Digest

Cameron Harrell, founder of the Second Command Podcast, interviews Steven Whitehouse, Director of Operations at Southeastern Tank. Steven shares his journey from corporate America to leading multiple businesses, including Southeastern Tank and Solutions by SCT. He discusses the challenges of acquisitions, particularly the difficulty of integrating different cultures and the importance of leading with empathy. Steven emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, focusing on getting 1% better each day, and the need to prioritize core business functions before expanding. He also shares his experience with imposter syndrome and how he overcame it by focusing on progress over perfection. Steven highlights the importance of time management, time blocking, and prioritizing health. He emphasizes the need for open communication with the CEO and setting boundaries to avoid getting overwhelmed by too many projects. Steven also discusses the importance of vulnerability as a leader and how it builds trust within a team. He shares his personal journey from a more closed-off leadership style to embracing vulnerability and its positive impact on his relationships with employees. Steven concludes by emphasizing the value of the COO Alliance as a community of like-minded individuals who support each other's growth and development.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces Cameron Harrell, the founder of the Second Command Podcast, and the episode's guest, Steven Whitehouse, Director of Operations at Southeastern Tank.

00:01:42

Steven Whitehouse's Journey

This Chapter delves into Steven's background, his transition from corporate America to Southeastern Tank, and his experience leading multiple businesses. He discusses the challenges of acquisitions, particularly the difficulty of integrating different cultures and the importance of leading with empathy.

00:06:41

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

This Chapter explores Steven's experience with imposter syndrome and how he overcame it by focusing on progress over perfection. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, focusing on getting 1% better each day.

00:11:52

Acquisition Lessons Learned

This Chapter focuses on the lessons learned from Southeastern Tank's acquisition of another company. Steven discusses the challenges of integrating different cultures and the importance of prioritizing core business functions before expanding.

00:16:50

Time Management and Prioritization

This Chapter explores Steven's time management strategies, including time blocking, prioritizing health, and setting boundaries to avoid getting overwhelmed by too many projects. He discusses the importance of open communication with the CEO and setting aside time for one-on-one discussions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges Steven faced when transitioning from corporate America to a family-owned business?

  Steven experienced a culture shock, initially feeling bored with the smaller size and fewer resources of the family-owned business. He also had to adapt to a different leadership style, where he had more autonomy but also more responsibility.

• How did Steven overcome imposter syndrome?

  Steven focused on continuous improvement, aiming to get 1% better each day. He also realized that everyone experiences self-doubt and that perfection shouldn't hinder progress.

• What are some key takeaways from Steven's experience with acquisitions?

  Steven learned that acquisitions are often more challenging than startups due to the need to integrate different cultures. He emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy and focusing on core business functions before expanding.

• What are Steven's time management strategies?

  Steven uses time blocking to allocate specific time for different tasks and activities. He prioritizes his health and family time, and he plans his week on Sundays and reviews his calendar each night.

• How does Steven manage the CEO's constant stream of ideas?

  Steven has an open dialogue with the CEO and is comfortable saying 'no' or 'not now' to ideas that aren't feasible at the moment. He also schedules regular one-on-one time with the CEO to discuss priorities and ensure alignment.

• What advice would Steven give to his younger self?

  Steven would tell his younger self to believe in his abilities, commit to his goals, and not be afraid to jump in and learn from experience.

• What are the benefits of vulnerability in leadership?

  Vulnerability builds trust, fosters authenticity, and creates a stronger connection between leaders and their teams. It allows leaders to be more relatable and human, creating a more supportive and collaborative environment.

• How does Steven balance his time and priorities?

  Steven uses time blocking, prioritizes his health and family time, and focuses on being proactive rather than reactive. He also delegates tasks to a virtual assistant to free up his time.

• What are some of the key elements of Steven's leadership style?

  Steven emphasizes servant leadership, focusing on serving others and empowering his team. He also values continuous improvement, open communication, and vulnerability.

Show Notes