Podcast
Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold
Hosted by Second in Command with Cameron Herold · EN
Welcome to the “Second in Command” Podcast hosted by Cameron Herold, brought to you by the COO Alliance, where top-level COOs share their insights, tactics, and strategies that made them the Chief Behind the Chief.
Cameron Herold founded the COO Alliance with one simple goal in mind: to provide COOs with the same professional development and growth opportunities CEOs have enjoyed for many years. COO Alliance is the world's leading network for the Second in Command.
Cameron Herold is a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. He’s the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and he’s touched thousands of businesses indirectly through his work.
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Ep. 553 - Zingerman’s Mail Order Managing Partner Tom Root - What Systems Turn 800 New Hires Into All-Stars
Feb 1200:48:42Summary readyEver wondered how legendary operations leaders onboard 800 seasonal hires for world-class performance in just 30 minutes? What if your biggest edge wasn’t tech, but radical clarity, proven systems, and the courage to democratize what most companies hide?In this revealing conversation, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Tom Root, Managing Partner at Zingerman’s Mail Order and a driving force behind its remarkable open-book management culture. Tom isn’t just running a $24M operation; he’s helping to architect the Zingerman’s way, a playbook that turns consensus, culture, and scientific thinking into a market advantage.Dive in to discover how Tom’s team hires 800 people for the holidays, keeps SOPs thrillingly relevant, leverages just-in-time knowledge systems, and makes “lean” truly work. If you crave real answers on scaling without chaos or losing culture, THIS episode is your exclusive playbook to operational victory. Listen now to avoid another year of stalled growth, outdated systems, and disconnected teams.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why “democratization” is a double-edged sword for accountability[03:07] – Zingerman’s wild origin: Russian anarchists, consensus, no classic CEO—and their bold growth vision[06:37] – Why illustrated food (not photos) is marketing magic…and why it works[13:27] – The single ops lever for onboarding 800 people in 30 minutes (no, it’s not superstar managers)[17:28] – Secrets behind just-in-time knowledge, digital twins, and how training is dead[23:15] – “Tim’s Law”: What happens when only one person “knows everything” and how to fix it[28:41] – Radical SOP audits, the core mistake most leaders make (and how Tom solved it)[31:39] – How open-book management paid off $300K debt and kept Zingerman’s profitable every year since[42:09] – Scientific thinking vs. the “tools” trap, and why organizations resist outsidAbout the GuestTom Root is Managing Partner at Zingerman’s Mail Order, part of the legendary Zingerman’s Community of Businesses in Michigan. He’s recognized for championing open book management, building empowered teams, and pioneering proven operational systems that help Zingerman’s scale their beloved brand while keeping culture alive. Tom’s unique perspective joins hands-on leadership with a background in tech, manufacturing, and continuous improvement.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesZingerman’s Community of BusinessesOpen Book ManagementLean Manufacturing / Toyota KataGoogle Sites (for internal wikis)The Great Game of Business by Jack StackZingerman’s BakehouseUniversity of Michigan (operations partnerships)About the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 552 - Melone Hatley P.C. COO Dan Cuneo - How Smart Ops Leaders Really Dominate New Markets
Feb 1000:39:23Summary readyStruggling to scale your law firm or lead expert teams without burning out or losing your edge?You’re not alone. In this episode, Cameron Herold brings you an unfiltered, radically honest conversation with Dan Cuneo, COO of Melone Hatley. Dan reveals the surprising truth behind law firm growth, why lawyers love culture but hate change, and the communication systems driving results in a multi-office, 100+ employee business.What does it really take to compete, attract talent, and thrive when AI, client demand, and team alignment keep shifting? Get the inside playbook, raw stories, and proven systems to finally build sustainable scale, without sacrificing humanity or profit.Listen now, because the biggest risks are waiting, hoping, and copying what every other law firm is already doing. This episode delivers exclusive, actionable strategies that win with today’s top talent and future-proof your firm.