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

Second in Command with Cameron Herold
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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.

  1. -4 ДН.

    Ep. 535 - Reel Axis COO Nick Dinsmoor - The Amazing Guide to Fearless Delegation That Works

    Are you buried in the daily grind, afraid that missing one detail could wreck your team or business? Wondering how the best COOs stay energized, innovate, and avoid burnout while leading in a world that never slows down? This episode, guest host Sivana Brewer dives deep with Nick Dinsmoor, COO of Reel Axis, a fast-growing B2B marketing powerhouse. They unravel the secrets of self-awareness, delegation, and what happens when leaders brutally prioritize. You’ll hear why letting your employees run side hustles sharpens your edge, how to ride the AI tsunami without drowning, and why radical candor—without the edge—still gets results. If you want to stop reacting and start driving bold operational change, this conversation drops the truth you need. Listen now to discover how top COOs avoid chaos and push their teams further, faster. Tune in or risk missing out on the real breakthroughs shaping the new COO elite. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The critical habit COOs need to ignore “the noise”—and why it’s a superpower [02:16] – Why giving back is central to culture, and how it wins business in surprising ways [04:37] – How AI completely upended content marketing (and what agencies do differently now) [06:15] – When radical transparency turns toxic, and the pivot that saved a team [08:29] – Newsletters: The “outdated” tactic that’s suddenly driving explosive growth [10:29] – The 95/5 rule: A marketer’s secret to outlasting competitors in any vertical [21:29] – The surprising upside of having employees with side hustles [27:07] – What ruthless prioritization actually looks like for high-performing COOs About the GuestNick Dinsmoor is the Chief Operating Officer at Reel Axis, a leading B2B marketing agency specializing in buyer intent data and anonymous visitor identification. Known for his blend of financial discipline and creative strategy, Nick has helped scale Reel Axis through radical transparency, empowering culture, and a relentless focus on operational evolution. 🔗 LinkedIn | Reel Axis Mentioned ResourcesBeehiiv (newsletter platform)The Neuron (AI newsletter)​​Morning BrewEOS – Entrepreneurial Operating SystemRockefeller HabitsNotionTeamsSlacka...

    47 мин.

  2. -6 ДН.

    Ep. 534 - FAN FAVORITE | Mindvalley Co-Founder Kshitij Minglan - Fail-Proof Strategies Gen Y Leaders Really Love

    Ever wonder why most companies struggle to scale real culture as fast as they grow? What if the right blend of purpose, freedom, and radical alignment could make your team unstoppable? In this Fan Favorite episode, Cameron Herold sits down with Kshitij Minglani, co-founder of Mindvalley Quests and serial entrepreneur, to unpack the proven playbook behind building a revolutionary “cult-like” workplace where high-performers thrive, politics die, and radical innovation flourishes.  They explore OKRs that spark action, mantras that force clarity, remote team magic, and how Gen Y talent fuels explosive, sticky growth. You’ll hear mind-blowing lessons on hiring, self-driven learning, and operational rhythm that you won’t get in any MBA. Listen now, because the pain of missing these atomic insights is real: most companies will burn out, fragment, or plateau if they skip what you’ll learn here. This is your exclusive shortcut to building a thriving team before you get left behind. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The real secret to “Second in Command” chemistry and why skillset complement matters more than ego [00:03:33] – How Mindvalley went from selling meditation courses to teaching 10 million people a year [00:07:00] – Proven tactics to attract Gen Y talent from 54 countries—bootstrapped, not VC-fueled [00:09:45] – Why career pages, values, and strategic interviews pull “cult-like” high performers (and kill politics) [00:12:16] – The radical power of OKRs, failing 50%, and how competition keeps teams sharp [00:16:14] – Outward thinking and self-driven learning: fueling growth with global hackathons and TED talks [00:18:05] – How “OODA Loops” from the military weaponize CEO-COO alignment [00:21:05] – The epic failures: when Mindvalley ignored customers and missed the subscription revolution [00:29:09] – Minimum Viable Product mentality—shipping fast, fighting perfection, and keeping teams hungry [00:35:08] – How Lifebook and conscious parenting keep remote teams human, connected, and loyal About the Guest Kshitij Minglani is the Co-Founder of Mindvalley Quests, a global leader in education and personal growth, serving millions from 54 countries. Known for his mastery in scaling startups, building culture-first organizations, and strategic innovation, he’s been behind some of Mindvalley’s most explosive pivots. Kshitij specializes in operations, growth, and high-velocity hiring, giving him unique authority for COOs and aspiring leaders alike.  🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources & MentionsMindvalley University  Mindvalley Quest  WildFit  Lifebook (by John and Missy Butcher)  A-Fest  OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act)  Google (corporate practices)  a href="https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/community-global-sites.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    48 мин.

  3. 4 ДЕК.

    Ep. 533 - Block & Associates Realty COO Inaas Arabi – Why Most CEOs Fail at Real Scalability Now

    Ever felt overwhelmed by breakneck growth, scattered systems, and a CEO who just wants “more”—now? If you’re a second-in-command, this episode flips the pain of scaling upside down. Host Sivana Brewer dives deep with Inaas Arabi, COO at Block & Associates Realty and an industry veteran who’s engineered two rounds of company doubling (with a third on deck). They break down order-from-chaos strategies, how to build systems that actually scale, and the hidden math of hiring for sustainable results. Hear why most “growth plans” fail, and how trusted advisors and specialized team pods change everything. Don’t miss out—if you want to avoid costly mistakes, burnout, and leadership isolation, tune in now. This episode exposes proven, rare insights and actionable frameworks you simply won’t get anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – From scorching Austin heat to building legacy: Inaas’s introduction and real-world leadership challenge [00:03] – The “three-month property turnover” nightmare and the breakthrough that shattered it [00:16] – The surprising danger in property manager–centric models and the pod system that solves it [00:27] – Chaos vs. order: When to build systems and when to let things break (and why most get it wrong) [00:32] – The obscure art of error rates—and why perfect service is a myth, even for world-class COOs [00:34] – How trusted advisors expose hidden blind spots that can kill your growth [00:39] – Building your mentor board: Where to find them and how to make the relationship work [00:48] – Tripling scale and checking off U.S. states—behind the personal drive fueling strategic victories Resources & MentionsZillowRealPageAmerican Homes 4 RentProgress ResidentialUltraSourceEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) About the GuestInaas Arabi is an accomplished executive with over 25 years in real estate and property management, including leadership roles at companies like Zillow, RealPage, and American Homes 4 Rent. Since joining Block & Associates Realty in May 2023, she has focused on optimizing operations and driving strategic growth in the greater Atlanta and North Carolina regions. Inaas holds an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University and has a strong background in asset management, operations, and tech-driven solutions for the real estate industry. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website About the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably. 🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedIn Important LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the a href="https://rebrand.ly/2c1d81" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    53 мин.

  4. 2 ДЕК.

    Ep. 532 - Next Level Planning Group Managing Partner Richard Scheele – The Untold Secrets Behind Leading a Rapidly Growing Organization

    In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer sits down with Richard Scheele, CFA, CFP, Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group and former COO Alliance member. Richard takes us inside more than a decade of leadership evolution, from starting as an intern to stepping into the Managing Partner seat of a fast-growing financial planning firm. He shares candid stories about redefining his role, building systems around EOS, and learning to lead beyond his comfort zone. The conversation explores what happens when you outgrow your title, how teams mature into strategic thinkers, and why clarity—real clarity—changes everything. You’ll hear how Richard and his team rebuilt their communication rhythms, created a shared playbook for decision-making, and shifted their mindset around accountability and alignment. It’s an honest, practical look at what it really takes to scale without losing culture, trust, or your own sense of direction. Whether you’re a second in command stepping into bigger shoes or a CEO looking to strengthen your leadership infrastructure, this episode will spark ideas you can use immediately. Timestamped Highlights00:00 The leadership lesson Richard wishes he’d learned earlier. 02:10 Richard’s growth from intern to Managing Partner. 04:12 Why changing his title was critical for true alignment. 06:25 How EOS reshaped communication and accountability. 08:40 The value of an outside implementer for early EOS adopters. 11:03 Richard’s background in teaching economics and how it shaped his leadership style. 13:18 Creating a decision-making playbook for future clarity. 15:45 Balancing vision, strategy, and the daily operational grind. 18:20 How curiosity and vulnerability strengthen team culture. 21:03 Turning strategy into a team-driven discipline. 23:30 The evolution of Next Level Planning Group’s internal structure. 27:05 Richard’s biggest lessons from leading a rapidly growing organization. Resources MentionedEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) About the GuestRichard Scheele, CFA, CFP, is the Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group, where he leads daily operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational coordination. Starting his career as an assistant portfolio analyst, Richard moved through roles in service, analysis, and financial planning before stepping into leadership. His background in teaching economics and his analytical approach to decision-making shape the way he develops talent, drives alignment, and supports long-term firm growth. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website About the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably. 🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedIn Important LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: a href="https://rebrand.ly/719f95" rel="noopener...

    44 мин.

  5. 27 НОЯБ.

    Ep. 531 - Watters International Realty COO Aldo Siciliano Shares How EOS Drives Remarkable Calm in Rapid Growth

    In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Aldo Siciliano, COO and President of Watters International Realty, a fast-scaling residential brokerage serving multiple Texas markets. Aldo shares how Watters uses EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to create alignment, simplify decision-making, and support a fast-moving, marketing-driven business. He breaks down the real work of being an integrator, why adaptability matters more than expertise, and how to keep a visionary’s ideas grounded in reality without killing momentum. They dig into hiring proven talent vs. emerging talent, managing burnout and stress in relationship-heavy industries, and knowing when a new tool is genuinely helpful versus just shiny. Aldo also talks about maintaining simplicity at scale, building systems that teams will actually use, and why emotional management is one of the hardest parts of leading in real estate. This is a practical, honest, detail-rich episode for any COO navigating growth, complexity, and a CEO with a strong visionary engine. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – What EOS really is and why it works for small to mid-size companies [01:08] – Introducing Aldo: data-driven operator, people-first leader [02:51] – Watters International Realty: multi-market residential brokerage across Texas [03:52] – Aldo’s journey from VP of Marketing to COO & President [05:17] – Why being a generalist (not a specialist) made him a stronger COO [07:16] – What made Aldo want to work with CEO Chris, a “zero-to-one” visionary [08:54] – How the CEO–COO decision-making dynamic works in real life [10:08] – Why Aldo was chosen for the COO role: integration mindset + complement to the visionary [10:33] – Why Watters implemented EOS and how it fit their bandwidth [11:54] – The core pieces of EOS that actually move the needle [13:36] – Small changes vs. big changes and why incremental improvements matter [16:48] – SOPs, knowledge bases, and keeping documentation simple [18:24] – Why Aldo uses Motion instead of Asana/ClickUp [20:58] – The hidden cost of complex tools and the myth of “software will fix everything” [22:56] – Lessons from failed system implementations and the danger of poor adoption [24:29] – “Teach people how to think, not what to do” and how Aldo applies this [28:09] – Coaching teams through burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue [29:42] – The emotional load on sales leaders: “You’re in the attitude management business” [31:25] – Why burnout often comes from the wrong people in the wrong seats [33:01] – The importance of hiring experienced talent during scaling [38:40] – Proven talent vs. emerging talent in fast-growth companies [40:17] – The risk of a wrong sales leader: attrition, client loss, culture loss [41:47] – Why individual impact shrinks as companies scale [42:56] – Aldo’s next big initiative: new expansion strategy [43:40] – Where to find Aldo online Resources & Mentions• EOS – Entrepreneurial Operating System • Motion (project + time management) • monday.com • Salesforce • Asana • ClickUp About the GuestAldo Siciliano is the COO and President of Watters International Realty, a multi-market Texas-based residential brokerage. Known for his blend of analytical thinking and empathetic...

    44 мин.

  6. 25 НОЯБ.

