Most HR software is boring. Chris Ronzio built one people actually recognize. Chris is the founder and CEO of Trainual, an HR and operations platform used by more than 10,000 companies, including the Phoenix Suns. He has built one of the most recognizable brands in HR tech by turning documentation, SOPs, and training into something scalable and strategic.

In this episode, Mike and Chris break down the early payroll pressure that shaped the company, the creative marketing moves that helped Trainual stand out, how celebrity partnerships accelerated awareness, and why AI will not replace HR but will redefine how it works. They also cover scaling service businesses, product evolution, leadership communication, and the long term vision of a true human resources operating system. If you want to build a business that runs without you, this conversation shows why systems are the foundation.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(02:30) What Trainual Is and Why It Exists

(04:05) Why AI Strengthens HR Instead of Replacing It

(05:20) The Real Reason Trainual Was Started

(08:30) The Leap Into SaaS Without a Playbook

(13:40) The First Creative Celebrity Marketing Bet

(17:05) Measuring Marketing ROI in HR Tech

(21:00) Leveraging Shark Tank Influence for Brand Authority

(29:05) Making HR and SOPs Feel Cool

(32:35) The CEO’s Real Job Inside a Scaling Company

(36:10) The Ideal Service Business for Trainual

(38:00) Strategic Partnerships That Accelerate Growth

(40:05) The Vision for a Human Resources Operating System

If you stepped away from your business for 60 days, would your systems hold up or would everything depend on you? Drop your honest answer below.

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Connect with me

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Connect with Chris

Website: https://trainual.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisronzio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisronzio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisronzio/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chrisronzio/

CEOs need a true number two who can translate vision into execution, protect the culture, and tell the truth in private when it matters most.

Cameron Herold is a bestselling author, the founder of COO Alliance, and former COO who helped scale 1 800 GOT JUNK from $2 million to $106 million. In this episode, Cameron breaks down what the number one and number two roles really mean, why the CEO and COO relationship works like a marriage, and how great teams debate in private so the company sees one clear direction. If you are a CEO trying to scale or an operator stepping into the second in command seat, this episode gives you the playbook to make the partnership unstoppable.

What is the hardest truth your business needs you to say in private this week, and who is the one person you trust to say it to you?

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(04:12) What a Dysfunctional CEO–COO Relationship Looks Like

(06:29) Why Companies Stall When Vision and Operations Clash

(09:34) What a True C-Level Leader Actually Is

(13:17) How Small Companies Attract Real A-Players

(14:39) What Great CEO–COO Partnerships Actually Look Like

(17:48) The Interview Process for Hiring a True Second-in-Command

(31:24) What Happens After the Video Screening

(40:01) How to Make an Offer That Locks in an A-Player

(43:19) The Right Way to Onboard a COO (First 90 Days)

(51:17) How AI Is Reshaping Leadership Teams and Org Charts

Connect with Cameron

Website: https://cameronherold.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cameronherold/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold/

Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast

DM me GSD on Instagram to learn more about working with me: https://www.instagram.com/mikearcelive

Book a Call with My Team → https://go.gsdcompany.com/book-a-call-form-page

Get My Book → https://thestandardisyou.com

Subscribe to My Newsletter → https://mikearce.me

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikearcelive/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikearcelive/

X: https://x.com/mikearcelive

One successful business decision can cost you everything else if you are not intentional. In this episode of the GSD Show, Mike Arce sits down with Scott Donnell, CEO of Fig & Eagle, an entrepreneur who has built ten companies, served over ten million customers, and generated hundreds of millions in revenue.

Scott breaks down why most founders unknowingly cap their growth through exhaustion, how profitable systems create freedom instead of pressure, and why the same principles that build great businesses also build strong families. This conversation explores what it actually takes to scale without losing your health, your family, or your purpose. If you want growth that compounds instead of consuming you, this episode shows you where the real leverage is.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(02:48) The Generational Trap Entrepreneurs Fall Into

(06:12) Why Hustle Stops Working at Scale

(10:41) Systems vs Effort in Business Growth

(15:58) Responsibility Creates Freedom

(21:34) Why Exhausted Founders Hit a Ceiling

(26:52) The Difference Between Growing and Scaling

(32:44) Hiring World-Class People Changes Everything

(38:09) Why Strong Families Build Strong Businesses

(44:40) The Legacy Most Entrepreneurs Actually Want

What part of your life outside of business feels the most exhausted right now? Leave your answer in the comment.

DM me GSD on Instagram to learn more about working with me: https://www.instagram.com/mikearcelive

Book a Call with My Team → https://go.gsdcompany.com/book-a-call-form-page

Get My Book → https://thestandardisyou.com

Subscribe to My Newsletter → https://mikearce.me

Connect with me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikearcelive/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikearcelive/

X: https://x.com/mikearcelive

Connect with Scott:

Website: https://figandeagle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imscottdonnell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imscottdonnell/

X: https://x.com/imScottDonnell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnell-scott/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scottdonnell/videos