On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with John Forbes Scrugham [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnscrugs/], Principal Solutions Architect at Coda. We chat about the evolving role of a solutions architect, shifting from a solely technical delivery to a more human-centric approach. John breaks down how he navigates the different phases of developing solutions within businesses, sharing stories and tricks that he’s picked up through his journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * The evolving role of solutions architecture within businesses
 * How to approach development through human-centric design
 * The phases of the solutions architecture process from prototyping to scaling
 * What the “I Build Solutions” Continuum is and where you fall on it
 * Tips to begin developing in no-code and low-code platforms


Check out more about John at johnforbes.net [https://johnforbes.net/]!

👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/MQQxGeCNU4Q] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

Master the Evolving Craft of Solutions Architecture with John Forbes Scrugham

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Alison Stewart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-robine-stewart/], Co-Founder and COO of Overalls [https://getoveralls.com/], a life concierge service. Alison shares her journey as a strategic doer—those who both devise and implement strategies. We chat about innovation, prioritization, and everything in between!

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Differences in operational approaches between corporate and startup environments
 * The concept of "strategic doers" and how to shift your mindset to be one
 * How to prioritize your operational execution to be effective
 * How a life concierge service holistically helps employees
 * The significance of time management and reclaiming your time


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/OwVvGakAo4o] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

How to Become a “Strategic Doer” with Alison Stewart

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Maxwell Nee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellnee/] award wining entrepreneur and Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp [https://www.scoreapp.com/]. Maxwell shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor to Chief Revenue Officer, bringing to life the lessons he’s learned along the way.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Transiting from investor to an internal business role
 * The importance of alignment among business partners
 * The Necessity of self-awareness in business success
 * Role of data in understanding customer needs
 * The Scorecard Marketing [https://www.amazon.com/Scorecard-Marketing-four-step-playbook-getting/dp/1781337195] playbook for getting better leads


👀 Watch the episode [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUm3_L3KuDo] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

From Entrepreneur to Investor to Insider with Maxwell Nee

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Erika Giuggio [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikagiuggio/], Business Optimization Specialist at Schooley Mitchell. As a specialist in her field, Erika reveals her strategies for helping businesses in industries like construction and utilities, slash expenses and enhance their operations within 90 days. We also discuss her journey of patenting a cosmetic brush system!

In this episode, we discuss:

 * What a business optimization specialist actually does
 * Strategies for reducing business expenses quickly
 * Challenges faced by industries like construction and utilities with operational inefficiencies
 * Using return on investment to combat resistance to change
 * Erika’s journey through the world of patents


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/1yxvGRogjyA] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

Optimizing Operations in Just 90 Days with Erika Giuggio

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Kevin Dean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjdean/], Founder and CEO of ManoByte [https://www.manobyte.com/]. With over two decades of experience, Kevin walks us through how innovative automation solutions not only streamlines workflows and enhances customer experiences, but is a key driver to overall business growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * The evolution of automation from traditional logic-based systems to AI
 * Structured experimentation when rolling out automation
 * Navigating change management in the automation process
 * Practical applications of AI automation in customer service and personalization
 * Challenges and opportunities presented by AI in business operations  


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/fkoK1fuknH8] on Youtube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

From Traditional Automations to AI-Driven Solutions with Kevin Dean

On the 50th episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Joey Cofone [https://www.joeycofone.com/], CEO of Baronfig and author of the bestselling book The Laws of Creativity. This episode is an absolute favorite of mine with my favorite person in the world, so it’s not one to miss.

I’ve always believed that operators are creatives. It’s a vital part of our work. Joey takes that thought a step further and believes that everyone possesses innate creativity. The key is in learning how to reignite it, which is what his book is all about.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Why everyone is creative, no matter their profession
 * The decline in creative thinking from childhood to adulthood
 * The process and stages of writing a book
 * Pro-tips on how to author a book
 * The impact of parenthood on rediscovering creativity


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/979FA6NjZ_Y] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

Reclaiming Your Creative Genius with Joey Cofone

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with sustainability expert John Pabon [https://www.johnpabon.com/], author, consultant, speaker, and UN advisor. This is truly one episode you don't want to miss.

Not only does John break down what sustainability actually encompasses, but he also talks us through practical approaches for individuals and businesses to engage in it.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Definition and dimensions of sustainability, including environmental, social, and governance aspects.
 * The significance of identifying personal passions to drive sustainability initiatives.
 * The role of governance in monitoring and regulating sustainability practices.
 * The necessity of quantifiable metrics in pursuing sustainability investments within business.
 * The importance of transparency in supply chains and corporate practices.


🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

Pragmatic Sustainability: Ditching Idealism for Practical Action

As we wrap up 2024, I want to give all my gratitude to our wonderful listeners. You make this whole thing worthwhile and I will forever be grateful!

Make sure to check out the 12 Days of Operations, which are a bunch of bit-sized tips and tricks to help you become a top operator in business and in life. You can find it on our:

 * Newsletter [https://secret-ops.com/newsletter]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-cofone/]
 * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretOpsHQ/community]


📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

2024 Wrap Up with the 12 Days of Operations

On this episode of Secret Ops, we flip the script where I am the guest and KC Procter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcprocter/], Marketing Operator extraordinaire, interviews me on the basics of becoming a fractional operator!

We dive into how to get started in fractional operations, what to look for in clients, tips on structuring your workload, how to navigate tricky conversation and much more!

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Understanding the fractional operations model
 * How to acquire clients and get better at pitching yourself
 * Recognizing a potential client’s readiness for change
 * Setting expectations and how to identify red flags
 * Navigating the end of client relationships positively


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/VDGkULT2_rI] on Youtube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

How To Get Started as a Fractional Operator with guest host KC Procter

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Tim Bynum [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbynum/] Founder of Anchor Financial Services [https://www.anchorfs.co/] and Chief Financial Officer.  This conversation explores the vital link between financial operations and business strategy to drive growth and clarity in decision-making. We also discuss strategies on how to develop financial literacy for small business owners, with some great tips on how to get started!

In this episode, we discuss:

 * The relationship between financial operations and overall business strategy.
 * The importance of financial literacy for small business owners.
 * How to translate financial data into actionable insights
 * Lessons learned in developing a custom operating system
 * The value of celebrating successes and recognizing progress


👀 Watch the episode [https://youtu.be/hdfOfFCv1Ks] on YouTube

🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com [https://www.secret-ops.com/]

📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com [https://coda.io/d/Secret-Ops_dVnrSuT67Y1/shhh@secret-ops.com]

🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com [https://www.arianacofone.com/]

The Art of Financial Storytelling in Business with Tim Bynum

Every episode of Secret Ops goes behind the scenes with industry experts in operations to learn why and how they do what they do. From data science to people ops, revenue ops, and much more— we unveil the world of business operations, one layer at a time. Secret Ops is hosted by Ariana Cofone, an operations nerd with 10+ years of experience. Throughout her time in the field, including roles as a Chief Operating Officer, VP of Operations, and Creative Technologist, she observed that people knew they needed operations, but didn’t know what it was. The Secret Ops podcast is her way of bridging that gap and showing all of the work that operators do behind the scenes to make businesses thrive. Learn more about the podcast at secret-ops.com and about Ariana at arianacofone.com.

Ariana Cofone

Shows