Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold Ep. 563 - Melanoma Research Alliance COO Stephanie Kauffman - How to Translate Vision Into Amazing Results Quickly
When was the last time you felt your vision misunderstood, your partnership undervalued, or your operational roadmap tangled? If you’re a COO wrestling with translating big ideas into real impact, this conversation is your lifeline.
Sivana Brewer welcomes Stephanie Kauffman, Chief Operating Officer at Melanoma Research Alliance, for an urgent episode that lifts the veil on what actually moves the needle for COOs. From converting financial “legends” into game-changing board allies to crafting story-driven partnerships that triple outcomes, you’ll hear how real-world translation builds trust fast, drives innovation, and prevents career-stalling burnout.
Press play now. Don’t risk getting stuck in your leadership bubble. Every minute here arms you with exclusive, proven techniques to connect, influence, and scale before someone else beats you to it.
Timestamped Highlights
[00:10] – A stunning perspective shift: why “second in command” is really “dual in command” for COOs everywhere
[00:02:25] – The myth of melanoma: deadliest form of skin cancer, massive underestimation, and breakthrough facts COOs should know
[00:08:21] – Surprising everyday tips for preventing melanoma beyond just sunscreen (plus one you’ve likely never heard)
[00:10:39] – How legendary finance leaders shaped Stephanie’s radical “private equity” nonprofit strategy—what every COO can steal
[00:18:49] – The $12.7 million secret: bold partnerships that defied board skepticism (and the power of gaming for social impact)
[00:27:11] – Data-driven storytelling for buy-in: How Stephanie translates emotional conviction into actionable board wins
[00:31:47] – Professional translation: the vital COO role in turning CEO vision into operational clarity for every stakeholder
[00:43:15] – The “3 Bs” formula and simplifying the complex: brief, brilliant, be done—your solution to communication chaos
About the Guest
Stephanie Kauffman is Chief Operating Officer of the Melanoma Research Alliance, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of melanoma research. Known for high-impact storytelling and cross-industry partnership wins, she previously held SVP roles at Universal Studios and Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Stephanie is recognized for translating visionary ideas into scalable operations, bringing decades of experience across finance, media, and biotech.
Mentioned Resources
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- Blizzard Entertainment (Overwatch partnership)
- Universal Studios (media/partnerships)
- Leverage Finance Fights Melanoma platform
- UPF apparel (sun protection clothing)
- Mafia Wars (gaming partnership)
About the Co-Host
Sivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.
🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedIn
Important Links
- Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
- Explore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in Command
- Get Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
- Take his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)
- Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi
The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.