Protect the business and your team by identifying and eliminating risk before it derails your growth. One of the most powerful (and often invisible) things you can do in this role is proactively de-risk the business. That means thinking ahead, planning for disruptions, and removing single points of failure that could knock the business off track. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we unpack the real meaning of de-risking. It’s not about fear—it’s about responsibility. We talk through how to evaluate operational systems, vendor dependencies, leadership bandwidth, and revenue streams with fresh eyes. Megan also shares a true story from a tornado that tested her own continuity plans, and an ADA compliance issue that could’ve quietly cost $20,000 if not addressed. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – Why de-risking is a critical function for Seconds-in-Command in founder-led companies 01:03 – The three core priorities you must balance: growth, team health, and risk mitigation 01:33 – Understanding key person risk: what happens if the CEO—or you—can’t work? 02:01 – The value of cross-training, documentation, and succession planning 02:22 – Operational risk: how to spot single points of failure in systems and processes 02:47 – A business continuity exercise that lists every function, tool, and backup plan 03:32 – The real-life value of this work: how a tornado in 2020 tested their contingency planning04:17 – Payroll goes down? Here’s a backup plan that ensures no one misses a paycheck 05:01 – Strategic and financial risk: are you too reliant on one client, channel, or product? 05:51 – Vendor risk: how to evaluate suppliers and what to do when terms change unexpectedly 06:16 – The two-part vendor checklist: security protocols and financial terms 07:25 – How to approach worst-case scenario thinking without being a fearmonger 07:48 – Pitching risk-mitigation to your CEO: making it real with examples 08:00 – A real ADA website lawsuit story—and why a $20K surprise could derail your year 09:14 – Use storytelling and real-life examples to prioritize de-risking in your annual plan   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn