People often ask me how I came to know all this stuff about business, strategy, team leadership, operations, and so on.
The truth is, it all started back in 2011 when I was working a day job.
Like most people who end up becoming entrepreneurs... I hated being an order-taker.
Following other people's rules, doing things the old way instead of the better way, having my value be measured by the time I spent doing something... it frustrated me to no end.
So, being a stereotypical overachiever, I promptly got myself promoted … and found myself in Delegation Hell:
Being constantly on call, working 60 hours per week, telling people what to do and then chasing them around to make sure it’s done properly…
It wasn’t long before I couldn’t take it anymore. I got out of dodge, started my own business…
… and quickly found myself running into the exact same problem. With a team that was supposed to be making my life easier, but no evidence (aka “free time”) anywhere in sight.
Now, I’m not one to sit on a problem. So I…
- Joined a few “high end masterminds” … where I was inevitably the most successful person in the room. While everyone else was asking “how do I hire my first VA?” I was wondering “how do I do meaningful performance reviews?”
- Enrolled in some “advanced” business coaching programs. I walked away with a pile of marketing tactics—most of which I already knew—and on the rare occasion when something new was presented, with no time or energy to implement it myself.
- And, of course, I was constantly reading: Traction, Rocket Fuel, The E-Myth, Harvard Business Review, the list goes on. They gave me a lot of theoretical knowledge, but not a lot of practical steps.
None of it helped.
Finally, I did the thing I should have done in the first place.
I asked my partner, Jill.
See, before Jill and I started working together, she spent nearly a decade working in corporate, leading teams of 3 to twelve people.
But unlike me, she wasn’t chasing her team around at all. She wasn’t working all hours, and when it came to getting things done, her team took ownership of everything.
She would set out a big-picture vision, and they’d set the goals and outcomes. They’d make the decisions about how to do it. And then they’d take full responsibility for making it happen.
(Of course, when upper management got wind of this, they promptly shut her down, telling her that she was doing it wrong… *sigh*)
As we compared notes—me with my theoretical knowledge and Jill with her hands-on experience—a framework started to emerge.
A simple method that turned traditional practices on their head, and made the idea of having a self-managing “dream team” from a dream… into a reality.
The first team we applied it to was ours, and to be honest, I made a lot of mistakes.
But over time, we tested, tweaked and refined until we had something that worked.
Not for a solopreneur with a couple of VAs, but also not for a big corporate entity with dozens of departments and hundreds of employees.
Something that worked for a business in the middle: doing a few hundred thousand dollars a year, with a handful of team members.
What's interesting, though, is what happened next.
On our consulting calls, I noticed clients starting to ask us more and more questions about their teams.
Could this framework work not just for us, but for them, too?
We weren’t sure. While some of them were at a similar place to us, others had already surpassed the million dollar mark and were headed for more.
But the question begged to be answered, so we found a few clients who were willing to let us try…
And it worked better than any of us ever could have ever imagined…
Shannon Hernandez (she/they)
Someone just asked me if my biz could run without me. I proudly answered yes! I spent 6 months last year learning how NOT to be my biz, putting people and systems and coaches in place, so I can be the CEO and the visionary. That felt like a hugely successful win today!
Julie Parker (she/her)
We’ve made a number of [changes], particularly when it came to what certain team members were doing in their roles. That has really helped refine those roles, and people are happier and more stable. It’s a really good thing.
Myleik Teele (she/her)
I now have time to work ON the business. I don't think I realized how little time I had to get things done... for the FIRST time ever, I see a path to creating more while still feeling in alignment with my purpose.
Lacy Boggs (she/her)
OMG. My team manager just took something off my plate on her own for the first time!
I didn't think I wanted to be a boss, because I didn't want to manage. THIS IS AMAZING.
Thanks Breanne for helping me see this was an option. I need champagne at 9:30am.
Joe Taylor Jr. (he/him)
I’m no longer looking at a straight line trajectory of just knocking out 60-70 hour weeks until I fall over.
I’m putting in just the right amount to continue to steer the ship, while the team is growing and fanning out beneath me.
Keila Hill-Trawick (she/her)
I used to do everything myself. When I started this business, there was nobody but me and I did all the parts.
Then I added one person and they helped me, but I mostly did all the parts and gave them some of it.
[Now] I can focus on the other parts because I’m not constantly chasing behind.
The result of all that refining, testing and collating is the framework we’ve introduced you to over the past several pages.
It’s a simple, proven method that allows business owners to design & lead the kind of Dream Team that will increase their time, money and energy profit as they scale … quickly, profitably and sustainably.
