinaire, interviews me on the basics of becoming a fractional operator! We dive into how to get started in fractional operations, what to look for in clients, tips on structuring your workload, how to navigate tricky conversation and much more! In this episode, we discuss: Understandin...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Tim Bynum Founder of Anchor Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer.  This conversation explores the vital link between financial operations and business strategy to drive growth and clarity in decision-making. We also discuss strategies on how to develop financial literacy for small business owners, with some great tips on how to get started...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Shaina Anderson Founder of Hello Generalist .  The episode delves into what exactly a generalist is, the unique challenges generalists navigate, and how this motivated Shaina to found Hello Generalist, a platform connecting experienced operators with businesses that need their magic. In this episode, we discuss: Transitioning from food startups to t...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Allie Stark , Co-Founder of Noria the learning and development platform for a new era of living and leading. With over 15 years in the health and wellness space, Allie brings to life why we are all feeling so burnt out and what the heck we can do about it. In this episode, we discuss: The collective feeling of burnout and confusion in our work The impact...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Morten Bruun , Co-Founder and CEO of Flash Docs , a company that uses AI to create data-driven slide decks and visuals. Morten shares how wrangling slide decks, while at Google and McKinsey, led him to develop Flash Docs to streamline the slide creation process. We chat through the transformative potential of AI, the importance of networking, and navigat...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Hikari Senju , CEO of Omneky , a platform that scales sales with data driven creative using generative AI. Hikari breaks down the transformative role of generative AI in advertising, highlighting its potential and ability to enhance marketing strategies. Also, we talk about his journey from fencing to entrepreneurship, detailing his experiences in edtech...

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Antonia Landi and Joy Chatterjee , Co-Founders of One Camp , whose aim is to bridge the gap between Product & Data Teams by giving both groups the tools and knowledge to do their best work. Antonia and Joy bring to life their own experiences connecting these two specializations together, giving advice on how to improve communication and teamwork whil...

On this episode of Secret Ops, host Ariana Cofone talks to Tom Wilshere, the Chief Technology Officer at Florence, where he heads up the product, engineering and data teams building and scaling products revolutionising staffing for over one million professionals in the healthcare sector around the world. In this episode, we discuss: The role and responsibilities of a Chief Technology Officer Techn...

We are already more than halfway through 2024. Say what?! So far this year, we’ve had incredible guests on Secret Ops, who have generously shared amazing tips, tricks, and lessons they’ve learned along their journey. In this episode, I share my top five moments from those interviews for you to enjoy while you are chillin’ at the pool or eating a hot dog off the grill. Hope you are enjoying your su...

On this episode of Secret Ops we chat with Barbara Turley , Founder and CEO of The Virtual Hub , whose mission it is to eradicate business overwhelm and remove operational friction using a team of virtual assistants, clever automations, and streamlined processes. During our conversation, we explore her transition from equity trading into entrepreneurship and how her background influenced her busin...

Karan Rhodes is the Founder and CEO of Shockingly Different Leadership , a leading professional services firm who is changing the way HR-functions scale up during peak period of work. With over a decade of experience as an executive in Human Resources and Leadership Development, we dive into how to rethink and pivot global workforce infrastructures and people strategies, while also preparing their...