Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks.

Today’s guest is Nicole Gallicchio-Elz, fractional COO and the Chief Operating Officer of The COO Solution. With over 15 years of experience building high-performing, process-driven organizations, Nicole brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, operational leadership, and heart-centered collaboration. This episode explores her journey to becoming a COO, what makes a great second-in-command, and how fractional leadership transforms how businesses scale.

In This Episode:

[00:36] Nicole’s Journey to COO From helping her father’s construction business as a teen to building her own company after college, Nicole shares how her love for structure and operations shaped her career.

[06:09] Blending Strategy and Tactics Nicole breaks down how her background in science and math helps her blend analytics with big-picture thinking for clients across industries.

[10:31] The Power of Fractional Leadership Why fractional COOs, OBMs, and VAs offer CEOs the support—without the full-time overhead.

[14:42] Task vs. Strategy: Understanding the Right Support Nicole explains how to determine whether your business needs a VA, OBM, or COO—and what each role brings.

[20:10] Common Challenges CEOs Face Discover the three recurring themes Nicole sees when supporting overwhelmed CEOs at the edge of growth.

[22:33] How to Build Trust Quickly as a COO Nicole shares her trust-building approach: Take one task off the CEO’s plate immediately—and deliver fast.

[26:01] Knowing When to Step Back Learn how seasoned COOs navigate the tension between diving into the weeds and leading from a higher level.

[28:32] Walking the Talk at The COO Solution Nicole shares what it’s been like stepping into the COO role for TCS itself—and how she and Derek are co-building a model for sustainable scale.

[32:31] Nicole’s Final Insight What would your business look like if you got just 10 hours back each week? Nicole explains how that shift in time and energy can change everything.

Why This Matters

Many entrepreneurs are stuck in reactive mode—overwhelmed, overextended, and unsure how to scale without burning out. This episode offers real-world insights into how hiring the proper support (and knowing when) can create freedom, momentum, and long-term success. Nicole’s experience reveals what’s possible when leaders focus on what they can do and empower others to do the rest.

Action Steps for Listeners:

• ✅ Ask yourself: What would you do with 10 extra hours each week?
• ✅ Review your business: Are you overwhelmed, stagnant, or on the edge of growth?
• ✅ Take the free quiz at TheCOOSolution.com to determine whether a Fractional OBM or COO is the right next step for you.

Subscribe & Stay Connected

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson

➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner who’s ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.