And now I want to invite you to install this framework into your business.
Because if you’re like me, and you know that your ability to grow will only be as strong as your team…
Then I’ve got unique opportunity for you to get the structure, support and guidance that will take you and your team to the next level.
Introducing
Dream Team Design
A hands-on program for successful entrepreneurs who are ready for advanced team-building strategies.
Dream Team Design is not for beginners.
It’s for successful entrepreneurs whose businesses have earned at least 6 figures in the past 12 months. 7-figure CEOs are also welcome; we have lots to share with you.
It includes monthly 1:1 coaching calls, unlimited personal feedback and support, and advanced material on designing, building and leading your dream team.
In this program, we’re sharing the advanced strategies that help scale multi-million dollar businesses with self-motivated teams that make growth happen.
Not in a series of videos. Not with hours-long “group coaching calls.” And not in “masterminds” where you’re the most advanced person in the room…
But an implementation-based, supported program where we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of designing your Dream Team.
When you join Dream Team Design, you’ll be invited to an exclusive learning environment that provides:
Advanced Application-Oriented Materials
No basics like "write a checklist", "go to Upwork" or "delegate the $10 tasks" here.
We'll go deep into the strategies behind team design, defining success, roles & responsibilities, team transitions, and more.
Plus, everything we do is rooted in application. Meaning we don't teach you how to do anything; we actually get you doing the thing with our help and support.
Instant Access To Other Successful CEOs
Let's be honest: most "CEOs" running businesses your size are glorified implementers: stuck deep in the weeds, and trapped in delegation hell.
In this program, we'll connect you with other successful business owners, from different industries, to share what's working, connect the dots, and find insights that will accelerate your learning curve.
You'll never again feel like the smartest person in the room.
Strategy-Oriented Private Coaching
Every month, you'll get a private 1:1 call with a member of our team. We'll dig into what's working, what's not, and where you need to focus next.
Together, we'll dive in to the specifics of your business and your personal journey as the CEO and leader.
By the end of each session, you'll have specific insights and action items to apply... and, of course, we'll be there to help you apply it to your business, every step of the way.
What happens inside Dream Team Design
Look, I know there are about a million and a half different things you could be working on in your business.
But the thing that defines your success moving forward won’t be how many things you can work on.
Rather, it’s about how many things you can empower others to make happen, on your business’ behalf.
This isn’t an overnight process. But that’s the point–because your business is past the point of quick hacks and overnight fixes. Now, you’re building for long-term sustainability.
The things you learn to do in this program are ones you can apply today, tomorrow, and years from now.
As your business grows and you level up your own leadership, you’ll find new ways to use the material… whether you’ve got a team of three or thirty-three.
Here's a sneak peak into what you'll accomplish; you will...
- Get your team to build a complete, end-to-end picture of all the things that happen in your business
- Re-align your existing team into new, empowered roles that get them creating even bigger results
- Craft the Perfect Job Description for each member of your team, including clear success measures for each individual
- Create a hiring plan for who to hire next (and after that, and after that!)
- Map out how your team's responsibilities will evolve and change as you grow
- Uplevel your CEO mindset so you can confidently lead your team, without micromanaging or getting drawn back down into the weeds
Dream Team Design is NOT Your Typical "Online Program"
We know you’re busy, so we’ve designed this to be a fluff-free experience, where you spend your time doing the work, not learning about the work.
After all, the last thing you need at this point in your business is endless videos to watch, worksheets to fill out, or calls to attend.
That’s why Dream Team Design…
- Is NOT a mastermind. I know it sounds great in theory—surrounding yourself with high-quality peers who you can learn from. But almost every time I've joined a mastermind or group program, it's been filled with beginners who want to know how to create a better landing page ... not CEOs who want to build a better company. I mean, not that there's anything wrong with building better landing pages... but I'd rather you learn how to lead a team that does that for you.
- Is NOT a course. Yawn... do you really need to watch seven 30-minute long videos on crafting a job description that is basically just a list of tasks you're going to delegate? Or do you need to spend 30 minute actually crafting a job descriiption that works? I know which one I'd choose. So, sure. We have a curriculum. But it's filled with action items to do, not a pile of content to consume.
- Is NOT a magic bullet. You and I both know that there's no such thing as a miracle fix. But there are proven strategies that you can adapt and apply to your unique situation. Will it happen overnight? No. But it'll last a hell of a lot longer than the so-called "solutions" that promise instant success.
- Is NOT one-size fits all. Everyone says it... but then they put you through the exact same process as every other client. Not here. The very first thing you do in this program is choose your own pace, learning style, and pathway through the materials. And we'll guide you through it, so you're never left alone.
- Is NOT a massive time commitment. The last thing you need is another set of meetings on your calendar or tasks on your to-do list. You need a few high-impact activities, applied directly to your business, with targeted support to make sure you get the benefit of an expert, outside opinion.
- Is NOT a five-figure investment. We're not here to get rich quick, and we're not here to make you spend thousands in the hopes that you'll be able to make it back eventually. This is about making smart, measured investments that will free up time and money, without breaking the bank.
Finally, we have little interest in maximizing profits at all costs. If all you care about is padding your bank account, then this program is not right for you.
We’re here to help you build a business that is sustainable, profitable and equitable.
That’s why this (and all of our programs) are based on an explicitly intersectional, anti-racist worldview.
That means we…
- Hold firm our responsibility to create and maintain safe space for marginalized groups, including those who are systematically disadvantaged whether because of race, sexuality, gender, ability, or other forms of diversity.
- Affirm the importance of science-based decision-making, meaning we acknowledge the reality of climate change, support mask mandates, and are pro-vaxx.
- Acknowledge that we are headquartered on unceded Coast Salish territory.
- Believe that Black, Indigenous and Trans Lives Matter.
If you don’t also hold those values, then this won’t be a fit.
But if you do…
And you’ve read this far …
Then here's how to get started.
If you’ve decided Dream Team Design is a good fit for you, there are two options for enrolling.
The difference between them is the amount of time we spend together, and the scope of what we’ll cover.
Note: space in the Accelerator is limited and by invitation only. To get your invitaiton, please use the link below to book a call.
Dream Team Design
6-Week Intensive- Two 1:1 strategic coaching calls
- "Dream Team Design" program materials
- Weekly drop-in office hours
- Unlimited asynchronous feedback & support
- Access to the Visionary CEO Client Community
- Bonus learning materials on hiring, communication, performance management, operations, etc.
- Live & recorded access to regular mastermind calls
- Invitation to Quarterly Strategic Planning
Dream Team Accelerator
6-Month Immersion- Monthly 1:1 strategic coaching calls
- "Dream Team Design" program materials
- Weekly drop-in office hours
- Unlimited asynchronous feedback & support
- Access to the Visionary CEO Client Community
- Additional learning materials on hiring, communication, performance management, operations, etc.
- Live & recorded access to regular mastermind calls
- Invitation to Quarterly Strategic Planning
Got questions about which option is right for you? Schedule a 15-minute Game Plan chat and we’ll help you decide which option is best for you.
Important
Before You Join, Read This
Dream Team Design—like all the programs we offer—does not have a money-back guarantee. We do not offer refunds, and if you sign up for the Accelerator, then it’s a 6-month commitment; there’s no early exit clause.
This is by design.
The truth is, there are no quick fixes for businesses at your stage. Results take time, and we’ll also be asking you to do things differently than you have before. It’s not going to be easy, and so if we’re going to do this, we need you to commit to seeing it through to the end.
That said, if you’re reading this, you’ve already learned a ton about our approach. You probably already have a sense of whether or not it can help you.
You also know the challenges you’re facing as a growing business better than anyone else out there.
So if you’ve already got a business coach, a mastermind, or some other way of solving these problems… then that’s great!
But for me, I know that if I’d tried to figure this stuff out the same old way, it would have taken me a lot longer to find a new solution that worked for me.
I needed to find someone who knew a better way, and who could help me find mine.
Not to mention that the old way just didn’t jive with my values. And for me, if it’s not about creating more equity and justice in the world, I’m not interested.
These are the kinds of people we want in our programs and in our community. People who are here because:
- They don’t want to figure it out on their own.
- They’re tired of the same old, same old.
- They don’t want to re-create the corporate behemoths of the past (with all their flaws and problems).
So, look. You’ve already created a successful business.
You’ve already proven you’re smart, dedicated, and can figure out a lot of things on your own.
Which means you don’t need our help. You’ve made it this far, and odds are, you’ll eventually crack the Dream Team nut on your own.
The question ultimately is, which is more likely to get you where you want to go:
- The time and money we’ll ask you to invest with us?
- Or the time and money you’ll spend figuring it out on your own?
There are no right or wrong answers. You’ll know which is right for you.
Whatever you choose, I wish you all the success in the world.
Here’s to your Dream Team!
