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Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast. In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with Cameron Herold, founder of the COO Alliance, author of Second in Command, and one of the most recognized voices in the world of operational leadership, to unpack what the second-in-command role really looks like at scale.
Cameron shares his journey from being a COO inside high-growth companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK to building a global platform dedicated to elevating the COO role. He explains why the second-in-command role is one of the most misunderstood in business and why getting it right can completely change a company's trajectory.
This episode explores how founders should think about hiring a COO, why fit matters more than experience alone, and how different types of operators thrive at different stages of growth. Derek and Cameron also dive into the realities of fractional leadership, the importance of early ROI, and what separates true operational leaders from managers with inflated titles.
They also unpack the concept of Vivid Vision and how alignment between the CEO and COO creates clarity, momentum, and execution across the entire organization.
[00:53] Why Cameron Champion the COO Role How his experience as a second-in-command led to building a global COO community.
[04:28] Entrepreneurial vs Corporate COOs Why different business stages require different types of operators.
[09:17] Where Founders Start When Hiring a COO Why understanding yourself comes before defining the role.
[11:27] The Different Types of COOs How the role shifts depending on the company’s needs.
[13:09] What a True COO Actually Is The difference between a COO, VP, and Director.
[16:53] What Great COOs Do Differently Why real operators come in with clarity and direction.
[19:08] Fractional vs Full-Time COO When each model makes sense for scaling businesses.
[24:17] The Power of Vivid Vision How alignment turns vision into execution.
[30:42] CEO–COO Relationship Dynamics Why trust, communication, and alignment are critical.
[35:15] Creating ROI in the First 90 Days How early wins build momentum and confidence.
✅ Action Steps for Listeners:
- Define your strengths and gaps as a founder before hiring a COO
- Clarify what outcomes you expect in the first 90 days
- Identify whether you need execution, strategy, or leadership development
- Evaluate fractional vs full-time based on your current stage
- Create a clear Vivid Vision to align your team
🔗 Resources & Links:
- Cameron Herold Website – https://cameronherold.com
- Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
- Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast
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👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a founder or operator who is stepping into the second-in-command role.
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