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COO

What Stage of Your Business Growth Do You Need a COO?

by May 26, 2025The CEO Project Podcast

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How can CEOs prevent political strife and foster a cohesive work environment with a COO?

Cameron Herold, widely known as the CEO Whisperer, highlights the critical importance of the COO role through his establishment of the COO Alliance, a global network empowering second-in-commands across numerous countries. Drawing from his experience in scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Cameron articulates how COOs are pivotal in steering organizational growth and operational excellence. He advocates for the strategic insight and decision-making autonomy that COOs must possess, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions between C-level roles and other managerial positions to ensure fair compensation and effective leadership. As an author and speaker, Herold stresses the COOs’ essential role in transforming visionary ideas into sustainable success, a perspective that underscores the value of strategic leadership in navigating the complexities of organizational growth.

Key Takeaways About Needing a COO

  • The COO role requires strategic insight, P&L responsibility, and the ability to manage functional areas of the business.
  • Distinguishing between the COO and other operational roles like VP of Operations is crucial to emphasize participation in the strategic process.
  • Core values play a critical role in shaping organizational culture, and CEOs need to embody these values to create a cohesive work environment.
  • Investing in leadership development and continuous training for managers is essential for sustainable growth of organizations.
  • Addressing underperforming employees is crucial to maintaining a strong organizational culture and encouraging accountability among team members.
  • CEOs need to be aware of natural transitions a company goes through to effectively scale up employees and maintain growth.

More from Cameron Herold

Cameron founded the COO Alliance, the first-ever peer network dedicated to second-in-command leaders. Inspired by his own experiences in the trenches of hypergrowth and his belief that every visionary CEO needs a powerful operational partner, Cameron created the Alliance to equip COOs with the tools, community, and mentorship they often lack. Known for his hands-on leadership, sharp operational mind, and deep passion for entrepreneurship, Cameron continues to help companies scale and thrive—just as his father once helped him do.

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