The CEO Help Desk From Run Like Clockwork podcast

#Business #Mike Michalowicz + Adrienne Dorison #MBA #Entrepreneur #Business Leaders

40:54

Taxes, Voting, Recycling—oh my! After navigating this jungle of grown-up responsibilities together, we're taking a quick summer breather to recharge our adulting batteries. But before we temporarily hang up our responsible pants, join us for this special episode packed with our favorite kernels of wisdom from the season so far AND get an exclusive preview of the fresh adulting adventures awaiting you when Grown-Up Stuff returns in late summer! Think of this episode as your adulting victory lap—complete with confetti and zero paperwork required! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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Equipping you with the tools, strategies, and support to grow + scale your business sustainably—without sacrificing your quality of life. Hosted by operational efficiency expert + CEO Adrienne Dorison and business strategist Emily Doyle, The CEO Help Desk is your go-to podcast for solving real business problems in real time. From streamlining systems to developing leadership and building a self-sustaining team, each episode offers actionable insights based on the book Clockwork to help you run your business with more ease—and way less overwhelm. To stay in the loop with all things CEO Help Desk, visit runlikeclockwork.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on social with your takeaways so we can cheer you on!

246 episodes

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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updated 5 days ago

Series home•Feed

246 episodes

#Business #Mike Michalowicz + Adrienne Dorison #MBA #Entrepreneur #Business Leaders

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The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

1
246. Fear-Based Decisions Cost Your Business Too Much 14:53

5 days ago14:53

14:53

After coaching Lisa Whitehouse on her team and scaling challenges, Adrienne and Emily are back to debrief the conversation — and get honest about how fear, beliefs, and untested assumptions shape our most critical business decisions. If you’ve ever delayed a hire, undercharged for your work, or jumped back into client delivery because “it’s just easier,” this debrief is a must-listen. Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why journaling and mindset work alone won’t help you scale ✅ The numbers that make hiring decisions feel safer ✅ How to calculate your onboarding runway + caseload breakeven ✅ The belief that “I must work hard to make money” — and why it lingers ✅ Building a business that doesn’t need you (and why that’s hard) Adrienne and Emily share what Lisa’s episode revealed about the unspoken rules so many founders still follow — and why building a self-sufficient team starts with building a belief system that supports growth. 👉 If you want to stop getting pulled back into the work and start leading with clarity, this is your episode. Top 5 Takeaways: Beliefs Drive Behavior – If your subconscious says growth = danger, no strategy will override it. Track Onboarding Timelines – Knowing when a hire becomes profitable gives you confidence to scale. Budget for Training – Create a team training account, just like you would for marketing or software. DIY Is a Trap – Re-inserting yourself into the work feels helpful… until it kills momentum. Leadership Starts with Choice – You can run a solo business or build a team — just don’t complain about the trade-offs. Chapters 00:56 – Adrienne’s take: mindset as the true bottleneck 02:10 – Emily’s POV: mindset without numbers won’t cut it 04:20 – How long does it take a new hire to become profitable? 07:15 – Why you must budget for the training runway 10:02 – “Scrappy” doesn’t scale: why scrappiness isn’t strategy 12:58 – Adrienne’s own growth edge: wanting things done yesterday 16:33 – Trade-offs: fast results vs. long-term freedom 20:20 – Resentment happens when you say yes to too much 23:00 – Letting go isn’t just tactical—it’s emotional 27:50 – Choosing your hard: reframe vs. repeat Want to be a guest on the podcast? Just fill in this form now !…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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245. Scaling a People-Powered Sales Team with Lisa Whitehouse 33:19

12 days ago33:19

33:19

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Lisa Whitehouse, founder of Clever Vine — a UK-based outsourced business development agency — to unpack the mental and operational roadblocks keeping her from hiring and scaling with confidence. If you’ve ever second-guessed whether it’s safe to grow your team, this one’s for you. Here’s what we cover: ✅ What “team trauma” looks like — and how it lingers in your decision-making ✅ Why Lisa keeps jumping back into client work (and what it’s costing her) ✅ The challenge of hiring for soft skills and high performance ✅ How to create capacity before you need it ✅ Navigating the tension between small clients and large contracts Lisa shares how a past business failure still shapes her thinking — and how that fear shows up in her leadership today. Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down: - The mindset shifts required to grow sustainably - How to set up hiring systems that feel safer - Why pricing must reflect skill (not just service) If you’re a service-based business owner trying to scale your team without losing quality or control, this episode will help you lead with clarity instead of fear. 🔥 Hit play and let’s get into it! Top 5 Takeaways: Fear Isn’t Strategy – Past business trauma can silently shape present-day decisions. Unpack it or risk staying stuck. Hire Ahead of Demand – Build the bench before you need it. Otherwise, you’ll always be catching up. Let Go to Grow – Just because you can jump in doesn’t mean you should. Founder fill-ins cost more than they save. Profit Needs Pricing Power – If your service is high-touch and human-led, your pricing should reflect that. Don’t Just Attract Talent—Train It – A clear onboarding timeline builds trust (and saves money). Chapters 01:10 – Meet Lisa: What Clever Vine does and who they serve 03:42 – The challenge: balancing demand with capacity 06:58 – Why past team layoffs still shape Lisa’s fear 10:24 – Jumping back in: the hidden cost of being the fallback 14:08 – Improving onboarding speed with better hiring clarity 17:02 – Balancing a values-driven culture with performance goals 19:50 – Creating team diversity across big and small clients 22:20 – Why pricing must match value in a human-led business 25:12 – Facing the fear: journaling, self-awareness, and belief work 31:00 – Lisa’s biggest takeaway + next step Connect with Lisa: 👉 Website: https://www.clevervine.co.uk…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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244. Building Trust After Big Changes In Your Business 15:15

19 days ago15:15

15:15

In this debrief session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle break down the key takeaways from their conversation with Robert Gauvreau about managing a fast-growing team and handling the challenges of an acquisition. If you’ve ever faced pushback from your team during a big change, this episode is for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why resistance to change is normal — and how to work through it ✅ How to create user manuals to improve team communication ✅ Why you need to frame change around the benefits to your team ✅ How to present new systems in a way that creates buy-in ✅ When saving money isn’t worth the team morale hit Adrienne and Emily share personal stories about how small changes (like switching a software system) can have a big impact on team morale — and why it’s essential to lead with the “what’s in it for them” approach when introducing change. Missed the conversation with Robert? Click here to listen to the full episode Top 5 Takeaways: Resistance is Normal – Every team has at least one person who will push back on change. Expect it and plan for it. Create User Manuals – User manuals help team members understand how to work better together and reduce conflict. Frame the Benefit to the Team – Don’t present change as something that helps you — explain how it benefits them. Change Takes Time – Rushing through change increases friction and reduces trust. Sometimes It’s Not Worth It – A small financial gain isn’t worth a big hit to team morale and efficiency. Chapters 00:28 – Robert’s Acquisition Challenge – Why managing change is so hard. 02:23 – Resistance to Change – Why teams push back — and how to handle it. 04:41 – Why User Manuals Matter – How to improve communication and reduce conflict. 07:33 – Presenting Change – How to frame change around benefits to the team. 11:49 – Lessons from the Clockwork Book – Why the second edition focuses more on team benefits. 14:40 – Practical Next Steps – How to create a user manual that works for your team. User Manual Template: 👉 Need help creating a user manual for your team? Grab our free template here! Want to Clockwork your own business, too? www.runlikeclockwork.com Adrienne’s IG RLC IG…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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243. Managing Fast Growth and Change with Robert Gauvreau 32:29

26 days ago32:29

32:29

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Robert Gauvreau, CEO of Gauvreau CPA, to tackle a major challenge — navigating a fast-growing team and a recent acquisition. If you’ve ever struggled with managing change, integrating new teams, or setting clear expectations, this one’s for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ How to lead through acquisitions without creating friction ✅ The power of curiosity in change management ✅ Building trust with a newly acquired team ✅ Why user manuals are the key to working better together ✅ How to clarify roles and KPIs for better performance Robert shares how his company grew from 18 employees to over 180 in just a few years — and the lessons learned along the way. Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down: 👉 How to approach a team integration without overwhelming them 👉 The importance of clear expectations and performance outcomes 👉 Why understanding individual work styles increases team cohesion If you’re navigating growth and want to avoid common integration mistakes, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Hit play and let’s get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Lead with Curiosity – Approach change with curiosity rather than assumptions. Trust your team’s knowledge and listen to their insights. Establish User Manuals – Creating personal user manuals helps team members understand how to work together more effectively. Slow and Steady Wins – When managing an acquisition, avoid rushing changes. Build trust first before implementing new systems. Clarify KPIs and Roles – Employees perform better when they know exactly what’s expected of them. Adapt and Learn – Even with a successful team, there’s always room to learn from new additions and different systems. Chapters 01:24 – Robert’s Business Background – How Robert built his CPA firm from 18 to 180 employees. 04:20 – Managing a New Acquisition – Robert’s challenge of integrating a newly acquired team. 07:43 – The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership – Why listening first builds trust and reduces friction. 11:56 – Creating a User Manual – How user manuals improve team communication and understanding. 18:36 – Setting Clear Expectations – How to define KPIs and roles to improve performance. 25:21 – Learning from Change – Why cross-learning is key in mergers and acquisitions. Connect with Robert: 👉 Website: https://www.gauvreaucpa.ca 👉 Social Media: @gauvreaucpa 👉 Robert’s Personal Handle: @robertgauvreau…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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242. Quality Over Quantity When It Comes to New Clients 17:58

5 weeks ago17:58

17:58

In this follow-up episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on last week's conversation with Danielle Cherewyk . Danielle shared how she solved one business challenge — needing more stylists — by purchasing a hair school. But with every solution comes a new bottleneck, and now Danielle is focused on recruiting high-quality students to keep her business thriving. Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why buying a school created a new business challenge ✅ How Danielle is rethinking her recruiting strategy for long-term success ✅ Why focusing on high-quality students is more important than filling seats ✅ The role of social media and strategic partnerships in attracting talent ✅ How to build a talent pipeline that supports future growth Adrienne and Emily explore the business lessons behind Danielle's experience and how identifying and solving the right bottleneck can unlock new levels of growth in any business. Danielle's story is a powerful reminder that business growth isn’t always linear. If you’re struggling to attract the right leads, this debrief is packed with insights to help you rethink your strategy and find sustainable success. 🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Every Solution Creates a New Bottleneck – Solving one business problem often uncovers another, but growth comes from working through each challenge strategically. 2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity – Recruiting the right students who are passionate about the industry is more important than simply filling seats. 3. Leverage Partnerships for Growth – Partnering with other local businesses and schools creates a more sustainable recruiting funnel. 4. Educate and Engage – Social media should focus on educating potential students about the value and opportunities within the industry, not just promoting the school. 5. Build a Long-Term Talent Pipeline – Introducing try-it days and summer camps can help build interest early and sustain a future pool of talent. 🕰️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Recap of Danielle’s Story 02:33 – Why Buying the School Created a New Bottleneck 04:44 – Danielle’s Shift from Filling Seats to Recruiting the Right Talent 07:16 – Why Recruiting is Different in a Rural Community 10:38 – Long-Term Strategy: Building a Pipeline with Try-It Days 14:52 – How Social Media Can Support Recruiting Goals 16:41 – Creating a Reputation That Attracts Top Talent 17:56 – Closing Thoughts and Takeaways 👉 Listen to Last Week’s Interview with Danielle Cherewyk:🎧 The Recruiting Challenge: How to Attract Top Talent with Danielle Cherewyk 👉 Learn more about Peak Beauty Academy: 🌐 Visit Peak Beauty Academy 📲 Follow on Instagram: @peakbeautyacademy Want to Clockwork your own business, too?: www.runlikeclockwork.com Adrienne’s IG RLC IG…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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241. The Recruiting Challenge: How to Attract Top Talent with Danielle Cherewyk 37:23

6 weeks ago37:23

37:23

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle dive deep with Danielle Cherewyk, a former client and successful salon owner, to tackle a major challenge — recruiting high-quality students for her newly purchased hair school. If you’ve ever struggled to create a consistent talent pipeline, this one’s for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ How purchasing a school created new opportunities (and new challenges) ✅ Strategies for recruiting top-tier students and building a long-term talent pipeline ✅ The power of partnerships with local businesses and high schools ✅ Creating effective "Try It" days to introduce potential students to the industry ✅ How social media and referral programs can boost recruitment Adrienne and Emily break down: 👉 How to shift recruitment strategy to target quality over quantity 👉 The balance between organic and referral-based recruiting 👉 Why building partnerships with local businesses strengthens long-term success 👉 How to use social media to educate and engage prospective students 👉 Creating scalable and effective recruiting events You can also check out Danielle’s episode from 2022 here ! If you’re ready to unlock the next level of growth in your business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play and let’s get into it! 🔥 🏆 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Build a Quality Pipeline – Recruiting the right talent takes more than just getting applicants — focus on high-quality leads who are committed to the industry. 2. Partner with Local Businesses – Creating strong relationships with other salons helps build trust and increase referrals. 3. Introduce "Try It" Days – Letting potential students experience the work firsthand creates interest and increases enrollment. 4. Referrals Matter – Offering small incentives for alumni and local salons to refer students can drive high-quality leads. 5. Strategic Social Media – Educating and engaging on platforms like Instagram and TikTok helps target the right demographic effectively. 🕰️ Chapters 01:00 – Danielle’s Background – From salon owner to hair school owner 03:32 – How Purchasing the School Created New Challenges 05:16 – Current Recruiting Strategies and Why They’re Not Working 10:11 – Shifting Focus to High-Quality Recruitment 13:42 – Creating "Try It" Days and Summer Camps 18:34 – The Role of Social Media in Recruiting 22:56 – Partnering with Local Salons 29:25 – Setting Growth Goals and Long-Term Vision 33:17 – Next Steps for Building a Strong Recruiting Pipeline Learn more about Peak Beauty Academy: 🌐 Visit Peak Beauty Academy 📲 Follow on Instagram: @peakbeautyacademy Want to Clockwork your own business, too?: www.runlikeclockwork.com Adrienne’s IG RLC IG…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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240. How to Deliver Value at Any Price Point 14:48

7 weeks ago14:48

14:48

In this follow-up episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on their conversation with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios, about the challenges of scaling creative businesses without losing quality. If you've ever felt torn between delivering high-end results and making your services more accessible, this one’s for you! → Missed Ryan Koral’s episode? Listen to it here. Here’s what we cover: ✅ How to create tiered offers without lowering your brand standards ✅ Why your “6/10” might be your client’s “10/10” ✅ The importance of protecting your QBR (Queen Bee Role) at every price point ✅ Why adjusting your offers doesn’t mean disappointing past clients ✅ How to balance exclusivity and accessibility to reach more clients Adrienne and Emily explore how luxury brands like Chanel offer both runway and ready-to-wear collections — and how creative entrepreneurs can apply that model to their business. They dive into the mindset shift required to deliver high-value outcomes at different price points without compromising on quality. If you’re struggling to find the right balance between premium and accessible offers, this episode will give you the framework you need to scale confidently. Hit play and let’s get into it! Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Client Perception > Your Own Standards – Your client’s 10/10 might be what you see as a 6/10. Focus on their satisfaction, not perfection. 2. Protect Your QBR at Every Tier – Your core offering and big promise should stay consistent, even if the execution varies. 3. Tiered Pricing Increases Accessibility – Offering different pricing levels allows more clients to experience your services without sacrificing quality. 4. Don’t Worry About Past Clients’ Perceptions – Markets change, and it’s okay to create new offers to adapt. 5. Adjusting Your Offer Doesn’t Mean Lowering Standards – You can simplify your offer while maintaining brand alignment and delivering strong results. Chapters: 01:52 – Creating Tiered Offers – How to scale creative services without losing quality 03:11 – Client Perception vs. Reality – What matters more than perfection 05:25 – Protecting the QBR – How to maintain your core promise at all levels 13:28 – Luxury vs. Ready-to-Wear – Applying a brand model to creative businesses 18:34 – Managing Client Expectations – How to communicate value at different price points 24:44 – Why Past Client Opinions Shouldn’t Hold You Back – Adapting to market changes 29:44 – Tiered Pricing Strategy – How to balance exclusivity and accessibility 34:38 – Delivering Value at Every Level – Meeting client expectations without overdelivering 36:11 – Business Growth Through Simplification – Why less can be more 39:30 – Take Action – Next steps for simplifying and scaling Links Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more about Ryan Koral and Tell Studios: tellstudios.com/easy 🔗 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: Ryan Koral Want help Clockworking your business: www.runlikeclockwork.com…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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239. Scaling with Simplicity with Ryan Koral 39:40

8 weeks ago39:40

39:40

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios, to tackle a common challenge among creative entrepreneurs — scaling without losing quality. If you've ever felt like you need to burn it all down and start over, this one’s for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ How to simplify your business offerings without sacrificing quality ✅ The difference between premium vs. ready-to-wear product models ✅ Overcoming the mindset blocks that stop you from scaling ✅ The power of meeting clients where they are — without compromising your brand ✅ How to use strategic downsizing to unlock sustainable growth Ryan opens up about the challenges of running a creative business for 20+ years and the internal conflict between delivering a “10/10” product and providing scalable, accessible solutions. Adrienne and Emily help Ryan shift his mindset, focusing on how to provide exceptional value without overdelivering — and why simplifying can be the key to long-term success. If you’re ready to simplify your business model, while still maintaining high value and client satisfaction, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Hit play and let’s get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: 1. Define Your “Ready-to-Wear” Offer – Just like luxury brands offer both high-end and accessible products, you can create scalable solutions without sacrificing quality. 2. Client Perception Matters More Than Your Own Standard – Your 5/10 might be a 10/10 for your client. Focus on the result, not perfection. 3. Simplification Leads to Scalability – Streamlining your offerings can help you serve more clients without increasing your workload. 4. Measure Success by Results, Not Perfection – If your work drives client results, it’s a win — even if it’s not “perfect” in your eyes. 5. Use Downsizing as an Opportunity – Losing team members or simplifying your offerings isn’t a setback — it’s a chance to create a leaner, more effective business model. Chapters: 01:52 – Feeling Like Burning It All Down – Why business owners feel like starting over 03:11 – Scaling vs. Simplifying – How to make your business more scalable 05:25 – Client Perception vs. Reality – Understanding what clients actually care about 13:28 – “Runway vs. Ready-to-Wear” Model – Why offering different tiers can drive growth 18:34 – Pricing and Positioning – How to communicate the value of different offers 24:44 – Creative Constraints – How to thrive with limited resources 29:44 – Mindset Shifts – Overcoming the fear of simplifying 34:38 – Sustainable Business Growth – Why less can be more 36:11 – Long-Term Success – Building a business model that supports future growth 39:30 – Take Action – Ryan’s next steps to simplify and scale Links Mentioned: 🔗 Grab Ryans free resource to make your video marketing easier: tellstudios.com/easy 🔗 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: Ryan Koral Connect with Adrienne: @adriennedorison Learn more about Run Like Clockwork: www.runlikeclockwork.com…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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238. Stay Small to Make More Money in Your Business 15:05

9 weeks ago15:05

15:05

In this episode, Adrienne and Emily unpack their biggest takeaways from the conversation with Denise Duffield-Thomas and discuss how to the Clockwork business and their own personal growth. Denise built a $5M business with a lean, part-time team by staying focused on one core offer and simplifying her operations — and Adrienne and Emily reflect on how that same principle applies to Clockwork and the challenges they’ve faced while scaling. Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why trying to launch too many offers creates chaos ✅ How staying focused on one offer creates consistent growth ✅ Why mindset shifts around success and simplicity are essential ✅ How to avoid the trap of thinking you’ve saturated the market (you haven’t!) ✅ The importance of finding fulfillment outside of your business They also reflect on the challenges of navigating business growth, why it’s easy to feel stuck when things feel hard, and how to use creative energy without overcomplicating the business model. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or scattered in your business, this is the episode you need to reset and refocus. 🔑 Top 5 Takeaways: Lean Growth is Possible – Denise built a multimillion-dollar business with a small team by staying focused on her core offer. Focus on One Offer – Scaling happens more easily when you focus on improving and selling what’s already working. Stop Adding to Fix a Problem – The urge to create new offers usually comes from feeling like something isn’t working — but it’s usually a messaging or marketing problem, not a product problem. Seasons Matter – Your business will have different seasons — understanding and respecting them creates longevity. Set Personal Goals – Achievements outside of work create balance and prevent burnout. ⏰ Chapters: 01:24 – Why Denise’s business model works so well 04:50 – The power of staying focused on one offer 06:46 – Why simplifying creates more growth, not less 10:42 – The trap of thinking you’ve saturated the market 14:44 – How to create fulfillment outside of work 18:31 – How creative energy can either fuel or complicate your business 22:34 – Finding the right balance between growth and simplicity 29:44 – Lessons from running a lean, profitable business 📲 Links & Resources: Connect with Denise: denisedt.com Follow Denise on Instagram: @denisedt Listen to Denise’s episode : ADD LINK Connect with Adrienne: @adriennedorison Learn more about Run Like Clockwork: www.runlikeclockwork.com…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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237. Running a $5M Business with a Lean Team with Denise Duffield-Thomas 48:45

10 weeks ago48:45

48:45

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with best-selling author Denise Duffield-Thomas to explore how she and her husband built a $5M business with a small, part-time team — and how they’ve structured their lives to work less without sacrificing income or success. Denise opened up about the strategies and mindset shifts that allowed her to create a thriving business while maintaining balance and freedom. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your business without overloading your schedule, this one’s for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ How Denise built a $5M business with a part-time team ✅ Why focusing on one core offer creates more growth (not less) ✅ The mindset shift around seasons of business and life ✅ Why building assets outside the business creates freedom ✅ How to avoid the trap of constantly launching new offers Adrienne and Emily also dig into: 👉 The power of simplifying your business model 👉 How Denise maintained revenue while stepping back from the business 👉 Why saying "no" is crucial for sustainable success 👉 The importance of having personal goals and wins outside of work 👉 Why perfectionism and identity shifts are holding you back If you’re ready to scale your business without working more, this episode will give you the inspiration and tactical advice you need. Hit play and get ready to simplify and grow! 🔥 🔑 Top 5 Takeaways: Lean Growth is Possible – Denise built a multimillion-dollar business with a small team by staying focused on her core offer. Focus on One Offer – Scaling happens more easily when you focus on improving and selling what’s already working. Seasons Matter – Your business (and life) will have different seasons — understanding and respecting them creates longevity. Build Outside the Business – Investing in assets and real estate created more financial freedom for Denise's family. Set Personal Goals – Achievements like winning a ballet trophy or succeeding at cross-stitch can give you fulfillment beyond business success. 📚 Check Out Denise’s Book: Denise is the author of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!, and Chillpreneur — must-reads for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to break through money blocks and grow their wealth. 👉 Grab your copy here: https://www.denisedt.com/books ⏰ Chapters: 01:24 – How Denise built a $5M business with a lean team 04:50 – The decision to keep the team small and efficient 06:46 – Why staying focused on one core offer creates more growth 10:42 – Understanding seasons of business and life 14:44 – Personal wins and why hobbies matter 18:31 – The freedom that comes from building assets outside the business 22:34 – Overcoming identity shifts and perfectionism 29:44 – How Denise simplified her business model 34:38 – Saying "no" to protect personal time and energy 39:30 – Lessons from taking a sabbatical 📲 Links & Resources: 👉 Connect with Denise: denisedt.com 👉 Follow Denise on Instagram: @denisedt Adrienne’s IG RLC IG…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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236. How to Stop Doing Everything in Your Business 17:07

11 weeks ago17:07

17:07

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on their r ecent coaching session with Beth Carter, The Badass Bookkeeper. Beth shared how she struggles to step out of the doing in her business — even with a team of 10 and a seven-figure business. Adrienne and Emily dive deeper into the root of this challenge, unpacking the Four D’s (Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing) and how understanding them can help business owners break free from the day-to-day grind. Here’s what we cover: ✅ The Four D’s – Why knowing the difference between Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing is key to business growth ✅ Why deciding for your team isn’t delegation (and how to fix it) ✅ How to empower your team to make decisions without you ✅ Why short-term profitability can limit long-term scalability ✅ How to balance stepping in during emergencies versus taking on too much Plus, Adrienne and Emily share strategies to help business owners invest in their teams, strengthen employee retention, and increase long-term profitability. Let’s get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Master the Four D’s – Understanding the difference between Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing is key to growing your business. You should be aiming to spend more time in Designing and Delegating as the CEO. Deciding vs. Delegating – If your team constantly needs your input to move forward, you’re still deciding — not delegating. The goal is to empower them to handle it independently. Invest in Your Team – Investing in team training and development strengthens relationships and improves retention — reducing lost productivity from turnover. Hiring Timing is Crucial – Hiring too late causes burnout and lost revenue, but hiring too early drains profitability. Finding the balance is key. Short-Term Profit vs. Long-Term Growth – Focusing only on short-term profitability limits scalability. Shifting into design and delegation mode is essential for long-term success. Chapters: 00:01 – Introduction – Recap of Beth Carter’s coaching session and why getting out of the doing is so difficult 01:25 – The Four D’s Explained – Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing – and how they apply to business growth 02:39 – The Problem with Deciding – Why answering questions for your team isn’t the same as empowering them 04:46 – Strategic Delegation – How to shift from deciding to delegating 07:44 – Why Design Time Matters – How high-level planning and strategy drive long-term business growth 08:18 – Investing in Your Team – How training and mentorship reduce turnover and increase efficiency 09:54 – Why You Might Not Be the Best Mentor – When to seek external training or support for your team 12:30 – When to Step In vs. Let Go – How to balance short-term help with long-term autonomy 15:40 – Hiring at the Right Time – Why hiring too late is more dangerous than hiring too early 16:24 – Next Steps and Takeaways – How business owners can apply these strategies to their business Relevant Links: 🔗 Clockwork Book – Read the Clockwork book for a deeper dive into the Four D’s. 🔗 COO Training Program – Learn how to train your team to handle operations independently. Listen to Beth's Episode Adrienne’s IG RLC IG…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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235. Breaking Free from Doing It All with Beth Carter 29:41

12 weeks ago29:41

29:41

In this coaching episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle sit down with Beth Carter, the "Badass Bookkeeper" and owner of BBA Bookkeeping , to tackle a challenge many business owners face — getting stuck in the doing. Beth shares how, even with a team of 10 and a seven-figure business, she still finds herself pulled back into production work, limiting her ability to grow and scale. Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why business owners struggle to stop doing the work themselves ✅ How to identify inefficiencies in your team and processes ✅ When to hire versus when to improve internal capacity ✅ Balancing profitability with growth — without losing control ✅ The power of process mapping to increase efficiency and autonomy Plus, Adrienne and Emily share strategies to help Beth streamline her business, empower her team, and reclaim her time for high-value CEO-level work. If you’re ready to stop doing it all yourself and unlock the next stage of business growth, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play, and let’s get into it! 🔥 Top 5 Takeaways: Stop Getting Pulled Into the Doing – If you keep getting pulled back into production work, it’s a sign of a capacity or efficiency problem — not a staffing problem. Process Mapping is Key – Mapping your client workflow step-by-step will help you identify inefficiencies and eliminate wasted time. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking – Profitability might look better when you’re doing the work yourself, but long-term growth requires strategic delegation and scaling. Team Training Increases Capacity – Investing time in mentoring and training your team will pay off in efficiency and long-term profit growth. Redefine Your CEO Role – Your highest value work is in business development, not production. Protect your time for high-impact activities. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Beth Carter – Meet Beth, owner of BBA Bookkeeping, and hear about her current business challenge. 02:07 – The Struggle of Getting Pulled Back Into Doing – Why business owners struggle to let go of production work. 04:46 – Identifying the Root Cause – When staffing issues are actually efficiency issues. 06:40 – Capacity Planning and Time Tracking – How to measure workload and spot gaps. 08:39 – Short-Term Profit vs. Long-Term Growth – How to balance profitability with scalability. 12:06 – The Power of Process Mapping – How to visually map out your processes to spot inefficiencies. 16:42 – Reducing Waiting Time and Handoff Delays – Why reducing wait times increases profitability. 18:52 – Increasing Team Autonomy – How to empower your team to handle more work independently. 21:53 – Mentorship vs. Correction – Why mentoring your team creates long-term value. 27:24 – Takeaways and Next Steps – Beth’s key insights and how she plans to implement them. 🔗 Camp Clockwork – Join Adrienne, Emily, and Beth at Camp Clockwork in 2025! 🔗 Clockwork Time Tracking Template – Start tracking your time to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Beth’s IG Adrienne’s IG RLC IG Want to be a guest for season 2? Just fill in this form!…

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234. More On How To Fix Business Bottlenecks 19:45

13 weeks ago19:45

19:45

In this episode, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle reflect on a recent coaching session with Leslie Liondas, breaking down how to identify and fix the four core business bottlenecks — Attract, Convert, Delivery, and Cash Flow. If you’ve been struggling to figure out why your business isn’t growing the way you want, this episode will help you diagnose the problem and create a plan to solve it. Here’s what we cover: ✅ How to identify which bottleneck is holding your business back ✅ The four core business bottlenecks and how they work together ✅ Why cash flow issues can block other fixes — and how to work around it ✅ When to focus on attraction, conversion, or delivery ✅ How to balance short-term cash flow with long-term business growth Plus, Adrienne and Emily share real-world examples and actionable strategies to help you streamline your business operations and drive sustainable growth. If you’re ready to unlock the next level of growth in your business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play and let’s get into it! 🔥 Listen to Leslie’s episode here. Connect with us here: Adrienne’s IG RLC IG Top 5 Takeaways: Identify the Right Bottleneck – Fixing the wrong problem wastes time and resources. Pinpointing whether you have an Attract, Convert, Delivery, or Cash Flow bottleneck is key to business growth. Solve One Bottleneck at a Time – Trying to fix multiple bottlenecks at once leads to inefficiency and stalled progress. Focus on one area until you see improvement. Cash Flow Challenges Are Common – Running out of cash to fix other problems is a frequent issue. Get creative and resourceful to improve cash flow without overextending. Conversion vs. Attraction Confusion – A high conversion rate with low leads means you need more traffic. A low conversion rate means you need better sales systems. Don't Waste Resources on the Wrong Fix – Focus on the bottleneck that's holding back growth — improving sales scripts when your problem is lead flow won’t fix the real issue. Chapters: 01:05 – Introduction to Leslie’s Coaching Session – Overview of Leslie’s business and why diagnosing bottlenecks matters 02:28 – The Four Bottlenecks – Overview of Attract, Convert, Delivery, and Cash Flow 04:35 – Why Cash Flow is a Common Problem – How cash flow limits the ability to solve other issues 06:10 – Diagnosing a Bottleneck – How to identify which bottleneck is blocking growth 09:28 – High Conversion, Low Leads – Why more traffic is sometimes the solution 12:06 – Increasing Capacity for Delivery – Why you need to solve delivery issues before growing your customer base 14:59 – Improving Efficiency with Current Resources – How automation and better systems can solve cash flow issues 16:46 – Focusing on the Right Fix – How to avoid distractions and focus on solving the correct bottleneck 18:52 – Testing and Iterating – Why quick wins and MVP approaches are key in early-stage businesses 20:30 – Balancing Growth and Stability – How to maintain stability while increasing business capacity…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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233. Cracking the Attract Code with Leslie Liondas 47:12

14 weeks ago47:12

47:12

In this coaching session, Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle dive deep with Leslie Liondas to tackle a major challenge in her coaching business — the attract bottleneck. If you’ve ever struggled to bring in the right leads, this one’s for you! Here’s what we cover: ✅ How to generate consistent, high-quality leads ✅ Refining your messaging so it actually converts ✅ The power of effective opt-ins (and why your freebie might not be working) We also get into the nitty-gritty of webinars — how to make them engaging, convert more attendees, and even use AI to streamline your content creation. Plus, Adrienne and Emily break down: 👉 The balance between organic and paid traffic (and why you need both) 👉 Why building trust is non-negotiable in the coaching world 👉 How to maximize your social media presence without burning out 👉 The key to understanding what your clients really need If you’re ready to unlock the next level of growth in your coaching business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today. Hit play, and let’s get into it! 🔥 Connect with Leslie here: https://nexpathcoaching.com/home https://liondascpa.com/ Connect with us here: Adrienne’s IG RLC IG Learn more about Fractional COO here Submit to be a guest here Top 5 Takeaways: Identify the Right Bottleneck – Fixing the wrong problem wastes time and resources. Pinpointing the actual bottleneck is key to business growth. Focus on One Platform – Going all-in on one platform (like Facebook) can drive better results than spreading yourself too thin. Proven Organic Success First – Don’t invest in Facebook ads until you’ve seen consistent success with organic traffic. Create Effective Opt-Ins – A strong opt-in can grow your email list and nurture leads more effectively. Understanding Client Needs – Listening to client pain points helps you create targeted solutions and increase conversions. Chapters 01:52 – Identifying the Attract Bottleneck – Pinpointing the true bottleneck is essential for fixing the right problem and driving growth. 03:11 – Strategies for Attracting Leads – Proven methods for generating consistent, high-quality leads. 05:25 – Evaluating Current Messaging and Results – How to refine your messaging to improve lead generation and conversion. 13:28 – Creating Effective Opt-Ins – Building opt-ins that grow your email list and nurture leads. 18:34 – Utilizing AI for Content Creation – How AI can simplify content creation and repurposing. 24:44 – Webinar Planning and Engagement Strategies – Designing webinars to increase attendance and drive action. 29:44 – Organic vs Paid Traffic – Finding the right balance between organic reach and paid ads. 34:38 – Maximizing Social Media Presence – Strategies to increase engagement and visibility without burnout. 36:11 – Building Trust in the Coaching Industry – Why trust is essential for client relationships and business growth. 39:30 – Understanding Client Needs – Listening to client pain points to create targeted, effective solutions.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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232. Welcome to the CEO Help Desk! 2:28

