Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

Ever wonder why most companies struggle to scale real culture as fast as they grow? What if the right blend of purpose, freedom, and radical alignment could make your team unstoppable?In this Fan Favorite episode, Cameron Herold sits down with Kshitij Minglani, co-founder of Mindvalley Quests and serial entrepreneur, to unpack the proven playbook behind building a revolutionary “cult-like” workplace where high-performers thrive, politics die, and radical innovation flourishes. They explore OKRs that spark action, mantras that force clarity, remote team magic, and how Gen Y talent fuels explosive, sticky growth. You’ll hear mind-blowing lessons on hiring, self-driven learning, and operational rhythm that you won’t get in any MBA.Listen now, because the pain of missing these atomic insights is real: most companies will burn out, fragment, or plateau if they skip what you’ll learn here. This is your exclusive shortcut to building a thriving team before you get left behind.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The real secret to “Second in Command” chemistry and why skillset complement matters more than ego[00:03:33] – How Mindvalley went from selling meditation courses to teaching 10 million people a year[00:07:00] – Proven tactics to attract Gen Y talent from 54 countries—bootstrapped, not VC-fueled[00:09:45] – Why career pages, values, and strategic interviews pull “cult-like” high performers (and kill politics)[00:12:16] – The radical power of OKRs, failing 50%, and how competition keeps teams sharp[00:16:14] – Outward thinking and self-driven learning: fueling growth with global hackathons and TED talks[00:18:05] – How “OODA Loops” from the military weaponize CEO-COO alignment[00:21:05] – The epic failures: when Mindvalley ignored customers and missed the subscription revolution[00:29:09] – Minimum Viable Product mentality—shipping fast, fighting perfection, and keeping teams hungry[00:35:08] – How Lifebook and conscious parenting keep remote teams human, connected, and loyalAbout the GuestKshitij Minglani is the Co-Founder of Mindvalley Quests, a global leader in education and personal growth, serving millions from 54 countries. Known for his mastery in scaling startups, building culture-first organizations, and strategic innovation, he’s been behind some of Mindvalley’s most explosive pivots. Kshitij specializes in operations, growth, and high-velocity hiring, giving him unique authority for COOs and aspiring leaders alike. 🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & MentionsMindvalley University  Mindvalley Quest  WildFit  Lifebook (by John and Missy Butcher)  A-Fest  OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act)  Google (corporate practices)  Intel, PwC, Malaysian Government (corporate training partners)  Blue Ocean Strategy (book)  “Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief” (Air Force concept)  TED Talks  Important LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiNote: This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Ever felt overwhelmed by breakneck growth, scattered systems, and a CEO who just wants “more”—now? If you’re a second-in-command, this episode flips the pain of scaling upside down.Host Sivana Brewer dives deep with Inaas Arabi, COO at Block & Associates Realty and an industry veteran who’s engineered two rounds of company doubling (with a third on deck). They break down order-from-chaos strategies, how to build systems that actually scale, and the hidden math of hiring for sustainable results. Hear why most “growth plans” fail, and how trusted advisors and specialized team pods change everything.Don’t miss out—if you want to avoid costly mistakes, burnout, and leadership isolation, tune in now. This episode exposes proven, rare insights and actionable frameworks you simply won’t get anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – From scorching Austin heat to building legacy: Inaas’s introduction and real-world leadership challenge[00:03] – The “three-month property turnover” nightmare and the breakthrough that shattered it[00:16] – The surprising danger in property manager–centric models and the pod system that solves it[00:27] – Chaos vs. order: When to build systems and when to let things break (and why most get it wrong)[00:32] – The obscure art of error rates—and why perfect service is a myth, even for world-class COOs[00:34] – How trusted advisors expose hidden blind spots that can kill your growth[00:39] – Building your mentor board: Where to find them and how to make the relationship work[00:48] – Tripling scale and checking off U.S. states—behind the personal drive fueling strategic victoriesResources & MentionsZillowRealPageAmerican Homes 4 RentProgress ResidentialUltraSourceEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)About the GuestInaas Arabi is an accomplished executive with over 25 years in real estate and property management, including leadership roles at companies like Zillow, RealPage, and American Homes 4 Rent. Since joining Block & Associates Realty in May 2023, she has focused on optimizing operations and driving strategic growth in the greater Atlanta and North Carolina regions. Inaas holds an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University and has a strong background in asset management, operations, and tech-driven solutions for the real estate industry.