Between Two COO's with Michael Koenig

Michael Koenig
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Between Two COO's with Michael Koenig

Between Two COO's brings incredible Chief Operating Officers together to share their insights, advice, and crazy stories. Learn from current and former COO's from companies like Tucows, Automattic, Shippo, Chopra Global, & VC firms.

  1. Cut Your SaaS Costs: COO Justin Etkin on Smarter Procurement

    FEB 5

    Cut Your SaaS Costs: COO Justin Etkin on Smarter Procurement

    In this episode of Between Two COOs, Michael Koenig sits down with Justin Etkin, COO of Tropic.io, to discuss how procurement has evolved into a strategic function in today’s businesses. Justin shares his insights on how companies can use procurement as a growth lever rather than just a cost-saving measure, the impact of AI on procurement, and best practices for negotiation. If you’re a COO, CFO, CEO or anyone dealing with vendor contracts, this episode is packed with actionable insights on optimizing procurement. Don't forget to check out www.fellow.app/coo for a 90-day free trial of their AI Meeting Assistant.

    44 min
  2. True Search Managing Director Evan Grossman on how to land your next C-Suite role

    JAN 21

    True Search Managing Director Evan Grossman on how to land your next C-Suite role

    In this episode of Between Two COOs, Michael Koenig interviews Evan Grossman, partner and head of the CEO and board practice at True Search, one of the world’s leading executive recruiting firms. Evan shares insights into the hidden C-suite job market, the importance of networking, and how to position yourself for a top executive role. The conversation delves into the nuances of executive hiring, including mitigating risk with non-traditional candidates, leveraging AI for scale in recruiting, and how companies identify and evaluate board members. Evan also discusses career growth strategies for COOs aspiring to become CEOs, emphasizing the value of cross-functional experience and self-awareness. Anecdotes about the tight-knit nature of the executive ecosystem underscore the importance of humility and relationships in the hiring process.

    49 min
  3. Vestwell COO Jon Mark on applying strategy and tactics to build a multi-billion dollar company

    JAN 8

    Vestwell COO Jon Mark on applying strategy and tactics to build a multi-billion dollar company

    In this insightful episode of Between Two COOs, host Michael Koenig sits down with Jon Mark, the COO of Vestwell, a trailblazing digital platform revolutionizing workplace savings and investment programs. Vestwell is on a mission to close the savings gap in the U.S., serving 25,000 small businesses and managing over $25 billion in assets. Jon discusses how Vestwell simplifies savings plans for small and medium-sized businesses, including offerings like 401(k)s, 529 education savings plans, and student debt repayment tools. He shares how Vestwell leverages AI to enhance user experiences and support financial advisors, and he highlights the company’s commitment to making retirement planning accessible to all Americans. Jon also provides a behind-the-scenes look at his transition from VP of Strategy to COO, his problem-solving approach in a highly regulated industry, and his strategies for navigating risk and aligning operational goals with mission-driven objectives. This episode dives deep into the role of the COO, offering valuable lessons on leadership, career growth, and building scalable operations while staying true to a company’s purpose. Whether you’re a COO, an aspiring leader, or just curious about how innovative companies like Vestwell are reshaping financial wellness, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

    52 min
  4. HomeToGo COO Valentin Gruber Talks M&A, Strategic Planning, and Taking the Multi-Billion Dollar Company Public

    07/16/2024

    HomeToGo COO Valentin Gruber Talks M&A, Strategic Planning, and Taking the Multi-Billion Dollar Company Public

    In this episode of 'Between Two COOs,' host Michael Koenig interviews Valentin Gruber, COO of Home2Go. The conversation covers Home2Go's history, its public listing via SPAC in 2021 with a valuation of $1.2 billion, and the company's strategic direction. Valentin discusses their approach to navigating the crowded vacation rental market, emphasizing their transition from a meta-search platform to a marketplace providing tech solutions for smaller partners. The discussion also delves into Home2Go's strategic acquisitions to augment their offerings and Valentin’s views on maintaining a culture of self-critique and detailed understanding among leaders. The conversation is enriched with anecdotes about their cost-effective IPO celebrations and unique M&A experiences.

    48 min
  5. School of Rock COO Stacey Ryan on Navigating Crises, Change, Leadership, and Empowerment

    04/23/2024

    School of Rock COO Stacey Ryan on Navigating Crises, Change, Leadership, and Empowerment

    Empowering Leadership and Innovation with Stacey Ryan of School of Rock In this episode of Between Two COOs, host Michael Koenig interviews Stacey Ryan, the COO of School of Rock, a global music school franchise. Despite common beliefs, the School of Rock predated its namesake 2003 film, with Stacey clarifying that the film was, in fact, inspired by the school’s real-life operations. Stacey discusses the significant impact of the global pandemic on the business, highlighting the shift to remote music lessons as a major innovation that the School has retained post-pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of community and mental health support for students, demonstrating how challenges like COVID-19 spurred innovation and team cohesion within School of Rock. Additionally, Stacey delves into operational challenges, the franchise model, and strategic international expansion. She also speaks on her personal journey, shedding light on creating frontwoman.org, a nonprofit focused on empowering women leaders across industries. Throughout the episode, Stacey shares insights on leadership, the value of community, and the transformative power of music education. 00:00 Welcome to Between Two COOs: Meet Stacey Ryan 00:28 The Real School of Rock: Beyond the Movie 00:52 Empowering Women Leaders: The Mission of frontwoman.org 02:10 Navigating Challenges: The Pandemic's Impact on School of Rock 05:27 Innovating Through Crisis: Adapting to a Pandemic World 08:58 Building a Community: The Power of Music and Belonging 12:49 Operational Excellence: Stacey's Approach to Efficiency 22:28 Expanding Horizons: International Growth and Master Franchising 31:25 Empowering Future Leaders: The Vision Behind frontwoman.org 40:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

    41 min
  6. Fellow CEO Aydin Mirzaee on Mastering Productivity and Efficiency with AI

    04/09/2024

    Fellow CEO Aydin Mirzaee on Mastering Productivity and Efficiency with AI

    In an insightful episode of 'Between Two COOs,' host Michael Koenig converses with Aidan Mirzaee, the founder and CEO of Fellow, about the art and science of optimizing meetings. The discussion dives into the staggering statistics of daily meetings in the U.S., the inception of Fellow as a product to optimize structured management processes, and Shopify's drastic measure to save hundreds of thousands of hours by canceling recurring meetings. Reflecting on personal experiences, Aidan shares his journey from managing a scrappy startup to embracing structured management processes post-acquisition by SurveyMonkey, leading to the realization that optimizing meetings is crucial for managerial efficiency. The conversation also touches on implementing Fellow at scale within companies like Shopify, the importance of action items in meetings, and the balance between meeting frequency and productivity. Additionally, they explore the role of AI in enhancing meeting efficiency and safeguarding proprietary information while fostering innovation. Aidan shares insights from leading Fellow, emphasizing the need for adaptable management styles, fostering company culture, and the transformative potential of AI in business processes. A lively discussion ensues about the uniqueness of remote meetings and the value of asynchronous communication. This episode not only provides a deep dive into the world of meetings and management but also offers actionable insights for leaders aiming to optimize their team's time and effectiveness.

    1h 6m
  7. Cameron Herold of COO Alliance and 1-800-got-junk on How to delegate, lead, fix problems, hire and promote, and be the second in command

    02/13/2024

    Cameron Herold of COO Alliance and 1-800-got-junk on How to delegate, lead, fix problems, hire and promote, and be the second in command

    Join me, Michael Koenig, on a journey with business guru Cameron Harold, as we celebrate his latest literary achievement, "The Second In Command." Listen in as Cameron, the brain behind COO Alliance, unpacks the essentials of his new book, offering a treasure trove of guidance for CEOs and COOs alike. Discover the pivotal shifts Cameron experienced transitioning from COO to CEO and how this evolution informed his approach to balancing work and life. His candid sharing of early business challenges and the power of delegation, saying no, and zeroing in on crucial tasks provide actionable advice for any business leader. In our discussion, we tackle the nuanced decision-making process between promoting from within versus bringing in external talent. I share personal anecdotes, drawing parallels between the relentless improvement seen in elite sports and fostering a growth-oriented culture within organizations. We delve into the sentimentality of sports heroes, my encounter with Ken Dryden, and how these experiences shape our understanding of leadership. Furthermore, Cameron and I dissect the organizational agility, emphasizing a "bobbin' weave culture," and how a flexible mindset can steer a company towards its vivid vision. Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we explore the impact of AI tools in business efficiency, with a nod to COO Alliance members' innovative weekly AI experimentation. The conversation pays homage to lauded COOs like Cheryl Sandberg and Matt Rawlings, whose leadership exemplifies the blend of effective management and creativity. And finally, I extend heartfelt thanks to Cameron for his invaluable insights, underscoring the significance of his book for strengthening leadership teams and the overall health of organizations. Tune in for this engaging exploration of leadership, technology, and the potent dynamic between CEOs and COOs. Proudly sponsored by Fellow. Get better meetings today at https://fellow.app/coo/.

    38 min
  8. EU vs AI: What You Need to Know About the EU's AI Act - The Legal Opinion with Flick Fisher, Partner at Fieldfisher

    01/30/2024

    EU vs AI: What You Need to Know About the EU's AI Act - The Legal Opinion with Flick Fisher, Partner at Fieldfisher

    How you need to plan for the AI Act? What is permissible and isn’t? How the EU will regulate AI? What constitutes AI? Could the EU's new AI Act be the cornerstone of global AI regulation? That's what we're here to unpack with the expert insight of Flick Fisher, a leading privacy specialist and partner at Fieldfisher. As the digital age accelerates, the European Union is setting a precedent with the AI Act, a groundbreaking legislation designed to navigate the complex terrain of artificial intelligence. Flick and I dissect the Act's risk-based approach, dissecting the prohibited and high-risk AI systems categories, while giving a nod to the lighter touch on low-risk innovations. Our conversation delves into how this monumental regulation could shape data privacy and ethical AI practices on the world stage. Join us as we explore not only the definitions and distinctions within the AI Act but also its everyday implications for business operations, from HR decisions to the product safety landscape. With generative AI technologies like ChatGPT on the rise, understanding the nuances of this legislative framework has never been more crucial. We'll navigate the potential new compliance roles the Act may create and predict whether this regulatory move could become the global gold standard. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that will equip COOs and business leaders with the foresight needed to thrive in an AI-governed future.

    33 min
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Between Two COO's brings incredible Chief Operating Officers together to share their insights, advice, and crazy stories. Learn from current and former COO's from companies like Tucows, Automattic, Shippo, Chopra Global, & VC firms.

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