Leveraging Leadership

Q&A: How to Handle Changing Directions at Work Without Losing Your Cool

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0800

A listener asks how to handle frustration when work on a project is dropped because directions change. Emily Sander shares that this happens often to Chiefs of Staff and explains the value of understanding the reason behind changes, reframing “wasted” work, and managing your emotional response. Helpful strategies include asking why priorities shifted, recognizing that work might be reused later, and focusing on what’s best for the team.

Get in touch with Emily:
Need help handling changing directions at work? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 Listener Question: When Work Gets Derailed by Changing Priorities

01:17 Step 1: Ask ‘Why Are We Changing Direction?’ (and When to Push Back)

03:07 Explaining the ‘Why’ to the Team Without Needing to Agree

04:08 Reframing ‘Wasted Work’: What Still Carries Forward

05:13 When ‘Unused’ Work Becomes Valuable Later

06:57 Managing the Emotional Whiplash + Refocus on What the Team Needs Next

08:59 Wrap-Up + Next Week + Sponsor Message

Leadership Lessons from the Beehive: Productivity, Decision-Making, and Organizational Wisdom

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Philip Atkinson shares how being a Chief of Staff inspired his work as a beekeeper and his book, "Be Wise." He explains leadership lessons from bees, like avoiding busywork, practicing servant leadership, and making decisions through consensus. Philip also talks about bees keeping their hive clean, the importance of closing out projects at work, and supports the Bees for Development charity with book proceeds.

Links Mentioned:
Philip Atkinson's Leadership and Coaching Consultancy

Connect with Philip Atkinson on LinkedIn

Follow Be Wise Book on Facebook

Follow Be Wise Book on Instagram

Philip Atkinson’s Book

All proceeds from the book go directly to this charity supporting beekeeping in developing countries: Bees for Development

Learn more about the Bee Wise project and the charity fundraising here.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
03:07 Lessons from the Hive: Productivity and Leadership

04:53 The Role of the Queen and Servant Leadership

09:57 Decision Making in the Hive

16:06 The Lifecycle and Roles of Bees

21:32 Beehive Cleanliness and Bird Predators

22:35 Seasons of Life and Career

24:45 Comparing Beehives to Organizational Roles

25:44 Fascinating Bee Facts

27:10 Sensing the System: Lessons from Beekeeping

31:06 Challenges of Beekeeping

35:41 Supporting Bees and Beekeepers Worldwide

The Critical Role of Clear Expectations in Team Success

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

A Chief of Staff shared how her boss thought a high-talent sales team wasn’t meeting expectations, but no one could clearly say what those expectations were. Emily Sander highlights the importance of clearly defining what success looks like for a team, asking questions like “What is the output we want?” and making sure the team knows and has what they need to deliver. She suggests backing up gut feelings with clear measures, and openly communicating targets with the team.

Get in touch with Emily:
Get clear on your team’s true targets. Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:26 A Conversation on Team Performance

01:19 Identifying and Setting Clear Expectations

02:24 Steps to Evaluate Team Success

04:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

The Four Sides of Culture: A Framework for Business Leaders

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Matthew Person explains his Square Management System, a framework for building high trust, high performance organizations by aligning employees and processes. He discusses culture as an output, shares the importance of having a "complete square," and gives examples - like how some people prefer structured office environments while others thrive in casual settings. The episode covers using assessments to find company-employee alignment and gives practical advice for Chiefs of Staff to diagnose and manage culture across teams.

Links Mentioned:
Matthew Person’s Website

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
01:15 Matt's Experience with Chiefs of Staff

02:01 Understanding the Square Management System

03:09 The Importance of Culture Alignment

14:22 The Four I's of the Square Management System

21:07 Understanding Subcategories and Levels

22:12 Identifying and Sticking to Priorities

24:32 Addressing Bad Actors in Company Culture

25:53 Using Diagnostic Tools for Alignment

37:18 Importance of Intentional Design

Q&A: How to Run an Internal Campaign That Changes Hearts and Minds

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander explains how to change a workplace narrative by running an internal campaign, using catchy phrases, visuals, and repeated communication across multiple channels. She shares examples like NFL coach Mike MacDonald’s slogans “chase the edges” and calling backup players the “ready team,” and describes a Chief of Staff who made a teen mentoring program more visible by mentioning it in meetings and materials. The advice is to communicate the message so often that people can finish your sentence and almost get tired of hearing it.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help shaping the narrative inside your organization? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:59 Starting an Internal Campaign

01:22 Using Slogans and Phrases

02:57 Visuals and Analogies

03:44 Utilizing Different Mediums

04:18 Repetition and Reinforcement

07:20 Case Study: Nonprofit Campaign

10:15 Phases and Key Stakeholders

11:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Clarifying Requests: A Guide to Effective Stakeholder Conversations

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Bill Shander explains how understanding what stakeholders really need leads to better results at work, especially for roles like Chief of Staff. He shares stories about clients asking for things like blue buttons or “ballets of data,” and how asking smart questions gets everyone on the same page. The episode covers common mistakes people make when jumping too quickly into requests and why techniques like the Socratic method work for clarifying goals.

Links Mentioned:
Bill Shander’s Website

Connect with Bill Shander on LinkedIn

Bill Shander’s Book: Stakeholder Whispering

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
01:33 The Evolution of Data Storytelling

03:15 The Inspiration Behind 'Stakeholder Whispering'

05:12 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics

16:58 The Power of Divergent and Convergent Questions

18:49 Common Mistakes in Stakeholder Whispering

21:27 Tactical Approaches to Clarifying and Pushing Back

28:00 The Dynamics of Hierarchy and Influence

Why Bringing Half-Baked Ideas to Your Boss Can Make You a Better Leader

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander explains why bringing “half baked” work to your boss - especially when you're new in a Chief of Staff role - can save time, spark valuable conversations, and help you calibrate quickly to your boss’s preferences. She gives real examples, like saving hours by checking in early, learning what your boss fixates on, and understanding the order they want detailed information presented. The episode encourages trying iterative updates instead of holding out for perfection.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to calibrate faster with your principal? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 The Half-Baked Idea: Why It's Beneficial

02:30 The Importance of Calibration Sessions

06:36 Understanding Your Boss's Fixations

10:43 Iterative Processes for Long-Term Success

11:12 Encouragement and Conclusion

12:29 Sponsor Message: Next Level Coaching

The CEO Perspective on Managing Chaos, Growth, and Building Strong Teams

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Chris Blauvelt shares his journey as a multi-time entrepreneur, how he hired his first Chief of Staff after learning about the role from House of Cards and leadership books, and why setting top three priorities every quarter changed his effectiveness as a CEO. He explains how his Chief of Staff tackled big challenges like product innovation, people operations, and compliance, even without previous experience in those areas. Chris also discusses bringing on a second Chief of Staff with a more technical background to focus on launching a new payments company.

Links Mentioned:
Chris’s mission-driven crowdfunding company

Chris Blauvelt’s Twitter/X handle

Connect with Chris Blauvelt on LinkedIn

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
01:20 Chris Vet's Journey and Achievements

03:26 The Role and Impact of a Chief of Staff

06:40 Hiring and Integrating a Chief of Staff

16:48 Taking Ownership and Delegation

18:23 Onboarding and Establishing Cadence

20:41 Hiring a New Chief of Staff

29:43 Mission and Vision of Launchgood

Judgement vs Assessment: Creating a Positive and Productive Leadership Culture

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

This episode lays out the difference between judgment and assessment at work, especially for leaders like the Chief of Staff. Emily shares real examples, from firing and hiring decisions to handling challenging team meeting behavior, showing how you can assess actions without judging someone's character. She explains how focusing on observable facts and assessments helps avoid negative assumptions, makes decisions easier, and benefits the whole team.

Get in touch with Emily:
Need help turning judgment into clear assessments? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 Judgment vs. Assessment: Key Distinctions

03:14 Real-Life Examples of Judgment and Assessment

05:47 Observation vs. Assumption in Team Dynamics

09:24 Making Effective Leadership Decisions

13:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Running Better Meetings with Improv: Fix Wasteful Meetings and Team Disconnect

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Andrew Davies shares how his theater and improv background helps teams run better meetings and build trust. He explains practical improv games like “Breaking News” and “Speech” that boost listening and support. Andrew also talks about tailoring these activities for different teams and making meetings more engaging, interactive, and productive.

Links Mentioned:
Andrew Davies’ Organization

Reach out to Andrew via email

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
02:30 Defining Improv and Its Impact

05:09 Improv in the Business World

07:56 Games to Enhance Team Collaboration

12:59 Building a Supportive Team Culture

18:25 The Essence of Improv: Collaboration Over Comedy

19:43 Improv for Introverts and Tech Teams

22:10 Improv and Perfectionism

24:58 The Benefits of Practicing Improv

27:30 The ABCs of Effective Meetings

29:07 The Importance of Movement and Engagement

31:18 Iterative Changes and Practical Applications

Designing the SYSTEM for Achieving Your Goals (Part 3)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander explains how to set up systems that make it easier to stick to New Year's goals, like laying out workout clothes by the door or using food tracking apps with preloaded meals. She shares personal examples, including her efforts to improve sleep by using an OURA ring and building an evening routine, and gives tips on matching goal-setting approaches to your personality and the type of goal. The focus is on making the process work for you, so healthy habits and results come naturally.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help building systems that actually support your goals? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:29 Building a System for Success

01:06 Knowing Yourself and Your Goals

03:00 Tactical Tips for Weight Loss

04:37 Tracking Progress and Adjusting Systems

07:19 Personal Example: Improving Sleep

13:58 Conclusion: Designing Systems for Inevitable Success

Fitness, Finance, and Leadership: A Blueprint for Effective Chief of Staff Roles

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Jared Stein shares his unconventional path from running CrossFit and Orange Theory gyms to becoming a Chief of Staff at a virtual investment firm. He talks about managing operations, streamlining team roles, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Jared also discusses how his firm helps clients with a deep financial “X-ray” to spot hidden overlaps in their investment portfolios.

Links Mentioned:

Company Website

Email Jared Stein

Get in touch with Emily:

Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Who Am I?

If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:

00:36 Jared's Unconventional Path to Chief of Staff

02:38 Challenges and Transitions During COVID

04:02 The Chief of Staff Opportunity

07:13 Interview Process and Personal Milestones

08:29 Joining Poterack Capital

15:46 Virtual Operations and Team Dynamics

18:12 Client Onboarding and Financial X-Ray

20:22 Understanding the Client Process

24:41 Implementing Organizational Discipline

26:45 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

32:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Prioritizing Time, Energy, and Attention for Leadership Growth (Part 2)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander explains the "wheel of life" exercise, a tool to review different areas like career, relationships, community, hobbies, and physical or spiritual life. She gives examples of focusing on being a better parent, manager, or entrepreneur, and suggests honestly assessing where you're doing well and where you could improve. The episode encourages setting practical New Year's goals based on current priorities and where your energy is best spent.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help assessing where you’re thriving and where to focus next? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:

00:31 Understanding the Wheel of Life

01:26 Identifying Your Stakeholders

02:08 Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

03:09 Practical Steps to Improve

04:47 Balancing Different Life Areas

06:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How Municipal Leaders Foster Community Impact and Build Effective City Governance

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Nicholas Richard-Thompson shares his journey from creative intern to Deputy Chief of Staff for Aurora, Illinois, discussing the importance of building relationships, working with nonprofits, and navigating local government. He gives examples like coordinating lead line water replacement and partnering with organizations during COVID. The episode covers team structure, community advocacy, and practical tips for getting involved in local government.

Links Mentioned:
Here are several nonprofit organizations that Nicholas Richard-Thompson is involved with or supports:

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Aurora Food Pantry
Young Invincibles
INDIVISIBLE AURORA (Aurora Mutual Aid)

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
01:43 Nick's Background and Career Path
04:27 Transition to Municipal Government
06:10 Community Engagement and Nonprofit Work
13:30 Role and Structure of the Mayor's Office
22:52 The Role of Lobbyists in Municipal Government
25:13 Local Advocacy and Community Impact
30:34 Nonprofit Collaboration with Municipal Government
36:30 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff and Engaged Citizens
44:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

SMART Goals or Mantras? Choosing Your Approach to New Year’s Success (Part 1)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

This episode talks about how to set New Year's goals by comparing specific targets like losing 15 pounds by June 1st with broader intentions such as choosing a word for the year like "hello" or "lightness." Emily Sander shares how different people stick with goals and emphasizes picking what actually works for you, whether that's a SMART goal or a flexible intention. She also mentions using reminders, like putting a sales commission number on your mirror, and encourages everyone to be open to changing their goal-setting methods over time.

Get in touch with Emily:
Ready to set goals that work for you this year? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:
01:19 Specific Goals vs. General Intentions

02:23 SMART Goals Explained

04:52 Finding What Works for You

05:43 Flexibility in Goal Setting

The Power of Purposeful Success: Insights for Business Leaders

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with John Knowlton about what real success means, why it's an ongoing process, and how to use your natural talents at work. They share practical ideas for Chiefs of Staff, like focusing on tasks that give you energy, trimming your to-do list, and using clear company values to make decisions. John Knowlton also shares advice on morning routines and his book "Thinking for Success."

Links Mentioned:

John Knowlton’s Book: Thinking for Success

John Knowlton’s Website

Get in touch with Emily:

Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:

01:39 Defining Success: Personal Insights

04:38 Purpose and Talents: A Deeper Dive

06:28 Refining Talents into Skills

15:26 Values and Decision Making

18:40 Team Collaboration and Problem Solving

19:33 Aligning Personal and Company Values

20:26 Interviewing Tips for Career Transitions

23:50 Operationalizing Values in Organizations

26:21 Morning Routines for Success

31:17 The Power of Being Outdoors

34:02 Introducing John's New Book

The True Causes of Burnout: Beyond Workload and What Leaders Can Do About It

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

This episode breaks down practical ways to diagnose burnout beyond just heavy workloads, like checking if team members actually have the right training or system access, clarifying real versus perceived expectations, and considering outside-of-work stressors. Emily shares examples, such as a team member struggling because they didn’t have a login to a key system, and gives advice on addressing mental clutter and having open conversations. Chief of Staff listeners get tips on spotting the true root causes of burnout and building stronger, more supportive teams.

Get in touch with Emily:
Unsure what’s really causing burnout? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Diagnosing Burnout
00:49 Assessing Workload Fairness
02:32 Clarifying Role Expectations
04:16 Understanding Team Contribution
06:33 Considering Personal Life Factors
10:06 Eliminating Mental Clutter
14:06 Summary and Final Thoughts

Building Trust and Leadership Lessons from the World of Baseball

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

Joel Goldberg shares stories from over 30 years in broadcasting with the Kansas City Royals, focusing on how small actions and building trust lead to big results. He explains the importance of routines and relationships, gives insight into working with players and staff, and offers advice for Chiefs of Staff about investing in people. Joel also discusses handling social media, pressure, and how lessons from baseball apply to the business world.

Links Mentioned:
Joel Goldberg’s Website

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:

02:39 Building Trust with Players and Families

04:52 The Importance of Relationships in Broadcasting

09:15 Life During Baseball Season

11:58 Transitioning to Business and Speaking

15:29 Handling Pressure in Baseball and Business

22:13 Journey Through Career Milestones

26:29 The Importance of Routine

27:05 Social Media and Its Impact

31:11 Building Trust and Relationships

38:13 Final Words of Wisdom

Q&A: How to Delegate Without Guilt and Still Get Promoted

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

A Chief of Staff named Samir asks for advice about being overloaded at a startup, struggling to delegate, and never taking real breaks. Emily Sander suggests Samir update his boss on his workload, start delegating in small steps, and actually schedule and enjoy a vacation - sharing her own tips for disconnecting, including going snuba diving and ignoring email except for real emergencies. The episode highlights the importance of building a team that can function without you.

Get in touch with Emily:
Need help delegating and actually taking real time off? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:25 Listener Question: Overwhelmed at Work
01:19 Communicating with Your Boss
02:30 The Art of Delegation
03:42 Learning from Your Role Model
04:29 Preparing for Promotion
05:19 The Importance of Taking a Break
07:38 Tips for a Successful Vacation
11:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Building Trust and Delivering Excellence for High Net Worth Individuals

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Nashid Braswell shares how he became a Chief of Staff, starting with personal shopping for friends in Italy and moving on to high-stakes roles supporting executives and managing billion-dollar projects. He explains building trust with his principal, creating personalized experiences for guests (like arranging Austin barbecue tastings), and offers tips on self-care and valuing your own contribution. The episode also touches on his work with Agency Maison, helping others get into Chief of Staff and high net worth support roles.

Links Mentioned:
Nashid Braswell’s Agency

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Time Stamps:

01:19 Nashe's Early Career and Personal Assistant Journey
03:16 Transition to Personal Shopping and Styling
04:12 Working with Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose
05:47 Joining Impossible Ventures
06:49 Developing Four Seasons Private Residences
08:36 The Importance of Customer Experience
10:22 Daily Operations and Responsibilities
13:51 Overview of Impossible Ventures
22:07 Agency Maison and Domestic Placement Services
28:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

Clarifying Your Role and Goal for Leadership Success

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

This episode breaks down the "What's your role, what's your goal" framework, with Emily Sander sharing practical examples like a Chief of Staff running a post-mortem, facilitating meetings, or just observing and debriefing with their principal. The approach also applies outside work, like being a supportive parent or a good flight passenger. Emily Sander shows how this simple framework helps people prep for any situation.

Link mentioned:
For more information about executive leadership coaching, visit this link.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help clarifying your role and goal? Book a clarity call with Emily.

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Time Stamps:

00:38 Understanding Your Role and Goal
01:40 Facilitating Meetings Effectively
02:20 Observing and Debriefing
04:30 Applying the Framework Beyond Work
05:41 Parenting and Personal Scenarios
07:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

Practical Ways to Protect Your Time and Energy

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander and Sophia Mikelionis talk about practical self-leadership for Chiefs of Staff, covering how to build microhabits like walking during phone meetings, using a regular coffee mug instead of an insulated cup to encourage breaks, and putting your phone to bed at night to unwind. They discuss the importance of protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and remembering basic human needs like sleep, food, and water. Sophia Mikelionis also shares tips for identifying moments that make you happiest, even outside of work, as a way to realign your efforts and prevent burnout.

Links Mentioned:
Sophia Mikelionis’ YouTube Channel
Email Sophia Mikelionis

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Timestamps:
01:28 Understanding Self-Leadership
02:20 Practical Tips for Self-Care
03:25 The Importance of Small Habits
05:52 Mindset Shifts for Self-Leadership
10:47 Creating Boundaries and Protecting Energy
16:14 Micro Habits and Practical Exercises
21:05 The Game Changer: Turning Off Email Notifications
21:46 Creating a Morning Routine
25:02 Breaking the Cycle of Bad Habits
31:08 The Importance of Hobbies
35:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

From Helpless to Hopeful: Leading Teams with Accurate Data and a Progress Mindset

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

This episode talks about moving teams from feeling stuck to making progress by first getting accurate data. Emily Sander shares an example of advising a Chief of Staff to use surveys to clarify vague complaints about “culture problems” and explains how gathering real feedback, instead of just venting, can lead to informed action on issues like PTO policies. The message is to focus on what you can control and collect solid info before trying to fix anything.

Want help getting data points? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:47 Shifting Mindsets: From Fix It to Progress
01:11 Case Study: Addressing Culture Problems
02:58 Mindset Matters: Accurate Data in Thoughts
04:19 Taking Ownership and Making Progress
07:17 Empowering Teams: Changing the Narrative
12:13 Concluding Thoughts: Empowerment Through Data

How Nonprofits Can Scale with Better Fundraising Processes

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

James Misner talks about why only a small percentage of nonprofits break $1 million in revenue and explains that many struggle because they don’t know how to fundraise effectively or are fearful of dealing with money. He shares practical advice for Chiefs of Staff, stressing the importance of having clear fundraising processes, following up with donors, and building a strong team with paid major gift officers. James also discusses the impact of personal connections, handwritten thank-you notes, and branded monthly giving programs.

Links Mentioned:

Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:54 James Misner's Journey into Fundraising
03:12 Overcoming Fear of Money in Fundraising
05:53 Creating Effective Fundraising Processes
08:30 Building Donor Relationships
12:42 The Importance of Follow-Up
17:05 The Importance of Donor Retention
18:44 Supporting Your CEO in Fundraising
21:45 Effective Fundraising Metrics
27:19 Building a Monthly Giving Program
29:16 Seasonality and Major Donors
31:13 Advice for Chiefs of Staff
32:46 Encouraging Personal Donations

Q&A: How to Guide Leaders Without Telling Them How to Do Their Jobs

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Lisa D. asks how to guide leaders to their next step without telling them how to do their job. Emily suggests agreeing on the project’s end goal, asking questions like “what’s a fair and reasonable way to start?” and having departments explain their preferred starting points. She shares tips for using data and prompts like discussing pros and cons, so all voices are heard.

