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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses the process of identifying and attracting the right leadership talent who not only possess the necessary skills but also align deeply with your company’s vision and core values.You’ll discover the importance of building a “virtual bench” of potential candidates and why proactive recruiting beats passive job postings when searching for a high-impact executive. Discover a structured interviewing process that evaluates both cultural fit and technical expertise, ensuring your new leader complements the CEO and drives the company forward. You’ll also understand how rigorous reference checks provide critical insights into a candidate’s true character and capabilities before making a hiring decision.Cameron uncovers best practices for defining compensation, clarifying roles, and setting organizational expectations that attract and retain top executives. You’ll learn how to balance respect for existing leaders while empowering your new hire to remove obstacles and foster alignment across the company, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.The podcast explores how careful alignment of expectations and responsibilities can help create a harmonious, effective leadership structure that drives a company forward without unnecessary friction.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The difficulty of finding COOs as they are rarely unemployed and often need to be poached. (1:05)Why the old adage of 'hire for attitude, train for skill' no longer applies, and why you must hire for both cultural fit and skill set. (4:15)The importance of choosing the right job title to match the responsibilities and compensation. (7:11)The concept of maintaining a "virtual bench" of potential candidates for future roles. (23:04)The role of HR in supporting the search 9not recruiting) and the importance of rigorous interviews. (24:32)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Polina Mireau, co-founder of Scale It Simply.In this fascinating conversation, Sivana and Polina discuss the often unseen emotional layers that come with leadership, especially from the perspective of younger professionals navigating roles traditionally dominated by older, more experienced individuals. They explore how genuine connection and authentic care within an organization can transform workplace culture and foster a sense of belonging that goes beyond titles and tenure.They touch on the subtle challenges faced by women stepping into leadership roles, highlighting the unique pressures to prove themselves repeatedly despite their qualifications. The discussion reveals how shifting focus from self-doubt to relationship-building can empower leaders to break through preconceived notions and create meaningful impact—not just through their work, but through the human connections they nurture.This episode is an insightful exploration of leadership that encourages embracing imperfection, leaning into growth, and fostering trust as the true foundation for success.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Polina's upbringing in Canada, where she learned the importance of hard work, organization, and independenceHer formal transition to the COO role, and her experience in fractional and full-time capacities.The negative impact of siloed communication on team efficiency and customer experience.The differences between fractional and full-time COO roles, and the need for clear expectations and boundaries in fractional roles.The challenges of being a young female leader, and the need to focus on relationships and genuine care for the team.And much more...Resources:Connect with Polina: LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jonathan Abrarpour, COO Alliance member and COO of Empower Pharmacy.Listen as Jonathan reflects on the challenges of managing growth and opportunity within a rapidly evolving organization. He explores the delicate balance between chasing expansion and maintaining focus, revealing how saying "no" can be just as crucial as saying "yes." The discussion uncovers the nuanced strategies behind prioritizing projects, aligning team goals, and managing distractions—all essential skills for sustaining momentum without losing sight of the bigger picture.You'll discover the complexities of building an effective management system that encourages autonomy while maintaining accountability. Get a peek into how teams coordinate, make capital investment decisions, and refine processes to avoid unnecessary bloat. Jonathan also shares candid thoughts on the ever-present struggle to improve productivity, emphasizing a culture built on quality, efficiency, and mindset—one that demands getting things right the first time.This episode offers insights on the evolving nature of leadership, the importance of hiring the right people, and the journey toward doing less but accomplishing more.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Empower Pharmacy's growth from a small storefront pharmacy with 32 employees to a company with 1200 employees across three states. (3:04)The shift in the pharmaceutical industry towards customized forms of medicine, driven by the need for personalized treatment. (10:56)The cultural differences in hiring as Empower Pharmacy grew from 32 to 1200 employees. (13:28)Empower Pharmacy's current focus on domestic growth, with plans to explore international opportunities in the future. (29:13)The CapEx charter process, which involves weekly meetings to review and approve capital requests. (32:49)And much more...Resources:Connect with Jonathan: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Jarrell Ku, Business Operations and Strategic Finance Lead at GrowthAssistant.In this fascinating conversation, Sivana and Jarrell dive into the delicate balance of maintaining productivity while fostering genuine connections in a distributed work environment. You'll discover creative ways to break free from the cycle of endless meetings and discover how intentional