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The Eye Behind the Empire

The Eye Behind the Empire

Written by: Mandy
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Behind every thriving business is an unseen force — the systems, structure, and strategy that keep everything running smoothly.

Welcome to The Eye Behind the Empire, where clarity meets operations and brilliance follows.

I’m Mandy, Fractional Chief of Business Operations and founder of IluminaOps Solutions — the agency helping entrepreneurs turn chaos into clarity through smart systems and sustainable structure. After years of working behind the scenes of seven-figure businesses, I’ve seen one truth repeat itself: it’s not just sales or strategy that build an empire… it’s what’s happening under the hood.

This podcast was created for the visionary CEO who’s ready to see what’s really running their business — because what you can’t see might be what’s holding you back.

Each episode pulls back the curtain on the operational side of success. We’ll talk about what’s actually happening in your backend, why your growth may have plateaued, and how to fix it — one process, one automation, one system at a time.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Streamline your operations without sacrificing quality
  • Build scalable systems that support your next level
  • Create workflows that empower your team (and protect your sanity)
  • Use tech intentionally — not as a band-aid
  • Turn messy processes into measurable progress
  • Lead your business with calm authority, not constant reactivity

And because I know the real world of entrepreneurship isn’t always picture-perfect, I’ll also share client stories, behind-the-scenes lessons, and candid truths from my own journey as a CEO navigating growth, boundaries, and the ever-evolving landscape of online business.

If you’re ready to stop duct-taping your business together and start building something that runs like an empire — you’re in the right place.

👉 Subscribe to The Eye Behind the Empire and join me every week as we transform hidden brilliance into operational freedom.

Because when you finally see what’s really running your business, you can start leading it — confidently, clearly, and without chaos.

2025 Mandy Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • You Don’t Need a Task Rabbit. You Need an Operator.

    You Don’t Need a Task Rabbit. You Need an Operator.
    Feb 10 2026

    Most business owners think they need help doing more tasks.
    What they actually need is someone who can run the business without being told what to do.

    In this episode, I break down what it really looks like to work with an OBM, Director of Operations, or fractional COO at a high level. Not task-taking. Not waiting for instructions. Actual ownership, proactive thinking, and partnership.

    We talk about:

    • Why hiring for care and ownership matters more than tools
    • The difference between task execution and operational leadership
    • What expectations you should have when someone is truly running your systems
    • Why trust, collaboration, and forward thinking are non-negotiable

    This is for business owners who are done being the middleman in their own company and want someone who treats the business like it matters.

    If you’ve ever wondered what you should expect when hiring operational support, this episode will make it clear.

    Takeaways

    • An OBM should run your business like their own.
    • Expectations should be clearly set between clients and OBMs.
    • Collaboration is key in business operations.
    • Trust is essential for effective business relationships.
    • Care and commitment cannot be taught; they must be inherent.
    • Proactive engagement is more effective than reactive task management.
    • Building trust takes time and effort.
    • Communication should be transparent and direct.
    • A successful partnership is a collaborative effort.
    • The right person in your business will genuinely care about your success.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding the Role of an OBM

    02:49 Expectations and Responsibilities in Business Operations

    05:43 Collaboration and Partnership in Business

    08:59 Building Trust and Effective Communication

    11:48 The Importance of Care and Commitment in Business Relationships

    Keywords

    OBM, business operations, collaboration, trust, expectations, success, partnership, communication, care, commitment

    Connect With Me

    • Website: iluminaops.com
    • Work with me: iluminaops.com/intensive
    • Are You Ready to Scale? Quiz: iluminaops.com/scale
    • Email: hello@iluminaops.com
    • Instagram: instagram.com/iluminaops.solutions
    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandymaleta

    If this episode made something click, that’s not accidental.
    Clarity is what happens when the right systems are in place.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Avoiding Chaos: The Secret to Successful Down-Sell Offers

    Avoiding Chaos: The Secret to Successful Down-Sell Offers
    Feb 3 2026

    The conversation explores the concept of strategically designed scaled-down offers to address unready clients and increase revenue. It emphasizes the importance of operational support and the benefits of scaled-down offers as an ascension tool.

    Summary

    In this episode, Mandy Maleta discusses the importance of strategically designed scaled-down offers in business. She emphasizes that these offers can serve as a revenue generator and a way to support clients who may not be ready for high-level offers. Mandy outlines the operational considerations necessary for creating effective scaled-down offers, including the need for clear boundaries and a well-structured backend. She also highlights the benefits of these offers, such as building trust and increasing client readiness for higher-tier services. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the value of scaled-down offers in business strategy.

    Takeaways

    • Strategic down sell can increase revenue and client readiness
    • Not every no is a no

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Scaled-Down Offers

    03:10 Understanding the Need for Scaled-Down Offers

    05:49 Operational Considerations for Scaled-Down Offers

    08:42 Creating Effective Scaled-Down Offers

    11:24 Benefits of Scaled-Down Offers

    13:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    Keywords

    scaled-down offers, business strategy, client readiness, operational support, revenue generation, coaching, marketing, transformation, client experience, business growth

    Connect With Me

    • Website: iluminaops.com
    • Work with me: iluminaops.com/intensive
    • Are You Ready to Scale? Quiz: iluminaops.com/scale
    • Email: hello@iluminaops.com
    • Instagram: instagram.com/iluminaops.solutions
    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandymaleta

    If this episode made something click, that’s not accidental.
    Clarity is what happens when the right systems are in place.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • From DIY to OMG: Why Your Business Needs a System Upgrade

    From DIY to OMG: Why Your Business Needs a System Upgrade
    Jan 27 2026

    Join Mandy on "Eye Behind the Empire" as she unravels the mystery of why your business feels heavier lately. Spoiler alert: it's not you, it's your outdated systems! Discover how to evolve your tech and operations to keep up with your growing empire. Mandy shares her insights on avoiding bottlenecks, embracing change, and why duct tape solutions just won't cut it. Tune in for a witty, no-nonsense guide to scaling your business without the chaos. Ready to upgrade? Let's dive in!

    Summary

    In this episode, Mandy discusses the importance of evolving business systems as a company grows. She emphasizes that growth can lead to outdated processes and tech, which can create bottlenecks and hinder further expansion. Mandy provides insights on recognizing when systems need upgrades, the significance of documentation, and the necessity of proactive support to prevent crises. She encourages business owners to view their tech and operations as foundational elements that require regular attention and evolution to support ongoing growth.

    Takeaways

    • Nothing's wrong; you just outgrew the back end.
    • As your business grows, your systems must evolve too.
    • Tech is nothing to be scared of; embrace it.
    • Your tech and operations are the foundation of your business.
    • Don't set it and forget it; systems need regular updates.
    • Bottlenecks occur when team members rely too much on the CEO for information.
    • Your systems should evolve with you, not give out on you.
    • If you're working harder for the same results, it's time to upgrade.
    • Documentation is key to preventing bottlenecks in operations.
    • Proactive support is essential to avoid tech crises.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Business Growth and System Evolution

    02:16 The Impact of Revenue Growth on Operations

    08:49 Recognizing Outdated Systems and Processes

    14:16 Identifying Bottlenecks and Barriers to Growth

    20:49 Future-Proofing Your Business Operations

    Connect With Me

    • Website: iluminaops.com
    • Work with me: iluminaops.com/intensive
    • Are You Ready to Scale? Quiz: iluminaops.com/scale
    • Email: hello@iluminaops.com
    • Instagram: instagram.com/iluminaops.solutions
    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandymaleta

    If this episode made something click, that’s not accidental.
    Clarity is what happens when the right systems are in place.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
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