Hospitals and Health Care
Professional Services
Retail
Financial Services
Administrative and Support Services
Active

Nicole Meloni

Fractional COO | 🦁 The Chaos Tamer | Helping founders build businesses that support their lifestyle

About Me

I know what it’s like to be consumed by your work, to keep chasing the next win until the thing you built starts running you instead of the other way around. I spent years in corporate, leading high-performing teams, delivering big results, and earning every promotion, while feeling emptier with each one. Businesses trusted me to make things happen, but behind the results, I was burnt out and frustrated. Every accomplishment became another checkbox; my self-worth was tied to the next one. Then I spent a month in South Africa, training lions and volunteering with wildlife. For the first time in years, I felt truly alive. That trip planted a seed I couldn’t ignore: what if success could actually feel good? What if I could build something that worked for me, not the other way around? Now, that’s what I help founders do. I partner with those who’ve built something successful but feel buried by it. They want their business to support their lifestyle, not consume it. For some, that means more family time or freedom to travel. For others, it’s focusing only on high-ROI work or launching their next big venture. Whatever their version of success looks like, I help them turn a business that drains them into one that runs so smoothly, it feels like it practically runs itself. For me, it means living between the U.S. and Italy, prioritizing my people, pursuing new adventures, and earning what I want, all without burning out. That’s the kind of sustainable success I’ll never trade again. Through my Azzurro Operating Framework, I develop strategies that align with their vision and streamline operations for sustainable, scalable growth. With over a decade leading operations, including years in emergency rooms and a stint training lions, I know how to make experience-backed, data-driven decisions. I may not train lions anymore, but I do help founders tame the lion they’ve built - turning a business that’s been running wild into one that runs smoothly and on command. Across industries (healthcare, retail, and professional services) I’ve helped companies: - Scale teams 50%+ while increasing engagement and retention - Boost revenue per client through process and workflow alignment - Save tens of thousands annually via vendor audits, tech optimization, and automation - Implement strategic and operational planning across 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year horizons At Azzurro Advisory, I help founders step back into their role as visionary leaders; where business runs seamlessly and life outside of it thrives just as much as what’s being built inside.

Jurisdiction

United States

Experience

Seniority LevelC-Suite
Years of Experience10-15 years
Current StatusActive
Founder & Fractional COOAzzurro Advisory LLC
2025 - Present

Chief Operating OfficerConnected Accounting LLC
2021 - 2025

Lead cross-functional operations and people strategy for a scaling remote accounting firm including oversight of marketing, HR, and internal processes. Drove system-wide improvements that increased efficiency, enhanced team engagement, and strengthened client service delivery. • People Leadership: • Grew the team by 36%, overseeing payroll, dispute resolution, HR compliance (multi-state), policy creation, performance reviews, and benefits • Achieved 100% employee satisfaction in onboarding via rollout of streamlined yet personalized processes, updated training manuals, and a 90-day review program • Fostered continuous development and employee retention strategies through candid feedback sessions, personalized growth planning, role transition frameworks, and coaching, contributing to a 90%+ employee NPS • Operational Strategy: • Delivered over $50K in annual cost savings via vendor renegotiation, tech audits, and automation • Designed and implemented company-wide goal frameworks and strategic planning documents used in quarterly planning and team adoption (1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year horizons) • Supported a $1M+ revenue increase through streamlined operations, client retention strategies, and improved client delivery, contributing to a 100% client NPS • Spearheaded company marketing strategy and supported company rebranding; created new landing pages, made website improvements, and managed the firm’s first case study initiative • Created, tested, and delegated streamlined and automated client onboarding process, cutting 10+ hours per client in manual work • Tech & Automation: • Led the rollout of 10+ technology systems/apps including an internal ticketing system, onboarding support, and financial tools to enhance team collaboration and efficiency and client experience. • Leveraged automations and tools to streamline and create efficiencies across client onboarding, employee onboarding, employee day to day, and overall operational strategy; including centralizing data, resources, and communication • Developed and enforced security policies and data mapping protocols; established biannual audits and training systems

People & Operations ManagerExpress ER
2018 - 2020

Responsible for 24/7 oversight of multiple, full-service Emergency Room locations by directing all aspects of employee and human resource management, policy creation, clarifying standards of care, marketing, company and culture branding, growth initiatives, and event planning. • Managed 120 employees by owning dispute resolution, payroll, HR processes, benefit administration, employment verifications, performance evaluations, and talent acquisition, as well as scheduling, credentialing, and presenting wellness initiatives and education opportunities • Ensured the highest level of employee performance through innovative staff training, motivation, and coaching efforts, resulting in a sustained 98% patient satisfaction rating • Spearheaded monthly staff meetings with multiple levels of the organization, and planned various employee events • Increased employee engagement by 90% and retention by 60% through onboarding process improvement, creative culture and team building initiatives, inclusive marketing efforts, and identifying development opportunities • Performed all administrative functions and feedback surveys for optimal business results: creating and implementing new policy changes, evaluating and upgrading operational procedures, monitoring inventory management, and resolving technical issues • Built and maintained relationships and negotiated contracts with external businesses, vendors, and key decision makers • Proactively created a tracking system to monitor employee credentialing and compliance requirements resulting in 100% passing rate for all surprise and scheduled regulatory inspections across all facilities • Motivated medical staff to observe patients when medically necessary, increasing the percentage from 0 to the national average of 4%, resulting in an increase in company profit in excess of $3,000 per patient • Compiled demographic data to motivate social media campaigns, community event planning, and grassroots marketing decisions

People & Operations ManagerErnesto's Jewelry
2012 - 2017

Effectively managed all facets of a multi-million-dollar jewelry business including inventory, vendors, human resources, marketing, sales, and global shipping and logistics. • Implemented an accurate inventory and cost tracking system that positively impacted fiscal and KPI reporting, insurance coverage, and loss prevention measures • Created an employee handbook • Saved sales and retained customers when necessary in excess of $200,000 • Performed as main contact for international vendors by developing and sustaining relationships as well as negotiating contracts • Prepared financial statements, input invoices, calculated and recorded commissions, and performed account reconciliations • Recruited, onboarded, trained, and human resources procedures for 25 employees • Acted as Executive Assistant to owner by scheduling flights, appointments, and managing his rental property in San Miguel de Allende

Education

Degree of International BusinessSaint Louis University
2008 - 2011

Skills

Core skills0
Languages1

Languages

English