The Right-Hand Roadmap

#42: Being Second-In-Command to Your Spouse & How to Win in Family and Business with "Chief Matriarch" Amy Stasiukaitis

Secrets to success being a Second-In-Command to your spouse while balancing business and family life with Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and founder of The Helm.
Being a second-in-command in any business is a challenge, but when your CEO is also your spouse, the dynamics become even more complex. In Episode 42 of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sat down with Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and founder of The Helm, to discuss what it takes to balance leadership, marriage, and motherhood.
Amy also shared how she carved out her role as “Chief Matriarch” in a growing company, managing operations while supporting her husband’s vision.
You'll hear all about:
02:15 – Amy’s background and how she became the Chief of Staff at Low County Case & Millwork and “Chief Matriarch” in life as a whole.
05:30 – Defining the role of a Second-In-Command in a family-run business
09:45 – The biggest challenges of working with a spouse and how to navigate them
14:10 – The benefits of setting boundaries, or not setting boundaries!
19:30 – Why communication is the key to success in business and marriage
23:50 – The importance of trust between the entrepreneur and Second-In-Command
27:40 – How Amy’s experience led her to create The Helm and share her expertise with other Second First members.
32:15 – Advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role alongside their spouse
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Links mentioned in the episode:
 
Chief Matriarch - Amy's Website
Low County Case & Millwork
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn
Amy Stasiukaitis on LinkedIn
Amy Stasiukaitis on Instagram

#41: EA vs. Chief of Staff vs. COO & Maximizing the Partnership with Founders with Hallie Warner

Learn the key differences between an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and COO, and how to maximize your partnership with a founder, featuring expert insights from Hallie Warner.
In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we dive deep into the evolving roles of Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and COOs with Hallie Warner, founder of The Founder & The Force Multiplier. Hallie shares her expert perspective on how each role serves a founder differently, what makes for a successful right-hand partnership, and when it’s time to level up. If you’re a COO, EA, or Chief of Staff (or you’re thinking about hiring one) this episode will give you a clear roadmap to making that partnership thrive.
You'll hear all about:
03:12 - The distinct roles of an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and COO—and how they evolve over time
08:45 - How a founder’s needs dictate the right-hand role they should hire for
12:30 - The biggest misconceptions about EAs, Chiefs of Staff, and COOs
17:55 - What makes a right-hand partnership successful, from both the founder’s and the operator’s perspective
23:40 - When it’s time for an EA to step into a Chief of Staff role—and when that might not be the right move
29:10 - Key skills that Chiefs of Staff and COOs need to develop for long-term success
34:50 - Hallie’s advice for founders looking to hire their first right-hand
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Links mentioned in the episode:
The Founder & The Force Multiplier
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn
Hallie Warner on LinkedIn
Hallie Warner on Instagram

#40: Why Am I Becoming Less Confident Over Time?

Feeling less confident in your role as a Second-in-Command? Learn how the Dunning-Kruger effect impacts your leadership and how to overcome it.
Ever feel like the more you learn, the less confident you become? You’re not imagining it. This is the Dunning-Kruger effect at work. In this episode, we break down how this psychological phenomenon affects Seconds-in-Command and why gaining experience can sometimes feel like a confidence killer. Learn how to push past self-doubt, trust your expertise, and lead with confidence...even when you don’t have all the answers.
You'll hear all about:
01:11 – Why COOs and Integrators often feel less confident over time.
02:17 – The paradox: the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
03:00 – Real-world examples from coaching engagements where confidence dips after deeper learning.
03:42 – Understanding "Mount Stupid"—why overconfidence is highest when knowledge is lowest.
04:11 – Three ways the Dunning-Kruger effect impacts Seconds-in-Command:
04:16 – Second-guessing decisions, even when you’re the most qualified.
04:44 – Assuming the CEO has all the answers (hint: they don’t).
05:22 – Holding back on leading boldly when your perspective is most needed.
06:03 – How to counteract self-doubt and embrace your role:
06:09 – Trust your expertise and recognize self-awareness as a strength.
06:32 – Assert yourself with confidence—your CEO needs your input.
07:34 – Embrace continuous learning, but don’t let it paralyze you.
 
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Links mentioned in the episode:
The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Second First Membership
Second First One-on-One Coaching
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#39: Strategic Networking as an Executive: Making Your Dream Connections

Want to connect with top industry leaders and expand your executive network? Learn how to make high-impact connections and build relationships that open doors.
As an executive, your network is one of your greatest assets. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we dive into the art of strategic networking: how to connect with key industry leaders, build meaningful professional relationships, and leverage those connections to grow in your role. Megan Long shares actionable strategies for getting in front of decision-makers, breaking into exclusive circles, and maximizing networking opportunities at events. Whether you're looking for mentorship, new opportunities, or simply a stronger support system, this episode will help you make the right connections.
You'll hear all about:
00:48 – Why networking matters for executives and leaders, not just entrepreneurs
03:05 – The importance of owning your network and making your value transferable
03:58 – The power of bold introductions: How a simple conversation led to a career-changing internship
06:05 – The art of networking with high-profile individuals (without being awkward or pushy)
07:25 – The “one-degree separation” strategy: Using mutual connections to get introductions
08:14 – Leveraging conferences and events to meet industry leaders
09:14 – How to maximize company sponsorships to access exclusive networking opportunities
10:18 – The key to effective follow-ups and making connections stick
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Links mentioned in the episode:
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#38: Gain 20% of Employee Time Back & Manage "Digital Chaos" with Shawn Lemon

Discover how to reclaim 20% of your team’s time and master your digital tools with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer.
In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sit down with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, to tackle the hidden costs of "digital chaos" in your organization. Shawn shares practical strategies for optimizing digital tools, streamlining workflows, and reclaiming 20% of your employees' time. Whether you’re drowning in a sea of Slack messages, struggling to find that elusive Google Doc, or wondering how to finally implement efficient systems, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can start using today.
You'll hear all about:
01:20 – Introduction to Shawn Lemon and The Digital Organizer: Shawn explains his mission to help companies escape “digital chaos.”
03:45 – Identifying "digital chaos": Common signs your organization is losing efficiency due to poor digital organization.
06:15 – Reclaiming 20% of employee time: How systematizing your tools and workflows can unlock hours of productivity.
08:50 – Essential tools for digital organization: Shawn’s go-to platforms and why less is more when it comes to tech.
11:10 – Email mastery: Tips for managing overflowing inboxes and setting boundaries.
13:30 – Overcoming resistance to change: How to get buy-in from your team to adopt new systems.
16:00 – The power of a "single source of truth": Why a centralized platform is the foundation of digital clarity.
19:40 – Real-world examples: Stories of teams who regained control and boosted productivity through Shawn’s methods.
22:15 – Quick wins: Immediate steps you can take today to reduce digital clutter.
25:00 – Closing thoughts: Shawn’s advice for sustaining long-term digital organization.
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Links mentioned in the episode:
Download Your Free Guide from The Digital Organizer
The Digital Organizer Website
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn
Shawn Lemon on LinkedIn
The Digital Organizer on LinkedIn
The Digital Organizer on Instagram

#37: Three Phrases to Add to Your Toolbox

Simple yet powerful phrases to elevate your leadership, empower your team, and reclaim your time.
In this episode, host Megan Long shares three essential phrases every COO or second-in-command should master. These tools are designed to grow your team’s problem-solving skills, build trust with your CEO, and help you maintain focus by avoiding unnecessary urgency.
You'll hear all about:
00:29 – Introduction to the episode: three phrases to add to your leadership toolbox.
01:01 – Phrase 1: “What do you suggest?” — Empower your team to think critically and solve their own problems, boosting their confidence and decision-making muscles.
02:10 – Benefits of using “What do you suggest?” for your team’s growth and your freedom as a leader.
03:05 – Phrase 2: “How do you feel about that?” — Gain insight into your team’s and CEO’s perspectives while strengthening trust and connection.
04:13 – How asking your CEO this question enhances your partnership and provides a deeper understanding of their thought process.
04:29 – Phrase 3: “When do you need an answer by?” — A strategy for managing decision-making pressure and prioritizing effectively.
05:52 – The hidden benefit of teaching your team the difference between urgency and importance.
 
