How to Scale Your Business in 2026: 5 Lessons from an Innovation Co-Pilot Chris Cushing

In Episode 166 of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Chris Cushing for a conversation that every entrepreneur needs to hear. This episode cuts straight to the strategies, stories, and hard-won lessons that move the needle for real business builders.

In this episode, Air Force veteran and "innovation co-pilot" Chris Cushing explains how creative entrepreneurs can scale their businesses by transitioning from basic delegation to high-level operational management. She shares actionable strategies for overcoming the "control trap," utilizing tools like Loom for seamless training, and implementing the systems necessary to see around business corners before they become obstacles.

Episode Overview

Are you drowning in daily tasks and losing sight of your creative vision? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur , we sit down with Chris Cushing , an Air Force veteran and the founder of VA Victory . Known as the "innovation co-pilot" to high-level executives, Chris shares how she helps entrepreneurs see around corners and regain control of their time.

From her roots in basic training to managing complex operations for Creative Con , Chris discusses the vital transition from "hiring a VA" to bringing on an Online Operations Business Manager (OBM) . If you’ve ever struggled with the "entrepreneurial bottleneck"—the inability to let go of control—this episode is your roadmap to scaling without the burnout.

Key Takeaways & "Jules Rules" for Success The Power of the Loom Video: Stop repeating instructions. Use Loom to record your screen, show exactly how a task is done, and build a library of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for your team. The 24-Hour Rule: Timely communication is a non-negotiable for success.

If you can’t reply immediately, an "Out of Office" message is essential to maintain professional integrity. Under-Promise, Over-Deliver: Build trust by setting realistic expectations and then exceeding them.

What You'll Take Away

This 20 min conversation is one of the most actionable episodes we've produced. Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky bring their signature energy and depth to ensure every minute translates into real-world value. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned CEO, the lessons in Episode 166 apply directly to where you are right now.

A Standout Moment

to high-level executives, Chris shares how she helps entrepreneurs see around corners and regain control of their time. From her roots in basic training to managing complex operations for Creative Con , Chris discusses the vital transition from

This kind of clarity is exactly what makes the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast different from every other business show. We don't just talk about success — we dissect it, challenge it, and show you how to replicate it in your own business.

Why This Episode Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs

Whether you're building your business in San Francisco, Charlotte, Minneapolis, or anywhere across the United States, the strategies in Episode 166 are immediately applicable. The entrepreneurial landscape is evolving faster than ever — and the founders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning from people who have already navigated the path.

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — ranked #1 on Apple Podcasts in Business News — exists to give you that edge. Every episode is a masterclass in the real mechanics of building a business that lasts. We learn from CEOs, athletes, attorneys, marketers, and innovators who have made the mistakes so you don't have to. Explore our full blog archive for more episodes on business growth, personal branding, leadership, and creative strategy — each post written by Julie Lokun.

Part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is one pillar of a larger ecosystem built to empower creative entrepreneurs at every stage. We are proud to be part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand, which includes Cre8tive Con — our iconic business conference — as well as online meetups, Amped, and more. Visit cre8tivecon.com/podcast to explore the full community.

Cre8tive Con is where the creative entrepreneur community comes alive — a gathering of founders, marketers, speakers, authors, and innovators building businesses on their own terms. If you're serious about growing your network and your business, Cre8tive Con is where you need to be.

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Have a guest suggestion or show idea? Reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Together, we're proving that business does not have to be boring — and the best is yet to come.