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

The podcast delves into creating a 'Vivid Vision' for businesses and individuals, emphasizing the power of detailed future envisioning. They discuss the SAVERS routine for daily success, the secret formula for entrepreneurial success, and the importance of efficient systems and processes. The speaker shares insights on balancing personal peace with business responsibilities and building a successful business model through perseverance and adaptability.

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron Herold is joined by Amaryllis Kennedy, writer, television host, public speaker, former CIA officer, and campaign manager to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign. Amaryllis and Cameron discuss the intricate world of political campaigning. Amaryllis shares her unique journey from a CIA officer to a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, and eventually to the helm of a major political campaign. She illuminates her transition from witnessing government shortcomings to actively participating in shaping a better political future. Her experiences in government service and the tech industry have equipped her with an unconventional skill set, making her an effective disruptor in the traditional political campaign sphere.Amaryllis discusses the campaign's approach, emphasizing authenticity, grass-roots engagement, and leveraging digital tools to democratize the fundraising process. The campaign has innovatively gamified fundraising and volunteer activities, encouraging widespread grassroots involvement. She highlights the importance of direct voter engagement, detailing how the campaign facilitates open and unscripted conversations with Bobby Kennedy Jr., thereby fostering genuine connections with the electorate. This strategy contrasts sharply with the conventional, often opaque approaches of traditional political campaigns.Cameron and Amaryllis also touch on the campaign's strategic vision, focusing on offering positive solutions rather than engaging in adversary-focused politics. Amaryllis explains the critical role of listening to diverse voices across the country and incorporating their needs and aspirations into the campaign's policy framework. She shares insights into managing the multifaceted aspects of the campaign, balancing strategic planning with the dynamic nature of political campaigning.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Amaryllis' journey from CIA officer to a tech entrepreneur, leading to her role as the campaign manager for RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign.The significance of authenticity in political engagement, and how it contrasts with traditional political strategies.How the RFK Jr. campaign employs digital tools and gamification techniques in fundraising and volunteer activities, democratizing campaign processes and encouraging grassroots participation.Amaryllis' leadership style and strategic decision-making processes, including balancing various demands and adapting to the dynamic nature of political campaigning.How her experiences in government and Silicon Valley have informed her approach to managing the complexities of a political campaign.Amaryllis' personal journey from disillusionment in government service to a renewed commitment to political reform.How she balances the intense demands of a presidential campaign with personal commitments, particularly as a mother.And much more...Resources:Connect with Amaryllis: Instagram | XSubscribe, 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/ 

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Dev Gadhvi of the Passionpeneur podcast. During the conversation, they disucuss the intricacies of entrepreneurial success and business scaling. Cameron shares invaluable insights on the significance of attracting and nurturing the right talent. He emphasizes the importance of creating job postings that not only attract ideal candidates but also deter those who may not align with the company's vision. This approach was instrumental in scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK from modest beginnings to substantial revenues.Dev probes into the challenges and strategies of scaling a business. Cameron offers practical advice on managing growth at different stages, highlighting the crucial transition from 30 to 100 employees. He underscores the need for skill and confidence development among managers, stressing the importance of training in areas like situational leadership and time management. This focus on nurturing internal talent is key to sustaining and accelerating business growth.Dev and Cameron also explore the personal aspects of entrepreneurship. Cameron shares his journey, from the early days of striving for success to now living a fulfilling life, traveling and focusing on what truly matters. He talks about the shift from a money-centric to a time-centric approach, where the emphasis is on life experiences rather than material gains.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:How to craft job postings that not only attract the right talent but also repel those not aligned with your company's culture and values.Insights on scaling your business at different stages, especially the critical transition from a small team to larger groups.The pivotal role core values play in the growth and development of your company.How to handle the fear of failure and success in business, and why maintaining an optimistic outlook can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.The significance of investing in your leaders and providing them with the necessary training and resources to effectively manage and grow your business.The difference between having an entrepreneurial mindset and being an entrepreneur, and why both are important in the business world.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/ 

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron Herold is joined by Ben Zittlau, COO, CTO and co-founder of Parakeeto, shares his journey and the philosophy behind his business approach. Ben talks about equity and long-term gains in career choices, focusing on achieving financial freedom and enjoying the fruits of one's labor. He shares his strategy of viewing businesses as systems, highlighting the significance of data in decision-making processes and the challenges of converting theoretical knowledge into practical applications.Cameron and Ben discuss the specifics of Parakeeto's operations, a company offering innovative solutions for digital agencies. Ben describes their dual model of consulting and technology, aiming to provide agencies with valuable data from their operations to enhance efficiency and profitability. He explains how their service-centric approach differs from typical SaaS models, as they use their services as a profit center to fund technological advancements. This strategy creates a virtuous cycle of profitability and efficiency.They also explore various aspects of running a tech company, such as making decisions on whether to build or buy tools, handling custom development requests, and the dynamics of co-founding a company. Ben shares insights on the challenges and advantages of being lean and agile, the importance of cash flow over theoretical equity, and the value of diversifying investments.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Ben's approach to prioritizing long-term equity gains and financial freedom over immediate salary benefits in his career.Parakeeto's unique business model, which combines software as a service (SaaS) with consulting services to enhance digital agencies' efficiency and profitability.The complexities of translating data and theoretical knowledge into effective, practical solutions in the business world.The decision-making process behind building vs. buying technology tools, and how to handle custom development requests.The dynamics of co-founding a company, including role division, resolving disagreements, and the importance of complementary skills and values between founders.The benefits and challenges of maintaining a lean business operation, and the importance of cash flow management in a startup environment.Ben's perspective on balancing the pursuit of equity with the need for liquidity, and the risks associated with over-relying on equity in private companies.And much more...Resources:Connect with Ben: Website | LinkedInSubscribe, 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/ 

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Roland Frasier of the Business Lunch podcast. The pair do a deep dive into the crucial role of the Chief Operating Officer for an organization. Cameron begins by emphasizing the importance of crafting a strong and polarizing job description for potential COOs. He advocates for descriptions that push away half of the candidates while strongly attracting the other half. This approach ensures that only those who are truly aligned with the company's vision and culture will apply. Additionally, Cameron suggests rewriting job postings like sales letters to further attract the right talent.The conversation shifts to discussing the key traits of successful second-in-commands. Flexibility, adaptability, and vision are highlighted as essential qualities. These traits enable COOs to lead effectively, support CEOs in their areas of expertise, and contribute to the overall forward momentum of the company. Roland and Cameron also discuss the dynamics of the CEO-COO relationship, emphasizing the need for these roles to complement each other.They touch on the challenges and strategies involved in recruiting top-level COO talent. Cameron points out that great employees are often not actively looking for a job, and hence, the approach to attracting them should be strategic and enticing. He also speaks to the emotional and professional complexities of transitioning in and out of the COO role, drawing from his own experiences. If you're looking for invaluable insights for CEOs and COOs alike, offering practical advice and strategies for strengthening leadership teams and driving organizational success, then you won't want to miss this episode.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The importance of creating a job description that not only attracts the right candidates but also actively repels those not fit for the company's culture and vision.Essential qualities - such as flexibility, adaptability, and vision - that make an effective second-in-command, crucial for driving a company's success.The unique relationship between a CEO and a COO, and how this partnership is vital for effective leadership and organizational progress.Strategies for attracting high-caliber COO candidates, especially those who are not actively job hunting but could be the perfect fit for your organization.How to structure roles and responsibilities to ensure a significant return on investment for each employee.The importance of integrating AI and other technological tools into your business strategy to stay competitive and efficient.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/ 

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron Herold is joined by Mamikon Rothberg, the Chief Operating Officer of LGFG Fashion House, a luxury custom clothing brand, as they discuss LGFG's unique business model. He emphasizes how LGFG stands apart by offering personalized, direct-to-client services, catering to successful men who prefer a distinct style without the hassle of traditional shopping. This approach, as Mamikon notes, saves valuable time for busy professionals like CEOs and presidents, who are the brand's primary clientele. The convenience of having an experienced professional come to them, combined with the opportunity to wear unique, custom-made suits, shirts, and even casual attire like jeans and sneakers, is what makes LGFG's offering exceptional.Cameron and Mamikon explore the company's operational strategies and its global reach. Mamikon explains the sales and tailoring process, where salespeople are trained as tailors to provide a comprehensive service. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a pivot towards virtual client meetings and remote selling, and how this crisis turned into an opportunity for growth and adaptation. LGFG's emphasis on referrals, client relationships, and high-quality products has helped it sustain and grow. The company’s presence spans across the US, Canada, Europe, and Dubai, with plans to expand into retail with ready-made garments in the future.Mamikon reflects on his journey with LGFG Fashion House, from his beginnings as a salesperson to his current role as COO. He shares insights on the importance of adapting to change, managing expectations, and the value of perseverance in business. His advice to his younger self and aspiring entrepreneurs is to remain focused and remember that challenges are temporary.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:How providing bespoke services directly to clients at their homes or offices sets LGFG apart in the fashion industry.How LGFG Fashion House caters to the needs of busy professionals like CEOs, offering convenience and exclusivity in fashion.LGFG's innovative approach to training salespeople in tailoring skills to enhance customer experience.How LGFG navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to virtual client meetings and remote selling, a testament to business resilience.The importance of referrals and strong client relationships in growing a luxury brand.How to adapt to and overcome business challenges, with insights on managing expectations and the power of perseverance.And much more...Resources:Connect with Mamikon: Website | LinkedInSubscribe, 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/ 

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of an episode of the BiggerPockets podcast, hosted by Brandon Turner. The episode features a real-life coaching call between Cameron and a BiggerPockets member and CEO of New River Valley Real Estate LLC, JB Klein. The focus of the discussion is managing rapid business growth and crafting a clear, effective vision for the future. Brandon emphasizes the significance of Herold's book, "Vivid Vision," which played a pivotal role in shaping his own business trajectory.During the coaching call, Cameron Herold advises JB, a real estate entrepreneur experiencing fast-paced growth, on various aspects of business development. Cameron stresses the importance of working smarter, not harder, and the necessity of developing a vivid vision for one's company. He guides JB through envisioning his business in the future, discussing aspects like team composition, operational strategies, and core values. This future-focused approach is designed to align JB's current decisions with his long-term business objectives, highlighting the importance of honesty, quality, personal development, and efficient teamwork.During the conversation, they dive into practical strategies for business growth, including the delegation of tasks, building effective banking relationships, and the importance of investing in personal and team development. Cameron also stresses the importance of aligning learning with current business needs and focusing on tasks that offer the highest return. JB's vivid vision involves a future where his business not only excels in real estate but also contributes significantly to the community, especially supporting veterans. This vision encapsulates Klein's aspirations for a legacy that extends beyond financial success to meaningful community impact.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The critical role a clear, vivid vision plays in managing and sustaining business growth.Efficient business scaling and the importance of focusing on strategic growth rather than operational tasks.Tips on hiring practices, team leadership, and fostering a culture that aligns with your business vision.How your business can not only achieve financial success but also make a meaningful impact in the community.Strategies for dealing with banking relationships and financing in the real estate sector.How core values like honesty, quality, and personal development can shape your business practices and reputation.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/ 

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron Herold is joined by Clay Spitz, COO Alliance member and Chief Operating Officer of Chief Outsiders, a company offering fractional Chief Marketing Officer services. Clay and Cameron discuss the unique value of understanding the lifetime value of a customer and aligning marketing strategies accordingly. They look at the importance of customizing marketing approaches for different customer segments and avoiding "random acts of marketing." Chief Outsiders, with its team of over 100 seasoned CMOs, specializes in propelling growth for mid-sized companies by providing experienced leadership in marketing and sales.They also touch on the cultural aspects of Chief Outsiders and how they attract top marketing and sales executives. Clay highlights the importance of building a company culture that facilitates learning and collaboration, fostering an environment where executives can do the best work of their careers. He shares insights into managing creative talent effectively, stressing the need for aligning creative ideas with the company's strategic goals. Clay and Cameron explore the intricacies of managing offshore talent and ensuring cultural alignment for successful outcomes.They also discuss evolving roles in the corporate world, including the emergence of Chief Revenue Officers, and the importance of understanding customer needs and market dynamics, especially post-COVID. Clay reflects on his career journey, advising young professionals to be open to opportunities and listen to mentors. He stresses that understanding one's strengths and being adaptable are key to a successful career.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:How to calculate the lifetime value of a customer and align your marketing strategies to maximize profitability.How fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs) from Chief Outsiders can drive growth in mid-sized companies.The unique culture at Chief Outsiders that fosters learning, collaboration, and enables executives to deliver their best work.The challenges and strategies for managing offshore talent, ensuring cultural and strategic alignment for successful outcomes.Clay's personal journey and learn why being open to opportunities and adaptable is crucial for career success.How to determine the right amount to invest in marketing based on the desired growth rate and customer acquisition costs.And much more...Resources:Connect with Clay: Website | LinkedInSubscribe, 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/ 

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Neal Conlon, host of the Press Forward and Neal podcast. Cameron shares his remarkable journey, highlighting his achievements that include authoring six books and establishing the COO Alliance. They discuss Cameron's formula for success, which emphasizes the combination of focus, faith, and effort. Cameron talks about the importance of maintaining a high degree of focus in business, ensuring confidence in oneself and one's team, and the necessity of putting in substantial effort. This formula is instrumental in achieving predictable success, as it multiplies the potential outcomes. He offers practical examples, demonstrating how even a seemingly high individual score in each category can still result in a moderate chance of success, thus underscoring the need for near-perfection in all three areas.Neal and Cameron also explore the evolving role of COOs and the importance of adapting leadership styles to different stages of business growth. Cameron shares his experiences, particularly from his time at 1-800-GOT-JUNK, emphasizing the need for COOs to complement the CEOs' strengths and weaknesses. He discusses the establishment of the COO Alliance, its genesis, and its objective to provide a platform for COOs to learn and grow. They also touch on leveraging AI in business, efficiency, and the criticality of high-performance relationships in personal and professional realms.Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The Importance of having diverse experiences in shaping a successful career.How Cameron's unique formula for success - 'Focus times Faith times Effort' - multiplies outcomes and why high scores in all three areas are crucial for substantial success.The dynamic role of a COO and how it adapts across different stages of a company's growth.The necessity of adapting leadership styles to suit different situations and team needs, a key skill for any executive or manager.The importance of embracing and integrating AI into business practices for staying competitive.The creation and mission of the COO Alliance, and how it serves as a crucial resource for COOs around the globe.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/ 

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jamal Al Awadhi, the COO of WiO UAE, a platform bank based in Abu Dhabi. Wio Bank represents a paradigm shift in banking as a platform bank, deeply rooted in digital innovation and strategic growth. Jamal, with his rich background in marketing and strategy, brings a unique international perspective, having studied in the U.S. and marrying into a Canadian family. His leadership style, honed by working with three executive coaches, focuses on strategic priorities, innovation, and cultivating effective teamwork, which are pivotal in navigating Wio Bank through its rapid growth phase.Cameron and Jamal discuss the challenges of establishing a new bank in a traditional industry, particularly in a highly regulated environment like the UAE. Jamal discusses how Wio Bank navigated these challenges, emphasizing their digital-native approach, which contrasts the conventional brick-and-mortar model of traditional banks. He talks about building trust with customers in a digital platform, highlighting the importance of strong shareholder support and the power of word-of-mouth in growing their customer base. Jamal shares his vision for WiO Bank and personal insights on leadership. He discusses the balance between strategic oversight and operational management, the importance of team support and resilience, and the adaptability required in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. His personal journey of continuous self-improvement and his unique approach of working with multiple coaches for diverse perspectives is a testament to his commitment to leadership excellence. Jamal also offers advice to young professionals: to trust the process and understand the importance of assertiveness without conflict.Enjoy!What You'll Learn in this Episode:How WiO UAE is challenging the traditional banking landscape with its innovative platform bank model.Jamal’s leadership style, as well as the challenges and rewards of leading a bank through a period of significant expansion and change.The value of diversity in building a business that caters to both local and global markets.The balance between technological innovation and maintaining a human touch in customer interactions.The complexities of launching and growing a new bank in a highly regulated environment.Strategies for fostering resilience and adaptability in teams, especially in a high-growth and fast-paced business environment.And much more...Resources:Connect with Jamal: Website | LinkedInSubscribe, 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/