Podcast Summary: Ep. 500 - SPECIAL: Meredith Kuba - Double Trouble: How Dynamic Leadership Duos Drive Explosive Growth

Published on August 12, 2025

Introduction

In the landmark 500th episode of the Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast, host Cameron Herold celebrates this milestone by interviewing Meredith Kuba, the Vice President of Operations and Head of Sales at the COO Alliance. With nearly a decade of dedication, Meredith has been instrumental in scaling the COO Alliance, fostering connections among COOs, and driving the organization's exponential growth.

Meredith's Journey with COO Alliance

Meredith shares her story of joining the COO Alliance nine and a half years ago. Initially hired as Cameron’s executive assistant, her role expanded to operations management and eventually to her current leadership position. She recounts her first interaction with Cameron at a Competitive Cheer event, which led to a swift hiring decision based on her organizational prowess and passion.

"I just fell in love with it. I loved being your executive assistant. I loved planning your travel and making reservations and getting to know your clients."
— Meredith Kuba [00:54]

Evolution of COO Alliance Events: From Intimate Gatherings to a Thriving Network

Meredith reflects on the transformation of COO Alliance events from small, intimate gatherings to large-scale online and in-person meetings. Pre-COVID, events typically saw around 20 attendees, but post-pandemic, membership surged to nearly 200.

"With 200 minds, more problems get solved every day."
— Meredith Kuba [00:00]

She emphasizes that the core value remains the same: fostering connections among COOs who often feel isolated in their roles.

Overcoming Loneliness: The Unique Challenges COOs Face

A significant discussion centers on the often-overlooked loneliness experienced by COOs. Unlike CEOs, COOs lack extensive support networks and dedicated groups for professional and personal growth.

"Most COOs don't know other COOs and so they don't have somebody to go and bounce ideas off of."
— Meredith Kuba [06:49]

Meredith highlights how the COO Alliance provides a vital space for COOs to connect, share experiences, and support each other, thereby alleviating feelings of isolation.

Meredith's Executive MBA Experience

Meredith candidly discusses her journey through an Executive MBA program. Initially skeptical, she acknowledges that while the program broadened her understanding of various business facets, much of her practical knowledge stems from hands-on experience within the COO Alliance.

"I didn't learn anything new except some more letters after my name."
— Meredith Kuba [10:25]

She underscores the value of experiential learning over formal education in her role.

Mastering Delegation and Team Management

As her responsibilities grew, Meredith delved into the art of delegation. Transitioning from managing tasks herself to overseeing a team of assistants was challenging but essential for scaling operations.

"Learning how to appropriately delegate and to follow up and to ensure that things were being done was a big one."
— Meredith Kuba [12:04]

She discusses implementing systems like ClickUp to streamline task management, although she continues to refine these processes.

Enhancing Personal Connections at Large-Scale Events

Meredith and Cameron contemplate reintegrating the deep, personal connections characteristic of smaller events into their current, larger gatherings. Meredith emphasizes the importance of intentional interactions beyond structured presentations to maintain the essence of the early days.

"We just have speaker videos and peer presentations and we have so many things going on that we need to bring back time to just connect. Let's go sit and chat."
— Meredith Kuba [15:57]

Sales Strategies and Maximizing Member Value

Meredith details her approach to sales, which is rooted in genuine passion for the COO Alliance rather than traditional sales tactics. Her authenticity and deep understanding of the organization's value resonate with potential members, leading to record-breaking sales and high renewal rates.

"I love the COO Alliance and I think that's the biggest thing. People don't feel pressured to make the commitment. They feel excited to be part of a group that I so clearly love."
— Meredith Kuba [25:38]

She identifies key objections from potential members, such as cost and time, and addresses them by highlighting the substantial return on investment and manageable time commitments.

Insights on CEO-COO Relationships

A significant portion of the episode delves into the dynamics between CEOs and COOs. Meredith observes that many CEOs are unaware of the benefits their COOs gain from the COO Alliance, underscoring the importance of mutual engagement for organizational success.

"For the CEOs listening, find that CEO. So you really have to like the person and want to hang out with the other person to make the hard times easier."
— Meredith Kuba [18:00]

She advocates for a symbiotic relationship where both roles are aligned and supportive, enhancing the company's overall performance.

Advice to Younger Self

In a heartfelt segment, Meredith offers advice to her 21-year-old self, emphasizing personal growth and passion over transient pursuits.

"Number one would be stop drinking. Stop drinking."
— Meredith Kuba [33:57]

She encourages finding a career that ignites passion, ensuring that work remains fulfilling rather than burdensome.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Cameron expressing deep gratitude for Meredith's unwavering dedication and pivotal role in the COO Alliance’s success over the past nine and a half years. Their dynamic partnership exemplifies how effective leadership duos can drive explosive growth and create meaningful professional communities.

"I'm glad you decided to come in and join me. I've told you a number of times that with you as my second in command, this has been fun and easy and scaling it."
— Cameron Herold [35:03]

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Connection: Building strong, personal connections among COOs is crucial for mutual support and problem-solving.
• Authentic Leadership: Genuine passion and authenticity in leadership roles significantly impact organizational growth and member satisfaction.
• Effective Delegation: Mastering delegation is essential for scaling operations and managing larger teams efficiently.
• Balancing Roles: A harmonious CEO-COO relationship enhances company performance and fosters a collaborative work environment.
• Personal Growth: Continuous personal and professional development, driven by passion, leads to sustained success and fulfillment.

Notable Quotes

• "With 200 minds, more problems get solved every day." — Meredith Kuba [00:00]
• "Most COOs don't know other COOs and so they don't have somebody to go and bounce ideas off of." — Meredith Kuba [06:49]
• "I didn't learn anything new except some more letters after my name." — Meredith Kuba [10:25]
• "I love the COO Alliance and I think that's the biggest thing." — Meredith Kuba [25:38]
• "Number one would be stop drinking." — Meredith Kuba [33:57]

This comprehensive discussion between Cameron Herold and Meredith Kuba offers valuable insights into effective leadership, the significance of strong support networks for COOs, and strategies for fostering organizational growth through authentic connections and dedicated teamwork.