We are the COO coaches to help you successfully scale in this new world where efficiency is as important as growth. Remember when valuations were 3-10x ARR and ...
In this episode we discuss: What is a COO's strengths and gaps? We are joined by Divinia Knowles, The COO Coach. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How do COOs build trust with key decision-makers while staying behind the scenes?What’s the secret to thriving in a role that demands constant adaptability?How can COOs master resource allocation when scaling feels chaotic?Why is being an external spokesperson a game-changer for COOs?How do COOs and CEOs create a partnership that drives success?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowleswww.daijo.iowww.cooroundtable.comBiography Divinia Knowles is an accomplished operator and coach with extensive experience supporting startup and scale-up COOs, CEOs, and leadership teams through growth, exit, and beyond. With a career spanning roles as COO, CFO, CEO, and Board Advisor, Divinia has worked with companies like Pact Coffee and Mind Candy, helping scale global brands and drive success.As the founder of the London COO Roundtable, Divinia has built a thriving network for operational leaders. Since 2017, she’s coached over 150 executives, combining advanced coaching accreditation with expertise in organizational psychology, resilience, and team dynamics.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary04:49 Introduction to COO Strengths and Weaknesses19:23 Exploring COO Strengths20:33 Identifying Gaps in COO Skills21:22 The Role of External Spokesperson26:37 Resource Allocation Challenges for COOs31:16 Understanding Financial Reports and Business Metrics32:44 The Importance of Financial Forecasting31:23 Exploring Business Models and Metrics40:18 Future-Facing Opportunities in Business46:04 Strengths-Based Management and Just-in-Time Learning
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65. A COO’s journey to a Google exit
In this episode we discuss: a COO's journey to a Google exit. We are joined by Shane Harris, Former COO @ Cameyo. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Shane Harris: What role does sustainable growth, cash flow positivity, and dynamic budgeting play in a company’s success?How can company culture and strategic alignment influence decision-making and long-term growth?Why is understanding customer lifetime value and identifying productive customers critical for sustainable business strategy?What steps should startups take to prepare for a successful exit?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanecharrisBiography Shane is a seasoned tech executive with a passion for building high performance teams, optimizing business systems and establishing KPI frameworks that drive scalable growth. As COO of enterprise software company Cameyo, acquired by Google, he has a proven track record of strategic leadership through scale and exit. Prior to Cameyo, Shane led operations and helped grow Vasion (formerly PrinterLogic) from 13 to 300+ employees and over 35x revenue growth. Shane has an MBA from Duke University where he graduated at the top of his class.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary06:46 Introduction27:05 Startups, goals, and roadmaps28:07 No frills28:49 Cameo's Exit Strategy and Company Culture30:42 Exit strategies32:18 The Value of Bootstrapping vs. Funding33:54 Navigating Growth Paths and Strategic Decisions35:26 The Role of Operations in Business Success39:38 Preparing for Acquisition: Metrics and Data42:58 Stages of Development and Strategic Objectives47:40 Lessons Learned for Future Exits
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64. The Essential Guide to Intellectual Property
In this episode we discuss: Patents and IP strategy for Scaleups. We are joined by Jon Calvert, IP strategy expert.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Jon Calvert: How can startups effectively protect their innovations through intellectual property (IP)?What are the key differences between patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, and when should each be used?How can a well-crafted IP strategy enhance a startup's valuation during funding rounds or mergers and acquisitions?What steps should startups take to meet the criteria for patentability, such as novelty and inventiveness?How can education and awareness about IP help startups maximize its value and explore alternative financing options like IP asset-based lending?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncalvert/www.clearviewip.comhttps://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/financial-advisory/perspectives/deloitte-ip-360-survey.htmlReading list:Protecting Intellectual Property: What Startups Need To KnowWhat is Intellectual Property? IP Competitive Benchmarking — ClearViewIPIP Due Diligence — ClearViewIPIP Sales, Licensing & Tech Transfers — ClearViewIPIP Valuations — ClearViewIPValuing Intellectual Property AssetsBiography A globally recognised IP Strategist, Jon helps clients drive business value and competitive advantage through effective management of their intangible assets. Jon has advised investors, Boards and C-suite executives on hundreds of transactions and built winning Value Creation and Risk Management strategies for some of the World’s most innovative and successful organisations.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary03:07 Introduction to Intellectual Property and Its Importance14:22 Understanding Patent Types and Their Roles16:33 When Should Startups Consider Patents?19:35 What is Patentable? Exploring Novelty and Inventiveness23:15 User Interface Design and Intellectual Property25:25 Building an IP Strategy for Startups27:52 The Role of IP in Funding Rounds35:37 IP Asset-Based Lending: A Financial Strategy38:39 Valuing Intellectual Property for Buyers43:56 Final Thoughts on IP Education and StrategyAdditional ResourcesShort essential e-learning:
In this episode we discuss: What you need to know about ESOPs. We are joined by John Fraser, Financial Director for PEAK.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with John Fraser: How can companies effectively educate employees to ensure the success of their ESOPs?What steps should organizations take to navigate the complexities of share options and stakeholder involvement?How can companies balance basic implementation steps with long-term implications when designing share schemes?At what point should companies transition from spreadsheets to dedicated tools for managing share data?What are the best practices for communicating compensation strategies and leveraging resources like the Index Ventures report?Referenceshttps://linkedin.com/in/john-fraser-a1bb8876Biography John Fraser brings a wealth of experience with over 20 years in finance and accounting. He spent 4 years specializing in VAT with HMRC and 10 years in the oil and gas industry, working with a NYSE-listed company in diverse roles spanning statutory reporting, management accounting, FP&A, internal audit, and controllership. For the past 6 years, he has been a key contributor at Peak, leveraging his expertise to drive financial excellence.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary19:52 Introduction to ESOP and Its Evolution21:17 Navigating the Initial Steps of ESOP Implementation24:05 The Importance of Employee Education and Communication26:07 Challenges in Seeking External Support for ESOP26:58 Strategic Considerations for Future-Proofing ESOPs29:00 International Considerations and Cross-Border Challenges32:21 Choosing the Right Share Management Tools40:12 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
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62. How to prepare for an IPO
In this episode we discuss: How to prepare for an IPO. We are joined by Trecilla Lobo, Chief People Officer, board member, advisor, and mentor to other people leaders. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Trecilla Lobo: How can your organisation prepare early for the IPO journey, ensuring alignment across teams and addressing unique challenges in advance?What steps can you take to foster collaboration and effective communication among all stakeholders during the IPO process?How to address the cultural shifts and employee retention challenges?What strategies should be implemented to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and adapt share schemes effectively for the post-IPO landscape?What does a clear and actionable post-IPO strategy look like for your organisation, and how will it guide long-term success?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/trecillalobohttps://resources.ledgy.com/ipo-readiness-playbookBiography People Leader with 20+ years of experience building, scaling, and transforming VC/PE backed companies (fintech, biotech, B2B, and B2C) through their people. With a strong track record of exits including IPO. I grew my career in the people function with listed companies and transitioned those skills to building companies with a strong scaling and transforming smaller high-growth tech companies across multiple locations from 100+ to 2,500+. Experience of Fintech, Biotech and deep tech.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary20:18 What is unique about the IPO journey21:04 What happens to the people after an IPO?22:16 Key Work Streams in IPO Preparation25:50 Post-IPO Challenges and Cultural Shifts28:49 Preparing for Exit Events: IPO vs. Acquisition31:00 Best Practices for Early IPO Preparation39:33 Share options40:40The Role of External Expertise in IPOs
We are the COO coaches to help you successfully scale in this new world where efficiency is as important as growth. Remember when valuations were 3-10x ARR and money wasn’t free? We do. Each week we share our experiences and bring in scale up experts and operational leaders to help you navigate both the burning operational issues and the larger existential challenges. Beth Ayers is the former COO of Peak AI, NewVoiceMedia and Codilty and has helped raise over $200m from top funds - Softbank, Bessemer, TCV, MCC, Notion and Oxx. Brandon Mensinga is the former COO of Signal AI and Trint.
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