The Operations Room: A Podcast for COO’s

In this episode we discuss: Unlocking AI for Non-Technical Leaders. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Founder of Kowalah and author of "How To Sell Tech" and “The Revenue Operations Playbook”.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Charlie Cowan: Is AI more accessible than we think?What’s the difference between AI agents and workflows—and why does it matter for businesses looking to scale?How can organizations build their own AI-powered tools instead of relying solely on SaaS solutions?What role does leadership play in AI adoption, and why is AI literacy now a must-have skill for future executives?Can a simple “power hour” or habit shift really transform your productivity—and what does AI have to do with it?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecowan/www.charliecowan.aiwww.kowalah.comBiography Charlie works with CEOs and senior leaders looking to embed AI behaviours across their organisation.With a 25 year career in SaaS, consulting and enterprise sales, Charlie bridges the gap between AI technology and practical applied use cases that help teams work smarter and faster.Charlie is the author of two books - How To Sell Tech and The Revenue Operations Playbook.Charlie is the founder of Kowalah, an AI-powered platform that helps buying teams to run a great buying processes, pick the right vendors and reduce the fear of messing up.Charlie built Kowalah as a solo-founder using AI development tools.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary26:36 Introduction to AI Adoption for Non-Technical Executives027:16 Understanding AI Optimism vs. Pessimism28:08 Defining AI Policies for Effective Implementation29:52 The Concept of Agentic AI31:23 Distinguishing Between Agents and Workflows33:01 Building Effective AI Agents37:49 Evaluating Future Tech Stacks for AI Integration43:05 Empowering Leadership in the Age of AI46:06 Navigating AI Tools for Policy Management46:23 Crafting Effective Prompts for AI Tools49:54 Building a Data Repository for Enhanced Insights51:44 The Power Hour: Maximizing ProductivityThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Is the COO the single source of truth? We are joined by Eric Collins, Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, CEO & Founding Member at Impact X Capital investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs; Author of We Don’t Need Permission (amzn.to/3Qp6G9d); & Host of Channel 4's The Money Maker.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Eric Collins: What makes the COO the true "source of truth" in scaling a venture-backed company?How can COOs balance growth while CFOs maintain financial discipline—and why does this partnership make or break success?Why is succession planning not just a CEO concern, but a critical step for every COO aiming to lead?Can a COO ever match a founder's passion, or is their power found in something entirely different?What does it really take for a COO to transition into the CEO seat—and what role does backfilling play in that journey?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdcollinsba/?originalSubdomain=ukwww.impactxcapital.comBiography Eric Collins is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and host of Channel 4's The Money Maker. He’s held leadership roles at AOL, TimeWarner, SwiftKey/Microsoft, and Touch Surgery/Medtronic.Appointed by President Obama to the Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities, Eric now serves on the boards of Cirata, UnLtd, Crux, and Autograph ABP. A sought-after speaker and Audi brand ambassador, he’s consistently featured on The Powerlist of influential Black Britons.His award-winning book, We Don’t Need Permission (Penguin), advocates for investing in Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs as a powerful driver of social change.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary23:55 The unique role that the CEO plays in a scaling organisation 28:05 The value of the COO next to the CFO30:58 Progressing as a COO33:11 CEO and COO Succession Planning33:51 The Passion of Founders vs. COOs39:56 Planning for Success as a COO43:16 Setting the Agenda in Board MeetingsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this discussion, Chris Hatfield, a mindset and well-being coach with over 15 years of experience, dives into mental health strategies for leaders. He emphasizes the importance of naming anxiety to reclaim control and showcases the 'stress container' exercise to manage stressors effectively. Chris also highlights the value of vulnerability in leadership, urging leaders to engage in honest conversations about mental health. He advocates for proactive approaches, viewing stress as a signal rather than a burden, and encourages embedding well-being into company culture.

In this discussion with Eric Stone, an international keynote speaker and author, the focus is on revitalizing workplace culture. Eric emphasizes the significance of genuine employee engagement versus fleeting trends. He shares insights on balancing structure and empowerment in leadership. The story of 'Johnny the Bagger' illustrates how ownership can spark creativity at work. They explore the vital role of trust and relationships in fostering high-performance cultures, highlighting how tailored communication strategies can drive sustainable success.

