The Traction Optimization Studio: Helping to Build, Develop and Support Prosperous Businesses, Leadership and Growth

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

T H E T R A C T I O N O P T I M I Z A T I O N STUDIO: Helping to Build, Develop and Support Prosperous Businesses, Leadership and Growth

Writer // Ann Craig-Cinnamon • Photography // Submitted

When Scott Abbott talks about his new Traction Optimization Studio, you can hear the enthusiasm in his voice. “Purpose, Cause, Passion” are the words he uses to describe why he does what he does. And what he does, in a nutshell, is help business owners, leaders and leadership teams build, run and grow strong, healthy, high-performance and resilient companies.

bbott is not the only person excited to leverage and benefit from the Traction Optimization Studio, located in downtown Carmel, on the corner of Main and Rangeline. “The studio is a wonderful asset for the local community,” says Abbott.

The studio houses three separate but synergistic companies that Abbott either founded, co-founded or has ownership in. All three companies complement each other, thanks to their focus and solutions to help leaders and leadership teams be their best in business, work and life. A

STRATICOS

Started by Abbott in 2010, Straticos helps open-minded, forward-thinking business owners, leaders and leadership teams optimize their vision, traction and health.

“The foundation to Straticos is helping open-minded, growth-oriented business owners and leadership teams learn, implement and benefit from EOS,” says Abbott, explaining that EOS stands for the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Abbott describes EOS as a simple but incredibly effective business building and management “operating system” that is proven and embraced by more than 100,000 companies around the world.

Abbott points out that many business owners and leadership teams encounter the same frustrations over and over again but do not know how to get unstuck. He says that the EOS Organizational Checkup helps to identify strengths and weaknesses so that issues can be solved for good. Straticos offers a free EOS Organizational Checkup that takes about 10 minutes. A link can be found at the bottom of the Straticos website at www.straticos.com.

TALEVATION

The second business within the studio is Talevation, which is all about helping companies, organizations and individuals optimize their talent. Started in 2016, Talevation ranks as the No. 1 online provider of skills and behavioral talent assessments used to identify, validate, measure, learn and

substantiate the fit and proficiency of employment.

Talevation helps individuals and organizations take the guesswork out of their talent decisions, from job selection to hiring the right people, career development and employee engagement. Talevation supports thousands of organizations, schools, government agencies and individuals that collectively conduct over 100,000 skills and behavioral assessments per month. Assessments are done online, and more information is available at www.talevation.com.

PHASE4 INVESTMENTS

The third and newest-tolaunch company within the Traction Optimization Studio is PHASE4 Investments. Abbott describes PHASE4 as a hybrid of venture capital, private equity, angel and institutional investors. “I like to think of us as a best-of-blend between Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, a business incubator/ accelerator and the TV shows “Shark Tank” and “The Profit.”

To learn more and to apply, visit www.phase4now.com.

PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS

In addition to the three companies, the Traction Optimization Studio also hosts and conducts various programs and workshops. Abbott is especially excited about “Camp LMA” (the LMA stands for leadership, management and accountability). “We’re working with great partner organizations and not-for-profits to provide Camp LMA as a wonderful resource to help young adults learn about and develop themselves with regard to the best qualities and attributes for success in business, work and life,” said Abbott.

In addition to Camp LMA, Abbott personally conducts “Traction Optimization” and “TIP-TOP” workshops. These half-day and full-day customized workshops are

interactive group sessions to teach business owners, leaders and leadership teams the foundational elements to EOS and to help build, operate and grow companies that are consistently strong, healthy and prosperous.

Abbott also hosts group meetups and one-on-one coaching sessions with business owners and leaders. One of his favorite get-togethers is what he calls “3Ds,” with the 3D standing for drinks, darts and discussion.

ON COVID-19 AND WORKING VIRTUAL

The Traction Optimization Studio can also be leveraged virtually. According to Abbott, “We are conducting virtual meetings and sessions as well. While we can have dozens of people working in the studio itself, we can also have people from anywhere in the world participate virtually at the same time. By the way, this has been the plan, even before the emergence of COVID-19.”

On that note, given the unprecedented dynamics with COVID-19, Abbott says the resources and moreover the purpose, cause and passion for the Traction Optimization Studio is much needed and important. “Frankly, there’s probably never been a bigger need or requirement for what we do here and why we do it than now,” he says, adding that the pandemic has made his work even more necessary, with so many people being rightfully anxious, confused and concerned.

With the challenges and uncertainty of today, Abbott says the timing and purpose for the Traction Optimization Studio is significant. “We all have to move forward: in business, work and life. So, let’s collectively move forward together and be great in business, work and life.”