In this episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Nick Malone, former COO of Sitecore and a seasoned executive with over 24 years of leadership experience in the IT sector.

During this fascinating conversation, Cameron and Nick explore the complexities of driving growth in a rapidly evolving industry. You'll hear how leaders navigate expansion strategies, balance ambitious goals with practical execution, and manage the challenges that come with building scalable systems. The discussion highlights how clarity of vision and disciplined prioritization become essential when a business is pushing toward the next stage of success.

The discussion also looks at the human side of transformation. It examines how to guide teams through times of change, especially when uncertainty and cultural integration are at play. You'll gain insights into communication, alignment, and creating structures that help people feel supported while maintaining momentum.

With practical takeaways and thoughtful reflections, this episode offers valuable guidance for leaders seeking to build resilience and long-term impact.

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:

• Nick's career journey, starting as an engineer and moving into sales and sales leadership, which allowed him to travel extensively.

• His experience living in Kazakhstan with his family, the cultural differences, and the need for a command-and-control approach in business.

• The transformation of Sitecore from an on-premise business to a SaaS offering, including the acquisition of modern technology companies.

• The importance of clear communication and vision in driving the transformation, as well as the role of talented individuals in making it successful.

• The role of the "cycle Sherpa" in integrating new employees, ensuring they are embedded into the business quickly and effectively.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Nick Malone is a seasoned executive with over 24 years of leadership experience in the Information Technology and Services sector, spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the USA, Russia, and Central Asia. A graduate of Loughborough University in Manufacturing Engineering, he has built a rare leadership profile combining revenue growth, sales excellence, and operational efficiency. As former Chief Operating Officer of Sitecore, Nick led global operations, sales enablement, and large-scale transformation initiatives, consistently delivering results in both public companies and private equity portfolio firms. His expertise includes business development, cloud computing, and international partnerships, with a proven track record in driving growth across mature and emerging markets. Known as an agile leader and advocate for digital transformation, Nick is passionate about continuous learning, leadership development, and building high-performing global teams.

Resources:

Connect with Nick: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Andrew Rickett, Chief Operating Officer of Karmo, Australia’s largest car subscription provider.

During this fascinating conversation, you'll hear how Andrew spent decades in a traditional industry before pivoting into a space that redefines consumer expectations. He shares insights on shifting customer demands, the evolution of long-standing models, and how Karmo is working to deliver more flexible, technology-driven solutions that better align with modern lifestyles.

The discussion also explores how innovation and technology are shaping the way companies in this sector operate. From building a custom tech stack to integrating AI into the customer journey, you'll learn how efficiency, personalization, and self-service are becoming essential components of growth and differentiation.

This episode covers everything from leadership, growth, and personal reflection to challenges such as recruiting top talent in a competitive market, strategies for building strong teams, and the importance of adaptability.

Thinking about stepping into a COO role? Hear Andrew’s journey from CEO to COO and what it takes to thrive in both. 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 vehicle subscriptions, and how they compare to traditional leasing and rental models.

• Andrew's post-acquisition transition from CEO of Motopool to the COO of Karmo, as well as the alignment of values and vision between them.

• The decision to keep both the Karmo and Motopool brands distinct due to different customer bases.

• The shift from making all decisions (as CEO) to managing specific areas of responsibility (as COO) and the importance of a supportive executive team.

• Karmo's focus on building a tech-enabled platform for an exceptional customer experience, and the potential for AI to enhance customer service.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Andrew Rickett is the Chief Operating Officer of Karmo, Australia’s largest car subscription provider, where he leverages his strong managerial background and extensive hands-on expertise to drive growth and innovation. With wide-ranging experience in business setup, implementation, and performance development, he brings a strategic vision that balances opportunity with risk while keeping customer and business needs at the forefront. A self-driven and self-reliant leader, Andrew is recognized for his advocacy, negotiation, and facilitation skills, consistently setting ambitious targets and leading by example. His focus on team building and leadership fosters an environment where people are engaged, motivated, and encouraged to excel, making him a key force behind Karmo’s continued success in redefining the automotive industry.

Resources:

Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

Get Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your...

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses one of the most critical hires a business can make, a role that directly impacts leadership alignment, financial clarity, and long-term success: the Chief Financial Officer or CFO.

The conversation highlights how small red flags during the hiring process, such as scheduling mishaps or lack of accountability, can be early indicators of deeper issues that shouldn’t be ignored. You'll learn why asking tough, direct questions in interviews can uncover whether a candidate truly embodies the ownership and resilience needed for high-stakes leadership.

Discover the relationship between this leadership role and the CEO, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Since not every CEO has the technical expertise to fully evaluate the position, Cameron shows how leaning on outside advisors or experienced professionals can provide the necessary insight to set clear expectations and define success from the outset. This ensures that both sides are aligned on responsibilities and performance measures.

This episode offers practical guidance for any company seeking to strengthen its executive team and navigate the complexities of making the right leadership decision. Before you hire your next CFO, hear Cameron’s insider strategies for defining the role and setting clear expectations.

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 nuances of hiring a CFO, including addressing red flags and setting clear expectations.

• The importance of outside experts like fractional CFOs or accounting firms in defining roles and setting new CFOs up for success.

• The role of outside experts in guiding a new CFO and ensuring they meet the company's needs.

• The value of having a fractional CFO participate in the interview process to assess the candidate's skills.

• 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

Connect with Cameron on Dephi

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