Operating on PURPOSE cover art

Operating on PURPOSE

Operating on PURPOSE

Written by: Sarah Wilson and Penny Cook
Listen for free

We’re two fractional COOs who have spent our careers inside growing, complex businesses helping founders and leadership teams turn strategy into execution. While we share the same seat, we bring very different operating lenses, including different instincts, backgrounds, and approaches to solving the same problems.

Alongside candid conversations between the two of us, we interview operations leaders, founders, and practitioners who live in the execution layer of business. This is a space for thoughtful, real-world discussions about how the work gets done right.

2026 Sarah Wilson and Penny Cook Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Mini Kaizen, 3 Easy Steps

    Mini Kaizen, 3 Easy Steps
    Oct 13 2026

    In this conversation, Sarah Wilson and Penny Cook discuss the importance of addressing small, overlooked issues in business operations and how these can lead to significant improvements. They introduce the Kaizen approach, emphasizing manageable changes and practical steps to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

    Reach out to Penny Cook or Sarah Wilson on LinkedIn to connect! Visit our website: Operating on Purpose to see more about our show and a link to our new show, Behind Every Great Business.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Meetings, Done Better

    Meetings, Done Better
    Oct 6 2026

    The lever for operational leaders is the format of meetings, which can determine the effective use of resources and impact the entire rhythm of the organization. Penny Cook and Sarah Wilson discuss the importance of structuring status, decision-making, and creative problem-solving meetings to maximize productivity and collaboration.

    Reach out to Penny Cook or Sarah Wilson on LinkedIn to connect! Visit our website: Operating on Purpose to see more about our show and a link to our new show, Behind Every Great Business.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Business Transformation Done Right

    Business Transformation Done Right
    Sep 29 2026

    The conversation delves into the challenges and key elements of successful business transformation. It emphasizes the cost of transformation, the importance of clearly defining the 'why', the distinction between transformation and tool acquisition, the significance of process identification and data discipline, and the role of emotional support in driving successful transformation.

    Reach out to Penny Cook or Sarah Wilson on LinkedIn to connect! Visit our website: Operating on Purpose

    OP Website

    If you like hearing how operators actually fix things, check out Sarah and Penny's other show, Behind Every Great Business.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet