Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief

What does it take to rise from the front lines to the top of a company? In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron sits down with Rob Marsh, COO of Pyramid Foods, a grocery chain with over 35 locations spanning three states.

Rob’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a frontline employee, he worked his way through every role imaginable before stepping into his current leadership position. His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a human-centric leadership style.

Rob and Cameron delve into the unique struggles of independent grocers in today’s competitive market, from adapting to rising costs and changing consumer habits to leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Rob also discusses the importance of building a strong company culture, investing in employee training, and fostering community connections.

With Pyramid Foods donating over $22 million to local children’s charities, Rob underscores the value of purpose-driven leadership. Whether you're a grocery industry insider or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow big while acting small

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Smart inventory strategies for a challenging retail environment [13:58]
• How Pyramid Foods balances local charm with regional growth [24:53]
• The importance of building a team culture that values personality and authenticity [32:52]
• Rob’s perspective on leveraging technology to stay competitive [40:19]
• How Pyramid Foods creates a lasting community impact through charity [48:55]
• Lessons in leadership and growth from Rob’s unique career journey [54:40]
• 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

Rob’s LinkedIn

Pyramid Foods Website

Books:

The Great Game of Business

A Stake in the Outcome: Building a Culture of Ownership for the Long-Term Success of Your Business

What does it take to build a culture that drives excellence, engagement, and happiness in the workplace? Today’s episode of the Second in Command podcast is another short excerpt from a conversation between Cameron Harold and Charles Schwartz, host of the I Am Charles Schwartz podcast. 

Together, they discuss actionable insights on creating a vibrant company culture that thrives on core values, alignment, and well-designed systems. From eliminating cultural "cancers" to branding your organization's everyday elements, Cameron reveals the strategies that turn workplaces into energized communities.

Cameron explores the power of vivid visions, branding internal elements, and adopting a "system-first" mindset to solve recurring issues. Whether it’s about fostering joy and engagement or redefining leadership approaches, this episode provides a blueprint for building a culture that aligns with your company’s mission and goals.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why you should get rid of "cultural cancers" - negative influences that put the wrong energy into the company (01:31) 
• 3 critical elements to align your team with a clear vision (03:35)
• Cameron's personal secrets to working smarter, not just harder (05:44)
• The "post-it note" test for effective, easy-to-follow systems (08:59)
• The surprising leadership lesson from Starbucks on fixing root causes (13:33)
• 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

Books:

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don'T Work And What To Do About It 

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is another short excerpt from a conversation between Cameron and Charles Schwartz, host of the I Am Charles Schwartz podcast.

This time, Cameron reflects on his early entrepreneurial influences and the importance of clear, focused goals in business. Inspired by a formative experience with his father, Cameron shares how he learned that owning a business could provide freedom and flexibility—qualities that have since defined his career. 

Discover the three core pillars for business growth: prioritizing financial sustainability, cultivating an employee-focused culture, and leveraging public relations to increase brand visibility.

This episode offers a glimpse into a strategic, intentional approach to business—one that emphasizes focus, passion, and the value of every moment,

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The importance of time and control over one's schedule as a key benefit of entrepreneurship. (3:35)
• The concept of the "flywheel" and the need for a monomaniacal focus on a single mission. (5:12)
• Why understanding financial metrics, budgeting, and cash flow is vital for business success. (6:16)
• The long-term benefits of focusing on employee engagement and culture, which leads to growth and success. (7:41)
• 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

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Charles Schwartz, host of the I Am Charles Schwartz podcast.

Throughout this fascinating conversation, Cameron and Charles dive into a refreshing perspective on navigating economic uncertainty and the mindset shifts that leaders can adopt to focus on what matters most. Learn the value of dialing in on core business fundamentals and concentrating on immediate, impactful actions rather than getting lost in the big-picture anxieties that many entrepreneurs face.

You'll discover the power of strategic simplicity, lessons from industry giants, and insights on how smaller businesses can apply similar principles. A few recommended reads and real-world strategies offer practical takeaways, underscoring the importance of focused leadership and clarity.

If you're interested in bolstering your leadership toolkit, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable advice to stay resilient and adapt, with recommendations on where to find more resources and training for growth.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Cameron's transition from 1-800-Got-Junk to publishing books, speaking globally, as well as starting an online course and a mastermind community. (3:44)
• The importance of employee engagement, core values, and a vivid vision for a company's culture. (10:59)
• The concept of situational leadership and the need for leaders to adapt their style based on the skills and confidence of their team members. (28:17)
• Why leaders need to show appreciation for other teams while building a culture of collaboration and support. (41:06)
• 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

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a short excerpt from a conversation between Cameron and Charles Schwartz, host of the I Am Charles Schwartz podcast.

You'll discover why, in today’s world, leaders often find themselves unprepared for the essentials of their roles. While athletes receive specialized training for every aspect of their performance, leaders are rarely given the same coaching for fundamental tasks—like delegating, running meetings, and managing time effectively.

This episode shows that when leaders focus on strategic thinking and developing the people around them, they unlock significant potential, which fuels their organization’s growth from within.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The importance of developing leaders who can scale with the company, beyond just using tools like Asana or ClickUp. (00:58)
• Why the primary role of a leader is to grow people and systems, rather than just focus on tasks. (2:21)
• How Cameron applies the concept of situational leadership in his work, such as focusing on different aspects of a podcast or team leadership. (6:03)
• The difference between experience and expertise, and why experience alone does not make someone an expert. (10:12)
• 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

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Govindh Jayaraman, host of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast. Govindh empowers entrepreneurs and leaders by sharing profound insights from top business minds, all distilled onto a simple paper napkin.

During the conversation, Cameron and Govindh dive into leadership essentials for teams of all sizes, discussing how to foster confidence, trust, and growth in any organization. By focusing on appreciation and positive reinforcement, leaders can create environments where employees feel valued and empowered.

You'll gain insight into the transformative effects of genuine, consistent praise and the importance of celebrating core values across all levels of an organization. Instead of focusing on correcting errors or assigning blame, discover the benefits of recognizing employees' strengths, promoting a safe space for growth, and building resilient professional relationships.

This episode offers valuable tactics, such as shifting the focus from individual shortcomings to identifying system failures, to help leaders improve workplace culture.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The origin of the two ladders metaphor, inspired by Cameron's experience with College Pro Painters. (1:03)
• Why leaders should focus on growing skills and confidence rather than managing day-to-day tasks. (7:25)
• The difficulty of overreaching with random training programs that are not aligned with an organization's purpose. (20:10)
• Why appreciation is a simple yet powerful tool for leaders to use in their interactions with their teams. (25:21)
• 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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Bruno Franca, co-founder and COO of Shift Clinics, an organizational health and wellness firm located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

During the episode, Bruno shares his journey of navigating a rapidly growing company, discussing the challenges of scaling operations and managing a diverse workforce. You'll learn the importance of saying "no" to attractive ideas that may distract from the company's core focus, prioritizing operational excellence, and developing a resilient system that can meet the demands of a growing market.

You'll hear about Bruno's personal growth as a leader. He reflects on his unconventional path to entrepreneurship, which began in a field he didn’t initially aspire to but eventually used as a vehicle to achieve his true passion for empowering others. 

This episode offers a powerful combination of business insight and personal wisdom, which will inspire you to pursue growth both professionally and personally.

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 two sides of Shift Clinics: B2C (physical rehabilitation and performance training) and B2B (corporate wellness programs). (13:22)
• How the business provides services in various locations without the need for multiple physical clinics, allowing for scalability. (16:25)
• The challenges of scaling traditional physiotherapy businesses and the advantages of Shift Clinics' hybrid model. (22:43)
• Bruno's approach to leadership, including the importance of understanding different perspectives and building a robust system. (42:55)
• And much more...

Resources:

Connect with Bruno: Website | LinkedIn

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

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Tommy Mello, host of the Home Service Expert podcast.

During the conversation, Cameron and Tommy explore the art of effective communication and the pivotal role it plays in entrepreneurial success. They discuss the nuances of idea sharing within teams, emphasizing the importance of understanding different communication styles.

You'll gain insights into strategic decision-making, highlighting how assessing potential impacts and return on investment can guide leaders in prioritizing projects. Cameron discusses the balance between pursuing high-impact initiatives and focusing on foundational tasks that yield quicker results.

With a focus on nurturing relationships within teams and prioritizing employee well-being, this episode ultimately conveys a powerful message: successful leadership is as much about building connections and fostering a supportive environment as it is about driving profits and performance.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The concept of visionary and integrator roles, popularized by Gino Wickman, highlighting the need for CEOs to focus on vision and COOs on execution. (2:53)
• The importance of understanding the target audience, especially in the home services space. (13:40)
• Why leaders need to care about their employees' personal lives, dreams, and insecurities to build a more engaged and loyal team. (35:38)
• The value of clear communication and understanding the impact and ROI of new ideas. (59:16)
• 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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by John "Gucci" Foley, former lead solo pilot for the elite Blue Angels flight team, keynote speaker, philanthropist, and bestselling author of *Fearless Success.*

During the conversation, Cameron and John dive into the mindset needed to achieve high performance, offering a unique perspective on overcoming fear and maintaining focus under pressure. John shares personal experiences from his professional journey, illustrating how challenges can lead to growth and mastery.

You'll learn the intricacies of leadership within an organization, including how to inspire teams and maintain accountability while fostering a sense of purpose. John also offers insights into how you can apply these principles in your personal life, using daily practices like gratitude, meditation, and physical routines to stay aligned and centered. 

This episode provides an inspiring roadmap for those seeking to lead with both intensity and compassion.

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:

• John's experiences joining the military, attending the Naval Academy, and eventually becoming a Blue Angel. (11:37)
• The importance of having the right mindset and beliefs in leadership. (15:05)
• John's approach to working with companies, such as painting a picture of excellence and inspiring leaders to adopt similar practices. (26:29)
• Why leaders need to be genuine, compassionate, and accountable, drawing parallels between military and business leadership. (39:43)
• And much more...

Resources:

Connect with John: Website | LinkedIn

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

Today's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a brief excerpt from a conversation between Cameron and Carl J. Cox, in which they discuss a powerful strategy for long-term success, sharing how a visionary goal can transform an organization's trajectory. 

Listen as Cameron recounts moments of setting seemingly audacious targets that felt nearly impossible at first glance but, with careful planning and execution, became attainable milestones. 

You'll discover the importance of aligning teams with goals that are both ambitious yet plausible. Cameron also shares a moment where he and his business partner, almost instinctively, agreed on a massive revenue target for their company. Through a systematic approach, they exceeded this goal, underscoring the importance of clear vision, structured planning, and the right mindset to fuel growth.

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 a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) and why vision statements should be replaced with vivid visions. (0:00)
• Why every business is a jigsaw puzzle with the vivid vision on the front, core values, core purpose, BHAG, and one-year plan as the four corners. (00:59)
• How Cameron internally sets goals for companies, focusing on employee net promoter score, customer net promoter score, profitability, and revenue. (2:26)
• And much more...

Resources:

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• YouTube - Second In Command Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast 
• YouTube - Cameron Herold Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold 
• COO Alliance - https://cooalliance.com/ 
• Cameron’s newest book - The Second In Command - Unleash The Power Of Your COO
• Cameron’s Online Leadership Course - https://investinyourleaders.com/ch  
• Cameron’s Website - https://cameronherold.com/ 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/ 
• Paul Graham article ‘Founder Mode’
• Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn