

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

Nov 21, 2023 • 42min
Ep. 332 – Dew Wealth Management Managing Partner, Bryce Keffeler
In this episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron chats with Bryce Keffeler, Managing Partner at Dew Wealth Management. Bryce discusses the company’s growth trajectory, crediting it to a harmonious blend of skills between the entrepreneurial CEO and his own operational expertise. Dew Wealth has seen a significant 5x growth over five years due to this strategic partnership. They discuss Dew’s niche approach to wealth management, likening their services to a family office for first-generation business owners, offering an array of financial services and acting as a virtual CEO for clients’ wealth management needs.Cameron and Bryce explore the importance of understanding problem statements to effectively handle the constant influx of ideas from entrepreneurial leaders like Jim Dew. Bryce details his method of framing problem statements to dissect and assess them before presenting potential solutions, ensuring that initiatives align with core objectives. This approach underscores a collaborative relationship with the CEO, fostering trust and minimizing micromanagement. Additionally, he touches on the transformation of Dew Wealth into an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), which not only aligns employee interests with enterprise value but also provides a unique exit strategy for the founders without compromising the company’s fiduciary standards.Finally, Bryce reflects on his journey from corporate finance to wealth management, driven by a desire to make a more meaningful impact on individual lives. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, he developed an early appreciation for financial literacy, which became a competitive advantage in his career. He shares insights on the power of networking and building relationships, offering advice to his younger self on creating opportunities through proactive engagement.Enjoy! In This Episode You’ll Learn:How Dew Wealth’s 5x growth over five years comes from a strategic partnership leveraging operational expertise and the CEO’s entrepreneurial vision.Why Dew Wealth operates similarly to a family office, targeting first-generation business owners and providing comprehensive financial services.Bryce’s method for managing numerous ideas by focusing on the root problem and developing aligned solutions.The collaborative relationship he has with the CEO, building trust and allowing for efficient operations without micromanagement.Dew Wealth’s transition to an ESOP, aligning employee interests with enterprise value and offering a beneficial exit strategy for the founders.Bryce’s personal career shift from corporate finance to wealth management, fueled by a desire for impactful work.And much more… Resources:Connect with Bryce: 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/

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 21min
Ep. 331 – Elite Advisor Blueprint
Today’s episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Brad Johnson, host of the Elite Advisor Blueprint podcast. In this episode, Cameron shares his personal journey and philosophies, delving into various aspects of entrepreneurial success, personal development, and strategic business practices. He recounts his commitment to running a marathon, revealing not only his dedication to personal goals but also highlighting the discipline and structure he applies to both life and business. The conversation shifts from personal achievements to professional coaching, where he has been guiding entrepreneurs and CEOs, including notable figures like the CEO of Sprint and a monarchy in the Middle East. Cameron speaks extensively about the power of specialization and niche targeting in business, advocating for a focused approach rather than trying to appeal to everyone. He discusses his own experience in coaching, the value of his COO Alliance, and the importance of creating unique offerings like hiking trips for clients instead of traditional meet-and-greets. He further emphasizes the importance of strategic delegation and leveraging the gig economy, using personal examples of how outsourcing tasks, like design work on Fiverr, contributes to efficiency. Cameron also touches upon his experience with burnout and how it profoundly changed his view on work-life balance, reinforcing the necessity of carving out time for personal well-being alongside professional endeavors.Cameron reflects on his network’s impact on his net worth, stressing the significance of surrounding oneself with successful individuals for mutual growth and inspiration. He also discusses his books, such as “Meeting Suck” which aims to improve meeting efficacy within companies. Enjoy!In This Episode You’ll Learn:Cameron’s personal and entrepreneurial journey.The founding of the COO Alliance for second-in-command executives.The importance of specialization and niche targeting.Why strategic delegation and utilizing the gig economy is vital.Cameron’s experiences with burnout and the importance of work-life balanceThe importance of making connections with successful individuals for growth.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/

Nov 14, 2023 • 33min
Ep. 330 – Cheeri Home Health Operations Manager, Talisa Young
Are you struggling to enhance your leadership skills to thrive in the entrepreneurial world?In this podcast episode, the Operations Manager of Cheeri Home and a member of COO Alliance, Talisa Young, shares her journey and insights into leadership.Talisa Young talks about various aspects of leadership, including servant leadership, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the challenges of managing a distributed team.You will also learn:how to create a strong company culture to pave the way for success in a startup landscapetransitioning from a corporate environment to an entrepreneurial worldfostering an environment for your team to succeedDon’t miss this episode that has the potential to harness your full leadership power.Enjoy listening! What You Will Learn In The Show:The concept of servant leadership and its role in supporting and empowering employees.Strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome and gaining self-confidence.We build and maintain a vibrant company culture in a remote work setting.Talisa approached the crucial first 90 days in a new leadership role.The importance of learning to say no and practicing self-compassion. 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/

Nov 9, 2023 • 54min
Ep. 329 – Leadership Unveiled
Today’s episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of Cameron’s conversation with Brandon Fong of the Beyond Curious podcast. They discuss the critical role of the COO, paralleling it with Cameron’s entrepreneurial evolution that includes childhood business endeavors and his impactful role at 1-800-GOT-JUNK. He advocates for comprehensive leadership training, as evidenced by his “Invest in Your Leaders” course which encompasses interviewing techniques and hiring strategies. Cameron’s early ventures, from trading coat hangers to his strategic leadership roles, illustrate the developmental arc of a successful executive.Brandon and Cameron discuss the dynamic between a CEO and COO, framing the COO’s role as an integral counterbalance to the CEO — implementing the vision with precision and fostering a synergistic partnership, often strengthened through innovative practices like “date nights.” Cameron outlines the transformative power of a “vivid vision,” an extensive blueprint for a company’s future that streamlines decision-making and aligns with organizational aspirations.They also discuss Cameron’s personal philosophy following his tenure at 1-800-GOT-JUNK, where he prioritizes life’s enjoyment, personal passions such as skiing, and a harmonious work-life integration. He introduces the unique concept of a personal “Operating Manual” for leaders, enhancing interpersonal dynamics within teams. Enjoy!In This Episode You’ll Learn:The COO’s role as a complement to the CEO, and Cameron’s journey to becoming the COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK.The importance of leadership training, highlighted by Cameron’s course “Invest in Your Leaders.”The COO’s responsibilities in executing the CEO’s vision and nurturing a collaborative relationship.The concept of a “vivid vision” – a detailed plan for a company’s future that aids in decision-making and aligns with the company’s long-term goals.Cameron’s post-1-800-GOT-JUNK philosophy on enjoying life, pursuing passions like skiing, and balancing work with personal life.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/

Nov 7, 2023 • 46min
Ep. 328 – Linko COO, Rodolfo Lanzagorta
In today’s episode, Cameron introduces Rodolfo Lanzagorta, a COO Alliance member from Mexico and COO of Linko. Rodolfo provides insights on the cross-border business dynamics between Mexico and the United States. He also shares his personal growth journey as a COO Alliance member and his transition from larger tech and consulting firms to a smaller entrepreneurial organization.Discover Linko’s fascinating history and gain valuable insight into Rodolfo’s decision to become part of this company. He reflects on his early days at Linko, including adapting his leadership style and cautious approach to integrate with Linko’s existing team dynamics. In addition, Rodolfo emphasizes the crafting of Linko’s 2026 vision. He also shares strategies to effectively decline ideas from team members without diminishing their enthusiasm or creativity.Tune in to this enlightening episode!What You’ll Learn in this Show:About Linko Tech Solutions and their expansion operations into the United States.Entrepreneurial growth and Mexico’s digital banking advancements. Challenges and opportunities for a Mexican company entering the US market.Adapting leadership style for a diverse team.The importance of preparation and support for changes in the organizational structure.Proper training of your employees on essential tools. Sales strategies for the financial services industry.And so much more… Resources:Connect with Rodolfo Lanzagorta: LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe, 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/

Nov 2, 2023 • 50min
Ep. 327 – The Essential Traits of an Effective 2IC
Roland Frasier, host of the Business Lunch podcast, joins Cameron to discuss the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and vision in a successful second in command. They explore the need for CEOs to recognize their strengths and delegate tasks, as well as the significance of aligning passion and proficiency in a well-rounded leadership team. They also discuss the role of CEOs in external activities and the indicators for when to bring in a second-in-command.

Oct 31, 2023 • 41min
Ep. 326 – Settle Inc., COO, Olivia Micallef
Our guest today is Olivia Micallef, Chief Operating Officer of Settle Inc., an all-in-one fintech platform built to help e-commerce brands scale seamlessly. Olivia is a cross-disciplinary leader in fintech and banking, with expertise across strategy, product and business operations. Her current focus is on driving growth and managing operations. In her past role as VP of Venmo Commerce, she was responsible for the payment brand’s 80M+ customer retention and continual acquisition. Olivia has also held a variety of roles at PayPal, with increasingly larger roles as the company evolved and went through hyper growth – including multiple acquisitions like Xoom and iZettle, 100%+ revenue growth, and leadership of large product and growth teams at-scale. In today’s episode, Cameron and Olivia discuss her insights on what’s happening with the current recession and how they’ve received financing and funding from Silicon Valley banks. They also discuss the separation of PayPal from eBay, as well as the advice she would give to her 21 year-old self.In This Episode You’ll Learn:How Settle helps businesses in the B2C space better understand cash flow and inventory turns.The tell-tale signs of a soft landing.The difference between a revenue-based and invoice-based financing model.The challenges of moving from a large company to a small company. Resources:Connect with Olivia: 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/

Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 10min
Ep. 325 – Free PR, Beige Companies and More – Follow Your Different
Are you curious about the secrets to successful female entrepreneurs? In this podcast episode, Cameron Herold, renowned business coach and entrepreneur, engages in a captivating conversation with Christopher Lochhead. Together, they explore essential topics that will transform how you think about business, leadership, and the impact of women in the workforce. Here’s a glimpse of […]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/

Oct 24, 2023 • 50min
Ep. 324 – Elevenlabs Chief of Staff, Victoria Weller
Victoria Weller, Chief of Staff at ElevenLabs and former astrophysics and space medicine enthusiast, shares her captivating journey from academia to tech innovation. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing text-to-speech technology, enhancing emotional depth in audiobooks, and addressing ethical challenges like deep fakes. Victoria reflects on innovative applications in user experiences, offers insightful career advice for young professionals, and emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in navigating a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Oct 19, 2023 • 47min
Ep. 323 – Real Estate Rockstars Tips
Are you struggling to maintain a work-life balance while working from home? In this podcast episode, Cameron Herold, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, shares valuable insights on various topics. From balancing work and family life to the power of vivid vision in growing a business, Cameron provides practical advice and inspiration. Discover how to maintain […]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/