10x Your Team with Cam & Otis

Balancing Innovation and Process - Courtney De Ronde | 10x Your Team Ep. #451

Camden and Otis McGregor Episode 451

Ever wondered why some businesses successfully scale while others get stuck in startup mode? In this conversation with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™, Cam and Otis explore the delicate balance between innovation and process that growing organizations must navigate.

"Efficiency creates clarity, and clarity unlocks growth," Courtney explains, revealing how her background as a CPA evolved into helping businesses build systems that actually work. From discussing the COLBY assessment that measures cognitive strengths to explaining why some leaders struggle with implementing processes, this episode offers practical wisdom about scaling with intention.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Courtney's insight into what breaks systems. "If any of this information that you're using is based on inaccurate, incomplete, or not timely information, that'll break your system down," she shares, offering a refreshing perspective on why even well-designed processes can fail without the right foundation.

Whether you're a startup founder worried about becoming too rigid or a scaling business leader trying to create more structure, Courtney's approach to balancing innovation with process provides a roadmap for growth that doesn't sacrifice creativity or purpose.

More About Courtney:
Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp SystemTM. She helps business and nonprofit leaders utilize a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development, enabling them to fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same. With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Recognized for her expertise in business intelligence, leadership, corporate finance, and productivity, Courtney presents at conferences and events nationwide. When she’s not helping companies grow, she enjoys time with her husband and three children on their latest family road trip or at home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Chapter Times and Titles:

From CPA to ScaleUp Expert [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Courtney De Ronde
The journey from accounting to business leadership
First glimpses of the Simple ScaleUp System™

Innovation vs. Process: The False Dichotomy [05:01 - 15:00]
The COLBY assessment and cognitive strengths
"Some of us lead with the quick start mode."
Why do  different leadership styles complement each other

When Systems Cost Too Much [15:01 - 25:00]
The danger of over-systematizing too early
Balancing structure with startup flexibility
Giving team members ownership over innovation

What Breaks Systems Down [25:01 - 35:00]
The importance of reliable information
Common pitfalls in system implementation
How to build processes that actually work

The Good Idea Fairy [35:01 - 45:00]
Managing innovation within established processes
"The boss is coming back from a conference."
Why executive teams should learn together

Scaling with Purpose [45:01 - End]
Connecting systems to the organizational mission
How to get started with the Simple ScaleUp System™
Final thoughts on balancing growth with intention

Connect with Courtney De Ronde
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/
https://www.facebook.com/forgefmc
https://www.forgeahead.com/


#10xyourteam #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScalingStrategy #SimpleScaleUpSystem #Entrepreneurship #InnovationAndProcess #LeadershipPodcast #TeamClarity #BusinessIntelligence #SystemsThinking #LeadershipJourney #OperationalExcellence #PurposeDrivenGrowth #ForgeFinancial #TribeAndPurpose