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Building Value Through Strategic Operations

Laura DiFrancesco

Feb 3, 2026

Join Laura with special guest Rebecca Kay!

Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast Thank you for joining us for another episode of Dealmaking with Laura DiFrancesco! In today’s episode, Laura interviews Rebecca Kay, managing partner at PIC Operating group, about building value through strategic operations. During the interview, Rebecca gives her unique perspective on becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of creating your own journey and aligning operations with personal lifestyle goals. Rebecca and Laura delve into other topics including the need for a shift in focus towards real-world applications and partnerships with industry leaders in MBA programs, the significance of clear communication within organizations, the evolving landscape of business operations in the age of AI, and how to effectively implement strategic plans while ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders. 


What You’ll Learn


Start with Value Creation, Not Tools 

// If you’re choosing initiatives because they sound modern (software, AI, new org structure), pause and ask: What value lever does this actually move? Before adopting initiatives simply because they seem current—such as new software, AI, or organizational structures—you must pause and determine: What specific value driver will this actually impact?


Universities (and training) should work backwards from market success

// Whether you’re training employees or designing internal onboarding, the “work backwards” model applies: define success, design training, then prove it in real work.


Value creation has to be understandable at every level of the organization

// Misalignment isn’t usually laziness—it’s often a “translation failure” between strategy and daily work.


Strong outcomes aren’t just financial—happiness and performance can coexist

// Sustainable value creation is a systems change problem, not a “work harder” problem.


AI is “more opportunity,” but it’s still change management + humans-in-the-loop 

// AI doesn’t eliminate people's problems—it often surfaces them faster (training gaps, unclear processes, weak ownership). 


Episode Highlights:

[1:59] Rebcca’s journey into entrepreneurship

[4:34] The role of education in value creation

[7:24] Communicating value across the organization

[10:06] Assessing operational needs 

[11:40] Understanding net promoter score (NPS)

[12:45] Adapting to change with AI 

[19:22] Ensuring buy-in for strategic implementation

[24:17] Zooming out with strategy, zooming in with tactics

[26:32] Identifying ideal clients and industries 


Resources Mentioned


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Credits

Host // Laura DiFrancesco

Executive Producer // Teagan Rowland 

Editor // Ava Balliet

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