Links Mentioned:

Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:

00:54 Setting the Project Goal
01:24 Fair and Reasonable Approaches
02:40 Measuring Progress
03:23 Addressing Department Preferences
04:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

Mastering Power, Office Politics, and Leadership in Modern Organizations

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with Tinna Jackson about navigating power dynamics as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, handling office politics, and the importance of emotional intelligence and trust in leadership. Tinna shares tips on building relationships with board members, managing micromanagers, and methods for better communication in remote or hybrid teams. She also discusses her book, The Power Play Journal, and her group coaching program for aspiring leaders.

Links Mentioned:

Tinna Jackson’s Book: The Power Play Journal: Battle-Tested Strategies & Reflections for Impactful Leadership
Connect with Tinna Jackson on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

00:48 Tinna's Background in Politics
05:09 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics
06:18 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
08:34 Communication in Remote Work
11:05 Building Team Relationships
14:59 Effective Leadership Strategies
16:54 Navigating Power Dynamics
18:46 Finding Influential Allies
20:04 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Dynamics
22:49 Building Strong Board Relationships
26:40 The Power Play Journal
30:56 Group Coaching and Mentorship

Listener Q&A: Managing Sales Reps Who Focus on Rebranding Over Revenue

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks about what to do when a Business Development Rep starts doing graphic design, website tweaks, and HubSpot updates instead of making calls. She shares ways to set clear expectations, give frequent feedback, and explains when it's time to let someone go if things don't change. Examples include weekly check-ins, specific quotas, and distinguishing useful creativity from distracting tasks.

Links Mentioned:

Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:

00:57 Coaching and Feedback Essentials
01:38 Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities
02:46 Distinguishing Productive vs. Distracting Activities
04:58 Implementing Accountability Measures
08:35 Addressing Cold Calling Challenges
09:58 Making the Tough Decision to Move On
13:12 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Balancing MBA Studies with a Chief of Staff Startup Internship Experience

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Conghao Tian shares how he landed a Chief of Staff internship at Zenblen while studying for his MBA at Chicago Booth, starting with a background in music and art history. He talks about building KPI systems for the startup’s robotic smoothie kiosks, managing UChicago interns, and balancing intense work hours alongside full-time school. The episode gives real insight into what a Chief of Staff intern does in a startup and how Conghao is using both his coursework and hands-on experience.

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Time Stamps:

01:00 From Arts to Business: Conghao Tian's Background
02:24 The MBA Experience at Chicago Booth
03:29 Landing the Chief of Staff Internship
04:50 Balancing MBA and Internship
09:47 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff Intern
15:34 Introduction to the Michelin Star Chef
16:53 Balancing School and Work
18:05 Applying Classroom Knowledge in Real Life
20:31 Part-Time Challenges and Solutions
27:46 Internship Management and Advice

Listener Question: Why Your Boss Wants Results, Not Databases

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander answers a listener’s question about how to get through to a boss who says, “I don’t care about the database, I care about results.” She talks about reframing communication to focus on the boss’s priorities, suggests offering options for overcoming constraints, and gives tips like sharing summaries instead of full reports. Emily shares examples, including her own experience with company data sets, and explains how choosing different words can keep conversations productive.

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Time Stamps:

00:51 Understanding What Results Mean
02:04 Addressing Constraints and Offering Solutions
03:30 Effective Communication Strategies
05:27 Interpreting and Summarizing Reports
08:36 Aligning on Expectations and Language
10:15 Database vs. Results: Bridging the Gap
11:51 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

From Google to Coaching: Supporting Leaders and Building Relationships in Business

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with Katie Rohn about her journey from sales to strategy at Google and her time as a Chief of Staff. They share stories about the different versions of the Chief of Staff role, how relationships shape the job, and why self-reflection matters during career transitions. Katie explains how she coaches generalists and Chiefs of Staff, and both discuss the pros and cons of taking the scenic route in your career.

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Connect with Katie Rohn on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

01:20 Journey to Chief of Staff at Google
03:26 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
09:38 Transition to Coaching and Career Reflections
22:42 Exploring Career Paths for Chiefs of Staff
25:13 Balancing Personal Values and Career Growth
29:33 Navigating Relationships in the Chief of Staff Role
36:52 Adapting to Changes and Finding the Right Fit

The Key Question to Propel Yourself Through Challenges

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily shares a practical question prompt to help you focus on what matters most when facing challenges at work or in life. She gives real examples, like choosing between launching a product on time and not burning out, getting out of your comfort zone to represent your company at conferences, or trading phone scrolling for a more productive morning. The episode is about identifying what’s important versus what’s most important to guide better decisions and growth.

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Time Stamps:

00:42 The Power of Prioritization
01:04 Balancing Comfort and Growth
02:06 Overcoming Fear of Judgment
03:18 Morning Routines for Success
04:21 Applying the Prompt in Real Life
05:30 Developing Resilient Thought Patterns
06:16 Conclusion: Building Unstoppable Habits

Mediation Strategies Every Chief of Staff Should Know

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Alex Yaroslavsky talks about his journey from navigating conflict as a kid new to the U.S. to building a career in mediation and executive coaching. He shares how Chiefs of Staff can handle disagreements between colleagues, coach their principals through tough conversations, and recognize when workplace tension is productive versus damaging. Real examples include resolving misunderstandings rooted in different work backgrounds and managing your own emotional triggers when resolving conflict with a boss.

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Alex Yaro’s Website

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Time Stamps:

00:44 Alex's Early Life and Immigration
02:27 Discovering Mediation
06:12 Understanding Conflict and Intention
09:58 Preparing for Reconciliation
11:51 Facilitating Productive Conversations
16:23 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses
19:12 The Importance of Group Dynamics
20:09 Personal Experiences with Conflict
21:38 Navigating Conflict with Your Principal
27:21 Handling Constructive Tension
33:53 Balancing Group and One-on-One Conversations
35:45 The Four-Step Model for Conflict Resolution
37:44 The Role of Humor in Conflict Resolution
38:21 Resources and Contact Information

Overcoming Presentation Anxiety: Focus on Meaning and Emotion, Not Perfection

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily answers a listener’s question about feeling stuck to a script during presentations. She explains how to focus on key points instead of memorizing every word, suggests adding emotion and attitude to messages, and demonstrates this technique with a “baseball is boring” exercise using different emotions like anger and sadness. Emily gives practical tips to build real confidence by practicing with main ideas, knowing the audience, and being flexible during presentations.

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Time Stamps:

01:18 Emily's Personal Experience
01:45 Identifying the Problem
02:55 Focusing on Key Messages
04:31 Understanding Your Audience
06:18 Dynamic Presentation Techniques
07:49 Attitude and Emotion in Presentations
18:49 Conclusion and Final Tips

Expanding Leadership Impact: Angel Investing and Chief of Staff Insights for Purpose-Driven Ventures

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Erika Aquino, an angel investor with 26 portfolio companies across five countries, and her Chief of Staff Patricia de Leon, share how they work together to find and support women and minority founders in sustainability, wellness, education, and future of work. They talk about Patricia’s role as the first filter for deals, relationship building, and special projects like producing a TV show on female founders. Erika also opens up about her bipolar diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of resilience and choosing team members who align with her values.

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Time Stamps:

01:01 Erika Aquino's Background and Passion
02:46 Patricia De Leon's Journey
05:03 The Role of a Chief of Staff
10:19 Mentorship and Team Dynamics
18:42 Personal Experiences with Mental Health
20:11 Patricia's Journey in the Investment Scene
25:26 Future Goals and Vision for 2026
27:40 Advice for Principals and Chiefs of Staff
30:04 Effective Pitching Tips
31:55 Importance of Personal Connection to Problems
34:15 Connecting with Erika and Patricia
35:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Strategies to Protect Leadership from Low-Value Choices and Mental Clutter

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

This episode covers practical ways for a Chief of Staff to reduce decision fatigue for their principal and executive team, like removing low-value tasks from their plate and organizing clear, concise email options for faster decisions. Emily shares real examples, such as giving decision options in an “A, B, C” format and using thresholds for approvals, to keep leaders focused on high-impact choices. The discussion also highlights ways for Chiefs of Staff to streamline their own decision-making by automating data collection and tightening up decision frameworks.

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Time Stamps:

00:55 Clearing the Principal's Plate
01:57 Email Communication Tips
05:08 Dialogue with Your Principal
06:27 Optimizing Executive Team Decisions
07:19 Setting Decision Thresholds
09:41 Automating Data for Decision Making
12:19 Making Binary Decisions
13:51 Final Takeaways on Decision Fatigue

How to Secure a Seat at the Boardroom Table: Gaining the Right Skills for Board Service

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Dr. Keith Dorsey talks about his book, "The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table," explaining what corporate boards do, why diversity matters, and how anyone - no matter their career stage - can start planning for a board role. He shares actionable advice on building skills across different business areas, networking intentionally (even mentioning how a janitor helped someone land a board seat), and how to confidently position yourself for board opportunities. The episode includes practical steps for mid-career professionals and breaks down the importance of "human capital" and diversity of thought on boards.

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Time Stamps:

00:34 Introducing the Book: The Boardroom Journey
02:11 Understanding the Role of a Board
03:22 Key Responsibilities of Board Members
05:54 Human Capital and Board Qualifications
07:28 Personal Reflections and Career Stories
09:11 Evolving Board Diversity
13:44 Challenges and Progress in Board Diversity
17:29 Intentional Career Planning for Board Roles
31:25 Networking and Social Capital
36:04 Practical Steps to Secure a Board Seat
39:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

Listener Question: Making Presentations Pop: Tailoring Content for Employees, Customers, and the Board

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A Chief of Staff struggles to make three different presentations - an internal all hands update, a customer pitch, and a board meeting - feel meaningful and tailored for each audience. Emily suggests using common core info but adding exclusive details for each group, plus using questions from past meetings to anticipate concerns and adjust content. Real examples include noticing trends in employee questions about pay raises or office changes, collecting follow-up questions from strategic partners, and asking board members what matters most to them.

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Time Stamps:

01:08 Understanding Different Audiences
02:02 Leveraging Previous Questions
03:06 Identifying Patterns and Trends
04:22 Collaborating with Your Team
05:37 Handling Board Meetings
06:58 Embracing Questions as Data Points
10:31 Conclusion and Final Tips

Chief of Staff and Communications Officer Collaboration: Real Stories of Effective Partnership

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Tracy Van Grack and Michael Patino talk about working with a Chief of Staff, sharing real stories from startup and established companies, including how early-stage teams can build a culture of communications even with limited resources. They cover the difference between hiring internal or external communications experts, using examples like tech startups handling crisis PR and the importance of authentic messaging. The episode also touches on practical steps for establishing company narratives, handling milestones like funding rounds, and common pitfalls in brand building.

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Time Stamps:

02:52 Working with a Chief of Staff
05:31 Communications Strategy for Startups
07:29 Building a Communications Culture
11:32 Internal vs. External Communications Resources
16:59 Traits of a Good Communications Officer
20:48 Onboarding Communications Resources
23:12 Crisis Communications and Lessons Learned
25:42 Challenges in Scaling Technology
27:55 Budget and Resource Allocation
30:18 Building Effective Communication Strategies
35:42 The Role of Chief Communications Officers
39:51 Brand Building and Storytelling
47:09 The Importance of Community in Brand Building

You’re Not Alone: How Chiefs of Staff Can Build Community

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Chief of Staff can be a lonely job, even when you're surrounded by people. Emily shares real ways to handle this, like joining Chief of Staff networks, leaning on trusted coworkers or friends outside the company, and working with a coach. She also talks about knowing when to just acknowledge the loneliness and when to actively address it.

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Episodes featuring founders of the following Chief of Staff communities and networks:

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Time Stamps:

00:56 Acknowledging the Loneliness
01:36 The Unique Role of a Chief of Staff
05:12 Leveraging Internal Colleagues
07:07 Support from Family and Friends
09:23 The Value of a Coach
11:39 Self-Acknowledgment and Reflection
12:49 Addressing Confidentiality Challenges
14:02 Conclusion: Embracing the Unique Role

Redefining Success as Chief of Staff in a Global Organization

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Frank Noyola shares how he went from turning down the Chief of Staff role at Quest Global to shaping it into a job focused on strategy, team building, and supporting a rapidly evolving CMO/Chief Strategy Officer. He talks about building a small team to handle operations, collaborating with the only other Chief of Staff at the company, and making sure the position stays a “driver” role instead of just administrative support. Frank also offers advice for principals on defining and maximizing the impact of a Chief of Staff.

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Time Stamps:

00:33 Marathon Journey
01:40 Chief of Staff Role Introduction
02:25 Initial Hesitations
03:38 Open and Transparent Conversations
05:01 Defining the Role
11:57 Building a Team
15:02 Collaboration with Other Chiefs of Staff
17:58 Navigating the Role
23:05 Interaction with the CEO
26:55 Advice and Reflections

Transforming Leadership Meetings with the Flash Report: Insights from CEOs, CFOs, and CoSs

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily, Ed, and Rory break down how to use a Flash Report to keep leadership teams aligned and focused on key business metrics. They give a real example of a Flash Report, show how it highlights things like cash, sales, and training completion rates, and explain why keeping it simple matters. The episode covers choosing the right KPIs, what to include in the written updates, and how the Flash Report improves transparency and better questions from private equity partners.

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Time Stamps:

00:37 Epic Sports Team Collapses
02:21 Worst Investments and Purchases
04:30 Funniest Pitch Fails
07:01 Top Mistakes Founders Make with Private Equity
16:38 Founder vs. PE-Backed Company Dynamics
17:32 The Importance of Hitting Financial Targets
22:31 Collaborative Forecasting with PE Sponsors
27:54 Understanding Exit Strategies
30:39 The Emotional Impact of Business Transactions

What Chiefs of Staff Can Learn from the Supporting Concerts and World Tours

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Tarra Stubbins shares her journey from dropping out of high school to travel with rock bands as a personal assistant—including wild hotel room requests from Mick Jagger—to founding the Take It Easy Group, where she now provides Chief of Staff and executive support to high-profile clients. She talks about handling unusual demands like putting a toothbrush in a hotel dishwasher, building a strong network, and helping CEOs, athletes, and high-net-worth individuals manage their complex lives. Tarra also discusses her new podcast "Fuck the Fluff," focused on real, no-nonsense advice for women in business.

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Time Stamps:

00:35 Tarra's Early Dreams and Career Beginnings
02:12 First Steps into the Rock and Roll World
03:39 Life on Tour with Rock Stars
04:54 Crazy Requests and Problem Solving
06:44 Mental and Physical Preparation for Performers
12:06 Transitioning from Roadie to Entrepreneur
14:58 Building a Personal Concierge Business
16:20 Managing High Net Worth Individuals
18:48 The Importance of Networking
20:27 Take It Easy Group's Services and Clients
28:07 New Podcast and Final Thoughts

Finding Small Opportunities to Delegate and Free Up Time

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily shares practical delegation tips like breaking up complex tasks such as invoice processing into smaller, easier pieces, moving teammates upstream in a process, and letting others help with basic steps like data collection. She explains how small steps—like making quick guides, recording simple training videos, or copying others on emails—can add up, lighten your load, and help others grow. Emily also stresses that if delegating a task is more trouble than it’s worth right now, it’s okay to wait until the timing makes more sense.

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Time Stamps:

00:41 Breaking Down Invoices for Delegation
03:48 Simplifying Verification Processes
07:30 Delegating Case Management Tasks
10:35 Training and SOP Development
14:44 Finding Small Opportunities for Delegation
16:50 Long-Term Benefits of Delegation
19:44 Conclusion and Final Tips

How Chief of Staff Network Sees the Future: From Chief of Staff to Chief of AI

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Scott Amenta, founder of Chief of Staff Network, shares key findings from their recent AI report, including that 84% of surveyed companies are already piloting AI tools and that change management and ethical concerns are major barriers. He talks about the new role of the Chief of Staff in AI adoption, working closely with CEOs and CTOs, and highlights the launch of several new programs like the Chief of AI Fellowship and Launchpad for aspiring Chiefs of Staff. The episode also covers real-world examples of AI change management and how Chiefs of Staff are navigating this fast-changing landscape.

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Time Stamps:

01:36 Overview of Chief of Staff Network
03:27 The Role of Chief of Staff in Modern Organizations
05:23 AI's Impact on the Chief of Staff Role
09:09 AI Adoption and Challenges
27:37 AI Training Initiatives
29:46 Chiefs of Staff and AI Decision Making
32:45 AI Use Cases for Chiefs of Staff
37:12 Challenges in Measuring AI Impact
42:16 Chief of AI Fellowship Program
45:14 Launchpad Program for New Chiefs of Staff
47:37 Power Skills Program
48:58 Chief of Staff Connect Conference

Turning Tactical Requests Into Visionary Department Plans

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily shares a story about someone who gave their boss a basic org chart when asked about their department’s future, but missed the bigger picture the boss wanted. She explains how to shift from being just a task-doer to a strategic leader by connecting department changes to the company’s new vision, outlining system upgrades, communication plans, and several org chart options that align with that vision. Emily encourages thinking beyond simple answers and looking for ways to add value at a higher level.

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Time Stamps:

00:25 Introduction: From Doer to Strategic Leader
01:53 Understanding the Boss's Request
04:01 Context and Company Background
05:34 Revisiting the Org Chart
06:40 Vision Casting for the Future
09:21 Implementing the Vision
11:44 The Difference Between Tactical and Strategic Thinking
16:31 Encouraging Strategic Leadership
18:29 Conclusion and Takeaways

How Venture Capital Firms Utilize Chiefs of Staff for Firm and Portfolio Growth

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Remi Guarini, a three-time Chief of Staff, shares how she moved from fashion operations at Maison Kitsune to working at Capital Factory, and then to helping launch Neon, an early-stage venture capital firm. She talks about learning on the fly, juggling investor and operations duties, building strong relationships, and how her role evolved to include everything from audits to portfolio support. Remi also gives practical advice for those looking to break into VC or become a Chief of Staff, and explains what makes the job challenging but rewarding.

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Connect with Remi Guarini on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

00:33 Journey to Becoming a Chief of Staff
04:54 Role at Neon and Career Aspirations
06:37 Working with GP Kimmy Scott
09:54 Balancing Dual Roles: Chief of Staff and Investor
14:07 Kimmy Scott's Role and Responsibilities
16:26 Chief of Staff in VC Firms
18:54 Deploying Chiefs of Staff in Portfolio Companies
19:34 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Early-Stage Startups
20:54 Healthcare and VC Firms: A Unique Partnership
22:13 Differences Between VC and PE Firms
23:35 Key Skills for a Chief of Staff in VC
27:47 Building Relationships and Partnerships in VC
30:28 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff in VC
34:18 Managing a Chief of Staff Effectively
37:04 The Importance of Trust and Personal Connection
38:59 Opportunities at Neon and Closing Remarks

Addressing Team Turf Wars: Leadership Lessons for Chiefs of Staff

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode covers how a Chief of Staff can address two teams stuck in a blame game at a biotech startup. Emily shares examples like holding one-on-one meetings with managers and team members, presenting anonymized feedback, setting clear expectations for team behavior, and publicly reinforcing new team norms. He explains how to reset the group dynamic so everyone understands the new way forward and knows “pointing fingers” is no longer acceptable.

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Time Stamps:

00:36 The Rigorous Interview Process
01:32 Scenario: Teams in Conflict
03:02 Initial Steps: One-on-One Meetings
03:45 Gathering and Reporting Data
04:40 Facilitating Understanding and Communication
08:48 Reiterating Departmental Changes
10:49 Setting New Team Expectations
20:44 Reinforcing the New Structure
26:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Moving from Chief of Staff to Principal: Lessons from a Leadership Transformation at Microsoft

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Andrew Kisslo talks about his journey from marketing roles to Chief of Staff at Microsoft, sharing what it was like working in the role during a period of massive growth and change. He describes the different Chief of Staff archetypes, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the process behind hiring his own Chief of Staff at SAP. Andrew also explains the career value of the Chief of Staff experience and offers practical advice on finding the right fit for both principals and Chiefs of Staff.

