Qlarity Access Blog

Featured In: The Win Win Podcast - An Entrepreneurial Community

Written by Qlarity Access | Nov 22, 2024 2:00:00 PM

We’re excited to announce that Qlarity Access was featured on The Win Win Podcast - An Entrepreneurial Community. In this episode, our Co-CEO Colson Steber joined Fractional Integrator Joanne Giordano and podcast host Ben Wolf, founder of Wolf’s Edge Integrators, to share how hiring an external Integrator transformed our business, propelling us into the next phase of entrepreneurship.

This episode highlights our journey of growth, from the early days of hustle to implementing the structure and processes that now drive our success. It’s a story full of insights for anyone looking to scale their business, especially those exploring the Visionary-Integrator model within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework.

What is an Integrator?

In the EOS framework, two key leadership roles drive business success: the Visionary and the Integrator.

  • The Visionary is the big-picture thinker, generating ideas and setting the company’s long-term vision.
  • The Integrator complements this by turning those ideas into actionable plans, ensuring day-to-day operations align with the company’s goals.

When businesses need operational leadership but lack the right person internally, hiring a Fractional Integrator—an experienced leader who works with companies on a part-time basis—can bridge the gap.

Our Three Phases of Growth

  1. Hustle and Grind: Surviving the early challenges of cash flow and operational hurdles.
  2. Mindfulness and Health: Prioritizing mental and physical well-being for sustainable, forward-thinking decisions.
  3. Commitment to Process and Structure: Partnering with Joanne and Wolf’s Edge Integrators to build the processes and structure to scale the business tenfold.

The Turning Point

Colson first met Ben Wolf at a Strategic Coach event and recognized the potential value of a Fractional Integrator. However, it wasn’t until repeating operational issues showed us that we weren’t solving root problems that we knew it was time for change. After interviewing three candidates, we chose Joanne for her deep experience, actionable leadership insights, and proven ability to cut to the heart of challenges.

As Colson reflects, “I knew I needed someone that would be in the business enough to know [us]…I wanted someone spending regular time [with us].” After meeting with all three, he knew that Joanne had “a proven process that would cut deeper faster” which was exactly what we needed.

Early Wins and Leadership Growth

One of our first wins was getting Co-CEOs Colson Steber and Curtis Burrow “out of the business.” This shift allowed them to focus on high-level leadership rather than day-to-day tasks. Joanne worked closely with our executive team – many of whom had been with Qlarity Access for years – to help them elevate their roles, embrace their strengths, and take ownership of their areas of responsibility.

Joanne also prepared our COO, Chris Kreiling, to transition into the role of internal Integrator. This six-month process ensured a seamless shift, empowering our team to sustain growth independently.

Lessons Learned

This experience reinforced the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and focusing on the business rather than just working in it. With strong leadership and a clear vision, we’re well on our way to achieving our goal of 10x growth.

We’re proud of our journey and grateful to partners like Wolf’s Edge Integrators for helping us turn our vision into action.

 

Listen to the full episode below or on YouTube