Here’s the truth: I’m an operations girl through and through.

Give me a good system, a clear process, an SOP that makes life easier—and I’m in heaven. There’s just something about creating structure out of chaos that lights me up.

My superpower? I see the gaps in systems, and I write the processes that bridge those gaps. It’s like my brain can’t help but map out a better way—and honestly, I love that about me.

So anytime I stumble upon a book that promises to sharpen that part of my brain, I’m all ears. Scaling Up by Verne Harnish didn’t disappoint.

Lately, it feels like so many of my friends are in a season of growth—and let me tell you, I’m here for it. In just the past month, I’ve had conversation after conversation about scaling, hiring, simplifying, and setting BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).

It’s like the whole universe is leaning into something bigger.

And I’m right there with them, deep in the middle of my next big adventure.

While I’ve been in the growth game for a while, Scaling Up gave me fresh language and powerful clarity around what it actually takes to scale—not just survive. It’s structured around four core principles: Drivers, Demands, Discipline, and Decisions.

And wow—each one felt like it was written for exactly the season I’m in.

What’s Really Fueling Your Growth?

Growth doesn’t just happen. Something (or someone) is behind the wheel. In my world, it’s always been about impact. I want to help studio owners thrive. That’s what drives me.

But here’s the thing: passion alone doesn’t scale.

So I’ve had to get brutally honest about the actual drivers behind my business. Is it the team? The tech (hello, Walla)? The systems? Am I empowering others to lead—or am I secretly trying to do it all myself under the guise of “efficiency”?

A huge part of my ability to grow has come from aligning with the right tools, the right people, and the right processes.

Real talk: What’s fueling your growth right now—and is it sustainable?

Growth Demands More Than You Think

This one hits deep. Growth demands more of everything. More time. More energy. More clarity. More systems. More communication.

Every level of growth reveals new cracks in the foundation. I’ve felt it. From onboarding to leadership development to marketing—you think you’re prepared until you’re suddenly not.

And if you don’t meet the demands of your growth, they will meet you… usually in the form of burnout, bottlenecks, or breakdowns.

Takeaway: Plan for the demands of growth before they sneak up on you. Build your capacity before you think you need it.

Discipline: The Structure That Sets You Free

I used to think creativity and flexibility were my greatest assets—and in a lot of ways, they are. But Scaling Up reminded me that discipline is what keeps a business alive.

Discipline in communication. Discipline in systems. Discipline in measuring what actually matters.

And here’s the quote that stopped me in my tracks:

“Start motivating and make the switch from managing to coaching.”

YES. Yes. A thousand times yes.

One great employee, well-coached and well-supported, can outperform three who are just being managed. People don’t need micromanaging. They need clarity, confidence, and coaching.

Studio owners, this is your permission slip: You don’t have to be the fixer. Be the coach. Discipline isn’t about control—it’s about consistency.

Decisions Define the Direction

The bigger the business, the more decisions you’re making on the daily. And without a framework, those decisions can feel overwhelming—or worse, misaligned.

What stood out most in this section? The reminder to put the right people in the right seats. Not just warm bodies filling roles—but people who know what they’re responsible for, how success is measured, and why it matters.

Clear roles. Clear KPIs. Clear expectations.

I’ve learned this the hard way: when someone’s unclear about their role, it doesn’t just impact them—it impacts the whole team. The energy drag is real.

Big takeaway: Clarity isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s how you scale with less drama and more direction.

Final Thoughts: Growth is Messy, but It’s Worth It

Reading Scaling Up gave me language, structure, and the reminders I needed most.

That growth isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty.

That scaling is about alignment, not speed.

That systems are sexy (okay, I think they are).

If you’re in your own season of scaling—whether it’s your second location, your fiftieth hire, or a fresh pivot—you’re not behind. You’re building. And if you’re building with intention, you’re already ahead of the game.

I’m rooting for you,
With love and encouragement,
Beth

I’d love to hear your thoughts -
What season of growth are you in right now?
Where have you felt the biggest stretch—Drivers, Demands, Discipline, or Decisions?
And what systems, shifts, or mindset changes have helped you scale with more clarity and less chaos?