For many mid-sized, privately held, and family-owned businesses, a common frustration is knowing your operations could be better but not knowing where to begin. It’s a feeling of being bogged down by persistent inefficiencies and unseen bottlenecks. You’re stuck in a reactive loop, constantly fighting fires instead of building a resilient, high-performing enterprise. The solution isn’t about working harder; it’s about getting an expert perspective to find the “blind spots” that have become so ingrained in your daily routine that no one notices them anymore.
As a fractional COO, my entire approach is built on this principle. The goal is to move beyond acknowledging “room for improvement” to actively implementing transformative, proven methodologies. My experience spans decades, from implementing lean manufacturing principles to managing complex global operations, all with a single focus: turning operational challenges into strategic advantages.
Identifying the Blind Spots: A 360-Degree Assessment
You can’t fix what you can’t see. A key role of a strategic COO is to identify the hidden issues that are holding your business back. This is done through a methodical, hands-on approach that goes beyond a superficial review of spreadsheets. It involves:
1. Gemba Walks:
Spending significant time on the factory floor or in the warehouse to observe processes firsthand. This is where I can identify non-value-added activities, excess inventory, and inefficient layouts that are slowing down production.
2. Data and Systems Review:
Analyzing key operational metrics to establish a baseline for performance. This includes everything from production output and lead times to inventory turnover and on-time delivery. I also assess how well current technology, such as ERP systems, is being utilized.
3. Team Listening Tour:
Meeting with key personnel across departments to understand their daily frustrations and ideas for improvement. This step is critical because the people on the front lines often have the best insights into what isn’t working.
The Operational Mindset: Connecting Operations to the Bottom Line
A common issue for many companies is that operational improvements and financial outcomes are treated as separate functions. This creates a significant blind spot. My unique background as an “operational CFO” is a major asset. I don’t just see a process; I see how that process directly impacts the financial bottom line. This integrated perspective ensures that every operational improvement we make is strategically linked to enhanced profitability, cash flow, and overall enterprise value.
For example, by implementing waste reduction initiatives and improving efficiencies, I have been able to save companies millions of dollars. This is a direct result of connecting operational decisions to financial outcomes. A fractional COO with this dual expertise can help you avoid the common pitfalls of siloed thinking and ensure that your operational strategy and financial goals are perfectly aligned.
Building a Resilient, Agile Enterprise
Today, supply chain resilience is a major challenge. Geopolitical fragmentation and the rising cost of transportation have made single-source suppliers a significant risk. My approach is to help companies diversify their supplier base and leverage technology to gain greater visibility across their supply chain. By implementing a clear plan to mitigate these risks, we can build a more agile and resilient enterprise, turning a strategic vulnerability into a competitive advantage.
My experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations and a large global workforce means I understand the complexities of implementing standardized processes across diverse locations and work cultures. My approach is to break down those silos and build a cohesive, streamlined operational framework that works everywhere.
Your Operations, Your Catalyst for Growth
The challenges of inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and fragmented operations are real. But they are not insurmountable. The right operational leadership can transform these challenges into a catalyst for growth. A fractional COO engagement offers the precise level of support you need to solve these problems without the overhead of a full-time executive.
If you are frustrated by inefficiencies and a sense that your operations could be far more productive, let’s explore a partnership. The path to a thriving, resilient, and profitable business is just one conversation away.
