Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold Ep. 518 - Brent Hagan – How to Lead Through Feedback, Focus, and Follow-Through
In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold speaks with Brent Hagan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, a direct mail automation platform delivering billions of personalized mail pieces every year.
Brent shares how he helped a 12-year-old startup kick off its “second act” by transforming complex logistics into scalable systems powered by technology and disciplined leadership. He opens up about developing next-generation leaders, learning to balance autonomy with accountability, and why the best operators focus less on “doing” and more on developing people who can think for themselves.
From saying yes to opportunity to mastering feedback and context-switching, Brent breaks down how to lead through clarity, consistency, and reflection - and why great COOs act as both a shock absorber and a multiplier for the entire organization.
Resources & Mentions
- Lob
- USPS (United States Postal Service)
- Amazon Discover Insights Program
- Wharton Executive Education
- Purdue University
- Invest In Your Leaders Online Course
About the Guest
Brent Hagan is the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, overseeing logistics, vendor partnerships, and operational excellence for one of the fastest-growing direct mail automation companies in the U.S. A former Amazon leader and Wharton executive education graduate, Brent specializes in scaling operational systems, building resilient teams, and turning feedback into a strategic advantage.
Important Links
- Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
- Explore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in Command
- Get Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
- Take his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)
- Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi