The Operations Room: A Podcast for COO’s
Episodes
96. AI Native Ops, How Brex Rebuilt Operations
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: AI Native Ops, How Brex Rebuilt Operations. We are joined by Camilla Matias, COO at Brex. Love The Operations Room? Pleas...
95. Puzzle Setting, Not Goal Setting
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Puzzle setting, not goal setting. We are joined by Radhika Dutt, Author, Speaker, Consultant. Love The Operations Room? Pl...
94. The BizOps Anti-Playbook
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The BizzOps Anti-Playbook. We are joined by Vessela Clewley, Strategy & Biz Ops Executive.Love The Operations Room? Pl...
93. Collaborative AI for Revenue Teams
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Collaborative AI for revenue teams. We are joined by Mylo Portas, CEO of Choras. Love The Operations Room? Please support ...
92. How to Really Use AI in Your GTM Team
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How to really use AI in your GTM team. We are joined by Donna McCurley, Creator of the AI Sales Operating System™ (AiSOS...
91. AI in The Future of Work
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: AI in the future of work. We are joined by Agata Nowicka, Managing Partner of the AI Visionaries Accelerator.Love The Oper...
90. What is The CEO's Job?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What is the CEO’s job? We are joined by Keith Wallington, Chairperson and Investor in B2B SaaS businessesLove The Operat...
89. The Economics of VC Funds
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The economics of VC funds. We are joined by Edward Barrow, Co-Founder & CEO @ Cloud Capital.Love The Operations Room? ...
88. Discovering Your Strengths
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Discovering Your Strengths and Living The Life That You Want. We are joined by Alicia Diamond, COO and Transformation Lead...
87. The COO's Guide to The Jigsaw Puzzle Company
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The COO's Guide to The Jigsaw Puzzle Company. We are joined by Cameron Herold, he is the founder of the COO Alliance and a...
86. Season 2 Wrap Up
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a whirlwind of a season!In this special wrap-up episode, Bethany and Brandon look back on the last ten weeks of The Operations Room — th...
85. AI Employees
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: AI employees. We are joined by Matt Lhoumeau, Cofounder & CEO at ConcordLove The Operations Room? Please support us by...
84. What Scale Up Founders Go Through
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What scale up founders go through. We are joined by Jonny Burch, Designer turned Founder. Love The Operations Room? P...
83. How Storytelling Can Get You What You Want
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How storytelling can get you what you want. We are joined by David Pullan, author, speaker, coach, and gold miner.Love The...
82. Resilience in Organisations
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Resilience in Organisations. We are joined by Aušrinė Keršanskaitė, Co-founder of Operations Nation.Love The Operation...
81. The Intentional Organization
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The intentional organization. We are joined by Mathias Meyer, The Startup CTO Coach, and Sara Hicks, Product Leader and Fo...
80. Navigating Through an Uncertain World
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Navigating through an uncertain world. We are joined by Jillian Reilly, Author, Global change facilitator, Keynote s...
79. Making Legal Work for Your Scale-Up
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: From red flags to green lights, making legal work for your scale-up. We are joined by Helen Goldberg, Co-Founder & COO...
78. The Pitfalls on The Path to Exit
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss: The pitfalls on the path to exit. We are joined by Dirk Sahlmer, Head of Origination at saas.group.Love The Operations Ro...
77. How does AI change the approach to professional development?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How does AI change the approach to professional development? We are joined by Anna Tavis, Clinical Professor and Cha...
76. Authenticity in Leadership
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Authenticity in Leadership. We are joined by Matthew Stone, from ME Consulting and Creating Liberating Working Cultures.&n...
75. The Announcement Episode
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat about what's going on in our lives, share some life changing news, and announce the new seasoned approach. Going forward, we'l...
74. The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: the art and science of 1 to 1 meetings. We are joined by Dr. Steven Rogelberg, CEO, Board Member, Editor, Author, Chief Ta...
73. Building an AI First Organisation Part 2
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Unlocking AI for Non-Technical Leaders. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Founder of Kowalah and author of "How To Sell Tech...
72. Is the COO the Single Source of Truth?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Is the COO the single source of truth? We are joined by Eric Collins, Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, CEO & Founding Me...
71. Proactive Mental Health Strategies for Leaders
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How to tackle mental health in an organization. We are joined by Chris Hatfield, Mindset & Well-being Coach.Love The O...
70. Jumpstarting Your Workplace Culture
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Jumpstarting your workplace culture. We are joined by Eric Stone, International Keynote Speaker | Award Winning Author | E...
69. Building an AI First Organisation
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Making AI happen in 2025 for your organization. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Author of "How To Sell Tech" and “The Re...
68. First Team Loyalty: The Key to Executive Success
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: how to implement the first team concept. We are joined by Cassie Young, General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, and s...
67. COO Superpowers Revealed Part 2
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
66. COO Superpowers Revealed Part 1
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
65. A COO’s journey to a Google exit
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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? Pleas...
64. The Essential Guide to Intellectual Property
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 su...
63. What you need to know about ESOPs
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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? Ple...
62. How to prepare for an IPO
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 othe...