    Ep. 530 - MAPS COO Steven Huang on Why Leaders Everywhere Are Turning to Psychedelics Now

    In this episode, Cameron sits down with Steven Huang, the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Steven helps lead global efforts to bring psychedelic research, policy reform, and public understanding into the mainstream, building on MAPS’ 40-year history at the forefront of mental health innovation. Steven shares his unlikely path from life insurance actuary to Silicon Valley analyst to psychedelic industry operator, including how psychedelics shaped his career decisions, his leadership growth, and his move into the second-in-command role during a major organizational crisis. He and Cameron explore what the government is getting right, where the psychedelic movement is headed, and how MAPS balances scientific rigor with visionary cultural work. If you’ve been watching psychedelics move from taboo to the TED stage to boardrooms and leadership circles, this conversation gives a rare inside look at the movement from someone steering the ship. Timestamped Highlights00:00 Steven opens with a core leadership lesson around self-belief. 01:28 Cameron introduces Steven and MAPS’ mission. 03:00 Cameron’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the psychedelic space. 04:09 What MAPS is and how it’s shaped the psychedelic movement. 05:18 How cannabis legalization opened the door for psychedelic conversations. 07:23 Steven on public stigma shifting and psychedelics entering mainstream business culture. 09:00 Understanding MDMA therapy, ketamine, and where research is now. 11:41 Cameron’s personal experiences with psychedelic therapy. 12:44 How government perception and bipartisan interest are evolving. 14:45 How MAPS is funded and why conferences aren’t profit centers. 15:39 The path from MAPS to Lycos and Resilient Pharmaceuticals. 18:00 Real-world use: psilocybin dispensaries and psychedelic churches. 20:19 Where psychedelics help… and where clinical caution still matters. 22:20 The role of intention in therapeutic and recreational use. 24:32 Steven’s psychedelic-inspired career pivot from actuary to Facebook. 27:21 Cameron’s first MDMA experience and how it changed his worldview. 29:05 When company culture goes too far. 30:30 The challenge of leading a nonprofit in a regulated landscape. 33:16 The FDA setback and massive internal shift at MAPS. 37:04 Steven’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the reality of working with a visionary founder. 39:00 Steven’s advice to his younger self. Resources & MentionsMDMA-assisted therapyKetamine therapyPsilocybinAyahuascaPsychedelic Science ConferenceResilient Pharmaceuticals (formerly Lykos Therapeutics)Rick Doblin About the GuestSteven Huang is the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. With a background spanning actuarial science, Facebook’s people analytics team, and diversity leadership roles across Silicon Valley, Steven brings a rare mix of analytical rigor and human-centered...

    42 мин.

  7. 20 НОЯБ.

    Ep. 529 - FAN FAVORITE | Zendesk COO Tom Keiser Shares The Powerful Execution Rhythm That Transformed Zendesk

    We’re bringing this episode back because listeners couldn’t get enough the first time around. Cameron sits down with Tom Keiser, COO of Zendesk, to unpack how he helped scale the SaaS powerhouse to a billion-dollar trajectory.  Tom shares how he bridged the gap between IT and operations, built cadence-driven execution rhythms, and created visibility across the business while keeping the culture humble, fast, and customer-obsessed. If you’re leading a growing company and need a blueprint for scaling without suffocating the entrepreneurial edge… this one hits hard. Timestamped Highlights01:11 Meet Tom Keiser and his path from CIO to COO 02:00 Early days: Capgemini, E&Y, and stepping into tech leadership 05:27 What Zendesk actually does (and how it scaled globally) 07:33 How SaaS changed the business–IT power dynamic 08:55 Why CIOs must become business partners, not tech overseers 10:54 The PMO strategy that keeps Zendesk aligned as it scales 12:04 Tom’s weekly operational cadence pulled from retail 13:50 Turning insights into action: Sales, pipeline, and global adjustments 15:37 How Zendesk avoids bureaucracy while growing fast 17:39 Culture: The Danish “Humbled It” mindset 19:36 Saying no without killing momentum 20:57 Managing customer support when your whole business is CX 23:38 Omnichannel done right: Continuous conversations, not disconnected pings 26:14 Machine learning inside Zendesk Guide 29:18 How Tom balances immediate execution with long-term scaling 32:55 What smaller companies can learn from Zendesk’s growth 34:34 Vulnerability and learning to step into discomfort as a leader 36:25 When to trust your team and when to drop into details 37:51 How Zendesk’s founder transitioned out of day-to-day execution 39:18 Market risks, public cloud, open-source, and economic uncertainty 39:46 What 5G will unleash for future customer experiences 43:12 Building whole leaders, not siloed operators 44:13 Tom’s advice to his 21-year-old self About the Guest Tom Keiser is the Chief Operating Officer of Zendesk, where he oversees global operations, IT, enterprise analytics, security, and go-to-market execution for one of the world’s leading customer experience platforms. With 25+ years of experience across retail, technology, and SaaS, Tom blends deep technical expertise with business-led operational leadership. Before Zendesk, he served as CIO at L Brands and spent years in management consulting at Capgemini and Ernst & Young. 🔗 LinkedIn  Resources & MentionsCapgemini / Ernst & YoungZendesk Important LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via a...

    45 мин.

  8. 18 НОЯБ.

    Ep. 528 - Land O’Lakes COO Brett Bruggeman on Driving Success in a $16B, 104-Year Cooperative

    In this episode, Cameron sits down with Brett Bruggeman, Executive Vice President and COO of Land O’Lakes, a 104-year-old, $16B cooperative spanning dairy foods, animal nutrition, and crop inputs. Brett shares how Land O’Lakes manages scale across 20 business units, supports more than 4,000 cooperative owners, and touches half of America’s farmland. He and Cameron dig into the cooperative model, growth challenges in shrinking markets, how the company is driving new productivity for farmers, and their bold new initiative that partners with retail owners to invest in late-stage ag-tech. Brett also talks about outside-in thinking, the power of data, how to stay ahead of the customer, and why the future of agriculture requires both AI and human EQ. If you’re a COO navigating large-team complexity, shifting markets, or innovation inside a legacy organization, this conversation is a masterclass in clarity, discipline, and strategic focus. Timestamped Highlights00:00 Brett and Cameron kick off the conversation (with a quick cameo from Brett’s comms lead, John). 01:03 How Brett discovered the podcast and the purpose of “the COO story.” 03:30 Land O’Lakes overview: 104-year history, cooperative structure, and national footprint. 07:14 The company’s roots: dairy farmers searching for a market for cream. 08:26 How Land O’Lakes evolved into dairy, animal nutrition, and crop inputs. 10:24 Purina brand clarification: Land O’Lakes vs. Nestlé internationally. 10:44 Revenue breakdown across business units. 12:00 How Brett avoids getting pulled into every detail while leading a massive enterprise. 14:10 How outside-in thinking reshaped corporate strategy. 15:17 The “vital few” → the three-or-four priorities that guide the entire company. 16:49 The six transformation “big bets.” 18:46 Becoming a data-first company: insights, segmentation, and new markets. 20:29 The strategic questions Land O’Lakes uses to break stagnation. 22:45 Their stance on hybrid work and why face-to-face still matters. 25:05 Growth challenges: farmers under pressure, shrinking markets, and opportunities. 26:05 Introducing AgRogue: the new retail growth fund (70–100M) to invest in late-stage ag-tech. 27:39 Why partnering with retail owners creates stronger market access. 28:17 What a cooperative actually is and how it differs from other business models. 31:39 How 4,000 owners create loyalty, but not complacency. 33:31 Why aligning retail owners with Land O’Lakes creates predictable innovation adoption. 36:51 How AI and predictive models are transforming supply chain, waste, and productivity. 38:37 Three AI goals: target growth, eliminate waste, improve customer experience. 40:55 How Land O’Lakes approaches AI responsibly (and without getting “over their skis”). 42:37 What Brett is working on personally as a leader: presence, change management, results. 47:28 Advice to his younger self: ask better questions, seek mentors, take international roles. Resources & MentionsPurina (livestock feed brand)WinField (crop inputs brand)Microsoft (AI and data initiatives)AgRogue (Land O’Lakes + retail owner growth fund)Radicle (ag-tech investment partner)Circana (retail data source, referenced as...

    46 мин.
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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.

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  • Автор
    Second in Command with Cameron Herold
  • Годы выхода
    2018 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    534
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © Copyright 2025 Second in Command with Cameron Herold
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    Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

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