Great strategy means nothing if the business can’t execute.

When a high-growth startup hits a ceiling - revenue has stalled, the team stops clicking, or the next milestone depends on getting the operating model right - that’s when leaders call me. I help uncover the real problem and build a practical path forward.

LET'S GET STARTED
A diverse group of people in a meeting room. Some are sitting at a table with laptops and phones, while others are standing and talking. There is a whiteboard with notes and a large window letting in natural light. 
when i get called

Sound like where you are?

  • Companies struggling to break into the US market.

  • Revenue has stalled and the cause isn't obvious.

  • You’re about to land bigger customers, but the business isn’t ready.

  • The operating model isn't scaling with the business

  • A post-acquisition integration is at risk.

  • The leadership team has outgrown the way it works together.

  • AI has been adopted, with no compliance or controls.

what makes this different

An operator, not a slide deck

  • I've been in the operator seat - responsible for the number, the team, the outcome.

  • I’m not a slide-deck consultant. I dig in with you to uncover what’s missing or what’s needed.

  • 25+ years experience at companies from Microsoft to high-growth startups.

  • 7 post-acquisition integration experiences - both good and bad.

  • Trusted by board members and investors who know what good looks like.

engagement options

Work that fits the problem

OPERATIONAL ADVISOR

Advisory

Embedded strategic and operational support for executives navigating scale. Board-level thinking, operator-level execution.

  • 4-6 hours/month direct access

  • Calls, reviews, async input

  • On-going monthly retainer

DIAGNOSTIC SPRINT

Leadership & Business Assessment

A focused engagement to diagnose stalled GTM, org design gaps, pricing misalignment, or AI opportunity. Includes interviews, analysis, and a clear written action plan.

  • ~2-week assessment

  • Fixed deliverable

  • Scope-dependent fee

BOARD ADVISOR

Board Level

Independent board advisor to early and mid-stage tech companies, aligned with founders and investors.

  • Milesone or time-based

  • Operator’s perspective in the boardroom

  • Founder & investor aligned

Start the Conversation
Mei Chen, wearing a sleeveless black jumpsuit, smiling, standing on one foot with the other foot resting on her knee, in a room with a white wall, wooden floor, and framed portrait of a woman with flowers in her hair behind her.

“Max’s ability to come into a company, assess the challenges, and put in place a vision for success, is what makes her special.”

Mei Chen
Vice President, Customer Experience, CreatorIQ