“So that was really the light bulb moment of, I can't be the only other operator out there feeling this alone and isolated, trying to figure it out every single day.”
In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Megan Long, founder of Second First, to spotlight the often-overlooked role of the second-in-command. After spending a decade as a COO navigating high-stakes challenges including a tornado, a global pandemic, and leading an eight-figure business through crisis, Megan realized a critical gap: operators and integrators had no dedicated support system.
Now, she’s on a mission to change that.
Megan shares how she built a coaching and community platform specifically for COOs, operators, and right-hand leaders inside founder-led companies. From navigating the complexities of the visionary–operator relationship to building systems that actually scale, this conversation dives into the real dynamics behind successful businesses.
What We Talked About:
Building a Supportive Community for Operators [7:12]
Coaching and Mastermind Memberships [12:06]
Understanding the Role of Second in Command [17:53]
Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges [24:13]
Actionable Insights for Operators [30:09]
Connect with Megan:
@meganlonglife on Instagram
Megan Long on LinkedIn
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Grow With Community
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Guests
Megan Long
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Ingrid Zapata Read
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
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