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Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

By: Second in Command with Cameron Herold
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Welcome to the “Second in Command” Podcast hosted by Cameron Herold, brought to you by the COO Alliance, where top-level COOs share their insights, tactics, and strategies that made them the Chief Behind the Chief. Cameron Herold founded the COO Alliance with one simple goal in mind: to provide COOs with the same professional development and growth opportunities CEOs have enjoyed for many years. COO Alliance is the world's leading network for the Second in Command. Cameron Herold is a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. He’s the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth and he’s touched thousands of businesses indirectly through his work.Copyright 2025 Second in Command with Cameron Herold Career Success Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Ep. 491 - Jennifer Barnes, Founder Optima Office - Unlock Financial Clarity: Secrets Business Leaders Don’t Want You to Know
    Jul 10 2025

    In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jennifer Barnes, CEO and Founder of Optima Office, a fractional CFO service provider.

    During the conversation, you'll get a glimpse behind the curtain of business leadership to explore one of the most misunderstood yet essential disciplines for sustainable growth. Cameron and Jennifer discuss how executives can move from instinct-driven decisions to data-informed strategies, and why the ability to forecast with precision might be the difference between thriving and simply surviving. With real-life examples and personal anecdotes, Jennifer highlights how even successful leaders can miss critical signs when they aren’t looking in the right places.


    You'll hear cautionary tales from companies that looked strong on the surface but were blindsided by deeper operational missteps. These stories serve as powerful reminders that misjudging certain internal dynamics can have cascading effects—especially when scaling, managing rapid change, or weathering financial uncertainty. Yet, within each challenge lies a roadmap toward clarity, if you're willing to look under the hood.


    Whether you're an entrepreneur wearing too many hats or part of a leadership team seeking sharper insights, this episode sheds light on how the right support structure can bring discipline, flexibility, and strategic alignment to your organization.


    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 differences between the roles of a CFO and a controller, including why a CFO looks forward to strategy and forecasting, while a controller focuses on historical accuracy and processes. (0:14)


    • Common pain points such as not knowing gross margins by customer or product, and the importance of understanding these metrics. (8:35)


    • The process of balance sheet cleanup and the importance of having accurate balance sheet accounts to ensure the P&L is correct. (14:11)


    • Creating a P&L budget, balance sheet forecast, and cash flow forecast to predict future financial performance. (16:20)


    • The potential for fractional CFOs to help companies build out their finance teams and eventually replace themselves as the company grows. (22:24)


    • And much more...



    Guest Bio:


    Jennifer Barnes is the CEO and Founder of Optima Office, a firm that provides outsourced accounting, fractional CFO, and human resources support to nearly 300 companies nationwide, with a strong focus on the West Coast. With a commitment to flexibility and employee satisfaction, Optima operates on an hourly billing model and embraces a hybrid work environment, guided by the motto “Happy Staff = Happy Clients.” Jennifer earned her Finance and Marketing degree from the University of Arizona, completed her MBA at San Diego State University, and brings over 15 years of experience as a Controller. She has received numerous accolades, including SDBJ’s Woman of the Year and the Top 50 Women of Influence in Accounting and Finance. Jennifer currently serves on several boards and is active in multiple leadership and mentorship organizations.


    Resources:


    Connect with Jennifer: Website | LinkedIn


    Connect with Cameron:

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    28 mins
  • Ep. 490 - Lauren Antonoff - Cultivating a Thriving Culture for Sustainable Business Growth
    Jul 8 2025

    In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Lauren Antonoff, COO of Life360, a leading family safety and social networking business.

    In this insightful conversation, Sivana and Lauren discuss the art of effective team management, focusing less on rigid reporting and more on meaningful outcomes. They explore how focusing on key results rather than micromanaging daily activities can drive better performance and foster a culture of trust. The discussion touches on how teams can prioritize what truly matters, making sure efforts align with the overall progress of the business.


    You'll hear about the evolving role of technology in the workplace, particularly how new tools can empower rather than replace team members. There’s an emphasis on navigating change with openness and creativity, encouraging teams to see innovation as a way to amplify their strengths and take ownership of their work. Cultural values play a crucial role here, shaping how teams adapt to new challenges while staying true to their core mission.


    This episode invites you to rethink leadership dynamics and encourages a mindset that combines strategic focus, technological adaptability, and authentic human connection.


    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:


    • Lauren's career journey, starting at Microsoft through an acquisition, where she was 'diagnosed' as a product manager. (2:30)


    • The challenges of integrating the Tile app into Life360 and the decision to pull resources from a standalone product launch. (6:27)


    • Lauren's experience of hiring a CMO and CTO to help manage the marketing functions and ensure accountability. (18:37)


    • Why focusing on a few key areas and making disciplined choices to drive success is key to Life360's future growth. (25:38)


    • Her approach to supporting leadership, including regular meetings and in-person gatherings to develop shared views and tackle problems together. (35:22)


    • And much more...



    Guest Bio:


    Lauren Antonoff is the Chief Operating Officer of Life360, a leading family safety and social networking app. She brings decades of experience as a product and technology leader, known for driving growth through a focus on customer value, organizational alignment, and execution. Prior to joining Life360 in 2023, Lauren held senior executive roles at GoDaddy, where she led product and services development to empower small businesses. She also spent over 18 years at Microsoft, overseeing major initiatives such as SharePoint and Office 2007, and founded the Step Up Program to advance women in leadership. A former board member of Momentive, Lauren holds a BA in Rhetoric and Political Science from UC Berkeley and began her tech career through the acquisition of ResNova Software.



    Resources:


    Connect with Lauren: Website | LinkedIn


    Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn


    Get Cameron’s latest book – "Second in...

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    50 mins
  • Ep. 489 - Want a Thriving Company Culture? It All Starts with Just ONE Powerful Question
    Jul 3 2025

    In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron reveals a transformative approach to measuring and improving workplace culture—one that many businesses overlook despite its powerful potential: The employee Net Promoter Score. (NPS)

    You’ll hear about a deceptively simple metric that goes beyond typical satisfaction scores, revealing the true pulse of a company’s internal health. The conversation digs into why traditional methods often miss the mark and how a single question can unlock deep insights about employee sentiment, driving meaningful change without breaking the bank.

    Get a look behind the scenes of real companies that leveraged this tool to climb the ranks of the best workplaces nationwide, illustrating how culture can become a strategic advantage. From thoughtful ways to gather actionable feedback to surprising tactics that boost morale and loyalty, the discussion explores how cultivating happiness at work directly fuels productivity and profitability. Along the way, you’ll discover how leaders can shift mindsets, set ambitious goals, and create a workplace where people genuinely want to stay—and thrive.


    Whether you’re aiming to retain top talent, enhance teamwork, or simply understand what truly matters to your people, this conversation offers a roadmap to reimagine what a workplace can be.


    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 a simple one-question survey, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) can gather important feedback and improve company culture. (3:27)
    • Why the process of gathering employee feedback is similar to writing a letter to Santa, as well as the importance of acting on that feedback. (4:33)
    • Strategies for improving NPS, including setting ambitious goals and celebrating achievements. (10:59)
    • The need to balance employee happiness with profitability, and why a high NPS can lead to increased revenue and profitability. (11:46)
    • The impact of external competition and the importance of a strong company culture to retain employees. (12:27)
    • And much more...



    Resources:

    Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

    Get Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"

    Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders




    Show More Show Less
    16 mins

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