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...

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 op...

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...

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 studie...

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 ...

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson unpacks one of the biggest fears firm owners face, raising prices. For many, it feels risky, even dangerous, because losing a single client can feel like a step backward. But as Mandi reveals, the real danger isn’t in raising your rates, it’s in how you position the increase.

You’ll discover why most firms trigger pushback the moment they justify price hikes with “rising c...

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Kristie Plantinga, founder of Place Digital. Kristie helps agencies and service providers simplify their marketing and attract clients with content that actually converts.

Together, they dig into why so many agencies struggle with marketing that feels scattered and how to build a simple, repeatable system that brings in the right leads without burning you out. F...

If you’ve tried EOS but growth still feels flat, exhausting, or like you’re just spinning your wheels, this podcast explains why.

EOS is a powerful framework, but it’s not designed to fix weak positioning, underpriced offers, or a sales process that drags. And until those pieces are solved, no amount of L10s or accountability charts will create real scale.

In this episode, you’ll see why firms plateau when they “systematize struggle”...

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Jody Sutter, founder of The Sutter Company. Jody has helped agencies of all sizes simplify their business development and win clients without burning out or chasing the wrong opportunities.

Together, they dig into why most agencies overcomplicate growth and how to make business development simple, repeatable, and effective. From positioning that actually attract...

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Sharon Toerek, founder of Toerek Law and host of The Innovative Agency. Sharon is an attorney who’s spent years helping agencies protect their businesses, get paid faster, and turn their ideas into valuable assets.

Together, they dive into the hidden risks that hold agencies back and the simple legal moves that can unlock more profit, protection, and long-term v...

In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson welcomes back Michael Zipursky, CEO of Consulting Success. Michael has worked with thousands of consultants worldwide, helping them build more profitable, scalable, and freedom-filled businesses.

Together, they dive into the radical shifts happening in the consulting space. From AI disruption to global uncertainty and how these changes are creating a clear divide between f...

If you're stuck at capacity, pricing too low, and feel like growth means burnout — this video shows you a smarter path to scale.

In this episode, Mandi Ellefson shares how two consulting firms 2X’d their prices and 6X’d their profits without hiring or hustling harder.

They didn’t need a bigger team — they needed a better offer.

This strategy helped them reposition around outcomes, simplify delivery, and close premium deals wit...

Are you the one holding your agency together — and holding it back?

If you’ve hired a team, built some systems, and delegated tasks… but you still can’t step away without things stalling — you're not scaling, you're surviving.

In this video, Mandi Ellefson breaks down why founders become the bottleneck in their agency’s growth — even when it looks like they’re doing everything right — and how to fix it.

You’ll learn:

✅ The real reason ...

Your $20K proposal isn’t failing because of the price — it’s failing because your consulting firm’s value proposition isn’t landing. And ironically? The same clients who ghost your $20K pitch might eagerly say “yes” to $100K — if you position it the right way.

In this video, Mandi Ellefson shares the agency positioning strategy that helped one firm move from stalled $30K deals to consistently closing $100K+ engagements — with the sa...

Still stuck trying to sell $20K projects… while your competitors are landing $100K+ deals?

In this video, Mandi Ellefson breaks down the 4 strategic shifts consulting agency CEOs are using to close premium, high-trust engagements — without chasing leads, discounting your fees, or getting stuck in the weeds of delivery.

If you’re delivering great results but getting ghosted, undercut, or passed over for bigger firms… this will cha...

Trying to sell $20K projects — but clients keep ghosting, lowballing, or dragging their feet?

This video breaks down 4 powerful shifts that will help you close $100K+ consulting deals with confidence — without chasing leads, discounting your fees, or working more hours.

Mandi Ellefson (founder of Hands-Off CEO) shares the exact mindset, offer, and positioning strategies top consulting and agency owners are using to consistently close...

In this episode, Mandi Ellefson reveals why you don’t need to search for "clients with bigger budgets" - they’re already right in front of you! Discover how to inspire existing clients to unlock budgets they didn’t even know they had.

Mandi shows exactly how to transform your business from charging $5K per month on 3-month engagements to commanding $90K for a 90-day ROI builder offer. This is how our clients are building breathtakin...

In this insightful solo episode of Hands-Off CEO, Mandi Ellefson shares critical insights from her extensive experience working with thousands of consulting companies over the past 12 years. She reveals the four key strategies that distinguish thriving consulting firms from those struggling to scale.

Drawing from real-world examples and case studies, Mandi breaks down how successful consultancies are adapting to market chan...

In this episode of Hands-Off CEO, Mandi Ellefson interviews Liz Elting, author of “Dream Big and Win” and founder of TransPerfect, which she built into the world’s largest language solutions company. Starting from an NYU dorm room at age 26, Liz shares her journey of scaling a business while maintaining exceptional service quality.

Liz discusses how she transformed her company by implementing innovative strategies to empowe...