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Time Stamps:

00:57 Andrew's Career Journey to Chief of Staff

01:53 Understanding the Chief of Staff Role

02:03 Historical Context of Chief of Staff Positions

02:59 Early Influences and Mentorship

03:43 First Impressions and Aspirations

05:05 The Reality of the Chief of Staff Role

09:05 Navigating the Challenges and Archetypes

13:38 Lessons from a Phenomenal Leader

18:14 Transitioning Out of the Chief of Staff Role

25:16 Becoming a Principal and Hiring a Chief of Staff

32:44 Final Reflections and Advice

From Execution to Aftermath: Managing the Realities of Layoffs

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Part 2 focuses on the practical steps and real-life challenges of carrying out layoffs, like coordinating with HR and IT, preparing benefit info, and setting up conversations with those affected. Emily shares personal experiences, including handling difficult reactions and making sure Chiefs of Staff help with both the announcements and the follow-up communication to support everyone involved. The episode also covers how to manage the work left behind and how to help teams refocus after a layoff round.

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Time Stamps:

00:52 Preparing for Layoffs
02:38 Coordinating with HR and IT
03:54 Conducting Layoff Conversations
06:20 Handling Reactions and Follow-ups
07:25 Logistics and Safety Considerations
09:54 Post-Layoff Communication
14:42 Final Thoughts and Support

Lessons from a Long-Term Chief of Staff Partnership

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jennifer Baron shares her 18-year journey working alongside her principal, Justin, starting as a temp cleaning a file room and eventually becoming Chief of Staff for a private equity firm. She talks about helping manage company growth, supporting multiple portfolio companies, and even working on a historic castle restoration in Scotland. Jennifer also offers practical advice for building a trusted Chief of Staff-principal relationship and setting healthy boundaries.

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Time Stamps:

00:31 Discovering Family History
01:54 Jennifer's Career Beginnings
03:43 Meeting Justin and Early Career at Endeavor
05:23 Becoming Chief of Staff
10:03 Private Equity and Company Growth
16:30 Current Role and Responsibilities
19:08 Role of a Chief of Staff in PE Firms
20:43 Building Trust and Dependability
24:44 Evolving Together Over 18 Years
27:41 Adventures in Scotland: A Team-Building Experience
30:55 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

From Planning to Communication: A Leadership Deep Dive on Layoffs

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode talks about how leaders, especially a Chief of Staff, should handle layoffs with respect and care. Emily shares real-life examples of leadership teams deciding who gets cut, the importance of considering all other options first, and how to communicate tough financial realities to staff. He also discusses making fair decisions on who to inform, and gives practical advice on what to say in all-hands meetings when layoffs are on the table.

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Time Stamps:

00:42 The Importance of Handling Layoffs Well
01:12 Personal Experience with Layoffs
01:54 Philosophy on Layoffs
02:58 Deciding on Layoffs
04:29 Planning and Coordination
10:56 Communicating Layoff Plans
15:40 Final Thoughts and Leadership Responsibility

Blending Chief of Staff and People Ops at La Tourangelle: Benefits of Dual Roles

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Marcelo Elliott, Chief of Staff and head of HR at La Tourangelle, shares how his combined role helps connect HR strategy directly to company goals. He talks about using AI to handle repetitive HR tasks, setting up ad hoc committees for grassroots improvement, and building effective communication across teams. Marcelo also gives practical examples, like launching sustainability initiatives and merging HR data with business planning, and recommends pistachio oil on ice cream as a personal favorite.

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La Tourangelle Artisan Oil

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Time Stamps:

00:51 Background and Career Path
01:35 About La Tourangelle
02:36 Role of Chief of Staff and HR
04:08 Benefits of a Dual Role
07:44 Impact of AI in HR
12:55 Balancing Chief of Staff and HR Responsibilities
17:43 Talent Management Strategies
19:31 Communication and Leadership
24:45 Continuous Improvement and Empowerment
32:45 Practical Advice for Setting Up People Operations
36:00 Favorite Products and Conclusion

Listener Question: Building a Mini PMO as Chief of Staff - Growth or Backslide?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily answers a listener question from Tamsen in Minneapolis, who’s been asked to build a mini PMO function. She talks through concerns about returning to project management work, possible worries about people management, and how to clarify the scope with the CEO and COO. Emily suggests separating past experiences from the new opportunity and making sure the Chief of Staff role remains broad and strategic.

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A No-Nonsense Guide to Rolling Out OKRs That Actually Work

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Sara Lobkovich explains how to use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) without the common pitfalls, like having too many goals or confusing milestones with actual key results. She gives practical examples, such as how "launch Project X by end of Q2" is a milestone, not a key result, and pushes for OKRs to focus on measurable outcomes that often feel out of your control. The conversation includes tips for Chiefs of Staff on implementing OKRs successfully, handling change management, and using retrospectives to learn from what worked—and what didn’t.

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Time Stamps:

00:13 Understanding OKRs: Objectives and Key Results
01:47 Common Challenges in Implementing OKRs
04:35 Defining Key Results and Milestones
08:09 The Importance of Clear Definitions and Terms
18:47 Implementing OKRs Successfully
22:24 Quantitative Assessment and OKR Creation
24:32 Timeframes and Cadence for OKRs
25:53 Levels of OKR Localization
28:58 Change Management and OKR Adjustments
32:41 Retrospectives and Continuous Learning
34:54 Cross-Functionality and OKRs
38:33 Addressing Resistance to OKRs
40:41 Sarah's Work and Expertise
42:54 Sarah's Book and Resources
43:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listener Question: How to Restore Trust When Your CEO Overcommits Publicly

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A listener asks how to handle a CEO who overpromises big ideas in public, causing staff to lose trust when they don’t happen. Emily suggests privately discussing the real impact with the CEO, sharing clear examples like lost productivity after public announcements, and separating brainstorming from commitments. She also recommends giving the CEO practical talk tracks and focusing on themes like follow-through to help restore trust.

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Time Stamps:

00:58 Understanding the CEO's Awareness
02:07 Communicating the Impact
05:02 Creating a Safe Space for Ideas
05:39 Distinguishing Conversations
06:54 Equipping with Talk Tracks
07:46 Frameworks for Discussion
10:48 Encouraging Follow Through

Why Consulting Remains a Top Career Choice for Ambitious Professionals

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Vivek Modi shares his journey from engineering in Africa to consulting at Ernst and Young and Roland Berger, and now to Chief of Staff for two CEOs at a fast-growing German startup. He compares consulting and Chief of Staff roles, breaks down how he builds trust with senior leaders, and offers practical advice on influencing without authority. Vivek also highlights the importance of clarifying responsibilities before taking on a Chief of Staff job and talks about using LinkedIn for mentoring and connecting.

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Connect with Vivek Modi on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

00:46 Vivek's Journey to Chief of Staff
01:53 Transition to Consulting
02:45 Chief of Staff Role Explained
03:30 Consulting vs. Chief of Staff
08:48 Influencing Without Authority
09:53 Building Trust and Relationships
22:06 Operational vs. Strategic Work
28:02 Supporting Two CEOs
37:14 Mentorship and Giving Back
38:59 Future Aspirations and Conclusion

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as Chief of Staff: Lessons From the Deep End

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily shares a personal story about being made the interim leader of a digital marketing department as Chief of Staff, even though he knew nothing about digital marketing at the time. She talks about asking basic questions like "What does SEO stand for?" and dealing with colleagues who doubted her, including being called out during a team meeting. The episode highlights how not being a technical expert can actually be an advantage and gives tips for handling imposter syndrome by focusing on transferable skills and tracking your own progress.

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Time Stamps:

02:04 Emily's Story: Taking on a New Role
04:00 Facing Challenges and Learning on the Job
12:04 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Confidence
15:28 Navigating New Responsibilities
16:44 Building Confidence Through Experience
21:36 Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader
23:37 Redefining Imposter Syndrome

Australia’s Chamber of Commerce: Bridging Local, National, and International Business

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Chanelle Pearson, Chief of Staff at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shares how her career moved from journalism to leading teams in advocacy, media, and events. She talks about launching the Chamber Change women’s leadership program, organizing the upcoming World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, and balancing her diverse responsibilities. Chanelle also offers advice for other Chiefs of Staff and explains how her team listens to members and shapes business policy.

Links Mentioned:
14th World Chambers Congress

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Time Stamps:

00:39 Chanelle Pearson's Career Journey
02:25 Understanding Chambers of Commerce
04:05 Victorian Chamber of Commerce Activities
07:38 Women in Business Program
13:56 Role of Chief of Staff
19:00 World Chambers Congress
26:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Listener Question: Defining VP Roles and Titles for Growing Teams

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily answers a listener’s question about job titles in a growing 50-person company, giving advice on moving beyond generic VP roles and considering more specific titles like VP of Operations or Chief of Staff. She explains the importance of planning for future growth, staying flexible with titles, and being mindful of internal dynamics when making these decisions. She also shares cautionary tales about people getting attached to their job titles.

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Time Stamps:

00:56 Importance of Structure at 50 Employees
01:35 Specific Titles and Chief of Staff Role
02:21 Planning for Future Growth
03:15 Reverse Engineering Titles
04:02 Considering Team Dynamics and Flexibility
06:46 Motivations Behind Title Changes
08:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Department of Defense Chief of Staff on Missions, Mental Health and Mentorship

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

"Any views expressed are the opinions of Mr. Williams and do not reflect the position or represent the U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. Williams' participation does not constitute any implied or actual endorsement of any nonfederal entity by the U.S. Government."

Johnathan "JDUBB" Williams, Chief of Staff for the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, shares how he quickly brought transparency and better communication to his team by holding open meetings, sending his 30-day assessments to the whole command, and encouraging direct feedback. He talks about the importance of mental health in high-stress jobs, his own experience at Walter Reed, and how mentorship helps leaders at every level. Williams also discusses how staying calm in crisis situations sets the tone for the whole team.

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Time Stamps:

1:41 Johnathan's Military Journey
04:58 Role and Responsibilities at Space Command
07:45 Leadership and Management Strategies
20:05 Mentorship and Professional Development
26:04 Encouraging Mentorship in Command
27:09 Implementing Mentorship Programs
30:56 Advocating for Mental Health
33:18 Personal Mental Health Journey
40:03 Integrating Mental Health in Leadership

Listener Question: How to Handle the One Team Member Who Won’t Submit Their Flash Report

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A Chief of Staff asks how to handle a team member who never submits their flash report, despite lots of reminders and training. Emily suggests letting the slacking team member feel the peer pressure in meetings, such as by leaving their section blank in the board report or calling on them in front of the group and holding an awkward silence. The episode covers practical escalation steps and emphasizes that, after fair attempts to help, it's okay to let someone face the consequences of not doing their part.

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Time Stamps:

00:50 The Problem with One Team Member
03:30 Escalation Tactics
03:54 Using Peer Pressure and Silence
06:11 Further Escalation and Consequences
08:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Executive Assistant to Executive Business Partner in VC and PE

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jessica Porter shares her path from Executive Assistant to Executive Business Partner and acting Chief of Staff, working in both venture capital and private equity-backed companies. She talks about managing KPIs, handling turnarounds, being a conduit between PE firms and leadership teams, and leveraging AI to solve business problems. Jessica also highlights the importance of understanding investment theses, using storytelling in board meetings, and joining professional organizations like the Chief of Staff Association for support and growth.

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Time Stamps:

00:43 Jessica's Early Career and First EA Role
02:33 Transition to Strategic Roles
03:41 Law Firm Experience and Hospital System Role
04:53 Climbing the Corporate Ladder
05:51 Learning from Previous Roles
07:36 Understanding the Executive Business Partner Role
09:19 Working with PE Firms
11:48 Role of a Strategic Conduit
22:31 Board Relations and Communication
27:02 Differences Between VC and PE
33:06 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

Q&A: Balancing Tactical and Strategic Demands as a Resource-Constrained Chief of Staff

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily answers Nicole S.'s question about how to balance the tactical and strategic sides of the Chief of Staff role, sharing examples from both startup and large company experiences. She covers ways to prioritize, how to have conversations with your principal about trade-offs, and offers practical advice like delegating, automating, and asking if all tasks are necessary. Emily also explains why it’s important to regularly check if you’re spending your time where it matters most.

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Time Stamps:

00:50 Balancing Tactical and Strategic Responsibilities
01:36 Company Stage and Role Dynamics
03:53 Challenges in Shifting to Strategic Work
05:06 Conversations with Your Principal
07:04 Making Strategic Decisions
07:42 Prioritizing Tasks and Trade-offs
11:15 Delegation and Automation
11:56 Evaluating Tactical Work
12:58 Adapting to Company Changes
15:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Using Story Arcs: From Stage Events to Successful Investor Pitches

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Steve Werner shares how he helps founders and companies run engaging sales events by building a story arc that keeps audiences interested. He gives practical tips for prepping investor pitch decks, including being clear about strengths and weaknesses, saying where you need help, and avoiding slides covered in text. The conversation covers how to sequence team stories in a pitch, build trust with investors, and handle tough Q&A sessions.

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Time Stamps:

00:39 Connecting Over Shared Interests
01:22 Event Planning and Production
02:07 Engaging Presentations
06:40 Crafting a Compelling Pitch
16:59 The Hero's Journey in Storytelling
19:47 Introducing Key Team Members
21:12 Crafting Different Pitch Segments
22:57 Building Trust Through Vulnerability
30:20 Handling Q&A Effectively
35:36 Final Tips and Personal Insights

Four Reasons to Retain Your Chief of Staff During a Downturn

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Cutting your Chief of Staff during a downturn is a big mistake—they act as a utility player who can fill gaps in HR, operations, sales, and more. Chiefs of Staff keep morale up after layoffs, help maintain strong communication, support the CEO’s decision-making, and are key to rebuilding when things improve. Emily compares them to the knight in chess: flexible, able to jump over obstacles, and unblock problems where others can’t.

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Time Stamps:

00:48 Reason 1: The Utility Infielder
01:45 Reason 2: The Culture Keeper
04:16 Reason 3: Keeping the Principal Sane
06:00 Reason 4: The Comeback Catalyst
07:52 Summary of Key Points
08:27 The Chess Knight Analogy

Event Planning, Ribbon Cutting, and Community Building: Rolling Out a Global Brand’s US Presence

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jacki Grosso, Chief of Staff and Communications Manager at Lotte Biologics, shares her journey from managing Olympic events to leading in biotech. She talks about organizing a major ribbon-cutting event, bridging cultural gaps with Korea, refreshing the Syracuse Bio campus, and communicating complex science in simple terms. Jacki also gives practical advice on staying flexible, building strong relationships, and balancing multiple roles.

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Time Stamps:

01:00 Jacki's Career Beginnings
03:25 Transition to Biotech
03:49 Lotte Biologics' Mission and Vision
05:06 First Year as Chief of Staff
07:26 Community Engagement and Volunteerism
10:50 Event Management and Cultural Sensitivity
17:46 Balancing Local and Global Responsibilities
18:37 Digital Marketing and Thought Leadership
22:41 Internal Communication and Employee Engagement
30:35 Environmental Branding and Campus Modernization
34:32 Final Thoughts and Advice for Chiefs of Staff

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Career Growth: A Comprehensive Walkthrough

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode is a hands-on walkthrough of how to update and improve your LinkedIn profile, especially if you're aiming for a Chief of Staff role. Emily shares practical tips, like making your top banner intentional, choosing a clear headshot, and adding personality in your byline. She also covers how to highlight relevant experience, include memorable details (like a surfing photo or fun tagline), and make your profile easy for recruiters and hiring managers to scan.

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Time Stamps:

00:33 Why You Need to Update Your LinkedIn Profile
02:45 Starting with the Basics: Above the Fold Section
03:29 Crafting an Effective LinkedIn Banner
05:48 Perfecting Your Headshot and Name Field
07:10 Creating a Compelling Byline
12:28 Optimizing the About Section
15:49 Showcasing Your Experience and Achievements
19:14 Highlighting Education and Certifications
20:26 Adding Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations
21:36 Including Publications, Languages, and Interests
23:02 Final Tips and Encouragement

How to Actually Be Happier at Work and Lead Like a Pro

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Andrew Matthews, bestselling author known for "Being Happy," shares how happiness starts with accepting your current situation and focusing on the good in any challenge—like when Thomas Edison watched his factory burn and still saw the silver lining. He explains that happy, resilient people create their own positive workplaces by being kind, not complaining, and supporting others. Andrew also offers practical tips for dealing with negative thoughts and discusses his latest book, "Bouncing Back."

Links Mentioned:

Andrew Matthews’s latest book, Bouncing Back on Amazon
Andrew Matthews’s latest book, Bouncing Back on Audible
Andrew Matthew’s Website

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Time Stamps:

01:30 Andrew's Journey to Writing
02:39 Overcoming Rejections
04:12 Creating Happiness at Work
06:37 The Power of Perspective
13:10 Self-Acceptance and Forgiveness
20:10 The Importance of Resilience
32:58 Daily Decisions for Happiness
34:19 Happiness in Leadership
34:44 Nick Faldo's Story
37:31 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Listener Question: How to Lead Effective Conference Prep Without Doing All the Work Yourself

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A listener asks how to prep for a conference kickoff meeting without getting overwhelmed. Emily explains that a Chief of Staff shouldn't do all the work alone and suggests framing group discussions around key topics like conference themes, attendee info, and potential Q&A panel questions. She shares practical tips like getting input from team members and focusing on facilitating effective conversations instead of having every answer ready in advance.

Links Mentioned:

Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:

01:08 The Role of a Chief of Staff: Clarifying Responsibilities
01:55 Group Discussions: The Key to Effective Planning
03:41 Framing the Conversation: A New Approach
04:45 Logistics and Agenda Setting for Kickoff Meetings
06:01 Gathering and Utilizing Background Information
08:10 Final Thoughts: Shifting Mindsets and Effective Leadership

Force Multiplier Mindset: Maximizing Impact as an EA or Chief of Staff

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hallie Warner talks about her journey from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff, the differences between those roles, and how they work together in both small and large companies. She shares real situations, like launching a year-long leadership program with an EA handling logistics, and discusses common setups and struggles between these positions. Hallie also gives practical advice for EAs and Chiefs of Staff and recommends top books like "Fierce Conversations" and "Multipliers."

Links Mentioned:

Contact Hallie Warner

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Time Stamps:

01:21 Hallie's Background and Experience
02:21 Force Multiplier: Concept and Company
04:02 Chief of Staff vs. Executive Assistant
05:42 Organizational Structures and Roles
07:48 Factors Influencing EA and Chief of Staff Roles
15:23 Collaboration Between EA and Chief of Staff
22:37 Challenges and Solutions in EA and Chief of Staff Dynamics
32:08 Misconceptions About EAs and Chiefs of Staff
32:58 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
35:13 Conclusion and Book Recommendations

Nailing Curveball Interview Questions for Chief of Staff Jobs

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A listener preparing for final Chief of Staff interviews asks how to handle unexpected or tricky questions. Eric shares strategies like expecting curveballs, using them as a way to show problem-solving skills, and shifting interview conversations to a more natural tone. He gives examples such as reframing the question or asking for more details, and reminds listeners that not every question has a simple, right answer.

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Time Stamps:

01:14 Expecting the Curve Ball
01:58 Turning Challenges into Opportunities
03:06 Shifting the Interview Tone
04:46 Engaging in Natural Conversation
06:59 Handling Complex Questions
08:20 Recap and Final Advice

What It’s Really Like Being a Fractional COO or Chief of Staff

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Scott Adams shares how he went from working in pro sports and leading teams at Exos and Mayo Clinic to offering fractional COO and Chief of Staff services. He explains the difference between COO and Chief of Staff roles, how he helps companies realign strategy and improve efficiency, and why real listening is key to building trust. Scott also talks through how he approaches discovery calls, setting bold goals with clients, and why leaders should focus on small improvements that add up over time.

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Time Stamps:

00:42 Scott Adams' Unique Career Path
01:36 Launching Wellness Services and Scaling
02:51 Founding Adams Consulting Firm
03:48 Understanding Client Needs and Fit
05:27 Scaling Companies and Growth Challenges
10:01 COO vs. Chief of Staff Roles
17:54 Balancing Multiple Engagements
19:10 Value of Knowledge Over Time
22:37 Building Relationships Across Multiple Companies
24:06 Listening and Engaging with Teams
26:19 Transitioning from Listening to Action
29:12 Empowering Teams and Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
31:39 The Role and Impact of a Fractional Chief of Staff
37:26 Setting Ambitious Goals and Measuring Progress
40:24 The Importance of Incremental Improvement
41:57 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Stop the Bottleneck: Keep Things Moving By Spreading Decisions Around

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode covers how bottlenecks form when every decision goes through the CEO and shows how a Chief of Staff can help move decision-making power to the leadership team and even frontline managers. Emily explains how shifting decisions after a reorg, giving authority to those closer to the information, and using a process of transitioning decisions from the CEO to others can speed things up. She also shares a real-life example about cruise ship captains making rerouting calls during a hurricane to show the power of putting decisions in the hands of those closest to the action.

Links Mentioned:

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Time Stamps:

00:52 Role of the Chief of Staff in Decision Distribution
02:00 Empowering the Leadership Team
04:22 Decentralizing Decisions to the Front Lines
06:49 Case Study: Cruise Line Decision Making
07:57 Creating an Effective Decision-Making System

Wearing All the Hats: The Reality of Gaps in Startup Teams

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Sabrina Dhaliwal shares her unique career path from a Financial Analyst at the Canadian Coast Guard to Chief of Staff and Product Marketing Manager at a tech startup. She talks about landing her current job through a networking coffee chat, jumping into unexpected roles like head of marketing, and why learning quickly is key for Chiefs of Staff in fast-paced environments. The episode also covers work-life balance, building an 18-month roadmap, and the importance of community engagement for startups.

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Time Stamps:

00:29 PTO and Work-Life Balance
01:53 Sabrina's Career Journey Begins
02:58 Transition to Strategy Consulting
04:15 Joining Remo Three
05:30 Challenges and Adaptations in a Startup
13:25 Evolving Role and Future Plans
26:38 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

Spotting Small Wins: Celebrate Consistency and Growth - Keys to Stronger Teams

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Chief of Staffs are reminded to celebrate both team and individual wins, especially during hectic times. Emily shares examples like acknowledging milestones in developing life-saving medical devices and recognizing a team member who overcame personal challenges. She suggests celebrating with small gestures, public recognition, or private notes, and emphasizes not to overlook consistent high performance.

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Time Stamps:

01:21 The Importance of Reminding the Team of Their Purpose
03:39 Recognizing Individual Achievements
04:30 Consistent Performance and Final Thoughts

The Secret to Great Teams: Understanding Core Human Drives (Learn, Acquire, Defend, Bond)

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jay Johnson, a global speaker and consultant, explains his Behavioral Elements Assessment, which is based on four biological drives: learn (air), acquire (fire), defend (earth), and bond (water). Jay and Emily discuss her unusually balanced results across all four elements, the strengths and challenges of each drive, and how Chiefs of Staff and executives can use these insights to improve team communication and put people in the right roles. Jay also shares real examples, like adapting messages to fit high “bond” teachers versus results-driven CFOs, and offers free assessments for Chiefs of Staff.

Links Mentioned:

Jay Johnson’s Podcast: Talent Forge
Chiefs of Staff interested in the free behavioral assessment can email Emily at: emily@nextlevel.coach

Promo code: "J" or just put "J" in the subject line.

Connect with Jay Johnson on LinkedIn
Email Jay Johnson at: jay@behavioralelements.com

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Time Stamps:

01:40 Emily's Unique Behavioral Assessment
03:19 Understanding Behavioral Intelligence
04:12 The Four Core Drives
06:05 Balancing the Drives
14:54 Applying Behavioral Insights in Organizations
21:34 Handling Difficult People with Behavioral Assessments
24:41 The Thumbtack Rule: Managing Team Dynamics
27:44 Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses
37:10 Understanding Drives in Different Roles
40:18 Special Offer and Closing Remarks

How Chiefs of Staff Can Revive Leadership Team Meetings

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode shares two practical tips for Chiefs of Staff looking to revamp their executive team's meeting routine: delete the old meeting series and start a new one as the organizer, then give the meeting a fresh name to set a new tone. Examples include replacing a dull weekly meeting where team members air grievances or read KPIs with a more energized and purposeful leadership session. These simple moves help signal change and boost engagement.

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Time Stamps:

01:05 Identifying Issues in Current Meetings
02:00 Implementing New Meeting Strategies
03:25 Final Tips and Conclusion

From the Admissions Desk to Chief of Staff: 36 Years of Campus Stories

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Julie Barefoot shares her 36-year journey at Emory University, explains how she became Chief of Staff at the Goizueta Business School, and describes her daily work, including organizing a regional deans conference and coordinating keynote speakers like the CEO of Truist Bank. She talks about managing alumni events, working with faculty, and the importance of building relationships across the university. Julie also offers advice for those considering a Chief of Staff role in higher education.

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Time Stamps:

00:41 Julie's Journey at Emory University
02:45 Understanding University Leadership
07:56 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
12:56 Coordinating Distinguished Speaker Series
18:08 Navigating University Bureaucracy
19:19 Building and Maintaining Relationships
21:23 Engaging with Alumni and International Travel
23:32 Role of Chief of Staff
25:56 Advice for Aspiring University Staff
31:45 Reflections and Retirement Plans

Listener Question: How to Help Your Boss Listen Up in Meetings

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

A Chief of Staff named Angela asks how to stop her boss from dominating high-stakes planning meetings, despite her boss’s goal to empower others. The episode offers practical tips, like giving the boss a “What did you learn?” prompt before and during the meeting, using breakout groups where the boss can’t take over, and having other team members lead parts of the meeting so everyone is heard.

Links Mentioned:

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Time Stamps:

00:40 Understanding the Leadership Challenge
01:37 Setting the Tone for Effective Meetings
02:50 During the Event: Keeping the Focus
04:02 Post-Event Recap and Coaching
05:24 Tactical Tips for Structuring Meetings
09:54 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Breaking the Money Myths That Hold You Back

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Money mindset expert Pericles Rellas explains why money can’t buy happiness and talks about the concept of a “financial thermostat”—the internal setting that influences how we earn, keep, and relate to money. He shares practical ways to check your current money mindset, challenges common beliefs like “money is the root of all evil,” and uses relatable analogies, such as treating money like a relationship. He also gives guidance on how to form healthier habits and thinking patterns around money.

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Time Stamps:

00:54 Does Money Make People Happy?
02:41 Money and Identity
06:22 Generational Money Mindsets
09:01 Understanding Financial Thermostats
13:45 Relationship with Money vs. Significant Other
17:14 Healthy Money Mindset
21:13 Proper Use of Money
24:27 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
26:38 Rewiring Money Mindsets
30:47 Building a Healthy Relationship with Money
32:01 Aligning Money with Personal Values
34:20 Finding Personal Empowerment
37:54 Resources for Financial Growth

Just Say It: How Using Your Own Words Makes Presentations Clearer and More Impactful

Wed, 28 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode shares a simple tip for presentation prep: say exactly what you mean in your own words instead of trying to sound overly formal. Emily gives examples like replacing “after extensive cross functional collaboration and deep analysis” with “we looked at a bunch of options and this is the clearest path forward,” and suggests that a Chief of Staff can just say, “I make sure really important stuff doesn’t fall through the cracks.”

Links Mentioned:

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Time Stamps:

00:45 Common Pitfalls in Presentation Language
01:26 Real-Life Examples and Solutions
02:45 Final Tips and Conclusion

Preventing and Managing Corporate Crises with FBI Negotiator and PR Comms Expert

Mon, 26 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey share lessons from handling high-stakes PR crises and FBI negotiations, like responding quickly during a company scandal or the early hours of 9/11. They explain why companies need crisis plans ready before disaster hits, how to keep leaders calm when their reputations are on the line, and why apologizing the right way matters. They also talk about building trust fast, having clear personal and company values, and why waiting for trouble to blow over almost never works.

Links Mentioned:

Adele and Chip’s Book: Convince Me
Convincing Company Website

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Time Stamps:

01:06 Adele's Crisis Management Journey
03:53 Founding the Convincing Company
07:42 The First 48 Hours of a Crisis
13:08 De-escalation Techniques in Crisis Management
23:31 Crisis Communications and Personal Branding
28:47 The Art of Apologizing
30:34 Practical Tips for Crisis Communication
32:07 Understanding Public Perception
34:38 Navigating Political Stands as Executives
37:31 The Role of CEOs in Crisis Situations
38:50 Common Misconceptions in Crisis Management
39:30 Why We Love Crisis Management
43:28 How to Reach Out for Help

Shifting the Mindset: When Chiefs of Staff Move from Asking to Informing

Wed, 21 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode breaks down how a Chief of Staff should shift from always asking permission to confidently informing others about next steps. Emily shares real examples, like updating a principal before or after launching a new workflow, and explains why this approach helps the executive team and boosts the Chief of Staff’s own confidence. The episode ends with the reminder that it’s all about finding the right balance between asking and informing.

Links Mentioned:

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Time Stamps:

01:42 Mastering the Principal-Chief of Staff Relationship
06:01 Empowering the Executive Team
08:24 Balancing Asking and Informing: The Art of Leadership

The Realities of Wearing a Million Hats at Work

Mon, 19 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Martin Dowling shares his journey from studying engineering and psychology in Germany and the US to becoming Chief of Staff at a manufacturing company in Munich. He talks about building trust as the new Chief of Staff, the value of tackling small wins like improving office cleanliness and streamlining software tasks, and why being a generalist helps him solve problems across different industries. Martin also explains the difference between the German executive assistant role and the Chief of Staff, and gives advice on choosing and succeeding in the Chief of Staff position.

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Time Stamps:

01:47 Career Beginnings and Shift to Psychology
03:02 Consulting and HR IT Solutions
06:48 Role as COO and Lighting Company
08:00 Challenges in Job Market and Chief of Staff Role
12:20 Responsibilities and Impact as Chief of Staff
19:28 Implementing Change and Overcoming Resistance
30:28 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
40:06 Conclusion and Lighting Product Discussion

Listener Question: How to Handle a Boss Who Won’t Listen

Wed, 14 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily answers a question from someone struggling to work with a new boss at a family-owned business who ignores process, oversells services, and doesn't value their input. She shares practical advice on "increment training"—giving the boss positive feedback for following the right process and building small wins over time. Emily tells her own story about working with a difficult, charismatic sales leader and highlights the importance of meeting halfway, using patience, and looking for ways to turn friction into teamwork.

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Time Stamps:

01:11 Challenges with the New Boss
02:38 Possible Reasons for the Boss's Behavior
06:12 Training the Boss Incrementally
07:27 Personal Story: Handling a Similar Situation
13:53 Conclusion and Final Advice

From Office Escalations, Cybersecurity Attacks, to Surviving Mergers Without Losing Your Mind

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily catches up with her old boss!

Amy Martin talks about her journey from 30 years in HR technology and customer-facing SaaS roles to becoming a career ownership coach. She shares stories about staying calm during high-pressure moments like client escalations and cybersecurity incidents, her empowering leadership style, and advice for those dealing with big changes, difficult personalities, or considering a career transition. Amy also explains how she helps clients gain clarity using tools like DISC profiles and personal SWOTs.

Links Mentioned:

Amy Martin’s Website

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Time Stamps:

01:09 Amy's Career Background and Mentorship
05:43 Handling Pressure and Client Escalations
09:48 Dealing with Strong Personalities
12:54 Navigating Change and Mergers
17:43 Career Transitions and Coaching
22:01 Holistic Career Coaching Approach
24:16 Becoming a SCORE Mentor
27:37 Success Stories and Client Transformations
33:55 Personal Motivations for Career Change

How Smart Leaders Prioritize Minimum Effort for Maximum Impact

Wed, 07 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode talks about how leaders can get the best results with the least amount of effort, instead of just working harder by default. Emily uses real examples like organizing a high-profile leadership retreat as a Chief of Staff and handling daily emails, showing how to focus only on what matters most and avoid burning out on unnecessary work. She encourages listeners to look for chances to do just enough to succeed, so they can use their time and energy wisely.

Links Mentioned:

Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:

01:37 The Pitfalls of Overworking
03:03 Strategic Leadership and Efficiency
05:26 Practical Examples and Takeaways

Improving Executive Search: Essentials for Selecting, Vetting, and Onboarding C-Suite Leaders

Mon, 05 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jordan Burton talks about his work as an executive assessor and trainer, helping companies and investors improve their hiring process from defining roles to interviewing candidates. He explains why it's important to clarify what a business really needs in a new hire, how to run effective interviews, and why panels aren't always the best approach. Real examples include deciding if you need a CFO or just a controller, getting input from different stakeholders, and tips for reaching out to passive candidates through networking.

Links Mentioned:

Interview Training Resources Website

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Time Stamps:

02:31 Defining the Right Role
08:04 Networking for Top Talent
12:37 Communicating Technical Knowledge
16:57 Approaching Potential Candidates
20:32 Conducting Authentic Interviews
23:18 Effective Interview Conversations
27:23 Panel Interviews: Pros and Cons
32:41 Final Stages and Decision Making
36:19 Behavioral Assessments in Hiring
37:58 Talgo's Approach to Interview Training

How Non-Action Conversations Enhance Business Relationships

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander talks about the importance of conversations focused on understanding, not always on doing. As a Chief of Staff, you're often in "go mode," but sometimes it's essential to just listen and understand a team member's perspective. She gives tips like changing the conversation's setting or tone to foster better understanding and notes that this skill is key for mediating disagreements and improving team performance.

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Time Stamps:

01:02 Effective Communication Strategies for Chiefs of Staff
02:52 Mediating and Facilitating Better Understanding
06:01 Investing in Workplace Relationships

Switching Lanes: Finding Your Stride as a Chief of Staff

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Melissa Yap shares her journey to becoming Chief of Staff at Deloitte, highlighting the shift from client-facing roles to internal strategic leadership. She discusses the challenges of embracing a less visible role and the unique perspective it offers, such as connecting diverse teams and driving strategic initiatives. Melissa explains how her experience in consulting and her proactive approach to connecting with other Chiefs of Staff globally enrich her current role.

Links Mentioned:

Mel Yap’s LinkedIn Article: Demystifying the Chief of Staff Role

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Time Stamps:

00:58 Melissa's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:46 Early Challenges and Personal Growth
07:30 Deloitte's Global Structure
09:53 Connecting with Other Chiefs of Staff
13:55 Operational and Strategic Responsibilities
17:43 Prioritizing Strategic Initiatives
24:50 Writing the LinkedIn Article
28:41 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role
34:36 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and Principals

From Zero to Sixty Percent: Leadership Lessons in Iteration

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily shares a story about a Chief of Staff facing resistance from their boss who prioritizes efficiency and speed over detailed planning. The Chief of Staff is encouraged to roll out initiatives that may feel only 60% complete to get things started, with the idea that they can be improved over time. The central lesson is about meeting people halfway and making incremental progress in leadership strategies.

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Time Stamps:

00:52 The Push for Efficiency
01:27 Implementing Change Gradually

Thriving as a Chief of Staff: Four Quadrants from Entry-Level to Strategic Partner

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Richard Charette shares his journey from user experience design to becoming a Chief of Staff at Wells Fargo. He discusses the influence of the McChrystal group's four quadrants model on building trust and evolving into a strategic partner. Richard also highlights the importance of extreme ownership and alignment coaching in developing holistic professional leadership like that of elite warriors.

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Richard Charette on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

03:09 Defining the Chief of Staff Role
11:13 Introduction to McChrystal Group
14:44 The Four Quadrants Model
21:47 Building Trust and Patience
25:37 Extreme Ownership
28:12 Service Mindset and Responsibilities
32:30 Holistic Approach to Performance
40:06 Alignment Coaching and Its Importance

Listener Question: How to Request Feedback as a New Chief of Staff

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander answers a listener's question about getting specific feedback in the Chief of Staff role. She suggests asking more focused questions and tailoring the feedback process to fit individual preferences, like providing options for written or verbal feedback. Emily also highlights the importance of building a culture of open feedback through demonstration and modeling.

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Time Stamps:

01:52 Initial Feedback and Suggestions
03:10 Specific Feedback Strategies
07:40 Building a Culture of Feedback

Exclusive Edition: AceUp’s Game-Changing Coaching Platform and 360 Feedback Reports

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander hosts Sara Dakin, Senior Coach Network Manager at AceUp, to discuss their coaching platform focused on leadership development using technology and data. They explore the use of 360-degree feedback reports, highlighting strengths and growth areas, with examples of how this has impacted leaders like Sara. They also talk about AceUp's team coaching initiatives and the integration of AI to enhance coaching experiences. Emily has a special connection to AceUp - tune in to hear about it!

Links Mentioned:

AceUp Website

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sara Dakin and AceUp
00:38 Overview of AceUp's Mission and Technology
01:38 Emily's Experience with AceUp
02:45 Introduction to 360 Degree Reports
03:18 Sara's Role and Experience with 360 Reports
04:09 The 360 Degree Process and Data Integration
06:05 Understanding Hidden Strengths and Weaknesses
07:18 Reactions to 360 Feedback
09:13 Addressing Reluctance and Creating a Safe Environment
12:03 Core Competencies in 360 Reports
13:28 Typical Reactions to 360 Feedback
19:40 Building Trust Through 360 Debriefs
22:14 Strengths and Coaching Confidentiality
22:22 Anonymized Feedback for Leadership
23:44 360 Feedback and Women Leaders
25:47 Debrief Reports and Data Insights
29:19 Triad Calls and Manager Involvement
34:11 Setting Up Coaching Programs
34:28 Tailoring Coaching to Client Needs
36:10 Preparing Coachees for Coaching
37:02 Explaining Coaching to New Coachees
39:14 The Value of Coaching Relationships
43:07 Upcoming Innovations at AceUp
44:48 How to Get Started with AceUp

Tackling Office Politics: Are You Ready to Play the Game?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander discusses the challenges of navigating office politics, identifying the "games" at play, and deciding if you're willing and able to participate. Examples include dealing with strong personalities or working long hours. She also talks about life changes affecting your willingness to play and shares strategies for shifting your approach over time.

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Time Stamps:

01:21 Common Office Politics Games
02:16 Zooming Out: Evaluating the Situation
03:28 Life Stages and Career Choices
06:18 Short-term vs Long-term Commitment

Effective Event Networking for Introverts: Enjoy Building Connections Without The Stress

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander introduces Rob Giardinelli, an introvert with a long career in the tech industry, who has attended over 2000 networking events and founded Event Mindset to help others with similar experiences. Giardinelli offers specific strategies for introverts, like starting conversations by asking "What brings you here tonight?" and finding conversations at the bar line or during event activities. He also emphasizes introverts' value at events and shares tactics for gracefully exiting conversations and engaging with event hosts.

Links Mentioned:

Event Mindset Website
Event Mindset Contact Email: info@eventmindset.com
Connect with Rob Giardinelli on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Rob Giardinelli
01:04 Initial Reactions to Networking Events
02:29 Transition and Personal Growth
04:56 Understanding the Value of Events
06:45 Creating Event Mindset
10:46 Practical Tips for Introverts at Events
19:25 Effective Openers for Any Conversation
20:16 Engaging with the Event Host
23:08 Building Confidence as an Introvert
25:51 Navigating Networking Events with a Partner
28:32 Gathering Intelligence at Events
32:46 Graceful Exits from Conversations
34:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Beyond Predictions: How Real Outcomes Shape Effective Leadership

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander discusses how we often let assumptions and predictions about future meetings or situations affect us. She shares examples like a boss announcing role changes and budget approval meetings to highlight the gap between our internal stories and reality. By reflecting on these differences, we can build evidence showing that negative assumptions rarely unfold as imagined and train our brains to expect a more balanced or positive outcome.

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Time Stamps:

00:59 The Importance of Comparing Assumptions with Reality
01:14 Example 1: New Role Announcement
03:44 Example 2: Budget Approval Request
07:01 The Exercise: Testing Your Assumptions

Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff: Navigating Cultural Challenges with Confidence and Skill

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Rhea Concepcion shares her journey from an Executive Assistant at Ernst and Young to becoming a Chief of Staff in different countries and industries, like LA and Denmark. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, communication, and building trust. Rhea discusses facing uncertainty in the role and the importance of being kind and respectful while driving business priorities forward.

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Time Stamps:

00:44 Starting as an Executive Assistant at Ernst & Young
04:04 Global Experiences and Adaptability
09:51 Emotional Challenges and Management
12:22 Communication and Building Relationships
18:01 Navigating Uncertainty
23:09 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
26:27 Raising Your Hand for Opportunities

Simplifying Success: Remove Obstacles to Achieve Objectives

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily explores the concept of removing obstacles to achieve goals instead of just adding new strategies. He uses examples like eliminating junk food to meet personal health goals, cutting unnecessary meetings to help a team meet deadlines, and simplifying pricing models to close more deals and beat competitors. It's all about identifying what's blocking progress and taking it out of the equation.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Obsession with Adding More
00:41 Flipping the Script: Removing Obstacles
01:10 Personal Goals: Health and Fitness
01:43 Removing Junk Food: A Healthier You
02:09 Team Goals: Meeting Deadlines
02:46 Eliminating Unnecessary Meetings
03:05 Company Objectives: Beating Competitors
03:31 Simplifying Pricing to Close Deals
04:17 The Power of Removing Barriers
04:33 Concentrating on the Biggest Obstacle
04:40 Takeaway: Identify and Remove the Biggest Obstacle
04:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Chief of Staff Success: Tips for Thriving in Startup Environments

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander talks with Rafael Mari about the role of Chief of Staff and its development in France compared to the US. Rafael shares his journey from financial consulting to Chief of Staff roles in various companies, including his current position at Swan, a European banking service provider. They discuss the importance of building trust with the CEO, having clear ownership of projects, and the necessity for CEOs to genuinely want a Chief of Staff for the role to be successful.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Rafael Mari
00:42 Raphael's Career Journey
01:47 Differences Between French and American Chief of Staff Roles
03:18 Challenges in Chief of Staff Roles
05:16 Raphael's Experience at Swan
07:37 Scaling Challenges at Swan
09:50 Defining Objectives and Tracking Progress
11:13 Internal and External Communications
13:37 Building Trust and Humility
18:21 Navigating CEO Relationships
27:04 Ownership and Project Management
32:52 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff and CEOs

Crafting Clear Job Descriptions for Attracting The Right Talent to Your Org

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander discusses how Chiefs of Staff, particularly in smaller to mid-sized companies, can craft effective job descriptions. She shares a five-section structure: intro paragraph, what you'll be doing, what we're looking for, benefits and perks, and call to action. Emily provides examples, like including "what you'll be doing" bullet points and adding a unique attribute section for clarity.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Effective Job Descriptions
00:33 Chiefs of Staff and Hiring Responsibilities
00:53 Personal Experience in Hiring
01:13 Learning Through Trial and Error
01:54 Five Main Sections of a Job Description
02:14 Section 1: Intro Paragraph
05:00 Section 2: What You'll Be Doing
07:32 Section 3: What We're Looking For
10:09 Section 4: Benefits and Perks
10:39 Section 5: Call to Action
10:51 Tips and Tricks for Job Descriptions
12:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Implementing EOS for Aligning Strategic Prioritization and Employee Motivation

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

This episode of Leveraging Leadership features Claire Podulka, Chief of Staff at TXI, who discusses prioritization as a key part of business leadership. Claire shares how TXI uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to set and align business goals, and explains strategies for keeping a 70-person organization on track. She also highlights the importance of understanding personal motivations and maintaining accountability, with examples of how her team navigates decision-making and goal-setting.

Links Mentioned:

Shout-out to Clara Ma, founder and CEO of Ask A Chief of Staff
Check Out Our Podcast With Clara Ma to Know More About Her
TXI Website
Connect with Claire Podulka on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

04:22 Setting and Aligning Goals with EOS
07:43 Establishing Long-term Goals
12:16 Weekly Leadership Check-ins
13:23 Adjusting Priorities and Dealing with Challenges
16:46 Consent Over Consensus in Decision Making
24:20 Leadership Meeting Structure
31:11 Cascading Communication
35:54 Prioritization and Emotional Intelligence

When to Involve Additional Team Members in Critical Business Decisions

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander, Chief of Staff to an executive leadership coach, discusses how to handle underperforming team members by involving others in the team. She shares a case where a founder had difficulty getting metrics from a team member named Sharon. To solve this, Emily suggests including Daniel, an individual contributor close to the data, in meetings. This helps uncover Sharon's hidden talent and ensures essential work is completed, while also providing contingency plans if Sharon exits.

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Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:

00:29 Client's Situation: Founder and Sharon
04:05 Discovering Hidden Talent
05:42 Back Channel Conversation with Daniel

How an Irish Comedian Uses Humor to Enhance Business Communication

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Emily Sander interviews Conor Cunneen, a former VP of Marketing turned keynote speaker and business humorist. Conor discusses the power of humor in business, using the "LAUGH" acronym to add humor to presentations. He shares examples like a neurosurgeon's humorous slide and suggests building a collection of anecdotes to make work environments more engaging.

Links Mentioned:

Conor Cunneen’s Website

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Time Stamps:

00:48 The Power of Humor in Business
03:16 The LAUGH Acronym: Listen
08:39 The LAUGH Acronym: Anecdote
10:05 The LAUGH Acronym: Uncomfortable
11:06 The LAUGH Acronym: Googler
13:28 The LAUGH Acronym: Hee Hee Hee to Ho Ho Ho
18:48 Building a Humorous Team Culture
24:06 Balancing Humor and Professionalism

Making Critical Leadership Decisions During Major Industry Disruptions

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander discusses how leaders can make strategic decisions when unexpected events occur, using an example of a project that fell behind due to industry changes. A company leader had to shift focus from their planned initiative to tackle a new urgent industry policy, which Emily explains was a necessary strategic adjustment, not a failure. She emphasizes that changing plans in response to significant changes is a sign of good leadership.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: A Frustrated Leader
00:48 Unexpected Industry Changes
01:04 Strategic Focus Shift
01:25 Reframing the Situation
01:59 The Importance of Plans
02:06 Adapting to Major Events
02:11 Making Strategic Adjustments
02:50 Communicating with the Team
03:09 Preparing for the Board Meeting
03:23 Addressing Long-Term Strategy
03:33 Leadership in Crisis
04:01 Conclusion: Leveraging Leadership

How a Chief of Staff Role Can Boost Your Career Big Time

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Melissa Schmidiger shares her journey from working at McKinsey & Company to becoming Chief of Staff at Ayala Land. She highlights the importance of building relationships, understanding one's career goals, and being authentic, which ultimately helped her move into roles like CMO and regional head positions. Melissa now helps high-achieving women through career coaching, focusing on building resilience during significant life transitions.

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Melissa Schmidiger on LinkedIn

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Melissa Schmidiger
00:52 Melissa's Career Before Chief of Staff
01:42 Transition to Ayala Land
02:25 Becoming Chief of Staff
03:13 Role and Responsibilities as Chief of Staff
03:45 Communication Challenges and Solutions
05:15 Learning and Growth in the Role
09:17 Strategic Contributions and Board Governance
13:40 Post Chief of Staff: Marketing and Beyond
17:07 Global Roles and Achievements
31:00 Career Coaching and Empowering Women
33:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

Worth The Fight? Juggling Short-Terms Wins and Long-Term Goals

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks about deciding which battles to fight in a leadership role. She shares a story of a Chief of Staff who chose a short-term reorg plan to avoid conflict with a long-standing Chief Product Officer. Another example is a CEO who decided to replace a problematic Senior Vice President to prepare the company for a sale.

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Time Stamps:

00:40 Example 1: The Reorg Proposal Dilemma
03:21 Example 2: The CEO's Staffing Challenge

Finding Balance Between Work Tasks and Relationship Building

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander interviews Matt Hartman, a Chief of Staff at Oracle, about his dual role overseeing employee-facing technology and a service group. Matt shares his strategies for prioritization, like focusing on company-wide goals first, utilizing delegation, and fostering teamwork across global teams. He highlights practices like implementing "Friye" for recognition and ensuring cross-training in his team to handle challenges effectively.

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Time Stamps:

01:44 Balancing Dual Roles
04:36 Delegation Strategies
12:54 Building Relationships and Influence
19:22 Handling Resistance and Finding Common Ground
23:59 Global Team Management
30:18 Effective Team Meetings and Icebreakers
40:39 Embracing AI and Technology
41:25 The Importance of Giving Back

Avoiding Overcorrection in Personal Growth - Balancing Leadership Strengths

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander discusses the importance of not losing your strengths while trying to fix your weaknesses. She shares examples like someone being too aggressive in communication and someone being too timid. Emily emphasizes that being direct can be a strength if balanced, just as listening can be, and encourages self-awareness and using feedback to improve leadership skills.

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Time Stamps:

01:18 Example 1: Managing Aggressiveness
03:19 Example 2: Overcoming Timidity
05:26 Personal Example: Impatience
08:16 Key Takeaways: Self-Improvement

A Decade in the Making: Founder and COS Together Again

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with guests Nikki Barua and Cheryl Couch about building and leading a professional development platform that helps businesses grow highly engaged, future-ready talent. Using community-driven, tech-enabled learning, they help top companies boost revenue, retention, and engagement while empowering diverse professionals to rise as resilient leaders. Their mission is to expand economic opportunity for all, guiding professionals from campus to the C-suite and creating a platform that accelerates success for everyone. Because when more of us have a seat at the table, everyone wins.

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Time Stamps:

01:55 Company Growth and Team Dynamics
02:43 Nikki and Cheryl's 13-Year Journey
05:04 The Role of Chief of Staff
07:18 Introducing the Chief of Staff Role to the Team
10:08 Evolving Responsibilities of Chief of Staff
21:32 Preparing for Series A Funding
26:29 Lessons from Past Experiences
27:42 The Importance of a Chief of Staff

Using Flash Reports to Improve Leadership Communication and Keep the Board Happy

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander discusses the benefits of flash reports in tracking company performance. Flash reports provide a quick overview with KPIs from each department and brief updates from department leaders. They help leadership teams stay informed and enhance board relations by facilitating clear and direct communication.

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Time Stamps:

00:57 The Role of Flash Reports in Leadership
01:17 Components of a Flash Report
04:37 Benefits of Flash Reports
10:42 Iterating on Flash Reports

How Chief of Staff Association Elevates Leadership and Organizational Alignment Globally

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander interviews Trent Smyth and Jeremy Costa from the Chief of Staff Association, exploring the relationship between a Principal and Chief of Staff. They discuss the role of a Chief of Staff and the association's programs at Oxford and Harvard, emphasizing alignment and personal development. The episode also covers the association's global reach, including networking opportunities and its new military membership initiative.

Links Mentioned:

Chief of Staff Association Website

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Time Stamps:

02:40 The Genesis of the Chief of Staff Association
05:17 Defining the Chief of Staff Role
06:01 Challenges and Misunderstandings
13:35 Global Reach and Membership Diversity
17:05 Immersive Programs at Oxford and Harvard
22:15 Membership Benefits and Resources
26:28 Special Events and Conferences
30:40 Membership Process and Values

Mapping Contributions: How Every Team Member Affects Customer Satisfaction

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

This episode of Leveraging Leadership focuses on defining the customer using three key questions. Emily Sander, Chief of Staff, discusses how crucial it is for everyone to understand their impact on the customer and what the customer really, REALLY wants.

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Time Stamps:
00:32 Defining the Customer in Balanced Scorecard
01:04 Question 1: Considering ALL Customers
03:15 Question 2: Understanding Customer Needs
04:38 Question 3: Company-Wide Customer Awareness

Inside a Startup: From Interview Process to Product Launch in Women’s Health

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Maya Ayed, Chief of Staff at Amira Health, shares her journey from big tech to startups, including hosting events to build her network. She explains Amira Health's mission to help women with menopause sleep better using a wristband and cooling pad. Maya discusses the importance of storytelling, how her team uses OKRs, and her memorable experience at CES launching their product.

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Time Stamps:
00:48 Maya's Journey to Chief of Staff
04:18 The Two-Week Trial Experience
08:33 Team Structure and Roles
11:30 Implementing OKRs
19:07 The Importance of Storytelling
22:49 Learning from Mistakes
25:57 Tools and Resources for Chiefs of Staff
29:56 Memorable Moments and Team Bonding

Strategic Alignment and Lines of Sight from Corporate Level to Individuals

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily discusses strategic alignment through the balanced scorecard, touching on corporate, business unit, and individual levels. She shares practical examples from her client management department and explains the importance of communication channels. The episode emphasizes visibility, transparency, and clear lines of sight in aligning everyone's goals.

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Time Stamps:
00:48 Understanding Corporate, Business Unit, and Individual Levels
02:58 Defining the 'What' and 'How' Elements
04:37 The Importance of Line of Sight
05:50 Transparency and Visibility in Scorecards
07:23 Decision Making with Clear Objectives
07:46 Effective Communication Channels

How a Principal and Chief of Staff From T-Mobile Started Venture Forge

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with Adam Maddock and Marcus East about their careers and roles at T Mobile, highlighting Adam's background as a Marine and his role as Chief of Staff and Marcus's position as Chief Digital Officer. They discuss the importance of trust, integrity, and the strategic impact of the Chief of Staff role. The episode also covers their new venture, Venture Forge, which aims to democratize wealth creation by supporting underserved founders with funding, resources, and a supportive community.

Links Mentioned:

The Venture Forge Website
Email contact for Adam Maddock: adam@ventureforge.org
Email contact for Marcus East: marcus@ventureforge.org
Clarity Call with Emily

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Time Stamps:
02:05 Role and Impact of Chief of Staff at T-Mobile
06:15 Adam's Military Background and Leadership Style
09:20 Transition to Corporate America
23:50 Founding Venture Forge
27:25 Democratizing Wealth Creation
40:07 Importance of Early Hires
45:06 Overcoming Funding Barriers
50:16 Role of Advisors

Understanding Cause and Effect Across Your Org Using Strategy Maps

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander explains the cause and effect relationship between the four Balanced Scorecard perspectives: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and development. She shares examples like employee training programs leading to streamlined internal SOPs, which enhance customer experience and increase market share. She also talks about creating a visual strategy map to keep track of strategic objectives and the process her executive leadership team used to brainstorm and select these objectives.

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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Series
00:26 Recap of Balanced Scorecard Perspectives
00:42 Understanding Cause and Effect Relationships
02:25 Visualizing the Strategy Map
02:54 Describing the Strategy Map
04:18 Creating Strategic Objectives
05:18 Workshop Insights and Team Collaboration
06:39 Whittling Down Strategic Objectives
08:03 Connecting Strategic Objectives
10:19 Practical Application of Strategy Maps
11:26 Encouragement to Create Your Own Strategy Map
12:40 Preview of Next Episode

From Olympics to TEDx: A Winning Mindset in Sports and Business

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Joey Lye, Olympic bronze medalist and TEDx speaker, shares how she achieved a 1.000 batting average at the Tokyo Olympics through mindset and preparation. She also discusses managing pressure using mindfulness techniques and the importance of aligning personal and organizational values. Chief of Staff Eric talks about the benefits of recruiting individuals with team sports experience and shares a mantra from his high school coach: "Champions are made when you go to practice, even when you don't feel like it."

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Time Stamps:
00:45 Joey's Unique Olympic Experience
08:05 Techniques for Managing Pressure
20:14 Decision-Making Based on Core Values
32:26 Transitioning from Sports to Business Leadership
36:25 Olympic Preparation for Life
37:58 The Importance of Consistency and Small Wins
40:44 The Coachability of Athletes

Unpacking the Balanced Scorecard: Financial, Customer, Internal Process, and Learning Perspectives

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily breaks down how to use the balanced scorecard to operationalize strategy, focusing on its four key perspectives: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and development. She discusses how financial metrics like cash flow are lagging indicators and the importance of customer perception using metrics such as net promoter scores. Emily also explains the role of leading indicators in internal processes and learning, using examples like strategic information coverage ratio and employee engagement scores.

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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Balanced Scorecard Part 2
00:32 Recap of the Four Perspectives
00:45 Deep Dive into Financial Perspective
02:13 Understanding Customer Perspective
03:18 Metrics for Customer Perspective
05:16 Exploring Internal Process Perspective
06:12 Key Metrics for Internal Processes
08:41 Introduction to Learning and Development
09:22 Metrics for Learning and Development
12:50 Top-Down vs Bottom-Up Approaches
14:36 Why These Four Perspectives?
17:17 Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering Startup Leadership: CEO and Chief of Staff Role Evolution

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Tim Moore talks about the evolving role of a startup CEO, noting the need to step back and let others, like a Chief of Staff, handle daily operations. Natalie Piekarski shares her experience transitioning from executive assistant to Chief of Staff, planning major events, and managing board meeting preparations. They also discuss Vū’s shift from service-focused to product and software provider, including high-profile collaborations with Shaquille O'Neal and Mr. Beast.

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Time Stamps:
00:33 Overview of Vū's Business
02:05 The Need for a Chief of Staff
06:42 Tim's Leadership Style
09:46 Natalie's Responsibilities
16:52 Board Meeting Preparations
18:46 Importance of Chief of Staff in Communication
32:57 Building Trust and Relationship

Balanced Scorecard Basics: Financial and Non-Financial Metrics for Leaders

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks about using the Balanced Scorecard to improve business strategy. She explains how it can help align teams, balance financial and non-financial elements, and focus on both short-term and long-term goals. Emily also previews upcoming discussions on financial, customer, internal process, and learning and development perspectives.

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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Series
00:57 What is a Balanced Scorecard?
01:21 Who Should Use a Balanced Scorecard?
02:04 Emily's Experience with Balanced Scorecards
02:57 Aligning the Organization
04:18 From Control to Strategic Focus
07:24 Balancing Financial and Non-Financial Elements
08:08 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
09:40 Leading and Lagging Indicators
10:48 Successful Teams and Companies
10:54 Sneak Preview of Next Episode
11:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

From Control Freak to Leader: Principal’s Perspective on Delegation and Trust with Chief of Staff

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Bethany, Chief Actuary and Chief Analytics Officer at Johns Hopkins, discusses her struggle with delegating tasks and the value of having Natalie as her Chief of Staff. She highlights the importance of diverse skill sets, storytelling in leadership, and the emotional support needed to handle the loneliness at the top. The conversation reveals how honest feedback and strong communication have transformed her leadership style.

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Who Am I?

Influence Outcomes with the Feel, Think, Do Framework

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0800

Emily shares a simple but powerful communication tip: ask yourself what you want your audience to feel, think, and do. She gives examples for board meetings, all hands meetings, and hiring key people. Keep it simple and specific, like getting feedback, approving budgets, or signing an offer.

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Time Stamps:
00:50 Step-by-Step Guide: Feel, Think, Do
01:13 Example 1: Board Meeting
01:50 Example 2: All Hands Meeting
03:12 Example 3: Closing a Key Hire
04:13 Ensuring Audience Connection

The Significance Factor: Leading with Purpose and Achieving Greatness

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with Dr. Wayne Pernell, a bestselling author and President of Dynamic Leader, Inc., about his book "Choosing Your Power" and the themes of empowerment and personal values. Dr. Pernell discusses the shift from career success to achieving personal significance, and shares practical advice for identifying and nurturing what one truly treasures. They also cover the idea of making decisions based on the person you want to become and the importance of self-reflection and relaxation for creative thinking.

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Time Stamps:
04:27 The Concept of Personal Values
19:09 Understanding Life Transitions
23:31 Core Values vs Peripheral Values
24:43 The Importance of Fun
26:43 Becoming the Person You Want to Be
32:55 Daily Gratitude and Service
36:02 Creating a Culture of Caring
39:13 The Power of Incremental Growth
43:09 The Role of Coaches

Bridging the Gap Between Nebulous Concepts and Tangible Business Outcomes

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily explains how to turn vague ideas into clear proposals with tangible outcomes, using examples like investing $40,000 in executive coaching for key team members and a $20,000 offsite to boost sales team morale. She offers advice on reducing scope if needed and aligning requests with overall company goals or risk mitigation. Chiefs of Staff are encouraged to be prepared with specifics to streamline approval.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 Turning Vague Ideas into Tangible Outcomes
01:06 Examples of Specific Asks and Outcomes
03:50 Tying Outcomes to Company Objectives and Risk Mitigation
05:06 Handling Pushback and Final Tips

Outsmarting Imposter Syndrome: Rewiring the Brain for Confidence in 3 Steps

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily chats with Tara Halliday about achieving effortless confidence by eliminating conditional worth and threat perception. Tara explains how her Inner Success Program helps people, including Chief of Staff Emily, overcome imposter syndrome, providing real-life examples and a three-step approach. They discuss Tara's book, "Outsmart Imposter Syndrome," and how accepting oneself reduces the weight of others’ opinions.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Tara Halliday: Imposter Syndrome Specialist
00:48 Defining Imposter Syndrome
02:30 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome
03:13 High Achievers and Imposter Syndrome
05:15 The Root Cause of Imposter Syndrome
07:02 The Role of the Amygdala
08:44 Steps to Reprogram the Brain
16:50 Symptoms and Behaviors of Imposter Syndrome
24:04 The Inner Success Program

Speaking in Tweets: Effective Strategies for Communicating with a Rapid-Fire Boss

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily shares a story about her coaching client who struggled with his fast-paced, detail-averse boss. She explains how they adapted by using short, bullet-point emails, formulating yes/no questions, and using Google Notes for quick information recall. These adjustments helped improve the boss-client communication despite different styles.

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UN Peacekeeper's Lessons on Radical Humility and Leadership

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander talks with Urs Koenig about his book, "Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human." They discuss his experiences, including how tough feedback can piss people off but still foster growth. Urs shares leadership tips like "eyes on, hands off," referencing US Women’s Soccer Team Captain Carla Overbeck's style, and a new twist on feedback called "feedforward." He mentions that one of the most powerful things a leader can say is, "I screwed that up." They also touch on training for hostage situations, and the value of meaningful connections for Chiefs of Staff.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:43 Meet Urs Koenig: A Multifaceted Leader
02:26 The Three Pillars of Radical Humility
07:02 Leading Relationally: Building Trust and Influence
11:37 The Importance of Relationships in Crisis
14:03 Governor Patrick's Leadership During Crisis
16:19 Empowered Execution: Lessons from Ukraine
17:37 Carla Overbeck: Humble Leadership in Sports
20:14 Personal Connection: Emily's Family Ties
23:43 The Concept of Feed Forward
27:07 Creating a Culture of Vulnerability
30:37 Experiential Learning and Team Building
35:30 Building a Fearless Culture

Using Questions to Balance Analytical and Emotional Leadership

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily Sander discusses the importance of understanding if your team members are in thinking or feeling mode. She provides practical examples, like asking, “How do you feel about launching this product?” to balance overly analytical thinking or “What else comes up when you think about protecting your team?” to address emotional defensiveness. Emily also shares tips on using deep breaths to help calm high emotions.

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An Expert Explains Enneagram Types and Their Impact on Personal and Professional Growth

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Libby Cole shares insights about the Enneagram, focusing on motivation and vulnerability. For example, Eights are determined and goal-oriented but often misunderstood due to their direct nature. She describes characteristics of other types like Nines, who avoid conflict, and how the Enneagram helps in personal growth. Libby offers workshops and coaching on communication and conflict management through her company, Expand Coaching and Consulting.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Libby Cole: Certified Enneagram Coach
01:05 Understanding the Enneagram
03:21 Exploring Enneagram Types 1 to 3
06:59 Exploring Enneagram Types 4 to 7
15:29 Relating to Type Seven
16:14 Understanding Type Eight
18:15 Exploring Type Nine
20:30 Determining Your Core Type
22:29 Using the Enneagram for Personal Growth
24:05 Lightning Round: The Nine Types Recap
25:22 Finding Your Enneagram Type
27:05 Applying the Enneagram in Professional Settings

Transforming Leadership with Virtue-Based Feedback Techniques

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily introduces a feedback framework that starts and ends with recognizing an individual's virtues, illustrated by examples like Matt, an employee who needs to address his outbursts in meetings. She offers techniques for highlighting strengths, even by discussing virtues with others, and explains how the framework applies to managing up, such as a Chief of Staff prompting a principal to provide team feedback. Practical insights include providing specific examples and knowing when to pause for the other person to fill the space.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:28 Framework for Delivering Feedback
02:25 Key Points for Effective Feedback
03:28 Using Real-Life Examples
05:00 Talking Up Team Members
07:01 Managing Up: Feedback for Your Boss
08:56 The Power of Disappointment
09:21 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons

Paternity Leave Insights: Chief of Staff on Work-Life Balance as a New Father

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Eric Williams talks about balancing life while being a dad to a four-month-old and working multiple roles, including Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. He shares tips on creating systems to run a business smoothly, avoiding burnout, and maintaining sustainable growth. Eric also highlights the importance of flexibility and systematizing business processes for effective delegation.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Eric Williams
01:15 Challenges and Solutions in Leadership
04:23 The Importance of Systematizing and Delegating
13:20 Streamlining Workloads for Overwhelmed Leaders
26:56 Sustainable Leadership: Pacing Yourself
28:15 Handling Unexpected Challenges
32:00 Staying in the Game: Long-Term Success
36:09 Health and Fitness: A Personal Analogy
37:36 Sustainable Growth and Opportunities
40:43 Optimizing Your Business for Success

Chief of Staff Title Flexibility and Variations

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily discusses the various titles that can encompass the role of Chief of Staff, such as VP of Strategic Initiatives or Head of Business Operations. She shares examples, including a VP of Special Projects effectively serving as a Chief of Staff. Emily also offers insights on how to handle political sensitivities and the benefits of role flexibility in job titles.

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Chief of Staff Leading 5 Enterprise Teams at PMI with Lenka Pincot

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff at PMI, discusses her role in leading the office of the CEO and overseeing five enterprise teams, including transformation management. She emphasizes the need for structure, rigorous prioritization, and agility, explaining how her team handles day-to-day tasks while she focuses on strategic decisions. Lenka also highlights the importance of business awareness and working closely with a great CEO to be a successful Chief of Staff.

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Time Stamps:
00:58 Lenka's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:58 Understanding PMI
04:54 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
06:14 Managing Five Enterprise Teams
08:12 Building Effective Systems and Structures
12:59 Prioritization and Re-Prioritization
18:51 Team Coordination and Flexibility
20:11 Empowering Self-Sufficient Teams
22:24 Strategic Investment Decisions
22:41 Data-Driven Strategy and Investment
28:09 Project Management Skills Development
31:01 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role

Unpacking Why Chief of Staff Definitions Vary Greatly

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

This episode explains why the definition of Chief of Staff is all over the place due to the role's relative newness in business. Examples from around the world illustrate how the role varies: in Singapore, it's little known; in Mexico, it's often confused with HR; and in Germany, it has military connotations. Emily suggests the role will become more structured and better understood in the next 10-15 years.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:30 Most Common Question About Chiefs of Staff
01:04 The Emerging Role of Chief of Staff
01:43 Global Perspectives on Chief of Staff
02:12 Challenges and Misconceptions
03:31 Regional Variations and Examples
04:01 Chiefs of Staff in Multinational Corporations
05:33 Higher Education and Nonprofits
08:33 The Future of the Chief of Staff Role

Enhancing Business Efficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Greg Williams, Chief of Staff at Western Computer, talks about helping companies, like those supplying Walmart, navigate supply chain challenges during COVID-19. He sheds light on the importance of ERP systems for growing businesses and offers advice on vendor selection and tech modernization. Greg also discusses trends in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and how private equity firms work with his company to upgrade systems post-acquisition.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Greg Williams: Supply Chain Expert
01:57 Partnership with Microsoft
03:25 Understanding ERP Systems
04:15 Choosing the Right ERP Solution
07:16 Benefits of ERP Systems
12:27 Vendor Selection and Risk Mitigation
18:37 Supply Chain Challenges and Future Trends
28:42 Connecting with Greg and Western Computer

Three Key Questions for Maximizing Your Chief of Staff Role

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily explains three key ways to use a Chief of Staff effectively. First, principals need to identify their needs, like lifting out of daily tasks for fundraising or strategic focus. Second, teams may need help in areas like marketing expertise or mediating executive conflicts. Third, companies should consider both immediate needs and long-term goals, identifying gaps or game-changing talents the Chief of Staff can address.

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Former Chief of Staff Turned Founder & CEO: Helping Leaders and Chiefs of Staff Optimize Workflows

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Larissa Licha, a former tattoo artist turned tech leader, shares her journey from Google Ads customer support to Chief of Staff roles with various tech executives. She explains how she founded Joyn to help Chiefs of Staff manage overwhelming work tools, integrating systems like Slack and Notion into one central place. Larissa also discusses the importance of building trust and clear roles within the organization to foster effective collaboration.

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Time Stamps:
00:37 Meet Larissa Licha: From Tattoo Artist to CEO Tech Leader
01:29 The Journey to Chief of Staff
05:06 Navigating Different Leadership Styles
09:51 Building Trust in a Remote Environment
10:59 Introducing New Executives to the Team
16:18 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and CEOs
19:43 Solving Chief of Staff Challenges with Joyn
22:11 How Joyn Works

Thinking of Hiring a Chief of Staff? A Primer for CEOs and Founders

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

If you're considering bringing on a Chief of Staff or just need someone to explain the basics, this episode lays the groundwork and levels-set the foundation for future discussions on the role.

A Chief of Staff works closely with the CEO, helping with company strategy, gap-filling key roles, and ensuring executive team cohesion. They can set up effective meeting structures, help onboard new executives, and even turn around toxic cultures. Key examples include managing strategic planning, coordinating board governance, and running critical projects during crises like COVID.

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Clarity Call with Emily

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Get in touch with Emily:

Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:31 Defining the Chief of Staff Role
01:11 The Chief of Staff's Strategic Importance
02:09 Key Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
05:07 Chief of Staff in Action: Real-World Examples
05:47 Strategic Planning and Meeting Structures
12:31 Board Governance and Executive Integration
18:22 Gap Filling and Recruitment
21:49 Cultural Transformation and Crisis Management
29:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

8 Email Marketing Myths That Keep You Poor

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Emily talks with Dela Quist about increasing email marketing engagement by varying subject lines and sending more frequent emails. Emily shares a story about a persistent salesperson to highlight the importance of staying top of mind. They also discuss Dela's extensive background in the industry and his views on open rates and effective email strategies.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:33 Meet Dela Quist: Email Marketing Authority
02:14 The Evolution of Email Marketing
05:08 Batch and Blast vs. Personalized Emails
06:59 The Power of Brand Impressions
09:44 Overcoming Email Marketing Misconceptions
12:11 The Economics of Email Marketing
13:05 Smart Email Strategies: “Do Be Smart”
18:31 Understanding Consumer Preferences
20:40 Content vs. Offers in Email Marketing
22:15 The Power of Email Subject Lines
34:09 Engaging the Unengaged

How to Successfully Navigate Executive Transitions and Leadership Changes

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Emily explains three types of executive transitions: planned, sudden, and founder transitions. She discusses challenges like resistance to change, knowledge gaps, and cultural fit, and offers tools such as transition teams and clear job descriptions. Two examples provided include a nonprofit's executive director change and a tech startup's rapid CEO replacement.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 3 Kinds of Transitions: Planned, Sudden, Founder
01:37 Opportunities for Organizational Realignment
02:41 Challenges in Executive Transitions
05:34 Tools for Managing Transitions
09:21 Supporting Departing Leaders
10:24 Real-World Examples of Transitions

Managing Two Principals, CEO and COO: Mel Mathews Rejoins Former Company as Chief of Staff

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Mel Mathews shares her journey to becoming Chief of Staff at Performance Architects, highlighting the importance of networking and professional conduct. She talks about working closely with co-founders on growth strategies and conducting an anonymous engagement survey to gather employee feedback on PTO policies. Mel emphasizes the need for clear role definitions and the value of institutional knowledge when recruiting for leadership positions.

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Time Stamps:
00:33 Mel's Career Journey
02:01 About Performance Architects
03:53 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
04:36 Autonomy and Trust in Leadership
07:19 Returning to Performance Architects
16:25 First 60 Days as Chief of Staff
23:17 Advice for Executives Hiring a Chief of Staff
28:30 Favorite Aspects of Being Chief of Staff

Avoiding Time Waste: Practical Tips for Clearer Task Directives

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Emily offers three practical tips for ensuring your work meets your boss's needs: ask for clarification at the start, paraphrase the request back, or complete a small part of the task and check in. She discusses the benefits of asking for context, outlining steps, and presenting initial thoughts.

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Navigating Cybersecurity Risks: Planning Roadmaps and Contingency Planning

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Emily speaks with cybersecurity expert Terry Zimniak about balancing security spending with business development and the importance of penetration testing and backup plans. Terry shares insights from his shift from technical roles to overseeing security, including how strategic partnerships like Ascension Health’s acquisition come with risks. They also discuss the role of frameworks like NIST CSF and the growing threat of AI in phishing and deepfake scams.

Links Mentioned:

Terry Zimniak's Website
Cybersecurity Frameworks and Guides:

◦ NIST Cybersecurity Framework
◦ FTC Cybersecurity Guidance for Small Businesses

Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Terry Zimniak: Cybersecurity Expert
00:46 Journey into Cybersecurity
03:25 Balancing Security for Small Businesses
05:58 Compliance and Risk Management
16:50 Business Resiliency and Cybersecurity
26:42 AI and the Future of Cybersecurity

Currency Exchange for Leaders: Metrics vs. Building Culture and Relationships

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Emily talks about the concept of "currency" in different work roles, sharing an example of a new Chief of Staff who had to shift her focus from production numbers to building relationships and culture. She explains that understanding and using the right currency, like relationships for a Chief of Staff or time and focus for an executive team, adds value to the role. Emily encourages listeners to identify and possibly change their own "currency" to better serve their team and company.

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From EA to Chief of Staff: Mastering Multitasking Overseeing Nine Different Companies

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Brandy Willis talks about her journey from Executive Assistant (EA) to Chief of Staff, managing various responsibilities across nine companies. She explains the importance of building strong relationships and handling different personalities, especially with her principal and his wife. Specific examples include overseeing government contracts, managing financials, and balancing personal tasks.

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BONUS EPISODE: New Private Equity Book!

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0700

Emily sits down w/ her co-authors, Ed Barton and Rory Liebhart to talk about their new book, “On-Ramp to Exit: Your Guide to the Complete Private Equity Experience.”

They explain what private equity is (and what it is not - hint: venture capital), how private equity influences business operations, with examples like increased reporting for CEOs and CFOs. Rory and Ed also talk about private equity's networking benefits, how partnerships help companies grow, and potential access to future investments.

00:23 Meet the Guests: Ed Barton and Rory Liebhart

00:51 The Story Behind the Book

04:28 Understanding Private Equity

07:05 Navigating the Private Equity World

17:58 The Role of CEO and CFO in PE Partnerships

22:47 The PE Experience: Challenges and Opportunities

29:10 Success Stories and Lessons Learned

34:02 The Future of Private Equity

36:39 Conclusion and Book Release Information

WHO AM I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want. Learn more at: www.nextlevel.coach

The Three-Step Formula to Capture Your CEO's Attention

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Emily discusses a key technique for framing conversations around what's important to the listener. She shares examples like tying a CEO's concern for profit margins to an Operations SOP or a strategic hire's impact on revenue. Emily also covers how to approach a first-time CEO who's micromanaging.

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CEO Jessica and Chief of Staff Ivan Discuss Roles and Leadership at Happen Ventures

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Jessica Gonzalez, President of Happen Ventures, and her Chief of Staff, Ivan Rangel.

Jessica and Ivan share the inspiring journey of Happen Ventures, a reuse-first company born out of the challenges presented by COVID-19. They discuss their rapid scaling during the pandemic, their operational strategies, and the innovative programs they're implementing to divert waste from landfills to communities in need.

Additionally, they highlight their approach to team building, internal promotion, and how they maintain a culture of trust and accountability.

Jessica dives into the invaluable benefits of having a Chief of Staff, emphasizing the unique relationship dynamics, the importance of mutual trust, and how this role has allowed her to balance work and personal life better. She also provides insights into what qualities to look for in a Chief of Staff and the significance of treating them as a key partner in the business. Tune in to learn how they are driving impactful change in sustainability and business leadership.

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Who Am I?

Time Stamps:
00:40 Jessica Gonzalez: Founding Happen Ventures
02:48 Ivan Rangel: Journey to Chief of Staff
04:44 Operational Strategies and Team Dynamics
19:09 Empowerment and Trust in Leadership
19:40 The Unique Role of a Chief of Staff
23:04 Building a Strong Principal-Chief of Staff Relationship
32:10 Promoting from Within and Valuing Hard Work

How to Set Communication Goals for Achieving Business Success

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily dives into how to set SMART communication goals that are specific and measurable to foster better communication and engagement among team members. She provides clear goals and communication objectives with real examples, such as enhancing public speaking skills through Toastmasters and improving internal communications strategies to boost employee engagement. Chiefs of Staff and other leaders will learn how to effectively roll out company-wide updates, ensuring that the target audience receives the message clearly. By focusing on specific goals and measurable outcomes, Emily explains how to achieve better communication and effective public relations within the team.

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Time Stamps:
00:08 Defining Good Communication Goals
00:28 SMART Goals Framework
01:24 Focusing on Controllable Inputs
02:20 Example 1: Public Speaking
05:03 Example 2: Internal Communication
08:43 Example 3: Social Media Presence
11:27 Helping Team Members with Communication Goals

Social Impact in Africa: Leadership with Selina Schriener

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Chief of Staff Selina shares her transition from People Operations Manager to Chief of Staff at Baobab Consulting, emphasizing work-life balance and mental well-being in the workplace. She discusses the company's mission to change narratives about Africa and the importance of communication, whether that's adapting to cultural differences or managing a global remote team. Selina also touches on using feedback for career development and how organizations like GiveWell help guide responsible charitable actions.

Links Mentioned:

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
01:07 The Unique CEO-CBO Structure
02:37 Creating the Chief of Staff Role
05:03 Communication and Team Dynamics
07:47 Baobab Consulting's Mission and Impact
17:00 Remote Work Challenges and Solutions
21:07 Wellbeing and Company Culture
25:53 Effective Altruism and Social Impact

Transforming Workplace Dynamics: Effective Strategies to Handle Abrasive Communication

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily offers strategies for addressing abrasive communication in the workplace. She suggests techniques like acknowledging one's communication issues and letting teammates know they are actively working on improving - and potentially using code words to signal to people when their communication is becoming aggressive.

Links Mentioned:

Clarity Call with Emily

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Who Am I?

Time Stamps:
00:25 Identifying Communication Issues
01:25 Share You’re Actively Working On Improving
02:56 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories
04:51 Implementing the Techniques in Different Scenarios
07:55 Encouragement and Personal Success

From Sandhurst to Staff Roles: Paul Robinson’s Military Story to Deputy Chief of Staff

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Deputy Chief of Staff Paul Robinson from the British Army talks about his role, training responsibilities, and experiences. He explains his work with NATO, the importance of building relationships, and how he manages logistics and people management. Paul also shares his experience with autism and its impact on his job, as well as small wins like improving policies for personnel moves.

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Expansion Sale: Four Must-Win Conversations to Keep and Grow Your Customers

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Host Emily Sander breaks down the book "The Expansion Sale" by Eric Peterson and Tim Riesterer. She explains the four must-win sales conversations—renewals, price increases, upsells, and apologies—and provides practical examples like how to highlight the cost of change, offer repair, and communicate evolving pressures. Emily also shares insights on timing and situational fluency in sales conversations.

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Time Stamps:
00:27 Overview of 'The Expansion Sale'
01:34 Understanding the Four Must-Win Conversations
05:03 Renewals: Why Stay?
07:44 Price Increases: Why Pay More?
09:06 Upsells: Why Evolve?
12:22 Apologies: Why Forgive?
17:51 Situational Fluency and Implementation
21:31 Timing in Upsell and Cross-Sell Conversations

Addressing Workplace Toxicity with Dr. Helen Ofosu

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily Sander chats with Dr. Helen Ofosu about creating a resilient work environment and overcoming imposter syndrome. Dr. Helen, author of "How to Be Resilient in Your Career," shares practical tips like being intentional in hiring practices and preparing for big moments to combat feelings of inadequacy. They also tackle the real effects of a toxic workplace, highlighting Helen's point that recovery from bad behavior takes longer than from other workplace issues.

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Leveraging Familiar Concepts to Enhance Leadership

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander shares how using analogies can improve communication in leadership. She discusses examples like a soccer midfielder needing to "pass the ball" for effective delegation and a swimmer needing to "stay in their lane." Emily also emphasizes the importance of listening to the analogies others use and offering your own to help them explain their thoughts.

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Time Stamps:
00:25 The Power of Analogies in Communication
00:36 Delegation Through Soccer Analogies
02:16 Staying in Your Lane: A Swimming Analogy
04:28 From Circles to Spheres: Leadership Growth
06:05 Using Everyday Analogies
06:48 Client Stories and Visual Analogies
10:23 Creative Thinking with Shapes and Colors

Founder of Chief of Staff Roundtable Phil Burns

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Phil Burns talks about the crucial role of the Chief of Staff and the risks of not defining it properly. He and Emily discuss the differences between an Executive Assistant and a Chief of Staff, emphasizing strategic thinking and rebranding for those transitioning roles. Phil also shares about the Chief of Staff Roundtable, a community providing resources, peer learning, and discussions on key topics like executing business rhythms and solving big problems.

