Episode Details

What if the best leaders are the least visible?

In this episode, José Mejia pulls back the curtain on how a Venezuelan teen with just $120 became a transformational COO, unpacking what it really means to be the “Merlin” behind the CEO. This intimate conversation unlocks how true leaders create common ground, give permission to execute, and wield vulnerability as a superpower, especially in high-stakes, purpose-driven companies like Rapid SOS.

If you think AI will automate your edge, think again. José Mejia shows why the human element, experiences, handwritten notes, and emotional role modeling, drive outcomes tech never will. Miss this episode, and you keep searching for culture and leadership hacks, while the real magic quietly passes you by. Push play now for insights you won’t find anywhere else.

This episode is sponsored by our Silver Sponsor, STS Capital Partners: Your expert guides on the journey to an Extraordinary Exit™.

To learn more about STS Capital Partners and how they achieve maximum value by Selling to Strategics™, complete the inquiry form here: https://stscapital.com/coo-alliance/

Timestamped Highlights

00:33 – The unlikely airport arrival that rewired Jose’s confidence for life

06:24 – The “self-directed team” principle that built a 40-year inner circle

09:16 – Why leaders must channel Merlin, not the King, to win with teams

11:18 – The brutal difference purpose makes when lives are on the line

13:23 – What true CEO-COO alignment REALLY looks like behind closed doors

16:44 – Underground, Battleground, Common Ground: The language that kills or creates culture

20:12 – How AI quietly transforms operator decisions in real emergencies

31:05 – The unspoken burden of leading a company where mistakes can cost lives

About the Guest

José Mejia is the President and COO of Rapid SOS, leading a team of 500+ to save lives at scale. With a career spanning IBM, Lucent, and high-growth startups, Jose has built self-directed teams and organizational cultures admired worldwide. His “Merlin” approach to leadership is redefining how rapid-growth companies scale with heart.

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Mentioned Resources

• IBM
• Duke University
• Lucent and Bell Labs
• Andy Grove (former CEO of Intel; High Output Management book)
• Soul on Fire (book and movie)
• Magic Cabaret, Chicago
• Slack
• Google Docs

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