Episodes

  • HomeToGo COO Valentin Gruber Talks M&A, Strategic Planning, and Taking the Multi-Billion Dollar Company Public

    HomeToGo COO Valentin Gruber Talks M&A, Strategic Planning, and Taking the Multi-Billion Dollar Company Public
    Jul 16 2024

    In this episode of Between Two COOs, host Michael Koenig sits down with Valentin Gruber, COO of HomeToGo, to explore the inner workings of the vacation rental aggregator and its strategy. HomeToGo went public via a SPAC in 2021, reaching a valuation of $1.2 billion after raising $150 million in VC funding. Valentin shares insights into the company’s growth, its approach to balancing marketplace and software solutions, and the strategic importance of acquisitions. The discussion delves into leadership principles, decision-making frameworks, and how HomeToGo navigates market complexities while competing with giants like Airbnb. Valentin also provides an entertaining look at innovative cost-saving measures the company employed, highlighting the unique culture at HomeToGo. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in strategic growth, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the vacation rental market.

    00:00 Introduction to Between Two COOs

    00:16 Valentin Gruber's Background and Home2Go Overview

    01:01 Home2Go's Market Position and Public Listing

    01:57 Home2Go's Business Model Evolution

    05:16 Scale and Transactions at Home2Go

    07:19 Subsidiaries and Acquisitions

    15:36 Strategic Planning and Problem Solving

    22:39 Leadership and Company Culture

    24:20 Management Approach and Decision-Making Techniques

    25:45 Balancing Learning and Expertise

    28:59 The Importance of Pre-Reads in Decision Making

    32:41 Leaders Staying Connected to Problems

    33:54 Understanding SPACs and HomeToGo's Public Journey

    38:20 Strategic Use of SPAC Funds

    39:18 Evaluating and Executing M&A Deals

    42:05 Memorable Moments and Financial Discipline

    46:26 Conclusion and Farewell
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    48 mins
  • School of Rock COO Stacey Ryan on Navigating Crises, Change, Leadership, and Empowerment

    School of Rock COO Stacey Ryan on Navigating Crises, Change, Leadership, and Empowerment
    Apr 23 2024

    Navigating Leadership and Innovation at School of Rock with Stacey Ryan

    In this episode of Between Two COOs, host Michael Koenig interviews Stacey Ryan, the COO of School of Rock - a global music school franchise. Stacey debunks a common misconception about the business's origin, noting it predated and inspired the 2003 film. She discusses the operational challenges of managing a global franchise, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the innovative pivot to remote lessons and live-streamed shows. Stacey also delves into her role in founding Frontwoman.org, aimed at empowering women in leadership roles across various industries. The discussion covers her career trajectory, the importance of mentorship, operational strategies for scaling, and the significant impact of maintaining a supportive and innovative culture for both students and franchisees.

    00:00 Welcome to Between Two COOs: Meet Stacey Ryan

    00:28 The Real School of Rock: Beyond the Movie

    00:52 Empowering Women Leaders: The Mission of Frontwoman.org

    02:10 Navigating Challenges: Pandemic Response and Innovation at School of Rock

    12:49 Operational Insights: Building a Global Music Education Empire

    25:21 Empowering the Next Generation: Talent Assessment and Retention

    31:25 Frontwoman.org: Championing Women's Leadership and Empowerment

    40:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources
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    41 mins
  • Fellow CEO Aydin Mirzaee on Mastering Productivity and Efficiency with AI

    Fellow CEO Aydin Mirzaee on Mastering Productivity and Efficiency with AI
    Apr 9 2024

    Maximizing Meeting Efficiency and Navigating Management Challenges: Insights from Aidan Mizrahi of Fellow

    This episode delves into the complexities and potential inefficiencies of meetings in the professional world, emphasizing the staggering number of unproductive meetings held daily. Highlighting the innovative approach of Shopify in canceling recurring meetings to save significant time, the conversation introduces Fellow, a SaaS product aimed at optimizing meeting structures, agendas, and action items to enhance management processes. Aidan Mizrahi, the CEO of Fellow, shares his journey from being unaware of structured management processes to creating a platform that serves as a manager's co-pilot, focusing on the intricacies of managing differently for every team member and adapting over time. Furthermore, Mizrahi discusses the pivotal role of asynchronous meetings in remote work, the significance of setting meeting norms, and leveraging AI to improve efficiency and decision-making in organizations. The episode also explores the balance between security and innovation when integrating AI into business processes and concludes with Mizrahi sharing a personal anecdote on how AI has become a part of his daily routine for brainstorming and learning.

