In this episode of Operation Be, I sit down with Emily Frisella — entrepreneur, best-selling author, COO of Arete Syndicate and 44Seven Media, and founder of Paper & Plan Co. and Women in Business.

Emily is known for her no-BS, real-world approach to leadership, and this conversation delivers exactly that.

We dive into what it actually looks like to run multiple businesses without rigid routines, and why the “perfect morning routine” advice you see online doesn’t work for most entrepreneurs. Emily shares her glass balls vs. rubber balls framework — a powerful way to prioritize what truly matters and let go of unnecessary guilt.

We also talk about:

✨Why most productivity advice is unrealistic ✨Building trust through transparency (not transactions) ✨Leading teams with clarity and communication ✨Creating culture without drama ✨And how to grow a business while staying aligned with your values

This episode is practical, honest, and packed with perspective shifts — especially if you’re building something and trying to do it in a way that actually works for your life.

🎧 Press play if you’re ready to lead, grow, and simplify how you approach success.

00:25 Meet Emily Frisella

01:39 Rethinking Daily Structure

04:41 Glass vs Rubber Balls

06:02 Rejecting Hustle Advice

09:34 Honest Selling and Trust

13:26 Books and Core Values

17:58 Myth of Long Plans

20:11 Social Media Reality Shift

30:07 Team Structure Breakdown

31:27 Delegation and Deadlines

32:36 Overcommunicate the Why

35:26 Women in Business Workshop

40:48 Launching the Academy

48:19 Work Life Blend Mindset

56:22 Staying Grounded Systems

Connect with Emily:

https://www.instagram.com/emilyfrisella/

https://emilyfrisella.com/

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