Podcasts about Coos

Last year, we predicted that 1 in 5 supply chains would adopt AI agents by the end 2025 – and six months in, the data suggests we're already there. This week on the podcast, Chief Content Officer Matt Davis and VP, Research Lauren Acoba discuss how we got here and provide an adoption framework for COOs trying to realize the opportunity ahead.Zero100's prediction: 1 in 5 supply chains adopt AI agents by the end 2025 (00:37)What sets agentic AI apart from other forms of automation? (3:47)Agentic AI hotspots across operations (6:15)How Alibaba leverages agents for supplier selection and negotiation (7:34)Porsche's innovative approach to quality management using agentic AI (9:45)Unpacking the COO's 5-Point Agentic Adoption Framework (11:53)

Building a Sound Foundation For Your New Small Business with Stephanie WarlickStephanie Warlick is the Founder and CEO of 5FT View Consulting. Stephanie and her team support small and medium businesses as fractional COOs, EOS (R) Integrators and HR execs building rock-solid organizational foundations to scale their startups. She applies her knowledge and experiences from 30 years of entrepreneurship, HR, and operations to stand by her clients and help relieve the everyday burdens of small business owners and entrepreneurs. She's an international bestselling author with her book Dark and Silent Office: A Digital Accessibility Guidebook for Inclusive Communication in the Workplace. 5FT View provides consulting and educational services to organizations, teaching individuals how to achieve content accessibility for inclusive communication in the workplace. When Stephanie is not consulting, she coaches individuals how to excel in the workplace through her Stand in the Gap Method and Owner Mindset philosophy where individuals are trained to think like an owner with an entrepreneurial spirit. Stephanie enjoys speaking at conferences and events about her books and techniques and when she's not working Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and playing pickleball.Link:https://www.stephaniewarlick.com/TAGS:Accessibility,Best-Selling Author,Business Coach,Dream Jobs,Family Business,Female Entrepreneur,Getting Promoted,Human Resources,Inclusion,Overcoming Barriers,Building a Sound Foundation For Your New Small Business with Stephanie Warlick,Phantom Electric Ghost Podcast,Podcast,Podcasting,Interview,PodmatchSupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page

When it comes to tech innovation, one topic has dominated the first half of 2025: the meteoric rise of AI agents. And at Unilever, this tech isn't just “coming soon” – it's already here. This week, Willem Uijen (Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, Unilever) and Lauren Acoba (VP, Research, Zero100) discuss how the company is leveraging agents, as well as its broader AI strategy. Looking back at the evolution of AI, from Deep Blue to autonomous agents (1:17) Unilever's approach to AI implementation and ROI (03:29) The key drivers for agentic success: upskilling and guardrails (05:50)Where agentic AI is delivering value within operations at Unilever (09:30)“Choose the race that you want to run”: An investment litmus test for CSCOs and COOs (11:21) Tackling governance and data quality infrastructure (14:46) How Unilever is modernizing and standardizing its digital core (16:47)The decision Willem would never let AI make – and the one he happily would (18:50)

CEO turnover across U.S. hospitals is accelerating. Hospitals and health systems announced 146 CEO changes in 2023—a 42% increase over the 103 exits recorded in 2022, according to a Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. As more leaders transition into new roles, the importance of making a good first impression has intensified. The early days of a hospital CEO's tenure can define their long-term effectiveness. Amid this dynamic, HealthSearch Partners launched a leadership insights series focused on how top executives navigate their first 90 days to build trust, demonstrate presence, and spark institutional change.So what strategies set successful CEOs apart in the first 90 days and how can future leaders learn from their playbook?On this episode of I Don't Care, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson speaks with two industry icons, Neill Marshall, Chairman and Co-Founder of HealthSearch Partners, and Kurt Mosley, Association Practice Leader at the same firm. Together, they reflect on key lessons from their 90-Day CEO series, built on interviews with hospital leaders nationwide.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Symbolism Matters: Small, visible actions—like replacing mattresses or rounding on holidays—can signal deep values and create lasting goodwill.Listen First, Act Intentionally: The best leaders don't rush decisions. They prioritize trust-building, cultural alignment, and understanding root issues before implementing change.Relationships Are Career Insurance: Leaders must proactively maintain professional relationships—even when secure—to weather transitions and drive long-term success.Neill Marshall is a veteran healthcare executive search leader with nearly 30 years of experience and over 600 senior-level placements. He co-founded HealthSearch Partners—now the fifth-largest healthcare executive search firm in the U.S.—after leadership roles at firms like Witt/Kieffer and Marshall Koll & Associates. His career has focused on recruiting CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and other top executives for hospitals and health systems nationwide.Kurt Mosley is the Associations Practice Leader at HealthSearch Partners, bringing over 30 years of experience in healthcare workforce strategy and executive placement. He previously served as Vice President of Strategic Alliances at AMN Healthcare and Merritt Hawkins, where he built partnerships with 25 state hospital associations and numerous healthcare organizations nationwide. A nationally recognized speaker and published expert, Mosley has advised thousands of healthcare leaders on physician supply, workforce trends, and executive recruitment.

Preacher: Pastor Andrew Leong Date: 22 June 2025 (10.45am)

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 profiling tools, emphasizing the need for leaders to sharpen their ability to assess talent beyond surface-level metrics. You'll learn about the complexities of organizational transitions, offering practical advice on maintaining stability and focus during times of uncertainty. Cameron highlights the necessity of clear communication, structured short-term planning, and fostering a culture of transparency to ensure alignment within a team. With an emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and intentional leadership, this episode will provide you with actionable insights you can apply immediately to strengthen your teams and organizations.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!In This Episode You'll Learn:The motivation behind the COO Alliance: the need for a community specifically for COOs and second-in-command roles.The benefits of attending in-person events, participating in monthly calls, and utilizing the member portal for resources.The value of the Colby profile for understanding and working with CEOs and other team members. Cameron's approach to interviewing and hiring, focusing on behavioral profiling and past performance.And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Who is Adam?Adam Warner is an accomplished technology professional who has navigated a successful career from hands-on software engineering to becoming a chief technology officer (CTO) at a prominent company. Starting from humble beginnings, Adam honed his technical skills and gradually rose through the ranks, moving from engineering roles to leadership positions such as VP of Engineering, and finally stepping into the CTO role. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional technical acumen across various industries. Nevertheless, like many technology leaders, Adam initially faced challenges adapting to the broader executive responsibilities of aligning technology with business objectives, cultivating strong leadership teams, and establishing influence among fellow executives and board members. Through perseverance and dedication, Adam has become a respected figure in bridging the gap between technology and business strategy.Key Takeaways00:00 Navigating Executive Anxiety03:48 CTO's Strategic Reflection Tools10:22 Subscribe for Weekly Podcast Updates11:05 "CTOs to Executive Coaches"_________________________________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to our newsletter and get details of when we are doing these interviews live at https://TCA.fyi/newsletterFind out more about being a guest at : link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/beaguestSubscribe to the podcast at https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/podcastHelp us get this podcast in front of as many people as possible. Leave a nice five-star review at apple podcasts : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/apple-podcasts and on YouTube : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/Itsnotrocketscienceatyt!Here's how you can bring your business to THE next level:If you are a business owner currently turning over £/$10K - £/$50K per month and want to grow to £/$100K - £/$500k per month download my free resource on everything you need to grow your business on a single page :It's a detailed breakdown of how you can grow your business to 7-figures in a smart and sustainable way————————————————————————————————————————————-TranscriptNote, this was transcribed using a transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)SUMMARY KEYWORDSCTO coach, Stuart Webb, Adam Warner, executive thinking, technology leaders, technical expertise, business goals, leadership presence, strategic leadership, CTO chasm, delegation, strategic approach, vision oriented, frustration, burnout, stalled career growth, firefighting, strategic risks, engineering team, business alignment, weekly reflection session, introduction call, helping first, CTO Playbook podcast, Satago, Patrick Lencioni, five dysfunctions of a team, thinking like a business leader, Turn the Ship Around, David l Marquette, executive coaching.SPEAKERSAdam Warner, Stuart WebbStuart Webb [00:00:31]:Hi, and welcome back to It's Not Rocket Science five questions over coffee. On this occasion, here is my coffee in my mug here. I'm joined by Adam Warner. Adam is a CTO coach helping, executive thinking within those people who are technical leaders. So, Adam, welcome to It's Not Rocket Science five questions over coffee.Adam Warner [00:00:54]:Thanks Thanks so much. Good to have me. Good to have you here. Thanks so much.Stuart Webb [00:00:57]:So so, Adam, let's start by, just exploring exactly it is who it is you help. What are the sort of people that are reaching out to you and asking for your help as a CTO coach?Adam Warner [00:01:07]:Yeah. Sure. So typically, it's the CTO, the chief technology officer, or the most senior technology leader in a company if they aren't called the CTO. They could be anywhere from startup, scale up, large enterprises, and they're typically someone who's transitioned, as you said, from being a hands on software engineer of some sort, VP engineering, into that senior leadership role. And it can be from almost, you know, any vertical. They're often incredibly skilled technically, but often feel unprepared for the broader executive responsibilities that they now find themselves with at at the CTO level. So often it's around, you know, aligning tech with business goals, building up their teams, and then they often face challenges in securing buy in from the other executives and then building that sort of leadership presence at the executive and board level.Stuart Webb [00:01:55]:So tell me, what are the sort of problems that these people have faced before they get in an an expert while you you involved, you know, in terms of both the business issues and also sometimes some of those, some of those more soft skills, the the the persuasion, the ability to influence?Adam Warner [00:02:15]:Yeah. That that's that's pretty much it. So I think there's there's a couple of things that people face. And and one of them is, the the the gap between the technical expertise and the strategic leadership. They're sort of trying to cross this, what I call the CTO chasm, really. And it's really about moving from being an individual contributor to being, working through delegation. It's going from the tactical approach to the strategic approach. And at the same time, migrating that view from the, sort of execution oriented perspective to the vision oriented perspective.Adam Warner [00:02:48]:And and the kind of feelings that people come to me with is sort of frustration, sometimes it's burnout, sometimes it's careers, stalled career growth. And sometimes I find them where they're sort of firefighting every day. They're struggling to get time to think strategically, sort of lurching from issue to issue, and often struggling to sort of step back and give themselves space and time to lead proactively because they're constantly in execution mode rather than thinking long term. And without the right guidance, people can make this transition. You know, it can take years of trial and error. But my role really is to help them cross that, well, you know, the CTO chasm as I call it, by accelerating that process of trying to figure out all of those things together and get them all to line up. A bit like getting all of the tumblers in a lock to line up at once so you can move to that next level and act strategically.Stuart Webb [00:03:36]:So, Adam, you must have one valuable piece of advice or one valuable, piece of, offering that you can you can give to people at the moment. What is that that offer that you get?Adam Warner [00:03:48]:I've got three, actually. One of the simplest and most powerful things a CTO can do, I think, is to implement a sort of a weekly strategical reflection session. So just setting aside thirty minutes every week to just analyze what are the biggest strategic risks I face, how well is my engineering team aligned with business goals, where am I spending my time. So just thirty minutes a week set aside for yourself to reflect and figure out where you're going. It's something that's completely free, completely straightforward, and and everybody can implement that straight away to to strong effect. I also offer a free thirty minute introduction call, with every CTO who'd like to have a chat with me, and I take the approach of helping first. So it's a good way to get some instant feedback on the current challenges and some of the other options that are available to you in terms of the different directions you could go in. And then lastly, I also host a podcast, as you mentioned in the beginning, called the CTO Playbook.Adam Warner [00:04:38]:That's aimed primarily at helping CTOs excel in their role. Taking a a playbook in each episode, often with a guest speaker who's an absolute expert in their area that they work in their topic. And you can find that podcast by searching for the TCO the CTO playbook, sorry, on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting my website, sunnova.tech/podcast.Stuart Webb [00:05:00]:So we're gonna we're gonna put a link to those things that Adam just mentioned in our, our free vault which is systemize.me/free-stuff. So if you go to systemize.me, if you didn't catch any of that, go to systemize.me-freestuff. I'll put that as well into the notes. You can you can you can catch all those, those valuable free offers that I've just offered you there. So, we'll we'll have those in our show notes. Adam, I'm I'm gonna sort of, try to sort of dive in a little bit to the sort of acumen behind the, behind the CTO coach here. That must have been a book, a program, a life experience, something which brought you to where you are today? What what what was it that sort of took you on the journey? What ended up sort of, you know, becoming Adam, the CTO coach, and what was it that inspired that?Adam Warner [00:05:54]:Yeah. So about twelve years ago, I became a founder of a startup, a cofounder, I should say. I started side, Stephen, who's the founder of Satago. And I sort of went through that role, figuring things out the hard way. Most of the time, I had some good mentors along the way with members of seed camps who had access to a a couple of great people, from there. But it was that kind of it was that sort of step of of, first of all, figuring out all the challenges I had in front of me and working out step by step, you know, sort of using the brute force approach to get through it. And I think, really, the thing that that brought it home was is this idea of stopping thinking like an engineer and beginning to think like a business leader. And there was really two, areas there.Adam Warner [00:06:33]:So one was this transition of trying to figure out a lot of things at once, which you already mentioned, Crossing the CTO Chasm. And the other one was really closely related to that, which is actually from the, Patrick Lencioni book on the five dysfunctions of a team, which is that you gotta you gotta act in your first team. And in that case, as a CTO, that's the executive team. It isn't the engineering team. So So that's another one of those key transitions that once I figured out and got my head around it, became a lot easier to understand what was expected of me. And in terms of mindset shift, there was also a book that really helped, which I'd been recommended years earlier, but really came into its own. And that's a book called Turn the Ship Around by David l Marquette. And the reason it's so useful is because it represents that mindset shift to the leader, to then stop that process of of change across the entire team as well as in yourself.Stuart Webb [00:07:18]:Brilliant. Look, Adam, it's been me asking the questions up until now, and I I guess one of the things that you must be thinking is, well, there's a second obvious question. Why isn't he asked it? And so, therefore, I am going to, immediately turn that over to you and say, what is that obvious question that you wish I have asked you at this stage? And and, obviously, as it will be your question, you'll need to answer it for us. So what's the obvious question that I haven't asked you up until now?Adam Warner [00:07:45]:So the obvious question is why don't more CTOs get coaching?Stuart Webb [00:07:51]:Why doesn't everybody get more coaching? Adam, are they? It's not a not a problem limited to CTOs. I often wonder why it is that people are somehow resistant to the whole idea of having somebody that they can sort of rely on and and tap ask and and be outside of a situation to just say, do you know, I just want an ear?Adam Warner [00:08:10]:And a lot of the times, I think people do rely on their immediate leader. They have, a mentor. A lot of people have somebody. And in other cases, people go to coaching and training courses. But I think with CTOs, there's a particular challenge in that. I think many c CEOs get coaching. And in fact, I think if most CTOs turn around to their to their most most CTOs turn around to their CEO and say, do you get coaching? The answer would probably be yes. And that's also true for many CFOs and COOs.Adam Warner [00:08:37]:But it so there's a lack of awareness that CTOs don't really realize it's an option. Often, CTOs being classed as a delivery role rather than an executive role. And so, it's just not that common. There's not many people who talk about CTO coaching. That's one thing. I think the other the other reason is is applicability. I think there's a there's a lot of executive coaches out there and they're quite generic, in terms of the the background that they expect somebody to have. And it doesn't always apply or resonate particularly well with the CTO.Adam Warner [00:09:09]:There's a difference in the the course you take through a company from engineering than if you come, for example, sales or marketing, where you've got a lot more focus and emphasis on, for example, communication. I think training courses fill some of this gap. I think mentors can really help. But mentors can, you know, they can be a bit hit and miss based on the right kinds of experience. The CTO role might be only forty years old, but it's a very broad church in terms of the different kinds of roles that CTO covers. So my approach, for coaching is slightly different. I basically blend together coaching, teaching, and mentoring. And so coaching is that, you know, the blockers, the fears, the confidence, you know, in some cases, the imposter syndrome.Adam Warner [00:09:48]:Teaching is the frameworks and playbooks that you haven't been previously exposed to or had experience in. And mentoring is kind of two folds mentoring. One is holding people to account based on promises and expectations, but the other part is also being able to bounce ideas off somebody, with a lot more experience and background. And, you know, what are the unexpected side effects? What would be the in consequences that I can't foresee coming from those kinds of things? And so having that, approach, really, I think a lot of CTOs just don't realize that coaching's available and out there. There aren't that many CTO coaches who specifically focus on this.Stuart Webb [00:10:22]:Brilliant. Adam, thank you so much for spending a few minutes with us and talking us through that. I'm just gonna leave, one final, link for people. If you would like to get on to the, the mailing list that we send out, we send out an email about once a week, and we just let people know about who's coming up on the podcast and other things that we're thinking about at the moment. It it contains two or three things that we're thinking about, two or three things that are common and going on in the world, plus, plus some humor. We try and inject some humor to every newsletter because we think the world should be a brighter, buprenier place. But if you'd like to get onto that newsletter list, come on to systemize.me/subscribe. That's systemize.me/subscribe.Stuart Webb [00:11:05]:Alan, thank you so much for spending a few minutes with us. Really appreciate it. I hope to hear in the future how many more people get their coaching from the CTO background, and go on to become successful executives. Thank you so much.Adam Warner [00:11:18]:Thank you, Stuart. Great to have you. Get full access to It's Not Rocket Science! at thecompleteapproach.substack.com/subscribe

June 16, 2025: Corina Clark, COO at Gardner Health Services and one of Becker's "COOs to Know," discusses her transformative journey as a leader in communal, equitable healthcare. Drawing from influential mentors who shaped her leadership philosophy, Corina discusses how equity must serve as "the lens through which we look at clinical decision-making" rather than just a checkbox exercise. She offers practical strategies for balancing operational excellence with personal sustainability, including implementing scheduled "no meeting zones" and leading impromptu zumba classes that reconnect her team to their core purpose. Corina's forward-thinking vision for community health aims to transcend traditional care models, reimagining spaces where prevention, wellness, and trust-building form the foundation of truly patient-centered care. Key Points: 03:47 Leadership and Equity in Healthcare 09:44 Operational Challenges and Innovations 15:42 Mentorship and Personal Influences 23:02 Innovating in Community Health 38:00 Lightning Round X: This Week Health LinkedIn: This Week Health Donate: Alex's Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

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 searching for a high-impact executive. Discover a structured interviewing process that evaluates both cultural fit and technical expertise, ensuring your new leader complements the CEO and drives the company forward. You'll also understand how rigorous reference checks provide critical insights into a candidate's true character and capabilities before making a hiring decision.Cameron uncovers best practices for defining compensation, clarifying roles, and setting organizational expectations that attract and retain top executives. You'll learn how to balance respect for existing leaders while empowering your new hire to remove obstacles and foster alignment across the company, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.The podcast explores how careful alignment of expectations and responsibilities can help create a harmonious, effective leadership structure that drives a company forward without unnecessary friction.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The difficulty of finding COOs as they are rarely unemployed and often need to be poached. (1:05)Why the old adage of 'hire for attitude, train for skill' no longer applies, and why you must hire for both cultural fit and skill set. (4:15)The importance of choosing the right job title to match the responsibilities and compensation. (7:11)The concept of maintaining a "virtual bench" of potential candidates for future roles. (23:04)The role of HR in supporting the search 9not recruiting) and the importance of rigorous interviews. (24:32)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Preacher: Vicar Christopher Ho Date: 8 June 2025 (8.30am)

AI is rewriting the rules for marketing roles—and the expectations that come with them. In episode 88 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse dig into how job descriptions, hiring, and performance standards are shifting as AI becomes a core part of every marketer's toolkit.What you'll learn:Why activity-based job descriptions are outdated, and why outcomes and ownership matter more than everThe new skills that set marketers apart—like prompt engineering, mastering AI tools, and delivering a high signal-to-noise ratio in your workHow the definition of “quality” has changed, and why B+ work is no longer enough when everyone has access to the same AI-powered shortcutsThe idea that every hire is now a “team of one” backed by powerful AI, and what that means for productivity and accountabilityHow to update your job descriptions and interviews to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to drive real business results—not just outputWhy testing, feedback, and iteration are now table stakes, and why marketers need to use their extra time for deeper work, not just more workYou'll hear practical examples for content marketing roles, tips for raising the bar on quality, and a candid look at how reputation and professional equity are evolving in the age of AI. The conversation is honest, sometimes a bit unfinished, and full of real-world perspective from two leaders who've seen the shift up close. B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:The State of B2B SaaS SEO in the Age of AI [2025]Unlocking the power of AI: Transform your content creation processHow Google's New AI Mode Is Reshaping B2B SaaS Marketing T2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKS Since 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

Preacher: Senior Pastor Daniel Wee Date: 31 May 2025 (2.30pm)

How can CEOs prevent political strife and foster a cohesive work environment? Cameron Herold, widely known as the CEO Whisperer, highlights the critical importance of the COO role through his establishment of the COO Alliance, a global network empowering second-in-commands across numerous countries. Drawing from his experience in scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Cameron articulates how COOs are pivotal in steering organizational growth and operational excellence. He advocates for the strategic insight and decision-making autonomy that COOs must possess, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions between C-level roles and other managerial positions to ensure fair compensation and effective leadership. As an author and speaker, Herold stresses the COOs' essential role in transforming visionary ideas into sustainable success, a perspective that underscores the value of strategic leadership in navigating the complexities of organizational growth. Key Takeaways The COO role requires strategic insight, P&L responsibility, and the ability to manage functional areas of the business. Distinguishing between the COO and other operational roles like VP of Operations is crucial to emphasize participation in the strategic process. Core values play a critical role in shaping organizational culture, and CEOs need to embody these values to create a cohesive work environment. Investing in leadership development and continuous training for managers is essential for sustainable growth of organizations. Addressing underperforming employees is crucial to maintaining a strong organizational culture and encouraging accountability among team members. CEOs need to be aware of natural transitions a company goes through to effectively scale up employees and maintain growth.   More from Cameron Herold Cameron Herold is a lifelong entrepreneur who was raised to think differently. Growing up in a small town in Northern Canada, Cameron struggled in traditional school due to severe ADD, but his father—an entrepreneur himself—recognized his potential and taught him to reject the idea of a job in favor of building businesses that create opportunity for others. By 18, Cameron had launched 14 small ventures, and by 20, he was running a house-painting franchise with a dozen employees. His twenties and early thirties were spent scaling companies and coaching more than 120 entrepreneurs, including Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk's brother. But his breakout role came when he joined 1-800-GOT-JUNK? as COO, where over six years, he helped grow the company from $2 million to $106 million in revenue, expanding it to four countries and 330 cities—all while cultivating a world-class culture. Today, Cameron is the founder of the COO Alliance, the first-ever peer network dedicated to second-in-command leaders. Inspired by his own experiences in the trenches of hypergrowth and his belief that every visionary CEO needs a powerful operational partner, Cameron created the Alliance to equip COOs with the tools, community, and mentorship they often lack. Known for his hands-on leadership, sharp operational mind, and deep passion for entrepreneurship, Cameron continues to help companies scale and thrive—just as his father once helped him do.   Website: https://cameronherold.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/   If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com   You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com   LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook:  @IncCEOproject

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews LaTonya Roberts, Founder of Harmony Consulting Group, shares how she helps small business owners streamline operations, scale sustainably, and step fully into their CEO role. She discusses the power of fractional COO support, her signature operational health audit, and the importance of strategic planning. La Tonya also explains how outsourcing day-to-day operations allows founders to focus on growth, clients, and innovation. With real-life examples and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner feeling stretched too thin. Discover how to grow smarter, not harder. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Fractional COOs Add Big Value Without Full-Time Costs: You don't need a full-time operations executive to scale—fractional COOs offer expert support tailored to your business size and budget. Start with an Operational Health Audit: Assessing eight core areas of your business helps identify what's working, what needs fixing, and where to stop wasting time and energy. Strategic Planning Drives Sustainable Growth: Annual planning with clear 3–5 year goals, broken into quarterly milestones, keeps your business focused, flexible, and on track. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Step Into Your CEO Role: Let go of the day-to-day grind and focus on vision, sales, and growth—your highest-value work as a founder. Prioritize Communication with Your Fractional Exec: Clear roles, decision-making authority, and regular check-ins are key to a successful partnership. You Don't Have to Do It All Alone: Even with limited resources, bringing in trusted operational support—just a few hours a week—can unlock growth and free up your time. One action small business owners can take: According to La Tonya Roberts, one action a small business owner should take is to conduct an operational health audit to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and create a clear roadmap for sustainable growth. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Trial lawyers create law firm strategy. Law firm COOs make it happen. In this episode of Trial Lawyer View, Jason Lazarus sits down with Kimberly Dube, COO of Rob Levine Law, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to scale a law firm without losing control—or your people. Kimberly reveals the leadership mindset and operational tactics that have helped her firm grow efficiently, even in a remote environment. From weekly one-on-ones to tech-powered KPIs, this is your behind-the-scenes playbook for building a high-performing practice.

Video isn't a flashy extra in B2B SaaS marketing anymore, it's a must-have tool that is driving serious growth and leaving old-school strategies in the dust. 95% of B2B buyers lean on video before buying, and video ads can slash CPLs by ~30%! In Episode 86 of B2B Marketing Snacks, host Brian Graf and guest CMO Julian Revorio deliver the playbook on why video is now non-negotiable in B2B SaaS today. They show you how to leverage both short and long-form videos to engage more buyers and drive conversions.What You'll Learn:Why video content has become non-negotiable for B2B SaaS marketing success.How to mix short, snackable clips with longer videos for maximum impact at every stage of the funnel.The kind of ROI you can expect from video (like cutting cost-per-lead).Cool new tools & hacks that make pumping out video content a breeze.Now is the perfect time to jump in, with new AI tools making video creation easier (and cheaper) than ever. Video grabs attention and builds trust like nothing else—especially now that buyers are practically glued to short-form videos on Facebook, LinkedIn, and beyond. Don't miss out! If leveling up your marketing with video sounds good, you can't afford to skip this episode—it might just give you that unfair advantage.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:Create amazing video testimonials for your SaaS company on a budget5 tips to make your SaaS company video popBest video ever on building momentum T2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company. 

In this episode, Molly breaks down how law firms can use KPIs to drive clarity, growth, and accountability across every position—from COOs to VAs. She explores how integrating job descriptions, time templates, and gamification into KPI frameworks helps firms identify revenue opportunities, improve client retention, and build incentive-based compensation structures. This training emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging law firms to evolve and align every team member with measurable success.   Key Takeaways:   Role-Specific KPIs: Tailoring KPIs to individual job descriptions and responsibilities aids in personal and professional development. Mindset Shift: Treating all team members, including virtual assistants and part-time staff, with equal consideration enhances firm-wide performance. Continuous Improvement: Regular reviews and strategic retreats are crucial for evolving KPIs, ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with firm objectives. Motivation Through Gamification: Introducing competitive and engaging ways to achieve KPIs encourages a proactive approach to meeting firm goals.   Quote for the Show: "Your KPIs should never ever be a one and done. It will be forever and ever evolving." - Molly McGrath   Links: Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiringandempowering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/ Law Firm Admin Bootcamp: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/ Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk   Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions YouTube - https://youtu.be/VrAnk93UOUU

The era of reactive supply chain management is over. Are you ready for predictive resilience? Nick McKeehan, Managing Director at Protiviti, shares CFO-focused insights on modern supply chain disruptions, from cybersecurity to geopolitical tensions. With 25 years in finance transformation, Nick guides the shift from reactive to predictive, tech-enabled decision-making. Learn how visionary leaders collaborate across the C-suite, invest in digital twins and AI, and redefine supply chain resilience as a competitive edge. This discussion equips finance leaders to navigate volatility, boost agility, mitigate risks, and drive change in today's complex business landscape. Discussed in This Episode: How today's biggest threats—from tariffs to climate events—are reshaping modern supply chains What resilience means in a high-stakes global economy The CFO's crucial role in cross-functional supply chain leadership with COOs and CIOs How leading organizations use technology like AI and digital twins for smarter planning Finance's expanding influence in risk management and strategic decisions For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

In this no-BS roundtable, David Cowen sits down with Kevin Cohn - Chief Customer Officer at Brightflag; Tyler Finn, Head of Community & Growth at SpotDraft; and Matthew Wheatley, VP, Client Strategy at Priori to unpack the real state of legal operations, talent, and transformation. Forget the panel buzzwords. This episode pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening inside high-performing legal teams. What's inside: • Legal ops has hit a plateau, but careers haven't. The smartest players are skipping the next rung and stepping into legal strategy, transformation, and C-suite alignment. • There's no ladder, just a jungle gym. From executive assistants to legal COOs, this episode is a playbook for navigating ambiguity and turning it into an advantage. • The real skill gap? It's not tech. It's knowing your value. Are you a builder, a manager, or a creator? Know your lane, then double down. This is the episode you forward to your team with one line: “This is the conversation legal ops needs to hear right now.”                                                           

More than half of all counties in Oregon are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to programs and services. In Washington County, officials are proposing more than $25 million in reductions to the $2 billion budget that would include eliminating jobs and services. In Coos County, the sheriff’s department released some of those serving time in its jail last year. In 2024, county voters turned down two different tax levies to fund government services. Even after making cuts, Coos County still faces a gap of about $1.8 million. John Sweet is one of the three commissioners that govern Coos County. Kathryn Harrington is the chair of the Washington County Commission. They both join us to share more about the budget challenges and how they’re thinking about potential cuts to programs and services for their residents.

DD and Evan, the 3rd Host are back with more things you can't say on a podcast!

Captains are supposed to be the last to leave their sinking ships, not the first. But that required act of valor has always been easier said than done — as evidenced by the story of the 1903 wreck of the S.S. South Portland off Cape Blanco. (Off Cape Blanco, Coos and Curry county; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1203a-steamer-captain-named-poultroon-of-the-sea.html)

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sara Simeone, an award-winning entrepreneur behind NoCodeLab.ai, the First Vibe Coding Launchpad that helps non-technical dreamers ship AI-powered products in just five weeks—no keyboard sorcery required. Whether you’re a Gen Z founder sketching ideas on a dorm whiteboard, an investor scouting the next scalable platform, or a corporate leader hunting for fresh growth engines, Sara’s story is your front-row seat to how Vibe Coding is about to change the way we build. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vibe coding is defined as creating something using your natural language and vibe with the code to try to understand how the product in front of you is changing as you add more prompts/features. It’s an evolution of the drag-and-drop of no-code platforms but allows you to express yourself in a clear, specific and tangible way to translate visions into products. When I stepped into the startup founder world, I realised that there was a very big problem: There are a lot of subject matter experts who had a lot of dreams, but they couldn’t make these into tangible products. A lot of accelerator programmes only teach you how to launch a product rather than create one because they take for granted that you have a technical co-founder or you can create it yourself, this excludes non-technical founders from a big portion of the entrepreneurial world. Founders don’t need to become techies, but they need a new process to make tch work for them. That’s when I realised AI can help. My goal is to give non-technical founders the creative freedom to move fast but with the discipline of the corporate world. We guide them to develop something new, that wouldn’t have been able to have been developed before. It’s now possible to create, realise and build that idea, it’s a mindset shift where we can become our own CPOs, CEOs, CMO, COOs, etc, we just need the right community around us. I want founders to be aware that they can solve their own problems and they can build something in plain English. When you’re building something, ask yourself who are the customers? What do they need? How much am I going to charge for this? Once there you can start generating technical foundations and product requirements – front/back end, database, APIs, etc in order to create that product. BEST MOMENTS ‘Vibe coding was coined in 2025, so it’s brand new, but I’d been doing it before the term was created.’ ‘AI gives us a lot of tools but we need to know how to use them.’ ‘The beauty of AI platforms is that if you see that something is going wrong you can question the code, understand what’s wrong and ask the AI to fix it for you.’ ‘With vibe coding and NoCodeLab you can build your ideas in days, weeks, or months depending on your technical expertise or background.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Sara Simeone is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and product strategist who has spent the past two decades turning frontier technologies into real-world growth engines. Today she wears several cutting-edge hats: Founder of NoCodeLab.ai, the first vibe-driven coding accelerator for non-technical founders; CEO & Co-founder of Niftyz.io, the Web3 token-factory that lets brands transform data and IP into tradable digital assets; and lecturer in Blockchain For Business at the MedieInstitutet in Sweden. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website

Innovation comes in many forms, and compliance professionals need to be ready for it and embrace it. Join Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, as he visits with top innovative minds, thinkers, and creators in the award-winning Innovation in Compliance podcast. In this episode, host Tom Fox visits with La Tonya Roberts to discuss the concept of the fractional COO and how it can benefit organizations of all sizes. Roberts shares her professional journey, including transitioning from working for a major consulting firm to becoming an entrepreneur and fractional COO. She emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, relationship building, and effective change management in achieving business success. She also highlights how fractional COOs can provide valuable expertise to visionary founders and smaller companies, ensuring operations run smoothly and effectively. They explore the critical role of a fractional COO in supporting business growth, optimizing processes, and leveraging AI to enhance efficiency. Roberts introduces her Operations Gold Mine Framework, an eight-part process that helps businesses develop sustainable and scalable operations. Listeners will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the fractional COO model and practical tips for fostering resilience and creativity in the entrepreneurial space. Key highlights: • Roberts's Professional Journey• The Fractional COO Model• Leveraging AI in Business• CEO and COO Relationship Dynamics• Operations Gold Mine Framework Resources La Tonya Roberts on LinkedIn Harmony Consulting Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Innovation in Compliance was recently honored as the number 4 podcast in Risk Management by 1,000,000 Podcasts.

Today we're into the behind-the-scenes journey of taking a beloved cult-favorite product from small-batch to store shelves across the country. I'm joined by the Justin Oleesky, COO of Coconut Cult, a brand that's made waves in the probiotic space with its ultra-potent coconut yogurt—and a company that's learned a lot about what it takes to scale into national distribution without losing your mind.We'll explore the operational challenges that come with growing fast: managing complex retailer requirements, staying resilient through economic uncertainty and tariffs, and keeping logistics on track when your systems start to buckle under volume. You'll also hear how they chose CRSTL as their EDI partner, what makes CRSTL different from other providers, and how that decision transformed their backend operations—saving time, reducing errors, and unlocking growth.Whether you're just starting to think about wholesale or already in retail and feeling the pressure of scale, this episode is packed with actionable lessons for founders, COOs, and operations leads alike.Sponsored by CRSTLCrstl is the smarter way to EDI. Get 25% off your entire first year and onboarded to any trading partner in 2 weeks or less. No complex setups, no delays—just fast, reliable, automated EDI at the lowest total cost of ownership. E-mail grace@foodbevy.comStartup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron dives into the unique dynamics between COOs and CEOs, comparing them to how men and women perceive the world differently. Cameron discusses the relatively short tenure of most COOs and how the role evolves as a company scales. He also touches on how the COO's skill set may not always keep pace with the company's growth, leading to frequent turnover.You'll learn about the changing gender dynamics within the COO position, noting how women now comprise a significant portion of COOs. With examples from well-known companies like Facebook, Cameron delves into the idea that the COO role is often misunderstood as a stepping stone to the CEO position, when in reality, many COOs don't aspire to take on that higher-level responsibility.This episode offers insights into the evolving responsibilities of COOs in today's business landscape, particularly their role in digital transformation and technological adaptation.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why the role of a COO is often more dynamic and requires a broader set of skills compared to other functional heads. (2:19)The significant decrease in the gender gap in COO roles over the past 15 to 20 years. (2:44)Why compensation for a COO should be tied to strategic insight, P&L responsibility, and the number of partners brought into the company. (7:12)The role of the COO in project alignment and resource allocation (8:11)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Suketu Gandhi and Joe Lynch discuss the strategic COO: navigating disruption and driving change. Suketu is a partner and global chair for the Strategic Operations Practice at Kearney, a leading management consulting firm. About Suketu Ghandi Suketu Gandhi is a partner and global chair for the Strategic Operations Practice at Kearney, a leading management consulting firm. Based in Chicago, his expertise covers a wide range of operations topics, with an emphasis on end-to-end supply chains and their redesign for four critical purposes, growth, cost, resilience, and sustainability. Noting that the key to maximizing their effectiveness lies in the combination of human intelligence, AI, and automation, he underpins this with a deep understanding of how global operations work. Suketu's passion for operations work goes back to the earliest days of his career with a major retailer. Now, he puts this knowledge to work for clients throughout the consumer and retail space. Suketu is frequently published on operations transformation topics in outlets such as HBR, MIT Sloan Management Review, and The Wall Street Journal. About Kearney Since 1926, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact. To learn more about Kearney, please visit www.kearney.com. Key Takeaways: The Strategic COO: Navigating Disruption and Driving Change Kearney's third annual COO survey, in collaboration with AWS, reveals that while COOs anticipate organizational growth in 2025, they foresee significant hurdles related to skills gaps and execution challenges. The research highlights key findings from the survey of over 120 senior operations leaders, indicating a shift in priorities from pure cost efficiency to a more balanced strategy emphasizing innovation, risk management, and the integration of technologies like GenAI in supply chains. The purpose of the survey is to identify the major concerns and strategic shifts among COOs, revealing an "execution gap" and a critical need to address skill shortages and proactively manage risks in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Global & Legacy Powerhouse: Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Chicago, Kearney is a top-tier management consulting firm with a presence in 40+ countries, serving Fortune Global 500 clients across industries. Strategic Expertise at the Core: Renowned for excellence in strategic operations, sourcing, procurement, and transformation — Kearney consistently ranks among global leaders in these areas. Forward-Thinking Insights: Through thought leadership like the FDI Confidence Index and Global Business Policy Council, Kearney shapes conversations on global economics, innovation, and disruption. People-First, Impact-Driven: With a culture rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and purpose, Kearney focuses on delivering measurable change while fostering a diverse and empowered workforce. Learn More About The Strategic COO: Navigating Disruption and Driving Change Suketu Gandhi | Linekdin Kearney | Linkedin Kearney Beyond survival: the new operational playbook separating leaders from laggards in 2025 Manage Capital Investments Like a Supply Chain What Fast-Moving Companies Do Differently Leveraging New Tech to Boost Supply Chain Resilience The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube  

What happens when a nine-year-old boy hears blood-curdling screams outside his remote California trailer — and decades later finds himself staring into massive glowing eyes deep in Oregon's Elliott State Forest?In this unforgettable and chilling episode, we welcome back David, a longtime listener and previous caller, to share his astonishing journey with the unexplained. David takes us from early childhood experiences in Junction City and Trinity Center, California — where a mysterious creature left claw marks at the top of a 10-foot trailer door — to a jaw-dropping series of events in the forests of southern Oregon in 2019.Over nine days of elk hunting, David, his wife, and his sister encountered vocalizations, unblinking reflective eyes, shadowy figures in the brush — and finally, a deafening roar that forced them to abandon camp in the middle of the night. But that's not all. David also reveals a life-changing encounter involving red orbs, alien beings... and a family of Sasquatch seemingly abducted alongside him.More than a Bigfoot story, this episode explores memory, mystery, and how the deepest forests still hold secrets science can't explain.

Are you pricing your AI software correctly?Whether you're trying to attract early users to a new AI SaaS offering or rethinking your model to scale an established product, you have to choose the right pricing model. If you pick the right one for your stage and audience, you'll avoid churn risks and gain a new strategic tool to drive growth. In Episode 85 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, host Brian Graf and guest CMO Antoine Vial break down the major pricing models emerging in the AI-driven SaaS space – from traditional seat-based subscriptions to usage-based and outcome/value-based pricing.You'll learn how to align your pricing with your ideal customer profile and overall go-to-market strategy, ensuring your pricing not only generates revenue but also reinforces the value of your AI-powered solution.Here are the episode's critical subjects:Why pricing is a critical differentiator in the AI SaaS market: How the explosion of AI startups has made pricing strategy a key way to signal value and stand out in a crowded field.Pros and cons of key pricing models: An in-depth look at seat/subscription pricing vs. usage-based pricing vs. value-based (outcome-based) pricing – including their benefits (e.g. predictability vs. flexibility) and potential downsides (like cost unpredictability or complexity).Hybrid pricing strategies in action: How combining models (for example, a base subscription plus usage-based add-ons or credits) can balance stable revenue with customer flexibility, and why this hybrid approach is popular for many AI-powered tools.When to use each model based on growth stage: Guidance on matching your pricing strategy to your company's maturity – from keeping it simple at the MVP stage to reduce friction, to moving toward value-based pricing once you have product-market fit and proven outcomes.Aligning pricing with your ideal customer profile: The importance of understanding your target audience's expectations and industry norms (e.g. are they used to pay-per-use or prefer flat rates?) and tailoring your pricing model to meet those expectations and maximize adoption.​​Using pricing to build credibility and trust: How a well-designed pricing scheme can serve as a credibility signal – for instance, value-based pricing demonstrates confidence in your product's ROI – and why transparency (like free tiers or clear pricing pages) can lower barriers for new users.Common pitfalls to avoid in pricing an AI product: Insights on mistakes SaaS companies make, such as overcomplicating pricing too early or misaligning price with value, and how to iterate and test your pricing safely as you learn from customer behavior.Get ready to explore which pricing strategies work best at different stages of a company's growth and product maturity -- information that's applicable to early-stage startups and scale-ups alike. Certain approaches (like hybrid usage models or value-based pricing) can build credibility and trust with customers, while others can create churn risk if misaligned with customer expectations.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:BSMS 84 - Positioning for AI SaaS companiesBSMS 67 - The impact of AI on marketingUnlocking the power of AI: Transform your content creation processThe State of B2B SaaS SEO in the Age of AI [2025]T2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company. 

What happens when your real estate team is built on friendship but lacks the right mix of skills, and how do you fix it before it breaks everything? In this episode, Angel welcomes real estate investor and developer Andy McMullen for a deep dive into team dynamics, communication, and the reality of partnerships in the multifamily and build-to-rent space. Andy reflects on two decades of lessons learned—from stumbling through his first syndication to building a high-performing team with diverse skill sets. The conversation unpacks what makes partnerships succeed or fail, the importance of identifying your strengths, and how to set up systems that allow teams to pivot when markets shift.   [00:01 - 05:00] From Residential to Syndication: Andy's Starting Point What the transition from brokerage and development to multifamily syndication taught Andy early on Why build-to-rent is a growing strategy for families and institutional buyers alike The significance of phased development as a risk management tool   [05:01 - 10:24] | Team Troubles and Realignment The importance of exit strategies—both for deals and for partnerships Why some team “divorces” are about fit, not failure How different personality types impact leadership and team performance under pressure   [10:25 - 15:46] | Discovering and Owning Your Superpower How Angel and her husband divided roles based on strengths—not assumptions The need to understand what truly energizes each team member Why knowing your natural talents isn't just helpful—it's necessary   [15:47 - 19:30] | When Being the Smartest Person Fails Why Andy's first syndication fell apart—and what he learned from the fallout The need for humility and delegation in high-stakes deals The importance of building relationships with investors, property managers, and tenants   [19:31 - 00:23:53] Ego, Leadership, and Letting Go How Andy redefined leadership by hiring people smarter than him. The importance of structure and support roles—from COOs to virtual assistants Why scaling means giving up control and embracing feedback     Connect with Andy:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymcmullen/     Key Quotes:   “If you don't know what your superpower is, send two questions to five people. I got back seven responses that all said the same thing—and it changed how I saw myself.” - Angel William   “I wanted to be the smartest guy on the team. Then I realized I was better off surrounding myself with people who were better at everything I wasn't.” - Andy McMullen     Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

The Trump administration scrapped a civil rights agreement 14 years in the making with the Rapid City, S.D. school system. The agreement was aimed at correcting inequities for Native American students. Data show Native students in the district are given harsher punishments than their white counterparts. The students also are less likely to be in higher level classes. The decision comes as President Donald Trump has terminated nearly half of the federal Education Department's Office for Civil Rights staff. We'll also look at a Virginia tribe's suit against the commonwealth for what the tribe says is withholding Medicaid reimbursements for tribal citizens' health care. GUESTS Walt Swan Jr. (Miniconjou Lakota), Rapid City Area Schools board member and executive director of Friends of the Children – He Sapa Tyresha Grey Horse (Oglala Lakota), chair of Title VI Parent Advisory Committee for Rapid City Area Schools and program director of Friends of the Children – He Sapa Sarah White (Oglala Lakota), executive director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition Thomas Badamo (Nansemond), tribal council treasurer for the Nansemond Indian Nation  Jessie Barrington (Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians), attorney with Cultural Heritage Partners

When your board asks, “Why this GC?”, you'd better have a good answer. That's where Anne Kerwin Payne comes in. In this episode, Mary O'Carroll sits down with one of the most trusted names in legal executive search. As founder and managing director of Kerwin Associates, Anne has helped place legal and compliance leaders at some of the most innovative companies in the world. She knows what it takes to stand out—and what gets overlooked. They dive deep into what CEOs are really looking for in today's legal hires, and why pedigree alone won't cut it. Whether you're an aspiring general counsel or a legal ops pro helping build the next great team, this episode delivers a masterclass in legal leadership hiring. In this episode: The Judgment Factor: Why outstanding judgment—not technical chops—is the #1 trait companies want in legal leaders. The Resume vs. The Room: How communication style and presence carry more weight than you might think—and why the best GCs can command a boardroom with just a few words. Storytelling That Sells: How to craft a career narrative that makes sense, even with lateral moves, gaps, or a long stint at one company. Following the Leader: Why the ability to attract and develop top talent says more about your leadership than your title ever will. The Business-Minded Lawyer: CEOs want legal partners who think like operators. Anne explains why general counsels are increasingly expected to function like COOs. The Reality of the Market: From backdoor references to AI disruption, get a brutally honest take on today's hiring landscape and what it means for your next move. Whether you're job-hunting, hiring, or just trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is full of insights you can't afford to miss. Follow Mary on LinkedIn Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

With over 14,000 new AI startups in the past few years and nearly every software tool now adding “AI” to its messaging, how can your AI-powered SaaS product stand out? In Episode 84 of BSMS Marketing Snacks, host Brian Graf and special guest CMO Antoine Vial (fractional CMO for 20+ SaaS companies) explore why technical features alone aren't enough to win customers during the AI gold rush. You need to craft messaging around the real outcomes and value you deliver. They use real examples (like how one startup niched down with “personalization at scale” for a specific audience before broadening out) to illustrate effective go-to-market tactics. You'll hear about emerging trends: from new pricing models in an AI-first era to booming verticals like customer support, sales automation, analytics, cybersecurity, and more.This episode covers:Differentiating in a Saturated AI Market: Why the explosion of AI startups makes clear positioning more important than ever, and how to avoid getting lost in a sea of “AI-powered” claims.Outcome-Focused Positioning: How to move beyond bragging about algorithms and instead highlight the concrete business outcomes and “jobs-to-be-done” your product delivers for customers.The Power of Niche & Early Adopters: A playbook for niching down – targeting a specific vertical or problem first – to gain traction and product-market fit (and how companies like Clay used this strategy to build momentum).Evolving Your Go-to-Market Strategy: Tips on identifying your ideal early adopters, refining your messaging for that subsegment, then expanding thoughtfully once you've established a foothold.Emerging Pricing Models for AI SaaS: An overview of pricing trends – from traditional subscriptions and tiered plans to usage-based “credit” models and value-based pricing – and how these choices support (or hinder) your positioning.Industry Trends & Examples: Insights into key AI-driven verticals (from AI voice agents in customer service to AI coding assistants) and what's helping the winners in those niches break through the noise.Cutting Through Hype to Drive Adoption: Why simply having AI isn't a strategy, and practical advice for founders on communicating your unique value so customers understand why your solution matters to them.For B2B SaaS founders and marketing leaders driving companies above $2M ARR, this conversation is a masterclass in standing out and scaling up in the AI era. As your company grows, the stakes of positioning only get higher – especially when you're competing in a hot space with well-funded entrants and legacy players all touting AI. Episode 84 arms you with expert perspectives on sharpening your value proposition and go-to-market focus. You can refine your messaging, target the right niche audiences, and align your pricing with value – all of which are crucial to accelerating growth beyond the $2M mark. Make sure your AI-powered product isn't just another face in the crowd, but a clearly differentiated solution poised for long-term success.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:BSMS 67 - The impact of AI on marketingUnlocking the power of AI: Transform your content creation processThe State of B2B SaaS SEO in the Age of AI [2025]T2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company. 

