106: Fixing the Gaps: An Interview with Emily Hawkins on System Optimization

IDKWTF Podcast! - Stories of Success: Inspiration for New Entrepreneurs

Summary: In this episode of IDKWTF I Was Doing, your favorite accountability buddy, David Bee, is joined by Emily Hawkins, a fractional COO with a knack for transforming chaotic small business operations into efficient, money-saving systems. Emily’s journey from corporate risk-averse leader to entrepreneur and operational expert is packed with lessons, relatable moments, and actionable strategies.

Emily shares her transformative story of realizing she was her team's bottleneck, how she turned that epiphany into growth, and how she uses her expertise to help business owners streamline their processes and hire the right people. Whether you're looking to improve your business operations or gain clarity on what steps to take next, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice.

Key Takeaways:

1. Clarity is Key: Learn why focusing on what you do want instead of what you don’t is crucial in leadership and personal growth.

2. The Power of Ownership: Discover how taking full responsibility as a leader can empower you and your team.

3. Document to Delegate: Emily’s foolproof method for creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using Loom and ChatGPT to free up your time.

4. Focus on One Thing: Why fixing one problem at a time is the key to scaling and success.

   Avoid the Pitfalls: Hear why hiring prematurely or without clarity can derail your business—and how to avoid it.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Clarity isn’t found in the ‘don’ts.’ It’s in the ‘wills’ and the ‘haves.’” – Emily Hawkins

• "If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, that’s the perfect spot to shed your old beliefs and grow.” – Emily Hawkins

  “The biggest mistake you can make is trying to fix everything at once. Focus on one area and perfect it before moving on.” – Emily Hawkins

Resources Mentioned:

• Emily’s Free Performance Assessment: Pinpoint what part of your business to focus on first and get actionable steps. Take the Assessment Here

• Emily Hawkins for You: Learn more about her leadership program and other resources.

  https://emilyhawkins4u.com

Support Our Sponsors:

• Game-Changing Book: Want insights that can revolutionize your thinking? Discover the book that's helped create groundbreaking innovations. Check It Out Here

• David B’s Accountability Coaching: Get unlimited partnership and support from David. ⁠https://idkwtfpodcast.com/#DavidBee⁠

Join Our Community: We’re all in this together! Join our Action Takers community and connect with other entrepreneurs navigating the highs and lows of building a business. Get Involved

Call to Action: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s ready to take their business to the next level. Let us know your biggest takeaway by tagging @IDKWTFpodcast on social media!

Stay Connected:

• Follow Emily on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @EmilyHawkins4U

• Follow David Bee on all platforms: @IDKWTFpodcast

Let’s keep taking action—together. See you in the next episode!