Meaning ● Leadership Cognitive Schemas represent the mental frameworks SMB leaders use to interpret and respond to various situations related to business growth, automation, and implementation. This framework influences how leaders perceive market opportunities, employee capabilities, and the potential of technology integration. Thinking schemas, in turn, guide decisions concerning strategic investments, operational changes, and team development, especially in the context of limited resources common to SMBs. These mental models also affect change management strategies during automation adoption, directly impacting the likelihood of successful implementation and overall business agility. Cognitive flexibility, or the ability to adapt these schemas, is crucial for leaders navigating the fast-paced dynamics inherent in scaling an SMB through automation.