Podcasts about Coos

Is Your Marketing Strategy Built on Magic or Business Fundamentals?In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Laura Luckman-Kelber, a seasoned marketing leader and strategic powerhouse. Laura brings her real-world experience to debunk one of the biggest myths in marketing today; that success comes from a single viral moment or some kind of “magic.” Instead, she lays out why effective marketing is built on business fundamentals like margins, revenue goals, and deeply understanding your customer.Laura dives into the classic “Four Ps” of marketing, Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, and explains why too many marketers focus only on the last one. She challenges marketing teams to go deeper, collaborate with finance and sales, and ensure their efforts are tied directly to business objectives.We also explore the importance of differentiation in a saturated market, how to uncover your brand's true value, and why marketers should start thinking (and acting) more like COOs.In this episode, we cover:Why “viral video” thinking is dangerous and what real marketing success looks likeThe importance of the Four Ps and why focusing only on promotion leads to failureHow to find your brand's point of difference and avoid becoming a commodityThe power of cross-functional collaboration with finance and salesWhy marketers need to blend creativity with business acumenIf you're a marketer looking to ground your strategy in real business results, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical advice you can start using today.

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Sarah Harris, Fractional Chief Operating Officer at OMG Commerce.In this episode, you'll be taken behind the scenes of a dynamic leadership role that's often misunderstood but critical to a company's growth and health. Through candid stories and practical insights, the conversation explores the unique balance required to lead both strategically and operationally, juggling long-term vision with short-term problem-solving. You'll hear how strong delegation, prioritization, and clarity of communication help keep leaders out of the weeds and focused on what matters most.Sarah dives into the hidden challenges companies face as they scale, especially around team structure, decision-making, and culture. You'll learn why emotional intelligence, feedback systems, and psychological safety are not just soft skills but essential operational levers. The episode highlights how creating space for team autonomy, fostering accountability, and removing decision bottlenecks can unlock innovation and engagement at all levels of the business.From moments of breakthrough growth in team members to practical rituals for prioritization, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that challenge traditional notions of leadership and invite a new way of thinking about operational excellence.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:Sarah's unique background, starting in commercial roles and eventually becoming a managing director, while also being a qualified therapist and coach.The differences between working with a CEO and a founder CEO, as well as the emotional and personal stakes for the founder.The use of post-mortems and team retrospectives to uncover underlying issues and gather data for making informed decisions.The importance of building a culture of feedback and creating an environment where people feel safe giving feedback in all directions.How Sarah's background in therapy and coaching helps her approach problems with empathy and curiosity.And much more...Guest Bio:Sarah Harris is a Fractional COO at OMG Commerce with a unique blend of operational expertise, coaching depth, and psychological insight. With a background as an ICF-certified coach and MBACP-registered counsellor, she supports growth-stage companies by aligning strategy, leadership, and mindset to scale sustainably. Sarah has spent her career leading business transformation—building leadership teams, optimizing operations, and guiding founders through the complexities of growth. Her integrated approach balances execution with people-centered change, helping leaders shift how they think, lead, and show up. From organizational transformation to mergers and acquisitions, Sarah partners with businesses to create resilient, high-performing teams and structures. She knows scaling isn't just about growing, it's about building something that works and lasts.Resources:Connect with Sarah: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website |

This episode features Mark Solazzo, Chief Operating Officer of Northwell Health, as he shares insights from his 30-year career, discusses the importance of culture and people in healthcare leadership, and reflects on his transition toward retirement. He also offers advice for future COOs navigating the evolving health system landscape.

Preacher: Venerable Daniel Wee Date: 31 August 2025 (8.30am)

In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Cameron Herold, founder of COO Alliance and the man known as "The CEO Whisperer." Cameron shares profound insights on why vision alone never drives scale and how the smartest entrepreneurs systematically delegate everything except their genius. Discover the hidden taxonomy of second-in-command roles, why context matters more than concepts in delegation, and the "Jigsaw Puzzle of Business" framework that Fortune 500 companies pay millions to understand.Ready to master the systematic approach to capturing business wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclassEpisode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Cameron's unconventional entrepreneurial journey 06:42 Why having 14 businesses by age 18 was actually the perfect preparation 14:28 The 1-800-GOT-JUNK transformation and what board members really need to see 22:15 Why "scale is not an extension of vision" and where most entrepreneurs break 30:36 The taxonomy of second-in-command roles and matching COOs to company stages 38:52 The Jigsaw Puzzle of Business metaphor and systematic framework for growth 45:18 The delegation trap that keeps companies stuck under $10 million52:07 Context vs concepts and why onboarding time should match recruiting time 58:44 The emotional regulation skills that matter more than technical knowledgeAbout Cameron HeroldCameron Herold is the founder of COO Alliance and host of the Second In Command podcast, known globally as "The CEO Whisperer." As the former COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, he engineered the company's spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years. The publisher of Forbes magazine stated, "Cameron Herold is the best speaker I've ever heard...he hits grand slams."Cameron is the author of 6 bestselling books, including The Second In Command, Vivid Vision, and Double Double. He has spoken in 26 countries across all 7 continents, and his Second In Command podcast consistently ranks in the top 5% of all business podcasts with over 2 million downloads.Connect with Cameron Herold: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/ Website: https://cameronherold.com/ COO Alliance: https://cooalliance.com/ Second In Command Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhrkfRg9PlkvgEGJ5Xmcaw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram:

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores what it truly means to have a second in command and why that role extends far beyond traditional job titles. You'll hear how title inflation over the last few decades has blurred the lines between what it means to hold a C-level position and the actual responsibilities required for such a role. The discussion highlights the essential qualities of a true second-in-command, including strategic insight, autonomy, and the ability to carry real financial and operational responsibility.Cameron dives into the importance of alignment between a leader and their counterpart. Through examples from high-growth companies, he explains how the ideal second-in-command often changes depending on the stage of the business. What works for a scrappy startup may not be right for a billion-dollar enterprise, and leaders must carefully consider timing, industry, and personal compatibility when filling the role. The yin-and-yang balance between a CEO and their chosen partner becomes a central theme.From conducting self-assessments to defining clear responsibilities, compensation, and cultural fit, this episode offers actionable advice for leaders seeking their own second-in-command. See how hiring the right second-in-command at the right stage can make or break your company's growth.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:How the internet revolution from 1995 to 2000 led to the use of titles as marketing tools, often given in lieu of actual compensation. (2:48)The importance of finding the right COO for different stages of company growth. (4:28)Why the job of a leader is to grow the skills, confidence, and connections of their team members. (7:32)The need to describe the COO role accurately, including responsibilities, metrics, and compensation, to attract the right candidate. (8:48)The benefits of using executive search firms that specialize in recruiting COOs and senior executives to find the right fit for the company. (9:07)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 LeadersConnect with Cameron on DelphiDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Second in Command podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use....

Preacher: Revd Wayne Fu Weikai Date: 24 August 2025 (8.30am)

Tim Cook has generated more than $3 trillion in shareholder value as Apple's CEO, yet tariff pressures and the AI arms race are putting his operational rigor to the test. On the Zero100 Podcast, Chief Research Officer Kevin O'Marah and VP, Research Geraint John dissect whether Cook's “balanced excellence” can keep Apple relevant and resilient in a morphing trade landscape. Tim Cook vs Steve Jobs: Who was the better CEO? (00:35) From leader to laggard: Apple's product innovation downturn (02:42)  Trade, tariffs, and Trump (06:42) The plausibility of a US-made iPhone (09:26) Reflections of Cook's big bet on China (11:59) What aspiring COOs can learn from Cook's legacy (14:09) Is it time for Cook to pass the baton? (19:18)

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of executive leadership and pivotal moments of transition in this engaging episode of the Business Lunch podcast. Hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Diess kick off with a lively banter, setting the stage for a deep dive into the complexities of being a CEO. The episode features a detailed discussion on the stepping down of Bumble's CEO, exploring the nuanced reasons behind such significant career decisions.Throughout the conversation, Ryan and Roland offer insights into the multifaceted nature of executive roles, particularly focusing on the differences and responsibilities of CEOs and COOs. They bring their own experiences into the discussion, providing listeners with real-world examples and practical advice.This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the intricacies of business leadership, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or simply curious about the dynamics of high-level management.It's an insightful journey into what it means to lead, adapt, and grow in today's fast-paced business environment.Highlights:"I think that the most important thing is to be able to have a conversation with somebody and to be able to disagree with them and still respect them."“I want to know all the people I'm working with by name and you know, see how they're doing and know about their families and do barbecue.”“No one can run your business like you do.Highlights: "I think that the most important thing is to be able to have a conversation with somebody and to be able to disagree with them and still respect them."“I want to know all the people I'm working with by name and you know, see how they're doing and know about their families..."“No one can run your business like you do.”Timestamps: (0:00:00) - Considering Leadership Transitions(0:14:17) - Consider Hiring CEO or COO(0:23:07) - CEO vs COO and Hiring Specialists(0:33:02) - Acquiring Successful Businesses Is More EffectiveCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Personal AI is pioneering the next generation of artificial intelligence with their memory-first platform that creates personalized AI models for individuals and organizations. Having raised over $16 million, the company has evolved from targeting consumers to focusing on enterprise customers who need highly private, precise, and personalized AI solutions. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Suman Kanuganti, CEO and Co-Founder of Personal AI, to explore the company's journey from early AI experimentation in 2015 to building what he envisions as the future AI workforce for enterprise organizations. Topics Discussed: Personal AI's evolution from consumer-focused to enterprise B2B platform The technical architecture behind personal language models vs. large language models Privacy-first approach and competitive advantages in regulated industries Go-to-market pivot and scaling from small law firms to enterprise contracts Unit economics advantages and 10x cost reduction compared to traditional LLMs Vision for AI workforce integration in public companies within 3-5 years GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Recognize when market timing doesn't align with your vision: Suman's team was building AI solutions as early as 2015, nearly a decade before the ChatGPT moment. When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, Personal AI faced confusion from investors and customers about their differentiation. Rather than forcing their sophisticated personal AI models on consumers who wanted simpler solutions, they recognized the market mismatch and pivoted. B2B founders should be prepared to adjust their go-to-market approach when market readiness doesn't match their technical capabilities, even if their technology is superior. Find your wedge in enterprise through specific pain points: Personal AI discovered their enterprise entry point by targeting "highly sensitive use cases that LLMs are not good for" where companies would be "shit scared to put any data in the LLM." They focused on precision and privacy pain points that large language models couldn't address. B2B founders should identify specific enterprise pain points where their solution provides clear advantages over existing alternatives, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Let customer expansion drive revenue growth: Personal AI's enterprise strategy evolved organically as existing contracts "started growing like wildfire as more people had a creative mindset to solve the problem with the platform." They discovered that their Persona concept allowed enterprises to consolidate multiple AI use cases into one platform. B2B founders should design their platforms to naturally expand within organizations and reduce vendor fragmentation, creating stickiness and increasing average contract values. Leverage architectural advantages for unit economics: By positioning their personal language models between customer use cases and large language models, Personal AI achieved "10x lower cost" per token. This architectural decision created both privacy benefits and economic advantages. B2B founders should consider how their technical architecture can create sustainable competitive advantages in both functionality and economics, not just features. Geography matters more than you think for fundraising: Suman identified his biggest fundraising mistake as not moving to San Francisco earlier, stating "back in 2022 or 2023 is when I should have moved to San Francisco, period." He learned that being part of the Silicon Valley ecosystem and conversation is critical for fundraising success. B2B founders should consider the strategic importance of physical presence in key markets, especially when raising capital, and not underestimate the value of in-person relationship building.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM 

In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," host Jennifer Glass is joined by Daniel McCraine and Patricia Reszetylo to break down the world of fractional CXOs—those key executive roles filled on a part-time or contract basis. They dive into what the "CXO" title covers, how fractional officers differ from full-time hires, and explore the value and flexibility that fractional leadership can bring to growing businesses. The discussion covers practical scenarios, such as engaging a fractional Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer, pricing models, and how business needs dictate the right engagement structure.The trio also debates the difference between consultants, outsourced work, and true fractional officers, highlighting when each makes sense and the benefits of ongoing, embedded strategic support versus one-off projects. Rounding out the episode, they offer candid advice on how business owners can assess their needs, look to industry benchmarks, and avoid common pitfalls when selecting the right fractional leader. If you're considering adding executive horsepower to your business without the full-time price tag, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decision-making.Key Takeaways:Cost-Effective Expertise: Fractional CXOs allow access to high-level leadership (like CFOs, COOs, CMOs, etc.) without the commitment and cost of a full-time executive. You pay for the expertise you need, only when you need it.Strategic Impact Over Execution: Unlike consultants (who tackle specific projects) or outsourced firms (who execute tasks), a fractional officer becomes part of your leadership team, steering strategy, overseeing divisions, and driving outcomes.Timing & Fit are Critical: If your business needs hands-on, strategic guidance or is at a scale where leadership bandwidth is stretched, a fractional CXO might be the answer. But always vet candidates carefully—ensure they're capable of delivering the value and results your business requires.Curious to learn more or considering if now is the time to bring a fractional officer on board? Tune in or reach out to continue the conversation.#businessgrowth #leadership #fractionalCXO #strategy #podcastKEYWORDS: fractional CXO, chief marketing officer, chief operations officer, chief revenue officer, chief technology officer, chief financial officer, small business, business success, hiring, salary, fractional officer, outsourcing, consulting, consultant, business coach, business operations, packages, part-time executive, cost savings, business growth, strategic advice, financial advice, accountant, bookkeeping, capital raising, fundraising, pitch deck, business expansion, managerial roles, trust in advisors, business networks

Preacher: Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan Date: 10 August 2025 (8.30am)

Preacher: Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan Date: 17 August 2025 (10.45am)

Is founder-led growth helping or holding you back?Early wins often come straight from the founder's voice. Nobody knows the problem better, or tells the story with more passion. That credibility is what gets the first customers to sign, keeps them close, and often carries a young company through its earliest deals. But founder-led growth has limits. Time runs out. Markets expand. What worked at $1M ARR may stall out at $15M.In Episode 89 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, host Brian Graf and Kalungi founder Stijn Hendrikse unpack both sides of founder-led growth: why it's such a powerful accelerator in the beginning, and why it can quietly become a ceiling if companies don't evolve.You'll hear how to recognize the signs that your business is over-reliant on the founder, and what founders, teams, and investors can do to keep growth compounding even as the company matures.Critical topics in this episodeWhy founder-led growth works: The credibility, subject matter expertise, and customer intimacy that early adopters can't resist.Where it breaks: The hidden ceiling that appears when everything still flows through the founder.Transition challenges: Letting go of sales, messaging, and culture without losing the magic.Investor view: How search funds and acquirers spot businesses that need to move past the founder model.The Kalungi story: What happened when Stijn stepped away, and how Brian navigated the shift to a broader team-led approach.Amplifying the founder's voice: Ways to scale thought leadership without burning out the founder.By the end, you'll see founder-led growth for what it is: a launchpad, not a permanent operating model. And you'll walk away with sharper instincts for when to double down on the founder's voice—and when it's time to build beyond it. 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 77 - Leveling up your go to marketThe 4 SaaS Marketing Leadership Maturity Stages ExplainedLooking for a Startup Marketing Agency? Here's What Every B2B SaaS Founder Needs to Know 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.

Data centre COOs in Southeast Asia face a dual challenge in 2026: managing rapid AI-driven growth while ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance. Key challenges include strained local grids unable to meet intense power demands from densified AI workloads, increasing public opposition due to environmental concerns, and complex, uneven regional regulations. COOs must navigate costly infrastructure upgrades, such as adopting medium-voltage power distribution and integrating innovative power architectures like solid-state transformers to improve efficiency and reduce losses.The good news is, COOs who balance technological innovation with stakeholder collaboration will transform their operations, achieve aligned sustainability objectives while supporting the digital economy's growth in an increasingly regulated environment.In this PodChats for FutureCOO, Daniel Pointon, group CTO for STT GDC, shares his perspective on How to Achieve Data Centre Sustainability and Regulatory Alignment in 2026 from the perspective of the COO.1.       Perhaps to start off, give us a short brief of the business of STT GDC.2.       In 2025, give us a brief around the state of DC operations in Southeast Asia? (13 Gigawatts)3.       How will AI workload growth influence energy consumption and infrastructure needs?4.       How are data centre operations taking national sustainability initiatives? 5.       How do you see Asia regional regulations on carbon emissions impacting data centre operations?6.       What new technologies can improve both sustainability and compliance affordably?7.       For 2026, any advice for how COOs can integrate sustainability goals with business growth targets effectively?8.       Identify 3 best practices for engaging stakeholders to secure public and regulatory support?

Send us a textToday's guest is Daniel Cheetham — the founder and principal of Captains Club, a boutique executive search firm that helps owner-operators find the kind of leaders they can actually trust to run the business.  Daniel specializes in placing second-in-command roles — Presidents, COOs, EOS Integrators — in gritty, founder-led companies that are ready to scale but don't want to lose their soul in the process. He's known for going deep with clients, building trust quickly, and finding operators who lead with both head and heart.  Beyond his work in executive search, Daniel is a dad, a husband, and a believer in intentional living. This is his story, Listen NOW!Website:  https://www.captainsclub.com/Contact him:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/DanCheetContact US:  Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!

In this special 500th episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Meridith Kuba, Vice President of Operations and Sales for the COO Alliance.This time out, you're invited into a candid and energetic conversation that explores the unique dynamic between two long-time business collaborators. Through shared memories and deeply personal reflections, Cameron and Meridith peel back the curtain on what it truly takes to build and maintain a successful leadership partnership over nearly a decade. It's more than just strategy and execution. It's about trust, loyalty, and the unspoken understanding that fuels great teamwork.Throughout the discussion, Meridith touches on lessons learned from her personal journey, including the surprising turns that shaped her career and the core values that now guide her professional and personal decisions. Expect laughs, a few hard truths, and meaningful takeaways about pursuing work that inspires a deep sense of fulfillment. You'll also hear how intentional communication and alignment have helped this team navigate growth without compromising culture.With a heartfelt look at the past and an optimistic eye toward the future, this episode delivers a blend of wisdom, wit, and real-world leadership insight that will resonate with entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone in between.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 early days of the COO Alliance, the importance of connections, and the high rate of members wanting to continue participating.Meridith's experience of completing an Executive MBA and the lack of new business insights gained.The challenges of delegating and the importance of follow-up and systems like ClickUp.Why Meridith's genuine love for the COO Alliance and the ability to convey its value contribute to her sales success.The value of CEOs being informed about their COOs' learning and experiences.And much more...Guest Bio:Meridith Kuba is the VP of Operations & Sales at COO Alliance, where she's the go-to fixer—whether you need strategies planned or problems solved. Known affectionately as the “Wonder Woman” of the team, she balances big-picture thinking with a delightfully down-to-earth vibe. With a playful streak, farm-inspired grit, and a knack for multi-tasking, Meridith brings both heart and horsepower to leading teams in today's fast-moving business world.Resources:Connect with Meridith: 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 LeadersDisclaimer:The views,...

Preacher: Pastor Chris Yang Date: 10 August 2025 (10.45am)

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Eric Ritchie sits down with Chief Operating Officers Doug Morrison and Justin Porter to recap how the 2025 season is shaping up in both the Northern and Southern regions. From major projects in the Mid-Atlantic to developing new leaders on utility crews in New England, the conversation highlights the growth in both workload and workforce. The COOs reflect on success stories of mentorship, the impact of a growing internship program, and the intentional investment in people that drives Sargent forward. They also emphasize safety, sharing standout observations from the field and encouraging employee-owners to keep watching out for one another.If you liked this week's episode and are interested in becoming an Employee-Owner at Sargent, please visit our careers page on the Sargent website. https://sargent.us/apply/If you have an episode suggestion, please send your idea to:sbennage@sargent.us

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the dynamic interplay between visionary entrepreneurs and the operational leaders who help bring their ideas to life. The conversation centers on the constant flow of ideas that many CEOs generate and the need for a reliable system to evaluate, filter, and manage those ideas without derailing a company's strategic direction. One key tactic discussed is turning a spontaneous brainstorm into a structured dialogue, helping leaders stay aligned while respecting each other's distinct strengths.You'll discover the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities to prevent what's jokingly called "seagull management"—when leaders swoop in with ideas but leave behind confusion. Tools like the Impact Filter and return-on-investment questions are presented as effective methods for sorting through ideas and prioritizing the ones that align with current goals. Learn why having a documented set of commitments for the CEO can reduce the tendency to chase new concepts at the expense of ongoing work.This episode offers practical tips for generating personalized communication strategies for leadership pairs, leading to highly productive partnerships that fuel sustainable growth rather than constant chaos.Curious how to tame visionary chaos without killing innovation? Tune in to learn proven strategies for turning idea overload into growth momentum. 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:Why COOs should express interest in CEOs' ideas and then ask follow-up questions to understand them better, creating a type of verbal impact filter. (0:10)The challenge of delegating for CEOs and the importance of clear written roles to avoid "seagull management." (1:07)The process of deciding whether to green light, yellow light, or red light an idea based on its potential impact and resources. (3:15)How the communication differences between CEOs and COOs resemble the differences between men and women, and the need for effective collaboration (5:14)The importance of specialized coaching for both CEOs and COOs to build stronger, more effective partnerships. (6:32)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 LeadersDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Second in Command podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult...

Is mid-level management a stone you're ready to step off of? Making that move is difficult but doable, and Amy B and her three guests will direct, inspire, and reassure you. An executive coach validates the challenges of scoring a position that's scarce. Then, two COOs whose careers stagnated in mid-level management before accelerating again, recount the conversations, decisions, and networking that jump-started them.

Is your product really ready to sell itself?Plenty of founders spot Slack, Loom, or Canva and claim, “We'll just go product-led.” The idea feels neat. No big sales team. Faster cycles. Viral growth. Yet Product-led Growth only works when the product already clears tough hurdles for ease, onboarding, and unmistakable value. Miss those, and momentum never starts.In Episode 88 of B2B SaaS Marketing Snacks, host Brian Graf sits down with long-time CMO Stijn Hendrikse to explore why early teams often overrate PLG—and how investors can identify the warning signs before wiring funds.You'll hear hands-on ways to test whether a product can truly pull in its own demand, along with the questions VCs should ask to be sure the numbers make sense.Critical topics in this episodeThe appeal and the reality of PLG:  Why founders romanticize the model and where hidden costs creep in.A “10×” rule for product-market fit:  Milestones that must scale from tens to thousands before PLG is viable.Metrics investors must see:  Value moments and pay–stay–refer ratios (share of users who pay, stick around, and invite others) needed when ARPU is small.Keeping costs in check:  How careless spending on ads, onboarding, or extras can turn a lean approach into a cash fire.Mixing self-serve with sales:  When a small sales touch helps—start small, then grow each account.Using new capital wisely:  Deepening the winning niche instead of chasing every shiny segment.By the end, you'll know how to vet a PLG claim—whether you're shipping code or writing checks. Get ready to rethink the checklist for PLG readiness and to ask sharper questions before betting on a self-service vision. 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 Assess If Your B2B SaaS Company Is Ready for Scalable GrowthBSMS 23 - Product led growth vs. sales led growthLooking for a Startup Marketing Agency? Here's What Every B2B SaaS Founder Needs to Know 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. 

Unlock Exponential Growth with a World-Class COO | Cameron Herold (CEO Whisperer) on Building a Thriving Culture Is your business growth plateauing? Are you wearing too many hats and struggling to scale?  This episode of the Build On Purpose podcast is your roadmap to building a leadership team that transforms your vision into reality. Max interviews Cameron Herold , the "CEO Whisperer" and founder of the COO Alliance, who shares invaluable insights on hiring the perfect second-in-command to unlock your business's full potential. — Key Takeaways: A great COO is the Yin to the CEO's Yang, perfectly complementing their strengths and weaknesses. Hiring a COO frees up the founder's time to focus on high-impact activities and personal pursuits. Delaying the hiring of a COO can significantly slow down business growth. The right COO can transform your company culture and drive deeper team engagement. — Connect with Cameron Herold COO Alliance – Join the leading network for second-in-command executives: https://cooalliance.com Second in Command Podcast – Hear behind-the-scenes insights from top COOs: https://cooalliance.com/podcast Books by Cameron Herold: The Second in Command Vivid Vision Double Double Meetings Suck Free PR Available on Amazon or CameronHerold.com Invest in Your Leaders – Leadership development course: https://investinyourleaders.com Newsletter & Resources: https://cameronherold.com Follow Cameron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold — YScouts Company Links: Website: https://yscouts.com/ About Us: https://yscouts.com/about-us/ Process Demo: https://yscouts.com/resources/ Meet the Team: https://yscouts.com/meet-the-team/ Free Book “Hiring on Purpose”: https://yscouts.com/hiring-on-purpose/ Built on Purpose Podcast: https://yscouts.com/podcast/ Blog: https://yscouts.com/blog/ Contact: https://yscouts.com/contact/ Max Hansen (Y Scouts Founder): Profile: https://yscouts.com/max-hansen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhansen Forbes HR Council: https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Max-Hansen-CEO-Y-Scouts/9d4bcbb0-c76f-41b5-aafd-ba0e0e30fdf0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhansen44/ YScouts Social Media & Channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/y-scouts Instagram: https://instagram.com/yscouts/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/Yscouts/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/YScouts  

What happens when a spiritually sensitive musician follows the whispers of his ancestors into the forests of Coos County — and ends up face-to-face with something pacing on a rock, staring down a fishing boat?In this riveting and emotional episode of Bigfoot Society, Jeremiah Byron sits down with Chris — a gifted storyteller from the Oregon coast — who shares decades of mind-bending encounters with what he calls the “Hairy Folk.” From an ocean-bound Sasquatch pacing in front of a breaching whale to haunting dreams, glowing red eyes, stick signs, and psychic messages, this episode explores a side of Bigfoot rarely talked about… but deeply felt.You'll hear firsthand stories from Russian River, Stanislaus River, Willow Creek, Coquille, and more — including unexplained tree breaks, vocalizations that sound like human calls, and gifts left in the forest that predicted future relationships. More than just a chronicle of encounters, this is a look into how Bigfoot connects across spirit, land, and bloodline — and how one man's family legacy may have called him back into the mystery.Resources:Pulse Pace music video referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J6EI7Om1-0

In this episode of Now That's IT, Aaron Betts shares his remarkable journey—from launching his first MSP in 2005 and losing it all during the financial crisis, to taking a corporate detour, burning out, and ultimately returning to lead Intelesys as President.Aaron opens up about the hard-earned lessons of entrepreneurship, the shift from break/fix to managed services, and how a life-altering health scare reshaped his leadership style. He shares how he's rebuilding company culture, redefining success, and guiding his MSP toward a $10M vision—all while empowering his team to think bigger.Whether you're navigating burnout, scaling operations, or preparing your next generation of leaders, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways for MSP owners, COOs, and IT leaders.

Church Expands G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 29 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days - from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! We saw last time Jesus making a sudden reappearance which resulted in the conversion of one of the main persecutors of the church - Saul, who later changed his name to Paul. We saw also a problem to be solved, it was done so judiciously and it was decided that salvation was by grace alone through Jesus' death on the cross and through the Holy Spirit alone. The church had begun to spread throughout the Roman Empire from its birthplace in Jerusalem. Remember back to the day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit first came? The people there had gone back to their own countries and cities: places such as : Egypt, Arabia, Libya, Italy, Greece, Judea, Elam, Media, Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Asia, Crete, Cyrene and Crete, parts of the Parthian Empire and of course even the headquarters of the Roman Empire, Rome! As far as we know, from the Bible record, the most effective missionary was Paul, and that's because most of what we call the New Testament consists of letters written by him. Here are the places he and his various teams of people visited on what we call his missionary journeys. You can read about them in the book of Acts. Paul's First Missionary Journey The first journey was to places such as: Antioch (Acts 13:4), Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus. From there they went to Salamis and Paphos (Acts 13:4-6). Then onwards to Perga in Pamphylia, which is now southern Turkey. At Antioch in Pisidia, Paul deliberately plans to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46). Then Iconium (Acts 14:3), Lystra (Acts 14:19), and Derbe. Where they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (in Pisidia) (Acts 14:21), before going throughout Pisidia, Pamphylia, then to Perga, Attalia, and returning to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:24-26). Paul's Second Missionary Journey The second journey begins, Paul goes through Syria and Cilicia (now southeastern Turkey), coming to Derbe and Lystra, and then onto Phrygia and Galatia, before passing through Mysia to Troas, the island of Samothracia, and then to Neapolis in Macedonia (now northern Greece) and Philippi (Acts 16:14-34). Passing through Amphipolis and Appolonia, they came to Thessalonica. After teaching in Berea, Paul departed into Achaia (now southern Greece), to Athens (Acts 17:14-15). Then Paul then makes his first visit to Corinth (Acts 18:5)! Paul leaves Corinth to go to Cenchrea and then across to Ephesus and Caesarea, before finishing up in Antioch in Syria. Paul's Third Missionary Journey Paul's third journey begins in Galatia (central region of Turkey) and then to Phrygia (Acts 18:23) before arriving in Ephesus where he stayed for 3 years (Acts 20:31). Paul then went to Troas and continued to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 7:5). After going through Macedonia (northern Greece), Paul came to Achaia (southern Greece) (Acts 20:2-3), makes a third visit to Corinth before headed back to Macedonia (Acts 20:1) and onto Philippi (Acts 20:6). Following this, Paul went to Troas, Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogylium, Miletus (now in southwestern Turkey), Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre (in Lebanon), Ptolemais and to Caesarea before finishing back in Jerusalem. Paul's final journey Paul in Jerusalem, is beaten by the Jewish authorities (Acts 22) and taken to trial before them. Many Jews wanted to kill him (Acts 23:12) for his service to Jesus Christ. Paul is taken before the Roman Governor Felix at Caesarea (Acts 24:10) and when the reign of Portius Felix begins, Paul appeals to Caesar in Rome! Paul was a Roman citizen, he was innocent of the crimes bought against him and it was his right to appeal to the Roman emperor! So He did and Paul's final journey starts in Acts 25:11. The boat sails to Sidon, Myra (now southern Turkey) and on to Crete (Acts 27:7-13), Melita, near Sicily, Syracuse, Rhegium (southern tip of Italy), then to Puteoli (on the western coast of Italy). Finally, Paul ends up in Rome (Acts 28:30)! During all these journeys, Paul has endured persecution, beatings, stonings, whippings, imprisonment, mock trials and shipwrecks! In 2 Corinthians 11 you can read all that Paul endured and he sums it up 2 Corinthians 12:10 "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul was an amazing man! Issues in the Churches of the Bible Lets look now at some of the issues of the churches at that time, and we see this best by looking very briefly at some of the letters of the New Testament, written by Paul, Peter, John, James and Jude. Romans: Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents God's plan of salvation, which sees it extended to all of humanity based solely on Jesus Christ' work on the cross and received by an individual's faith in Him alone. 1 Corinthians: At Corinth, the church was an established church, taught by Paul, yet they were not living he had taught by him. Members of the church were living improper lives and Paul wrote to correct them, with the love of a pastoral heart. 2 Corinthians: here due to people doubting his integrity and authority, Paul presents his authority, message, sufferings, disappointments, responsibilities, blessings, and hope. Ephesians: Paul discusses the position of Christian believers before God - that they are now children of God! He then goes on to discuss the daily function of the Christian, including living a life worthy of Jesus Christ, supremely by serving others. 1 Thessalonians: Paul is unable to revisit this new group of believers who are under attack and persecution. He commences with some personal reflections and continues on to teach, stabilize, console and to encourage them in their Christian walk. 2 Thessalonians: The Thessalonian church is still enduring persecution. Central to this letter is Paul's concern for them regarding the coming again of the Lord, where some believed it had already occurred. 1 Timothy: Paul the apostle delegates authority to Timothy, his personal representative in Ephesus. His instructions include Timothy's life and ministry as an apostolic representative and about the organization, function, and edification of the church. This includes countering all kinds of false teaching about Jesus the Christ. James: James writes to scattered and leaderless Jewish believers who still met at a synagogue and were enduring hardship. James urges them to keep going and develop an active working faith that is actively working and to live a morally and ethically correct life. 1 Peter: Peter writes to believers undergoing suffering & persecution. He instructs them toward Christian stability, and the proper expression of this stability and growth. Peter stresses a hope that is alive, glorious and certain, and because of that can endure persecution and suffering. 2 Peter: Peter is dying as he writes this letter to a group of believers who are enduring trials and being confronted with false teachers. He also clarifies teaching about the Last Days. 1 John: John writes about fellowship which comes through obedience to the Word of God and through confession of sin when sin is committed. John also writes to tackle false Gnostic teachers who were challenging the teachings of Jesus' apostles. Jude: Jude writes warning against apostasy, which is giving up and abandoning a belief in Jesus and going back to old ways. . He urges his readers to recognize the problem and fight for the faith. Through these letters of the New Testament, we see the early church dealing with issues of doctrine and teaching, countering false teachings about salvation and Jesus' return, warning against apostasy and encouraging wholesome living and service as believers in Jesus Christ. The church has grown and spread throughout most of the known world in obedience to Jesus' last command to go to all nations. This growth of the church is the greatest evidence of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead. His resurrection was the catalyst to turn 11 frightened men, his disciples, into the leaders of the early church. But Jesus also promised that He would come back again and that's what we will look at next time, in our final part of Glimpses! Thank you. Original Maps found at http://www.generationword.com/ Tap or click here to download as a MP3 audio file