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer sits down with Richard Scheele, CFA, CFP, Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group and longtime COO Alliance member.Richard takes us inside more than a decade of leadership evolution, from starting as an intern to stepping into the Managing Partner seat of a fast-growing financial planning firm. He shares candid stories about redefining his role, building systems around EOS, and learning to lead beyond his comfort zone. The conversation explores what happens when you outgrow your title, how teams mature into strategic thinkers, and why clarity—real clarity—changes everything.You’ll hear how Richard and his team rebuilt their communication rhythms, created a shared playbook for decision-making, and shifted their mindset around accountability and alignment. It’s an honest, practical look at what it really takes to scale without losing culture, trust, or your own sense of direction.Whether you’re a second in command stepping into bigger shoes or a CEO looking to strengthen your leadership infrastructure, this episode will spark ideas you can use immediately.Timestamped Highlights00:00 The leadership lesson Richard wishes he’d learned earlier.02:10 Richard’s growth from intern to Managing Partner.04:12 Why changing his title was critical for true alignment.06:25 How EOS reshaped communication and accountability.08:40 The value of an outside implementer for early EOS adopters.11:03 Richard’s background in teaching economics and how it shaped his leadership style.13:18 Creating a decision-making playbook for future clarity.15:45 Balancing vision, strategy, and the daily operational grind.18:20 How curiosity and vulnerability strengthen team culture.21:03 Turning strategy into a team-driven discipline.23:30 The evolution of Next Level Planning Group’s internal structure.27:05 Richard’s biggest lessons from leading a rapidly growing organization.Resources MentionedEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)About the GuestRichard Scheele, CFA, CFP, is the Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group, where he leads daily operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational coordination. Starting his career as an assistant portfolio analyst, Richard moved through roles in service, analysis, and financial planning before stepping into leadership. His background in teaching economics and his analytical approach to decision-making shape the way he develops talent, drives alignment, and supports long-term firm growth.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Aldo Siciliano, COO and President of Watters International Realty, a fast-scaling residential brokerage serving multiple Texas markets.Aldo shares how Watters uses EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to create alignment, simplify decision-making, and support a fast-moving, marketing-driven business. He breaks down the real work of being an integrator, why adaptability matters more than expertise, and how to keep a visionary’s ideas grounded in reality without killing momentum.They dig into hiring proven talent vs. emerging talent, managing burnout and stress in relationship-heavy industries, and knowing when a new tool is genuinely helpful versus just shiny. Aldo also talks about maintaining simplicity at scale, building systems that teams will actually use, and why emotional management is one of the hardest parts of leading in real estate.This is a practical, honest, detail-rich episode for any COO navigating growth, complexity, and a CEO with a strong visionary engine.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – What EOS really is and why it works for small to mid-size companies[01:08] – Introducing Aldo: data-driven operator, people-first leader[02:51] – Watters International Realty: multi-market residential brokerage across Texas[03:52] – Aldo’s journey from VP of Marketing to COO & President[05:17] – Why being a generalist (not a specialist) made him a stronger COO[07:16] – What made Aldo want to work with CEO Chris, a “zero-to-one” visionary[08:54] – How the CEO–COO decision-making dynamic works in real life[10:08] – Why Aldo was chosen for the COO role: integration mindset + complement to the visionary[10:33] – Why Watters implemented EOS and how it fit their bandwidth[11:54] – The core pieces of EOS that actually move the needle[13:36] – Small changes vs. big changes and why incremental improvements matter[16:48] – SOPs, knowledge bases, and keeping documentation simple[18:24] – Why Aldo uses Motion instead of Asana/ClickUp[20:58] – The hidden cost of complex tools and the myth of “software will fix everything”[22:56] – Lessons from failed system implementations and the danger of poor adoption[24:29] – “Teach people how to think, not what to do” and how Aldo applies this[28:09] – Coaching teams through burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue[29:42] – The emotional load on sales leaders: “You’re in the attitude management business”[31:25] – Why burnout often comes from the wrong people in the wrong seats[33:01] – The importance of hiring experienced talent during scaling[38:40] – Proven talent vs. emerging talent in fast-growth companies[40:17] – The risk of a wrong sales leader: attrition, client loss, culture loss[41:47] – Why individual impact shrinks as companies scale[42:56] – Aldo’s next big initiative: new expansion strategy[43:40] – Where to find Aldo onlineResources & Mentions• EOS – Entrepreneurial Operating System• Motion (project + time management)• monday.com• Salesforce• Asana• ClickUpAbout the GuestAldo Siciliano is the COO and President of Watters International Realty, a multi-market Texas-based residential brokerage. Known for his blend of analytical thinking and empathetic leadership, Aldo specializes in building systems that scale simply, supporting sales teams, and translating vision into repeatable execution. He’s driven the rollout of EOS across the company and plays a key role in Watters’ expansion strategy.