Whether you're stepping into the COO seat for the first time, or were just handed the role with little guidance, this progression will give you mental models, tactical playbooks, and strategic clarity.
1. Understand the Role You Just Took On
Start here to anchor yourself in what the COO really does and doesn’t do.
🎙️ Episode 1 – “What is a COO?”
Get grounded in the scope, variation, and core responsibilities of a COO across different org types. Essential for calibrating expectations (yours and others’).🎙️ Episode 26 – “Why Would You Ever Want the COO Job?”
Honest talk about what makes the job rewarding and brutally hard. This will help you frame your purpose in the role.
2. Build the Right Operating System
You're now responsible for execution across the org. Learn how to create structures that scale.
🎙️ Episode 36 – “What Does a Good COO Framework Look Like?”
Introduces mental models for structuring teams, setting up rhythms, and prioritizing what matters most.🎙️ Episode 33 – “How Do You Scale from 100 People to IPO?”
A real-world view of how operations evolve as a company grows—critical if you’re in a scale-up.🎙️ Episode 49 – “How Do You Hire a COO?”
Hear how CEOs and boards think about your role. It gives valuable insight into expectations you may not hear directly.
3. Hone Your COO Superpowers
As COO, you need a sharp toolkit of communication, trust-building, and decision-making skills.
🎙️ Episode 66 – “COO Superpowers Revealed Part 1”
🎙️ Episode 67 – “COO Superpowers Revealed Part 2”
Learn what differentiates exceptional COOs—from strategic thinking to psychological safety to execution under pressure.🎙️ Episode 74 – “The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings”
1:1s are your leverage point. Learn how to run them for alignment, coaching, and performance.
4. Shape the Culture While Scaling
You're not just driving outcomes—you’re helping define how things get done.
🎙️ Episode 70 – “Jumpstarting Your Workplace Culture”
Practical steps for intentionally building culture as you scale, including how to surface and support “culture carriers.”🎙️ Episode 69 – “Building an AI-First Organisation”
For forward-thinking COOs: how to integrate AI capabilities even if you're not a technical founder.
5. Stay Grounded as You Lead
Avoid burnout. Lead sustainably. And don’t lose your sense of self in the chaos.
🎙️ Episode 71 – “Proactive Mental Health Strategies for Leaders”
Because operational leadership is heavy. This episode explores rituals, boundaries, and how to care for yourself and your org.
đź“Ś Optional Add-On: Bonus Episodes by Need
Just got promoted from within?
→ Episode 25: “The Transition from Head of Ops to COO”Want to improve CEO alignment?
→ Episode 14: “How to Build a COO-CEO Relationship that Works”Managing board expectations?
→ Episode 46: “The Secret Life of Boards”
Stepping into the COO role can feel like being dropped into the cockpit mid-flight. However, with the right resources, you don’t have to fly blind.
The Operations Room podcast offers a goldmine of practical insights, proven frameworks, and leadership lessons tailored specifically for operators like you. Whether you're building your first organizational chart, navigating culture at scale, or simply figuring out how to manage your time, this curated listening path gives you the clarity and confidence to lead with impact.
Bookmark this guide, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and start building your operational edge.
One powerful conversation at a time.