

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold
Second in Command with Cameron Herold
Welcome to the “Second in Command” Podcast hosted by Cameron Herold, brought to you by the COO Alliance, where top-level COOs share their insights, tactics, and strategies that made them the Chief Behind the Chief.
Cameron Herold founded the COO Alliance with one simple goal in mind: to provide COOs with the same professional development and growth opportunities CEOs have enjoyed for many years. COO Alliance is the world's leading network for the Second in Command.
Cameron Herold is a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. He’s the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and he’s touched thousands of businesses indirectly through his work.
Cameron Herold founded the COO Alliance with one simple goal in mind: to provide COOs with the same professional development and growth opportunities CEOs have enjoyed for many years. COO Alliance is the world's leading network for the Second in Command.
Cameron Herold is a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. He’s the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and he’s touched thousands of businesses indirectly through his work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 13, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 402 - Ra Optics COO, Tim Jacobsen
Tim Jacobsen, COO of Ra Optics and entrepreneur in innovative health solutions, shares insights on the transformative power of light in wellness. He discusses how celebrity endorsements have skyrocketed Ra Optics' visibility. Tim details his strategies for managing a global team, overcoming time zone challenges, and ensuring effective communication. The conversation also touches on the balance between style and science in eyewear, and how authentic connections drive business growth and operational success.

Aug 8, 2024 • 23min
Ep. 401 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: How To Reward Your Employees
Explore the shifting landscape of employee rewards that prioritize personalized benefits over traditional bonuses. Discover how aligning compensation with Maslow's hierarchy can enhance motivation and commitment. Learn about the positive impact of generous vacation policies and the importance of employee happiness for performance. Delve into the potential pitfalls of profit sharing and the benefits of supporting employees' entrepreneurial dreams. Embrace a new perspective on leave that fosters trust and empowers team growth.

Aug 6, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 400 - Savannah Bananas President, Jared Orton
Jared Orton, the President of the Savannah Bananas, revolutionizes baseball through his innovative concept of Banana Ball. He shares insights on creating unforgettable fan experiences that blend entertainment with authentic sports culture. Jared discusses the team's journey from low attendance to sold-out games, emphasizing the importance of fun and spontaneity. The conversation also touches on balancing rapid growth with company culture, and the potential for their unique model to reach international markets. It's a lively exploration of what modern sports can be!

Aug 1, 2024 • 9min
Ep. 399 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: Optimizing Your Customer's Lifetime Value
Discover how understanding the lifetime value of a customer can transform marketing strategies and spending. A compelling casino analogy sheds light on maximizing return on investment in customer acquisition. Learn about cost-effective hiring practices for sales roles, tapping into global talent from regions like Latin America and South Africa. Gain insights on customer acquisition strategies that prioritize value over costs, and explore networking tips to enhance visibility and engagement for sustainable growth.

Jul 25, 2024 • 6min
Ep. 398 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: Why Coaching Is An Essential Skill In Leadership
Explore the critical importance of coaching in leadership development, including fostering essential skills like situational leadership and delegation. Learn about the challenges of hiring high-level executives and leveraging external advisors for technical interviews.

