Breaking Down Complexity: How EOS Helps Businesses Focus on What Really Matters

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Woodstock, Georgia. It’s time for Cherokee Business Radio. Now, here’s your host.

Joshua Kornitsky: Welcome back to Cherokee Business Radio. I’m your host, Joshua Kornitsky, and I’ve got a great guest here in the studio today. But before I get started, I want to remind everybody that today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Community Partner Program, the Business RadioX Main Street Warriors defending capitalism, promoting small business, and supporting our local community. For more information, please go to Main Street warriors.org. And a special note of thanks to our title sponsor for the Cherokee chapter of Main Street Warriors Diesel David, Inc.. Please go check them out at diesel. David.com. As I said, I have a wonderful guest here in studio with me today. Her name is Andrea Young. Welcome, Andrea. Andrea is a certified EOS implementer, and she works with entrepreneurial organizations to help them grow and scale their business. Welcome, Andrea.

Andrea Young: Thanks, Josh. I’m excited to be here.

Joshua Kornitsky: Thank you. I’m so happy to have you. So let’s begin at the beginning. Tell me really, how did you get started in iOS?

Andrea Young: Well, I am a recovering corporate executive, so I spent 20 plus years in corporate America in a strategy, innovation and marketing side, building brands from scratch and then launching those out into different various countries. Um, I would also get brought in to turn around divisions that were stuck or had gone into some decline. And in those cases, I would, um, create a new strategy, get the whole team aligned towards it, rowing in that same direction and execute it. And, um, that turned into massive growth at the same time. Um, I co-founded a business and entrepreneurial business and, um, and I got to see how EOS worked. Uh, it was a total game changer for that business. We tripled our profitability in less than 12 months, doubled our revenue. And more importantly, we got the entire leader, entire team really focused in the same direction. So I saw the power of EOS. Um, and so when I decided to leave the corporate space, it was about, um, you know, how do I help other companies grow? How do I help other leadership teams grow personally and professionally? And that’s really where I’ve been focusing for the last five years.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay. I mean, that that makes perfect sense to me. Once you saw the power of it. So out of curiosity, I know there’s a lot of different business operating systems and methodologies. Was there anything particular about EOS that stood out to you?

Andrea Young: Yes. It’s the combination of, um, a vision plus traction. So it takes theory to a very realistic level of being able to actually execute effectively in a company in the most simplest way. And that is where the magic exists, is being able to identify what your vision is, have the traction, the simple discipline, the tools to be able to actually deliver on that vision and at the very same time, be able to create a stronger culture, um, by really, uh, bringing your, or having your, um, uh, leadership team involved in all aspects of that from designing the, the vision to actually making it happen. And that’s where the power exists.

Joshua Kornitsky: And you said a word that I want to ask you about. You said this word simplicity. Um, so where, where does simplicity factor into this? Because when you think when I think about an entrepreneurial business, there anything but yes.

Andrea Young: You know, um, complexity is very expensive. And, uh, you know, I worked with a company that had over 900 SKUs, uh, 12 different leaders, three different sales departments. And they thought that complexity was, was their identity. It’s just, it’s, it’s complicated here. Um, and so we really simplified their focus. We simplified their core messaging and suddenly profit increased. Uh, the team had energy again, growth became intentional. They were focused on the most profitable SKUs, got into some SKU rationalization and really just made a healthier organization. You know, complexity is often a choice and clarity is always a competitive advantage.

Joshua Kornitsky: So that’s simplicity. Perspective. Yeah. I never would have thought of it that way. So does assuming the scale. You said you worked internationally in the corporate role in your life. I imagine that made you an expert in complexity. How has that impacted your ability to teach and coach CEOs with that, with that background coming out of a, out of a very corporate universe?

Andrea Young: Yeah, corporate has the benefit of, of great structure and accountability. And so I’ve been able to take that into the entrepreneurial world or entrepreneurial space, because that’s where a lot of, um, entrepreneurial businesses, um, are, those are, those are the opportunities they’re working in. And so being able to boil it down to the simplest elements, being able to make sure that it’s very clear who’s doing what, who’s on first, who’s on second. Um, and so that type of clarity and simplicity really leads to better growth and higher employee engagement.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay, so so let me ask about what I see as sort of the elephant in the room. I understand you’re a certified EOS implementer. What does that mean? What do you actually do?

Andrea Young: Mhm. Well.

Joshua Kornitsky: Um, and I mean that politely. I’m just trying to for anybody hearing this for the first time. Um, I know you said that EOS is this business operating system and methodology, but I want somebody to really be able to grasp and follow.

Andrea Young: Yeah. So I would, um, express it like this. Uh, I help to bridge the gap between vision and execution. Um, I help leadership teams get out of chaos and into clarity.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay.

Andrea Young: Um, most businesses don’t have a strategy problem. They have a structure problem. And so I help them implement EOS, which gives leaders a very simple way to get clear on what they’re doing to get the right people in the right seats and, um, actually execute consistently.

Joshua Kornitsky: So I mean, is it a bunch of complicated proprietary stuff? What what’s the basis for iOS?

Andrea Young: Well, it’s built off of a framework that Gino Wickman, um, wrote and designed. Um, that is a proven system that’s been around for over 15 years. And nearly 300,000 companies are running on iOS.

Joshua Kornitsky: So it’s not just a new idea. No, not not not the flavor of the month.

Andrea Young: Not the flavor of the month. Um, I actually ran iOS, uh, in the business that, uh, that I co-founded. And, um, and that’s where, you know, I, I’ve seen it work, I’ve seen it work, uh, personally. And then of course my clients, um, we’re just getting traction is really creating results.

Joshua Kornitsky: That’s, it’s good to know that it’s based on something that’s been around for a while, sort of been tested, been vetted, and that you’ve lived it yourself. That’s got to make a big difference.

Andrea Young: Absolutely. Because, uh, if you can put your, um, your self behind it, then it just creates that much more conviction.

Joshua Kornitsky: Can you share a story outside of your own organization? Where you working with someone to implement us made a real difference to their business?

Andrea Young: Yeah, EOS has the power to do lots of things depending on what you need out of your business. So whether it’s improving people issues or, um, profitability issues or driving revenue or creating some freedom, um, for your yourself. And so, uh, one thing that I discovered is, um, a lot of, a lot of business owners are really facing some big challenges right now. Uh, they’re growing, but it feels harder, not easier. Sure. Uh, their team’s busy, but not necessarily aligned. Uh, and everything still runs through them. And so I had a client who was working over 80 hours a week and still felt like things were really slipping.

Joshua Kornitsky: We got to be incredibly hard to give it that much.

Andrea Young: Yes.

Joshua Kornitsky: And to still feel like you’re running behind it.

Andrea Young: I mean, he felt like it was, uh, he was nearing burnout, right? Um, hadn’t taken a vacation in years. Um, and so in, by implementing iOS, we fixed his system. And, um, you know, most leaders don’t need to work harder. They need to work in a system that works. And so iOS was able to, to transform that for him to give some freedom back. And, and he took a vacation and spent time with his family and things didn’t fall apart back in the office. They continued to operate very efficiently and effectively without him. And that was, uh, a breath of fresh air for him.

Joshua Kornitsky: Well, it literally must have been game changing.

Andrea Young: Absolutely.

Joshua Kornitsky: I can only imagine. Yeah. So as you work with your clients, you know, how do you help them handle some of these tough decisions that they’re clearly not accustomed to making? Because it sounds to me like you’re elevating their visibility into some of the challenges that they may have been blind to. So how do you how do you help coach them around, say, people problems?

Andrea Young: Well, we start with making sure you’ve got the right people in the right seats.

Joshua Kornitsky: Um, how do you do that?

Andrea Young: We’ve got a few tools in our toolbox. And so, um, one of the first ones is really understanding structure before getting to people. And so getting clear on, we call it an accountability chart instead of an organizational chart. It’s kind of like an org chart on steroids.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay.

Andrea Young: Um, and that accountability chart acts like a mini job description for understanding what the structure is, what, uh, what seats do you need to have within the organization to achieve the vision that you want to get to? And so we outline, um, I help them outline, uh, the roles for each one of those seats. And then only after we’ve designed what the right structure is. We, um, look at who are the right people for those seats and evaluate them using a simple tool called the people analyzer. Do they get it? Do they want it? Do they have the capacity to do that role? And so by doing so, we’re ensuring that we’ve got the right people in the right seats for for that.

Joshua Kornitsky: What happens when you don’t?

Andrea Young: That happens all the time. And sometimes you have to make really hard decisions. Um, you know, I had a client who, uh, like a lot of, um, uh, businesses, when they first start up, they hire friends, they hire family.

Joshua Kornitsky: Whoever they can get their hands on.

Andrea Young: Yeah. And so when we went through this exercise, it became very clear that the friend, uh, in their, their, uh, in their seat, in that seat had this, the seat had outgrown them.

Joshua Kornitsky: Um, okay.

Andrea Young: And they just didn’t have the ability to help them get to the next level.

Joshua Kornitsky: So the organization had more needs than that individual could deliver more. You said when you said they outgrew it.

Andrea Young: Yes.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay.

Andrea Young: Yeah. And so what that meant is she had to make a very tough decision to be, um, to continue to grow the organization. Um, and so I helped to be the, the person to put some clarity on that using some of those iOS tools to help her coach her through that process. Uh, and then to ultimately hire the right person for that seat.

Joshua Kornitsky: So I want to ask something that just occurs to me as we’re talking. You keep saying coach, and in my brain I’m thinking consultant, what’s the difference between a coach and a consultant? Mhm. Because you’re you continually use the word coach.

Andrea Young: Yes. So an EOS implementer, um, as an EOS implementer, I play the role of coach, facilitator and teacher. Um, I’m not a consultant to provide the solutions. The the brilliance is in the room. Um, they know their industry, they know their competitors, they know their products and services. Uh, the very best. And so my job is to help coach, to help bring out that brilliance, um, to help them get aligned to what the right answers are. Um, and quite frankly, to kick them in the butts if they’re, uh, not doing what they say they’re going to do or to, uh, give them a high five when things are going well.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay. So literally that sideline coach that that helps the players improve at the game.

Andrea Young: That’s right.

Joshua Kornitsky: So how do you how do you talk to somebody about like the individual you’re talking about earlier that hadn’t been on vacation? How do you convince someone that it’s okay to step away and take a break from their business? Well, I mean, obviously structure’s got to be there. You can’t just decide tomorrow you’re leaving for a week.

Andrea Young: But once we put these systems in place, it gives them some of the comfort. Once you’ve got the right structure, you’re delegating and elevating to the right people.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay.

Andrea Young: You’ve got you’re measuring how things are working for you and holding people accountable. Getting really clear on what the priorities are, um, and improving the communication across the leadership team that builds the confidence, uh, with the owner that they can go away and, um, and enjoy family time or, uh, get away for a much needed, uh, clarity break or vacation, uh, knowing that things are going well at home. And so once we create that system, then, um, uh, we’ve got the tools in place to, to be able to prove it.

Joshua Kornitsky: Well, and you said earlier, it’s about having the right people in the right seat. Tell me, how does that relate to delegation? Because I have to think that’s critical before you can delegate. Right?

Andrea Young: It is. Absolutely. Um, you know, I used to worry about delegating some of the menial tasks are the things I wasn’t interested in doing. And what I discovered is that there are people out there that would love to do some of those projects. It’s new learning for them. It’s exciting for them. That is a bit of an aha to be able to elevate some of that work. Not everybody’s built to do the same stuff. And so by delegating out some of the tasks, it gives you a better time management. Um, but it also empowers some of your team members to contribute in a better, different way for the company.

Joshua Kornitsky: That makes really, really good sense. And it was not something that I thought about because delegation is scary, right? Letting go of things is scary. That’s why I linked it to having the right people. But it makes perfect sense that if you do have those right people, then then delegating is probably a little less scary.

Andrea Young: Yeah.

Joshua Kornitsky: Yeah. Um, who’s your ideal client? What types of organizations do you work with or is a good fit for us?

Andrea Young: It’s not any one um industry. It is rather growth minded business owners that are ready to, to level up that they are more afraid of the status quo than they are of change. Um, and so this helps them to, uh, to get there. And so you need a leadership team that’s open minded, that’s honest. Um, ready to do that? I work with a lot of family owned businesses and female owned businesses, um, as well as really, uh, anything from landscaping companies to legal firms. It really works across all different industries and leadership teams. It comes down to that growth mindset being the key component.

Joshua Kornitsky: So is it a good fit for a startup?

Andrea Young: Um, it can be, you need to be, uh, you know, got to a point where you’ve gotten stuck or need some, um, some help. Um, really creating this, just putting the systems in place to grow.

Joshua Kornitsky: I mean, it sounds to me like those systems are beneficial to the organization overall in any event, right. It’s got a, does it help us down the road for people that are evaluating investing in that business?

Andrea Young: Oh, absolutely. It just helps them to be really buttoned up as an organization. So I have worked with startups of a team of two, for example. Um, and this helped them to get the funding that they needed for their business because they were buttoned up in terms of where they were going, how they were going to get there, what the growth plan looked like. Um, so that was helpful. I would say that, uh, the typical client though, tends to be a smaller to mid-sized organization that, um, has gotten to a point where what worked for them before doesn’t work for them now, or there’s some chaos in the mix, or they’re struggling with some of those kind of people challenges that, that now need to, to get resolved. There’s some elephants. You brought up the word elephants. Elephants in the room.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay. All right. I mean, that makes sense. So can I ask you kind of a difficult question, but what? There’s a few implementers out there, right? What? What sets you apart from others when it comes to to your approach?

Andrea Young: Yeah. Three things. I am, um, enterprise trained but entrepreneurial savvy. So having spent all that time in corporate, but then also having run my own businesses, um, I integrate strength tools. So I strength based training like working genius or cliftonstrengths.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay.

Andrea Young: Um, and I’m really willing to put those issues on the table. So I build a client trust so that we’re, we’re working in an environment where we’re going to put those elephants in there and we’re going to tackle them and we’re going to come up with ideas or solutions. We don’t dance around problems. We solve them.

Joshua Kornitsky: That must take a great deal of. I’m trying to think of a polite word. I’ll go with guts. To be able to. To stand your ground on that type of thing. To make sure that they’re confronting the issues that they have to confront.

Andrea Young: Yeah. Clarity requires honesty. And that’s where the real growth happens. And so we get to a point where that is, is critical.

Joshua Kornitsky: It makes sense, but it must be uncomfortable at first.

Andrea Young: It can be. Um, but it’s also a sense of, uh, I think in my experience, the clients who go there get the, the, the greatest rewards and become even closer as a leadership team by, by being open and honest with each other.

Joshua Kornitsky: It makes sense. It, it changes heart. Yeah. And, and I imagine you encounter that quite a bit. So if I’m a business owner that’s listening to this right now and I’m feeling stuck. You know, what should they do? What are what are the steps they should take?

Andrea Young: Um, really start by being honest about where you’re at. Um, you know, what is your vision? Do you have the right people? Um, uh, what are your priorities? And if you don’t, then that’s where we need to do some work. And, um, uh, and if you didn’t, one of the biggest aha moments is that you don’t have to do it alone. And so I talked to a lot of business owners that feel like this is all on their shoulders. You don’t have to do it alone. And this, um, system, this process is really team based. And that just helps to drive bigger results to get where you’ve, you know, dreamt of, of turning that business into.

Joshua Kornitsky: That makes perfect sense to me. And what’s the best way for people to reach you if they, if they want to learn more or gain from your knowledge and experience in helping others.

Andrea Young: Well, my business is called Lead Effects, which is all about leadership effectiveness. And the website is the lead effects.com.

Joshua Kornitsky: Okay. And we will share that when we post the podcast. Thanks. So I appreciate you sharing that with me. Um, one last question that I like to ask everybody. What are some of the assumptions people make about working with you or working with us to, to bring this into their business? That might be off track.

Andrea Young: Hmm. Um.

Joshua Kornitsky: So you had said earlier that it’s simple but not easy.

Andrea Young: That’s right. Yeah, it is simple. It’s not easy. It is. Um, um, sometimes this identifies people that are not in the right seats. And so often the team that you start with is not necessarily the team you finish with. Um, it, uh, can, the, the waters can be a little muddy at first before it gets clear, but it needs to be as part of change management in order to get where you want to get to.

Joshua Kornitsky: I think that that’s a perfect closeout and makes it very clear to people that you got to what was it? Winston Churchill said the only way to get through hell is to get through hell. Uh, and it sounds like that’s exactly what this is, that in order to get to the clarity, you got to swim through a little bit of the muddy water.

Andrea Young: Well, we go one step at a time. So, um, well, and I’m here to help them and to guide them through that process.

Joshua Kornitsky: And thank you for bringing that up, because I think that is a big differentiator that, that it sounds like while it is a proven path, it’s not a race.

Andrea Young: No, it is. Uh, it is definitely not a sprint. This is a bit more of a marathon, but I have seen teams get results immediately. And, um, it is part of the journey towards getting to their ultimate goal.

Joshua Kornitsky: Well thank you Andrea. I really appreciate you sharing what you’ve shared with us today. And I know I learned a lot. Um, I do want to remind everybody that today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Community Partner program, the Business RadioX Main Street Warriors defending capitalism, promoting small business, and supporting our local community. For more information, please go to Main Street warriors.org. And a special note of thanks to our title, to our title sponsor for the Cherokee chapter of Main Street Warriors Diesel David, Inc.. Please go check them out at diesel david.com. Again, my name is Joshua Kornitsky. I am your host here at Cherokee Business Radio. My guest has been Andrea Young, certified EOS implementer. If you’re looking to grow or scale your business or it sounds like just get it healthier, she’s the one to reach you. Thank you. Andrea.

Andrea Young: Thanks, Josh.