In this episode we discuss: The BizzOps Anti-Playbook. We are joined by Vessela Clewley, Strategy & Biz Ops Executive.

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We chat about the following with Vessela Clewley:

1. What does it really take to step into leadership for the first time — and why do so many people underestimate the shift?
2. How do you build confidence as a leader when you don’t yet feel “ready”?
3. What’s the difference between managing tasks and truly leading people?
4. How can organisations better support first-time managers before they burn out?
5. What unspoken pressures do women in leadership roles carry — and how can we address them more openly?

References

1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vessclewley/
2. https://sbohub.substack.com/
3. https://sbohub.gumroad.com/l/TheSBOAntiPlaybook

Biography

Vessela is an accomplished fCOO with a Strategy & BizOps background. She brings the power of US-style Strategy & Business Operations to Europe.

She has an illustrious career spanning Hopin, WeWork, Uber and other start ups. She has won global awards by the likes of WeWork & McKinsey, relaunched products like UberExec, and negotiated 7-figure deals for Hopin on walks in Regents park.

She is known for bringing a strategic, analytical, systems-driven approach to building companies. Her approach brings clarity, breaks down silos, and unlocks revenue growth. She puts company over functions; analytics over ego; and outcomes over optics.

Vessela typically partners with Seed–Series B founders who value analytical decision-making and high-velocity execution.

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Summary

00:00 – Introduction & framing the conversation

~06:20 – The reality of becoming a first-time manager

~13:45 – Imposter syndrome & self-doubt

~20:30 – The responsibility shift

~28:10 – Feedback, difficult conversations & growth

~35:50 – Building confidence through action

~44:15 – The gendered expectations in leadership

~52:00 – Creating supportive environments for new leaders

~59:40 – Advice to aspiring leaders

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