14 weeks ago2:28

2:28

In the very first episode of CEO Help Desk , Adrienne Dorison and Emily Doyle introduce the fresh new format designed to serve overwhelmed small business owners—just like you. Here’s the deal: Each week, you'll hear a real business owner walk through a specific operational or leadership challenge on air with Adrienne and Emily. Then in the following episode, your co-hosts debrief and go even deeper with ideas, context, and strategies to help you apply the same lessons to your own business. Whether you're looking to delegate more, streamline operations, or step out of the day-to-day, CEO Help Desk is your go-to coaching corner. What to Expect: ✅ Coaching episodes with business owners in the $500K–$5M revenue range ✅ Honest, strategic conversations (with a healthy dose of humor) ✅ Tangible takeaways from every challenge we tackle ✅ Behind-the-scenes insight in our debrief episodes ✅ Opportunities to submit your own business challenge for a future episode Think of it as part Run Like Clockwork , part Dear Work Wives — with a side of “passion for yapping,” as Emily says. If you're ready to grow a more sustainable, scalable business without being glued to your Slack channel 24/7, hit subscribe and let’s dive in! And if you want to be a guest, fill in this form!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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231. The Power of Play with Shannon Claire 49:54

1 year ago49:54

49:54

Play is transformative. And it's essential for our personal and professional growth that we take regular breaks to play. I know from personal experience that when I incorporated more play and whitespace into my life, my business increased exponentially. I had more “million dollar” ideas, bigger business growth, came up with better strategies, strengthened my relationships, and found a deeper connection with myself. On today's episode of the Run Like Clockwork podcast, I'm joined by Shannon Claire, an international branding photographer who has worked with entrepreneurs all over the globe, creating unforgettable brands and marketing campaigns that *actually* get attention. We discuss: how playfulness fosters creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. the misconception that constant work will lead to success why breaks are essential for sustainable growth why capturing transformational experiences makes for the best photos PLUS, we announce that Shannon will be offering a limited number of mini-branding shoots while at camp! It is normally thousands of dollars to work with her, but for Camp Clockwork, you have the opportunity to get in front of her lens for a whopping 3 figure investment! (lol) You'll receive 10-15 fully edited photos that are ready for all of your marketing needs. If you’re ready to get out of your rut, out of your comfort zone, and into a new level for your business (and yourself), you’ve GOT to get yourself to Camp Clockwork! www.campclockwork.com…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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"Create Your Clockwork Blueprint to Freedom" with Alexis Kingsbury 40:20

1 year ago40:20

40:20

Are you struggling to free up time, increase efficiency, and reduce key person dependency in your business? In this episode, Adrienne Dorison interviews Alexis Kingsbury, the founder of AirManual , about his journey to creating his solution to those issues. Alexis discusses the challenges he faced with traditional process documentation methods and how Air Manual was born out of the need for a tool that makes it easy for teams to create and follow processes. This conversation explores: The challenges of organizing digital workspaces and the benefits of using AirManual. Setting realistic expectations for finding information and improving client onboarding. Delegating hard tasks and making better decisions. How to support team members and create an incredible workplace. Clockwork and AirManual are partnering to provide a one-of-a-kind online masterclass that will guide you from feeling stuck in your operations to achieving life-changing freedom. So… join us Wednesday, May 8th @ 10 am Eastern for our free webinar "Clunky to Clockwork: How to Make it Easy For Your Team To Do Things The Way You Want Them Done", and get our blueprint for scalable success. In this training you’ll learn how to: Unlock Efficiency: Discover how the "weakest link in the chain" method can resolve your most pressing inefficiencies. Empower Your Team: Learn empowering techniques and tools that foster autonomy and reduce micromanagement. Blueprint to Freedom: Step-by-step guidance on making your business self-sustaining for growth without constant oversight. Achieve Life-Changing Results: Hear real success stories from businesses that have been transformation. Get Immediate Impact: Leave with actionable knowledge and resources for quick, valuable changes. To find out more and secure your space, head to airmanual.link/clockwork…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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230. Clockwork Book Club: Interview with Mike Michalowicz 24:28

1 year ago24:28

24:28

This is our final episode in the Clockwork Book Club, and today we are talking to the Author of “Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself”… Mike Michalowicz! In this episode, we discuss: What Mike wishes everyone knew about Clockwork The biggest updates to the system since the first edition of the book Why people resist the Four-Week vacation, and how to combat that! Every time we talk to Mike we always glean some new insights, and this episode is no different! You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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229. Chapter 13: Pushback (And What To Do About It) 18:19

1 year ago18:19

18:19

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 13 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Why we encounter pushback How Design can be just as taxing as Doing work Why you need to show up more when building trust We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 237-250. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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228. Chapter 12: Putting It All Together 8:26

1 year ago8:26

8:26

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 12 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss our takes on Roberto’s story! We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 227-236. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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227. Chapter 11: Take the Four-Week Vacation 16:15

1 year ago16:15

16:15

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 11 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: How key metrics help you determine the health of your business What to feature on a high-level dashboard The ACDC bottleneck framework We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 200-226. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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226. Chapter 10: Find And Fix Bottlenecks 25:03

1 year ago25:03

25:03

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 10 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: How key metrics help you determine the health of your business What to feature on a high-level dashboard The ACDC bottleneck framework We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 172-199. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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225. Chapter 9: Balance The Team 20:17

1 year ago20:17

20:17

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 9 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: How to complete a Job Trait Analysis Hiring for strengths instead of skills Using Clockwork as a retention tool on your team We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 149-171. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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224. Chapter 8: Capture Systems 21:50

1 year ago21:50

21:50

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 8 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: How to get systems out of your head Why we don’t believe in written SOPs The value of continuous improvement We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 128-148. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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223. Chapter 7: Trash, Transfer, Trim, or Treasure 19:15

1 year ago19:15

19:15

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 7 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Our top tips and takeaways to avoid the sunk cost fallacy How to complete the 4T exercise Why you really don't want to clone yourself We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 116-127. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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222. Chapter 6: Track Everyone’s Time 22:23

1 year ago22:23

22:23

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 6 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Why this is a throttle, not a switch Deciding vs. Delegating The Design Trap We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 85-115. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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221. Chapter 5: Protect and Serve the QBR 16:45

1 year ago16:45

16:45

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 5 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Differences between the QBR and Primary Roles Directly vs. Indirectly serving the QBR Completing the sticky note exercise We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 71-84 If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt in to a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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220. Chapter 4: Determine Your Company’s Queen Bee Role (QBR) 18:22

2 years ago18:22

18:22

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 4 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: The story behind why it’s called the QBR Why we love the Savannah Bananas How the QBR relates to the Big Promise We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 54-70 If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt into a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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219. Chapter 3: Declare Your Big Promise 17:22

2 years ago17:22

17:22

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 3 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Why you need to protect your reputation above all. Declaring your Big BANG How to find your Big Promise We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 41-53 If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt in to a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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218. Chapter 2: Clarify Who You Serve 14:53

2 years ago14:53

14:53

Welcome to our breakdown of Chapter 2 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: How to do less to achieve more The value in narrowing your niche. Completing the Crush/Cringe Analysis We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages 25-40. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt in to a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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217. Introduction and Chapter 1: Why Your Business is Still Stuck 25:32

2 years ago25:32

25:32

Welcome to our breakdown of the Introduction and Chapter 1 of Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself. In this episode, we discuss: Your #1 job as an entrepreneur Productivity vs. efficiency Growing vs. scaling We suggest that you read the chapter and then come listen to this episode covering pages xvii - 24. If you would like access to our FREE Study and Discussion Guides, and the ability to binge the podcast instead of waiting for weekly episode drops, you can opt in to a private feed here → http://www.runlikeclockwork.com/bookclub You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠@rlclockwork⁠ If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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216. Welcome to The Clockwork Book Club 10:51

2 years ago10:51

10:51

Welcome to The Clockwork Book Club! After 6+ years and two iterations of the book, we thought we were way past due to bring a book club to the podcast! Over the next 14 episodes, we're diving into each chapter of the book, breaking down our biggest takeaways, and sharing more insights from behind the scenes of Clockworking. Here's how we recommend following along: Find an accountability group Read along with us chapter by chapter Grab our FREE Study and Discussion Guides by opting into a private feed here. We can't wait to see how Clockwork will transform your life and business! You can share your reflections with us over on Instagram --> ⁠ ⁠@rlclockwork⁠⁠ Reminder, for this book club we are using the Revised and Expanded edition of Clockwork. If you don't have your copy of the book yet, you can grab a ⁠physical, kindle, or audible version here.⁠⁠…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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215: 5 Lessons From Changing Our Business Model 27:45

2 years ago27:45

27:45

At the start of 2023 we never could have predicted that we would have shut the doors to our seven figure program and would have completely switched business models… but here we are, and we have some lessons to share with you! Whether you’re on the verge of “burning it all to the ground”, or are just looking to add a new revenue stream to your business, you’ll definitely glean some new perspective from this episode We talk about: Change is scary, especially for your team. The less time you have to market 2 offers, the better! Done is better than perfect. Preselling is your best friend. Prepare to build a new audience. Hindsight is always 20/20, and there are always things we would do differently with the information we have now… but since we don’t have a time machine the next best thing we can do is share what we learned with you! You can visit www.runlikeclockwork.com to learn more about us.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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PSA about the Run Like Clockwork Accelerator 6:28

2 years ago6:28

6:28

It has come to our attention that some of y’all think we are kidding…or even worse, you think that we’re using false urgency by saying “doors are closing” when in fact they’ll be open again soon. But that is not the case. This is not a marketing tactic. Our business model is changing. The doors will be closing and NEVER reopening for the Clockwork Accelerator. This is the last time we’ll be accepting new students to work directly with us to clockwork their business. Friday, September 29th, the doors close FOR.EV.ER. And I’m not just saying that. For those of you who have been wanting to work with myself and my Run Like Clockwork Team to get your business clockworked, this is officially your last week to enroll! Ready to join? Visit www.clockworkaccelerator.com and use code WOW20% for 20% off the cost of enrollment. Need to chat with someone about it first? You can book a call with Gio from our team here: https://calendly.com/giovanni-rlc/30min…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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213: Clockworking for Ultimate Freedom with Nicole Bandes 30:11

2 years ago30:11

30:11

What would your life look like if you could take the entire summer off to RV around the country with your partner? Does that goal feel within reach, or totally out of the realm of possibility? For Nicole Bandes, owner of Virtual A Team, being able to take that time off was a non-negotiable. Despite owning a business that supports clients in delegation and project management, Nicole still found herself stuck in the weeds. It’s a hard truth, but even the most systems-minded people still sometimes need a framework like Clockwork to use as a jumping off point., hence why she found herself in the Accelerator, clockworking her virtual assistant business. As of recording, Nicole was 2-weeks out from a 9-week vacation and she has lots of tips to share in this episode about how to make that your reality, too! Want to learn more about Nicole? Check her out at virtualateam.com . If you know Clockworking your business with our support is the next step for you, join us in the Clockwork Accelerator! Need to talk to Gio from our team to get a few more details? Book a call with him here!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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212: Clockworking a Music School with Chris Vazquez 40:47

2 years ago40:47

40:47

Every month Team RLC nominates and votes on which of our incredible clients will win the coveted “Clockie” award. It’s something we started to recognize the hard work of our students, because we know how challenging it can be to build new habits and respect the new boundaries that Clockworking can bring. We’ve even designed a custom trophy for them, that’s how serious we take it! On today’s episode Emily interviews Chris Vazquez, owner of SoundLife Music Academy and guitarist in Air Supply. Due to the nature of when most people are looking to take music lessons, many people think that this is an impossible business model to Clockwork, but Chris is here to prove that all wrong! He shares a ton of insights on what it’s like to build a sustainable music school while also maintaining a rich and wonderful life outside of it… And shares some cool stories from his touring days! Want to learn more about Chris? Check him out on Instagram @cvazquezguitar , or at SoundLife Music Academy . If you know Clockworking your business with our support is the next step for you, join us in the Clockwork Accelerator! Need to talk to Gio from our team to get a few more details? Book a call with him here!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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The End of An Era 18:44

2 years ago18:44

18:44

We’re back with some big news… It’s the end of an era. If you've listened to any of our past podcast episodes on vision or gone through any of our programs you know that we believe in creating a vision that has three phases. The idea is to create milestones for each phase that will signal when it’s time to move onto the next. Ideally you’re always building a strong foundation for your future phases, and recently, we’ve hit some milestones that indicate it’s time for us to move to the next phase of our vision. We want to turn Clockwork into a household name, the “Energy Star Rating” of small business, and in order to do that… We are closing our accelerator program this October. Why? What does this mean? What about our clients? That’s exactly what we’re talking about in this episode of the podcast! If you have questions after listening, or want to chat about Accelerator, you can visit www.clockworkaccelerator.com to learn more and book a call.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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210: Let’s Get Certified! 21:11

2 years ago21:11

21:11

After countless requests, team meetings, and middle of the night stress sessions… The timing is finally right for us to introduce Clockwork Certified Partners. Today on the podcast, Adrienne and Emily pull back the curtain on the long road to this announcement, and what future partners can expect. They cover: What will it mean to "get certified" Why it took you so long to be ready to offer this How will it differ from the Accelerator program Who is and isn't a good fit for certification If you've been wanting to use the Clockwork System with your clients be sure to give this one a listen, and also sign up for the waitlist/application at www.getclockworkcertified.com . One more quick announcement… The RLC Podcast is going to be taking a short hiatus after this episode! Not for long, and we will definitely be back with a fresh and exciting way for you to listen. In the meantime, our “cousin” podcast, Dear Work Wives, officially launches on April 18th! You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, and submit a story at www.dearworkwives.com to be featured! Follow us on Instagram here to stay up to date on all things Clockwork.…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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209: Is Achieving Your Short Term Goals Keeping You Stuck? 31:33

2 years ago31:33

31:33

“You cannot Clockwork as a leader if you’re unwilling to change.” Donna Lim from Sooter Consulting joined us in 2019 for a live event and began her Clockwork journey. Like everything else in business, the process had its ups and downs, but after losing two managers in a year, and with her goal of being semi-retired in the next 5 years creeping up on her, she knew it was time to take it a little more seriously and join us again. As a recent winner of our coveted Clockie award, she joins Adrienne on this episode to get candid about the self-reflection, personal growth, and tough conversations required for her to keep moving toward that goal. Her best advice? Come into the community of Clockworkers! I tried it on my own. It wasn't working. I am amazed at how many times I go to a call specifically with a question in mind going, "how could I have ever tried to do this by myself?". We’re so grateful to have Donna as part of our community. If you know Clockworking your business with our community is the next step for you, join us in the Clockwork Accelerator, now! Need to talk to Gio from our team to get a few more details? Book a call with him here!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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208: 3 Shifts to Make to Grow Your Business - Part 3: Your Systems 35:03

2 years ago35:03

35:03

Building systems might not sound like the most exciting way to grow your business, but it’s definitely the most efficient! Why? That’s what Adrienne and Emily are talking about today! They cover: Why you need to take advantage of this low hanging fruit How to involve your whole team in this process How your current systems are keeping you small Plus, they’re joined by a live audience who have some good tidbits to share themselves! If you know Clockworking your business with our support is the next step for you, join us in the Clockwork Accelerator, now! Need to talk to Gio from our team to get a few more details? Book a call with him here! Want to grow your business this year? Grab our free training, 6 Ways To Grow Your Business here!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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207: Maybe you aren't on the same team! 17:30

2 years ago17:30

17:30

How often do you say the words “we’re all on the same team” in your business? It used to be a staple in my lexicon, even though it seemed to convey exactly what I meant. Then recently at our team retreat, while discussing how to continue navigating the inevitable interpersonal challenges that come up on a team of this size we landed on a metaphor that felt more in alignment with how we operate. The business is a scale… and we’re just trying to keep it in balance. Sometimes that means people will be on opposite sides… and that is OK. Growing a business is going to come with challenges, preparing for them so they don’t take you out along the way is part of the work we do here at Clockwork. If you’re focused on growing your business and are looking for more resources to make sure you don’t break it, join us for our FREE training on March 28th. Register now at www.dontbreakyourbusiness.com .…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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206: Don’t Break Your Business 16:18

2 years ago16:18

16:18

You’ve got big goals — but do you have the systems and policies in place to support them? Everyone wants to go “viral” these days, but is your business prepared to capitalize on the opportunity if you did? That’s the topic of this week's podcast… what you actually need to watch out for if you're hoping to reach those big goals you have for the business. You need to learn how to spot the weak spots in your business now, so that you can deliver with excellence when you do. Prep for the growth you want — without breaking the business! If that sounds overwhelming right now, don’t worry! We’re hosting a FREE live training on March 28th to walk you through this entire process Together, in this free online training event, we will… Identify which of the four growth bottleneck you’re currently experiencing Explore Doing vs. Dreaming: identify your goals — and what might be holding you back from achieving them. Map out exactly what would be needed to make that goal happen in your business — with live coaching to get it done! And prioritize how to start solving any gaps + inefficiencies you might discover. Go to www.dontbreakyourbusiness.com now to register!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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205: 3 Shifts to make to Grow your Business - Part 2: Your Team 51:15

2 years ago51:15

51:15

Despite how desperately we all wish it were true… you aren’t one magic hire away from solving all the problems in your business. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire anyone, especially if you’re looking to grow your business this year! In this episode Adrienne and Emily are joined by a live audience on zoom to dive deep into all things building, leading and mentoring a team through growth, like: The top 4 challenges that come with a team The S-Curve concept Addressing challenging situations Plus answer they answer a few listener questions. Wish you could have joined us live? Don’t worry, we’re recording part 3 live on March 23rd at 1pm Eastern. Click here to add our final part in this series to your calendar! Want to grow your business this year? Grab our free training, 6 Ways To Grow Your Business here! Ready to talk to Gio from our team about joining Clockwork? Book a call with him here! And keep your eye out for a special announcement on next week’s episode!…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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204: We’re not creating oxygen 13:49

2 years ago13:49

13:49

We are not creating oxygen! You’ve heard it before, you love it, and hopefully you live it… But if you aren’t quite living into those words just yet, maybe that’s because you need to listen to this episode. In this episode, Adrienne shares: Why she lives by this motto What it means in the day-to-day life of a clockworked business How you can adopt this into your business now! You can join in this conversation with us anytime over on Instagram → @rlclockwork Or if you want to work with us find more ease in your business, check out the Clockwork Accelerator → www.clockworkaccelerator.com…

The CEO Help Desk from Run Like Clockwork

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203: Revisited - The single most important activity in your business 29:36

2 years ago29:36