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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores a common business gripe that everyone knows all too well: why meetings (or rather, the way they're run) are so unproductive.  Cameron offers a fresh perspective by focusing on *why* this problem persists and how to fix it with simple, practical skills. You'll hear how he challenges the widespread belief that meetings are in...

What does it really take to steer a fintech through a growth reset—and come out stronger? In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by COO Rina Jariwala, who takes us inside the transformation of Fundbox, where operational precision meets people-first leadership. In this insightful conversation, Rina shares a compelling journey through rapid growth, transformation, and...

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-...

What does it really take to lead a mission-driven company from the inside out? In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jason Jaynes, former CO and now CEO of eCatholic, creator of digital tools and services tailored to Catholic parishes, schools, and dioceses. In this insightful conversation, you'll be taken behind the curtain of a rapidly evolving organization as...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jennifer Barnes, CEO and Founder of Optima Office, a fractional CFO service provider. During the conversation, you'll get a glimpse behind the curtain of business leadership to explore one of the most misunderstood yet essential disciplines for sustainable growth. Cameron and Jennifer discuss how executives can move from ins...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Lauren Antonoff, COO of Life360, a leading family safety and social networking business. In this insightful conversation, Sivana and Lauren discuss the art of effective team management, focusing less on rigid reporting and more on meaningful outcomes. They explore how focusing on key results rather than microma...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron reveals a transformative approach to measuring and improving workplace culture—one that many businesses overlook despite its powerful potential: The employee Net Promoter Score. (NPS) You’ll hear about a deceptively simple metric that goes beyond typical satisfaction scores, revealing the true pulse of a company’s internal health. The co...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jeana-Rae Kendall, COO of TNG Private Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. In this engaging conversation, Jeana-Rae shares her journey from corporate America to the entrepreneurial world, offering a candid look at the evolution of her leadership style and the strategies that helpe...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the rapid evolution of cutting-edge tools that are reshaping the way businesses operate.  The discussion highlights real-world examples of how quick thinking and innovative approaches can transform seemingly complex tasks into simple, streamlined processes. With insights from industry leaders, You'll hear about the power of...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Brennan Pothetes, current CEO and former COO of Infinity Constellation, a holding company with eight AI-focused companies. In this fascinating conversation, Cameron and Brennan take you behind the scenes of a fast-growing and highly innovative company that’s reshaping an entire service industry. Brennan shares his perspectiv...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron shares unconventional strategies for leadership, team building, and decision-making.  Throughout the conversation, he challenges traditional hiring methods, advocating for a deeper, more intuitive approach to evaluating potential team members. The discussion touches on the importance of behavioral assessments over standardized profi...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Ted Collins, Chief Operating Officer of Forensic Psychiatric Associates (FPA Med). During this fascinating conversation, you'll hear how Ted's career has taken him through high-pressure corporate environments and into a leadership role that demands both empathy and operational clarity. Discover a world where pr...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses the process of identifying and attracting the right leadership talent who not only possess the necessary skills but also align deeply with your company’s vision and core values. You’ll discover the importance of building a “virtual bench” of potential candidates and why proactive recruiting beats passive job postings when searc...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Polina Mireau, co-founder of Scale It Simply. In this fascinating conversation, Sivana and Polina discuss the often unseen emotional layers that come with leadership, especially from the perspective of younger professionals navigating roles traditionally dominated by older, more experienced individuals. They ex...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jonathan Abrarpour, COO Alliance member and COO of Empower Pharmacy. Listen as Jonathan reflects on the challenges of managing growth and opportunity within a rapidly evolving organization. He explores the delicate balance between chasing expansion and maintaining focus, revealing how saying "no" can be just as crucial as sa...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Jarrell Ku, Business Operations and Strategic Finance Lead at GrowthAssistant. In this fascinating conversation, Sivana and Jarrell dive into the delicate balance of maintaining productivity while fostering genuine connections in a distributed work environment. You'll discover creative ways to break free from t...

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Ryan Hanley, host of The Ryan Hanley Show. During the conversation, Cameron and Ryan dive into the deep waters of leadership, responsibility, and modern decision-making. You'll learn what it means to navigate turbulent times with clarity and discipline, challenging the norms of how organizations and...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Matthew Kovacs, President and Lead Strategist of Blaze PR. In this insightful conversation, Cameron and Matthew discuss the evolving landscape of a fast-changing professional field, exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping traditional workflows and mindsets. They unpack the tension between embracing innovation and m...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores creative and impactful ways to enhance team communication and alignment during planning sessions and retreats.  You'll discover an engaging, visual icebreaker that encourages self-reflection and team bonding, revealing personal insights and shared aspirations. From there, the conversation shifts to a powerful feedback exerc...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by John Wallet, President of STC Safety and Risk Management. This conversation explores the complexities of leading teams and navigating the often delicate balance between visionary and integrator roles. Sivana and John discuss the importance of cultivating confidence in decision-making and the value of having sys...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the dynamic partnership between two key leadership roles within a company: the CEO and the COO.  Cameron discusses the often underappreciated relationship that drives an organization’s success, highlighting the distinct yet complementary functions that each leader provides. You'll gain insights into the fine balance between...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Filip Keuppens, Executive Vice President of The Pickle Juice Company. During the conversation, Sivana and Filip dive deep into the complexities of leadership and the balancing act of managing day-to-day operations while simultaneously planning for the long-term success of an organization. You'll discover the im...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron shares a deeply personal reflection on how his experiences with attention deficit disorder (ADD) shaped his educational journey and entrepreneurial success. You'll hear how traditional schooling and societal expectations of focus negatively impacted his self-esteem, even as he was trying his best. Despite being told he wasn’t trying hard...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Susan Heinking, Senior Vice President of High Performance and Sustainable Construction at Pepper Construction. During this fascinating conversation, you'll be taken behind the scenes of a dynamic leadership journey where the balance between structure and creativity plays a pivotal role. Susan shares insights into navigating...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses the complexities of building and optimizing a high-performing team while navigating the challenges of growth, leadership transitions, and strategic decision-making.  You'll discover the importance of identifying key roles, leveraging technology, and ensuring that each team member brings measurable value. A candid explorati...