    00:00 The Meeting Epidemic: Unveiling the Problem

    00:58 Introducing Fellow: The SaaS Revolutionizing Meetings

    01:42 A Deep Dive into Fellow's Origin and Mission

    01:50 From Startup to Acquisition: A Journey of Learning and Growth

    05:14 The Power of Structured Management Processes

    09:43 Implementing Effective Meetings at Scale with Fellow

    15:51 Optimizing Meetings for Action and Accountability

    20:00 Redefining Meeting Culture: Strategies for Efficiency

    29:06 Embracing Remote Work: The Future of Meetings

    32:37 Unlocking the Power of Asynchronous Meetings

    33:43 The Value of Time and Asynchronous Work

    35:18 Inside the Operations of Fellow: Mastering Efficiency

    35:44 The Art of Meeting Types and Decision Making

    40:21 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency and Innovation

    45:58 Navigating AI Ethics and Security in Business

    48:34 AI Presentations: Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Innovation

    56:03 The Impact of Super Managers Podcast on Leadership

    01:02:07 Exploring New Frontiers with AI: A Personal Experiment

    01:04:41 Connecting with the Community and Wrapping Up
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Cameron Herold of COO Alliance and 1-800-got-junk on How to delegate, lead, fix problems, hire and promote, and be the second in command

    Cameron Herold of COO Alliance and 1-800-got-junk on How to delegate, lead, fix problems, hire and promote, and be the second in command
    Feb 13 2024
    Presented by Fellow.app. Streamline your meetings and make them more efficient and meaningful. Get Fellow for you and your team today. Head to https://fellow.app/coo/ to get started and start having better meetings. (00:12) Advice for CEOs and COOs This chapter welcomes Cameron Harold, the founder of COO Alliance and author of "The Second In Command," as we celebrate the release of his new book and examine its content, which serves as a guide for both CEOs and COOs. We explore Cameron's transition from COO to CEO, the mindset shifts that accompanied this change, and his insights into the balance between work and life. Cameron shares his experiences and lessons learned from running a business at a young age, including the importance of delegating, saying no, and focusing on the most critical tasks. The discussion also touches on how the book has already impacted the COO Alliance and the value it provides in understanding the CEO-COO dynamic. (12:37) Promoting From Within vs. Hiring Externally This chapter we explore the importance of creating a culture of continuous improvement within companies, akin to the mindset of elite athletes or performers. I share an anecdote about Patrick Roy to illustrate the resilience and determination that we aim to instill in our teams. We discuss strategies for fostering a safe environment where feedback is welcomed and viewed as a tool for growth, emphasizing that it's the systems, not individuals, that often need adjustment. We also touch on the sentimental value of sports heroes, as I recount a personal encounter with my childhood idol, Ken Dryden. Finally, I address the considerations involved in deciding whether to promote from within or hire externally for leadership roles, factoring in the individual's ability to complement the CEO's skills, their leadership qualities, and the strategic implications of such decisions, especially in companies with specialized knowledge or intellectual property. (17:24) Flexibility in Organizational Structure With AI This chapter examines the importance of flexibility in business operations and leadership. We explore the concept of a "bobbin' weave culture" where being too rigid can be detrimental, and the benefits of flowing like water, taking the path of least resistance towards the company's vivid vision. I discuss the necessity for leaders to align with core values and purposes, akin to a bobsled track, to guide the organization's journey. Additionally, we look at the challenges of introducing flexibility into rigid structures, using the example of Gerber Auto Collision's approach to acquisitions and the philosophy of "selling, not telling" to integrate new teams. The chapter also highlights the power of positive reinforcement and personal praise in leadership, drawing lessons from Howard Behar's practice of handwritten thank you notes at Starbucks, emphasizing the value of gratitude and recognition in driving employee success and satisfaction. (24:55) Exploring AI Tools and Admired COOs This chapter, we explore the significance of AI in the modern workplace, highlighting how our employees and CO Alliance members are encouraged to experiment with AI tools for one to two hours each week. We discuss the vast array of available AI applications, far beyond the widely mentioned ChatGPT, and the benefits of sharing experiences with these tools among teams to build momentum and enhance productivity. Examples include the transformative effects of AI on podcast production, such as using Descript to edit speech or Podium Stage for content creation. Additionally, we touch upon the importance of adaptability, illustrated by historical shifts in technology within NASA, and wrap up with admiration for influential COOs like Cheryl Sandberg and Matt Rawlings, noting how they exemplify effective leadership and innovation. (30:39) Leadership Lessons and Insights This chapter explores the contrasting leadership styles and trajectories of two COOs of 1-800-Got-Junk, with a focus on the impact of Eric Church's internal-facing, process- and people-centered approach as he grew the company from $70 million to $450 million, in stark contrast to my own media-facing, brand-building style during a different company growth phase. We also discuss the critical lesson of listening to team members, exemplified by a near-bankruptcy experience, and share a personal strategy for becoming a better listener by physically sitting on one's hands to encourage attentiveness. Finally, we examine the importance of asking systemic rather than symptomatic questions within leadership, illustrated by an anecdote involving Starbucks and the significance of maintaining operational systems for company-wide consistency. (37:02) Catch Up and Discuss Book Promotion This chapter celebrates the successful collaboration between CEOs and COOs as we unpack the critical dynamics of their partnership. I extend my gratitude to Cameron for sharing his insights and congratulate ...
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    38 mins
  • EU vs AI: What You Need to Know About the EU's AI Act - The Legal Opinion with Flick Fisher, Partner at Fieldfisher

    EU vs AI: What You Need to Know About the EU's AI Act - The Legal Opinion with Flick Fisher, Partner at Fieldfisher
    Jan 30 2024

    Could the EU's new AI Act be the cornerstone of global AI regulation? That's what we're here to unpack with the expert insight of Flick Fisher, a leading privacy specialist and partner at Fieldfisher. As the digital age accelerates, the European Union is setting a precedent with the AI Act, a groundbreaking legislation designed to navigate the complex terrain of artificial intelligence. Flick and I dissect the Act's risk-based approach, dissecting the prohibited and high-risk AI systems categories, while giving a nod to the lighter touch on low-risk innovations. Our conversation delves into how this monumental regulation could shape data privacy and ethical AI practices on the world stage.

    Join us as we explore not only the definitions and distinctions within the AI Act but also its everyday implications for business operations, from HR decisions to the product safety landscape. With generative AI technologies like ChatGPT on the rise, understanding the nuances of this legislative framework has never been more crucial. We'll navigate the potential new compliance roles the Act may create and predict whether this regulatory move could become the global gold standard. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that will equip COOs and business leaders with the foresight needed to thrive in an AI-governed future.

    (00:06) EU AI Act and Its Impact

    (11:50) Regulations and Definitions of AI

    (27:38) The Implications of the AI Act

    Links

    Episode link: https://www.betweentwocoos.com/the-eu-vs-ai-the-legal-opinion-with-flick-fisher-partner-at-fieldfisher/

    Flick's previous episode on GDPR: https://www.betweentwocoos.com/data-privacy-gdpr-flick-fisher/

    Flick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityfisher/

    Fieldfisher: https://www.fieldfisher.com/

    Between Two COO's: https://www.betweentwocoos.com/

    Michael Koenig on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michael-koenig514/
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    33 mins
  • Productboard COO Greg Strickland on how to balance growth and innovation, collecting mentors and personal development, managing through change, SMB to enterprise shift, and the competitive advantage of startups

    Productboard COO Greg Strickland on how to balance growth and innovation, collecting mentors and personal development, managing through change, SMB to enterprise shift, and the competitive advantage of startups
    Jan 24 2024

    Join us as Greg Strickland, COO of Productboard, and I explore the power of embracing new opportunities and the crucial balance between business outcomes and personal advancement. Greg shares his journey of growth through accepting challenges that push boundaries, and we reflect on the times when a strategic 'no' can pave the way for others' development and align with company goals. Listen in for an insightful discussion on the mentorship gap in early-stage companies and the trial-and-error learning that COOs like Greg navigate in the startup landscape.

     

    As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, we dissect the influence of continuous learning on company culture, inspired by industry pioneers. I open up about the enriching experience of partnering with product and engineering-driven founders and how passion plays a decisive role in a startup's trajectory. We consider how startups like Productboard are innovating in operations and product management with the use of AI, highlighting the agility required to manage rapid change and the ethical considerations of handling customer data.

     

    In our conversation, we delve into the challenges of scaling up to the enterprise market and the importance of building a culture that can gracefully manage internal friction points. I share my approach to fostering empathy and collaboration across departments, revealing personal anecdotes and strategies for aligning diverse perspectives within a company. Tune in for a rich discussion full of practical insights, memorable moments, and tips for nurturing a successful startup environment. Follow Productboard on LinkedIn and check out their blog for more engaging content that can help steer your company towards growth and innovation.

     

    (00:06) Saying Yes to New Opportunities

    (08:14) Startups' Impact on Learning Culture

    (17:25) AI for Operations and Product Management

    (31:34) Navigating Enterprise Market Challenges and Feedback

    (37:07) Friction and Empathy in Customer Relations

    (45:25) Developing Empathy and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

     

    Links

    Greg Strickland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstrickland/

    Episode Link: https://www.betweentwocoos.com/productboard-coo-greg-strickland

    Matt Blumberg: https://startupceo.com/

    The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205

    Amp It Up by Frank Slootman: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115/

    Radical Candor by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/1250235375

    Michael Koenig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-koenig514/
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    52 mins
  • Get Your Guide COO Tao on Building a $2 Billion Dollar Travel Experience Giant

    Get Your Guide COO Tao on Building a $2 Billion Dollar Travel Experience Giant
    Jan 9 2024
    (01:20 - 02:44) The Travel Experience Market's Growth(04:36 - 06:03) Peer to Peer Tour Guide Platform(07:27 - 09:26) Learning and Customer Obsession Importance(12:35 - 13:56) Creativity and Execution in Strategy(16:11 - 17:06) Identifying Core Values for Company Culture(21:48 - 23:03) Accelerating Digitization and the QR Code(36:32 - 37:43) Investment Strategy and Flywheel Approach(39:48 - 40:47) International Tensions and Investment Impacts(43:17 - 44:43) Applying AGI and AI to Operations (00:11) The Travel Experience Industry Journey This chapter welcomes Tao, COO of GetYourGuide, to share insights into the burgeoning travel experience industry. I explore how GetYourGuide, a company that started in a dorm room, grew into a $2 billion enterprise, selling over 80 million tickets to travelers seeking unique experiences, such as private tours of the Vatican Museum. We look at the travel experience market as an untapped online frontier, previously dominated by offline transactions and now worth $300 billion. Tao recounts the founding story of GetYourGuide, from its original concept as a peer-to-peer platform for tour guides to pivoting towards professional activity operators, marking the beginning of its success. We also touch upon the company's recent $194 million funding round and discuss the increasing trend of travelers preferring experiences over material possessions. (13:56) Adapting Culture and Surviving Crisis This chapter begins by exploring the integration of culture with changing strategies, emphasizing the importance of a consistent culture that supports shifts without causing disruption. I discuss the development of authentic core values by sharing a story of initial failure and eventual success through a reflective process with the leadership team, highlighting the key role of core values in determining who fits within a company. The conversation then pivots to the impact of COVID-19, recounting the immediate challenges and strategic decisions made in response to the pandemic, including the choice not to lay off staff and to continue investing in the future. The chapter concludes with an optimistic outlook, noting a strong recovery and promising prospects for the years following the initial crisis. (21:10) Travel Industry This chapter focuses on how businesses adapted during the pandemic, particularly addressing the balance between long-term planning and immediate operational needs. We touch on innovative measures like salary sacrifices for stock options and government-subsidized work hour reductions. We highlight the insights gained from having co-founders with molecular biology backgrounds, which helped us stay ahead in understanding the virus's impact on the travel industry. Additionally, we discuss the acceleration of digitization due to the pandemic, using the QR code's newfound ubiquity as a prime example. This digital shift significantly impacted operations, especially for our partnerships with historical attractions and museums, which had to quickly adapt to digital ticketing and queue management. Lastly, we examine the surge in travel as restrictions lifted, debunking the idea that the spike was merely 'revenge tourism' and noting the persistent trend towards domestic tourism. (31:53) Board Members, Funding, Global Network Effects This chapter focuses on the strategy behind assembling a board of directors for a private company, highlighting the importance of selecting members who bring expertise and accountability. We explore the company's recent Series F funding round, which includes a mix of cash and a revolving credit facility, designed to provide financial flexibility. The significance of raising funds during a period when many tech companies struggle is discussed, emphasizing the company's steady growth and prudent financial practices that have led to a successful up-round without resorting to complex financial instruments. I share insights into the deployment of the raised capital, underlining the company's investment into a technology-driven flywheel model, which encompasses building customer audience, enhancing the product, and acquiring a diverse inventory to support their mission of expansion, particularly in the U.S. market. (40:48) Travel and AGI Building Connections This chapter begins with reflections on the value of a connected world and the peace dividend concept, emphasizing how less military spending can boost investment in other sectors like technology and education. I examine the impact of decoupling on trade efficiency and express hope for the role of travel in fostering empathy and cultural understanding. I share insights on the potential of AGI and chat GPT to transform operations in various fields, including machine learning, translation, customer service, and personalized recommendations. I highlight the impressive capabilities of AI in instant translation, which can facilitate global communication and commerce. Lastly, I recount the startling ...
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    47 mins
  • Doist COO Allan Christensen on remote ops, perfecting hiring, designing ops for career development, the ideal employee feedback loop

    Doist COO Allan Christensen on remote ops, perfecting hiring, designing ops for career development, the ideal employee feedback loop
    Dec 19 2023

    (00:12) Interview With Remote COO Alan Christensen

     

    COO Alan Christensen shares his journey and Duist's success without institutional investment, pioneering remote work and dividing responsibilities with CEO.

     

    (11:48) Future of Remote Work and Communication

     

    Remote work's significance in shaping the future, utilizing asynchronous communication, transparency, and documentation for effective management.

     

    (22:28) Recruitment, Career Growth, and Feedback Processes

     

    Hiring, company culture, flat hierarchy, career development, and professional growth are emphasized by the speaker.

     

    (31:04) Challenges With Trademarks and Feedback

     

    Remote company Todoist's values, challenges, hands-on management, stable squads, feedback framework, and trademark infringement case.

     

     
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    39 mins