First Mate OperationsSchedule a solution meeting

First Mate Operations

Fractional & Interim Chief of Staff

Senior operational support to take over critical initiatives, chase decisions, and keep the important work moving.

Schedule a solution meeting

Typical Chief of Staff Scope

Every engagement is shaped around your priorities. We work it out together in the solution meeting.

Special Project Chief of Staff

I parachute in to lead a complex, high-stakes initiative, like a stalled project, a function that needs standing up, or a hiring wave, bringing structure, speed, and accountability without adding permanent headcount.

Small Business Chief of Staff / COO

A right-hand partner to the founder. I translate vision into execution, professionalize operations, and manage cross-functional priorities so the company can keep growing.

Operating Model Chief of Staff

The integrator. I drive accountability, run the leadership meetings, and make sure priorities, scorecards, and issues are tracked and resolved, freeing the founder to focus on growth.

Process

  1. 01

    Solution & Scope

    A 45-minute solution meeting to find where things are stuck, agree what I take on first, and scope the engagement.

  2. 02

    Onboard & Integrate

    I get into your tools, your team, and your meeting rhythm quickly, and take ownership of the agreed initiatives.

  3. 03

    Execute & Ongoing Support

    Week over week I drive the work, chase decisions, and run the cadence, so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Engagement Models

The engagement model fits the duration and intensity of the work.

Fractional Chief of Staff

Definition
A part-time Chief of Staff working with one or two companies at a time.
Engagement Duration
6 to 12 months, 10 to 20 hours a week.
Business Continuity
Consistent, dependable Chief of Staff support.
Cost-Effectiveness
Budget-friendly due to part-time engagement.

Interim Chief of Staff

Definition
An experienced Chief of Staff who steps in during transitions or crises to fill leadership gaps.
Engagement Duration
3 to 6 months, intensive hours, typically during transitions, parental leave, or emergencies.
Business Continuity
Restores stability and prevents lost momentum during transitions.
Cost-Effectiveness
A cost-effective alternative to a full-time hire.

Pricing is scoped in the solution meeting.

Derek Labansat

About me

I’ve started two companies, so I know what it’s like when everything runs through you. Before that I spent over 2 years as the operational right hand to the COO of a federal agency, running a portfolio of 43 initiatives and the leadership meetings around them.

There’s much more to the story; see my LinkedIn profile below.

LinkedIn

Start with a solution meeting

A free 45-minute solution meeting. We map where your week goes, what I’d take on first, and scope the engagement.

Schedule a solution meeting