Ask a Fractional COO

Stop thinking AI will fix everything.

In this Ask a Fractional COO episode, Heather pulls back the curtain on how businesses are quietly sabotaging their AI efforts through chasing trendy tools, trusting bad data, and overwhelming their teams. She shows you smarter, simpler ways to use AI so it actually improves operations, supports your people, and drives results instead of chaos.

We break down which KPIs actually matter for nonprofits, so leaders aren’t buried in reports that don’t change anything. We explore practical metrics for programs, donors, fundraising, and financial health, giving nonprofit teams a clear, realistic way to track impact and make better decisions. It’s designed for busy executive directors, operations leaders, and boards who want clarity, not complexity.

Buying another tool won’t fix a broken process.

This session shows how to tell whether the real issue is tools or workflows, highlights common red flags in day-to-day operations, and outlines what to tighten up before pouring more money into software. These tips are ideal for small business and nonprofit leaders buried in systems but still battling chaos and bottlenecks.

Curious what a Fractional COO actually does? In this quick, no-fluff episode of Ask a Fractional COO, you’ll see how we turn scattered priorities into a simple operating rhythm that scales. Watch now to see if it’s the right move for your business or nonprofit.

Thinking a new software will fix everything? In this short video, we show you how to fix process and data first so the right tool becomes obvious and actually gets adopted. Watch now to stop tool sprawl and start seeing smoother workflows and real ROI.

Think you’re ready to scale? This walkthrough breaks down the essentials like validated demand, dependable workflows, real capacity, meaningful metrics, and healthy cash flow and gives you quick tests to run this week so you grow smarter, not just bigger.

Cut the noise and get your team on the same page fast. In this quick guide, you’ll learn practical, low-lift ways to use AI to clarify messages, speed up decisions, and turn meetings into action with simple prompts, templates, and guardrails your nonprofit or professional services team will actually use.

Stop doing SWOT the slow, sticky-note way. In this quick video, Heather Garland shares a simple decision-first approach that turns SWOT into a one-page action plan with clear priorities, owners, and 30-day next steps. Ideal for nonprofit and professional-services leaders who want clarity. Not clutter.

Tired of change initiatives stalling out? Or the eyerolls when you announce a new organizational change? In this short video, founder Heather Garland unpacks why teams resist change and shares a simple playbook to turn skepticism into buy-in—without burning people out.

In this short video, Fractional COO Heather Garland shares the #1 operational risk small teams often overlook: relying too heavily on one person to manage key processes. She explains how this creates a single point of failure and offers simple solutions to keep your business running smoothly, no matter who’s out. 

Ready to see how AI can actually make your business run smoother not messier? In this quick episode of Ask a Fractional COO, Heather Garland reveals how she uses AI to cut through the noise, automate repetitive tasks, and boost team efficiency. Discover the secret to making AI work for you. If you’re curious about using AI without creating chaos, this one’s for you.

Drowning in spreadsheets but still unsure how your business is really performing? In this episode of Ask a Fractional COO, Heather Garland shares how to cut through the noise and focus on a few powerful metrics that truly drive results. Discover how to move from data overload to clarity with metrics that reflect value, profitability, and efficiency.

SOPs only work when your team actually uses them. In this short video, we share practical ways to win buy-in, embed SOPs into everyday tools, and set simple accountability loops so the process sticks. Watch for quick wins you can implement this week.

Before you chase funding, make sure your back office can deliver. This video shows what funders look for beyond a strong narrative through clear roles, documented processes, clean financials, and measurable results and gives you quick fixes to close the gaps.

Scaling doesn’t have to mean chaos. In this video, you’ll learn practical ways to grow the business without burning out your leadership or your team. Think clearer priorities, right-sized processes, and communication that actually sticks.

In this episode of Ask a Fractional COO, Heather Garland explains why traditional 12-month goals often fail to drive real progress and what to do instead. Learn a more focused, flexible approach that helps your team stay aligned and build momentum throughout the year.  Try 90-day sprints!

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic wand. In this quick video, we explore the critical business challenges that even the smartest technology can’t solve for you. Learn why strategy, leadership, and human insight are still indispensable, and how to align your efforts to make the most of what AI can do.

Risk management is not just for large companies. Small and midsize organizations face real operational risks, from staffing issues to tech failures. In this short video, learn why managing these risks matters and how to build more resilient operations for your business or nonprofit organization.

Wondering what a Fractional COO actually does? In just 60 seconds, Heather Garland of Synergy Pathfinders breaks it down, how a fractional COO brings structure, strategy, and sanity to growing organizations without the full-time price tag. If you’re juggling too much or stuck in the weeds, this is a must-watch.

Got broken processes dragging your team down? In this rapid-fire 1-minute episode of ‘Ask a Fractional COO’, Heather Garland of Synergy Pathfinders reveals exactly what to do when your operations start to unravel. If your workflows are stalling, this bite-sized tip could be your game-changer.

Always in crisis mode? If you’re a CEO or small business owner constantly putting out fires, this 1-minute video is for you. Heather Garland of Synergy Pathfinders shares quick, practical tips to help you break the firefighting cycle and start running your business with more control and less chaos.

We post new videos weekly on Tuesdays. Why? Because Heather is a big fan of Taco Tuesdays! Content posts on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Whether you’re looking for operational clarity or just have a quick question, reach out below or email us at [email protected].