Hands-Off CEO

In this episode, Mandi Ellefson talks with Gray MacKenzie, co-founder of ZenPilot, about how agency owners can build scalable, self-managing operations that run smoothly, without adding more people, tools, or chaos.Gray shares how he’s helped hundreds of agencies streamline their systems, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and build clarity into every level of their business. Instead of growing through brute force and burnout, Gray reveals how top-performing agencies grow through structure, simplicity, and systems that work without the founder at the center.When your operations run like clockwork, your business becomes easier to scale, your team performs better, and your profit margins rise, all while you get your time back.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to design scalable systems that eliminate chaos and confusion ✅ The 3 pillars of operational clarity that drive predictable results ✅ Why “doing less” often leads to faster and more profitable growth ✅ How to use ClickUp to streamline delivery and increase accountability ✅ The most common scaling mistakes agencies make and how to avoid them ✅ How to empower your team to own results and make decisions ✅ The mindset shift from managing everything to leading through systemsThe best agencies don’t grow by doing more, they grow by doing what matters, better. When you build clarity into your operations, your agency stops depending on you and starts scaling on its own.🔗 Connect with Gray MacKenzie:Website: https://www.zenpilot.com🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us:1️⃣ FREE – Stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients. Join our next Executive Briefing → https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast2️⃣ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: Unlock $10K–$50K Hidden in Your Business Right Now → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast3️⃣ Read The Hands-Off CEO Book (4.7★ on Amazon)Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out. Grab your copy → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast4️⃣ Apply for The Invisible Advantage™ Growth Program We’ll help you uncover your Invisible Advantage, package it into a premium offer, and scale profitably without adding to your workload. Learn more → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast

In this episode, Mandi talks with Jeremy Weisz, co-founder of Rise 25, about how service firm owners can use podcasting as a powerful tool to build authority, deepen relationships, and consistently attract high-value clients without spending a cent on ads.Jeremy shares how he’s helped hundreds of agencies and consultants create “relationship engines” through podcasting systems that generate partnerships, referrals, and long-term opportunities that most firms completely overlook.Instead of chasing leads, Jeremy reveals how to build genuine authority by leading meaningful conversations and why your network, not your audience size, determines your growth.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to turn a podcast into a lead-generation and authority-building systemThe Rise25 framework for turning guest conversations into client opportunitiesWhy the best podcasts focus on relationships, not downloadsHow to position your show so dream clients are excited to joinThe mindset shift from “creating content” to creating connectionHow to stay consistent without adding more to your workloadWhy generosity and curiosity are your biggest growth leversThe best agencies don’t chase clients, they attract them by becoming the trusted authority in their space. When you use podcasting to connect, elevate, and lead with insight, your business grows on the strength of relationships that last.🔗 Connect with Jeremy Weisz: Website: https://rise25.com🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us: 1️⃣ FREE – Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing → https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast 2️⃣ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: Unlock $10K–$50K Hidden in Your Business → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast 3️⃣ BOOK – The Hands-OFF CEO: Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast 4️⃣ 1-on-1 Coaching – Find your next growth breakthrough → https://handsoffceo.com/scale?utm_source=podcast

In this episode, Mandi shares how one firm went from charging a few hundred dollars an hour to closing million-dollar contracts,  simply by redefining the category they played in. Instead of selling services like engineering or surveying, they positioned themselves around solving the high-stakes problems that keep executives up at night,  saving companies hundreds of thousands in lost profits and delays.By reframing their offer around measurable client outcomes, they didn’t just raise prices, they multiplied their value. Within months, they replaced low-margin clients with top-tier ones willing to pay six and seven figures for results that truly mattered.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to reposition your services around transformational outcomes,  not deliverablesThe strategy that helped one firm 5x its fees and land million-dollar contractsWhy solving C-suite problems creates instant demand and loyaltyThe difference between tactical selling and strategic category ownershipHow to attract higher-value clients who see your work as indispensableWhy clarity of value is the foundation for premium pricingThe top 5% of firms aren’t competing on rates,  they’re competing on results. When you position your business around outcomes your clients can’t ignore, you stop chasing opportunities… and start commanding them.🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us:1/ FREE - Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing: https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast2/ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: How to Unlock $10K-$50K Hidden in Your Business Right Now → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast3/ Get My Book: The Hands-OFF CEO – Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out. Yours for just $4.99 → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast4/ Work With Us 1-on-1: Let’s find the breakthrough that takes your agency to the next level → https://handsoffceo.com/scale?utm_source=podcast

In this solo episode, Mandi reveals the single biggest advantage that sets the top 5% of consulting and agency firms apart and how you can start building it in your business in just 30 days.While most agencies are busy optimizing operations, chasing leads, or cutting costs, the best firms are doing something entirely different: they’re optimizing for client profit and proof of results. Mandi shares real client examples, case studies, and frameworks that show how to reposition your firm from being a vendor to becoming a strategic advisor your clients can’t live without.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the top 5% of firms are widening the gap and how to catch up fastHow to package your client results into case studies that land $100K+ dealsThe biggest mistake most agencies make (and what to focus on instead)Why optimizing for client profit leads to far higher margins, even with clunky opsHow to use the “Bridge Framework” to lead clients to bigger outcomesThe mindset shift from “people-pleasing” to powerful leadershipWhat success conditions you must require for clients to achieve transformational resultsHow to double your prices and profits by focusing on outcomes, not deliverablesWhy proof is the most powerful growth engine in uncertain marketsThe top 5% of firms aren’t waiting for the market to stabilize,  they’re creating stability through proof, outcomes, and bold leadership. You can do the same. Build the systems that make your results undeniable, and watch the right clients start chasing you.🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us:1/ FREE - Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing: https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast2/ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: How to Unlock $10K-$50K Hidden in Your Business Right Now → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast3/ Get My Book: The Hands-OFF CEO – Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out. Yours for just $4.99 → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast4/ Work With Us 1-on-1: Let’s find the breakthrough that takes your agency to the next level → https://handsoffceo.com/scale?utm_source=podcast

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Logan Lyles, founder of Demand Shift. Logan helps B2B agencies and brands turn simple marketing into predictable growth using webinars that actually convert and authentic outreach that builds trust.Together, they unpack how Logan went from launching his agency to booking dozens of sales calls in just weeks, all without complicated funnels or big ad budgets. He shares exactly how he used LinkedIn, a short survey, and value-first webinars to build relationships and win clients fast.You’ll learn why most agencies overcomplicate their marketing, and how a back-to-basics approach can help you grow faster, reach better-fit clients, and stop wasting time on tactics that don’t move the needle.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Logan built a full client pipeline in his first month using LinkedInWhy a simple 4-minute survey can generate dozens of quality leadsHow to avoid “dead ends” in your marketing funnel and move prospects forwardThe 3T’s of high-converting webinars: Topic, Title, and ThumbnailHow to promote webinars effectively, even with a small audienceWhy the best webinars educate instead of pitch and how that builds trustWhat to focus on first if you want marketing that’s simple and scalableIf you’ve been stuck in overcomplicated marketing systems that don’t deliver, this episode will show you how to simplify your strategy, attract better clients, and turn conversations into real growth.Connect with Logan Lyles: https://demandshift.co/webinar-fast-track