At Second First, we hear this all the time from seconds-in-command: “I’m running the company. I’m making the decisions. I’m keeping the team on track… but I don’t feel seen.” It’s a hard feeling to name, but it’s real. You’re essential to the business, yet your impact is often invisible.

This invisibility shows up in two ways. First, your contributions don’t always get recognized, because smooth operations and prevented crises rarely make headlines. And second, you may feel like no one at work truly knows you as a person. It’s a strange loneliness: surrounded by people all day, yet carrying the sense that the “real you” isn’t visible.

You'll hear all about:

• 00:28 — The paradox of being a second-in-command: running operations yet feeling unseen.

• 01:16 — Two dimensions of invisibility: lack of recognition for contributions and not being known personally.

• 01:43 — Why your best work often feels invisible: preventing crises, aligning teams, and acting as the "glue."

• 02:40 — How wins get attributed to others—and why that’s by design for team development.

• 03:15 — Why founders struggle to articulate your value (and the absence of formal reviews).

• 04:04 — The emotional toll: loneliness, wearing a mask, and feeling like no one knows the “real you.”

• 05:07 — Why this matters: the cycle of over-communicating, second-guessing, or retreating into tactical work.

• 06:28 — Three strategies to feel more seen:

  1. Work Out Loud — Track and share decisions and their impact.

  2. Think Out Loud — Make your strategic thinking audible in meetings.

  3. Personal Value Statement — Create a one-sentence mission for your role.

• 10:41 — A mindset shift: some of your best work will always be invisible—and that’s part of your power.

• 11:19 — Combatting loneliness: finding peers who understand your role through community.

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Links mentioned in the episode:

• Second First Retreat September 16-17
• Second First Membership
• Second First One-on-One Coaching
• Second First on Instagram
• Second First on LinkedIn
• Megan Long on LinkedIn

In this short but powerful solo episode, Megan Long addresses the all-too-familiar excuse: “I’m too busy.” Whether you're putting off professional development, skipping strategic planning, or just stuck in back-to-back meetings, it’s time to ask what that busyness is really costing you. This is a pep talk for every second-in-command who’s running on fumes—and a reminder that making time for yourself is a leadership skill, not a luxury. You'll hear all about:

01:30 – The mastermind retreat in Nashville and what people are saying about why they “can’t go”

02:09 – The real cost of saying “I’m too busy”

• Common trap: saying no to opportunities that would help you grow

• EOS implementer insight: teams are skipping Rocks because of day-to-day chaos

03:14 – The pandemic slowdown vs. the current pace of business

• Remembering daily 2pm walks—and why they feel impossible now

• Just being busy doesn’t mean you’re making an impact

04:15 – 3 reflection questions to reclaim your time and direction:

1. When was the last time you invested in your own growth?

2. When was the last time you asked for something you want at work?

3. When was the last time you created space to think about your future?

05:00 – Selflessness is admirable—but it shouldn't mean self-neglect

• Entrepreneurs don’t want their right-hand leaders burning out

• Make the second half of the year count for you

Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts

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 Retreat September 16-17
• Second First Membership
• Second First One-on-One Coaching
• Second First on Instagram
• Second First on LinkedIn
• Megan Long on LinkedIn

Before you chase aggressive growth targets, you have to ask yourself a hard question: Is your business actually ready to scale?

We work with leaders every day who are stuck in the messy middle: growing revenue while cash gets tighter, roles get blurrier, and the founder still has a hand in every decision. In this week’s episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long walks through five common problems that must be fixed before you scale. From cash flow visibility to repeatable sales processes and reducing founder dependency, this episode is your growth-prep checklist.

Growth can’t be powered by vision alone. It takes clarity, systems, and some financial truth-telling to make growth possible. If your 2025 plan is off track, or if you're leading through a pivot, this episode will help you assess what to fix now (and what you can build mid-flight).

Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts

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:

• Episode #49: The Lead-Gen Blueprint for SMBs & Perfecting an Outsourcing Partnership with Cindy Dodd
• Second First Membership
• Second First One-on-One Coaching
• Second First on Instagram
• Second First on LinkedIn
• Megan Long on LinkedIn