Mike Walrod explains how a fractional integrator implements EOS to free visionary CEOs, build trust, and turn ideas into execution. He covers the integrator role, running effective Level 10 meetings (IDS), the power of clarity breaks, and how disciplined systems create speed and alignment.
Practical takeaways include using weekly L10s to solve root problems, scheduling regular clarity breaks, and bringing in an integrator (fractional or full-time) to remove bottlenecks and scale the business.
0:00 – 1:00 – Introduction
Dan Cooper introduces the Sharpen Podcast (by Acumen).
Topic: “The work between the lines when implementing EOS.”
Guest: Mike Walrod – business owner in legal services, fractional integrator, and known for his quirky Friday LinkedIn “lumberjack” posts.
1:00 – 4:50 – The Lumberjack LinkedIn Posts
Mike explains his weekly creative posts: inspired by camping videos, then mixed with humor and AI-generated images (dinosaurs, unicorns, aliens).
Purpose: make LinkedIn more fun, share subtle life/business lessons, and avoid the overly serious tone of most content.
Has become a way to engage people with humor while embedding meaningful reflections.
5:00 – 7:44 – Career Path to Fractional Integrator
Early career: 23 years in retail financial services.
Left in 2014 to pursue entrepreneurship: bought companies, did consulting (strategic planning, M&A, interim COO roles).
2019: first fractional integrator role after a company implemented EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).
Loved the structure of EOS; shifted focus fully to integrator work by 2023.
7:55 – 10:18 – Defining the Integrator Role
Integrator ≈ COO: bridges the visionary (big ideas, founder) and the leadership team.
Responsibilities:
Execute the business plan day-to-day.
Align the leadership team.
Develop leaders and improve communication.
Facilitate open, honest debate for best decisions.
Fractional role: allows him to serve multiple companies and learn faster across industries.
11:00 – 13:24 – Why CEOs Get Stuck
CEOs become bottlenecks: try to hire/spend their way out but still hit ceilings.
Fractional integrators can quickly diagnose bottlenecks and restore CEO freedom (time, passion, and focus).
“My job is to give CEOs their life back.”
13:24 – 15:07 – A Cautionary CEO Story
Example: a CEO impulsively bought expensive equipment at 3 AM, causing cash flow problems.
Integrators help evaluate timing, align with finances, and prioritize steps to avoid costly mistakes.
Often it’s not “no” but “not now.”
15:07 – 17:23 – The Trust Factor
Visionaries fear integrators will slow them down.
In reality, integrators create clarity, alignment, and sustainable speed.
Building trust requires transparency, consistency, and relationship-building.
Not about sprinting—it’s about building long-term team alignment.
17:30 – 19:22 – Trust in Action
Trust is earned through honesty, reliability, and caring about people beyond business.
Mike emphasizes personal connection: asking about life outside work during one-on-ones.
Leads to faster trust-building and healthier organizational culture.
19:22 – 25:20 – EOS Tools: L10 Meetings & IDS
L10 meetings: weekly leadership meetings, rated for effectiveness (1–10). Aim for 8–10.
IDS process: Identify, Discuss, Solve issues.
Must define problems correctly (not just symptoms).
Engage entire team in solving.
Commit to solutions that prevent recurring issues.
Importance of candor: avoid “meetings after the meeting.” Say things directly—“stab in the front.”
26:04 – 28:51 – Clarity Breaks
A clarity break = intentional time away from the office (30–60 minutes, no electronics) to reflect.
Helps leaders quiet the noise, think strategically, and capture action items.
Mike does monthly half-days; recommends biweekly if possible.
Treat it like an immovable client appointment.
29:59 – 32:21 – Faith and Work Integration
Balances faith differently depending on client: some start meetings with prayer, others not faith-based.
Regardless, he leads with values: honesty, transparency, transformational over transactional relationships.
Sees his role as making a positive impact on people, not just businesses.
32:26 – 34:11 – Support Systems & Communities
Mike surrounds himself with peers:
Acumen Pathfinder group for accountability.
A peer group of fractional integrators for problem-solving.
Having multiple “partners in crime” gives balance and perspective.
34:12 – End – Closing
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn (search “Mike Walrod,” look for the lumberjack posts).
Dan plugs Acumen membership and resources at acumenimpact.com.