Based on the book The Second in Command by Cameron Herold this is a strategic guide for CEOs and entrepreneurs on how to find, hire, and work effectively with a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to scale their business. It outlines the critical role the COO plays in turning vision into execution, managing daily operations, and building the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. This lesson offers practical advice on defining the COO role, structuring a productive CEO-COO partnership, and fostering strong communication and trust. It also provides insights into when a company is ready for a COO and how the right second-in-command can dramatically improve focus, execution, and overall organizational performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to identify the right time and criteria for hiring a COO
• Learn how to clearly define the COO’s role and align it with the company’s strategic goals
• Gain tools to build a high-functioning, trust-based CEO-COO relationship

Event Participants

Moderator: Jason McMurray
Vice President, PC
Holmes Murphy Construction

Speaker: David Morton
Director
Maxim Consulting Group