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

Episode Summary: Ep. 468 - The Beyond Collection COO, Tony Skowron

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Cameron Herold
Guest: Tony Skowron, Chief Operating Officer at the Beyond Collection

1. Introduction

In Episode 468 of the “Second in Command” Podcast, host Cameron Herold engages in a compelling conversation with Tony Skowron, the Chief Operating Officer of the Beyond Collection. The podcast, produced by the COO Alliance, delves into the strategies, insights, and experiences of top-level COOs who play pivotal roles behind their CEOs. Tony shares his unique journey into luxury hospitality, the innovative business model of the Beyond Collection, and his profound leadership philosophies.

2. The Beyond Collection: Business Model and Unique Proposition

Tony Skowron begins by introducing the Beyond Collection as a marketplace that connects independent luxury hotels with elite event planners. Unlike traditional models, Beyond Collection operates on a commission-free basis, distinguishing itself in a crowded marketplace.

Tony Skowron ([04:38]): “We connect independent luxury hotels with elite event planners… what makes us unique is we're commission free. We pride ourselves on connection and relationship over just a transaction.”

Financial Model:
Instead of charging a percentage of revenue, Beyond Collection employs a subscription-based model. Hotels pay for different levels of access to detailed information, granting them connections to top-tier planners without the additional commission fees.

Tony Skowron ([04:40]): “Our financial model is essentially charging the hotels different layers of access to detailed information that gives them access to the best planners.”

This approach not only ensures recurring revenue for the company but also provides hotels with a sustainable way to engage with high-end event planners, fostering long-term relationships rather than short-term transactions.

3. Tony Skowron’s Journey to COO

Tony’s path to becoming the COO of the Beyond Collection is anything but conventional. He did not start in luxury hospitality, which is typically an industry where individuals grow within the sector for decades.

Tony Skowron ([07:39]): “I started in a completely different business… honed my leadership skills through diverse experiences.”

Early Life and Career:
Tony grew up in a challenging and structured environment, leaving home at 19 after graduating high school early. His early work experiences ranged from being a head chef at 17 to roles in construction and industrial supplies, exemplifying his strong work ethic and adaptability.

Tony Skowron ([15:13]): “I was born and raised into a very religiously structured, almost, you could say a cult… very shrouded from the rest of the world.”

Transition to Luxury Hospitality:
Tony’s entry into luxury hospitality was facilitated by his exposure to the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Academy, which ignited his passion for leadership training and white-glove service. His commitment led him to apply for a position at the Beyond Collection, where his unique background and keen leadership insights made him the ideal candidate despite lacking direct industry experience.

Tony Skowron ([12:22]): “She was looking for someone who'd done it before, though… the relationship where we would debate, we would argue...”

4. Leadership Philosophy and Strategies

Tony emphasizes the importance of leadership development and the role of a COO in fostering a collaborative and insightful organizational environment.

Community and Loneliness of Leadership:
Being a COO often entails a sense of loneliness, as Tony explains the unique challenges of being the second in command.

Tony Skowron ([21:17]): “Leadership is lonely. Being at the top of an org chart is lonely because you don't have those relationships to the degree you do with your peers.”

To combat this, the COO Alliance serves as a supportive community, providing COOs with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to excel in their roles.

Approach to Management and Decision-Making:
Tony advocates for a question-based approach to decision-making, fostering critical thinking and rigorous analysis among team members.

Tony Skowron ([24:48]): “Start converting everything into a question. Why is this important to you? … Tell me more.”

By encouraging employees to articulate the importance of their ideas and break down their thought processes, Tony ensures that decisions are aligned with core business objectives and are well-executed.

5. Initiatives at Beyond Collection

One of Tony’s significant contributions to the Beyond Collection is the implementation of leadership training programs tailored for independent hotels.

Leadership Training for Independent Hotels:
Recognizing that big brands like Ritz-Carlton and Marriott have extensive internal leadership programs, Tony and CEO Danielle aim to bridge this gap for independent properties through the Beyond Collection.

Tony Skowron ([35:56]): “...we have to give back and invest in these people and see an elevated rise.”

In-Person Leadership Forums:
Beyond theoretical training, they organize in-person forums and experiential activities to foster leadership qualities and team cohesion. An example mentioned was an event in the Dominican Republic where participants engaged in activities like ice-cold plunges, designed to enhance bravery and emotional resilience.

Tony Skowron ([38:00]): “There was multiple people that were like there's no way I'm doing that… translating directly into life leadership, management, working with people.”

6. Lessons Learned and Advice

Throughout the conversation, Tony shares valuable lessons gleaned from his diverse experiences and offers advice to his younger self.

Key Leadership Lessons:

• Understanding Role Evolution:
  Tony highlights how roles evolve as companies grow, emphasizing that COOs must adapt to the changing demands of their positions.

  Tony Skowron ([40:45]): “Understanding how a role changes with the size of a company. A company will outgrow an employee or employee will outgrow a company.”

• Teaching Employees to Think:
  At higher managerial levels, the focus shifts from **“what” and “how” to “strategic thinking”.

  Tony Skowron ([41:07]): “Directors, you're teaching people how to think…”

Advice to Younger Self:

Tony’s poignant advice to his younger self encapsulates the essence of his journey and growth.

Tony Skowron ([44:58]): “Slow down and invest in you. Because you have the energy and the enthusiasm and even potentially the charisma to really influence the world.”

This advice underscores the importance of self-investment, self-awareness, and mindful leadership.

7. Conclusion

Episode 468 of the “Second in Command” Podcast offers a deep dive into Tony Skowron’s multifaceted role as COO of the Beyond Collection. His unconventional path into luxury hospitality, combined with his dedication to leadership development and operational excellence, provides invaluable insights for aspiring COOs and business leaders alike. Tony’s emphasis on relationship-building, critical thinking, and personal growth resonates as a blueprint for effective second-in-command professionals aiming to support and enhance the visions of their CEOs.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Skowron ([04:38]): “We connect independent luxury hotels with elite event planners… what makes us unique is we're commission free. We pride ourselves on connection and relationship over just a transaction.”

• Tony Skowron ([24:48]): “Start converting everything into a question. Why is this important to you? … Tell me more.”

• Tony Skowron ([44:58]): “Slow down and invest in you. Because you have the energy and the enthusiasm and even potentially the charisma to really influence the world.”

This episode not only highlights the strategic role of a COO but also emphasizes the importance of personal resilience and continuous learning in leadership. Tony Skowron’s experiences and methodologies offer a rich resource for anyone looking to excel in second-in-command roles within their organizations.