We recently connected with Tara Waddle and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

This is tricky to answer, because you can’t get where you are today without going through something. My current skillset is a result of my history and experience.

Here’s what I can say: I’ve spent more than 15 years helping other small businesses build stronger operations, clean up their processes, and scale. A lot of those businesses went on to hit seven figures. I loved the work, but it took me a long time to realize something important: I wasn’t just “helping out” behind the scenes or playing a supporting role. I was driving real, measurable growth.

Honestly, it still blows my mind that it took me so long to see that I could be doing this for myself, on my own terms, with clients and values I truly believe in. Starting Waddle It Be, LLC was truly a huge mindset shift. Instead of pouring all my energy into someone else’s dream, I created a business that suits my strengths and lets me intentionally partner with companies I believe in.

If I’d started earlier, I think I would’ve gained more autonomy and confidence earlier in my career. That said, all of those years of experience are the reason I’m as effective as I am today.

So while I’d love to have started sooner, I also know the timing gave me invaluable lessons and credibility.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Tara Waddle, and I’m the founder of Waddle It Be, LLC, a consulting firm that helps small business owners get their ducks in a row (figuratively speaking). I specialize in operations strategy, HR support, and fractional COO services. To put it simply, I help business owners build stronger foundations, streamline their workflows, and scale without burning out by offering the kind of leadership and operational support most businesses don’t have in-house.

I started my career working inside small businesses, often wearing way too many hats and figuring things out as I went. Over time, I became the go-to person for fixing broken systems, improving communication, and helping businesses get organized enough to grow. I spent more than 15 years in executive and leadership roles, supporting busy CEOs and business owners in building seven-figure operations. Eventually, I realized I didn’t just enjoy that work; I was really good at it, and I wanted to do it on my own terms. That’s when Waddle It Be, LLC was created.

Today, I work with small to mid-sized businesses in a few key ways: through strategic advisory sessions, project-based implementation, and long-term fractional COO support. My clients range from solopreneurs who need clarity and accountability, to growing businesses looking to formalize systems and SOPs, to established organizations that need embedded leadership to keep operations running smoothly. I also offer customized workshops and team training to build stronger communication, leadership skills, and operational alignment.

What sets me apart is the combination of HR expertise (I’m a SHRM-Certified Professional) and operations strategy. Most consultants specialize in either HR or operations. I bring experience in both, which means I’m able to look at the full picture of how your business runs and help you build systems that actually work in the real world, not just on paper. I’m also not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get into the weeds when needed. My clients tell me all the time that I think of things they never would have, I ask the hard questions, and I bring a sense of calm and clarity to the chaos.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Running a business is deeply personal, and it’s a big deal when someone invites you into the heart of their operations. When I’m working with clients, their business literally becomes my business, and I take that responsibility seriously. I also love that my work allows me to build genuine, long-term relationships with business owners who are passionate about what they do.

Ultimately, I want people to know that they don’t have to carry it all alone. There is a way to grow and streamline your business without sacrificing your sanity, and I’m here to help you figure out what that looks like for you.

Figuring out your day-to-day operations doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right systems in place, your business can run smoother, stronger, and more sustainably. If you’re a business owner feeling stuck or stretched thin, I’d love to connect to discuss what’s possible.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was that being effective doesn’t mean doing it all yourself. True leadership is about building systems, empowering others, and creating a structure where things run smoothly without you needing to be in every single detail.

For a long time, I thought being “the fixer” meant I had to handle everything myself to prove my worth. I’d step in, solve the problem, and take it all on my shoulders. That approach worked… until it didn’t. I hit burnout more than once because I wasn’t setting boundaries or trusting others enough to share the load.

On top of that, I’m a lifelong learner by nature, so my instinct has always been to try to learn everything about everything. But what I’ve come to realize is that leadership isn’t about knowing it all; it’s about knowing when and how to collaborate with people who already have the expertise. It’s so much more effective and sustainable to build a network and community of people, both in-house and external, who bring their own strengths, skills, and passions to the table.

That mindset shift not only helped me personally, but it’s become a huge part of how I work with my clients now. I don’t just help them solve immediate problems—I help them build sustainable operations so they don’t fall into the same trap I did.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One impactful thing I’ve learned is that communication isn’t just about getting your message across; it’s about making sure people feel seen, heard, and valued. High morale starts with trust, and trust is built through consistency, clarity, and honesty. And all of that? It starts with communication.

Ask about how your team is really doing and be open to hearing the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. Don’t just ask about tasks, deadlines, or the latest fire of the day. Taking time to ask, listen, and act on thoughtful feedback is a game changer.

Everyone you work with is a stakeholder in your business operations, whether it’s your employees, vendors, or clients. That’s not to say their opinions should dictate your decisions, but their insights are incredibly valuable in helping you scale smarter and build something that works for your organization.

People want purpose, and they become much more engaged when they’re given the keys to understand the bigger picture. It strengthens relationships, deepens trust, and keeps folks invested in your vision. And don’t underestimate the small stuff: a sincere thank you, celebrating small wins, and recognizing contributions all play a huge role in keeping morale high.

At the end of the day, leadership is a long game, and people will remember how you made them feel, more than what you asked them to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.waddleitbe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waddleitbe.llc/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/waddleitbe.llc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waddle-it-be-llc/

Image Credits

Headshot photography by Jessi Chapman