61. How do you create a high performance culture?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How do you actually create a high performance culture? We are joined by Andrew Richardson, Managing Partner at Foundation ...
60. The State of the European Venture Market
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The State of the European Venture Market. We are joined by Simon Menashy, Partner at MMC Ventures.Love The Operations Room...
59. What should a marketing tech stack look like in 2024?
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: what should the marketing tech stack look like in 2024. We are joined by Mark Farnell, Head of Marketing Operations at Dee...
58. Decoding Option Grants: What You Need to Know
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Executive compensation and option grants. We are joined by Daniel Harris, Exec Compensation Partner.Love The Operations Ro...
57. Military lessons in leadership
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What leadership lessons we can learn from the military. We are joined by Ben Read, Founder & CEO of Redeployable, and ...
56. How to hire for excellence
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How to hire for excellence. We are joined by James King, Author of 'Accelerating Excellence'.Love The Operations Room? Ple...
55. How do you build trust across an organisation?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How do you build trust across the organisation? We are joined by Nellie Wartoft, CEO, Founder of Tigerhall and Chair of th...
54. How to successfully scale from 2 million to 2 billion
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The Evolution of a COO: From Doing to Coaching. We are joined by Andrew Robb, Marketplace & Technology Executive, Boar...
53. Practical ways to be more inclusive
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What can companies do to become more inclusive, equitable and diverse? We are joined by Audrey ROOFEH, Founder & CEO M...
52. How to know when it's time to go
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: When it is the right time to quit. We are joined by Eleena Broadfoot, Advisor and Executive Coach. Love The Operation...
51. Fractional COO: Is it worth it?
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: fractional COO, is it worth it? We are joined by Karina Mikhli, Founder, Fractionals United.Love The Operations Room? Plea...
50. How to be a COO
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: how to be a COO in today's complex world. We are joined by Jennifer Geary, Seasoned C-Suite executive across multiple indu...
49. How To Stop Your Company From Drowning In Information
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: the challenges of asynchronous communication in a remote-first organisation. We are joined by Jeremy Slater, COO at Bob W....
48. How To Present And Not Suck
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
48. How to present and not suckIn this episode we discuss presentation skills and storytelling. We are joined by Jonathan Zatland, Operating Partner a...
47. What are the priorities for COO's in 2024? Part 2
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: The Future COO in Tech Companies. We are joined by Tony Olvet and Andrea Siviero from IDC.We chat about the following:How ...
46. The Secret Life Of Boards
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Board Relationships. We are joined by Helen Hopper and Joy Harcup, authors of book, The Art and Psychology of Board Relati...
44. Does performance management work?
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss performance management and getting the most from your teams. We are joined by Jessica Zwaan, Author of the best-selling bo...
43. Is usage-based pricing the answer?
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss usage-based pricing, seat pricing, maximising margin and customer expansion. We are joined by Mark Stiving, Founder of Imp...
42. Is it possible to pivot to profitability?
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss: Is it possible to pivot to profitability? We are joined by Libby Penn, she is the COO of Improbable.We chat about the fol...
41. The life-ruining power of routines
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss: The life-ruining power of routines. We are joined by Markham Heid, he is a Journalist with TIME and New York Times. ...
40. Why does community matter for organisations?
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss: Why does community matter for organisations? We are joined by Jaclyn Pascocello, she is the founder of Fabrik.  ...
39. What are the priorities for COO’s in 2024?
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What are the priorities for COO’s in 2024? We are joined by Cameron Herold, he is the founder of the COO Alliance and au...
38. Life Lessons
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this unique episode, Bethany Ayers and Brandon Mensinga share their personal stories. This episode is simply titled: Life Lessons. Bethany and Bran...
37. Which HRIS do I need?
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Which HRIS do I need? We are joined by Matt Bradburn, Founder & CEO of the People Collective. We chat about the f...
36. What does a good COO framework look like?
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What does a good COO framework look like? We are joined by Simon Wakeman, former COO of TPXimpact and creator of the B3 Fr...
35. Is wellbeing a complete waste of time?
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: Is wellbeing a complete waste of time? We are joined by Gethin Nadin, cited as one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers and...
34. How do you build an organisation to compete with Google?
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How do you build an organisation to compete with Google? We are joined by Omid Ashtari, ex-COO of Streebees and President ...
33. How do you scale from 100 employees to IPO?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: How do you scale from 100 employees to IPO? We are joined by Mark Logan, ex-COO of Skyscanner and currently Chief Entrepre...
32. What can VC and PE backed operators learn from each other?
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: What can VC and PE backed operators learn from each other? We are joined by Sam Smith, the founder & MD of PepTalks, a...
31. How do you build a business that is smarter than you?
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we answer the question: How do you build a business that is smarter than you? Our guest is Jennifer Sundberg, the co-CEO of Board Inte...
30. Why is hybrid working an inclusivity issue?
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: Why is hybrid working an inclusivity issue?. We talked with Brian Elliott, he is the co-founder of Future Foru...
29. What is it like being COO of a private equity backed business?
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: What is it like being COO of a private equity backed business? We are joined by Pete Harris, COO of Pipedrive....
28. Do product leaders make good COO's?
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: Do product leaders make good COO's? with Martyn Fagg, COO of Tillo and Matt Jones COO at ex-COO at ParentPay....
27. How do you tame a visionary CEO?
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: How do you tame a visionary CEO? with Rob Liddiard, B2B SaaS Founder (acquired 2022); Reformed Lawyer.Bethany ...
26. The COO Role: Why Would You Ever Want the Job?
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: The COO Role: Why Would You Ever Want the Job? with Chuck Orzechowski, CEO of the COO Forum. Bethany and ...
25. Do COO's have a two year shelf life?
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we ask the unpack the question of: Do COO's have a two year shelf life? We discussed this topic with Casey Woo, CEO @Operators Guild.&...
24. Leadership Transitions: Uncompromising Strategies for Success
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: Leadership Transitions: Uncompromising Strategies for Success with Andrew Duncan, Talent @ Atomico (ex-UpGroup...
23. Cracking the Code: Exploring Emotional Literacy and Embodiment Part 2
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: "Cracking the Code: Exploring Emotional Literacy and Embodiment” This is Part 2 in our emotional literacy an...
22. Cracking the Code: Exploring Emotional Literacy and Embodiment Part 1
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: "Cracking the Code: Exploring Emotional Literacy and Embodiment” This is Part 1 in our emotional literacy an...
21. Transitioning Roles: From COO to CEO
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: "Transitioning Roles: From COO to CEO". This is Part 2 in our transitioning roles series. Our special guest is...
20. Transitioning Roles: From COO to Venture Capitalist
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: "Transitioning Roles: From COO to Venture Capitalist". This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Our special guest ...
19. The Wartime COO
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: "The Wartime COO”. Our special guest is Huw Slater, COO of Oliva Health, formerly COO of TravelPerk and Bella Riemer, He...
18. Efficiency Unleashed: NoCode Revolutionising Operations
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: "Efficiency Unleashed: NoCode Revolutionising Operations”. Our special guest is Philip Lakin, Co-Founder & CEO of No...
17. Surfacing the COO's Crucial Role in Revenue Generation
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: "Surfacing the COO's Crucial Role in Revenue Generation". Our special guest is Pete Crosby a coach, lecturer & advisor...
16. The COO's Endless Battle: Navigating Legal and Enterprise Contracts
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: "The COO's Endless Battle: Navigating Legal and Enterprise Contracts". Our special guest is Ahmed Badr, COO of GoCardless....
15. Revolutionising Workplace Honesty: The Radical Candor Experiment
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss: "Revolutionising Workplace Honesty: The Radical Candor Experiment". Our special guest is Ben Gateley, CEO at CharlieHR. Be...
14. Nurturing High-Performance Leadership Teams
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: Nurturing High-Performance Leadership Teams. Our special guest is Becca Sweetman, a leadership team coach who ...
13. Navigating Leadership Team Success and Transitions
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: Navigating Leadership Team Success and Transitions. Our special guest is Maddies Fox, a guru in leadership dev...
12. Decoding the CEO-COO Relationship: Strategies to Thrive
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of: Decoding the CEO-COO Relationship: Strategies to Thrive Our special guest is Scott Gellman, COO of Nowsta. We...
11. Why licensing 170 SaaS tools is a great idea!
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of: Why licensing 170 SaaS tools is a great idea! Our special guest is Joe Aurilia, Jr., Senior VP Operations at ...
10. What are the five traits of successful COO’s?
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the topic of: What are the five traits of successful COO’s? Our special guest is Charlene Chen, a key figure in the startu...
9. Generative AI & the Impact on the COO role
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of: Generative AI & the Impact on the COO role. Our special guest is Aarti Samani, an experienced executive l...
8. How does a co-founder COO survive and thrive?
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of: How does a co-founder COO survive and thrive? Our special guest is Tom Mundy, is the COO of Goodlord which ha...
7. How does a COO work effectively with the board?
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of: How does a COO work effectively with the board? Our special guest is Keith Wallington, the former COO of M...
6. Growth mindset and the COO role
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the topic of a growth mindset and how that informs the COO role. Our special guest is David Norris, a three time COO for ve...
5. Efficiency vs. Growth: What does the new world look like?
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss a topic that is one everyone’s agenda: Efficiency vs. Growth: What does the new world look like? Our special guest is Ree...
4. Do OKR's work?
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the elephant in the room: Do OKRs work? Our special guest is Jenny Herald, Vice President of Product Evangelism at Quantive...
3. How do you scale from 50 to 500 employees?
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we tackle the question of: How do you scale from 50 to 500 employees? Our special guest is Kristen Shannon, founder and CEO of Hi...
2. How do you hire a COO?
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we tackle the question of: How do I hire a COO? Our special guest is James Mitra, Founder of JBM, an executive search firm that specia...
1. What is a COO?
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we tackle the question of: What is a COO? Our special guest is Divinia Knowles, Founder of the London COO Roundtable. In th...
Welcome to the Operations Room
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 3-10...