#48: De-Risking the Business as a Second-In-Command
Manage episode 478446185 series 3585702
One of the most powerful (and often invisible) things you can do in this role is proactively de-risk the business. That means thinking ahead, planning for disruptions, and removing single points of failure that could knock the business off track.
In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we unpack the real meaning of de-risking. It’s not about fear—it’s about responsibility. We talk through how to evaluate operational systems, vendor dependencies, leadership bandwidth, and revenue streams with fresh eyes. Megan also shares a true story from a tornado that tested her own continuity plans, and an ADA compliance issue that could’ve quietly cost $20,000 if not addressed.
You'll hear all about:
- 00:28 – Why de-risking is a critical function for Seconds-in-Command in founder-led companies
- 01:03 – The three core priorities you must balance: growth, team health, and risk mitigation
- 01:33 – Understanding key person risk: what happens if the CEO—or you—can’t work?
- 02:01 – The value of cross-training, documentation, and succession planning
- 02:22 – Operational risk: how to spot single points of failure in systems and processes
- 02:47 – A business continuity exercise that lists every function, tool, and backup plan
- 03:32 – The real-life value of this work: how a tornado in 2020 tested their contingency planning
04:17 – Payroll goes down? Here’s a backup plan that ensures no one misses a paycheck - 05:01 – Strategic and financial risk: are you too reliant on one client, channel, or product?
- 05:51 – Vendor risk: how to evaluate suppliers and what to do when terms change unexpectedly
- 06:16 – The two-part vendor checklist: security protocols and financial terms
- 07:25 – How to approach worst-case scenario thinking without being a fearmonger
- 07:48 – Pitching risk-mitigation to your CEO: making it real with examples
- 08:00 – A real ADA website lawsuit story—and why a $20K surprise could derail your year
- 09:14 – Use storytelling and real-life examples to prioritize de-risking in your annual plan
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49 episodes