🔗 LinkedInAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode, Cameron sits down with Steven Huang, the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Steven helps lead global efforts to bring psychedelic research, policy reform, and public understanding into the mainstream, building on MAPS’ 40-year history at the forefront of mental health innovation.Steven shares his unlikely path from life insurance actuary to Silicon Valley analyst to psychedelic industry operator, including how psychedelics shaped his career decisions, his leadership growth, and his move into the second-in-command role during a major organizational crisis. He and Cameron explore what the government is getting right, where the psychedelic movement is headed, and how MAPS balances scientific rigor with visionary cultural work.If you’ve been watching psychedelics move from taboo to the TED stage to boardrooms and leadership circles, this conversation gives a rare inside look at the movement from someone steering the ship.Timestamped Highlights00:00 Steven opens with a core leadership lesson around self-belief.01:28 Cameron introduces Steven and MAPS’ mission.03:00 Cameron’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the psychedelic space.04:09 What MAPS is and how it’s shaped the psychedelic movement.05:18 How cannabis legalization opened the door for psychedelic conversations.07:23 Steven on public stigma shifting and psychedelics entering mainstream business culture.09:00 Understanding MDMA therapy, ketamine, and where research is now.11:41 Cameron’s personal experiences with psychedelic therapy.12:44 How government perception and bipartisan interest are evolving.14:45 How MAPS is funded and why conferences aren’t profit centers.15:39 The path from MAPS to Lycos and Resilient Pharmaceuticals.18:00 Real-world use: psilocybin dispensaries and psychedelic churches.20:19 Where psychedelics help… and where clinical caution still matters.22:20 The role of intention in therapeutic and recreational use.24:32 Steven’s psychedelic-inspired career pivot from actuary to Facebook.27:21 Cameron’s first MDMA experience and how it changed his worldview.29:05 When company culture goes too far.30:30 The challenge of leading a nonprofit in a regulated landscape.33:16 The FDA setback and massive internal shift at MAPS.37:04 Steven’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the reality of working with a visionary founder.39:00 Steven’s advice to his younger self.Resources & MentionsMDMA-assisted therapyKetamine therapyPsilocybinAyahuascaPsychedelic Science ConferenceResilient Pharmaceuticals (formerly Lykos Therapeutics)Rick DoblinAbout the GuestSteven Huang is the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. With a background spanning actuarial science, Facebook’s people analytics team, and diversity leadership roles across Silicon Valley, Steven brings a rare mix of analytical rigor and human-centered leadership to one of the most complex and culturally significant organizations in mental health and policy reform. His work today sits at the intersection of science, policy, and healing, helping MAPS navigate growth, government regulation, organizational change, and the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

We’re bringing this episode back because listeners couldn’t get enough the first time around. Cameron sits down with Tom Keiser, COO of Zendesk, to unpack how he helped scale the SaaS powerhouse to a billion-dollar trajectory. Tom shares how he bridged the gap between IT and operations, built cadence-driven execution rhythms, and created visibility across the business while keeping the culture humble, fast, and customer-obsessed.If you’re leading a growing company and need a blueprint for scaling without suffocating the entrepreneurial edge… this one hits hard.Timestamped Highlights01:11 Meet Tom Keiser and his path from CIO to COO02:00 Early days: Capgemini, E&Y, and stepping into tech leadership05:27 What Zendesk actually does (and how it scaled globally)07:33 How SaaS changed the business–IT power dynamic08:55 Why CIOs must become business partners, not tech overseers10:54 The PMO strategy that keeps Zendesk aligned as it scales12:04 Tom’s weekly operational cadence pulled from retail13:50 Turning insights into action: Sales, pipeline, and global adjustments15:37 How Zendesk avoids bureaucracy while growing fast17:39 Culture: The Danish “Humbled It” mindset19:36 Saying no without killing momentum20:57 Managing customer support when your whole business is CX23:38 Omnichannel done right: Continuous conversations, not disconnected pings26:14 Machine learning inside Zendesk Guide29:18 How Tom balances immediate execution with long-term