The EO Melbourne community recently came together for an inspiring workshop led by leadership expert Cameron Herold, renowned founder of the COO Alliance and author of The Second in Command. The event, titled “The Second in Command: Unleashing the Power of a COO” and “2 Ladders: How Growing Your People Grows Your Company,” offered attendees practical strategies to strengthen their businesses through better leadership structures. Over the course of the day, Cameron shared insights drawn from his extensive experience coaching CEOs and scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, leaving participants with actionable tools to elevate their teams and operations.
The first session focused on the pivotal role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in driving business success. Cameron guided attendees through the process of identifying, hiring, and nurturing top-tier senior leaders who align with a company’s vision. He emphasized the importance of trust and clear communication between CEOs and their COOs, which he described as the foundation for seamless collaboration. By leveraging a skilled COO, Cameron explained, CEOs can boost revenue, increase profits, and reclaim valuable personal time—a revelation that resonated deeply with many in the room.
Cameron also highlighted common pitfalls in senior leadership hiring, offering cautionary tales and practical advice to help attendees avoid costly mistakes. His real-world examples illustrate how the right second-in-command can become a powerful asset, enabling CEOs to focus on strategic priorities while their COO drives operational excellence.
The second half of the workshop shifted to people development, framed as the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Cameron introduced the science of adult learning and outlined twelve essential leadership skills every manager should cultivate, from decision-making to conflict resolution. He shared techniques to build managers’ confidence and abilities, empowering them to inspire their teams and drive performance. By investing in people, Cameron argued, CEOs simplify their roles, improve employee retention, and create a culture of excellence that scales revenue and profit. Attendees left this session equipped with practical steps they could implement, ensuring the lessons would have a lasting impact.
EO Melbourne added a thoughtful touch by gifting each participant a copy of Cameron’s book, The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO, which Cameron signed at the event. This resource, described as a go-to guide for scaling businesses through strong leadership partnerships, served as a fitting takeaway from a day filled with inspiration and insight. The gesture was met with enthusiastic appreciation, underscoring the value attendees placed on the event.
Throughout the day, participants engaged deeply with Cameron’s teachings, reflecting on how to apply his strategies to their own businesses. Many shared moments of realisation, particularly around the importance of aligning leadership hires with company values and the transformative power of investing in team development. Conversations during breaks buzzed with ideas about restructuring leadership dynamics and fostering a culture of continuous learning.