In this episode we discuss: Making AI happen in 2025 for your organization. We are joined by Charlie Cowan, Author of "How To Sell Tech" and “The Revenue Operations Playbook”.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Charlie Cowan: How can professionals stay updated in an era where AI is rapidly disrupting industries like sales and marketing?With AI advancing faster than its everyday adoption, how can businesses bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation?How can non-developers leverage AI tools to accelerate product development while overcoming emotional and technical challenges?In a world where restrictive AI policies hinder adoption, how can organisations balance data privacy concerns with fostering innovation?Rather than replacing jobs, how can AI be used to supercharge teams, enhance leadership effectiveness, and drive productivity?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecowan/charliecowan.aihttps://v0.dev/https://replit.com/aihttps://lovable.dev/Bolt.newhttps://www.cursor.com/https://codeium.com/windsurfhttps://notebooklm.google.com/Biography Charlie Cowan helps organisations accelerate AI adoption, guiding CxOs in embedding AI-driven processes to unlock new opportunities. As the founder of Kowalah, an AI-powered buying platform, he built the business from scratch—without prior coding experience—using AI tools. Now, he shares his journey to inspire others to embrace AI innovation.An author of four books on sales, revenue operations, and go-to-market strategy, Charlie provides practical insights for scaling startups and sales teams. Passionate about AI and business transformation, he continues to drive conversations on the future of AI adoption and leadership.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary20:13 Introduction to Charlie Cowan and His Journey23:14 The Impact of AI on Business and Personal Reinvention25:35 Building Koala: The Journey of a Non-Developer28:00 Navigating Challenges in AI Development30:48 Balancing Consulting and Product Development31:27 Leveraging LinkedIn for AI Insights32:40 The AI Bubble and Company Policies34:55 Embracing AI: Opportunities and Risks41:28 Transforming Organisations with AI44:02 Innovative Tools for Information Management46:38 Practical AI Applications in Leadership49:23 Final Thoughts on AI and AutomationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: how to implement the first team concept. We are joined by Cassie Young, General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, and seasoned SaaS CRO/CCO.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Cassie Young: How can leaders ensure that their "first team" prioritises organisational success over individual functions?What steps can teams take to align incentives and build trust to resolve conflicts more effectively?How does empathy in communication and transparency enhance team dynamics, especially in structured yet flexible meeting cadences?Why is developing P&L fluency and understanding market dynamics essential for senior executives, and how can organisations address these gaps?How can leaders strategically network and cascade critical insights to maintain clarity and alignment within teams?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassyoung/https://www.primary.vc/Biography Cassie Young is a General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, a $1B AUM early-stage venture capital firm in New York, backing companies like Chief, Alma, and K Health. She leads B2B software investments and oversees the firm's portfolio impact team, the largest of its kind among seed funds globally.Previously, Cassie was Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Marigold (formerly CM Group), where she led global operations and strategy across a portfolio of marketing tech brands, following Marigold’s acquisition of Sailthru in 2018. At Sailthru, she held multiple executive roles, ultimately serving as Chief Revenue Officer. Earlier, she led marketing and analytics teams at GLG, Savored (acquired by Groupon), and TheLadders, starting her career as an analyst at Citigroup.A Duke graduate with an MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where she earned the Dero Saunders Award, Cassie is passionate about advancing women in leadership. In 2023, she launched On the Business, a program helping hundreds of senior women in software enhance their P&L fluency and boardroom skills.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary08:12 Introduction and Context Setting19:17 Understanding the Concept of First Team21:00 The Importance of Team Dynamics21:35 Creating a First Team Mindset23:00 Fostering Cross-Functional Collaboration24:13 Aligning Incentives for Team Success28:25 Overcoming Pushback on Team Engagement31:12 Communicating with Empathy34:04 Effective Meeting Cadences41:03 Navigating Conflict and Accountability42:23 Essential Skills for Executives46:06 The Role of Founders and Leadership Styles48:43 The Importance of Alignment and CommunicationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: What is a COO's strengths and gaps? We are joined by Divinia Knowles, The COO Coach. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How do COOs turn their knowledge gaps into strengths through experience?What can personality tests like the Enneagram teach us about effective COOs?How do COOs balance servant leadership with the challenges it brings?What’s the secret to building a powerhouse CEO-COO relationship?How can COOs use self-awareness to grow as leaders and advisors?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowleswww.daijo.iowww.cooroundtable.comBiography Divinia Knowles is an accomplished operator and coach with extensive experience supporting startup and scale-up COOs, CEOs, and leadership teams through growth, exit, and beyond. With a career spanning roles as COO, CFO, CEO, and Board Advisor, Divinia has worked with companies like Pact Coffee and Mind Candy, helping scale global brands and drive success.As the founder of the London COO Roundtable, Divinia has built a thriving network for operational leaders. Since 2017, she’s coached over 150 executives, combining advanced coaching accreditation with expertise in organizational psychology, resilience, and team dynamics.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary16:42 Exploring COO Strengths and Weaknesses26:36 Personality Types and Archetypes in Leadership28:09 The Shadow Side of COOs29:06 Servant Leadership30:21 The Relationship Between COOs and CEOs35:24 Ruminating vs. Acting: Different Leadership Styles37:24 Embracing Public Speaking and Thinking on Your Feet39:28 The Ruminator: Processing Information Over Time41:04 The Caregiver Archetype in Leadership45:39 Balancing Empathy and Performance Management47:54 The Nature of Relationships in Leadership48:44 Directness and Good Intent in Communication49:33 Embracing Self-Awareness and Personal GrowthPubjU2Ffmb2y4RsmnPUcThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: What is a COO's strengths and gaps? We are joined by Divinia Knowles, The COO Coach. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following: How do COOs build trust with key decision-makers while staying behind the scenes?What’s the secret to thriving in a role that demands constant adaptability?How can COOs master resource allocation when scaling feels chaotic?Why is being an external spokesperson a game-changer for COOs?How do COOs and CEOs create a partnership that drives success?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowleswww.daijo.iowww.cooroundtable.comBiography Divinia Knowles is an accomplished operator and coach with extensive experience supporting startup and scale-up COOs, CEOs, and leadership teams through growth, exit, and beyond. With a career spanning roles as COO, CFO, CEO, and Board Advisor, Divinia has worked with companies like Pact Coffee and Mind Candy, helping scale global brands and drive success.As the founder of the London COO Roundtable, Divinia has built a thriving network for operational leaders. Since 2017, she’s coached over 150 executives, combining advanced coaching accreditation with expertise in organizational psychology, resilience, and team dynamics.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary04:49 Introduction to COO Strengths and Weaknesses19:23 Exploring COO Strengths20:33 Identifying Gaps in COO Skills21:22 The Role of External Spokesperson26:37 Resource Allocation Challenges for COOs31:16 Understanding Financial Reports and Business Metrics32:44 The Importance of Financial Forecasting31:23 Exploring Business Models and Metrics40:18 Future-Facing Opportunities in Business46:04 Strengths-Based Management and Just-in-Time LearningThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: a COO's journey to a Google exit. We are joined by Shane Harris, Former COO @ Cameyo. Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Shane Harris: What role does sustainable growth, cash flow positivity, and dynamic budgeting play in a company’s success?How can company culture and strategic alignment influence decision-making and long-term growth?Why is understanding customer lifetime value and identifying productive customers critical for sustainable business strategy?What steps should startups take to prepare for a successful exit?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanecharrisBiography Shane is a seasoned tech executive with a passion for building high performance teams, optimizing business systems and establishing KPI frameworks that drive scalable growth. As COO of enterprise software company Cameyo, acquired by Google, he has a proven track record of strategic leadership through scale and exit. Prior to Cameyo, Shane led operations and helped grow Vasion (formerly PrinterLogic) from 13 to 300+ employees and over 35x revenue growth. Shane has an MBA from Duke University where he graduated at the top of his class.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary06:46 Introduction27:05 Startups, goals, and roadmaps28:07 No frills28:49 Cameo's Exit Strategy and Company Culture30:42 Exit strategies32:18 The Value of Bootstrapping vs. Funding33:54 Navigating Growth Paths and Strategic Decisions35:26 The Role of Operations in Business Success39:38 Preparing for Acquisition: Metrics and Data42:58 Stages of Development and Strategic Objectives47:40 Lessons Learned for Future ExitsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss: Patents and IP strategy for Scaleups. We are joined by Jon Calvert, IP strategy expert.Love The Operations Room? Please support us by rating and reviewing it here.We chat about the following with Jon Calvert: How can startups effectively protect their innovations through intellectual property (IP)?What are the key differences between patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, and when should each be used?How can a well-crafted IP strategy enhance a startup's valuation during funding rounds or mergers and acquisitions?What steps should startups take to meet the criteria for patentability, such as novelty and inventiveness?How can education and awareness about IP help startups maximize its value and explore alternative financing options like IP asset-based lending?References https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncalvert/www.clearviewip.comhttps://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/financial-advisory/perspectives/deloitte-ip-360-survey.htmlReading list:Protecting Intellectual Property: What Startups Need To KnowWhat is Intellectual Property? IP Competitive Benchmarking — ClearViewIPIP Due Diligence — ClearViewIPIP Sales, Licensing & Tech Transfers — ClearViewIPIP Valuations — ClearViewIPValuing Intellectual Property AssetsBiography A globally recognised IP Strategist, Jon helps clients drive business value and competitive advantage through effective management of their intangible assets. Jon has advised investors, Boards and C-suite executives on hundreds of transactions and built winning Value Creation and Risk Management strategies for some of the World’s most innovative and successful organisations.To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. Summary03:07 Introduction to Intellectual Property and Its Importance14:22 Understanding Patent Types and Their Roles16:33 When Should Startups Consider Patents?19:35 What is Patentable? Exploring Novelty and Inventiveness23:15 User Interface Design and Intellectual Property25:25 Building an IP Strategy for Startups27:52 The Role of IP in Funding Rounds35:37 IP Asset-Based Lending: A Financial Strategy38:39 Valuing Intellectual Property for Buyers43:56 Final Thoughts on IP Education and StrategyAdditional ResourcesShort essential e-learning:WIPO Academy: DL001E - DL-001 Primer on Intellectual PropertyEPO Course: IP strategy Further learning:Academy Course CatalogDL-170 Specialized Course on the Essentials of PatentsDL301E - DL-301 PatentsDL-302 Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical IndicationsDL-450 Intellectual Property ManagementThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy