How much variety is really within the Director of Operations (DOO) skillset?
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Today we are going to tell you about what it looks like to be a DOO in a variety of different business models.
If you are ready to jump into our 21st cohort, we are open for enrollment right now! Head on over for more information, and to get your application in!
If you are interested in what it looks like to be a DOO this is going to be a phenomenal episode for you. You will hear from four women who have come through our certification program, and they are all using their certifications in a different way.
4 Core Business Types
One of the core values we have inside of our training programs is that the frameworks, methodologies, coaching, accountability, and all of the content we give you can be adapted to your skills and strengths.
“Everyone comes in with different experiences, backgrounds, formal education, life experience, and on-the-job training and there is so much richness in that.” – Natalie Gingrich
We understand that you are a full package, not just the package that we are teaching to you. You come to us with your past, innate gifts and skills, and then you are going to learn our frameworks and methods for many of the areas that you are already competent in.
At the exit, you are going to learn what business model works for you.
“The one cool thing about all business is that operations is the backbone of all business.” – Natalie Gingrich
If you are a high level operator who is committed to continuous growth then the DOO certification program is going to be adaptable to your future as well as your skills, gifts, and passions.
Today, you will hear just that from the four women who join us on the podcast. We asked four women in four different business models who are currently serving in a high level operation capacity. They have all utilized the skills and training from our program and they are all using the certification differently.
You will hear from:
- Regina, a DOO who is working as an operations manager inside of a brick and mortar business
- Traci, who will talk you you about what it looks like to use a DOO skillset in a corporate environment
- Akhila, who is an ops manager inside of a non-profit who will share what she learned a as a DOO
- Jean, who is a recently certified, serving as a DOO inside of an online business
Think about how you can utilize some of the skills that they talk about. How are you going to grow as an operator?
Regina Vigil, Brick & Mortar Business
What she loves most about her role is:
- She doesn’t have a typical work day
- She wears a lot of hats, so some days she is in the boutique, some days she works at her desk or from home, and some days she is sewing dresses
First thing in the morning she:
- Check her “TO DO” list from the day before
- Checks emails and corresponds as needed
- Plans out and schedules her day
Current responsibilities:
- HR and creating systems that the company uses
- Making sure different departments are communicating with each other
She communicates most with:
- The CEO/ Designer
- When it comes to the big picture stuff he tells her his vision, and she has a lot of autonomy in making sure those things happen
Current projects:
- One of her big projects right now are donations, and events
- They are down an events coordinator so she has to step in
- She is also looking for the person who will replace her in this capacity and creating the systems and processes to follow
Traci Green, Corporate DOO
Current responsibilities:
- She is a generalist, she is responsible for ensuring there is alignment and successful execution of tech product initiatives that intersect their operations team
- She currently leads a project portfolio of about 19-20 projects affecting 3-5 stakeholder groups
- Her role is to remove all the blockers, hold people accountable, and communicate with stakeholders and cross pollinate messages across project teams
- She has to manage up to help senior executives understand the risk and navigate their decision making process within a specified time frame
- When managing and down she is helping the execute the art of problem solving
- She hosts daily, weekly and monthly meetings amongst project teams and stakeholders
What she loves most about her role is:
- She is intentionally looking at it through the lens of risk management
- She gets the opportunity to dive into key risk indicators (KRI’s)
- She leads with influence over authority
“I don’t always have to climb the ladder, but I can find enjoyment in growing wide (making lateral moves) just to expand my skill set a little more and remain employable if that’s what I choose to do.” – Traci Green
- To beat corporate burnout, she maintains her boundaries
- She opens up Outlook and OneNote and gives herself 10 minutes to have an “Empowered NO Zone” where she looks for double bookings, meetings with no agenda, optional meetings, and she uses it as an opportunity to say “NO”
The DOO has definitely elevated her because:
- She had the opportunity to utilize her DOO skills as a volunteer in a non profit during the pandemic
- It was the most rewarding feeling because she had to tap into every single discipline that she learned in order to get them through that tough time
Akhila Uppada, Non-Profit DOO
Current responsibilities:
- She works on analyzes financial data, expense reports and budgeting, job descriptions, onboarding
- Works with chief of staff with strategies for the non profit
- Responsible for finances, HR, and customer support
- She acts as a bridge between departments for communication
First thing in the morning she:
- Goes over her schedule and prepares any prep for her upcoming calls
- Answers her emails
- Reports to the CEO and communicates with team members such as the Chief of Staff, marketing dept, customer support
Current projects:
- They are launching their app, so she is hiring new contractors
What she loves most about her role is:
- Working for this non-profit gives her a sense of satisfaction
Jean Jones, Online DOO
First thing in the morning she:
- Conducts 15 minute stand up calls, which fosters connectedness amongst the team
Throughout the day:
- She reviews ongoing tasks and processes and pinpoints areas she can enhance efficiencies
Core Responsibilities:
- Revolve around project management, team management, system optimization, and maintaining a strategic alignment with their business objectives
- Works closely with the team Virtual Assistant, Executive Assistant, CEO, and COO
- Ensures the roles are working cohesively together
- She bridges the gap between various functions within the organization
Typical workday:
- Begins with a quick review of email/slack messages
- Reviews tasks in project management
Current projects:
- Working on automating their automation of customer onboarding process
- Planning their fall retreat
What she loves most about her role is:
- The opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of the company
- Being able to design systems that streamline operations and contribute to the bottom line
- Being able to impact others’ lives
“What I love most about my DOO role is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the companies success and helping the visionary achieve their vision while making a lasting impact on our audience… “ – Jean Jones
There are some similarities and differences within these women’s experiences… which of these sounds like an area or business model that best suits you?
If you already have the skillset and are ready to uplevel that skillset to be seen as the leader you truly are… let us be the compliment to adding a more strategic focus to what you currently have. Join us in our upcoming cohort!
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Which business model are you most interested in serving as a high-level operator? Make sure to share it with us in the Facebook group!
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