High-agency operators know they should “build systems,” but the idea often spirals into complex tooling, over-engineered SOPs, and zero follow-through. This episode introduces a pragmatic lens: the Minimum Viable System (MVS)—the smallest possible process that reliably turns a recurring mess into a predictable outcome. Instead of chasing perfect workflows, you’ll learn how to define a clear trigger, a simple checklist, and a single source of truth you can build in under an hour. We’ll cover where MVS thinking applies best—hiring loops, reporting cadences, client updates, AI-assisted research—and how to avoid turning good intentions into operational drag. You’ll also see how to let AI handle drafting and documentation while you own the design of the decision points. The outcome: fewer fires, less rework, and more compounding leverage from every solved problem. Clarity is leverage; MVS gives you a fast, repeatable way to create it in your operations without becoming a full-time systems architect.