“Scaling doesn’t have to mean stress. The right systems and mindset make growth smoother — not harder.”

In this episode, co-hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Laurie Barkman, who helps business owners escape the day-to-day grind and scale with more freedom, greater value, and less chaos. Laurie shares practical strategies and mindset shifts for leaders who want growth without losing control — and explains how to help even the most analytical CEOs embrace delegation and leadership development.

💡 What We Cover:

• How to recognize when it’s time to step back from daily operations
• The systems and leadership strategies that prevent chaos while scaling
• Mindset shifts every business owner needs to move from operator to visionary
• How to guide technical or analytical leaders into effective delegation

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

• Scaling is about clarity, not control
• Freedom comes from trust, systems, and team alignment
• Leadership growth often requires stepping back, not doubling down

Common Misunderstandings We See:

• Believing growth = more complexity and stress
• Thinking technical skills alone can carry a business to the next level
• Assuming delegation means losing control

Why This Matters:

If you want your business to grow without running you into the ground, you need more than hustle — you need the right systems, leadership habits, and mindset shifts. Laurie shows us how to scale smarter, not harder.

Closing Thoughts:

Chaos is optional. With the right systems and mindset, scaling can actually simplify your business and give you back control where it matters most.

📌 CTA:

Take a look at your current systems and leadership habits — are they designed for scale, or are they holding you back? Start small: identify one area you can delegate, automate, or systemize this week.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:

https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

🔗 Connect with Laurie: BTSherpa.com Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

#NYAELPodcast #ScaleSmart #DelegateToGrow #NotYourAverageCEO #LeadershipShift #CEOChecklist #WomenInBusiness #LeadSmarter