CEOs need a true number two who can translate vision into execution, protect the culture, and tell the truth in private when it matters most.

Cameron Herold is a bestselling author, the founder of COO Alliance, and former COO who helped scale 1 800 GOT JUNK from $2 million to $106 million. In this episode, Cameron breaks down what the number one and number two roles really mean, why the CEO and COO relationship works like a marriage, and how great teams debate in private so the company sees one clear direction. If you are a CEO trying to scale or an operator stepping into the second in command seat, this episode gives you the playbook to make the partnership unstoppable.

What is the hardest truth your business needs you to say in private this week, and who is the one person you trust to say it to you?

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(04:12) What a Dysfunctional CEO–COO Relationship Looks Like

(06:29) Why Companies Stall When Vision and Operations Clash

(09:34) What a True C-Level Leader Actually Is

(13:17) How Small Companies Attract Real A-Players

(14:39) What Great CEO–COO Partnerships Actually Look Like

(17:48) The Interview Process for Hiring a True Second-in-Command

(31:24) What Happens After the Video Screening

(40:01) How to Make an Offer That Locks in an A-Player

(43:19) The Right Way to Onboard a COO (First 90 Days)

(51:17) How AI Is Reshaping Leadership Teams and Org Charts

Connect with Cameron

Website: https://cameronherold.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold/

Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast

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