Jul 23, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 397 - Somewhere COO, Benjamin Surman
Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast features a conversation between Cameron and Benjamin Surman, Chief Operating Officer at Somewhere.com.During the conversation, Benjamin shares insights on how his company evolved and thrived amidst the challenges posed by a global event that forced many businesses to adapt to remote work. You'll discover the initial strategies that propelled Somewhere.com forward, emphasizing the importance of automation and efficiency in streamlining operations.Learn Benjamin's philosophy on business management and leadership, stressing the need to treat every client's business as one's own. This approach fosters a deep sense of empathy and commitment to delivering high-quality service, which in turn enhances client satisfaction and loyalty. This episode offers a blend of practical business strategies and inspirational insights, making it a must-listen for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.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:How Somehwere.com leveraged the sudden shift to remote work during COVID-19 to innovate and find new opportunities for growth. (02:00)The importance of uncovering hidden issues within a company and creating solutions that drive growth and productivity. (27:09)Benjamin's daily routine as a leader, including staying aligned with the company's vision and managing a growing team. (35:06)Strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of getting bogged down in minutiae while ensuring important decisions are made efficiently. (36:58)And much more...Resources:Subscribe, Rate & ReviewI'd love you to subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage others to listen and grow as a community.YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - https://a.co/d/287lESq Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Jul 18, 2024 • 8min
Ep. 396 - Q&A from CEOs and COOs: How to Develop Powerful Leadership Skills for CEOs and COOs
In today's episode of the Second in Command, Cameron discusses the intricate responsibilities of CEOs and COOs, emphasizing that no two leaders have the same duties. You'll discover the significance of correctly defining roles and compensation, ensuring that executives stay focused on their primary tasks. Cameron introduces his coaching philosophy, which revolves around three pillars: direction, development, and support. The conversation also touches on the dynamics between different departmental heads and the CEO, exploring how delegating tasks based on personal strengths can enhance productivity. This episode highlights the benefits of investing in leadership rather than replacing staff, thereby maintaining stability and encouraging long-term 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:Cameron’s coaching framework, focused on ensuring leaders work on the right tasks, developing their skills, and providing necessary support. (0:30)How to keep your team focused by regularly setting and checking their priorities, from quarterly objectives for C-level executives to daily tasks for directors. (1:00)The benefits of delegating tasks according to individual strengths and preferences. (2:07)The importance of a clear org chart to streamline communication and responsibility within the company. (2:28)How to adjust your leadership approach according to the seniority and needs of your team members, ensuring effective coaching and development. (3:55)And much more... Resources:Subscribe, Rate & ReviewI'd love you to subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage others to listen and grow as a community.YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - https://a.co/d/287lESq Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Jul 16, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 395 - Intelligent Threads General Manager & SVP Strategic Development and Commercialization, Ronald Beauford
Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast features a conversation between Cameron and Ronald Beauford, General Manager and Senior Vice-President of Strategic Development and Commercialization at Intelligent Threads.During the conversation, they explore the journey of an entrepreneurial venture, revealing the dynamics of bringing an innovative product to market. Ronald discusses the initial challenges and unexpected successes encountered during Intelligent Threads' early trade shows, which confirmed the commercial viability of their unique offerings.You'll discover the various strategies he has employed to expand the business, including entering new markets and leveraging partnerships. Gain insights into the complexities of managing a wide range of product SKUs, the importance of data-driven decisions, and the challenges of marketing a high-end product in a competitive landscape.This episode offers you a sense of the dedication and strategic thinking required to scale a business and the importance of fostering a strong company culture.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 Intelligent Threads chooses a direct-to-consumer approach over platforms like Amazon, focusing on maintaining brand integrity and higher profit margins.Tips on staying focused as a leader, managing multiple business areas, and the importance of aligning daily activities with strategic goals. Intelligent Threads' growth strategy, including the importance of PR, social media presence, and community involvement for business expansion.How Ronald's extensive military and corporate background has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing people development and building a strong company foundation.And much more...Resources:Subscribe, Rate & ReviewI'd love you to subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage others to listen and grow as a community.YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - https://a.co/d/287lESq Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Jul 9, 2024 • 7min
Ep. 394 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: The Difference Between Operations Manager and Director
In today's episode of the Second in Command, Cameron explores the intricate dynamics of executive leadership, focusing on the crucial interplay between two top roles in the corporate hierarchy. You'll learn how the complementary strengths and weaknesses of these roles can significantly impact a company's performance and strategic direction. Cameron offers real-life anecdotes and practical examples illuminating the nuanced responsibilities and expectations placed on these leaders, offering valuable insights into effective management and organizational success.This episode offers a deeper understanding of how to cultivate a balanced and dynamic leadership team capable of navigating complex business challenges and driving growth.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:The differences between roles like Operations Manager, Director of Operations, VP of Operations, and COO. (1:22)Why the COO's role can vary widely and should be tailored to the CEO's weaknesses and the company's needs. (2:21)Examples of how different strengths in CEOs and COOs can create a balanced leadership team. (4:14)How the skills needed from a COO can change as the company grows and evolves. (4:14)And much more...Resources:Subscribe, Rate & ReviewI'd love you to subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage others to listen and grow as a community.YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - https://a.co/d/287lESq Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Jul 2, 2024 • 12min
Ep. 393 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: Changing Titles and Changing Pay Plans
In today's episode of the Second in Command, Cameron discusses a bold organizational overhaul that reshaped roles and titles across a rapidly growing company. You'll hear the story of a strategic decision to reevaluate and retitle all 600 employees of a company in a single day. This move aimed to align titles with actual job scopes, from VP-level roles down to directors, ensuring clarity and fairness in organizational structure. Cameron explores the complexities of compensation tied to strategic insight, P&L responsibility, and autonomy, highlighting the importance of accurate job classification in fostering a cohesive and productive workforce. This episode offers insights into navigating organizational growth and maintaining operational effectiveness through decisive leadership actions.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:Why, in rapidly growing companies, early employees may receive inflated titles like VP without corresponding responsibilities. (1:27)Why it's better to retitle everyone in the organization on a single day to align titles with actual responsibilities. (2:41)The reasons why titles should reflect strategic insight, P&L responsibility, and autonomy. (4:46)The importance of basing compensation on local cost of living and market rates to ensure fairness across different regions. (6:54)The value of clear communication and transparency when making organizational changes to avoid confusion and dissatisfaction among employees. (9:16)And much more...Resources:Subscribe, Rate & ReviewI'd love you to subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage others to listen and grow as a community.YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - https://a.co/d/287lESq Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/