Welcome to another episode of Business Lunch! In today's episode, Roland dives into one of the biggest reasons businesses fail to scale: hiring the wrong operators or not hiring them at all. He breaks down the key differences between COOs and CFOs, why founders are often terrible at operations, and how to stop building your company on a house of cards. If you've ever struggled with finance, HR, or finding someone who can truly run the day-to-day operations, this episode is for you.Highlights:“The COO role is the most misunderstood position in the company.”“If you don't have great HR, you don't have a great company.”“Finance is the GPS of your business. Without it, you're driving blind.”“Hiring a fractional CFO before you need one is like turning on headlights before it gets dark—it keeps you safe.”Timestamps:00:00 The Operational Blind Spot01:38 COO vs. Integrator vs. Operator04:57 The Real Job of a COO07:21 Why Founders Suck at Ops09:14 The CFO as Business Strategist12:06 HR: The Most Undervalued Department14:43 Don't Wait to Hire a Fractional CFO17:50 Delegation vs Abdication19:46 How to Audit Your Org Chart22:10 Final Thoughts on Scaling SmarterCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Avoid the Hidden Traps in Your Compensation Plan and Financial Planning as a Six-Figure Earner. In episode 47 of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we sat down with Brenton Harrison, a Certified Financial Planner who specializes in helping first- and second-generation high-income earners. Brenton pulls back the curtain on the emotional baggage that often comes with financial success, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of compensation plans that sound good on paper but leave you over-leveraged, underpaid, or misinformed. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever second-guessed your bonus structure, wondered whether equity is really worth it, or felt embarrassed not knowing what questions to ask about financial planning. Brenton's insights will challenge how you think about money, and give you the tools to build a smarter, more sustainable financial future. You'll hear all about: 00:41 – Meet Brenton Harrison: Financial planner for first- and second-generation high earners 02:25 – Why Brenton launched New Money, New Problems and the emotional baggage behind financial success 05:40 – The blind spots of compensation plans for seconds-in-command 07:55 – Why “you should be thankful” is a red flag in any compensation conversation 10:32 – When commissions and bonuses are more about control than reward 14:47 – How to recognize a toxic comp plan 17:10 – Planning for income that fluctuates (like commission-based roles) 21:18 – Should you accept equity? What questions to ask first 25:00 – The “six-figure lifestyle” trap 27:36 – How high earners can build a financial strategy that's actually sustainable 30:41 – Why your net worth matters more than your income 32:19 – Tips for COOs navigating equity, risk, and career growth 36:03 – When to hire a financial planner—and what to look for 38:45 – Brenton's advice for COOs in fast-growing companies   Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: New Money, New Problems website Brenton D. Harrison's Instagram  New Money, New Problems Podcast Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

When economic and market turbulence strikes without warning, SaaS founders and marketers naturally start to wonder... should we cut marketing budget, pivot our message, or hold the line? In Episode 83 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, co-hosts Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse explore how B2B SaaS companies can not only survive but thrive when the economy takes a dip. You'll hear why maintaining focus on customer value is more important than ever, and how to avoid knee-jerk reactions that can hurt long-term growth. Here's what you'll learn:Why value beats panic pricing: How to double down on real customer value and practice value-based pricing instead of slashing prices or entering a race to the bottom, ensuring your offering remains essential even as budgets tighten.Adapting your ICP and personas: How to re-evaluate your Ideal Customer Profile in a downturn – identifying which segments of your market still have budget or greater need for your solution – and adjusting your buyer personas (e.g. addressing newly empowered CFOs) to align with shifting priorities.Retention and expansion first: Why it's crucial to prioritize customer retention and expansion over pure new customer acquisition during a recession. Learn ways to strengthen customer success, keep your existing clients happy, and grow revenue from your install base so you protect your ARR.Smart budget optimization: Guidance on trimming the fat in your marketing spend without killing your growth engine. Discover how to audit your channels and CAC, cut the underperforming tactics, and double down on the efficient strategies so your go-to-market stays lean and effective.Flexible pricing & “survivor” offers: Creative strategies to help customers stay on board. This includes shifting to usage-based or monthly pricing options, offering more flexible payment terms, or even introducing a limited-time “survivor package” – a pared-down, high-ROI product tier designed to prevent churn and attract budget-conscious buyers from less flexible competitors.Pivoting your content strategy: How to tweak your marketing messaging and content in tough times. Our hosts share why thought leadership alone isn't enough in a downturn – and how creating practical “survival” guides, checklists, and playbooks for your audience can build trust and relevance. (Spoiler alert... help your champions justify your product internally by focusing on immediate execution and ROI, not just big ideas.)Rather than resorting to fear-driven cuts, you'll learn how to strategically adjust your approach – protecting the customer base you've worked hard to build and seizing opportunities that competitors might miss. Brian and Stijn's advice will help you keep your growth engine running strong (even on a leaner budget), align your product and messaging with what customers need right now, and ultimately come out of the downturn with a healthier, more focused business. B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:How to update your B2B Marketing Strategy in a recession8 B2B marketing tips to offer a modern and adaptive marketing strategy4 Red Flags in SaaS MarketingHiring great marketers in todays outsourced labor marketT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

Feeling overwhelmed by a never ending to-do list, or struggling to balance high impact work with personal growth? The development matrix can help.In Episode 82 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, co-hosts Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse dive into the Development Matrix – a simple but powerful framework for overloaded marketing leaders – and unpack how to tackle the never-ending to-do list that every B2B SaaS marketer and founder knows too well. Here's what you'll learn:The Development Matrix Framework: How to categorize your tasks into four quadrants based on how effective you are at them and how much they energize you, so you can clearly see what to keep doing and what to delegate.Prioritizing High-Impact Work: Why focusing on the tasks that generate the best outcomes (and letting go of the rest) drives better results and prevents you from getting bogged down in busywork.Delegation Done Right: Practical tips for deciding who should take on a task – whether it's a team member who'll find it exciting or an AI tool that can handle it – and how to delegate without simply “dumping” work on others.Avoiding Burnout: Insights on recognizing when a task you used to love has become a grind, and how handing it off at the right time keeps you fresh and your team motivated (no more burning the candle at both ends).Empowering Your Team: How using this framework not only frees up your time for strategic thinking, but also creates growth opportunities for your team through coaching and new responsibilities (a win-win for company culture).The “Who Not How” Mindset: Always asking “Who is best equipped to do this?” for each new project – including leveraging AI for support – so you're continually optimizing your workload for maximum impact.Time always feels scarce in SaaS marketing! The Development Matrix is a great tool to prioritize work, focus on high-impact tasks, and still make room for personal growth. This approach helps avoid burnout while keeping you focused on the work you enjoy and excel at, rather than drowning in tasks that drain you. You'll spend more time on what truly moves the needle (and what you love doing) and less on the minutiae that can be handled by others. It's a valuable playbook for scaling your leadership, preventing burnout, and building a stronger team as your SaaS business continues to grow.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:BSMS 56 - A marketing team you can affordBSMS 38 - How to employ situational awareness as a go-to-market leaderBSMS 77 - Leveling up your go to marketT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

Get practical answers to questions COOs are asking—about SOPs, staffing ahead of growth, and managing disengaged employees. In this Q&A episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long tackles real-world questions from second-in-command leaders navigating fast growth, resource constraints, and team dynamics. Whether you're wondering when to systematize your startup, how to staff for a 30% growth forecast, or what to do with employees who are just clocking in and out, this episode has guidance you can apply immediately. Megan draws on years of experience working inside and alongside founder-led businesses to help you set smart priorities and avoid common missteps. You'll hear all about: 00:00 – Introduction to the Q&A format and how to submit your own questions 01:47 – Q1: Prioritizing SOPs and processes at an early-stage company with ambitious growth goals 02:11 – Why sales and marketing systems must come before internal process-building 03:10 – Strategic planning example: focusing on partnerships and lead gen over documentation 04:08 – A warning: 300% growth will break your current systems—so build flexibly 05:08 – Story: Megan's mistake of over-documenting accounting procedures too early 06:47 – Challenge your CEO on whether SOPs are the most urgent need right now 07:08 – Q2: Should you staff up in anticipation of growth or wait until overwhelmed? 08:16 – The cultural and operational risks of premature hiring 08:46 – Megan's rule of thumb: distinguish between proven vs. unproven growth 09:04 – Second First benchmarking data: turnover and revenue trends across members 10:07 – Forecasting in the post-2020 era: why historical data can be misleading Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Ever wish you could boost revenue without scrambling for new customers? You can! But only if you maximize the hidden growth opportunity in your existing customer base. In Episode 81 of B2B Marketing Snacks, co-hosts Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse welcome back B2B SaaS CMO Cecilia Pérez-Muskus to continue the discussion from Episode 80. Our very own B2B SaaS experts dig into how the best SaaS companies drive over 50% of their revenue from current customers (while the average is only ~28%). They have practical advice for you on using customer success, product usage data, and account-based marketing to capture a ton of untapped revenue.Here's what you'll learn:The biggest expansion mistakes to avoid: Why chasing new logos while ignoring current customers is a recipe for missed revenue (and even churn), and how great SaaS companies flip this script.“Land and Expand” done right: How starting with a small beachhead (a single team or use-case) can lead to multi-department wins and multi-location rollouts – without the long enterprise sales cycle.Aligning your team for growth: Tips on getting Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success on the same page to drive upsells. (Hint: your CSMs can become a second sales force when it comes to expansion, especially when they partner closely with sales reps.)Finding upsell gold in your data: How to spot upsell and cross-sell opportunities by analyzing product usage patterns and listening to customer feedback. You'll discover ways to use surveys, support tickets, and in-app metrics to identify who's ready for an upgrade (and who might need extra love).Account-based marketing for existing customers: Tactics for running one-to-one ABM campaigns targeting your current accounts – from personalized email outreach to tailored content that addresses each customer's next potential “job to be done.”Key metrics and growth levers for expansion: Which expansion metrics matter most (think Net Revenue Retention and percent of revenue from expansions) and how to move the needle. Plus, why regularly revisiting your pricing and packaging can significantly boost customer lifetime value.Scaling isn't just about landing new deals – it's about maximizing value from your existing base to drive efficiency and profitability. You'll come away with practical ideas to improve retention, increase each account's revenue contribution, and get your team aligned on expansion as a growth strategy.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). With people cost being a majority of the cost involved, every hire needs to be well worth the investment!The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:BSMS 80 - Account expansion (part 1)FREE B2B SaaS Go-to-Market Checklist for Market ExpansionBSMS 63 - Expand your market with Ansoff's MatrixBSMS 23 - Product led growth vs. sales led growthT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

