Start to Scale: Taming the Chaos of Rapid Business Growth at SXSW 2025
Praise Chiedozie
SXSX 2025 - SJMC Student Media Coverage
(The following content is a preview of a SXSW 2025 panel from a member of the SXSW Content Team, a group of 26 SJMC students who will partner with SXSW marketing professionals to cover the event from March 7-15. This is the 10th year of this collaboration between SJMC students and SXSW.)
As businesses scale, the chaos of managing processes, teams and technology can quickly spiral out of control. At SXSW 2025, Katrina Purcell and Rachel Anderson, experts in operations and business growth, will lead a dynamic workshop titled "Start to Scale: Managing the Chaos of Rapid Growth." This session will help business leaders navigate the turbulence of scaling with actionable strategies and real-world solutions – and dive into three critical areas: process optimization, team scaling and tech stack development.
“Our session is not just thought leadership — it’s actionable,” Purcell said.
Purcell and Anderson will guide attendees through interactive discussions, peer collaboration and live case studies, offering tools to turn chaos into clarity.
The workshop will begin with an overview of best practices for process optimization, helping leaders identify inefficiencies and streamline operations. Purcell and Anderson will share frameworks for mapping workflows, eliminating bottlenecks and creating systems that support sustainable growth.
Attendees will also have the chance to discuss their own challenges and learn from peers facing similar hurdles. Next, the session will tackle the complexities of scaling teams. As businesses grow, hiring the right talent and structuring roles effectively becomes critical.
Purcell and Anderson will explore how to identify key roles, build a culture that supports growth and avoid common pitfalls like over-hiring or misaligned responsibilities. The final segment will focus on building a tech stack that aligns with long-term goals.
What sets this session apart is its interactive format. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, collaborate with peers and even present their own business challenges for live consulting. This hands-on approach ensures that participants leave with practical, actionable takeaways.
Purcell and Anderson bring more than 20 years of combined experience in operations, business growth and consulting. Purcell, who founded her own business in 2023, has spent her career helping organizations optimize processes and scale effectively.
Anderson, a seasoned strategist, specializes in helping leaders navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of rapid growth.
Together, they bring a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the table. The workshop is designed for a wide range of attendees, from startup founders and nonprofit leaders to seasoned entrepreneurs. Whether you are in the initial stages of growth or navigating the complexities of scaling a mature business, this session will provide valuable insights and tools to help you succeed.
“We want this to be more than just a workshop,” Anderson said. “We want it to be a community.”
When leaders come together to share their struggles and solutions, everyone benefits.
Do not miss this opportunity to gain experience from two leaders who are enthusiastic about empowering others to succeed. It’s scheduled for March 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the Rio Grande Ballroom 2 at the Courtyard Marriott. For more details and to register, visit the SXSW 2025 schedule page.