Situation
Our client had recently transitioned from COO to CEO, but had yet to replace their previous role. As a result, they were managing 35 direct reports across multiple departments, an overwhelming task while simultaneously trying to fulfill the responsibilities of the CEO. The client had received approval to hire three directors to manage company operations, but the hiring process was slow, and the plan to bring these directors on board over 12 to 18 months felt misaligned with the pressing needs of the company. They were stuck in a bottleneck, struggling to find the right path forward and run the business smoothly.
Solution
Proxxy first addressed the client’s immediate challenge of aligning and speeding up the hiring process. We began by reviewing and updating the job descriptions for the three director positions, ensuring that key performance metrics were clear and actionable. Alongside this, Proxxy developed a comprehensive onboarding plan that significantly reduced the timeline for hiring and integration, allowing the process to start and progress efficiently.
As the first director was hired and onboarded according to plan, Proxxy shifted focus to long-term leadership planning. Recognizing that the client needed to move beyond simply managing tasks to leading strategically, Proxxy developed a Leadership Growth Plan. This plan was designed to help the CEO refocus their time and efforts in preparation for the full leadership team to be in place. It aimed to evolve how the organization was managed, ensuring that the directors and managers had clear goals and plans to drive improvements throughout the business.
The Leadership Growth Plan incorporated detailed timing and communication strategies, giving the CEO, the newly hired directors, and the broader management team a clear roadmap for success. The plan wasn’t just about filling positions—it was about creating a framework for continuous learning, strategic planning, and operational efficiency that would help the entire leadership team, and thus the business, grow and thrive.
Outcome
Within six months, all three directors were hired and onboarded, much faster than the original 12 to 18-month plan. The implementation of the Leadership Growth Plan helped reshape the CEO’s focus, allowing them to prioritize high-level strategy rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. With clearly defined goals and communication strategies, the leadership team was now aligned and moving forward with a shared vision.
The CEO remarked, “Proxxy turned a mountain into a road bump, and then you pushed me over it.” The company’s growth and improvement were palpable—executive enablement had allowed the CEO to lead more effectively, while the new directors and management team were positioned to support the company’s continued expansion. Proxxy’s work in leadership planning, strategy, and finding efficiencies resulted in a stronger team, improved leadership, and a CEO empowered to guide the company toward sustained success.
