144 | The Secret to CEO Confidence: How to Build a Business That Feels Like It Runs Itself (with Emily Hatton)

What if your business could run smoothly—even when you’re not glued to every task? In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Hatton, a business operations consultant who helps ambitious founders scale sustainably with clear systems, smart teams, and zero chaos. We talk about what it really means to build a business that feels like it runs itself, the mindset shifts that make growth calmer, and how to use data (not emotion) to make decisions like a true CEO.

If you’ve ever felt like your business would fall apart without you, this conversation will show you how to reclaim your time, your energy, and your confidence as a leader.

You’ll Discover

• What it really means to have a “self-running” business — and why it’s more about freedom and clarity than full automation
• The CEO Scorecard Method — how tracking key metrics weekly helps you see your business clearly and make smart decisions fast
• The 1+1 Framework for Growth — the simple weekly habit that moves your business forward without overwhelm
• When (and how) to hire help — why letting go of the work you hate might be the most powerful move you make this year

About Emily: Emily Hatton is a Business Operations Consultant who helps ambitious founders scale their businesses sustainably—with clear systems, smart teams, and zero chaos. Her work focuses on turning vision into execution through operational excellence and financial precision. Whether it's building out your team, streamlining internal processes, or finally getting everything out of your head and into a system that actually works—Emily helps business owners grow without burning out. As the founder of The Female Founder Space, she also leads a vibrant, private community and support network for service-based female founders building bold, brilliant businesses. The space is built on real talk—navigating growth, team dynamics, mindset wobbles, money goals, and everything in between—with no gatekeeping and no BS. Just practical advice, shared experiences, and a whole lot of encouragement.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Emily Hatton

00:45 Emily's Role and Achievements

03:22 Defining a Self-Running Business

05:44 Mindset and Metrics for Business Owners

14:05 Outsourcing and Team Building

28:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Emily: