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

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 411 - How To Manage A New COO and Warning Signs They're Not The Right Fit Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the critical yet often overlooked phase of employee onboarding.

He argues that the time spent recruiting and interviewing should be matched by an equally intensive onboarding period. By thoroughly immersing new hires in the company's culture, processes, and people, organizations can set them up for success and prevent the overwhelming confusion that comes from being thrown into the deep end.

From meeting key team members and sitting in on various departmental meetings to understanding the company's core values and long-term vision, Cameron outlines a comprehensive 90-day plan.

The episode offers valuable insights into refining the hiring process to avoid common pitfalls and emphasizes the importance of ongoing mentorship and clear communication for sustaining a thriving workplace culture.

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 spending as much time onboarding as on recruiting can make a significant difference. (0:00)
The value of having new hires sit in on various company meetings to observe and take notes. (1:33)
The importance of tackling low-effort, high-impact projects first to build trust and confidence within the team. (4:30)
Why a strong interview process can eliminate the need for a 90-day evaluation period. (5:44)
The difference between mentoring and coaching, and why mentoring might be more beneficial for leaders. (8:06)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/
Paul Graham article ‘Founder Mode’
Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

Ep. 410 - ClickUp COO, Gaurav, Agarwal Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Gaurav Agarwal, the COO of ClickUp, a project management and productivity tool that helps teams manage tasks, projects, and goals more effectively.

During the conversation, Cameron and Gaurav dive into the intricacies of effective leadership and the mindset required for success in fast-paced business environments. You'll learn the importance of systems thinking—creating processes that address root causes rather than symptoms.

You'll gain insights into cultivating a culture of intellectual honesty and objectivity, where understanding the interplay between people, processes, and technology leads to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Through creative approaches like cross-functional gatherings and team events, Gaurav underscores the importance of humanizing work and building genuine connections among employees, even when they aren't physically present together.

This episode provides a compelling narrative on leadership, ambition, and the drive to make the most out of every opportunity.

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:

Gaurav's background as a systems thinker, people leader, and someone who has moved between India, Singapore, Japan, and the United States. (1:42)
His career journey, starting with a degree in engineering and working in Singapore for Barclays Capital. (9:13)
The importance of learning from everyone and getting quick wins in the first 90 days. (18:34)
The value of systems thinking in leadership, ensuring that leaders can run a business holistically. (27:28)
Gaurav's approach to leadership, focusing on building a culture of growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. (38:12)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/
Paul Graham article ‘Founder Mode’
Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Gaurav: Website | LinkedIn

Ep. 409 - How to Attract and Retain Top Talent Without Breaking the Bank Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses the essential strategies for attracting and retaining top-tier talent for executive roles.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a strong company brand and leadership presence online, as well as the necessity of conducting rigorous interview processes to identify true A players.

Cameron also explores the nuanced topic of compensation, particularly the complexities surrounding equity and bonuses. He argues that fair and substantial base pay, along with generous vacation policies, can better motivate top talent than traditional bonus structures, which may inadvertently demotivate employees.

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 essential elements your company needs to attract high-caliber executives. (0:50)
Why traditional job postings won’t land you a top-tier second in command. (2:25)
The benefits of using specialized executive search firms to find and recruit exceptional COO candidates. (2:50)
The pitfalls of giving away equity too freely, and strategies for ensuring equity is earned and tied to performance. (4:50)
Why performance-based bonuses might not always motivate employees. (6:00)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 408 - DataBank COO, Joe Minarik Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Joe Minarik, Chief Operating Officer for DataBank, a provider of enterprise-class data center, cloud, and interconnection services.

During the conversation, Cameron and Joe dive into the challenges and rewards of transitioning into a new leadership role within a different organizational culture. He highlights how listening and relationship-building are key to earning the trust and respect of team members, especially when managing expectations and setting priorities in an evolving business environment.

You'll discover the importance of coaching and developing people within an organization. With an emphasis on talent growth and empowerment, Joe explains how the success of a business relies heavily on cultivating the strengths of its team, rather than simply focusing on technical tasks or immediate business needs.

This episode offers valuable advice from Joe's years of experience, emphasizing the power of patience, learning from those on the front lines, and focusing on problem-solving as a way to fuel personal and professional growth.

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 many employees leave high-paying jobs at hyperscalers to return to smaller companies with a better culture and more fulfilling work. (9:16)
The technical aspects of data centers, including latency, connectivity, and the importance of being close to population zones. (13:05)
Joe's background in system administration and network engineering, and how he transitioned from technical roles to management and business leadership. (19:33)
The difficulties of meeting people virtually and the importance of face-to-face interactions in building trust and understanding. (23:53)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 407 - Penji Co-Founder, Johnathan Gryzbowski Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Johnathan Grzybowski, Co-Founder, Head of Operations, Marketing, Sales and Strategy for Penji, a creative technology company that leverages some of the world's most talented graphic designers to serve business owners in need of design work.

During the conversation, Cameron and Johnathan discuss the rapid advancements in technology and communication, touching on futuristic ideas that seem almost surreal. You'll learn how emerging tools might reshape the way we exchange ideas, with the possibility of achieving instant, precise communication on the horizon.

The discussion shifts to the essentials of running a modern business with distributed teams. Johnathan shares insights on how to maintain clear communication across global teams, emphasizing the importance of setting expectations, following up, and ensuring respect for all team members, regardless of location.

This episode offers insights on lessons learned from both successes and missed opportunities, underscoring the importance of persistence, data-driven decisions, and the pursuit of long-term goals in both business and life.

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:

Penji's strategy of leveraging SEO and data to target their audience effectively, ensuring their ads are seen by the right people. (2:25)
Penji's choice to use AI tools and the importance of human involvement in the creative process. (8:51)
Johnathan's experience with building a global team and the importance of clear communication and respect. (21:06)
The challenges of managing a remote team and the importance of clear communication and follow-up. (44:29)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 406 - Martell Media COO, Tod Melynk Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Tod Melnyk, COO of Martell Media, Dan Martell's media production company.

During the conversation, Tod reflects on the early days of his career and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. The conversation touches on the importance of surrounding oneself with good mentors and leaders, and how early experiences in a fast-paced industry helped shape his approach to leadership.

You'll discover the nuances of leadership in the modern world, as Tod shares insights on time management, self-awareness, and the importance of hiring self-driven individuals. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be mindful of their brand and reputation, highlighting how these factors play a crucial role in decision-making processes.

This episode offers insights on the importance of asking for help and learning from others, setting the stage for continued growth and success in any career.

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:

Tod's involvement with Martell Media, which began when Dan Martell decided to go pro with his studio and brand. (2:44)
The three core values of Martell Media: be the example, build the people, and simple scales. (11:31)
The two primary engines of Martell Media: the media side, which produces content for free, and the revenue side, which includes coaching and group coaching programs. (23:39)
The importance of having a growth mindset and how it helps in building a team that is always pushing themselves to the next level. (38:11)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 405 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a COO for Entrepreneurs Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the pivotal moment when entrepreneurs consider hiring a COO. You'll discover three key motivations behind this decision: the pursuit of financial stability, reclaiming personal time, and focusing on areas of personal strength within the business.

Throughout the episode, Cameron illustrates his points with anecdotes from his extensive experience, highlighting both successful integrations of COOs and cautionary tales where mismatches led to operational challenges.

The advice you'll find here underscores the critical role of self-awareness in defining the position's parameters and finding a complementary match that enhances rather than disrupts the business's momentum and leadership dynamics.

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 you should consider hiring a COO - financial stability, reclaiming personal time, and focusing on strengths within the business. (1:22)
Why the inability to develop employees due to time constraints and overwhelming opportunities needing execution may indicate that it's time to hire a second-in-command. (3:12)
Mistakes to avoid when hiring a COO or similar role, such as misjudging the appropriate title and responsibilities based on needs and budget. (4:29)
The importance of defining the role and scope clearly before hiring, including matching skills, personality, and leadership style to the business needs. (7:38)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 404 - Q&A from CEOs & COOs: How Delegating Like A Boss Can Fire Up Your Bottom Line Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the critical importance of delegation for high-level executives and business leaders.

You'll learn why successful leaders should focus on tasks that align with their unique abilities and high hourly rates, delegating all other responsibilities to more cost-effective resources.

Hear the story of Bobby Harris, who shifted his routine by delegating all tasks below a certain value, which serves as a compelling example of how effective delegation can lead to significant business growth and personal efficiency.

This episode highlights the transformative power of strategic delegation, illustrating how it can free up time for executives to focus on high-impact activities that drive their business forward.

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 delegating tasks that can be done by others is crucial for high-level executives. (2:00)
Insights into how your effective hourly rate impacts decision-making and task management. (3:00)
How to systematically offload tasks that do not align with your unique abilities or effective hourly rate. (4:00)
The relationship between delegating administrative tasks and increasing overall business productivity. (5:00)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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 - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch
Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Ep. 403 - Commonwealth Financial Network COO, Trap Kloman Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Trap Kloman, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Commonwealth Financial Network.

During the conversation, Cameron and Trap discuss the art of leadership and the nuanced strategies that set successful companies apart. You'll learn how creating open channels for feedback, even in unexpected ways, can foster a culture of transparency and innovation.

Discover the challenges and rewards of transitioning leadership within a well-established company. Through personal anecdotes, Trap shares how integrating external executives and even family members into a legacy business can be approached with care and intentionality.

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of what it takes to lead effectively in a dynamic business environment, offering practical insights and inspiration for their own leadership journeys.

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 paying close attention to both employee and client needs can lead to sustainable growth and enhance overall organizational performance. (05:28)
The complexities of integrating external executives and family members into a legacy business, and how thoughtful planning can ensure success. (20:45)
The significance of mentorship in leadership development, and how collaboration with experienced colleagues can accelerate personal and professional growth. (28:17)
The strategic decision to spin off a successful IT platform into an independent company, and how this move set the stage for future growth. (41:17)
Practical advice on building confidence, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with a complementary team for long-term success. (45:53)
And much more...

Resources:

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I'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/

Ep. 402 - Ra Optics COO, Tim Jacobsen Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Tim Jacobsen, COO of Ra Optics, as they dive into the intriguing world of innovative health solutions and entrepreneurial challenges.

You'll learn how Ra Optics has attracted attention from high-profile celebrities and what sets their approach apart in a competitive market. The discussion looks at the evolving focus on light and its impact on well-being, contrasting historical breakthroughs with modern trends.

Cameron and Tim also explore the complexities of managing a global team, especially when facing the challenges of different time zones and remote work dynamics. Gain valuable insights into maintaining clear communication and effective delegation within a growing organization.

This episode is a compelling blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for those interested in leadership and innovation.

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 celebrities are increasingly endorsing light-based health products and how this trend has impacted Ra Optics' brand and mission. (22:05)
How Tim manages communication and coordination with a geographically dispersed team, including the strategies used to stay aligned despite time zone differences. (25:57)
How Jacobsen identifies and resolves bottlenecks within the company, emphasizing the role of effective delegation and process improvement in maintaining operational efficiency. (29:21)
How focusing on empathy and personal connections can differentiate a business in an era dominated by technology and AI. (31:39)
The importance of taking risks and learning from failures, and how early career setbacks can be valuable stepping stones for future success. (38:21)
And much more...

Important Links

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
Explore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in Command
Get Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
Take 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 Delphi

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Important Links

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected