

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 29, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 406 - Martell Media COO, Tod Melynk
Tod Melnyk, COO of Martell Media, shares his unique journey from the beer industry to media production. He discusses the importance of mentorship and being surrounded by strong leaders. Tod highlights effective hiring practices that focus on self-driven individuals and emphasizes core values like personal growth and teamwork. He explores innovative meeting strategies, including scooter-based discussions, and offers advice for young professionals on leveraging mentorship for career development. Tune in for valuable insights into modern leadership and growth.

Aug 27, 2024 • 11min
Ep. 405 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a COO for Entrepreneurs
In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the pivotal moment when entrepreneurs consider hiring a COO. You'll discover three key motivations behind this decision: the pursuit of financial stability, reclaiming personal time, and focusing on areas of personal strength within the business.Throughout the episode, Cameron illustrates his points with anecdotes from his extensive experience, highlighting both successful integrations of COOs and cautionary tales where mismatches led to operational challenges. The advice you'll find here underscores the critical role of self-awareness in defining the position's parameters and finding a complementary match that enhances rather than disrupts the business's momentum and leadership dynamics.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 you should consider hiring a COO - financial stability, reclaiming personal time, and focusing on strengths within the business. (1:22)Why the inability to develop employees due to time constraints and overwhelming opportunities needing execution may indicate that it's time to hire a second-in-command. (3:12)Mistakes to avoid when hiring a COO or similar role, such as misjudging the appropriate title and responsibilities based on needs and budget. (4:29)The importance of defining the role and scope clearly before hiring, including matching skills, personality, and leadership style to the business needs. (7:38)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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COOCameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Aug 22, 2024 • 9min
Ep. 404 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: How Delegating Like A Boss Can Fire Up Your Bottom Line
In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the critical importance of delegation for high-level executives and business leaders. You'll learn why successful leaders should focus on tasks that align with their unique abilities and high hourly rates, delegating all other responsibilities to more cost-effective resources. Hear the story of Bobby Harris, who shifted his routine by delegating all tasks below a certain value, which serves as a compelling example of how effective delegation can lead to significant business growth and personal efficiency.This episode highlights the transformative power of strategic delegation, illustrating how it can free up time for executives to focus on high-impact activities that drive their business forward.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 delegating tasks that can be done by others is crucial for high-level executives. (2:00)Insights into how your effective hourly rate impacts decision-making and task management. (3:00)How to systematically offload tasks that do not align with your unique abilities or effective hourly rate. (4:00)The relationship between delegating administrative tasks and increasing overall business productivity. (5:00)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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COOCameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Aug 20, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 403 - Commonwealth Financial Network COO, Trap Kloman
In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Trap Kloman, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Commonwealth Financial Network.During the conversation, Cameron and Trap discuss the art of leadership and the nuanced strategies that set successful companies apart. You'll learn how creating open channels for feedback, even in unexpected ways, can foster a culture of transparency and innovation.Discover the challenges and rewards of transitioning leadership within a well-established company. Through personal anecdotes, Trap shares how integrating external executives and even family members into a legacy business can be approached with care and intentionality.This episode serves as a compelling exploration of what it takes to lead effectively in a dynamic business environment, offering practical insights and inspiration for their own leadership journeys.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 paying close attention to both employee and client needs can lead to sustainable growth and enhance overall organizational performance. (05:28)The complexities of integrating external executives and family members into a legacy business, and how thoughtful planning can ensure success. (20:45)The significance of mentorship in leadership development, and how collaboration with experienced colleagues can accelerate personal and professional growth. (28:17)The strategic decision to spin off a successful IT platform into an independent company, and how this move set the stage for future growth. (41:17)Practical advice on building confidence, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with a complementary team for long-term success. (45:53)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/

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/