What's keeping today's top supply chain leaders up at night? And what opportunities are they most excited about? The Zero100 team shares their biggest takeaways from Off the Grid 2025, our recent gathering of 50+ CSCOs and COOs in Ireland, exploring everything from the future of tariffs and agentic AI to the power of fusion teams and the expanding COO remit. Featuring: Content Director Allyssia Alleyne and VPs, Research Kelly Coutinho and Geraint John.First things first: What is Off the Grid? (1:50) Key themes: New rules of global trade and the rise of agentic AI (02:48) How supply chain leaders are thinking about tariffs now (06:12)Evolving perspectives on the ROI of AI (10:20) China's digital innovation advantage (11:28) Visibility, agility, and cross-functionality: CSCO and COO priorities for the rest of 2025 (13:53)

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron breaks down the misunderstood and often misused role of the Chief Operating Officer. Drawing from both personal experience and established research, he uncovers how the COO is not a one-size-fits-all title—it's a role that shifts depending on the needs of the CEO and the stage of the business. With anecdotes from his own time at 1-800-GOT-JUNK and references to thought leaders in the field, Cameron explores how many leadership titles are incorrectly handed out, and why defining the true second in command begins with understanding the personality and skill gaps of the CEO.The conversation dives into seven key archetypes of COOs, from executors and change agents to mentors and MVPs—each fulfilling a unique function within a company. Whether serving as a stabilizing force in turbulent times, guiding a young founder through explosive growth, or acting as a public-facing counterpart to an introverted CEO, the COO's impact is always rooted in complementing leadership. Cameron also explores the often unseen dynamic of the CEO-COO relationship, likening it to a marriage where balance, trust, and mutual respect drive real progress.This episode shows that the role of the COO is anything but static; it's a powerful, adaptive force that, when aligned correctly, becomes the backbone of growth, execution, and sustained 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:The common misconceptions about COOs and how they are often confused with other leadership roles, like directors or VPs.The seven main categories of COOs identified by Nate Bennett and Stephen A. Miles in their book "Riding Shotgun." The importance of finding a COO who complements the CEO's strengths and weaknesses.How the role of the COO has evolved over time, with more CEOs investing in their own leadership growth and involving their senior leadership in coaching and mentorship.Why the role of the COO is seen as a source of culture through their vision, core values, and motivation towards goals.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 LeadersDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Second in Command podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you...

