Welcome to Mission to Scale!

Who I Am

USAF veteran, where precision in aircraft maintenance operations meant the difference between success and failure. Today, I help seed to Series B startups build scalable operations, applying military-grade systematic processes to drive measurable improvements.

One principle from my Air Force days has proven particularly transformative in the business world: "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." Let me show you how this approach can revolutionize your startup operations.

In this edition, we'll explore how methodical preparation enables faster scaling, plus you'll get a practical Pre-Flight Checklist for operational changes.

The Military-to-Startup Operations Playbook

Why Speed Can Be Your Enemy

The pressure to move quickly is constant in both military operations and startups. But here's what I learned from my Air Force days: The same care we took with pre-flight checks – where rushing could have catastrophic consequences – applies to business operations.

The Hidden Cost of "Quick" Solutions

In startup operations, I've observed this pattern play out repeatedly:

• Quick fixes become permanent solutions (like using spreadsheets instead of proper databases)

• Temporary workarounds become standard procedure (manual data entry replacing automated systems)

• "We'll fix it later" becomes "This is how we've always done it."

The result? A 15-minute workaround can evolve into hours of weekly manual work, creating bottlenecks that limit your ability to scale.

📋 Building for Scale: The Pre-Flight Method

Here's how to translate military precision to startup operations:

Phase 1: System Mapping

• Document your current process

• Identify all connection points

• Map team dependencies

• Note potential failure points

Phase 2: Impact Analysis

• Calculate downstream effects

• Identify risk areas

• Design backup systems

• Plan resource needs

Phase 3: Control Implementation

• Create phased rollout

• Build training materials

• Establish checkpoints

• Define success metrics

Phase 4: Monitor and Adjust

• Track key indicators

• Gather team feedback

• Make real-time adjustments

• Document learnings

💡 Real-World Application

This approach mirrors what I recommend to teams implementing new operational systems:

Instead of rushing to roll out:

• Week 1: Map current workflows and pain points

• Week 2: Design and test new procedures

• Week 3: Conduct controlled implementation

✈️ Quick Win: The Operational Pre-Flight Check

Before your next operational change, run this 5-minute assessment:

1. Process Impact 

   • Example: "How will this change affect our current workflows?"

2. Team Impact 

   • Example: "Who needs to be involved, trained, or informed?"

3. System Impact 

   • Example: "What tools, documents, or procedures need updating?"

4. Timeline Reality 

   • Example: "What's the true time needed for proper implementation?"

5. Resource Check 

   • Example: "Do we have the right people and tools in place?"

Key Principles for Implementation:

• Document before changing: Map current workflows before modifications

• Test in phases: Start with small, controlled rollouts

• Build feedback loops: Create clear channels for team input

• Set success metrics: Define what "better" looks like in measurable terms

This 5-minute assessment has helped teams catch potential issues before they become costly problems.

🤝 Community Question

In the military, rushing pre-flight checks was never an option – the stakes were too high. While business operations may feel less critical, the principle remains: proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Share your experience:

• How do you balance the need for speed with the importance of thorough preparation?

Coming in Two Weeks: "Building Scale-Ready Teams"

In our next edition, we'll explore:

• Creating async-first communication protocols that work across time zones

• Building documentation systems that scale with your team

• Implementing decision-making frameworks that prevent bottlenecks

Together, we'll transform operational chaos into controlled growth.

What's Your Challenge?

Are you struggling with a specific operations bottleneck? Reply with your most significant pain point – I read and respond to every message, offering targeted solutions based on your unique situation.

Keep scaling smart,

Charlee