Leveraging Operations in Leadership
Leveraging Operations in Leadership is the podcast for values-driven leaders and business owners who are building small, growing teams. Hosted by Tonya D. Harrison, Founder of Cignal Partners and creator of the LeadOpx™ Framework, each episode explores how to lead with purpose and operate with precision — blending leadership development, team performance, and operational excellence into actionable insights. Whether you’re a business owner scaling your first team or a leader refining how your team operates, you’ll learn how to: Strengthen your leadership systems and decision-making Improve team communication, accountability, and performance Build sustainable operations that reflect your values and support your vision Because great leadership starts with values — but it’s sustained through systems. Join us on this journey to elevate your leadership game and achieve outstanding results with your team.
Episodes
This is Part 1 of a two-part series on building capacity without increasing headcount. In this episode, Tonya Harrison breaks down the leadership shifts that help small teams operate with more clarity and ease — before you think about hiring.
If you're feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by decisions, or unsure why your team can’t keep up, this episode shows you where capacity is really lost and how to rebuild it ...
Most small teams don’t fail because they lack passion — they fail because they’re trying to run a business on memory, hustle, and winging it. In this episode, we uncover the real cost of operating without systems and the operational pain points that drain small teams every single day.
If you lead a small business or manage a small team, this conversation gives you the clarity and tools to stop the chaos, protect your t...
Plan With Purpose — What High-Performing Small Teams Do Differently
Here’s a hard truth: fewer than half of new small-business teams are still operating five years in. And one of the clearest reasons why? They didn’t plan with purpose. They rolled the dice rather than building structure. If you’re leading a small team, this is a reality check — survival comes from closing the gap between planning and execution.
In today...
In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: the power of small teams.
I’ve worked with organizations of every size, and I’ve seen that small teams, when led intentionally, often outperform larger ones. Why? Because they operate with clarity, culture, and focus — the real drivers of high performance.
You’ll learn how to build agility through structure, hire for val...
Leading a small team can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also test your patience and capacity when performance starts to slip. I’ve been there. As a leader, it’s easy to slip into frustration or burnout when you feel like you’ve communicated what’s expected and things still aren’t getting done.
In this episode of the Leveraging Operations in Leadership Podcast, I’m sharing how to manage underperformance without los...
Before you hire your first team member or take on a team for the first time you need more than job descriptions and good intentions. You need a clear plan. In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, host Tonya D. Harrison shares the five essential things every business owner and corporate leader should do before bringing on a team. From defining your values and shaping team culture to organizi...
Leading a remote team isn’t new, but it’s more common than ever. Long before 2020, companies like IBM and Dell had remote employees, but when COVID hit, the world of work changed overnight. In April 2020, Gallup reported that about 70% of the U.S. workforce was suddenly remote. And even as offices reopened, hybrid and remote work became the new normal.
But here’s the challenge: you can’t lead a remote team the same way...
Have you ever felt like success at work means sacrificing your personal life?
In this episode, I share why work-life integration is more sustainable than balance and how to use your values, non-negotiables, and boundaries to protect what matters most. You’ll discover practical ways to navigate life’s seasons without losing yourself and how to thrive as both a leader and a person.
Your challenge this week: choose three ...
You know that sinking feeling when you start a new job and immediately wonder, “Did I make the right choice?”
That’s exactly what happens to new employees when onboarding falls short. And here’s the truth: once doubt creeps in, it’s hard to undo.
In this episode, we’ll dive into why onboarding is so much more than paperwork, how to avoid giving your new hires “buyer’s remorse,” and what leaders can do to create an...
Ever been stuck between a boss who’s not pulling their weight and an organization that seems to expect 24/7 availability? You’re not alone.
In this AMA episode, I answer:
- How to correct a leader who isn’t doing their job when it affects your results.
- What to do when late nights and evening emails start eating into your family time.
We’ll explore the art of managing up, why boundaries are critical for sustainable ...
Struggling with decision-making as a leader?
In this episode, I introduce the CLEAR Decision-Making Framework — a practical, step-by-step tool to help leaders make confident, timely, and effective decisions.
Time to make better decisions, faster.
Ready to close the gap between goals and results?
For a clear and consistent way to lead your business, download the free GAP Guide.
Grab the download 👉🏾 https://go.cig...
Pressure doesn’t have to break you—it can build you.
In this episode, I share why resilience is non-negotiable for leaders, the dangers of leading without it, and practical mindset shifts that will help you bounce back stronger.
You’ll learn how to turn pressure into power and lead your team with clarity, steadiness, and confidence in uncertain times.
Ready to close the gap between goals and results?
Is your team full of capable people but still struggling to work as one?
Do you find yourself constantly stepping in to fix miscommunication or put out fires?
In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we break down why cohesive teams are the true performance advantage—and how to build one from the inside out.
Looking for a safe space to learn, grow, and connect with other leaders like you? Join us for...
Ready to close the gap between goals and results?
For a clear and consistent way to lead your business, download the free GAP Guide.
Grab the download 👉🏾 https://go.cignalpartners.com/gap
If this episode helped you:
Leave a review or share it with another leader who’s navigating growth and overwhelm.
Are you constantly busy but never feel like you're actually leading?
You're not alone; many managers and small business leaders are stuck juggling execution, team issues, and strategic goals… without a clear system to manage it all.
In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we walk through the P.A.C.E. Framework — a time management system built specifically for leaders who are feeling overwh...
Managing a team isn’t just about getting the work done—it’s about leading people, and people come with personalities, preferences, and past experiences. In this Ask Me Anything episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we’re diving into two of the most pressing leadership questions:
- How do I manage different people with different personalities?
- What do I do when my team doesn’t respect me?
Whether you’re a...
So, you got promoted — now what?
If you’ve stepped into a leadership role and thought, “Why didn’t anyone prepare me for this?” - you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that 60% of new leaders fail within their first 18 months. Not because they’re not capable, but because they weren’t equipped.
In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we’re digging into what really happens after the promotion. Because ...
Burnout doesn’t care how talented or dedicated you are, and for many leaders, it creeps in quietly.
In this Leadership Unfiltered episode, I share the raw truth of leading while completely drained — emotionally, physically, and mentally. I reached a breaking point where I resigned without a safety net and cried myself to sleep under the weight of leading a team while trying to keep it together at home.
You’ll walk away ...
In this episode, Tonya breaks down the five key mindset shifts that help leaders escape this validation trap and instead focus on generating real impact and team growth. Discover why trust outweighs likability, how effective delegation and boundaries fuel team performance, and why openly communicating your wins is essential for advancement. Whether you’re a new manager or an experienced leader ready to level up, these...
Are the leadership beliefs you’ve always heard actually sabotaging your success?
In today’s episode, we dig into five persistent leadership myths that sound true, but could be limiting your growth and your team’s performance.
Discover why needing all the answers, proving yourself, glorifying busyness, saying yes to everything, and doing it all yourself are outdated habits, and learn practical strategies to replace them...
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