In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Ted Collins, Chief Operating Officer of Forensic Psychiatric Associates (FPA Med).

During this fascinating conversation, you'll hear how Ted's career has taken him through high-pressure corporate environments and into a leadership role that demands both empathy and operational clarity. Discover a world where precision, timing, and emotional intelligence intersect to build strong client relationships and cohesive internal teams. The discussion touches on the subtle art of exceeding expectations while remaining grounded in clearly defined boundaries and agreements.

Ted shares thoughtful strategies for protecting visionary leaders from unnecessary decision fatigue while still ensuring they’re looped in when their insight is most valuable. You'll learn practical tools and routines that help manage both external client expectations and internal workflow tensions—especially in high-stakes, detail-sensitive industries.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable leadership, operational finesse, and thoughtful growth.

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:

• FPA Med's evidence-based process, involving psychological testing, record review, and psychiatric evaluation, followed by reports and testimony.
• How Ted improved the intake process, reducing administrative hassle for Dr. Levy and the experts, and creating a more efficient team.
• The importance of collaboration among experts, including consultations and pairing psychiatrists and psychologists.
• The challenges and rewards of handling multi-plaintiff or mass tort cases, such as the assessment of 46 Navy sailors claiming PTSD.
• Ted's process of negotiating with clients to maintain positive retainer balances and avoid administrative delays.
• And much more...

Resources:

Connect with Ted: Website | LinkedIn | Email

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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses the process of identifying and attracting the right leadership talent who not only possess the necessary skills but also align deeply with your company’s vision and core values.

You’ll discover the importance of building a “virtual bench” of potential candidates and why proactive recruiting beats passive job postings when searching for a high-impact executive. Discover a structured interviewing process that evaluates both cultural fit and technical expertise, ensuring your new leader complements the CEO and drives the company forward. You’ll also understand how rigorous reference checks provide critical insights into a candidate’s true character and capabilities before making a hiring decision.

Cameron uncovers best practices for defining compensation, clarifying roles, and setting organizational expectations that attract and retain top executives. You’ll learn how to balance respect for existing leaders while empowering your new hire to remove obstacles and foster alignment across the company, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.

The podcast explores how careful alignment of expectations and responsibilities can help create a harmonious, effective leadership structure that drives a company forward without unnecessary friction.

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 difficulty of finding COOs as they are rarely unemployed and often need to be poached. (1:05)
• Why the old adage of 'hire for attitude, train for skill' no longer applies, and why you must hire for both cultural fit and skill set. (4:15)
• The importance of choosing the right job title to match the responsibilities and compensation. (7:11)
• The concept of maintaining a "virtual bench" of potential candidates for future roles. (23:04)
• The role of HR in supporting the search 9not recruiting) and the importance of rigorous interviews. (24:32)
• 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

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Polina Mireau, co-founder of Scale It Simply.

In this fascinating conversation, Sivana and Polina discuss the often unseen emotional layers that come with leadership, especially from the perspective of younger professionals navigating roles traditionally dominated by older, more experienced individuals. They explore how genuine connection and authentic care within an organization can transform workplace culture and foster a sense of belonging that goes beyond titles and tenure.

They touch on the subtle challenges faced by women stepping into leadership roles, highlighting the unique pressures to prove themselves repeatedly despite their qualifications. The discussion reveals how shifting focus from self-doubt to relationship-building can empower leaders to break through preconceived notions and create meaningful impact—not just through their work, but through the human connections they nurture.

This episode is an insightful exploration of leadership that encourages embracing imperfection, leaning into growth, and fostering trust as the true foundation for success.

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:

• Polina's upbringing in Canada, where she learned the importance of hard work, organization, and independence
• Her formal transition to the COO role, and her experience in fractional and full-time capacities.
• The negative impact of siloed communication on team efficiency and customer experience.
• The differences between fractional and full-time COO roles, and the need for clear expectations and boundaries in fractional roles.
• The challenges of being a young female leader, and the need to focus on relationships and genuine care for the team.
• And much more...

Resources:

Connect with Polina: LinkedIn

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