Leading Your Tech And Team For The Long-Haul
In our recent webinar, we sat down with Jade Smith, founder of Mrs. Smith Assist and a Dubsado Certified Specialist, to talk about what it really takes to build tech and team systems that will support your business for the long haul. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways and some actionable tips you can start using right away.
Gratitude and growth go hand in hand
Jade shared how easy it is to feel stuck when our systems feel outdated — but gratitude can ground us and give perspective. Even the simplest tool that helped you book your first client was part of your journey. Taking stock of what’s working (and what has worked) can fuel positive momentum and highlight what to focus on next.
She reminded us: your systems don’t need to be perfect from the start. They’re part of your growth story.
Expect (and embrace) change
A major mindset shift? Your systems will evolve — and that’s actually a sign of success. Jade used the analogy of maintaining a car: just like your car needs regular oil changes, your tech needs proactive check-ins and updates.
Instead of resisting change, expect it. Planning for updates in your tools and processes helps you stay ahead of the curve and keeps your business running smoothly.
Proactivity over perfection
Jade encouraged everyone to focus on being proactive rather than reactive. She offered these tips:
Create simple, actionable SOPs (standard operating procedures) to outline your processes.
Store them in a tool you can easily update (like Google docs, ClickUp or Airtable).
Schedule recurring “tech days” or “systems days” to review and improve — even if it’s just once a month or quarter.
Build in margin to stay on top of what’s evolving in your tech stack.
This proactive approach not only saves time but also reduces stress and helps you make more intentional decisions about what to update and when.
Make it enjoyable — and sustainable
One of Jade’s most refreshing reminders? You don’t have to do it all at once. She shared how important it is to create a culture of curiosity and experimentation — both with yourself and your team (if you have one).
For solopreneurs, this might mean finding a change of scenery (like a coffee shop) to make your next “tech day” feel less like a chore and more like a creative reset. For teams, it means encouraging input and celebrating small wins.
Jade highlighted that your energy matters, too. Pacing yourself, giving yourself permission to grow slowly, and even finding joy in small updates can go a long way.
Collaboration and creativity fuel your evolution
The conversation also underscored how collaboration and creativity are essential to long-term success. Jade spoke about how openness — to new ideas, to feedback, and to evolving what’s already working — builds not just better systems, but stronger teams.
This might look like:
Regular team check-ins to gather feedback
Empowering team members to take ownership of systems updates
Creating an environment where “failure” is reframed as an opportunity for growth
The end result? A more engaged team, more innovative ideas, and systems that actually reflect where your business is going.
Whether you’re a team of one or many, the message was clear: your tech and your team are there to support your growth, not hold you back. By approaching your systems with curiosity, creativity, and a proactive mindset, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
Watch the full replay below.
About Jade
Jade Smith is a Certified Dubsado Specialist and the founder of Mrs. Smith Assist, a boutique virtual assistant team that supports business owners with their admin, marketing and tech. Jade is known for her ability to transform chaos into order with an easy- going, yet strategic approach to business and creative collaborations.