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Links mentioned in the episode:
“Who’s Got the Monkey?” by Harvard Business Review
Second First Membership
Second First One-on-One Coaching
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#36: Set Accurate Revenue Goals

Set realistic revenue goals for the year and create a strategic plan to hit them.
In this episode, Megan Long breaks down the process of setting accurate revenue goals for your business. If you’re tired of arbitrary revenue targets, this episode will teach you how to evaluate your sales funnel, crunch the numbers, and build a clear path to success. Whether you're a COO or second-in-command, this episode gives you actionable steps to help your company achieve its financial targets—and even exceed them.
You'll hear all about:
00:28 – The common pitfall: arbitrary revenue targets set by CEOs without sufficient planning.
01:20 – The importance of working backward to assess team capacity and realistic targets.
01:55 – Megan introduces the downloadable worksheet to guide listeners through the exercise.
02:12 – Start by analyzing your sales funnel and collecting five key data points.
03:36 – Calculating average deal size using historical sales data.
04:14 – Breaking down an example sales funnel with clear metrics and close rates.
05:45 – How to calculate your company’s revenue capacity based on your sales funnel.
06:17 – Adjusting team capacity or hiring needs to meet ambitious revenue goals.
07:26 – Evaluating individual salesperson capacity to handle increased quotas.
08:12 – Using sales funnel math to communicate actionable plans to your CEO.
 
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Links mentioned in the episode:
Second First Membership
Second First One-on-One Coaching
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#35: Building a Professional Membership

Discover how Second First designed and launched a membership model for COOs and Seconds-in-Command.
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Megan Long pulls back the curtain on creating a professional membership program tailored for Seconds-in-Command of founder-led businesses. Learn how Second First transformed their mastermind events into a dynamic, year-round membership with curated cohorts, expert workshops, and a user-friendly online platform. Megan shares the challenges, decisions, and strategies that brought this vision to life.
You'll hear all about:
01:04 - The inspiration: a Nashville mastermind event and the need for continuity.
01:51 - Transitioning from one-off events to a year-round membership.
02:14 - Three key projects: pricing structure, value proposition, and building an online platform.
02:35 - Designing the revenue model for affordability and predictability.
03:48 - Why monthly dues include the in-person event to simplify budgeting.
05:00 - Shifting from project-based revenue to recurring revenue for stability.
05:13 - Crafting value: small mastermind cohorts for accountability and growth.
05:52 - Added perks: tools, templates, expert sessions, and a member directory for connections.
09:00 - Choosing Circle as the membership platform for its intuitive design.
 
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Links mentioned in the episode:
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#34: Five Gifts I Gave Myself This Year

Five "gifts" that are impactful ways to prioritize yourself and your growth in 2025.
As the year winds down, we often focus on giving to others—but at Second First, we also encourage our community to invest in themselves. That’s why we’re excited to share the final episode of 2024, where we dive into five intentional gifts Megan Long gave herself this year. Each one represents a commitment to self-care, growth, and setting up for success in 2025.
You'll hear all about:
01:25 - The first gift: Pre-scheduled "choice days" for rest, focus, or catch-up time.
02:52 - The second gift: A "personal profile" setting on her phone to limit work-related notifications.
03:32 - The third gift: A premium subscription to the Finch app for gamified self-care and productivity.
05:47 - The fourth gift: The "10 Things to Be True" exercise for visualization and goal-setting.
07:16 - The fifth gift: Three new professional memberships for growth and accountability in 2025.
08:46 - Reflections on the first year of The Right-Hand Roadmap podcast and what’s to come in 2025.
 
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Links mentioned in the episode:
Finch App
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn

#33: REPLAY: Unlock the Power of Your Second-In-Command Webinar

Use the Three C's to unlock the COO's superpowers.
In this special replay of a webinar presented to the Entrepreneur's Organization, Megan Long unpacks how to use the Three C's: Communication, Coaching, and Community, to unlock the power of a strong Second-In-Command. Whether you're a founder looking to level-up your leadership team or a Second-in- Command seeking growth, you'll gain actionable insights and real-world examples from Megan’s presentation.
You'll hear all about:
02:15 - Common challenges founders face when scaling their businesses.
05:30 - The strategic role of a second-in-command in bridging vision and execution.
08:45 - How to assess whether your business is ready for a COO.
12:00 - Characteristics of a successful founder-COO partnership.
15:30 - Real-world examples of founder-second-in-command dynamics in action.
18:45 - Megan’s top strategies for empowering your second-in-command to drive results.
 
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If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Second First Membership
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn