

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

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/

Jun 27, 2024 • 11min
Ep. 392 - 12 Tips On How I Launched My 6 Books
In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron dives into the strategies he utilized to successfully market his six books, focusing particularly on his latest release, "The Second in Command." You'll discover a comprehensive list of practical and cost-effective tips, such as how he leveraged personal connections, social media, and various marketing channels to boost his book's visibility. Cameron also offers his thoughts on the power of personal outreach, detailing how he contacted well-connected individuals and referral partners to promote his book.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 importance of creating a book that naturally attracts positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing. (1:03)The power of creating a list of well-connected individuals who can help boost early Amazon reviews. (3:45)The benefits of asking referral partners to email their lists about your book. (4:40)How requesting coverage in various newsletters can enhance your book’s visibility. (6:30)The surprising effectiveness of including a book promotion in your email signature for increased sales. (10:30)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/

Jun 25, 2024 • 38min
Ep. 391 - BuildYourOrg Co-Founder & Integrator, Chris Beer
Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast features a conversation between Cameron and Chris Beer, co-founder and integrator at BuildYourOrg, an organization that helps teams build, scale and grow through acquisitions.During the conversation, they explore the fascinating dynamics of organizational leadership and the crucial roles that visionaries and their counterparts play. You'll discover the intricate balance required between a company's driving force and the practical implementation of their ideas. Gain insights into how a complementary partnership can propel an organization towards greater efficiency and innovation, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and advantages this dual-leadership structure offers.Chris also offers practical tips on recruiting the right talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.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 four readiness factors - financial, psychological, lifestyle, and unique ability - that visionaries must consider before bringing on an integrator. (24:44)The importance of emotional readiness and the role clarity needed to create a successful partnership between a visionary and an integrator. (26:22)How tools like the Colby profiles can help in identifying the different strengths and work styles of visionaries and integrators, and how they can improve team dynamics. (27:02)Strategies for establishing a strong working relationship between visionaries and integrators, including shared language and redirecting end runs. (28:36)Practical tips on how visionaries can identify and recruit the right integrator for their company, emphasizing the need for role clarity and honest self-assessment. (40:11)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/

4 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 390 - Rise to the Top: Leading the Charge in Tech-Driven Business Growth
Cameron, Beth Ayers, and Brandon Mesinga discuss the evolving COO role, handling controlling CEOs, balancing operational efficiency with visionary leadership, and the importance of genuine human connection in leadership. Insights on the transition from COO to CEO, dangers of revenue focus, continuous learning in business operations, COO communities, and asking the right questions to address systemic issues.

Jun 11, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 389 - The Empathetic Leader: Cameron Herold's Perspective on Business Success
Cameron Herold shares insights on business success, from scaling businesses without debt to the impact of coaching on growth. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with successful individuals and prioritizing human connections in business.

Jun 4, 2024 • 33min
Ep. 388 - Custom Pump & Controls Senior Manager, Steven Whitehouse
Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast features a conversation between Cameron and Steven Whitehouse, COO Alliance member and the director of operations at Southeastern Tank, Inc. During this conversation, Steven shares his unique approach to balancing multiple roles within a growing company.You'll gain insights into his strategies for implementing innovative systems while maintaining core operations, and how he navigates the challenges of prioritizing tasks to prevent burnout. Discover how Steven shifted from a stoic mindset to embracing openness, and how this shift has transformed his relationships with his team. Steven also offers insights on the critical importance of building trust and the surprising ways vulnerability can strengthen a team’s cohesion and productivity. You'll find a wealth of practical tips and heartfelt reflections, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.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 importance of being trusted to run the business with autonomy, while maintaining checks and balances to ensure responsible decision-making. (15:25)The challenges of implementing new ideas and systems within the first year, and the need to prioritize and avoid taking on too many projects at once. (16:10)How being vulnerable and open with a team can improve relationships and trust, making the team stronger and more cohesive.(23:59)The importance of having open and honest discussions with the CEO to prioritize new ideas, implementing at the right time without overwhelming the team. (28:11)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/

May 30, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 387 - Unleash the Power of your COO
Benji Carlson, host of the Contractors Evolution podcast, joins the conversation to discuss the critical transition phase for companies expanding from $10 million to $100 million in revenue. The importance of hiring experienced outsiders, challenges of internal promotions, and evolving expectations of equity and compensation are explored. Cameron emphasizes the necessity of matching the CEO's strengths with a second in command's capabilities in driving business growth.