Scale Smart Live

About Scale Smart Live

The Ops IQ Podcast brings candid conversations with founders, operators, and experts who know what it takes to scale sustainably. Hosted by Taja Graham, each episode unpacks real-world lessons in operations, leadership, finance, and strategy, so you can grow with clarity, not chaos.

Publisher

Scale Smart Live

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Dec 2025

Latest episode

9 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Apr 2026

   How to Optimize Lead Generation, Processes, and Workforce Performance

   As businesses grow, inefficiencies across lead generation, operations, and workforce management become harder to ignore. What once worked starts to break, and without the right systems in place, performance suffers. On this episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham is joined by Hadassah Eley - CME Strategies, Owner, to explore how businesses can improve efficiency across core areas of growth and execution. With over 17 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Hadassah brings deep expertise in identifying root causes and solving complex operational challenges. Her work focuses on helping organizations strengthen processes, improve productivity, and build systems that support long-term performance. In this conversation, we will cover: 1. Improving Lead Generation and Operational Efficiency 2. Reducing Manufacturing Defects and Optimizing Processes 3. Workforce Optimization and Communicating Data to Leadership If you are looking to eliminate inefficiencies, improve operational performance, and create clearer visibility across your business, this session will provide practical insights you can apply. To learn more, visit OpsIQ.biz.

2. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Scale Smart Live with Jonathan Graviss & Jonathan P. Graviss

   On the next episode of Scale Smart Live, we’re welcoming Jonathan Graviss and Jonathan Graviss from Graviss Marketing. Both bring deep experience in helping companies strengthen their marketing strategy, align sales with revenue goals, and build systems that support consistent growth. Their work focuses on helping operators clarify their value proposition, improve positioning in competitive markets, and create marketing and sales processes that teams can execute reliably. Jonathan Graviss serves as Chief Revenue Officer and Fractional CMO, partnering with organizations to develop scalable go-to-market strategies and stronger revenue frameworks. Jonathan Graviss works closely with operators and regional networks to integrate CRM, sales strategy, and marketing into one cohesive engine designed to drive predictable growth. Together, they help businesses move beyond disconnected tactics and toward a more structured, sustainable approach to growth. Join us as we welcome Jonathan Graviss and Jonathan P. Graviss to the show for a conversation about building clarity, structure, and momentum in today’s evolving marketplace.

3. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Building Revenue Clarity Through Strategy, ROI, and Digital Execution

   What does it take to create a business plan that flows across marketing, sales, operations, and accounting, all the way to revenue? In this episode of Scale Smart Live ,Taja M. Graham welcomes Elissa B., Founding Partner at The Critical Standard and a multi-venture founder known for turning strategic ideas into real-world outcomes. Elissa has scaled two digital startups from the ground up and built business partnerships valued in the tens of millions. Her approach is practical, high energy, and focused on aligning business strategy with systems that actually drive growth. This conversation explores: 1. How leaders can build a plan that actually flows 2. Why ROI is the elephant in the room 3. How your digital footprint impacts your revenue Whether you are leading a service-based business or rethinking your strategy for scale, this episode offers actionable insights to align your planning with your profit goals. To learn more, visit opsiq.biz.

4. 

   6 Mar 2026

   From Chaos to Clarity: Why Scaling Hurts and How Systems Bring Peace

   Scaling a business is rarely smooth. What worked at one stage often breaks at the next. Pressure builds. Decisions slow down. Many founders feel the weight of growth long before they can clearly explain what’s wrong. In this episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham is joined by Jessie Lizak, CEO of Reveting, to talk through what scaling really feels like and how founders can move from chaos to clarity. The conversation covered: 1.⁠ ⁠Recognizing the Pain of Scaling Operations 2.⁠ ⁠Asking for Help Scaling, As a Founder 3.⁠ ⁠Peace comes with Procedures Together, they discussed why operational strain is a normal part of growth, why asking for help is often the hardest step for founders, and how procedures create clarity, stability, and space to lead. Jessie brought her perspective on trust, leadership, and visibility as businesses grow, while Taja grounded the conversation in operational reality and execution. This episode is for founders who are scaling, feeling the pressure, and looking for a more sustainable way forward. Growth doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems in place, clarity and peace are possible.

5. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Entrepreneurial Success From The Ground Up

   What happens when a founder decides to bring trust and transparency into an industry built on the opposite? In an upcoming episode of Scale Smart Live, Jon Grishpul, Founder and CEO of GreatBuildz and Maxable, joins the conversation to talk about how he's building tech-driven platforms that put homeowners first. With limited resources and plenty of skepticism from the construction world, Jon and his team launched solutions that connect families to vetted contractors, simplify confusing bids with AI, and help people unlock new income through ADUs. This episode will explore: 1. Bringing Transparency to Home Improvement Projects 2. Building Tech-Driven Platforms With Limited Resources 3. Rebuilding Trust in a Broken Industry Whether you’re navigating a legacy space or launching your own platform, Jon’s approach offers a smart blueprint for solving real problems and scaling with integrity. Learn more at OpsIQ.biz

6. 

   21 Jan 2026

   AI, Leadership & Family: Scaling Business + Life Operations

   Today’s leaders are balancing more than company growth. Many are also supporting aging parents, managing personal complexity, and navigating rapid shifts in technology. This episode of Scale Smart Live focuses on how AI and operational strategy can support both business and life. Tyrone M. Robinson III (https://www.linkedin.com/in/opportunities2serve/), Founder of Opportunities 2 Serve, LLC. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/opportunities-2-serve/) shares his dual expertise in business transformation and personal operations, offering a framework for founders, executives, and caregivers to scale with structure. His insights help leaders make better decisions, create more time, and reduce overwhelm by applying proven operational principles to every part of their lives. Topics include: 1. AI + Fractional Leadership: Why Growing Businesses Need Both to Scale Smart 2. The AI Solution for Sandwich Generation Leaders: Coordinating Aging Parents While Running a Business 3. AI-Enabled Strategic Family Enterprise Operations: Business Operations Principles Meet Family Life Catch the conversation on Tuesday, January 20th, at 5:15 PM EST. It’s a powerful session for anyone building a business while supporting the people who matter most.

7. 

   7 Jan 2026

   You Don’t Scale Alone: Leveraging Relationships to Grow Smarter

   Smart growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every company that scales well is a foundation of clear strategy, strong advisory relationships, and a willingness to adapt. On the next episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham sits down with • Robert Field, Global CIO of Adler Advisors, to explore how today’s companies can grow with intention, even while facing tighter budgets, leaner teams, and more complexity than ever before. Robert brings decades of experience in technology leadership, working with companies across industries to align systems, people, and strategy. In a market where everyone is being asked to do more with less, his perspective is timely. In this conversation, we’ll unpack: 1. Scaling Smarter by Turning Chaos into Clarity with Strategy, Advisors and Connections 2. The Human Side of Scale and How to Build Accountability Without Killing Innovation 3. Every company still needs AP and AR support, they're just doing it with less. If you’re building a business in today’s landscape, where resources are tight but expectations are high, this episode will offer clarity, context, and actionable insight.

8. 

   17 Dec 2025

   How to Lead Through Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity

   In a rapidly evolving business environment, leadership depends on more than strategy. It calls for clarity, flexibility, and emotional intelligence. In this episode of Scale Smart Live, Ryan S. joins Taja M. Graham for a high-impact discussion on how leaders can guide their teams through periods of uncertainty and transformation. With deep executive experience, Ryan offers practical insights for navigating complexity without losing direction or momentum. This conversation covers essential leadership strategies for managing disruption and supporting teams during challenging transitions. Topics include: The Current Landscape of Workplace VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, & Ambiguity) How To Lead Effectively Through Periods of Workplace VUCA Tips To Influence Change Adoption Through Mindset Management Whether you are scaling a company, adapting to shifting priorities, or helping your team move through change, this episode offers actionable advice to lead with intention and impact.

9. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Scaling with Intention: Sales, Strategy, and Seamless Delivery

   What does it take to grow revenue while still delivering with excellence? In this episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham sits down with Jonathan Graviss, Founder and CRO of Graviss Marketing, to talk about what sustainable scale really looks like. From building strong sales teams to aligning strategy with execution, Jonathan shares what he has learned from decades of experience driving growth, managing large budgets, and leading high-performing teams. This episode explores how companies can maintain quality, culture, and customer experience while expanding their reach and operations. Topics covered: Building Sales Teams That Scale Bridging the Gap Between Marketing Strategy and Revenue Execution Scaling Delivery Without Losing the Personal Touch Whether you're refining your go-to-market strategy or preparing to grow your team, this conversation offers practical insights to help you scale smart, without compromising what matters most.

10. 

    17 Dec 2025

    Smart Finance for Growth: Cash Flow, Forecasting, and the Fractional CFO

    In this episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham welcomes finance executive and former CFO Omar Ritter to discuss how strong financial strategy separates companies that grow from those that scale with intention. With over $5 billion in M&A transactions, oversight of a $1.2 billion P&L, and leadership across operations for 25,000 employees, Omar shares real-world insight into what financial clarity looks like at every stage of business. Whether you’re leading a small team or preparing for a major leap forward, this conversation breaks down the systems and decisions that shape long-term growth. Omar dives into key principles behind building financial resilience, avoiding common forecasting traps, and using strategic finance to drive smarter scaling. Topics covered: Cash Flow Clarity: How to Sustain and Scale Your Business Long-Term Forecasting for Growth: Budgeting Strategies That Fuel Smarter Scaling The Rise of the Fractional CFO: Strategic Finance for Growing Businesses If you are a founder, operator, or executive navigating rapid growth, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you gain control over your numbers and make confident decisions. 🎧 Listen now.

11. 

    17 Dec 2025

    The Healing Equation: Leadership Lessons & Thriving Beyond Cancer

    On this episode of Scale Smart Live, Taja M. Graham sits down with Melissa Bassano, an executive career strategist with over 20 years of experience supporting senior leaders through major career transitions. Melissa brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of coaching and her personal journey as a six-year cancer survivor. Together, they explore how emotional resilience, clarity of purpose, and authentic leadership intersect—especially during life’s most challenging seasons. Melissa shares lessons from working alongside executives and insights from her own path of healing, both personally and professionally. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to lead with purpose and connect with your team on a deeper level The mental, physical, and emotional tools that support long-term resilience Why healing and leadership are more connected than many realize This episode is ideal for business leaders, executive coaches, and professionals navigating personal or organizational transformation. If you're leading teams or facing change, you’ll walk away with valuable insights on how to show up with clarity, empathy, and strength. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

12. 

    17 Dec 2025

    Scale with Operations by Building Systems for Sustainable Growth

    On this episode of Scale Smart Live, host Taja M. Graham is joined by Amber Audrain, CCMP, CSM, Founder of Audrain Advising, and Sonja Peters, Managing Director at the firm. Together, they bring a tactical, no-fluff approach to helping startups and small businesses build the operational muscle needed to scale with confidence. Amber founded Audrain Advising to help visionary leaders turn strategy into action through systems design, operational advising, and execution support. Sonja’s experience in organizational change and scalable infrastructure brings added depth to the firm’s ability to create back-end processes that drive clarity and growth. This episode dives into: Operations for Scale: Why infrastructure matters as much as vision SOPs for Growth: How to create systems that grow with your team Building for Sustainable Growth: What makes a business truly ready to scale Whether you're preparing for your next growth phase, organizing for funding, or simply trying to clean up internal chaos, this episode breaks down what operational readiness really looks like, and how to build it from the ground up. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to scale smarter, not harder.

13. 

    17 Dec 2025

    The Million Dollar Connection: Fueling Business Growth Through Strategy

    In this episode of Scale Smart Live, host Taja M. Graham sits down with Dr. Dawn-Nicole McIlwain, award-winning strategist, economic developer, and founder of ProcuraFind®, a B2B matchmaking platform helping small businesses access high-value contract opportunities in corporate and government sectors. Dr. McIlwain shares her expertise on how small businesses can become supplier-ready using her proprietary CARES Framework, a five-phase system designed to improve contracting awareness, readiness, and education. With a career that spans startup development, corporate strategy (as a former BCG consultant), and AI education, she offers a proven roadmap for growth through procurement and operational alignment. Key topics include: How to grow from small business to certified supplier The role of strategic connections in winning million-dollar contracts Why traditional networking tactics fall short, and what to do instead If you're a small business owner looking to scale through contracts, build sustainable partnerships, and position your company for supplier success, this episode offers practical tools and insight for long-term growth. Listen now and learn how to scale with strategy and structure.

14. 

    15 Dec 2025

    Protect What You’re Building Legal Foundations for Scaling Up

    Every business starts with an idea. But to scale, it needs a foundation. In this episode of Scale Smart Live, Kayla Hill, Esq., Founder & Managing Attorney of The Turning Point Law Firm, LLC™, shares the legal strategies that help founders protect their work and prepare for growth. With a background in intellectual property, contracts, compliance, and data privacy, Kayla partners with mission-driven businesses to build structures that support long-term success. We’ll dive into: 1.⁠ ⁠The foundational legal protections every small business and startup should secure 2.⁠ ⁠The role of a Fractional General Counsel in guiding companies through growth 3.⁠ ⁠How legal education empowers founders to move faster and smarter Kayla offers more than legal paperwork, she brings strategy. Through The Turning Point Law Firm™ and her education platform KayRenee Law, LLC™, she helps entrepreneurs safeguard their creativity, plan for expansion, and scale with clarity. If you’re building something that matters, this conversation will show you how to protect it, and give you the confidence to take your next steps with certainty.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.