Scaling a SaaS company is about more than just landing new customers! It's about maximizing the value of the ones you already have. This episode teaches you how to unlock expansion revenue, increase customer retention, and build a more profitable SaaS business. From upselling and cross-selling to deepening customer engagement, we dive into the real tactics that fuel scalable, efficient growth from the customers you already have. Net-new customer growth alone isn't enough — you need to grow within your existing accounts.In Episode 80 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, Brian Graf and special guest CMO Cecilia Pérez-Muskus break down:Why doubling down on account expansion is often the fastest path to sustainable revenue growthHow to align sales, marketing, and customer success for seamless upsells and cross-sellsCommon mistakes B2B SaaS companies make when trying to expand accounts (and how to avoid or fix them)The role of smart pricing and packaging in boosting account expansion successHow to measure and improve expansion revenue in a practical wayIf you're seeing revenue plateau and want to drive growth without constantly chasing new customers, this is the episode for you.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). With people cost being a majority of the cost involved, every hire needs to be well worth the investment!The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:B2B SaaS Go-to-Market Checklist for Successful Market Expansion [Free Download]BSMS 31 - T2D3: How some software startups scale, where many failBSMS 43 - What to do when your numbers stallT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the often-overlooked topic of partner challenges within financial advisory firms. He outlines a five-step playbook for Chief Operating Officers (COOs) to effectively address these issues, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication, data-driven decision-making, and clear policies. The episode highlights the critical role of COOs in maintaining firm culture and performance, and the necessity of addressing conflicts head-on to ensure long-term success.Key Takeaways Inaction can lead to significant consequences for firms.Data-driven approaches help in addressing partner issues.Proactive policies are essential for managing partner behavior.Open communication fosters a healthier work environment.Documenting issues is crucial for accountability.For more information click here to visit The ClientWise Blog.Find Ray and the ClientWise Team on the ClientWise website or LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeTo join one of the largest digital communities of financial advisors, visit exchange.clientwise.com.

What happens when you get 100 of the world's most influential CSCOs and COOs in a room together? This week, the Zero100 team shares a behind-the-scenes look at Forum 2025, revealing how supply chain leaders are preparing business to cope in troubled times. Featuring: VPs Research Lauren Acoba and Geraint John, and VP of Membership, Daria Crane. What is Zero100 Forum? (1:46)Defining “Next Wave Digital” in three key themes (02:52) Attendee attitudes on change, talent, and Trump's tariffs (4:52)Insights on relocation, lobbying, and more from Zero100's Tariff Playbook (7:52) How leaders are responding to shifting trade dynamics (12:04)AI whiplash and the end of tech for tech's sake (13:50)Key challenges for the year ahead (15:30)Vinyl, magicians, and more off-stage Forum highlights (17:50)

Join as Margaret Roberts Drucker returns with another scary story, Chris makes a soothing song for these troubling times,  and Ivy Grimes reads her piece about someone swallowing a glass piano. CreditsRe-Function! by junior85 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.Life's Small Pleasures by Christopher Stevenson:DC Metro - Interior 1 by crashoveride6 is licensed under CC0https://freesound.org/people/crashoverride6/sounds/219233/Baby Girl 1 year old - Coos, Gurgles, Drops Toys by Sauron974 is licensed under CC0https://freesound.org/people/Sauron974/sounds/244237/Soothing Serenade by Universfield is licensed under Attribution 4.0https://freesound.org/people/Universfield/sounds/719269/Mockingbird by AlucardsBride is licensed under CC0https://freesound.org/people/AlucardsBride/sounds/179928/Goog rain and thunder by Soundman9826 is licended under CC0https://freesound.org/people/soundman9826/sounds/193331/Kingston NY late summer midnight crickets - some mic and freeway noise from middle.wav by samwd is licensed under CC0https://freesound.org/people/samwd/sounds/402734/Brazilian_Waterfall_River .wav by SuperStudioBR is licensed under Attribution 4.0https://freesound.org/people/SuperStudioBR/sounds/669180/Jamesport Wind Chimes.wav by acclivity is licensed under Attribution 4.0 NonCommercial https://freesound.org/people/acclivity/sounds/30606/Improvisation on Lydian Scale - Saxophone (2) by emirdemiral is licensed under Attribution 4.0 https://freesound.org/people/emirdemirel/sounds/424911/Tokyo - Drum Circle in Yoyogi Park by Manuke is licensed under CCOhttps://freesound.org/people/manuke/sounds/315885/ Dark Ambient Music (Death And Forever) by TheBoseDeityis licensed under the Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 License.https://freesound.org/people/TheBoseDeity/sounds/395691/Flower Dance by Serge Quadrado is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.Hoba by JAYUS JAZZ is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.Java Pop by Spires That in the Sunset Rise is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Spires_That_in_the_Sunset_Rise/Curse_the_Traced_Bird/Java_Pop/Washington, DC by The Nighttime Adventure Society is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License.https://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Nighttime_Adventure_Society/Chapter_One_The_First_Chapter/The_Nighttime_Adventure_Society_-_Chapter_One-_The_First_Chapter_-_01_Washington_DC/

Hiring a marketing agency could be your next logical step for growth—but it can also be a costly mistake. The wrong agency can drain your budget, delay real solutions, and create more problems than it solves.In Episode 79 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse break down:When hiring a marketing agency makes sense—and when it doesn'tWhy early-stage SaaS companies often struggle with agenciesHow to tell if your company is ready for external marketing helpThe two types of agency partnerships (results vs. expertise) and how to pick the right oneIf you're thinking about hiring a marketing agency, this episode will help you make a strategic, informed decision. You'll have a clear framework for deciding if, when, and how to work with an agency—so you can scale smarter, without wasting time or money.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). With people cost being a majority of the cost involved, every hire needs to be well worth the investment!The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:Measuring the ROI of Your SaaS Marketing AgencyMarketing-as-a-Service Agency: What It Is and Why It WorksTips for Choosing the Right Outsourced SaaS Marketing AgencyScaling SaaS: When to Hire a Specialized Marketing AgencyThe Secret to Series A SaaS Success: The Right Marketing AgencyT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the intricacies of leadership roles within organizations, focusing on a key executive position that plays a crucial part in shaping company culture and driving success: the COO. You'll learn how this role evolves over time, with special attention paid to the dynamics between two critical figures at the helm of a company. A nuanced understanding of the relationship between these roles is presented, highlighting how their partnership can lead to strategic growth and organizational harmony.Cameron also touches on how businesses in different sectors require varying approaches to leadership, especially when scaling operations and managing teams. You'll hear how the right leadership structure can determine a company's trajectory, from fostering innovation to maintaining operational efficiency.This episode brings into focus the importance of mentorship and growth, not only at the top but within the entire leadership team.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!In This Episode You'll Learn:The different types of COOs and their specific roles within a company. (1:25)The seven different types of COO, including the Executor, the Change Agent, the Mentor, etc. (3:56)Other roles often filled by the COO, including the Adult in the Room, the Follower, the Devil's Advocate, etc. (14:56) The evolution of the COO's role, and why it often serves as the 'glue' in the organization, with culture as the source of adhesion. (24:45)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders

As a B2B SaaS executive, it is fair to consider: Is my marketing team underperforming? With endless reports, unclear attribution models, and a constant flurry of activity, it can be tough to tell whether your team is actually moving the needle or just running in circles.In Episode 78 of the B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast, co-hosts Brian Graf and Stijn Hendrikse sit down with special guest CMO Antoine Vial to break down:The five key metrics that indicate whether your marketing team is strugglingHow to diagnose marketing underperformance strategically and tacticallyWhy team structure, data accuracy, and attribution models can make or break your effortsThe most common friction points between marketing, sales, and customer success—and how to align themBy the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap to assess and optimize your marketing team's performance.B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks is one of the most respected voices in the SaaS industry. It is hosted by two leading marketing and revenue growth experts for software:Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 CMO Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiBrian Graf: CEO of KalungiB2B SaaS companies move through predictable stages of marketing focus, cost and size (as described in the popular T2D3 book). With people cost being a majority of the cost involved, every hire needs to be well worth the investment!The best founders, CFOs and COOs in B2B SaaS rely on a balance of marketing leadership, strategy and execution to produce the customer and revenue growth they require. Staying flexible and nimble is a key marketing asset in a hard-charging B2B world.Resources shared in this episode:Measuring the ROI of Your SaaS Marketing Agency10 B2B SaaS Metrics & KPIs Every Founder Needs to Track to Optimize Performance7 Must-Know B2B SaaS Marketing Metric Benchmarks For SuccessT2D3 CMO MasterclassSubmit and vote on our podcast topicsABOUT B2B SAAS MARKETING SNACKSSince 2020, The B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks Podcast has offered software company founders, investors and leadership a fresh source of insights into building a complete and efficient engine for growth.Meet our Marketing Snacks Podcast Hosts: Stijn Hendrikse: Author of T2D3 Masterclass & Book, Founder of KalungiAs a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, Stijn has contributed to the success of 20+ startups as a C-level executive, including Chief Revenue Officer of Acumatica, CEO of MightyCall, a SaaS contact center solution, and leading the initial global Go-to-Market for Atera, a B2B SaaS Unicorn. Before focusing on startups, Stijn led global SMB Marketing and B2B Product Marketing for Microsoft's Office platform.Brian Graf: CEO of KalungiAs CEO of Kalungi, Brian provides high-level strategy, tactical execution, and business leadership expertise to drive long-term growth for B2B SaaS. Brian has successfully led clients in all aspects of marketing growth, from positioning and messaging to event support, product announcements, and channel-spend optimizations, generating qualified leads and brand awareness for clients while prioritizing ROI. Before Kalungi, Brian worked in television advertising, specializing in business intelligence and campaign optimization, and earned his MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business with a focus in finance and marketing.Visit Kalungi.com to learn more about growing your B2B SaaS company.

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in harmonizing and optimizing operations across an organization. We'll delve into how COOs collaborate with various departments—including engineering, marketing, finance, and human resources—to ensure cohesive strategies and efficient workflows. Listeners will gain insights into the responsibilities of a COO, such as managing daily operations, aligning company goals, fostering cross-department collaboration, and leading change management initiatives. Whether you're an aspiring COO or a business leader aiming to enhance operational efficiency, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on achieving organizational excellence.

Originally released: 4/29/24Our first interview is with Cathy from Montana, who shares multiple incidents involving strange and frightening occurrences around her home and while out in the wilderness. She describes events such as encountering a massive, unidentified creature running beside her car, witnessing bizarre behavior in wildlife, and unusual patterns of animal disappearances which suggest the presence of an unknown large predator. Cathy's experiences span over several years and various locations across Montana, encountering oddities that defy logical explanation and leave her questioning what lurks in the hidden corners of the wild. The second interviewee, David, discusses his 2019 camping trip in Oregon, where he and his companions experienced odd noises, unexplained eyeshine, and a horrific roar that led them to abandon their campsite. David also hints at a childhood experience involving something attempting to enter his family's trailer, promising to share more in a future conversation.Sasquatch Summerfest this year, is July 11th through the 12th, 2025. It's going to be fantastic. Listeners, if you're going to go, you can get a two day ticket for the cost of one. If you use the code "BFS" like Bigfoot society and it'll get you some off your cost.Priscilla was a nice enough to provide that for my listeners. So there you go. I look forward to seeing you there. So make sure you head over to www. sasquatchsummerfest. com and pick up your tickets today.If you've had similar encounters or experiences, please reach out to bigfootsociety@gmail.com. Your story could be the next one we feature!

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you need to get yourself out of agency operations so you can work ON the agency rather than in it? Are you stuck in processes and fulfillment when you should be looking at growth? It might be time to hire for the role of COO to ensure your agency's success. A Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in an agency's development, significantly reducing the CEO's operational burden. However, timing is crucial – agencies should carefully consider their growth stage before initiating the search for a COO, and thoroughly understand the position's complexities to ensure an ideal match. Our featured guest brings a unique perspective to this discussion. Having served as both COO and now CEO at her current agency, she offers valuable insights into the essential qualities needed for the role. Her experience illuminates the delicate balance required between the visionary (CEO) and the executor (COO), demonstrating how this partnership can drive optimal agency outcomes. Brittany Filori is the CEO of 51Blocks and several other white label agencies serving agency owners and entrepreneurs. She discusses the crucial role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in agency management and shares her unique journey from starting at the bottom to becoming a CEO, providing valuable insights into the relationship dynamics between CEOs and COOs. In this episode, we'll discuss: Do you need a COO or an Ops Manager? The most important roles of a great COO. The crucial CEO-COO dynamic. Preventing COO burnout. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Should You Hire an Operations Manager or a COO? The decision to hire a Chief Operating Officer (COO) marks a critical turning point in an agency's growth journey. Brittany recalls transiting to a COO role once her agency was big enough to need department managers. Of course, this can vary from business to business but for her it comes down to whether the owner was ready to hand off the keys of the business' growth, and whether they needed a second hand to get the agency to the next level. Unlike an Operations Manager, whose role is managing the team, the COO is often seen as the backbone of an organization, responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations align with broader strategic goals. According to Brittany, bringing in a COO could be the best or worst decision you make, depending on who you put in that seat. It's certainly a tricky role to hire and Brittany urges agency owners to clearly define their needs. Are you seeking someone to manage personnel, or do you need a strategic thinker to drive business growth and operational excellence? These fundamental questions can mean the difference between a successful hire and a costly misstep. Strategic Operations Staffing for Growing Agencies For growing agencies not yet ready for a COO, an operations manager can provide crucial support by taking on team management responsibilities. Given the high-stress nature of operations and its potential for burnout, finding the right person requires careful consideration of both management skills and operational expertise. Agencies usually pay a pretty penny for someone who comes in with that talent. However, for smaller agencies that don't have the budget for an Operations Manager just yet, Brittany recommends training the best account manager to start to fit into that role. A great Ops Manager should be a great leader with attention to detail and the ability to see the big picture. This internal promotion strategy provides a cost-effective path to filling a critical role while also creating growth opportunities that can boost team morale and retention. 3 Most Important Roles of an Amazing COO A COO serves as the backbone of an organization, balancing multiple critical responsibilities that directly impact both the company's success and its culture. Here are three key attributes that define an exceptional COO: Comprehensive knowledge of the agency. A great COO must understand how each department functions independently and how they interconnect to support one another. This understanding extends beyond internal operations to encompass the client perspective, as every strategic decision must account for both team capabilities and customer experience. Strong financial intelligence is crucial for effective operations management. COOs must constantly evaluate agency profitability, assess resource allocation, analyze client contribution margins, and monitor employee costs. For example, an experienced COO like Brittany learns to view every decision through both a financial and customer-centric lens. Whereas earlier in their careers, they might have focused primarily on client satisfaction without fully considering the financial impact on the agency. Leadership excellence stands as a fundamental yet often overlooked requirement. Many mistakenly believe that a COO's role revolves solely around numbers and processes. However, the position demands someone who can effectively guide and inspire teams toward organizational goals. Strong communication skills and leadership abilities are not optional extras but prerequisites for success in this role. The Dynamic Between the CEOs & COOs The relationship between CEO and COO is more nuanced than many realize, according to Brittany. At its core, it's a partnership between a visionary and an integrator, where the greatest challenge lies in maintaining distinct roles despite overlapping talents. Rather than seeking a mirror image of themselves, CEOs should look for COOs who complement their strengths—even if that means partnering with someone who seems like their opposite. With these inherent differences, CEOs and COOs must learn to manage conflict, which instead of being avoided, should be embraced as a necessary element of collaboration that can serve as a mechanism for clarity. In her case, Brittany and her COO find the most constructive way to navigate conflict is to stick to facts and remove emotion. You want a COO who will complement you while also challenging you to think differently about issues to obtain the best possible results. In an effective CEO-COO relationship, the foundation is trust and communication, anchored by shared core values and commitment to the organization's mission. Brittany's advice to CEOs is to let your COO fail. If you don't fully agree with how they're planning to execute something give them a shot to try it their way. If they fail, your job as CEO is to help pick them back up, not criticize them, because otherwise they won't feel confident bringing forward innovative ideas in the future. Preventing COO Burnout: Building a Sustainable Leadership Structure As Brittany highlights, finding the right COO is just the beginning; ensuring their longevity within the organization is equally vital. The COO often bears the brunt of operational stress, alleviating burdens from the CEO and other leadership roles. Therefore, it is crucial for agency owners to actively support their COOs by ensuring they have all the tools they need to execute efficiently and feel supported. Implementing structured platforms for dialogue, such as regular check-ins and performance reviews, can facilitate healthy discussions about workload, expectations, and career aspirations. This not only helps in managing stress levels but also reinforces a sense of partnership and collaboration between the COO and the rest of the leadership team. COOs can get overwhelmed and stressed too. Finding one that matches your organization well is already hard enough so once you do, make sure you can find a way to retain them. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

During the conversation, Cameron and Milly dive into the intricate balance of leadership, strategy, and adaptability required to navigate the fast-evolving landscape of modern business. You'll find a fresh perspective on how dynamic roles can bring order to chaos while preserving the creative spark essential for growth. Through candid insights, Milly shares her approach to designing flexible yet effective systems that allow companies to flourish during critical early stages.They also explore the delicate interplay between innovation and structure in growing organizations. How much is too much when it comes to planning? How do leaders strike a balance between guiding their teams and fostering autonomy?Milly also reflects on her unique career path, revealing how unconventional choices shaped their ability to lead and problem-solve. With a focus on people, purpose, and long-term sustainability, she shares how her experiences in philosophy, communication, and creative thinking helped build a foundation for success.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Milly's role at the London School of Economics and Imperial College London, focusing on entrepreneurship and commercializing IP. (3:11)The importance of finding something that is both a strength and a passion to productize. (5:39)The balance between offering cost-effective solutions and delivering value to clients. (16:28)How Milly matches clients with the right fractional COOs based on experience and personality. (19:24)And much more...Resources:Connect with Milly: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your Leaders