Hi, I’m Laura.

Laura Jo Hess, fractional COO and founder of LJO & Co

Hi, I’m Laura Jo Hess — a fractional COO and ops consultant for creative teams.

I help founders build systems, streamline workflows, and scale sustainably.

Work with Me

My Approach

My approach to operations is grounded in efficiency, empathy, and a deep understanding of the way people work. With over a decade of experience scaling agencies and guiding companies through complex transitions, I focus on creating practical, sustainable solutions tailored to each client’s needs. I’m not just about quick fixes—I dig deep to uncover root issues, streamline workflows, and implement systems that set businesses up for long-term success.

I’m a proud generalist with a diverse skill set—I can just as easily write a poem as I can program a spreadsheet. This adaptability has served me well in leading teams, managing transitions, and fostering environments where people feel empowered and inspired to do their best work.

At the heart of everything I do is a deep commitment to making things work better, with a hands-on, personable approach. I pride myself on being easy to work with and bringing a balance of strategic insight with real-world practicality.

  • Quick as Hell

    Results ASAP

  • Advocate of the People

    People-first Approach

  • 10+ Years of Operations Experience

    Spreadsheet Nerd

Operational Efficiency Consulting

I help you design scalable operations that improve efficiency, support growth, and set your team up for long-term success.

Project Management Systems

I help design and implement customized project management systems that keep your team organized, improve collaboration, and ensure projects stay on track from start to finish.

Operations Consulting Services

Customizable Data Dashboards

I build dashboards that turn messy data into clear, actionable insights — tailored to your business.

Change Management & Operational Consulting

I guide teams through org change — from restructures to system rollouts — with strategic planning and people-first implementation that makes change stick.

Process Automation

Time is money! I simplify workflows by automating tasks to save time and reduce costs for your business.

Resource & Capacity Planning

I design systems that show you where your team’s time is going, when you’ll hit crunch points, and how to make smart decisions about hiring, outsourcing, or scaling.

Case Studies

  • Resourcing Revamp

    I worked with the VP of Project Management to build a robust resourcing system, as well as created a master dashboard to streamline project allocations and improve visibility into team availability and financials. This involves structuring their resourcing around growth goals and aligning projects to profitability targets. Ultimately, we collaborated to set up scalable systems to help them manage resources efficiently and prepare for significant growth.

  • Automating Functions

    I collaborated with the COO to overhaul operational processes, introducing key improvements that saved time and reduced costs. I developed an attendance sheet to better manage monthly expenses and weekly bonuses, implemented routing software that significantly cut down on manual work, and leveraged AI to streamline bulky city contracting procedures. These changes boosted efficiency and helped drive both operational and financial success.

  • Operations Hub

    I created a Notion hub for all things operations, including a volunteer directory, a grants database, and a CMS for client contacts. I also planned and executed an event at the Library of Congress for 100 people in the public and private sectors.

  • Audit and Streamlining

    I conducted a complete audit of Planthouse's operational systems, focusing on invoicing, budgeting, service offerings, pricing models, and project management templates. I identified key inefficiencies and implemented tailored solutions to streamline processes, improve resource allocation, and boost profitability. These enhancements equipped Planthouse with the tools to operate more effectively and scale for future growth.

  • Asana System Reset

    I’m leading a full rebuild of SalesLabX’s project management and reporting system. That includes restructuring Asana for cleaner workflows and standardized templates, integrating Everhour for time and capacity tracking, and designing dashboards that give visibility into efficiency, utilization, and client concurrency. The goal is to streamline execution, reduce manual reporting, and create a system that scales with their subscription-based model while giving leadership clear insight into performance and resourcing.

  • Program & Impact Dashboards

    I designed systems that consolidate survey, coaching, and training data into clear dashboards — helping LUMO measure participant experience, track progress over time, and surface insights that guide strategic decisions.

All the nice things

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All the nice things *

“Laura was an incredible partner in helping us navigate the complexities of project management and resourcing for our agency. She was able to quickly dig deep into our business model and ways of working to provide tailored and effective solutions. Highly recommended for any project management or operations team looking to bring their systems to the next level.”

- Alex Radanovich, VP of PM at Spherical

“Could you figure it out yourself? Maybe (but not right now, you are too busy). Could you do it as efficiently as Laura will? No way. Stop wasting time and just hire her already.”

-Stephanie Crane, Creative Director at SLX

“Laura is one of those rare colleagues who reshape not just how you work but your whole relationship with work. Beyond her leadership and coaching, she ushered in a new era of streamlined project management and financial planning at Hyperakt that has contributed to our ongoing success today. I would recommend her to any company looking to make their business more efficient and their team feel more cared for.”

-Lauren Jones, Director of Client Experience at Hyperakt

Get in Touch!

I’d love to talk about your business challenges (or books or travel or parenthood).

Let's talk!

Questions?

  • We'll have a casual conversation about the pain points your experiencing in your business, as well as your goals for the future.

  • Pricing is based on both the project scope and your desired timeline. I can work hourly or on a project-fee.

  • Timelines depend on the work we set out to do, but I promise I’m faster than anyone else.

  • The best part of my experience is that I have a roster of incredible folx across all disciplines. If you need help outside of operations, I know the best designers, developers, and PMs in the biz.