scaling32:55 What smaller companies can learn from Zendesk’s growth34:34 Vulnerability and learning to step into discomfort as a leader36:25 When to trust your team and when to drop into details37:51 How Zendesk’s founder transitioned out of day-to-day execution39:18 Market risks, public cloud, open-source, and economic uncertainty39:46 What 5G will unleash for future customer experiences43:12 Building whole leaders, not siloed operators44:13 Tom’s advice to his 21-year-old selfAbout the GuestTom Keiser is the Chief Operating Officer of Zendesk, where he oversees global operations, IT, enterprise analytics, security, and go-to-market execution for one of the world’s leading customer experience platforms. With 25+ years of experience across retail, technology, and SaaS, Tom blends deep technical expertise with business-led operational leadership. Before Zendesk, he served as CIO at L Brands and spent years in management consulting at Capgemini and Ernst & Young.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & MentionsCapgemini / Ernst & YoungZendeskImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiNote: This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode, Cameron sits down with Brett Bruggeman, Executive Vice President and COO of Land O’Lakes, a 104-year-old, $16B cooperative spanning dairy foods, animal nutrition, and crop inputs. Brett shares how Land O’Lakes manages scale across 20 business units, supports more than 4,000 cooperative owners, and touches half of America’s farmland.He and Cameron dig into the cooperative model, growth challenges in shrinking markets, how the company is driving new productivity for farmers, and their bold new initiative that partners with retail owners to invest in late-stage ag-tech. Brett also talks about outside-in thinking, the power of data, how to stay ahead of the customer, and why the future of agriculture requires both AI and human EQ.If you’re a COO navigating large-team complexity, shifting markets, or innovation inside a legacy organization, this conversation is a masterclass in clarity, discipline, and strategic focus.Timestamped Highlights00:00 Brett and Cameron kick off the conversation (with a quick cameo from Brett’s comms lead, John).01:03 How Brett discovered the podcast and the purpose of “the COO story.”03:30 Land O’Lakes overview: 104-year history, cooperative structure, and national footprint.07:14 The company’s roots: dairy farmers searching for a market for cream.08:26 How Land O’Lakes evolved into dairy, animal nutrition, and crop inputs.10:24 Purina brand clarification: Land O’Lakes vs. Nestlé internationally.10:44 Revenue breakdown across business units.12:00 How Brett avoids getting pulled into every detail while leading a massive enterprise.14:10 How outside-in thinking reshaped corporate strategy.15:17 The “vital few” → the three-or-four priorities that guide the entire company.16:49 The six transformation “big bets.”18:46 Becoming a data-first company: insights, segmentation, and new markets.20:29 The strategic questions Land O’Lakes uses to break stagnation.22:45 Their stance on hybrid work and why face-to-face still matters.25:05 Growth challenges: farmers under pressure, shrinking markets, and opportunities.26:05 Introducing AgRogue: the new retail growth fund (70–100M) to invest in late-stage ag-tech.27:39 Why partnering with retail owners creates stronger market access.28:17 What a cooperative actually is and how it differs from other business models.31:39 How 4,000 owners create loyalty, but not complacency.33:31 Why aligning retail owners with Land O’Lakes creates predictable innovation adoption.36:51 How AI and predictive models are transforming supply chain, waste, and productivity.38:37 Three AI goals: target growth, eliminate waste, improve customer experience.40:55 How Land O’Lakes approaches AI responsibly (and without getting “over their skis”).42:37 What Brett is working on personally as a leader: presence, change management, results.47:28 Advice to his younger self: ask better questions, seek mentors, take international roles.Resources & MentionsPurina (livestock feed brand)WinField (crop inputs brand)Microsoft (AI and data initiatives)AgRogue (Land O’Lakes + retail owner growth fund)Radicle (ag-tech investment partner)Circana (retail data source, referenced as comparison)Jason Trusley (former Nike CMO, hired for outside-in strategy)Beth Ford (CEO of Land O’Lakes)Teddy Bekele (CTO)About the GuestBrett Bruggeman is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Land O’Lakes, a 104-year-old, $16B cooperative spanning dairy foods, animal nutrition, and crop inputs. With more than 11 years inside the organization and a career that includes significant leadership roles at BASF, Brett leads the company’s operations, growth initiatives, strategic planning discipline, and enterprise-wide transformation work. He is known for championing data-driven decision making, outside-in strategic thinking, and building collaborative partnerships across the cooperative ecosystem.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Matthew Rathje, Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies and long-time member of the COO Alliance.From starting in payroll and claims management to leading operations for a $165M insurance and professional services firm, Matt shares his journey of scaling from the ground up, balancing structure, culture, and human leadership. He offers practical insights on bringing clarity and accountability to fast-growing organizations, structuring meetings that actually move the needle, and building trust without falling into “artificial harmony.”Matt also opens up about navigating personal and professional adversity, from weathering the 2020 derecho storm that destroyed his family’s home, to leading through COVID-19, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy rooted in humility, collaboration, and optimism.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:20] – Matt’s journey at TrueNorth and how he helped the company grow from a local firm to a $165M organization.[00:05:16] – Lessons from moving between individual contributor and leadership roles.[00:07:00] – How TrueNorth’s leadership transition inspired a more unified executive vision.[00:09:20] – Preparing to step into the COO role and finding mentors in the process.[00:10:44] – Why Matt joined the COO Alliance and what he learned from peers in other industries.[00:13:00] – Building clarity and accountability through RIMs and RIOs (Relatable Impact Metrics & Objectives).[00:15:00] – Starting TrueNorth’s organizational health journey with Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group.[00:17:34] – How Lencioni’s framework helped the team prioritize what’s most important right now.[00:18:46] – Team effectiveness workshops and how vulnerability-based trust builds healthy organizations.[00:20:35] – How to identify “artificial harmony” and address it before it erodes team commitment.[00:24:32] – Balancing collaboration with decisive leadership.[00:26:03] – Structuring meetings for clarity, speed, and results.[00:29:40] – How personal adversity (a devastating storm) strengthened Matt’s leadership perspective.[00:33:54] – Leading with empathy, gratitude, and perspective through crisis.[00:38:52] – Building trust and vulnerability across teams.[00:40:31] – Strengthening the CEO-COO relationship and defining complementary strengths.[00:42:42] – Using Vivid Vision to align the entire company around purpose and feeling.[00:46:14] – Launching The TrueNorth Way: the company’s roadmap for a world-class client experience.Resources & MentionsThe Apple Experience by Carmine GalloUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraMeetings Suck by Cameron HeroldThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni (and the related Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team framework)About the GuestMatthew Rathje is the Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies, a Midwest-based insurance and professional services firm dedicated to protecting and maximizing its clients’ assets, resources, and opportunities.Since joining TrueNorth over a decade ago, Matt has helped lead the company through multiple phases of expansion, guiding it from $9M in revenue to over $165M while strengthening its culture, systems, and leadership alignment. A believer in organizational health and clarity, he continues to champion initiatives that align people and purpose for long-term success.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Dr. Melonie Boone, Chief Operating Officer of Edesia Nutrition, a Rhode Island–based nonprofit on a mission to end childhood malnutrition worldwide.Dr. Boone shares her inspiring journey from corporate HR and executive consulting to joining a purpose-driven organization where every product saves lives. She opens up about leaving her consulting career to relocate her family and help Edesia scale globally while staying rooted in its humanitarian mission.Together, Sivana and Melonie explore what it means to lead in a business where the stakes are life and death, balancing operational excellence with empathy, trust, and resilience. From creating healthy CEO-COO dynamics to rebuilding confidence after crisis, she offers grounded advice for leaders who want to make impact and results coexist.Timestamped Highlights[00:02:31] – Dr. Boone explains Edesia Nutrition’s mission to eradicate malnutrition and how each box of product saves a child’s life.[00:04:29] – The personal loss that inspired her to pursue work with deeper purpose.[00:06:27] – How consulting for Edesia’s CEO turned into a full-time COO opportunity.[00:08:09] – Combining her lifelong drive to lead with her mother’s legacy of service.[00:10:14] – What challenges she was first hired to solve and how her HR and strategy background helped.[00:13:13] – Transitioning from consultant to COO and setting early “ground rules” for success.[00:15:00] – Dividing responsibilities with the founder and managing blurred lines gracefully.[00:16:20] – Facing two major business disruptions in her first six months on the job.[00:18:47] – Learning to adapt her leadership style during crises and rebuild trust.[00:20:18] – The power of transparency and “fighting together” with the CEO.[00:22:29] – How her four academic degrees shaped her approach to leadership.[00:24:08] – The lesson behind “anyone can show the numbers, but what do they mean?”[00:26:05] – Knowing which “Melonie” to bring into each meeting—coach, operator, or psychologist.[00:27:28] – How she keeps the pulse across 14 departments with weekly updates and morale checks.[00:31:29] – Using technology and HRIS tools to streamline communication and one-on-ones.[00:34:18] – Building cross-functional buy-in before making any system change.[00:36:50] – Tracking team morale and staying intentionally visible to every shift.[00:38:42] – Leading with authenticity as an introvert in a people-driven culture.[00:41:26] – Creating connection and fun through culture rituals, bingo, and bagel Tuesdays.[00:44:43] – What’s ahead: a 100,000 sq ft expansion, global growth, and personal goals for joy and balance.[00:47:00] – Her advice for aspiring COOs, current operators, and CEOs hiring their “number two.”Resources & MentionsEdesia Nutrition Plumpy’Nut® – Edesia’s flagship product saving children worldwideChildren Can’t Wait Campaign – Donate HEROic Leadership by Dr. Melonie BoonePaycor HRIS – Tool for one-on-ones, performance, and team engagementAbout the GuestDr. Melonie Boone is the Chief Operating Officer of Edesia Nutrition, a global nonprofit that produces fortified foods to treat and prevent childhood malnutrition. With four degrees spanning human resources, business law, psychology, and an MBA, she blends academic depth with practical leadership.Before joining Edesia, Dr. Boone built a career in executive consulting and organizational development, serving corporate and nonprofit leaders alike. Her passion for purpose-driven impact, paired with her operational rigor, drives Edesia’s mission to ensure no child dies from malnutrition.🔗 Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | YouTube | PinterestAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this Fan Favorite episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold speaks with Anna Collins, President and COO of Bulletproof, the globally recognized brand behind Bulletproof Coffee, supplements, and biohacking products designed to help people perform better, think faster, and live healthier lives. She is also a Board Member of Ladies Who Launch.Before joining Bulletproof, Anna led multi-billion-dollar businesses at Amazon, Microsoft, and CVS Health, bringing a data-driven, operational mindset to every stage of growth. In this conversation, she reveals how she helped Bulletproof evolve from a niche “biohacker” brand into a household name—streamlining operations, tightening focus, and scaling omnichannel distribution without losing its visionary edge.Anna also shares her leadership principles, from managing a founder with 100 ideas a day to running metrics-driven weekly business reviews that keep innovation grounded in reality. Her insights bridge the gap between entrepreneurial chaos and corporate discipline, showing how great COOs turn vision into execution.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Cameron introduces this episode as one of the most downloaded in show history.[00:01:14] – Anna’s career journey: from Microsoft and Amazon to joining Bulletproof.[00:03:52] – Why she left Amazon Prime for a mission-driven brand.[00:05:36] – What convinced her Bulletproof wasn’t just a fad—but a real performance enhancer.[00:06:23] – Partnering with Dave Asprey: defining roles between visionary and operator.[00:07:18] – The challenge of narrowing focus when everything looks like a good idea.[00:08:54] – Bringing Amazon’s frameworks—tenets, principles, and data mechanisms—into Bulletproof.[00:10:07] – How structure helped Dave trust the team and delegate.[00:10:26] – Shutting down international markets and cutting SKUs to simplify growth.[00:11:59] – Expanding into Amazon marketplace and corporate distribution channels.[00:13:28] – Convincing the founder to “grow beyond the core biohacker.”[00:17:00] – Managing an idea-rich founder without stifling creativity.[00:18:37] – Anna’s leadership philosophy: define reality, create possibility, say thank you.[00:21:00] – Rebuilding Bulletproof’s vision, mission, and values for clarity and culture.[00:24:20] – Weekly Business Reviews: the data-driven rhythm behind execution.[00:30:32] – How Anna divides her focus across key stakeholders—customers, team, and growth.[00:36:35] – Simplifying the Bulletproof brand for mainstream accessibility.[00:38:00] – Where she struggles as a leader—and the balance between speed and empathy.[00:42:33] – The advice she’d give her 21-year-old self: don’t take it all so seriously.About the GuestAnna Collins is the President and COO of Bulletproof overseeing strategy, operations, and omnichannel growth for the globally recognized biohacking brand. Previously, she led billion-dollar initiatives at Amazon, where she managed global Prime membership programs, and at Microsoft, where she built the search advertising business from concept to $1.6B in revenue. She is also a Board Member of Ladies Who Launch.A Harvard MBA and transformational leader, Anna specializes in building scalable systems that bridge creative vision with operational discipline. At Bulletproof, she’s helped expand the company from its core biohacker audience to a broader wellness market—making human optimization accessible to everyone.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & MentionsBulletproof Upgrade Labs Amazon Prime – Leadership and membership growth lessonsMicrosoft Advertising – Scaling to $1.6B in global revenueThe Art of Leadership by Max De PreeGame Changers by Dave AspreyHarvard Business School – Anna’s MBA alma materImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership 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 DelphiNote: This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.