Empowering Leadership and Innovation with Stacey Ryan of School of Rock In this episode of Between Two COOs, host Michael Koenig interviews Stacey Ryan, the COO of School of Rock, a global music school franchise. Despite common beliefs, the School of Rock predated its namesake 2003 film, with Stacey clarifying that the film was, in fact, inspired by the school’s real-life operations. Stacey discusses the significant impact of the global pandemic on the business, highlighting the shift to remote music lessons as a major innovation that the School has retained post-pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of community and mental health support for students, demonstrating how challenges like COVID-19 spurred innovation and team cohesion within School of Rock. Additionally, Stacey delves into operational challenges, the franchise model, and strategic international expansion. She also speaks on her personal journey, shedding light on creating frontwoman.org, a nonprofit focused on empowering women leaders across industries. Throughout the episode, Stacey shares insights on leadership, the value of community, and the transformative power of music education. 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: The Pandemic's Impact on School of Rock 05:27 Innovating Through Crisis: Adapting to a Pandemic World 08:58 Building a Community: The Power of Music and Belonging 12:49 Operational Excellence: Stacey's Approach to Efficiency 22:28 Expanding Horizons: International Growth and Master Franchising 31:25 Empowering Future Leaders: The Vision Behind frontwoman.org 40:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

In an insightful episode of 'Between Two COOs,' host Michael Koenig converses with Aidan Mirzaee, the founder and CEO of Fellow, about the art and science of optimizing meetings. The discussion dives into the staggering statistics of daily meetings in the U.S., the inception of Fellow as a product to optimize structured management processes, and Shopify's drastic measure to save hundreds of thousands of hours by canceling recurring meetings. Reflecting on personal experiences, Aidan shares his journey from managing a scrappy startup to embracing structured management processes post-acquisition by SurveyMonkey, leading to the realization that optimizing meetings is crucial for managerial efficiency. The conversation also touches on implementing Fellow at scale within companies like Shopify, the importance of action items in meetings, and the balance between meeting frequency and productivity. Additionally, they explore the role of AI in enhancing meeting efficiency and safeguarding proprietary information while fostering innovation. Aidan shares insights from leading Fellow, emphasizing the need for adaptable management styles, fostering company culture, and the transformative potential of AI in business processes. A lively discussion ensues about the uniqueness of remote meetings and the value of asynchronous communication. This episode not only provides a deep dive into the world of meetings and management but also offers actionable insights for leaders aiming to optimize their team's time and effectiveness.

Join me, Michael Koenig, on a journey with business guru Cameron Harold, as we celebrate his latest literary achievement, "The Second In Command." Listen in as Cameron, the brain behind COO Alliance, unpacks the essentials of his new book, offering a treasure trove of guidance for CEOs and COOs alike. Discover the pivotal shifts Cameron experienced transitioning from COO to CEO and how this evolution informed his approach to balancing work and life. His candid sharing of early business challenges and the power of delegation, saying no, and zeroing in on crucial tasks provide actionable advice for any business leader. In our discussion, we tackle the nuanced decision-making process between promoting from within versus bringing in external talent. I share personal anecdotes, drawing parallels between the relentless improvement seen in elite sports and fostering a growth-oriented culture within organizations. We delve into the sentimentality of sports heroes, my encounter with Ken Dryden, and how these experiences shape our understanding of leadership. Furthermore, Cameron and I dissect the organizational agility, emphasizing a "bobbin' weave culture," and how a flexible mindset can steer a company towards its vivid vision. Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we explore the impact of AI tools in business efficiency, with a nod to COO Alliance members' innovative weekly AI experimentation. The conversation pays homage to lauded COOs like Cheryl Sandberg and Matt Rawlings, whose leadership exemplifies the blend of effective management and creativity. And finally, I extend heartfelt thanks to Cameron for his invaluable insights, underscoring the significance of his book for strengthening leadership teams and the overall health of organizations. Tune in for this engaging exploration of leadership, technology, and the potent dynamic between CEOs and COOs. Proudly sponsored by Fellow. Get better meetings today at https://fellow.app/coo/.

How you need to plan for the AI Act? What is permissible and isn’t? How the EU will regulate AI? What constitutes AI? 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.

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.

Unpack the transformation of travel experiences with me, Michael Kanig, as Tao Tao, COO of GetYourGuide, reveals the secrets behind turning a dorm-room startup into a $2 billion industry titan. We're setting the stage for a fascinating tale of innovation, strategy, and resilience that's reshaping the way people discover and book their adventures. From the early days as a fledgling peer-to-peer network to its current stature as a global connector of travelers and professional activity providers, GetYourGuide's story is a masterclass in adaptability and foresight, particularly in embracing the digital revolution that's now a $300 billion opportunity. As we navigate the company's journey, Tao and I explore the crucial role of company culture in weathering the storms of the industry, including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We share the strategic thinking behind maintaining a cohesive team, underpinned by core values that not only helped survive tough times but also primed the company for a vigorous comeback. The episode also delves into the pandemic's silver lining – a rapid transition to digital engagements that's redefining the travel experience for millions around the globe. Rounding out our conversation, we look at the art of crafting a board of directors that aligns with a company's vision and the nuances of navigating Series F funding amidst a complex tech investment landscape. Tao provides a window into GetYourGuide's future, driven by a technology-first approach aimed at enhancing customer experiences and expanding inventory. Plus, we contemplate the exciting potential of AGI and chat GPT technologies to revolutionize the travel industry further. If your wanderlust is calling, let this episode be the first step in your next journey, and don't hesitate to reach out to Tao on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Are you ready for a deep dive into the world of remote work, productivity, and leadership? Let us whisk you away on a journey with our special guest, Alan Christensen, the COO of Duist, a trailblazing SaaS company. Alan’s story, which starts from humble beginnings in a family pipe business, catapults into an unlikely tech career, is an inspiration to us all. He sheds light on the dynamic relationship between a CEO and COO, and how their duties are divided at Duist. Get ready to be inspired, as we uncover the secrets of Duist's success without traditional institutional investments. Now let's shift gears and look to the future - a future where remote work is at the forefront. As we navigate this new landscape, we find ourselves pondering the role of asynchronous communication in remote work settings. What makes it so effective? How does it influence work-life balance? And even more tantalizing, how exactly does it promote a more productive work environment? Join us as we discuss these burning questions and share our experiences utilizing our product, Twist, to foster asynchronous communication within our own team. We delve into the crucial role of documentation and transparency in remote work, ensuring that decisions are not just made but also recorded for future reference. Lastly, we tackle the important topics of recruitment, career growth, and feedback processes. Hear about our unique hiring system and how it's shaped our company culture. Our discussion evolves towards career progression and the importance of having a proper framework for career growth. Learn how we have recently adopted a new platform for professional development, and how we manage the challenges of leading a remote team. And for a twist, you won't want to miss Alan's account of an odd trademark infringement case, displaying the lengths some will go, even without a case. So buckle up, and join us for this enlightening conversation about the evolving world of work.

We're thrilled to welcome Dan Sroker, co-founder and CEO of Rewind, and former CEO and co-founder of Optimizely, to Between Two COOs! This episode centers around an eye-opening conversation about the potential of AI to augment human memory, transforming every digital interaction into an AI-able, searchable database. Yes, you heard it right! We are talking about having a "superpower" that could change the way we perceive and utilize our memory. During the discussion, we also shine a light on the future of AI in operations, how it can amplify human capabilities, and importantly, the full impact on productivity. However, we don't shy away from the hard questions either. There is a crucial conversation on privacy and security in AI, and the stark warning that those businesses not getting on board may well struggle in the future. We also navigate through the role of AI in remote work and the possibility of smaller teams punching above their weight with the help of technology. Lastly, we touch upon the prime importance of STEM education in fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, and how it finds its place in the world of technology. We discuss the dynamics of having a COO and chief of staff, why company values matter, the importance of psychological safety in team building, and the art of conducting effective reference checks during hiring. This episode is a riveting exploration of how technology intertwines with our lives and how we can make it work for us. Tune in for an enlightening discussion!

The compelling Kate Hemington, co-founder and COO of Arcadia Power, joins us for a deep dive into the revolutionary world of clean tech and the disruption of the energy market. Her unique insights, stemming from her academic background at the University of Oxford and experience in corporate litigation, shed light on how Arcadia Power leverages digitization in the traditionally regulated energy industry. Through our enlightening conversation, we navigate the dynamics of energy monopoly and how the legal and policy perspective can create unique opportunities. We venture into the intricate world of community solar and renewable energy, unraveling how states incentivize third-party developers to build renewable power sources. Kate reveals how Arcadia Power simplifies this process for customers by providing a guaranteed savings rate. The conversation illuminates how community solar is not only beneficial for customers but is also instrumental in replacing dirty electrons with clean ones. Our discussion also explores how Arcadia Power's data platform, Arc, is used to retrofit billions of machines for maximum decarbonization. Get ready to uncover how this data empowers other companies to help their customers make micro-decisions. We also discuss the complexities of managing acquisitions, integrating products, and board composition in a startup environment. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, a growth mindset, and effective communication in overcoming challenges. The episode wraps up with an intriguing discussion on the power of cold emails to forge impactful connections. Tune in to this riveting episode to gain a deeper understanding of the clean tech revolution.

We're thrilled to present a fascinating conversation with Daren Murph, acknowledged as the Oracle of Remote Work by none other than CNBC. Prepare for a deep dive into the critical operations of remote companies, with a spotlight on low context communication. In our discussion, we unpack the significance of articulating details, striving for precision, and assuming zero context for the audience. Daren impresses upon us the power of information not only being communicated effectively, but also being built upon in a scalable, compound interest-like manner. As we pivot to a different aspect of remote work, Daren guides us through the view of remote work as an operating model, not just a policy. Here, we navigate the seas of process definition, documentation, and culture, essential pillars for remote teams to stand tall and thrive. The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss the daunting task of operational investment in times of macroeconomic downturn, and how companies might shift gears to a distributed model without expanding their workforce. Featuring intriguing insights on Generative AI within the context of knowledge management, our dialogue with Daren takes us into the evolving field of AI in remote work. We shed light on the criticality of onboarding in a remote context, and how to mold an impactful experience for new employees. Additionally, we discuss how remote work has the potential to confer greater power to organizations, resulting in a disciplined, less dysfunctional environment. Plus, don't miss out as we share strategies on making remote town halls engaging and on smoothly transitioning from an in-person to a remote model without cultural clash. Join us as Daren Murph, the Oracle of Remote Work, illuminates the path to efficient and effective remote operations.