EPISODE · Jul 8, 2026 · 19 MIN
Know Thy Data | Fixing the Friction That Slows Growth
from Fixers & Founders · host Forrest Derr and Tony Lilja
In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest sit down with Cory Watson to explore the hidden operational friction that quietly slows growing businesses.From overloaded inboxes and disconnected systems to poorly implemented technology and fragmented data, Cory explains why most growth challenges don't start with strategy. They start with process.We discuss the difference between meaningful automation and shiny object syndrome, why companies often buy technology before understanding their actual problems, and how leaders can create stronger operational foundations before scaling.In this conversation, we explore:Know Thy Data: Why understanding what you already have is the first step toward better decisions.Meaningful Automation: The difference between solving a problem and simply adding more software.Operational Friction: How repetitive processes quietly erode speed, clarity, and profitability.People Before Process: Why organizational bottlenecks often have more to do with human behavior than technology.If your team feels busy but not efficient, this conversation is for you.Connect with Cory WatsonEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryjwatsonIntro & Outro Music"Which One Is the Jellyfish?" by Aunt Cynthia's CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabinSpotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/5XoG0H2D0vY58n32W8xI2K
What this episode covers
In this episode of Fixers & Founders, Tony and Forrest sit down with Cory Watson to explore the hidden operational friction that quietly slows growing businesses.From overloaded inboxes and disconnected systems to poorly implemented technology and fragmented data, Cory explains why most growth challenges don't start with strategy. They start with process.We discuss the difference between meaningful automation and shiny object syndrome, why companies often buy technology before understanding their actual problems, and how leaders can create stronger operational foundations before scaling.In this conversation, we explore:Know Thy Data: Why understanding what you already have is the first step toward better decisions.Meaningful Automation: The difference between solving a problem and simply adding more software.Operational Friction: How repetitive processes quietly erode speed, clarity, and profitability.People Before Process: Why organizational bottlenecks often have more to do with human behavior than technology.If your team feels busy but not efficient, this conversation is for you.Connect with Cory WatsonEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryjwatsonIntro & Outro Music"Which One Is the Jellyfish?" by Aunt Cynthia's CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabinSpotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/5XoG0H2D0vY58n32W8xI2K
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Know Thy Data | Fixing the Friction That Slows Growth
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