In this no-holds-barred solo rant, AJ peels back the layers of what's really driving (or stalling) organizational transformation in 2025. This one's for the CHROs, COOs, and strategic operators who are actually in the trenches—grappling with reorgs, AI adoption, middle management drag, and sluggish decision-making structures that choke scale and stunt innovation.With 75% of orgs facing workforce shifts and 51% of HR leaders citing slow decision-making as their biggest barrier to transformation, AJ delivers a fast-paced breakdown of what must change—now. From internal talent marketplaces to AI-assisted decision tools, cross-functional pods to change ambassadors, he challenges leaders to radically reimagine autonomy, accountability, and alignment.This episode is part sermon, part strategy blueprint, part organizational therapy—and all fire. If your org is scaling, stalling, or somewhere in between, there's a playbook hidden in this episode that you need to hear.

Points of Interest0:00 – 1:20 – Guest Introduction: Marcel introduces Kristen Kelly and sets the stage for a deep dive into the roles of fractional COOs versus building operational intelligence within growing agencies.1:21 – 2:25 – The $1M Growth Threshold: Kristen explains how agencies crossing the $1M mark often face operational strain and confusion about whether to hire help or improve their systems.2:26 – 5:05 – Defining a Fractional COO: Marcel outlines what a fractional COO typically does—bridging strategy and execution—and highlights the lack of standardization across ops roles in agencies.5:06 – 7:59 – Scope Differences by Agency Size: The team discusses how the expectations and responsibilities of a COO differ dramatically between a 20-person and 200-person agency.8:00 – 10:16 – Operational Intelligence vs. Role Ownership: Marcel explains why data and modeling are essential for prioritizing and sequencing initiatives—work that can't fall solely on a fractional COO.10:17 – 13:03 – Metrics Frameworks as a Foundation: The conversation shifts to the importance of shared definitions for key metrics (like utilization and gross margin) to avoid costly misalignment.13:04 – 16:51 – The Risks of Poor Data: They explore the consequences of relying on messy or inconsistent project and financial data—including delayed decisions, accuracy issues, and limited insight.16:52 – 20:21 – When to Hire vs. When to Model: Marcel outlines when it makes sense to bring in a fractional COO versus starting with operational intelligence, depending on strategic versus tactical needs.20:22 – 22:25 – How Parakeeto Supports Agencies: The hosts explain how Parakeeto provides not just reporting tools but also the advisory layer to help agencies convert intelligence into action.22:26 – 24:42 – Bringing Operational Alignment: Kristen emphasizes how Parakeeto helps unify internal teams around a shared understanding of the business model and key profitability levers.24:43 – 27:32 – The Scope of Operational Intelligence: Marcel breaks down the full picture of operational intelligence, from framework creation to data integration, reporting, and cadence-building.27:33 – 34:15 – Final Advice & Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Marcel and Kristen caution against relying on underqualified ops hires to build complex systems, advocating instead for investing in clarity and frameworks first.Show NotesConnect with Kristen via LinkedInFree Agency ToolkitParakeeto Foundations CourseFree access to our Model PlatformLove this PodcastLeave us a review here.

On our latest episode of The Future of the Firm podcast, Ben Tye, CEO of Gate One Consulting, caught up with Emma Carroll, Head of Content at Source, to discuss what clients want from growth and CX work today.  Ben shared his insights on the following matters and more:    While clients rarely begin by stating "we need to grow our business", this desire for growth is behind many of the challenges they raise, such as CRM system issues or new product launch hurdles. It is therefore crucial for consultants to link these discrete problems back to the ultimate business outcome of driving growth in order to tailor the services firms offer.  While traditional buyers like COOs, CTOs, CPOs, CFOs, chief digital & information officers, and chief transformation officers still buy services, consultants need to be careful not to assume these roles are buying the same services as they were historically. For instance, a chief people officer might now be more interested in technology and data insights. This leads to more cross-functional buying, plus two or three buyers may be involved, rather than a single sponsor, making the sales process more complex. Clients want support around the technological, operational, and data aspects of AI.   The need for ethical and responsible AI use is increasingly important to clients and is also driving consulting demand. Where AI-driven decisions influence customer experience or service delivery getting those right is particularly critical.  Clients are actively identifying and developing a backlog of AI use cases. Firms can help them manage these as a portfolio, using clear decision criteria to quickly determine if a proof of concept is viable. Interestingly, "edge cases" from this portfolio, rather than the immediately obvious ones, often prove to be the most impactful.    If you enjoyed this conversation, don't miss our sister podcast, Business Leader's Voice. In a recent episode, we talked to Andrew Brothers, former Chief Information Officer at Primark, about targeting tech investment as a CIO. 

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Raymond Hino, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Coos Hospital. Ray shares how implementing the Epic EHR system transformed operations, how the hospital is addressing reimbursement challenges through service diversification, and why creating a strong culture and leadership presence is key to workforce retention in rural healthcare.

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.

They have become a huge part of tourism fo9r Scotland and they could not be more adorable. Hear all about the Highland Coos and where you can spend some time with them yourself...in this episode of Erin's Isle.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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