Have you ever felt like you don’t truly belong in your role, even when you’re qualified and capable? What’s holding women back in male-dominated industries, and how can they break through these barriers? How can confidence transform the way women lead and thrive in the workplace?

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Coken, an imposter syndrome expert, to explore how external factors like unconscious bias shape workplace dynamics. Jen specializes in empowering women leaders in male-dominated industries to step into their roles with greater authority, influence, and impact, earning the respect and recognition they deserve.

We talk about the growing number of women in leadership and why companies must create better pathways for them to succeed. Jen highlights the importance of self-discovery and confidence, encouraging women to know their worth and tackle biased environments head-on.

We share practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, such as speaking up, setting personal goals, and balancing work and life. Jen also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book and her Executive Presence Accelerator program, designed to support women in STEM.

This conversation is full of actionable advice for anyone wanting to grow in their career while maintaining their well-being. Tune in to learn how to overcome personal challenges, advocate for yourself, and build a fulfilling life!

"Experiencing imposter syndrome could be a sign that you're playing big or taking risks in your career. Embrace it as a superpower." - Jen Coken

In this episode, we explore:

• Self-Discovery and Confidence
• Overcoming Doubt and Imposter Phenomenon
• Personal and Professional Boundaries
• External Influences
• Recognizing Bias

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Are you ready to uncover the strategies that will make your business thrive in 2025? What’s holding your business back from creating unforgettable client experiences and how will AI shape the way you grow your business?

In the last episode of the year, I break down key predictions for 2025 to help you grow your business. I cover why focusing on a niche, clearly showing how you solve problems, and being authentic and personal are more important than ever. Drawing from my experience working with businesses of all sizes, I share tips on creating a unique framework, building stability, and strengthening client relationships to stay ahead in an AI-driven market.

I also talk about the shift from transactional to transformational business models and why personal connections and storytelling matter. By letting go of what doesn’t align with your goals and using automation wisely, you can create exceptional client experiences that boost profits, loyalty, and referrals.

With a focus on clarity and action, I provide a guide to rethinking your services to stand out in a changing market. As you prepare for 2025, don’t miss these insights on mastering your niche, sticking to solid strategies, and connecting deeply with your clients. Tune in to learn how these predictions can help your business thrive!

In this episode, I discuss:

• Niching and Problem Solving
• Experience and Frameworks
• Authenticity and Connection
• Stability and Focus
• Investment in AI
• Business Efficiency

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

What are some personal or business challenges you faced this year, and what lessons have you taken away from them? How do you plan to apply the lessons learned from this year to make the next year more successful?

In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I reflect on the past year and analyze how to find the positives, even in tough situations. I share a personal story about a challenging time I faced and how using cards for introspection helped me uncover valuable lessons.

I encourage you to reflect on any patterns in your lives that might need to change to avoid repeating negative experiences. I also highlight the importance of celebrating wins—big or small—and appreciating joyful moments from the year.

To get into the right mindset, I offer simple tips like journaling, talking to a coach or mentor, or connecting with a trusted business friend. This episode is a gentle reminder to embrace both the good and the bad, as they all help us grow personally and professionally.

As we move into the new year, take time to reflect, learn, and carry those lessons forward!

In this episode, I discuss:

• Personal Reflection and Tools
• Practical Reflection Methods
• Lessons Learned from Challenges

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Do you ever feel sales calls are more cringe than connection? Many of us dread those overly scripted, awkward interactions that seem anything but natural. But what if there was a better way to connect that’s genuine and effective? That's exactly what Aleasha Bahr and I chat about in this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast. Aleasha is a sales strategist speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the Black Sheep Sales Method™️. Aleasha shares her refreshing take on sales, focusing on being authentic and personal instead of using traditional, pushy tactics. 

She brings insights from her journey as a former “idea seller” in the corporate world and explains why being transparent about product fit can actually win you more clients. Plus, we’re busting the myth that introverts can’t excel in sales—hint: empathy and listening skills play a huge part.

Aleasha offers practical advice on her sales philosophy, highlighting the value of curiosity and empathy over manipulation.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of ensuring a good match between a client and the service, creating mutual benefits for long-term success. 

"Creating an ‘anti-audience’ helps attract the right clients by clearly stating who you are, and who you are not."

 - Aleasha Bahr

In this episode, we dig into approachable sales techniques that feel good and actually work, including:

• How to use curiosity and empathy effectively in sales conversations
• The “pitch weaving” technique to keep engagement high
• Identifying your “anti-audience” to attract the right clients
• Pre-call educational materials to streamline your sales process
• Making pricing a collaborative discussion
• How to embrace a black sheep sales philosophy

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Can your business actually achieve your financial targets for 2025? This answer is 'no' far more often than you may think. One of the first things I do when working with a business is assess their scalability by looking at their offer suite, business model, and supporting ecosystem. In a lot of cases, the business has a (mostly invisible) ceiling below the financial targets and goals that have been set. Meaning that unless something changes, the business can't support the level of growth the business has planned.  This can show up in a lot of different ways, but one thing is common... changes usually need to start within the offer suite.

In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I discuss how your offers shape who you attract, how scalable your business is, and your overall success. I share an interesting story about a competitor who copied my strategies but made critical mistakes that will likely impact their long-term sustainability.

Further, I explain why aligning your offers with your audience's needs is essential, why simplicity is key for profitability, and how understanding your financial goals can create a better experience for your clients. Through practical tips and reflection, you'll learn to evaluate your offers, team capacity, and systems to ensure your business thrives without unnecessary complexity.

