In this episode of ConverHERsations with Kristie Clayton, Kristie welcomes Derek Fredrickson—founder and CEO of The COO Solution—for a thoughtful conversation about identity, alignment, and honoring who you truly are as a leader.

Derek shares his journey from spending 15 years as a behind-the-scenes operator and fractional COO to stepping into the CEO role of his own company. Together, he and Kristie explore the often-unspoken tension operators feel when success is narrowly defined by titles, visibility, or ownership—and why being a second-in-command is not “less than,” but deeply essential.

Throughout the episode, they unpack:

• What it means to honor your true wiring as an operator, integrator, or builder
 • Why operators are the “magic makers” who turn ideas into reality
 • How to know when it’s time to explore a next chapter—and when it’s perfectly right to stay where you thrive
 • The reality of the “messy middle” when transitioning roles or identities
 • Why just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should
 • The importance of defining your North Star and building plans for both business and personal life
 • Why rest, clarity breaks, and time away are requirements—not rewards

Derek also shares powerful personal reflections on living abroad in France, navigating work-life balance across time zones, and learning to release old habits as he builds something bigger than himself. The conversation is especially resonant for COOs, integrators, and right-hand leaders who quietly carry enormous responsibility while enabling others to shine.