Secret Ops

Hosted by Ariana Cofone

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Every episode of Secret Ops goes behind the scenes with industry experts in operations to learn why and how they do what they do. From data science to people ops, revenue ops, and much more— we unveil the world of business operations, one layer at a time. Secret Ops is hosted by Ariana Cofone, an operations nerd with 10+ years of experience. Throughout her time in the field, including roles as a Chief Operating Officer, VP of Operations, and Creative Technologist, she observed that people knew they needed operations, but didn’t know what it was. The Secret Ops podcast is her way of bridging that gap and showing all of the work that operators do behind the scenes to make businesses thrive. Learn more about the podcast at secret-ops.com and about Ariana at arianacofone.com.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

December 24, 202532 min

Building Tech Communities as a Developer Advocate with Jenna Pederson

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Jenna Pederson, Staff Developer Advocate at Pinecone.io. Jenna shares her journey from software engineer to developer advocate building developer communities through the product development process. We chat about the practical tips for founders and discuss the importance of empathy, authentic community engagement, and listening to developers’ real needs.In this episode, we discuss the:Role of a developer advocate as a bridge between technology companies and their software developer customersDifferences between traditional marketing and personalized developer advocacyRapidly evolving educational needs in technologyImportance of community engagement and expert networks in software developmentTechniques for gathering and communicating user feedback 👀 Watch the episode on Youtube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

November 26, 202536 min

Navigating the Future of Work with Sarah Smart and Sofia Whelan

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Sarah Smart and Sofia Whelan, Co-Founders of HorizonHuman, to discuss the transformation of HR in today’s organizations. We explore HR’s shift from compliance to a strategic, tech-driven function, the impact of AI, and the need for agility and user-centric design. In this episode, we discuss the:Evolving role of Human Resources in organizations.Integration of artificial intelligence in HR and its implicationsWorkforce planning as a critical function in HR, especially in the context of AI.Balancing operational excellence with human insightsImportance of agility and flexibility in HR operations  👀 Watch the episode on Youtube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

October 22, 202529 min

Innovating Mental Health Care with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Hannah Weisman

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Dr. Hannah Weisman, Clinical Psychologist and healthcare startup operator. We explore how clinical expertise informs operational decisions in mental health startups, tackling challenges like state regulations, ethical tensions, and the implications of AI within clinical psychology.In this episode, we discuss the:Integration of clinical psychology and healthcare operationsChallenges of navigating healthcare regulations and high grow startupsBalancing innovation with patient safety and ethical standardsThe role of artificial intelligence in mental health care and its limitationsShift from rapid national expansion to regionally focused healthcare modelsComplexity of therapeutic matches and the importance of human variability 👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

September 24, 202527 min

Finding Fulfillment in Fractional Roles with Jen Hamilton

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Jen Hamilton Fractional Chief Operating Officer and Founder of the Fractional COO Collective. We discuss the rise of fractional executive roles, especially in operations, and the importance of community and mentorship among fractional leaders.In this episode, we discuss the:Jen’s personal journey from CPA to operational leaderThe emerging role of fractional executives in operations.Importance of mentoring and community among fractional executives.Generational perspective shifts in and leadership styles.Applications of operational thinking in our personal lives 👀 Watch the episode on Youtube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

September 3, 202522 min

From Tedious to Seamless: Revolutionizing CRMs with Adam Honig

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Adam Honig CEO of Spiro an AI-powered “Anti-CRM” CRM for manufacturers. Now, Adam has seen the evolution of CRMs first hand over the years and he knows all the heads that come with implementing one. That’s why he and his team are working on removing the manual input bottlenecks by leveraging AI to automate data entry and help overcome user adoption hurdles.In this episode, we discuss the:History of how CRMs became a universally hated tool aImpact of automated data collection on user adoptionHow manufacturers became the target customer for SpiroImportance of unbiased AI-generated data for decision-making.Leveraging dashboarding to meet user needs without overwhelming them 👀 Watch the episode on Youtube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

July 2, 202530 min

Designing the Future with Todd Bracher

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Todd Bracher acclaimed Industrial Designer and Founder of Betterlab. Our conversation explores context-based design, the importance of integrating design early in product development, and Todd’s philosophy of making products intuitive and impactful. We also dive into the mission of Betterlab to bridge scientific innovation and practical application.In this episode, we discuss:The significance of industrial design in shaping everyday lifeA designer’s role as a problem-solving intermediary between businesses and consumersContext-based design and its influence on product effectivenessBetterlab’s mission to bridge scientific innovation and practical applicationThe influence of parenthood on design perspectives 👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

May 21, 202531 min

Master the Evolving Craft of Solutions Architecture with John Forbes Scrugham

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with John Forbes Scrugham, Principal Solutions Architect at Coda. We chat about the evolving role of a solutions architect, shifting from a solely technical delivery to a more human-centric approach. John breaks down how he navigates the different phases of developing solutions within businesses, sharing stories and tricks that he’s picked up through his journey.In this episode, we discuss:The evolving role of solutions architecture within businessesHow to approach development through human-centric designThe phases of the solutions architecture process from prototyping to scalingWhat the “I Build Solutions” Continuum is and where you fall on it Tips to begin developing in no-code and low-code platformsCheck out more about John at johnforbes.net!👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

April 30, 202527 min

How to Become a “Strategic Doer” with Alison Stewart

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Alison Stewart, Co-Founder and COO of Overalls, a life concierge service. Alison shares her journey as a strategic doer—those who both devise and implement strategies. We chat about innovation, prioritization, and everything in between!In this episode, we discuss:Differences in operational approaches between corporate and startup environmentsThe concept of "strategic doers" and how to shift your mindset to be oneHow to prioritize your operational execution to be effectiveHow a life concierge service holistically helps employees The significance of time management and reclaiming your time 👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

April 9, 202525 min

From Entrepreneur to Investor to Insider with Maxwell Nee

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Maxwell Nee award wining entrepreneur and Chief Revenue Officer at ScoreApp. Maxwell shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor to Chief Revenue Officer, bringing to life the lessons he’s learned along the way. In this episode, we discuss:Transiting from investor to an internal business roleThe importance of alignment among business partnersThe Necessity of self-awareness in business successRole of data in understanding customer needsThe Scorecard Marketing playbook for getting better leads 👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com

March 19, 202523 min

Optimizing Operations in Just 90 Days with Erika Giuggio

On this episode of Secret Ops, we talk with Erika Giuggio, Business Optimization Specialist at Schooley Mitchell. As a specialist in her field, Erika reveals her strategies for helping businesses in industries like construction and utilities, slash expenses and enhance their operations within 90 days. We also discuss her journey of patenting a cosmetic brush system! In this episode, we discuss:What a business optimization specialist actually doesStrategies for reducing business expenses quicklyChallenges faced by industries like construction and utilities with operational inefficienciesUsing return on investment to combat resistance to change Erika’s journey through the world of patents 👀 Watch the episode on YouTube🎙️ Check out the podcast at secret-ops.com📧 Email us at shhh@secret-ops.com🤓 Learn more about Ariana Cofone at arianacofone.com