In this episode of Feel the Boot, I sit down with leadership expert Emily Hawkins to tackle one of the biggest challenges founders face: effective team management. Whether you’re a new founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation dives deep into the soft skills that are often overlooked but are crucial for scaling your business. Emily shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a fractional COO and creator of the “Leadershift” framework, where she’s helped thousands of business owners transform their leadership style. We explore topics like: • Why making assumptions about your team’s skills can cripple your business • How to transition from being a “doer” to a true leader • Practical strategies for delegating effectively (even when it’s hard to let go) • Finding the sweet spot between too much and too little process • The importance of play, rest, and variety for boosting creativity and avoiding burnout Plus, Emily reveals her free business-owner assessment tool to help you understand your leadership style and where you might need to make some shifts for success. Link to the assessment tool: https://learn.emilyhawkins4u.com/type/ Blog: https://ftb.bz/113B Video: https://ftb.bz/113V Fundability assessment: https://ftb.bz/fundable Advising: https://ftb.bz/advising Key takeaways: Founders often lack management experience and need to learn team optimization. Assumptions about team members can lead to significant business challenges. Transitioning from doer to leader requires a shift in mindset and skills. Different types of owners have unique strengths and weaknesses. Processes and systems are essential for scaling a business effectively. Play and relaxation can enhance creativity and problem-solving. Founders must manage their energy and time to avoid burnout. Creating a safe environment encourages open feedback and disagreement. Trust and autonomy are crucial for team dynamics. Self-awareness and personal development are key to effective leadership. Bio: Emily Hawkins is a seasoned business leader and the creator of LeaderSHIFT where Emily guides small business owners to implement strategies that not only keep more money in their businesses but also foster lasting success and growth. With over 15 years of experience in the corporate world—where she led teams, streamlined processes, and saved millions for large organizations—Emily made the pivotal decision in 2017 to leave the corporate sector and dedicate herself to helping small businesses thrive through her innovative approach. Equipped with a Supply Chain degree from the University of Tennessee, an MBA in Global Business from Georgia Tech, and a Robbins-Madanes life coaching certification, Emily has successfully coached over 2,500 individuals and business owners, guiding them to unlock their potential. Emily’s expertise and impact have earned her recognition, including being featured in Forbes in 2020 for her groundbreaking work. Emily believes meaningful changes in a business don’t require a fancy degree or technical know-how—just a healthy sense of curiosity and a willingness to adapt. https://www.emilyhawkins4u.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhawkins4u/