Ep. 493 - Mastering Operations: How COOs Empower CEOs in Growth

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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron breaks down the misunderstood and often misused role of the Chief Operating Officer.

Drawing from both personal experience and established research, he uncovers how the COO is not a one-size-fits-all title—it’s a role that shifts depending on the needs of the CEO and the stage of the business. With anecdotes from his own time at 1-800-GOT-JUNK and references to thought leaders in the field, Cameron explores how many leadership titles are incorrectly handed out, and why defining the true second in command begins with understanding the personality and skill gaps of the CEO.

The conversation dives into seven key archetypes of COOs, from executors and change agents to mentors and MVPs—each fulfilling a unique function within a company. Whether serving as a stabilizing force in turbulent times, guiding a young founder through explosive growth, or acting as a public-facing counterpart to an introverted CEO, the COO’s impact is always rooted in complementing leadership. Cameron also explores the often unseen dynamic of the CEO-COO relationship, likening it to a marriage where balance, trust, and mutual respect drive real progress.

This episode shows that the role of the COO is anything but static; it’s a powerful, adaptive force that, when aligned correctly, becomes the backbone of growth, execution, and sustained success.

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In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The common misconceptions about COOs and how they are often confused with other leadership roles, like directors or VPs.

• The seven main categories of COOs identified by Nate Bennett and Stephen A. Miles in their book "Riding Shotgun."

• The importance of finding a COO who complements the CEO's strengths and weaknesses.

• How the role of the COO has evolved over time, with more CEOs investing in their own leadership growth and involving their senior leadership in coaching and mentorship.

• Why the role of the COO is seen as a source of culture through their vision, core values, and motivation towards goals.

• And much more...

Resources:

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

Get Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"

Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

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