In this episode, I discuss:

• How your offer suite impacts your audience
• Recognizing mismatched offers and their effects
• Evaluating financial targets and capacity
• Strategies to simplify and streamline
• Identifying and overcoming business growth ceilings

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Ever feel like the conversations between a visionary founder and an operational leader is like deciphering 2 different languages? Aligning visionary ideas and thinking with operational strategies and actions is critical for a business’s success but it comes with plenty of challenges and ways for things to get lost in translation.

In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast we dive into how the SOL Collective is helping leaders connect, grow, and find their flow. Special guest, Jessica Maine, shares how this community supports fractional COOs, strategy advisors, and more with collaboration and learning.

We chat about the powerful role of a “visionary whisperer”—the person who helps founders turn big dreams into clear action steps while speaking their language. You’ll learn how to align strategies with founders’ visions without overwhelming them and how tools like the Lean Strategic Planning Framework make goal-setting simple and effective!

"Effective communication is key to aligning visionary thinking with actionable strategies."

-         Jessica Maine

In this episode, we discuss:

• Effective communications between visionary thinkers and operational thinkers
• The art of translating vision and strategy into day-to-day actions
• Building a cohesive team that has both strategic and operational strengths
• How visionaries and their right-hand can effectively work together to achieve results

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?

A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol

Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?

OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy

Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? 

Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Thinking about launching a certification program but not sure where to start?  If the idea of turning your expertise into a certification program feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I share my experience launching two certification programs: Chief Strategy and Operating Officers (CSOO) and Entrepreneurial Project Managers (EPM). I break down the process of designing and implementing certifications, focusing on starting with the end goal in mind.

I introduce the Shuhari framework, inspired by martial arts, to simplify the process into three stages: SHU (learning), HA (practicing in context), and RI (mastery). This method helps structure certifications, whether they're short knowledge-based courses or in-depth skill-building programs.

I also discuss the importance of hands-on application through capstone projects and share key lessons from my journey, including how I determined the length and structure of my programs.

In this episode, I share how to alleviate the overwhelm using a simple (and surprisingly effective) framework inspired by martial arts including:

• A breakdown of the shu ha ri framework and why it’s perfect for creating certifications
• Tips on structuring programs with varying durations to fit different needs
• How to make sure your certification delivers real-world results
• Strategies for keeping your certification relevant with ongoing support and renewal
• How to avoid overthinking the process and get started

 If launching a certification is priority for you next year, you won’t want to miss this one.

Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Do you want more freedom in your business as you look ahead at 2025? Many entrepreneurs feel so buried in details and distractions that it can seem impossible to reclaim control of your time and clarity in focus. In this week's episode of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, I chat with Melissa Unsell-Smith, founder of Catalytic Icon, about creating a business that aligns with the life you truly want and achieving success without overworking.

Melissa shares her journey building multimillion-dollar B2B SaaS companies and highlights the power of stepping outside our comfort zones to unlock potential and boost revenue.

Melissa also breaks down the core principles she uses to guide her clients: staying aligned with one’s identity, using the 80/20 rule, cutting out non-essential tasks, as well as embracing discomfort to grow. Melissa and I both emphasize the importance of self-care, with simple strategies like organizing your calendar and taking solitude retreats to support growth in both life and business.

"Clutter and complexity lead to procrastination and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity."

 – Melissa Unsell-Smith

In this episode, we explore:

• Key principles for achieving freedom and wealth
• Eliminating distractions and gaining clarity
• Utilizing the 80/20 rule for maximum impact
• Embracing discomfort to drive growth
• Practical steps to reclaim your time

Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business?

We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale

Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at https://www.leanoutmethod.com/retreat.

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Ever struggled with knowing when it’s time to let a team member go? If you’re constantly questioning it, you might already have your answer.

In this episode, I share insights from a recent conference where I led a workshop on growing your business sustainably (without burning out). During the workshop, someone asked about knowing the right time to part ways with a team member. My answer? If you’re already wondering, it might be time.

I also emphasize how important it is for team members to bring a sense of relief, not stress. Alignment is also key, so I encourage business owners to listen to their instincts and consider if their team truly supports their future vision. Additionally, I share tips on how to help great employees grow, and when it’s best to make hard choices with those who may be holding you back.

If you’re thinking about making changes in your team or want to be ready for success in the new year, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Identifying the right time to let someone go
• How to make the decision without overthinking
• Balancing loyalty with business success and scale
• How to best support the person you need to let go
• Preparing your team for next-level growth

Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business?

We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us at https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale

Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at https://www.leanoutmethod.com/retreat

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast

Are you set up for a successful new year?

Ending the year strong isn’t just about closing this chapter but setting the tone for the next one. 

In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I discuss actionable steps to wrap up the year successfully and set the right foundation for the upcoming year. I guide you on how you can optimize your time, evaluate business activities, and get ready to hit the ground running in the new year.  Learn how to objectively take a closer look at your business practices, investments, and the individual roles within your business.  And of course, I discuss best practices for planning ahead, and how to make sure your vision is grounded in practical and actionable goals. I also share how having the right people, systems, tools, and automations can support your goals and why measuring progress is vital to ensuring progress. In this episode, I dive into planning for a successful finish to this year and start to next year including:

• Clarifying next year's vision and goals
• Clearing out what doesn’t serve you
• How to avoid overworking in the new year
• Setting up the right systems and team to support you
• Maximizing end-of-year $ opportunities

Ready to simplify and streamline how you scale your business?  

We are now accepting Visionary CEOs and their right-hand Ops Leads into our signature Simplify to Scale mentorship program. Learn more and join us leanoutmethod.com/scale

Join us for our transformational in-person business retreats and masterminds each Spring and Fall at leanoutmethod.com/retreat.

Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.

If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

For full show notes and more visit leanoutmethod.com/podcast.