Meet Ariana Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of AR & Company and ARCO, two ventures that are transforming how small, mission-driven businesses operate.

Ariana’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she decided to tackle the bureaucratic inertia of healthcare operations. With nearly a decade of experience, she set out to support small businesses that had great visions but lacked the operational capacity to scale effectively. This led to the creation of AR & Company, offering a structured program to help founders set up their operations with intention. 

But she didn’t stop there. Ariana’s vision to empower small businesses also translates into ARCO, which she started in 2023. Inspired by Ariana’s personal experience with ADHD, ARCO addresses the struggles neurodivergent entrepreneurs face with traditional project management tools. By integrating AI and speech-to-text technology, ARCO supports verbal processing and executive functioning challenges.

We asked Ariana about the founding stories behind AR & Company and ARCO, how she navigates entrepreneurial challenges, and what’s next for her and her companies.

 

Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on AR & Company and ARCO?

 

I founded AR & Company almost by accident. It was a byproduct of my frustration with healthcare operations’ bureaucratic inertia. With nearly a decade of experience, I pivoted to support small businesses that had the vision but lacked the operational capacity to scale effectively. AR & Company focuses on bringing operational awareness to small businesses that couldn’t otherwise afford a dedicated operations team by providing the founder a 12-month group structure to learn to set up their structures with intention. 

On the other hand, ARCO was born out of a specific need I identified within the neurodiverse entrepreneurial community. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, I noticed many of my clients struggled with traditional project management tools. ARCO leverages AI and text-to-speech technology to create a project management tool that accommodates verbal processing and executive functioning challenges.

Both businesses share a mission: to empower small businesses, particularly those driven by a larger mission and vision, with the support they need to thrive. By building inclusive, community-focused solutions, we help these businesses achieve their goals and make a greater impact.

 

What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting AR & Company and ARCO?

 

I wish I had known how much of a personal journey this would be. All of your personality traits are put to the test—resiliency, especially. Starting a business means putting yourself out there and selling a product without taking any of it personally. It’s a delicate balance between delivering value and maintaining your self-worth without tying your personal value to the success of your business.

 

What were the most difficult and most impactful lessons you’ve learned starting and running a company?

 

Learning to set boundaries. As a natural people pleaser, it was challenging to stop being a “yes woman” and start saying no when necessary. Setting boundaries is crucial for sustainable success. This has meant establishing clear policies for my business and being firm in my commitments. This trial-and-error process has taught me how to serve my clients effectively while also taking care of myself. I’ve learned that maintaining these boundaries is essential for both personal well-being and professional growth.

In navigating setbacks or failures, how have you balanced self-reflection and accountability without succumbing to self-doubt? 

Navigating setbacks or failures as a people pleaser has been a huge test of my resilience. My instinct is to jump in and fix problems immediately, a habit from my corporate career. When something goes wrong in my business or a client isn’t happy, my initial response is to smooth things over and put a bandage on the problem. However, I’ve learned to pause and reflect instead. Taking two to three days to think about the situation allows me to analyze what went wrong and how we can improve. Sometimes I process this alone. Other times, I talk it through with a trusted friend or advisor. It’s essential to not respond in the heat of the moment, as this can lead to overpromising or defensive reactions.

I also remind myself that one client’s dissatisfaction doesn’t negate all the positive work I’ve done. Just because one client is having a difficult time doesn’t mean all my other clients’ successes are invalidated. I have a track record of being a supportive thought leader and helping people, and it’s important to keep that in perspective. Balancing self-reflection and accountability without succumbing to self-doubt involves recognizing the validity of the feedback, understanding the context, and remembering my own strengths and successes.

Have you discovered any underappreciated leadership traits or misconceptions around leadership? 

I’ve seen a spectrum of leadership, from really bad to great leaders. An underappreciated leadership trait is having a high emotional intelligence (EQ) around what your team needs. This isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone, but my diverse corporate experiences have shaped my understanding of how to support my team effectively. Creating an environment with psychological safety is crucial. Everyone should feel safe to ask questions and push back. It’s also important to demonstrate vulnerability and self-awareness by stepping away or rescheduling meetings if I’m not at my best, ensuring I can give my team the support they deserve.

I maintain an open-door policy, where team members can discuss any issues or concerns. It’s essential that my team knows I have their back, especially when dealing with client complaints. I remain neutral until I’ve gathered enough information to understand the situation fully and then defend my team’s work while addressing the client’s concerns.  

Creating a culture where everyone feels included and supported has significantly contributed to our overall performance and innovation. When team members feel psychologically safe and valued, they are more likely to put their best effort forward and contribute creative solutions. This inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty, which translates to higher productivity and innovative thinking. By ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need, we create a foundation for sustained success and growth.

What is the advice that has had the biggest impact on your entrepreneurial journey?

Be flexible. Especially early on, things will change quickly and often, so maintaining flexibility is crucial to ensure continued growth and survival.

What’s next for you and your companies?

AR & Company is launching the second round of The Efficiency Equation, our group program for small businesses looking to build a sustainable, scalable business and increase their revenue. Doors open June 13th. For ARCO, We’re targeting a public launch in Q3 of this year.

 

Ariana is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.