Episode summary:

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Laura Nicol, the new host of the Calling Operator podcast! In this special transition episode, we get to know Laura and her incredible journey—from the front rows of London Fashion Week beside Anna Wintour and Vivienne Westwood to the picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand, where she was among the first employees at First Table, and finally, her role as Chief of Staff to Maxine Minter at Co Ventures.

Laura shares her insights on thinking driven by repeatable motions, learning resilience from athletes, and the unique perspective of the CoS role. She also provides an amazing list of resources that have shaped her career.

Join us as we explore Laura's story, her plans for the podcast's future, and how she’s ready to supercharge Calling Operator beyond our wildest dreams. Tune in for an episode filled with personal stories, inspiring discussions, and exciting new beginnings.

Find Laura:

• LinkedIn

Laura's Northstars and frameworks:

• Lenny’s Podcast
• Jessica Livingston’s The Social Radar podcast
• Maxine Minter and Cheryl Mack's First Cheque podcast
• Stephen Bartlett’s Dairy of a CEO
• MKT1 newsletter: B2B startup marketing guides, frameworks, advice & opinions from ex-marketing exec Emily Kramer
• Lessons from Molly Graham
• First Round’s '1 Review'
• Airtree's Open Source VC
• The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins

Other mentions:

• Co Lab
• Co Ventures

Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show?

Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn.

Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite platform:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• (Other) CallingOperator.com

A note from your host, Laura:

My goal for Calling Operator 2.0 is to open-source stories with startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people tackling similar challenges. I want this podcast to open a line for operators in Australia and New Zealand to learn from each other—diving into the execution behind big ideas, pivotal career moments, successes, failures, lessons and personal stories.