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The one business skill most lawyers are missing (and why it holds firms back)[04:10] – How Melone Hatley picks winning markets and why they avoid the “big city trap”[07:25] – Recruiting smart attorneys: drive vs. ambition, culture fit vs. pure skill[10:54] – Topgrading and the secrets to high-impact, low-turnover legal hiring[13:21] – Can a non-lawyer run law firm ops? Why Dan says “it depends,” and what really matters[15:31] – From band-aids to sustainable hires: scaling up, alignment, and culture that actually sticks[17:15] – The silent killer: how misalignment eats into growth (and what to do about it)[20:18] – The real impact of AI in law: opportunity, risk, and what Dan refuses to automate[25:26] – Marketing channels that don’t work anymore and how Dan finds blue ocean opportunitiesAbout the GuestDan Cuneo is the COO of Melone Hatley, a rapidly scaling multi-state family law and estate planning firm known for its aggressive, people-first approach to talent and market expansion. With 100+ team members across multiple offices, Dan is a rare law firm leader who combines litigation experience with a relentless business-building mindset. He’s a TEDx speaker, champion of culture-first leadership, and a voice for operational innovation in a tradition-resistant industry.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesTopgrading (hiring methodology)Scaling Up (business operating system)EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Next Level GrowthGoogle Ads / PPCGeofencing marketingFairway Divorce (referenced client)Hennessy Digital (SEO for law firms)TEDx Tampa (event)Who (book by Geoff Smart)Death by Meeting by Patrick LencioniJim Collins (concepts on communication, leadership cadence)Important LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 551 - FAN FAVORITE | Orangetheory Fitness Former COO Griff Long | The Truth About Building Outstanding Leadership Teams
Feb 500:45:14Summary readyAre you tired of chaotic operations, burned-out teams, and the relentless pressure to execute big visions without breaking yourself in the process? In this can’t-miss fan favorite episode, Cameron Herold goes deep with Griff Long, former COO of Orangetheory Fitness, a leader who’s transformed personal growth and business results at some of America’s top brands. If you’re a second-in-command, exhausted by firefighting and silo wars, this conversation will shake up your playbook. Griff shares battle-tested leadership secrets, why people (not processes) matter most, and how data-driven innovation is gripping the fitness world.Skip another mediocre “growth” podcast. Listen now to avoid the #1 pain point for COOs: stagnant teams, missed opportunities, and burnout. This is your backstage pass to proven strategies and exclusive insights you won’t get anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why this episode is a fan-favorite (and why you need it now)[00:28] – Griff’s devastating rookie mistake and how it reshaped his approach[01:24] – The “double threat” that got Griff hired at Orangetheory[03:09] – The surprising science and secrets behind Orangetheory’s addictively sticky workouts[09:33] – Griff’s golden thread technique for obliterating silos and boosting buy-in[13:00] – Why running corporate-owned studios is Orangetheory’s secret weapon[16:02] – How Griff rebuilt the org chart and what every COO should copy[19:20] – Laser focus vs. death by a thousand cuts: How to avoid competitive distraction[25:19] – Griff’s top-three leadership lessons (and the #1 thing he’d tell his 22-year-old self)[34:08] – The red/yellow/green “traffic light” playbook for direct reports and leadership developmentAbout the GuestGriff Long is the former COO of Orangetheory Fitness, blending 25+ years of hands-on leadership with a passion for measurable growth and elite team culture. Known for scaling fitness giants like PureBar and SoulCycle, Griff has rebuilt teams, crushed operational bottlenecks, and championed transformations using data and heart. He’s a US Triathlon Coach, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a master at developing people before processes—essential context for any COO facing existential growth pains.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | InstagramMentioned ResourcesSix Sigma (Green Belt, Failure Mode Effect Analysis)Pure BarreSoulCycleEquinoxHertzSteve Case (Flex Car)Bridgewater State UniversityInBody Scales (BMI tracking)Tony Robbins: State, Story, Strategy1-800-GOT-JUNKImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi
SummaryEp. 550 - Zingerman’s Bakehouse Managing Partner Amy Emberling - Love, Vision, and the Art of Creating Irresistible Company Culture
Feb 300:40:06Summary readyEver wonder why some companies feel magnetic while others are just…a job? If you believe company culture is fluff, this conversation will put you on your heels. Cameron Herold sits down with Amy Emberling, Managing Partner of the legendary Zingerman’s Bakehouse—a $16M+ artisan bakery with a cult following and a blueprint for employee loyalty big brands envy. Together, they pull back the curtain on Zingerman’s famed “Community of Businesses,” why profit isn’t a dirty word, and how even a manufacturing team can become fiercely passionate.Don't settle for endless turnover, disengaged people, or another bland org chart. Discover the real-world actions and surprising rituals that transform frontline staff into owners (and skeptics into super-fans). Listen now because one insight could radically shift your retention, results, and reputation. This episode delivers the practical and emotional gut-punch you won't find anywhere else in operations podcasts.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why showing vision to new hires exposes if they really want to learn (or not)[03:01] – How an Ann Arbor Deli became a multi-business giant—without franchising[07:07] – The origin myth: Saying "no" to chains and revolutionizing local growth[09:33] – Why Zingerman’s refuses to franchise (and why profit wasn’t the goal)[14:43] – The surprising role of vision statements and posters in a baking plant[16:10] – Handshakes over contracts—trust, ownership, and radical accountability[19:27] – Secret sauce: How weekly "appreciations" meetings melt even the toughest shells[25:43] – Culture hacks that turn hourly hires into a vibrant, all-in teamMentioned ResourcesZingerman’s Community of BusinessesAri Weinzweig (Zingerman’s Co-Founder)Paul Saginaw (Zingerman’s Co-Founder)Zingerman’s Bakehouse (Amy's business)Zing TrainZingerman’s Bakehouse Book, Celebrate Every Day Book1-800-GOT-JUNK (culture reference)Great Little Box CompanyAbout the GuestAmy Emberling is Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Ann Arbor’s nationally acclaimed artisan bakery. Leading a team of 150, she helped scale Zingerman’s into a powerhouse community business known for its uncompromising quality, positive culture, and iconic brand. Amy has co-authored two influential books on baking and business and is recognized for her thought leadership in operations, training, and organizational vision.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 549 - Cabochon Group COO Josh Post - How To Break Through Burnout With Essential COO Growth Tips
Jan 2900:38:06Summary readyAre you tired of feeling trapped in the chaos of scaling, with too many projects and not enough clarity on what actually drives growth? In this episode, host Cameron Herold sits down with Josh Post, COO of Cabochon Group and longtime COO Alliance member, for an emotionally raw, practical conversation about breaking out of operational overwhelm.Josh reveals how he went from reluctant family business leader to proven integrator, leading turnarounds, managing conflict, and creating systems real teams can actually use. From delegating all the right things to mastering financial fluency, you’ll get the strategies and truth bombs most COOs wish they had known at the start.If you’re hungry to escape burnout and unlock your next level as a second-in-command, listen now to avoid the expensive mistakes nearly everyone makes while scaling. This episode delivers unfiltered wisdom you won’t find anywhere else, and the urgency to take action before chaos catches up with you.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why most owners don’t know how their business really makes money (and what to do about it)[03:25] – The journey from accidental entrepreneur to turning around failing operations[06:00] – Exclusive lessons learned surviving and thriving inside – a family business[10:19] – How Josh navigated a tense partner buyout and instantly simplified everything[13:46] – Choosing the right leadership roles: birth order, strengths, and painful missteps[16:09] – The only books and frameworks that actually moved the needle (and why “just-in-time learning” beats old-school reading habits)[20:22] – From swinging hammers to overseeing finance – demystifying numbers when you’re not a CPA[26:42] – Weekly pulse meetings, candid conflict, and the real CEO-COO dance[29:04] – How fractional COO work revealed the true bottlenecks in small business growth[33:13] – The most costly mistake COOs make (and how Josh trains owners to finally be “all in”)About the GuestJosh Post is an industry-recognized Business Turnaround Expert and Fractional Chief Operating Officer who specializes in business recovery, optimization, and rapid growth. Between his position as a COO with The Cabochon Group of Companies and his work as an Independent Expert, he manages a diverse portfolio of over $57 Million spanning several industries.From streamlining operations and accounting to marketing and even acquisition, The Cabochon Group of Companies is the ultimate business support hub where businesses can access a unified strategy from a single source of seasoned professionals that provide a comprehensive, integrated experience.As a Fractional COO and Business Advisor Josh leverages his expertise to provide businesses with targeted, one-on-one guidance on the critical challenges threatening operations. Through resources like his signature business assessment, the Business MRI, he’s able to hone in on the root issues, tailoring strategies that work.He credits the COO Alliance for helping him to overcome imposter syndrome, teaching him how to harness his strengths as a Galvanizer and Enabler to drive execution and momentum at scale.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | CompanyMentioned ResourcesCanadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE)John Maxwell (Servant Leadership)Tribal Leadership by Dave LoganEOS/TractionRyan Deiss, Roland FrasierScalableSimple Numbers by Greg CrabtreeBob Gavreau CPAQuickBooksGood to Great by Jim CollinsImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand
SummaryEp. 548 - FAN FAVORITE | Poshmark COO John McDonald - Why Weirdness and Love Drive Explosive Success
Jan 2700:44:59Summary readyWhat if the real key to scaling your business isn’t a revolutionary product, but your ability to build a culture where “weirdness” is an asset and radical respect transforms politics into partnership? In this electric episode, Cameron Herold sits down with John McDonald, Chief Operating Officer at Poshmark, to unpack how one of the world’s most beloved marketplaces keeps growing in spite of Goliath competitors and shifting markets.Together, they reveal why most leaders get core values wrong, how Poshmark keeps small sellers winning (not just the giants), and what it truly takes to expand internationally without derailing your DNA. John’s stories are real, the lessons are battle-tested, and you won’t find a paint-by-numbers playbook here—only hard-won insights and rare candor from inside the trenches.Don’t wait. Listen now to avoid building a company that stalls at “good enough,” or tears itself apart scaling fast. This episode unveils systems, strategies, and human truths you won’t hear anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why this “fan favorite” episode is back and the lesson it delivers for every second-in-command[02:20] – What Harvard Business School actually teaches about decision-making in chaos[05:28] – Unmasking Poshmark’s origin: Why the human touch, not tech, is their unfair advantage[09:00] – The $1,000 sneaker flip… and how Poshmark makes money (no nickel-and-diming)[13:24] – What really changes when you grow from 35 to 400+ people (and where companies go wrong)[19:41] – How they killed company politics and the “respect” system that keeps silos from forming[23:04] – Are your “core values” just words? The surprising reason Poshmark’s work (and most don’t)[28:37] – How Poshmark protects small sellers—and why giving back unlocks explosive growth[33:57] – The dangerous moment for org charts: when matrix thinking becomes non-negotiable[40:55] – Why learning to listen is the hardest (and most critical) leadership skill for COOsAbout the GuestJohn McDonald is the Chief Operating Officer of Poshmark, a leading social commerce platform revolutionizing how the next generation shops and sells. With a deep background in marketplace management (including eight years at eBay), John’s powered Poshmark’s exponential growth and built culture-first teams that thrive. He’s a Harvard MBA, an operations architect, and a fierce advocate for scaling with love and discipline.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourceseBayNingProcter & GambleHarvard Business SchoolUniversity of California, Berkeley1-800-GOT-JUNKAmazonLululemonImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 547 - JID Investments COO and founder John Rubino - Daring Business Essentials That Empower Incredible Wealth Building
Jan 2200:43:49Summary readyWhat if the most valuable currency in your career isn’t money, but authentic relationships nobody can take away?In this urgent episode, guest host Sivana Brewer digs deep with John Rubino, COO and founder of JID Investments and a US naval aviator turned business leader. Together, they unravel how military discipline, open-book honesty, and relentless connection-building are the forgotten keys to thriving in today’s high-stakes market.Discover the proven systems, mindset shifts, and emotional skills John uses to lead through market chaos, burnout, and uncertainty. If you’re tired of surface-level business advice and want the real trade secrets to scaling impact and resilience, you need this now.Listen or risk missing out on the exclusive moves that successful second-in-commands use to win, when everyone else is underwater.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Transitioning from Navy pilot to COO: war stories behind real discipline[02:05] – How John’s military roots shaped his leadership style and investor trust[04:40] – The wild pivot: launching a business before leaving active duty[07:07] – Top Gun moments, family legacies, and the dream of commanding multi-million dollar assets[10:53] – Secret systems for managing 18+ deals and 200+ investors without chaos[14:02] – Navigating COVID uncertainty—how top COOs adapt and overcome[17:02] – The hidden ROI of real relationships and why most companies are doing it wrong[29:44] – Masterminds and tribe thinking: the best advice John gives his own kids[34:02] – John’s high-impact daily process for balancing work, team, and personal lifeAbout the GuestJohn Rubino is the COO, founder, and co-managing partner of JID Investments, where he’s raised over $45M and delivered returns across dozens of real estate projects for 200+ investors. With more than 20 years as a U.S. naval aviator followed by a decade in private equity, John is renowned for his disciplined, relationship-first approach to investing and leadership. He also coaches real estate and financial professionals in strategic wealth-building at KW United Wealth.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesKW United WealthKeller WilliamsTribe of Millionaires (book)GoBundance (mastermind)Welcome to the Cause (Marc & Kristen King)Dale Carnegie – How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleNapoleon Hill – Think and Grow RichGary Keller & Jay Papasan – The One ThingJuniper Square (investment portal)CalendlyAlex & Layla HormoziEOSAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 546 - VRA Realty COO Erica Wright - Best Lessons In Systems That Empower, Not Overwhelm
Jan 2000:46:28Summary readyAre you secretly worried your growth will wreck the “family” vibe in your business or that tighter systems will make top talent leave? In this episode, Sivana Brewer interviews Erica Wright, COO of VRA Realty, whose systems-first playbook catapulted the brokerage from 85 to 115 agents, spanning five states.They dig into the raw truth of building infrastructure for explosive scale (without losing loyalty), balancing tough accountability with real compassion, and leading teams remotely while launching new ventures abroad. Discover how Erica harnessed her psychology and sales background to build trust, manage visionaries, and create a culture where hard conversations actually drive growth.Don’t miss this episode if you want to avoid costly attrition, burnout, and lost culture. Listen now for exclusive, actionable insights. These proven moves aren’t taught anywhere else!Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Erica’s bold entry: transforming chaos into compliance with her first CRM rollout [05:51] – How a psychologist became an operations powerhouse (and opened 8 offices in 6 months) [09:45] – Balancing ambition and deep family ties after personal loss—the surprising lessons for remote executives [13:46] – Color-coded calendars and time-blocking rituals: how Erica runs five business lines from Mexico [16:01] – Her step-by-step playbook for deciding what to delegate, outsource, or tackle solo [19:11] – The “idea overwhelm” dilemma—how to hold visionaries accountable to the real mission [21:37] – Inside the first 90 days: building trust, rolling out new systems, and avoiding agent revolt [25:27] – The truth about “family cultures”: love, accountability, and how to fire without guilt [28:07] – Why being COO feels lonely (and what to do about it, ven if you’re building a team abroad) [31:31] – Emotional management, therapy sessions, and creating radical honesty in a high-turnover industry [39:28] – Erica’s regrets—and #1 advice for any new COO about setting boundaries with their CEO [41:05] – Her next big move: remote work, funds management, and two brand-new business launchesAbout the GuestErica Wright is the Chief Operating Officer of VRA Realty, a fast-growing boutique real estate brokerage now spanning five states and over 115 agents. Known for her powerhouse systems mindset and global operations expertise, Erica engineered VRA’s scale through smart hiring, process revamps, and authentic relationship-building. She brings a rare blend of psychology, direct sales, and hands-on leadership from international markets, transforming loosely organized teams into high-accountability, high-loyalty cultures. Erica is also the founder of Steven’s Wings, a nonprofit for underserved youth, and is launching “This Might Be a Bad Idea”—a podcast about life and leadership abroad.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubeMentioned ResourcesSteven’s Wings (nonprofit)EOS / L10 (Entrepreneurial Operating System)EventbriteClosers.io (referenced company)About the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 545 - A1 Roofing Co-Owner and Chief Culture Officer Vincent Malizia - How To Build a Company You’ll Never Want to Leave
Jan 1500:49:09Summary readyWhat if building world-class company culture could slash turnover, ignite team loyalty, and make you love coming to work, even after 14 years in the trenches?In this electrifying episode, guest host Sivana Brewer dives deep with Vincent Malizia, Co-Owner and Chief Culture Officer at A1 Roofing, to reveal how a "people first" mindset transformed his business. They unpack how working alongside family, delegating with trust, and prioritizing fulfillment (inside and outside work) create truly sustainable success. You'll hear raw stories, unconventional tactics, and hard-earned lessons on leadership, autonomy, and building a company that people actually brag about.Listen now to discover proven strategies that will help you avoid endless burnout, break free from revolving team doors, and stand out with powerful emotional intelligence. This is an exclusive, story-rich episode, a must-hear for any operator or leader ready to love their business (and life).Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why most people who resist change eventually check out, and how Vincent attracts “let’s go” energy[01:14] – The unexpected origins of A1 Roofing: family hustle, college lessons, and sharing everything[08:04] – When company leaders choose team dignity over difficult clients—winning big by walking away[09:08] – How investing in health benefits, retreats, and family flexibility created a magnetic culture[12:32] – Unlimited PTO and summer Fridays: why radical time-off policies actually increased productivity[13:01] – The surprising drop in turnover rate, and how Vincent’s approach crushed industry averages[15:14] – Why giving up Saturday work fueled energy and fulfillment for tough field roles[22:27] – How moving from “doing it all” to scalable systems unlocked Vincent’s passion (and his sleep)[27:02] – Mentorship, leadership meetings, and a wild commitment to personal growth—all in the real world[34:10] – Inside the rare, drama-free CEO/COO partnership—what makes “ego-free” collaboration last[39:55] – How AI transformed operations and supported team members with real challengesAbout the GuestVincent Malizia is the Co-Owner and Chief Culture Officer of A1 Roofing, a leading commercial roofing company serving the New York tri-state region. Known for his 14+ years of people-first leadership, Vincent rebuilt A1’s company culture from the ground up—cutting turnover by more than half and fostering a team of nearly 100 employees. He’s recognized for his advocacy of autonomy, meaningful recognition systems, family-friendly policies, and investing in mentorship at every level.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesJohn Starks (guest speaker, leadership retreats)Join Assembly (employee recognition software)WhatsApp chat (team communication)ChatGPT (AI tool for job notes and operations)KFC – Colonel Sanders storyGary VaynerchukAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
SummaryEp. 544 - ForAfrika COO Jim Lutzweiler - Game-Changing Habits Every Top COO Uses Now
Jan 1301:00:07Summary readyAre you secretly wondering if your team has what it really takes to scale across borders, cultures, and chaos?In this episode, Jim Lutzweiler sits down with Jim Lutzweiler, Global COO at ForAfrika, to pull back the curtain on what actually makes world-class teams tick. From the dirt floors of Ghana to the boardrooms of Fortune 500s, Jim’s been the fixer for mission-driven giants—solving people, culture, and growth puzzles in over 100 countries.If you’re tired of surface-level leadership advice and ready to learn the real, gritty skills for building resilient teams, breaking silos, and driving impact under fire, this conversation is your competitive edge. Listen now to dodge the pain and political landmines of hiring wrong, failing succession plans, or losing visibility on what actually matters.This episode delivers battle-tested wisdom for COOs who want to thrive. Miss it, and you’ll be left behind. Only here will you find these raw, proven insights. Don’t skip this one.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The no-surprises rule that keeps leadership out of the headlines (and how silence wrecks your team’s brand)[02:10] – From Peace Corps mud huts to C-suite: why relentless curiosity built Jim’s game-changing career trajectory[05:33] – Why hiring for passion isn’t enough—developing the DNA for unstoppable teams across 8 countries[12:17] – When a single email kills your funding: navigating shock, recovery, and reinvention under global donor cuts[16:48] – The “BMW engine” mentality that rewired how Jim builds high-output teams[20:07] – How to spot (and fix) hidden silos—and why most leaders get blindsided[34:10] – In-person secrets: the critical moves that build (or break) trust when screens won’t cut it[51:31] – Working with visionaries: telling your CEO the hard truth and loving your “number two” seatAbout the GuestJim Lutzweiler is the Chief Operating Officer at ForAfrika, an NGO transforming lives by unlocking Africa’s resources to help its people thrive. With over 25 years of experience in international development, including work across 100 countries for governments, NGOs, and Fortune 500 companies, Jim is recognized for building resilient teams, leading successful change initiatives, and managing complex projects at scale.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesWorld Food ProgrammeUSAIDUNICEFEOS – Entrepreneurial Operating SystemAARP FoundationDuquesne UniversityAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold and co-hosted by Sivana Brewer. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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