communication can transform collaboration. Alongside practical strategies, they also reflect on the human side of remote teamwork, revealing how shared experiences beyond the digital workspace help strengthen bonds and build culture.Get a glimpse into the dynamics of an executive partnership that thrives on trust, complementary strengths, and honest dialogue. The nuances of working closely together, knowing when to challenge and when to support, come to life through candid reflections on leadership styles and communication rhythms. You'll hear about the importance of transparency and alignment, emphasizing how regular check-ins and updates create a shared sense of purpose and momentum.The conversation also touches on the often unseen layers of responsibility that keep an organization running smoothly, from routine tasks to strategic initiatives. Whether you’re scaling a business or navigating your own team, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Jarrell's day-to-day responsibilities at GrowthAssistant, including finance, data analysis, special projects, and supporting the CEO.The importance of data tracking in sales, covering key metrics such as funnel metrics, conversion rates, and sales cycles.The challenges of managing a remote, cross-functional team, including the need for intentional meetings and quicker communication. Why GrowthAssistant values dual responsibility in sales roles, ensuring that sales reps are also involved in client support and account management. The company's focus on recruiting high-quality talent, both in terms of hard skills and durable skills like communication and problem-solving. And much more...Resources:Connect with Jarrell: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Ryan Hanley, host of The Ryan Hanley Show.During the conversation, Cameron and Ryan dive into the deep waters of leadership, responsibility, and modern decision-making. You'll learn what it means to navigate turbulent times with clarity and discipline, challenging the norms of how organizations and governments operate. With personal stories and sharp analogies, the dialogue draws surprising parallels between the boardroom, the household, and the global stage, inviting listeners to rethink how resources, values, and priorities are managed at every level.Cameron shares a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into his own strategic thinking, developed over decades of experience building successful ventures. With a strong focus on intentionality and sustainability, he offers uncommon insights into long-term planning, making bold yet thoughtful choices, and the overlooked power of restraint.This episode offers practical wisdom and first-hand knowledge, challenging assumptions while offering a grounded sense of optimism.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The need for businesses to be ruthless in identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses. The importance of data-driven decision-making and the role of core values in business.Cameron's approach to managing time and the importance of disconnecting to inspect what you expect.His experience with digital currencies and the importance of alternative forms of payment.The concept of stagflation and its impact on businesses.And much more...Resources:The Ryan Hanley ShowConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Matthew Kovacs, President and Lead Strategist of Blaze PR.In this insightful conversation, Cameron and Matthew discuss the evolving landscape of a fast-changing professional field, exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping traditional workflows and mindsets. They unpack the tension between embracing innovation and managing skepticism, revealing how organizations navigate new tools to enhance efficiency while addressing cultural and economic challenges.You'll discover the power of storytelling as a strategic asset, emphasizing how personal journeys and company origins create compelling narratives that resonate beyond surface-level promotion. Through thoughtful reflections, the guests reveal the nuances of building authentic connections and fostering trust with diverse audiences, even amid uncertainty and rapid transformation.This conversation offers practical advice, lessons learned over decades, and a glimpse into how forward-thinking professionals prepare for the next wave of disruption without losing sight of foundational values.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Background on Blaze PR, a lifestyle agency working with various brands across different categories like beverages, CPG, retail, and home builders.The importance of media training for clients, including CEOs, spokespersons, and sales teams.The digital trifecta of earned media, owned media, and paid media, and how Blaze PR helps clients integrate these elements.The role of PR in driving traffic to stores like Costco and building brand awareness.Why PR firms must adapt and embrace new technologies such as AI to stay competitive. And much more...Resources:Connect with Matthew: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores creative and impactful ways to enhance team communication and alignment during planning sessions and retreats. You'll discover an engaging, visual icebreaker that encourages self-reflection and team bonding, revealing personal insights and shared aspirations. From there, the conversation shifts to a powerful feedback exercise designed to foster transparency and personal growth within leadership teams.Cameron offers insights into strategic goal-setting and execution. You'll hear about a structured process for translating big-picture objectives into actionable projects, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and cross-departmental collaboration.Through a blend of proven exercises and real-world examples, this episode will provide you with the tools to foster more effective leadership and create a clearer path toward organizational success.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!In This Episode You'll Learn:A fun and engaging exercise that uses visuals instead of words to help team members share personal insights, strengthen connections, and align on goals for an event or planning session.  A proven approach for defining company-wide objectives, ensuring that key projects are aligned with long-term success while avoiding common pitfalls like overcommitment.  How different business areas can work together to refine and commit to core projects, preventing bottlenecks and maximizing efficiency.  The challenges leaders face in managing competing priorities and how the ability to say no — or not yet — can be the key to long-term organizational success.And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by John Wallet, President of STC Safety and Risk Management.This conversation explores the complexities of leading teams and navigating the often delicate balance between visionary and integrator roles. Sivana and John discuss the importance of cultivating confidence in decision-making and the value of having systems in place to support clear communication, particularly when facing moments of uncertainty. You'll gain insights into learning from mistakes and how to move forward, shedding light on how leaders can grow and adapt while maintaining focus on their organization's objectives.You'll discover the challenges and rewards of working with a younger workforce, emphasizing the need for empowerment and accountability. John reflects on the generational differences in priorities, particularly around culture and values, offering advice on fostering an environment where employees feel supported and truly part of the company's mission.This episode offers practical advice, a look into the intricacies of leadership roles, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into balancing career with family life.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:John's role at STC Safety and Risk Management, specializing in safety and risk management consulting for the construction industry.The role of visionary leaders in guiding a company towards technological adoption and innovation.The concept of an integrator in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), which aligns with John's natural strengths in data-driven, logical thinking.The importance of having clear processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and accountability. The importance of a healthy relationship between the visionary and the integrator.And much more...Resources:Connect with John: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the dynamic partnership between two key leadership roles within a company: the CEO and the COO. Cameron discusses the often underappreciated relationship that drives an organization’s success, highlighting the distinct yet complementary functions that each leader provides. You'll gain insights into the fine balance between visionary leadership and operational execution, and the importance of a strong, trusting relationship between these figures.Learn the significance of alignment between the strategic and tactical elements of a business. Cameron discusses how the right leadership pairing can propel an organization forward, but also touches on the challenges that come with maintaining that synergy. In addition, he explores the importance of delegation, growth, and communication within the leadership team to avoid burnout and foster sustainable success.This episode offers a look at how effective leadership teams plan for the future and stay aligned, ensuring that all members are on the same page to achieve long-term goals.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why clear roles, responsibilities, and communication between the CEO and COO is essential. (1:00)How meddling in the COO's responsibilities by the CEO can damage trust and productivity. (3:42)Why the CEO should be responsible for good news, allowing the COO to handle tough decisions. (6:54)The purpose of skip level meetings and their potential impact on organizational advancement. (13:14)The importance of delegating tasks to grow people and align the organization. (18:09)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Filip Keuppens, Executive Vice President of The Pickle Juice Company.During the conversation, Sivana and Filip dive deep into the complexities of leadership and the balancing act of managing day-to-day operations while simultaneously planning for the long-term success of an organization. You'll discover the importance of building genuine relationships with team members, focusing on transparency and trust. These principles are essential when navigating the challenges of team dynamics, particularly in times of growth and change.Hear about the challenges of working within a rapidly changing business landscape. Filip shares his personal experiences of moving from tactical execution to high-level strategy, discussing the need to adapt and lead from the front in a constantly evolving environment. There's a strong emphasis on maintaining a hands-on approach, even at the highest levels, to stay grounded and connected with the team’s day-to-day challenges.Whether it’s coaching a sports team or learning a new skill, you'll learn how personal endeavors can complement professional goals and contribute to personal growth.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The challenge of educating consumers that The Pickle Juice Company's product is not made from actual pickles, especially in the US market.Filip's evolution from building the sales and marketing infrastructure to becoming the third partner and eventually the Executive Vice President.The importance of hiring for culture rather than experience, and promoting from within whenever possible.The challenges of balancing working 'in' the business and working 'on' the business, and the need to stay focused on long-term sustainability. Why you should treat the next title or job as the starting line, not the finish line.And much more...Resources:Connect with Filip: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders