CURE YOUR
CEO BOTTLENECK
Discover how to spend LESS time hovering over your team
and MORE time growing your business and crafting your legacy.
If you are a CEO, business owner or entrepreneur
who feels stuck in the weeds of your business
...you may already suspect you're a bottleneck.
How many of these have you said out loud in the last month:
(Be honest...)
❌ “It never really works when I delegate. It takes less time if I just do it myself.
❌ “Nothing in this business moves forward without me!”
❌ “I have ALL these team members, but it doesn’t feel like I have ANY less work because of it!”
If you have, you may be wondering: HOW DID I EVEN GET HERE?
This: Your business grew.
Yep. That’s the "problem"!
Having a bottleneck in your business is actually a GOOD thing (stay with me…)
See, business bottlenecks are growing pains (emphasis on growing). They are problems that only growing businesses get to have.
Lucky you, huh? You’re at a bona fide business pivot point – where you move from one phase of business to the next.
I have seen this struggle up close, and I know it well!
In my years running operations for high performing CEOs, I’ve seen time and time again how ambitious business owners find themselves stuck as the bottleneck to their own business growth.
And I discovered something crucially important:
THE HABITS THAT FUEL YOUR SUCCESS WHEN YOU ARE IN
THE START-UP PHASE...BECOME THE HABITS
THAT KEEP YOU STUCK AS THE BOTTLENECK WHEN YOU GROW!
If you are a CEO, business owner or entrepreneur
who feels stuck in the weeds of your business
...you may already suspect
you're a bottleneck.
How many of these have you said out loud in the last month:
(Be honest...)
❌ “It never really works when I delegate. It takes less time if I just do it myself.
❌ “Nothing in this business moves forward without me!”
❌ “I have ALL these team members, but it doesn’t feel like I have ANY less work because of it!”
If you have, you may be wondering: HOW DID I EVEN GET HERE?
This: Your business grew.
Yep. That’s the "problem"!
Having a bottleneck in your business is actually a GOOD thing (stay with me…)
See, business bottlenecks are growing pains (emphasis on growing). They are problems that only growing businesses get to have.
Lucky you, huh? You’re at a bona fide business pivot point – where you move from one phase of business to the next.
I have seen this struggle up close, and I know it well!
In my years running operations for high performing CEOs, I’ve seen time and time again how ambitious business owners find themselves stuck as the bottleneck to their own business growth.
And I discovered something crucially important:
THE HABITS THAT FUEL YOUR SUCCESS WHEN YOU ARE IN
THE START-UP PHASE...
BECOME THE HABITS
THAT KEEP YOU STUCK AS THE BOTTLENECK WHEN YOU GROW!
(I call these the MacGyver Habits. You know: pulling all-nighters, last-minute changes, doing everything-it-takes to land that client. The excitement. The dopamine!)
It feels like it happens in a blink of an eye: One month, they’re bagging wins, logging sales and having those Friday look-backs where they go, "…that was a GREAT week!"
And the next thing they know, they are knee-deep in half-started projects and rambling team meetings and in the 1001 small-but-irritating problems that are demanding their attention and slowing them down.
That's usually when they call me.
My years as COO in some of the biggest names of the industry (all 7+ figure businesses) has given me a front-row seat to how these CEO bottlenecks form – and, best of all, how to solve them and get them and their business back on track (not to mention everyone having fun again)!
(I call these the MacGyver Habits. You know: pulling all-nighters, last-minute changes, doing everything-it-takes to land that client. The excitement. The dopamine!)
It feels like it happens in a blink of an eye: One month, they’re bagging wins, logging sales and having those Friday look-backs where they go, "…that was a GREAT week!"
And the next thing they know, they are knee-deep in half-started projects and rambling team meetings and in the 1001 small-but-irritating problems that are demanding their attention and slowing them down.
That's usually when they call me.
My years as COO in some of the biggest names of the industry (all 7+ figure businesses) has given me a front-row seat to how these CEO bottlenecks form – and, best of all, how to solve them and get them and their business back on track (not to mention everyone having fun again)!
An upper limit problem...
One huge discovery that I uncovered? You do NOT have to have a 7 figure business to be a bottleneck!
In fact, it begins much earlier in the business life-span. And when you catch it early, it's even easier to get solutions in place to bring relief.
Maybe that’s you and your business right now.
Maybe 7-figures is on your radar (or your vision board), but right NOW you feel like you’re just running in place (or worse: running behind)!
Maybe you've done all of the "right" things:
– you've added team members
– you're trying your best to delegate
– you've purchased the software, you've bought the training
and NOW you're wondering….
WHEN DOES IT ACTUALLY GET BETTER?
Well, I have good news. There’s never been a better time than now to cure your bottleneck and grow your business.
Because no matter the size of your business – (or your bottleneck) – addressing a bottleneck as soon as you spot it means clearing the way for a cure that gets you back on that growth trajectory.
And – about that cure?
Well, it can’t be as simple as more team members or more SOPs! (I mean, I know you probably know this already – otherwise, why would you still be here reading?)
Features of the CEO Bottleneck
In my years directing operations in these larger businesses (I call them my “years in the trenches”) I realized there were 3 distinct features to the CEO bottleneck problem:
Bottleneck behavior is NOT a “character flaw”
It is merely a stage of business that every CEO needs to pass through to unlearn behavior and habits that were formed in an earlier start-up phase (and to master new behavior and habits that will take them all the way to 7 figures and beyond!).
Every CEO’s journey through the bottleneck phase is unique
That’s because each CEO is unique – of course! – and no individual’s habits and behavior are identical to another’s. This seems like common sense, but I can’t tell you how many “solutions” I come across that do not honor this basic fact.
Cookie-cutter templates and software solutions do not bring lasting relief
They cannot, because templates and software do not change behavior in a lasting way. Think of it like this: new workout clothes (or a Peloton!) may boost your workout frequency in the short-term. But unless your mindset shifts as well, that Peloton will turn into an expensive clothes hanger after a few weeks.
So...what does bring about lasting change?
The Cure That Works
The FULL cure comes with a three-fold strategy that combines mindset work, behavioral insights and industry best-practices.
A framework that empowers you to take an unflinching look at how bottlenecks have formed specifically for you – and to create custom solutions (based on best-practices, but tailored to a perfect fit for you and your team) that you will use daily in your business to see better results.
I have watched this framework repair seemingly “impossible” situations — and transform a CEO’s biggest headache into their competitive advantage.
And as I witnessed this success among my private clients, I thought, “Everyone needs to know this. This shouldn’t be limited to the small few I get to work closely with.”
Because I truly believe this can have a huge impact for far more CEOs than just those who can embed me on their teams.
And, with that, this small-group clinic was born!
Introducing Bottleneck Rx
An 8-week intimate group-coaching mentorship for overworked CEOs who want to remove themselves as the bottleneck in their growing businesses.
If you’re ready to partner with an expert who can help diagnose YOUR unique bottleneck and help you make the adjustments YOU need to make – you are in the right place.
Bottleneck Rx is all about giving you the insight, the tools, and the expert support to shift OUT of bottleneck mode and into the CEO chair so that you can unchain yourself from the minutiae of your business and stay in your zone of genius.
Working together, we create custom solutions for you and your team based on mindset work, behavioral triggers and best practices.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll have access to videos and course materials in a private portal.
- You’ll deep-dive into the material and apply it to your situation with worksheets, habit trackers and other tools.
- We’ll meet weekly via Zoom with your pod to unpack the core material, support new habit changes and implement the new practices in your businesses.
- You can email or Vox me between weekly sessions, for support and accountability.
"The minute I heard Karen on a podcast talking about Bottleneck Rx I knew it was for me.
It truly supported me in delegating and releasing ownership of pieces of my business that do not need me meddling in them to provide time, space, energy and creativity for the the things that only I can do, and what I love doing the most.
If you want to learn a proven process to get out of your own way so your business can evolve and flourish without you micromanaging every aspect, Bottleneck Rx is for you!"
- Nancy Levin Master Coach, Bestselling Author
Here's What You'll Get:
Clarity
You will finally “crack the code” on the bottlenecks
you’re facing in your business. You'll discover how
and why they happen – and what to do
to cure them, once and for all.
Guidance and Expertise
This is a personalized coaching experience where you
have access to my best ideas, my 25+ years of
experience leading teams, and my laser focus
on you and your business.
Support and Accountability
The videos, worksheets and trackers are only 20% of the magic. The other 80% comes from our weekly calls when you raise
your hand to get personalized recommendations and advice.
This is not a course where I expect only a few folks to come with questions. In fact, this isn’t a “course” at all – this is a small group mentorship that relies on workshopping solutions together.
Here's What You'll Get:
Clarity
You will finally “crack the code” on the bottlenecks
you’re facing in your business. You'll discover how
and why they happen – and what to do
to cure them, once and for all.
Guidance and Expertise
This is a personalized coaching experience where you
have access to my best ideas, my 25+ years of
experience leading teams, and my laser focus
on you and your business.
Support and Accountability
The videos, worksheets and trackers are only 20% of the magic. The other 80% comes from our weekly calls when you raise your hand to get
personalized recommendations and advice.
This is not a course where I expect only a few folks to come with questions. In fact, this isn’t a “course” at all – this is a small group mentorship that relies on workshopping solutions together.
"Karen has been a tremendous asset to our team, and to me personally. She's a great investment – every dollar we spent was returned tenfold."
- Lisa Kuecker Founder & CEO of StudioGrow.co
"From the beginning, I knew she was going to change the way Zenplicity operates – and we were able to transform my business into a well-oiled machine. If you’re ready to work with the best of the best, Karen will keep you on track."
- Jamie DuBose CEO of ZenplicityNow.com
How Can Your Business Grow
if You Spend Most of Your Time Running in Place?
At the end of one of our first calls together, my client grew silent and thoughtful.
“My plans are bigger than this.”
She was looking at how much of her time was spent on the minutiae of her business – with barely any time (or energy) to do the things that only she-as-CEO can do: the vision, the strategy and the big partnerships that are going to dramatically grow her business.
She was focused on mechanics and operations – when she had the vision (and the guts) to take on the world and make a greater impact.
Is this you, too?
Because when you finally cure your bottleneck… you’ll have a clear path to make the impact that’s sitting on your vision board right now. And not another year of running in place.
Which means Bottleneck Rx is the BEST investment you can be making in your business at this time.
The world is opening up – and the potential of the next months couldn’t be bigger. And there’s never been a better time than now to cure your bottleneck and grow your business.
Now, hiring me to work part-time inside your business – as your COO – for 6 months would cost at least $50,000.
And to work with me one-on-one costs $7000/month (but honestly, my client roster is FULL right now).
But I can only help so many people at once that way. And I wanted to find a more affordable way to help more CEOs break through their business bottlenecks.
Which is why you can get access to Bottleneck Rx for just two payments of $1900 (After this spring, that price will be increasing!)
Because there are two things I know for sure:
► 1. Your bottleneck is acting as an upper limit to your business.
► 2. It is solvable (with the right tools and guidance).
Bottleneck Rx is about giving you the power to transform your team, your decision-making - and the growth trajectory of your entire business – so you can get out there and create the impact you're dreaming of.
How Can Your
Business Grow
if You Spend Most of Your Time Running in Place?
At the end of one of our first calls together, my client grew silent and thoughtful.
“My plans are bigger than this.”
She was looking at how much of her time was spent on the minutiae of her business – with barely any time (or energy) to do the things that only she-as-CEO can do: the vision, the strategy and the big partnerships that are going to dramatically grow her business.
She was focused on mechanics and operations – when she had the vision (and the guts) to take on the world and make a greater impact.
Is this you, too?
Because when you finally cure your bottleneck… you’ll have a clear path to make the impact that’s sitting on your vision board right now. And not another year of running in place.
Which means Bottleneck Rx is the BEST investment you can be making in your business at this time.
The world is opening up – and the potential of the next months couldn’t be bigger. And there’s never been a better time than now to cure your bottleneck and grow your business.
Now, hiring me to work part-time inside your business – as your COO – for 6 months would cost at least $30,000.
And to work with me one-on-one costs $3000/month (but honestly, my client roster is FULL right now).
But I can only help so many people at once that way. And I wanted to find a more affordable way to help more CEOs break through their business bottlenecks.
Which is why you can get access to Bottleneck Rx for just one payment of $2200 (Founder’s Pricing! After this winter, that price will be increasing!)
Because there are two things I know for sure:
► 1. Your bottleneck is acting as an upper limit to your business.
► 2. It is solvable (with the right tools and guidance).
Bottleneck Rx is about giving you the power to transform your team, your decision-making - and the growth trajectory of your entire business – so you can get out there and create the impact you're dreaming of.
"Bottleneck Rx is amazing for a visionary and integrator to work together for the long-term growth and wellbeing of a team.
It's similar to couples counseling! It honors the differences and uses them as a vital tool rather than a weakness or a mismatch. It helps connect the dots and fills in the gaps of what is and what is not working. It gets the two people at the top of the organization on the same page and translates the different languages they may be speaking.
Bottleneck Rx is truly a prescription for an organization to thrive."
- Kylie Kwon Life Coach & Spiritual Guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If You Know This Is What You Need,
But You’re Wondering…
Is this a group program?
This is a small pod of CEOs, small business owners and entrepreneurs similar to yourself. All participants will agree to terms of confidentiality and non-disclosure. This is a safe place to work through the issues that come up (habit and business related), to enjoy the camaraderie, momentum and support of the group and to learn vicariously as everyone is hot-seated and coached.
How much time do I need to set aside?
The weekly commitment to BottleneckRx is 3.5 hours (90 minutes for the call, about 2 hours for prep and implementation), for 8 weeks. Any additional work you put in will be rewarded in swifter, more lasting wins for yourself and
your team.
I’m already too overwhelmed & I’m not sure I have the time.
I understand. When you’re a bottleneck, one thing you do NOT have enough of is time (or energy, or patience, probably). BottleneckRx, when followed, will give you BACK your time, your patience and your zest, and allow you to step into a role in your company (the Visionary Leader) that you always intended to be. If that’s your vision, you can find
the time.
I have a busy season coming up, should I squeeze this in, or wait?
I do not suggest you take BottleneckRx while you’re busy with a launch. You will need the time/energy to bring your best self to the program. If you have at least a month prior to things heating up, I highly suggest you make the most of it in BottleneckRx and then head into your busy season with the new tools to make your busy season the smoothest it’s ever been.
I’m done with courses. Even with the best of intentions, I just get buried and fall behind.
Oh, I hear you – I’m at that same place in my business where I don’t have the time or patience to wade through long videos – or queue for 90 minutes on a group Q&A call (where they want me to submit my questions ahead of time!) I want personalized help. I want to be able to explain my situation in full and get expert advice that’s tailored to me.
That’s exactly what you get in Bottleneck Rx. 85% of our time together is workshopping your specific issues and uncovering exactly what you need to do to find success. (The other 15% is the material I’ve created to give us a solid foundation upon which
to build.)
How are you different from a “business coach”?
Many business coaches are generalists – coaching across the spectrum of sales, marketing, product creation, business strategy, etc. Most have a passing knowledge of operational issues (they’ve solved some problems in their own businesses, as CEOs, and are happy to share their experience).
I’m an operations expert, with 8 years as a COO/Integrator for digital businesses making multiple 7 figures, and 25 years leading teams in corporate, government and online. I’ve coached many Business Coaches (and they’ve helped me with my marketing & sales)! If you are the bottleneck in your business, you are in the right place for the tools and tradecraft to find sustainable, lasting relief.
What I Can Absolutely Promise...
Bottleneck Rx is a personalized coaching experience where you have access to my best ideas, my experience, and my time and energy. I take operational best practices and customize them for the unique situations you face in your business — and you implement those practices to see results.
✅ I absolutely promise I will:
- help you set and maintain focus on your goals
- hold you accountable
- help you develop your own solutions
- encourage, support and believe in you
✅ In return you promise me:
- to be honest and open
- to be ready to be fully accountable for your habits/decisions/actions
- to be willing to do the work needed to achieve results
You are responsible for your results. Success is directly related to your commitment and effort made. I do not offer refunds for Bottleneck Rx. If you cannot commit to the above, please do not purchase.
"Karen was a trusted advisor and A-level executor in my business. She created the operational infrastructure that allowed our company to scale to 7-figures — reducing team burnout and overwhelm in the process."
- Selena Soo CEO of SelenaSoo.com
"Karen has been amazing to work with. She is super-smart, has amazing energy, everybody on our team has absolutely loved working with Karen. She’s great at helping remove you as a bottleneck. She has my biggest recommendation."
- Austin Netzley Founder & CEO of 2X
Working harder 24/7 is not why you started your business
Your business is definitely growing – but, the habits that got you and your business to this point could be hampering your ability to really scale.
Plus, running your team and your business shouldn’t be a headache!
Make no mistake: breaking the CEO bottleneck doesn’t just lessen the headache – it can make operations a competitive advantage for your business.
The time to join Bottleneck Rx is now!
Because I’m keeping my promise to limit the number of clients in each running, space is limited. (I’ve always wanted to say that! But, given our small group size, it really is true!) So, reserve your spot by clicking the button to Apply Now!
Psst - If you’ve read all the way to this point – you and I need to jump on a zoom together. Click the button and get on my schedule! Let’s break through your bottleneck, together.
©2021 Karen Sergeant Consulting Inc.