Rysing Tide

Are you making this common productivity mistake? https://loom.ly/Sv0YxXM

Are you making this common productivity mistake? High performers tend to default to this common error when they are overwhelmed. Here's what to do instead.

I am honored that Digital Reference named me at the top of their list for the Best Fractional COO's in the Seattle area! While I split my time between leadership coaching and business strategy consulting at Rysing Tide, I almost always have a Fractional COO role on the go.

Digital Reference described Fractional Chief Operating Officers (COOs) as providing the experience and insight of senior operators without the long-term commitment or overhead of a full-time executive. These professionals embed with teams, stabilize systems, and help organizations move from messy middle phases into structured, scalable growth.

I have been a Fractional COO for a wide range of companies, including Realogics Sotheby's International Realty (before becoming their full-time COO for two years), Kate Quinn, and Vivid Candi. I also recently facilitated improvements to governance and operational processes at the State of Washington.

I just completed my most recent Fractional COO assignment. If you're interested in discussing how I can help uplevel your company's operations, please reach out, and let's chat.

Here’s the link to Digital Reference’s post about Fractional COO’s in Seattle: https://www.digitalreference.co/insights/operations-professionals/fractional-coos-in-seattle-making-things-happen

Ryan

Too often, leaders focus on strategy and overlook the invisible engine driving results: culture. But if your culture doesn’t support your goals, it will quietly sabotage them. Every time.

So, what actually shapes culture?
• Leadership behavior (especially what’s modeled at the top)
• Communication norms—how transparent, inclusive, and direct people are
• Clarity of roles, expectations, and values in action
• How conflict is handled (or avoided)
• What’s celebrated and what’s tolerated

The best cultures are intentional. They’re not accidental or aspirational—they’re practiced.

If your culture isn’t quite where you want it to be, that’s your opportunity to lead meaningful, impactful change.

Ever notice how professional athletes spend most of their time training—not performing?

They build strength, sharpen technique, and get expert feedback—all before game day.

But in the corporate world? It’s the opposite. Most leaders are expected to constantly “perform”… with little time (or support) to actually train.

That’s where Rysing Tide comes in.

The coaching we provide gives leaders the dedicated space to slow down, build awareness, and strengthen the mindset, communication, and decision-making skills needed to lead effectively.

Just like elite athletes, the leaders we work with perform better—because they’ve done the reps behind the scenes.

You can’t “grind” your way to growth.
You have to train for it.

Let’s talk if your team is ready to build the leadership muscle that actually moves the needle.

Some of the most meaningful achievements in life don’t show up on a résumé.

They show up in how you show up—for yourself, your people, your purpose.

You can’t buy peace of mind. You can’t fake connection. And you can’t shortcut personal growth.

Most of what’s celebrated isn’t what truly fulfills us.
The real flex is earning what money can’t buy.

✨ Words by

Feeling stuck in your role? You’re not alone.

Maybe it’s burnout.
Maybe you’ve outgrown the position.
Maybe something feels off—but you can’t quite name it.

Whatever the reason, staying stuck isn’t the only option.

At Rysing Tide, we help leaders find clarity, build confidence, and move forward with purpose.

It’s not just coaching—it’s like having a business therapist in your corner.

📍 Reconnect with what matters
📍 Navigate change with a trusted guide
📍 Lead with impact—not just intention

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk. Book a free consult → Message us for the link!

We’ve all been taught to admire the leader with the quick answer, the confident direction, the certainty in every situation.

But in reality?

The best leaders are curious, not just confident.
They ask questions that invite reflection, challenge assumptions, and open up better paths forward.

Here are a few powerful ones we’ve seen transform teams:
💬 What am I missing?
💬 What does success look like—for them?
💬 Where am I avoiding the hard conversation?

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about making space for the right questions.

What’s a question that’s changed the way you lead?

What if your greatest leadership challenge isn’t external—but internal? In this insightful post, Bryony Schwan, leadership coach at Rysing Tide, unpacks why mental fitness is the foundation of effective leadership. Drawing from the Positive Intelligence (PQ) framework, she explores how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to quiet your inner critic can transform how you lead.

Whether you’re navigating conflict, building trust, or just trying to stay grounded, this read offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on leading from the inside out.

Why Mental Fitness is the Leadership Skill You’re Probably Undervaluing — Rysing Tide Discover why mental and emotional fitness are essential to effective leadership. Consultant Bryony Schwan of Rysing Tide explores Positive Intelligence (PQ) and how inner strength helps leaders lead with clarity, resilience, and impact.

Businesses today seem to be either scaling rapidly or fighting to remain competitive. In both cases, strong operational leadership is the key to success—but not every company is ready to bring on a full-time COO. That’s where a Fractional COO comes in.

As a Fractional COO, I help businesses build scalable systems, optimize team structures, and implement the right strategies to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth. Whether you’re expanding fast or streamlining operations, I provide the leadership and expertise needed to navigate these transitions effectively—without the cost and commitment of a full-time executive.

In my latest blog post, I break down what a Fractional COO does, how they drive immediate impact, and why so many companies are turning to this model to optimize growth and efficiency. If you’re a business leader looking for strategic guidance to scale or refine your operations, this might be exactly what you need.

🔗 Read the full post in the link in my bio.

Let’s talk—how is your business adapting to growth or market shifts? Drop a comment or DM me to discuss how a Fractional COO could help you.

Cracking the Culture Code: A strong workplace culture is essential for attracting top talent, boosting performance, and driving sustainable success. At the center of it all is trust—the key to fostering engagement, collaboration, and shared goals. But trust isn't built overnight. It's established through consistency, transparency, empathy, and a genuine investment in people.

In my latest blog post, I break down: 🔑 What defines workplace culture 🔑 Why trust is the foundation of high-performing teams 🔑 Practical ways to build a culture rooted in trust 🔑 How leaders can create environments where employees and businesses grow together.

Explore how you can unlock the potential of a culture grounded in trust. Full post below! 👇

https://www.rysingtide.co/blog/cracking-the-culture-code-the-role-of-trust-in-building-a-healthy-workplace-culture

Cracking the Culture Code: The Role of Trust in Building a Healthy Workplace Culture — Rysing Tide Discover how to crack the culture code by building a workplace culture rooted in trust. Learn actionable strategies to foster trust, enhance employee engagement, and drive long-term business success while creating an environment where employees and companies thrive together.

Rysing Tide's October Newsletter is out, with the theme of Cracking The Culture Code. Despite being a top priority for nearly every business, it’s surprising how ambiguous the term "culture" can be. What does it truly mean? How do you intentionally build a strong, thriving culture? And most importantly, how do you crack the culture code to drive sustained business success?

I hope you find some valuable takeaways: https://mailchi.mp/rysingtide/october-2024-newsletter-culture