In this episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Andrew Rickett, Chief Operating Officer of Karmo, Australia’s largest car subscription provider.

During this fascinating conversation, you'll hear how Andrew spent decades in a traditional industry before pivoting into a space that redefines consumer expectations. He shares insights on shifting customer demands, the evolution of long-standing models, and how Karmo is working to deliver more flexible, technology-driven solutions that better align with modern lifestyles.

The discussion also explores how innovation and technology are shaping the way companies in this sector operate. From building a custom tech stack to integrating AI into the customer journey, you'll learn how efficiency, personalization, and self-service are becoming essential components of growth and differentiation.

This episode covers everything from leadership, growth, and personal reflection to challenges such as recruiting top talent in a competitive market, strategies for building strong teams, and the importance of adaptability.

Thinking about stepping into a COO role? Hear Andrew’s journey from CEO to COO and what it takes to thrive in both. 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 concept of vehicle subscriptions, and how they compare to traditional leasing and rental models.

• Andrew's post-acquisition transition from CEO of Motopool to the COO of Karmo, as well as the alignment of values and vision between them.

• The decision to keep both the Karmo and Motopool brands distinct due to different customer bases.

• The shift from making all decisions (as CEO) to managing specific areas of responsibility (as COO) and the importance of a supportive executive team.

• Karmo's focus on building a tech-enabled platform for an exceptional customer experience, and the potential for AI to enhance customer service.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Andrew Rickett is the Chief Operating Officer of Karmo, Australia’s largest car subscription provider, where he leverages his strong managerial background and extensive hands-on expertise to drive growth and innovation. With wide-ranging experience in business setup, implementation, and performance development, he brings a strategic vision that balances opportunity with risk while keeping customer and business needs at the forefront. A self-driven and self-reliant leader, Andrew is recognized for his advocacy, negotiation, and facilitation skills, consistently setting ambitious targets and leading by example. His focus on team building and leadership fosters an environment where people are engaged, motivated, and encouraged to excel, making him a key force behind Karmo’s continued success in redefining the automotive industry.

Resources:

Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses one of the most critical hires a business can make, a role that directly impacts leadership alignment, financial clarity, and long-term success: the Chief Financial Officer or CFO.

The conversation highlights how small red flags during the hiring process, such as scheduling mishaps or lack of accountability, can be early indicators of deeper issues that shouldn’t be ignored. You'll learn why asking tough, direct questions in interviews can uncover whether a candidate truly embodies the ownership and resilience needed for high-stakes leadership.

Discover the relationship between this leadership role and the CEO, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Since not every CEO has the technical expertise to fully evaluate the position, Cameron shows how leaning on outside advisors or experienced professionals can provide the necessary insight to set clear expectations and define success from the outset. This ensures that both sides are aligned on responsibilities and performance measures.

This episode offers practical guidance for any company seeking to strengthen its executive team and navigate the complexities of making the right leadership decision. Before you hire your next CFO, hear Cameron’s insider strategies for defining the role and setting clear expectations.

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 nuances of hiring a CFO, including addressing red flags and setting clear expectations.

• The importance of outside experts like fractional CFOs or accounting firms in defining roles and setting new CFOs up for success.

• The role of outside experts in guiding a new CFO and ensuring they meet the company's needs.

• The value of having a fractional CFO participate in the interview process to assess the candidate's skills.

• 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

Connect with Cameron on Dephi

Disclaimer:

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 acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

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 | LinkedIn

Connect with Cameron: Website |