Is an Integrator Simply an Operations VP?

In the world of business leadership, the Integrator is often misunderstood. Smaller companies operate with a visionary leader at the helm—an individual with big ideas, bold ambitions, and the drive to push the company forward. However, without an Integrator, those visions often remain just that—visions.

The Integrator is the glue that holds the leadership team together. This person is responsible for executing the vision by aligning teams, removing obstacles, and ensuring accountability across the organization. While the Visionary is focused on the future, external opportunities, and big-picture thinking, the Integrator keeps the business on track day-to-day, making sure the machine runs smoothly and that strategic goals turn into reality.

Many people refer to Integrators as Operators, and while the two roles share similarities, an Integrator goes beyond simply managing processes. This role is about bringing together all aspects of the organization—finance, marketing, operations, and more—to ensure the company is working in harmony.

The role requires strategic decision-making, conflict resolution, and the ability to create alignment between teams and leaders. Without a strong Integrator, even the best Visionary will struggle to scale a business effectively. The natural tension between these two roles is what creates a healthy balance, driving both innovation and execution. When a business has both a strong Visionary and a strong Integrator working together, the result is powerful, sustainable growth.

For companies running on EOS, understanding and embracing the unique value of an Integrator is essential. A great Visionary without an Integrator will feel stuck, constantly frustrated that their ideas aren’t turning into action. But with the right Integrator in place, momentum builds, obstacles are removed, and the organization operates with clarity and purpose.

The best business leaders recognize that visionary thinking alone is not enough. Execution is what transforms ideas into impact, and that’s exactly why every great Visionary needs a world-class Integrator by their side.