Scale with an operating model, not late-night heroics. Define RACI, review cadences, and risk tiers by product line. Centralize policies, assets, vendors, and evidence. Platform your controls so one change updates many artifacts. Automate onboarding, access reviews, and vendor diligence; run periodic tabletop drills.

Choose outcomes over checklists: faster deals, clean audits, scalable processes. Look for industry references, practitioner credentials, and tooling that automates evidence. Demand a clear operating model (RACI, cadence, metrics) and plain-English deliverables. Pilot against a real buyer requirement.