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Time Stamps:
01:21 Phil's Path from EA to Chief of Staff to Founder
06:59 Challenges and Realizations in the Chief of Staff Role
12:45 The Birth of the Chief of Staff Roundtable
14:05 Growth and Evolution of the Roundtable
22:01 Membership and Offerings of the Roundtable
27:18 Understanding the Tools of the Trade
28:42 Membership Benefits and Access
30:19 Networking and Peer Learning
31:25 Diverse Membership Base
32:41 Role Clarification and Career Pathing
47:49 Strategic Conversations and Trends
53:25 Connecting and Learning More

Create (Good) Problems as Chief of Staff

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily discusses the concept of creating 'good' problems—like being swamped with sales or having too many top job candidates—as signs of a healthy business - comparing it to the Seattle Seahawks' strategy of drafting the best talent regardless of position.

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Mastering Salary Negotiations: A Chief of Staff's Guide with Dorothy Mashburn

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Dorothy Mashburn, a leading expert in salary negotiations, shares straightforward strategies on compensation discussions for Chiefs of Staff. Learn how to effectively prepare for pay raise conversations, use data to back up your requests, and handle rejection to keep the discussion going. If you're looking to get a better handle on negotiating your worth in the workplace, this is the episode for you.

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Time Stamps:

00:45 Meet Dorothy Mashburn: Salary Negotiation Expert

01:13 Understanding the Chief of Staff Role

03:01 Researching Salary Information

05:28 Demonstrating Your Value as Chief of Staff

08:22 Preparing for Salary Negotiations

16:02 Creative Negotiation Strategies

24:50 Handling Rejection and Next Steps

32:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

Showing You Understand: Leading with Empathy in Situations Beyond Your Control

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses how showing empathy and really looking at the world from their perspective, can go A LONG way. Like when a chief of staff helps a CTO who's stuck with a messy, old tech system.

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Time Stamps:

00:46 Navigating Executive Frustrations

02:34 Empathy and Action

03:51 Support for Tech Challenges

04:42 The Power of Understanding in Leadership

Redefine Your Servant Leadership with Jon Kidwell

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

How do you lead and serve at the same time?

Author Jon Kidwell discusses his definition of a true servant leader, focusing on three key attributes: character, relationships, and skills. Jon debunks nine myths about leadership, contrasting ideas such as mission over people-pleasing, embracing tension, and choosing 'and' over 'or'. Emily and Jon also emphasize defining missions in personal and professional life and the importance of embracing both positive and negative experiences. Listen in to hear Jon's take on the necessary shift from being a people pleaser to mission-driven, from niceness to kindness with truth, and from avoiding to sharing power. They end with how to amplify your impact, asking the question, "What would it look like if you went ALL IN?"

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Time Stamps:

00:45 Introducing John Kidwell: A Journey into Servant Leadership

00:59 Unpacking the Essence of Servant Leadership with John Kidwell

05:46 Defining Mission-Driven Leadership

14:42 The Power of Productive Tension in Leadership

20:42 Exploring the Essence of Servant Leadership

22:16 The Power of Constructive Feedback

23:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges with Transparency

26:51 Embracing Generosity and Humanity in Leadership

31:16 Empowering Others Through Responsible Leadership

35:02 Going All In: The Ultimate Leadership Commitment

39:05 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Thinking in Bets: Improving Decision-Making Skills for Business Leaders

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Emily explains the key concepts from Annie Duke's book "Thinking in Bets", which emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between decisions and outcomes for Chiefs of Staff and other leaders. She shares examples like Pete Carroll's controversial Super Bowl play call and a golfer's swing to illustrate the roles of skill and luck in decision-making. Emily also discusses how our self-narratives and biases can hinder clear thinking, and provides a list of questions to ask ourselves to make better decisions.

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Time Stamps:

00:27 Book Introduction: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke

01:08 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Example

03:32 Understanding Decisions vs. Outcomes

04:24 Fielding Outcomes and Thinking in Bets

05:45 Skill vs. Luck in Decision Making

07:59 Overcoming Stubbornness of Beliefs

09:42 The Importance of Self-Narrative

12:41 Asking the Right Questions

14:03 Applying Thinking in Bets to Leadership

16:54 Final Takeaways and Support

The Nonprofit Chief of Staff: Leading with Purpose with Bora Lee

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Bora Lee is the Chief of Staff at the Fifth Avenue Committee, a nonprofit focused on community development in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Bora shares her personal connection to the organization, having grown up in the area and seen her parents move from poverty to the middle class through their grocery business.

Bora and Emily discuss the differences and similarities between nonprofit and for-profit leadership roles, emphasizing the unique challenges and rewards of working in the nonprofit sector.

Bora highlights the importance of community accountability, the organization's focus on advancing economic, social, and racial justice through various programs, and the strategic implementation of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) goals within the organization. Bora also shares insights on relationship building, leveraging personal experiences, and the significance of being mission-driven in one's career.

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Time Stamps:

00:27 Bora Lee's Personal Connection to 5th Avenue Committee

02:05 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Nonprofits

03:32 Community Accountability and Nonprofit Mission

07:47 Engaging with the Community and Building Relationships

12:09 Building Culture and Implementing REDI Goals

16:05 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as Chief of Staff

22:32 Empowering Staff and Leveraging Personal Experiences

28:02 A Chief of Staff's Proudest Moments and Achievements

34:41 Choosing Between Corporate and Nonprofit Roles

38:07 Closing Thoughts and How to Support Fifth Avenue Committee

Be “Interruptible”: Making Time for Those Unexpected Conversations

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Emily talks about how important it is for a Chief of Staff to manage interruptions while staying approachable. She shares personal stories, like how she handled unexpected conversations while deep in work and how these interruptions led to valuable insights about her team. Emily emphasizes the balance between focused work and being available for team members to foster open communication.

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Time Stamps:

00:46 The Art of Being Interruptible

02:30 Practical Tips for Managing Interruptions

04:24 A Personal Story on the Power of Being Open

08:07 Strategies for Maintaining Openness and Accessibility

09:45 Final Thoughts and Invitation for Personal Growth

From Theory to Practice: Gaining Operational Experience w/ Chief of Staff Revant Gupta

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Revant Gupta, Chief of Staff at Margin, shares his journey of pursuing the Chief of Staff role to gain crucial operational experience. He talks about managing internal operations, designing user experiences, and automating customer onboarding. Revant also provides insights from his time at Home Depot, emphasizing the importance of inventory turnover in the CPG industry. Additionally, he discusses how Margin uses AI to assist small businesses with financial planning and achieving industry benchmarks.

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Timestamps:

00:45 Meet Revant Gupta: Serial Entrepreneur

01:24 Revant’s Involvement in Home Depot Finance Team

05:14 Transition to Margin: Automating Financial Planning

06:44 The Role of AI in Margin's Strategy

08:21 Challenges and Strategies for Small Businesses

11:40 Revant’s Role as Chief of Staff

15:27 Marketing and Growth Strategies

29:34 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth

Recognizing Progress as Chief of Staff: Celebrating Milestones and Continuing Growth

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Emily talks to a Chief of Staff feeling stuck, highlighting the progress made, and encourages listeners to recognize their own progress, no matter how small. Small wins add up faster than you think.

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Chief of Staff in Consulting: Crafting Communication Channels with Nishi Moonka

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily chats with Nishi, who juggles roles as Chief of Staff and Head of People and Culture. Nishi shares how she tackled company-wide challenges, like diversity initiatives and the shift to remote work due to COVID-19. She gives practical tips, such as using a daily debrief system for aligning with her principal, and stresses the importance of adaptability and communication in leadership roles.

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Blue Beyond Consulting Website

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Gelling as a Team: Do Your Executives Have Each Other’s Back?

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses how Chiefs of Staff can tell if their executive team is unified by looking for signs of support and resource sharing among team members. Or like sharing your team or speaking up to give overworked colleagues a breather. Plus, she's all about giving props to folks who step up and cover for others or help the team stay strong.

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Time Stamps:

00:46 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Team Dynamics

01:05 Signs Your Executive Team is Excelling

02:07 Supporting Each Other: Real-World Examples

04:19 Creating a Culture of Mutual Support

05:57 Evaluating and Enhancing Team Cohesion

07:53 Conclusion and Invitation for Further Discussion

Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp on Building Resilience As a Leader

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily brings on Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp to share his journey from facing racial discrimination to becoming a Navy leader. Raymond talks about steering significant policy changes in the Navy, like integrating women into combat roles and repealing "don't ask, don't tell." He breaks down his "abcs of leadership" philosophy and how it's played a part in fostering resilience and trust among his teams.

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Time Stamps:

00:45 Introducing Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp

01:41 Raymond Kemp's Early Years and Aspirations

04:58 Climbing the Ranks: From Junior to Fleet Master Chief

06:52 Women in Combat: Navigating New Waters

10:35 Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Leading Through Change

24:37 Building Resilience and Adaptability for Success

29:44 Empowering Leaders in a Hybrid World

31:23 Kemp Solutions: Leadership Training and Keynotes

33:46 Raymond’s Leadership Mantra

Hannibal and Me: Exploring Success and Failure With History's Greatest Strategist

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, host Emily Sander, Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, discusses the book *Hannibal and Me* by Andreas Kluth. She explains how the book uses historical figures like Hannibal and Harry Truman to explore different paths to success and failure. Emily also shares her personal experiences with these concepts and suggests questions to help listeners think about their own goals.

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Book: Hannibal and Me

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Time Stamps:

00:47 Exploring 'Hannibal and Me' by Andreas Kluth

02:00 Dreamers vs. Wanderers: Leadership Paths

03:09 Personal Reflections on Leadership Journeys

09:09 The Importance of Strategy Over Winning

10:23 Key Takeaways and Reflective Questions

Chief of Staff's Role in Hally Hair's Success and Olympic Partnerships with Meredith Pong

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Chief of Staff Meredith Pong discusses how Hally Hair collaborates with female athletes like Baylor University's women's basketball team and Olympic gymnast Leanne Wong to market their products. Meredith explains their "Streak for a Cause" initiative benefiting suicide prevention, and their partnerships with major retailers like Ulta and Target. She also talks about her role in product development and maintaining team camaraderie through events like annual model shoots.

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Time Stamps:

01:02 Meredith's Internship and Meeting Her Principal

02:49 Building Hallie Hair During the Pandemic

03:51 Hallie Hair's Target Market and Marketing Strategies

09:10 Product Development and Innovations

15:09 Challenges and Successes as Chief of Staff

23:28 Hallie Hair's Olympic Aspirations

Highest ROI vs. Highest Probability: Strategies for Chiefs of Staff to Maximize Leadership Impact

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Emily explores the decision-making process through the lenses of highest return on investment (ROI) and highest probability. She shares examples like asking someone to marry you versus inviting them for coffee, and applies it to business scenarios, like overhauling a strategic plan or making small tweaks for better team alignment.

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Not Your Grandma’s Consultant: Leadership Transformation Blueprint with Tirrell Payton

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Tirrell Payton Founder of Nooma Group talks about shifting focus from busywork to strategic outcomes and stresses empathy in leadership while leading change. Tirrell walks Emily through real-world examples like siloed teams in pharma marketing. They discuss practical ways leaders can transform their approach, like prioritizing the most impactful tasks and reorganizing teams to drive better results.

As a CEO, Tirrell has a Chief of Staff - he shares how he utilizes the role and the advantages it brings the organization!

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Top 5 Strategic Initiatives for Chiefs of Staff

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily talks about key strategic initiatives for Chiefs of Staff, such as overseeing reorganizations, talent placement, and strategic planning. She details how chiefs of staff are central to rolling out new products and working on mergers and acquisitions. Emily also offers a strategic planning checklist download.

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Time Stamps:

01:15 Key Initiatives for Chiefs of Staff

08:06 Strategic Planning: The Chief of Staff's Crown Jewel

12:21 Getting Involved in Strategic Initiatives

13:17 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

The Chief of Startup Success: Bridging Leadership and Operations for Excellence w/ Nikki Shakamuri

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

From healthcare to creating viral content? Nikki's role as the chief of staff at Viraaal (yes, with three a’s) throws her in the deep end - TikTok ads for app devs. Plot twist! In her COS role, she cuts through the noise to drive efficiency. Emily and Nikki also swap stories on finding balance through simple joys like hanging with friends, Costco sample days, and embracing “delusional” dreams.

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Time Stamps:

00:41 Journey into the Startup World

00:52 Transition from Healthcare to COS

02:07 Exploring Different Career Paths

05:39 The Importance of Mentorship

11:11 Working at Viral: A Startup Experience

12:36 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup

16:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life

20:31 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

30:38 Final Thoughts

Leading Through Presence: A Chief of Staff's Role in Cultural Dynamics

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily talks about the impact a Chief of Staff's behavior and energy can have on shaping a company's culture. She shares a story about a client managing a reorg, emphasizing how body language and demeanor can comfort and energize a team during times of change. Emily advises that whether you're speaking or not, your presence influences how others feel and that you should be intentional with the energy you bring into a room.

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Chief of Staff and VP: Navigating Dual Roles and Self-Care with Josh Nemes

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily chats with Josh Nemes, VP and Chief of Staff at Zengistics, about the realities of juggling a dual leadership role. Josh shares how he navigates shifting responsibilities and highlights the importance of prioritizing high-value tasks, describing the support from his COO, and the role of his family in maintaining balance.

Emily and Josh end with predictions for the Detroit Lions' next season and their shared admiration for coach Dan Campbell.

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Time Stamps:

00:36 Josh’s Journey to Chief of Staff Role

03:46 Understanding the Role and Skills Required

07:31 Balancing Dual Roles and Interactions with Leadership

16:37 Self-Care and Work-Life Balance

19:18 Advice for Fellow Chiefs of Staff

20:59 Sports Talk and Closing Remarks

The Compound Effect: How Simple Actions Lead to Big Results

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Host Emily Sander, Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, discusses the power of the compound effect, starting with an Albert Einstein quote on compound interest. She cites Darren Hardy's book "The Compound Effect" to explain how small, consistent actions lead to big results. Emily also uses examples from Kobe Bryant and Michael Phelps to illustrate these principles. Plus Emily’s personal 401K experience.

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The Compound Effect Book

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Time Stamps:

00:47 Understanding Compound Interest

01:59 Personal Experience with 401K

04:02 The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

04:56 Small Smart Choices and Their Impact

08:19 Kobe Bryant's Training Regimen

10:51 Michael Phelps' Training Strategy

13:21 Practical Takeaways for Compounding Success

ServiceNow EMEA Chief of Staff: Global Leadership and PR Strategies with Iliyana Stareva

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander talks with Iliyana Stareva, the Chief of Staff to the President of EMEA at ServiceNow. They discuss nuances of global leadership, aligning cross-cultural teams, the importance of crafting and managing internal PR campaigns. Additionally, Iliyana shares her personal routine to maintain work-life balance and offers tips like turning off email notifications to aid in managing workplace stress.

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Time Stamps:

01:16 The Evolving Role of a Chief of Staff

04:00 Navigating the Chief of Staff Landscape Across Organizations

07:00 Cultural Differences in Leadership and Planning

08:45 Strategic Planning and Protecting the Executive's Image

12:48 Building Trust and Effective Communication in Leadership

20:53 The Art of Managing Time and Work-Life Balance

26:59 Closing Thoughts and the Future of the Chief of Staff Role

Maximizing Your Time: Strategies for High-Impact Outputs

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily outlines a straightforward approach to maximizing your efforts by identifying how many outputs you get from one input. Prioritize projects that trigger a domino effect of productivity. Tune in and gain valuable insights on how one strategic move can generate multiple benefits, whether you're a seasoned leader or an up-and-coming Chief of Staff.

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A Shakespearean Actor’s Guide To Chief Of Staff: Storytelling And Artistry with Jason Cannon

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Jason Cannon is an accomplished former theater actor, director, playwright, and producer turned author and storytelling coach.

Jason shares insights from his experiences in theater - from "Ted Lasso" to Shakespeare, storytelling frames our perceptions. Understanding character arcs in dramas and real-life high-stake scenarios is key. Our narratives unfold in art and business alike, as we play the leads in our own stories.

Jason shares his excitement about his upcoming one-man, off-broadway show aimed at tackling mental health stigmas and the role our emotions play in shaping our truths.

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Jason’s Bio:

Jason Cannon is a best-selling author and publisher, as well as an award-winning director, actor, playwright, improviser, and teacher. He has an MFA in Directing, an MA in Drama, and a quarter-century in the professional theatre. Jason has 100+ credits as an actor, 120+ as a director, and as a playwright he has had nine plays produced. Most recently he wrote, directed, and published CLOWNS LIKE ME (https://www.ClownsLikeMe.com) for Lifeline Productions. This critically acclaimed one-man show based on true stories of li

They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan: Philosophy for Marketing and Leadership

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In our latest Leveraging Leadership episode, Emily breaks down Marcus Sheridan's "They Ask, You Answer," showing how it's not just about marketing, but how you handle any business convo. Think getting inside your customer's head, answering their burning questions fast, and using those insights to steer your marketing content. It's straight talk about turning typical sales pitches into genuine chats that can make your company the go-to choice. Give it a listen to find out how to keep it real with your customers and your team.

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"They Ask You Answer" by Marcus Sheridan

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Time Stamps:

00:09 Exploring 'They Ask, You Answer' by Marcus Sheridan

00:43 The Core Philosophy of Answering Consumer Questions

02:05 Implementing the Strategy in Real-World Marketing

03:56 Turning Negatives into Positives with Content

06:14 Empowering Consumers for Better Engagement

07:42 Content Creation and Its Impact on Marketing

09:34 Applying the Philosophy to Your Leadership and Marketing Strategy

Are Passion-Driven Teams More Effective Than Traditional Leadership?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this joint episode, get dual insights from CEO Perry Knoppert and Chief of Staff Karen Zeigler of the Octopus Movement. They share their views on transitioning to nonlinear leadership. They discuss how they work together seamlessly across countries, the traits to look for in a good Chief of Staff, and letting culture define itself. Perry and Karen also emphasize using children's creativity to address global issues and the importance of hiring based on passion and vision.

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Time Stamps:

01:13 Overview of The Octopus Movement

03:43 Bringing on a Chief of Staff

05:44 Communication and Trust

13:05 Nonlinear Thinking and Company Culture

18:06 Leadership and Identity

20:34 Future Projects and Initiatives

22:39 Engaging Kids in Problem Solving

23:37 Supporting Global Initiatives

24:09 Documentary and Book Projects

25:55 Practical Advice for Nonlinear Thinking

28:12 Identifying Nonlinear Thinkers in Organizations

31:16 Advice for Executives and Chiefs of Staff

32:17 Finding the Right Chief of Staff

37:43 Connecting with the Octopus Movement

38:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guiding Your Team Through Change: Effective Communication Tips for CEOs and Executives

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses guiding teams through change with effective communication strategies and by leveraging the Chief of Staff. She highlights the importance of providing context and answering the question, "What does that mean for me?" in change situations. Emily shares real-life examples like bringing on a new C-suite team member, bringing on private equity investors, and dealing with layoff rounds to illustrate key guidelines for effective communication during change.

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Time Stamps:

00:45 Effective Communication Strategies for CEOs

02:09 Key Guidelines for Effective Communication

04:36 Real-Life Examples of Change Management

13:26 Leveraging Your Chief of Staff

19:21 Final Thoughts on Leading Through Change

21:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

How a CTO Can Use Red Teams to Transform Decision-Making

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

SparkCognition's Chief of Staff, Miles Thurman, talks about the ups and downs of guiding tech teams and the nitty-gritty of board meetings. He and Emily compare notes on preparing new execs for high-stakes decisions and share stories about how they each worked with their sales and sales ops teams to boost revenue. Other topics include: using red teams for decision-making, board meeting Q&A prep, and shifting from a product-driven to service-driven org.

Links Mentioned:

SparkCognition’s Website

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Time Stamps:

00:24 Miles Thurman, Chief of Staff at Spark Cognition

01:31 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff in Different Organizations

03:28 The Importance of Leadership Alignment in an Organization

03:57 The Evolving Role of Chief of Staff in Corporate America

08:54 The Role of Chief of Staff in Product Launches and Sales Operations

12:12 The Challenges and Strategies of Sales in a Business

18:49 The Importance of Product Management in Business Development

23:44 The Role of Chief of Staff in Business Development and Channel Partnerships

26:10 Career Development and Future Prospects for Chiefs of Staff

28:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

29:43 Conclusion

The Confidence Gap: Act First, Feel Confident Second

Wed, 29 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Emily tackles the all-too-common issue of the confidence gap, revealing how action breeds confidence rather than the other way around. She shares strategies and personal anecdotes to help listeners, especially chiefs of staff, overcome self-doubt and step up as more assertive leaders.

Links Mentioned:

Book: The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris

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Time Stamps:

00:22 Exploring the Confidence Gap

01:24 Real-Life Examples of Overcoming the Confidence Gap

03:20 Reframing Fear as a Teammate

08:38 Applying Confidence in the Chief of Staff Role

10:39 Practical Steps to Build Confidence

13:59 Building Confidence in Others

From Nordic Oracle to Silicon Valley Powerhouse (The ONLY Leadership Playbook You Need!)

Mon, 27 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Join Katrine Haugerud as she shares practical leadership insights for translating strategy into operations. Learn about her experience with private equity-backed firms.

Her book recommendation is "Traction" by Gino Wickman (https://amzn.to/4918MnL)

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:23 Katrine's Journey from Oracle to Chief of Staff

00:45 Katrine's Experience at Oracle and Transition to the U.S.

03:48 Cultural and Business Differences Between Norway and the U.S.

06:14 Katrine's Transition from Oracle to Equinix

09:17 Becoming a Chief of Staff: The Unexpected Journey

12:14 Working with a Private Equity Backed Board

20:36 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Strategic Decision Making

22:59 The Importance of Clear Communication and Prioritization in Leadership

29:07 Book Recommendation: Traction by Gino Wickman

31:55 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Translating Strategy into Operations

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Mastering High Value Writing for Business Leaders

Wed, 22 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Emily discusses Erin Lebacqz’s "High Value Writing Workbook" and shares valuable writing tips for business professionals. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your reader, being concise AND nice, choosing familiar words and structuring emails for clarity. Emily highlights that every written communication, whether to a CEO or a Chief of Staff, shapes workplace culture and relationships.

Links Mentioned:

• High-Value Writing Workbook

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Time Stamps:

00:54 Two Key Goals of High Value Writing

01:45 Understanding Your Reader

05:22 Strategies for Clear and Effective Writing

06:58 Making Your Emails Stand Out

10:05 Cultural Considerations in Writing

12:10 Using Writing as a Leadership Tool

15:12 Conclusion and Recommendations

How to Use a Chief of Staff for Unprecedented Company Growth

Mon, 20 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, executive Lawrence Coburn shares his experiences and advice on effectively using a Chief of Staff, emphasizing trust and strategic planning. He talks about bringing back a former intern, Matt, to fill this critical role during a period of rapid company growth. Lawrence also discusses their AI tool, Ambient, which not only takes notes but identifies owners and next steps, creating a dynamic project dashboard. Hear about their latest feature release which auto-adds forwarded project-related emails to the dashboard.

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Lawrence Coburn on LinkedIn

• Learn more about Ambient and their AI solutions

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Time Stamps:

00:45 Introducing Today's Guest: Lawrence Coburn

01:02 The Journey of a Founder and the Impact of a Chief of Staff

02:25 The Story of Double Dutch and the Role of a Chief of Staff

06:59 The Importance of Defining the Chief of Staff Role

12:17 Building Trust and the Evolution of the Chief of Staff Role

15:28 Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives: The Chief of Staff's Domain

17:21 The Ever-Present Challenge of Pricing

17:46 Defining Roles and Responsibilities

18:12 Communicating Roles to the Leadership Team

19:12 The Importance of Having Your Team's Back

21:36 The Unique Trust in a Chief of Staff

23:54 Introducing Ambient: AI for Chiefs of Staff

26:48 Ambient's Features and Future Directions

31:01 The Value of AI in Project Management

34:50 Closing Thoughts and How to Learn More

When And How To Park Your Ego At The Door As Chief Of Staff

Wed, 15 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Chief of Staff is the consummate behind the scenes role. It’s not about you.

Sometimes you have to let others have the last word, sometimes you have not care who gets credit, and sometimes you have to apologize (even if you didn’t do anything wrong!)

Chiefs of Staff are assertive, direct, and stand their ground when needed. They also must know when to check their ego at the door for the good of the group and to move things forward.

– – – – –

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

How This Basketball Coach Changed Shantel Wilkins’ Life Forever

Mon, 13 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Shantel Wilkins stops by the show and talks about overcoming challenges in her childhood, finding a basketball coach who made a huge impact on her and changed the trajectory of her life, and why and how she had to recover from the corporate world grind. She is now the Chief of Staff at Donor’s of Color Network and working on something she is passionate about. She encourages others to find their “mission fit” and pay attention to the stories we tell ourselves and define our own narratives.

One of my favorite quotes from Shantel is: If people don’t give you a seat at the table, sometimes you have to bring a folding chair.

Shantel Wilkins on LinkedIn

– – – – –

01:21 Background and Early Life
02:36 The Power of Sport and Mentorship
05:08 Overcoming Adversity and Challenging Narratives
07:41 Transitioning to Corporate America
09:24 Finding Purpose and Passion in Work
13:51 The Role of a Chief of Staff
17:34 The Importance of Member Focus in Philanthropy
25:41 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Navigating Cultural Fit Issues
27:48 Transitioning from Corporate to Non-Profit
33:22 The Importance of Self-Care and Humanity in Leadership
36:32 Closing Thoughts

– – – – –

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Strategic Planning: 5 Crucial Steps for Success

Wed, 08 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Dive into five critical steps of strategic planning. Define your mission and vision (why does your company exist?), getting an HD panoramic view of your customer, assessing your current state, etc. Plus two bonus steps on often overlooked aspects of objectives and KPIs.

Tune in for tips on execution and common pitfalls to avoid, chiefs of staff and leaders at any level will find actionable advice that can steer their teams towards success.

Links Mentioned:

Strategic Planning Checklist

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Time Stamps:

00:49 Five Steps for Strategic Planning

02:15 Defining Your Customer: HD Definition

04:11 Assessing the Current State: Internal and External Analysis

07:28 Budget and Resource Allocation: The Key to Execution

10:05 Rolling Out Your Strategic Plan: Communication and Governance

16:00 Bonus: Strategic Objectives and KPIs

Burnout Recovery for Leaders - Simple Habits That Are Burnout Busters

Mon, 06 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Dr. Gary Simonds, former neurosurgeon, is back! In episode 26 he chatted about how to recover from burnout. In this episode, we talk about how to spot it in team members and colleagues and how to have a conversation about it.

Check out Dr. Gary’s fiction book: Death’s Pale Flag.

Dr. Gary Simonds on LinkedIn

Dr. Gary Simonds is a renowned neurosurgeon and author of "Death's Pale Flag," a book examining the subtleties of professional burnout. With years of experience in the high-stress medical field, Dr. Simonds has developed a deep understanding of the balance required to prevent burnout among high achievers. His insights offer a holistic view of professional well-being, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond work. A skilled surgeon and writer, he is dedicated to educating others on maintaining passion in their careers while nurturing mental health and interpersonal relationships.

00:49 Guest Introduction: Dr. Gary Simonds
01:43 Exploring the Book 'Death's Pale Flag'
02:12 Identifying and Addressing Burnout in Others
11:51 The Role of Trust in Addressing Burnout
13:25 The Impact of Burnout on Communication
17:12 The Toll of Difficult Conversations on Doctors
26:19 The Impact of Stress on Interpersonal Interactions
33:33 Recognizing Signs of Burnout
40:22 The Gender Differential in Burnout Responses
41:21 Recap and Final Thoughts on Burnout

– – – – –

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Mistakes That Keep Chiefs of Staff Stuck (And How to Elevate the Role)

Wed, 01 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Are you in a Chief of Staff role and feel stuck at a certain level - you want to break through to a “higher level version” of the role, becoming involved in more of the big picture, strategic stuff, but don’t know how?

Good news. You have a plethora of opportunities to make that change. This episode is about finding catalyst moments or events to shift your role. You can use external events

like a re-org, hiring a new executive team member, scaling a team, and strategic planning.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:58 Using External Catalysts to Redefine Your Role

01:50 Examples of External Catalysts

05:32 Proactive and intentional conversations with your boss are catalysts to redefine your role

05:43 Being Proactive in Role Redefinition

07:22 Conclusion

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Ask a Chief of Staff Founder & CEO, Clara Ma: Job Search Tips, Workshops, and Summits

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, I sat down with Clara Ma, the founder of Ask a Chief of Staff. We chatted about landing that game-changing Chief of Staff role, goldmine of tips on networking, crafting a standout resume, and making a successful pitch to executives. Clara outlines the various tiers of Chief of Staff membership and what you get in each and shares the details of the upcoming Ask a Chief of Staff Summit later this year.

Links Mentioned:

Ask A Chief of Staff Website: https://askachiefofstaff.com/

Time Stamps:

00:17 Meeting Clara Ma: Former Chief of Staff to Founder
01:16 The Genesis of Ask a Chief of Staff
02:56 Building a Community for Chiefs of Staff
07:00 Navigating the Job Market as a Chief of Staff
09:57 The Role of Networking in Your Career
13:06 Leveraging the Ask a Chief of Staff Community for Job Searches
17:13 Differentiating Between Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant Roles
19:26 Unlocking the Chief of Staff Role: Insights and Resources
20:25 Workshop Webinars: Free Resources for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
22:11 Crafting the Perfect Chief of Staff Resume
26:05 Pitching the Chief of Staff Role Internally
32:46 Announcing the first Chief of Staff Summit
36:50 The Future of Ask a Chief of Staff

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

Are DISC Reports More Effective Than Traditional Team-Building Activities?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Ever wonder why you “click” with some people and “clank” with others?

DISC is a behavioral assessment tool, kind of like Myers-Briggs Clifton Strengths, but I like it because it only has four Styles.

In this deep dive episode, I’ll take you through the DISC methodology, how to identify your DISC Profile Style and what to look for in others to identify their Style. You’ll get some tactical and practical takeaways for how to communicate more effectively for each Style. We’ll also go through how to tell your “natural style” and “adapted style” and what to do if they are too far apart.

I facilitated running DISC reports for my CEO and leadership team as Chief of Staff. It was a great way to get to know each other better, communicate and collaborate more effectively, streamlined and accelerated us “gelling,” and was also fun guessing everyone’s Style.

Resources:

Taking Flight

Assessments 24x7

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:34 The Power of DISC Report in Leadership

01:58 Understanding DISC Assessment and Its Importance

02:41 The Platinum Rule in DISC

03:18 The Three-Part Framework of DISC

13:08 The Four DISC Styles: Dominant, Influential, Steady, Conscientious

16:09 Strengths and Challenges of Each DISC Style

16:43 The Dominant

18:42 The Influencer

20:37 The Steadies

23:22 The Conscientious Style

26:08 Importance of Diverse Styles in High Performing Teams

27:22 Identifying the Best Style for Different Scenarios

30:00 Understanding Natural and Adapted Styles

32:52 Adapting Communication Styles for Effective Interactions

39:32 Understanding Commonalities and Differences in DISC Styles

41:07 Practical Takeaways and Recommendations

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Air Traffic Controller to Chief of Staff: The Power of Humility & Prioritization with Jim Terheyden

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

You’ve heard the analogy used to describe a COS, but is it true? Jim Terheyden was a real-life air traffic controller in the Marines. Hear his take!

Jim and I also talked about the theme of humility in the role, managing team dynamics, spearheading an overseas initiative, and knowing which balls to drop when you get overwhelmed.

Jim on LinkedIn

Smartcar

Jim Terheyden is a seasoned leadership expert with a rich background as a former Marine air traffic controller, bringing military precision to strategic business guidance. His adeptness at navigating complex team dynamics and steering projects through uncertainty has made him a venerated Chief of Staff in the business world. Jim champions the cultivation of resilience, adaptability, and emotional detachment in decision-making, ensuring organizations thrive even amidst unpredictability. His experience highlights the importance of humility and collaboration, making him a guiding force for companies looking to foster a culture of dynamic leadership and team synergy.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:55 The Analogy of Air Traffic Controller and Chief of Staff

01:41 The Invisible Impact of a Chief of Staff

02:13 The Challenges of Interdepartmental Clashes

03:48 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup

06:01 The Importance of Humility and Flexibility in Leadership

10:48 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Facilitating Team Dynamics

13:38 The Challenge of Managing a Remote Team

14:12 The Importance of Trust in a Team

21:19 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Project Management

31:16 The Importance of Investing in Your Team

36:50 Key Takeaways

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Getting Real with a Congressman: Mental Health and Vulnerability

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Learn how the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee overcame panic attacks and severe physical pain.

Emily has a special connection to this Congressman as she served as their intern right after university!

Hear about the special connection the Congressman had with his Chief of Staff throughout the process.

Read Lost and Broken

Resources listed in the back of the book:

American Psychological Association

Anxiety & Depression Association of America

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Find Treatment

National Institute of Mental Health

Muscle Activation Techniques

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:09 Book Club: 'Lost and Broken' by Congressman Adam Smith
00:21 Emily's Special Connection to the Congressman
01:16 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Congressman's Journey
02:03 The Journey of Congressman Adam Smith
05:47 The Struggles of Imposter Syndrome
07:26 The Physical and Mental Challenges Faced
09:40 The Importance of Seeking Help
11:17 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Crisis Management
16:39 The Human Side of Leadership 20:07 Quote from the book

– – – – –

Free Resources:

Get in touch with Emily:

WHO AM I?

From Strongwoman to Life Coach: Zoe Thompson's Secrets to Resilience!

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

It’s not every day you get to talk to someone who has lifted a car, helps people tap into their inner and outer strength, and is an NLP and CBT practitioner!

But that’s what happened in this episode of Leveraging Leadership. Zoe Thompon stopped by and we had a great conversation around building resilience personally and professionally, balancing health and productivity, making choices and saying “yes”, reframing thoughts and acting “as if.”

Zoe Thompson on LinkedIn

Phoenix Coaching Website

Zoe Thompson is a former international strongwoman competitor and a 20-year UK Police Service veteran. Now a transformative strength coach, she leverages her expertise in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower individuals in their personal and professional lives. With a deep understanding of resilience and self-discovery, Zoe guides her clients to unlock their full potential, fostering growth through reframing thoughts and actions. Her coaching methods are enriched by her own experiences, where she mastered the art of balancing rigorous competition with single parenthood and a demanding career.

– – – – –

Timestamps

01:32 Zoe Thompson's Background and Journey to Strong Woman Competition

05:53 The Impact of Physical Challenges on Personal Growth

10:07 Exploring Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

13:40 The Power of Perspective and Choice in Personal Development

20:42 Understanding Emotions and Their Importance

22:56 The Power of Body Language

24:22 How Our Physical State Impacts Our Mental State

25:09 Asserting Presence in Meetings

31:06 The Importance of Rest and Downtime

34:42 The Art of Balancing Productivity and Rest

36:58 Cultural Differences in Expressing Appreciation

39:03 Connecting with Zoe and Learning More

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

How to deal with “incompetent” team members

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This episode is about being a good situational leader when a team member is driving you nuts

First, make sure you’re using the right word to describe them. Are they truly incompetent (i.e. unable to perform a task, are incapable of it) or is this a training or communication issue - is it a “YOU thing”?

Are you “bracketing” them correctly? Teams will be made up of three groups, over performers, average (this is not a bad thing, you need these folks), and underperformers.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:09 Understanding Incompetence in a Team

00:59 Differentiating Between Incompetence and Different Work Styles

01:44 Recognizing the Reality of Team Performance

03:38 The Importance of Diverse Work Styles and Ambitions

04:28 Addressing True Incompetence

05:08 Evaluating and Assessing Team Members

05:59 Conclusion

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

How a Part-Time Chief of Staff Juggles Multiple Startups and Projects

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Nathan Lian went from working at JP Morgan, to startups, and is our first guest who works as a part-time Chief of Staff. Learn the differences and similarities between a full-time Chief of Staff role.

We chat about:

- How he selects which companies to work with

- How many companies he works with at one time

- What kind of projects he works on within companies

- Which team members he interacts with

- How he keeps himself organized being COS for multiple companies.

Nathan on LinkedIn

Nathan is a strategic leadership expert who has seamlessly transitioned from the high-pressure environment of investment banking at JPMorgan to mastering the Chief of Staff role in the fintech startup sphere. As a fractional Chief of Staff, he specializes in navigating companies through critical phases of growth and transformation, leveraging his experience in scaling marketing efforts, strategic finance, and executive team dynamics. Nathan is known for his ability to influence without direct authority and for his dedication to aligning his professional endeavors with his personal values and passion for innovative fintech solutions.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:43 Nathan's Journey to Chief of Staff

02:53 The First 90 Days as a Chief of Staff

06:06 The Challenges of Being a Chief of Staff

17:38 The Role of a Fractional Chief of Staff

21:03 Balancing Multiple Projects as a Fractional Chief of Staff

27:26 Choosing the Right Projects as a Fractional Chief of Staff

40:23 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

43:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

A practical example of doing the “MVP version” of something

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 08:01:54 -0700

Need to get something done and don’t have time to do the “fully baked” version? Here’s a real-life example of how to break something down into the Minimally Viable Product version.

Listen to this example and see how you might apply the equivalent solution in projects you’re working on now.

Timestamps

00:22 Example New Hire Training Program

01:34 Recording Existing Calls for Video Bank

02:57 Enhancing Training with Transcripts

04:28 Incorporating Practical Learning Experiences

06:19 Establishing Feedback Loops

08:31 Applying the MVP Approach to Other Tasks

How to Balance Financial Decisions with Broader Business Goals

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Emily sits down with her former CFO (and one of her all time favorite people), Rory Liebhart!

They explore the multifaceted role of the Chief Financial Officer (CF) in today’s business landscape.

● Rory’s journey from selling t-shirts on a doc to a multi-time CFO, President and Director of PE-backed companies

● Collaborating with other executives to drive organizational success (while not avoiding productive tension)

● Navigating financial challenges including budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow

● Strategic decision making - balancing financial considerations with broader business objectives

● Adapting to change - how the CFO role has evolved over time

● Providing context and teaching - the importance of providing rationale for decisions

● Internal and external focus - a strong CFO operates both internally and externally (including engagement with investors board members)

Rory Liebhart on LinkedIn

Rory Liebhart is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and private investor known for his exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of executive finance. With a diverse background that includes transforming from a streetwear entrepreneur to a financial maestro, Rory brings a wealth of experience in leading companies through strategic financial planning and analysis. His career, mentored by industry leaders like Ed Barton, has spanned private equity settings and public companies, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and trust in financial leadership. Rory's insights offer invaluable guidance for aspiring business leaders seeking to enhance their acumen.

– – – – –

Timestamps

01:05 Rory's Journey to Leadership

02:31 The Transition from Selling T-Shirts to CFO

04:55 The Role of a CFO

05:14 The Path to Becoming a CFO

08:45 The Importance of Teamwork in Leadership Roles

13:03 The Role of a CFO in a Business

16:19 The Importance of Complementarity in Leadership Roles

19:33 Interviewing for a CFO Role

23:08 The Importance of Trust and Open Conversations in a Team

25:01 Balancing the CFO Role: Being the 'Dr. No' and the Team Player

27:35 The Importance of Providing Context and Understanding Perspectives

30:48 Key Qualities of a Good CFO: Context, Understanding, Teaching, and Hiring

31:40 The Role of a CFO in Internal and External Communication

41:50 The CFO's Role in a Private Equity Backed Company

45:59 The Importance of Complementary Skill Sets in an Executive Team

48:27 Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach

Ever wondered, “Is this normal?" Get the answer to this common Chief of Staff question.

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0700

Here’s a common scenario when I’m coaching Chiefs of Staff: They describe a situation that’s happening at work and with a shake of the head and furrowed brow they ask, “Is this…normal?”

Great question, camper! Yes, it’s “normal” in the sense that it’s probably happening to more Chiefs of Staff than you. No, it’s not “normal” in the sense that it might not be the best way to optimize the COS role.

I run through some quick examples in this episode.

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Business Communication Tips NOBODY Tells You (But Are EASY To Do)

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0700

Erin Lebacqz is an accomplished educator and author of, “High Value Writing.”

Upgrade your business communication with the insights of Erin:

- Crafting messages with audience needs in mind

- How to communicate with CLARITY

- Active voice vs. passive voice, deciding when to use each

- What level of directness to use in different scenarios

- Nuances of global communication and cultural sensitivities

- Rephrasing from a directive to a question

- Unspoken rules on emojis

- How to build and maintain trust through all channels of communication!

Examples:

- “Do you still need information?” (Is that sentence snarky or helpful?)

- “The committee requires/requests your input” (verbs carry tone)

- “You need more evidence in the report” / “Page 3 needs more evidence” (who or what is the focus of your sentence?)

Erin Lebacqz on LinkedIn

High Value Writing Website

Erin’s book High Value Writing

Guest Bio

Erin empowers professionals to craft impactful messages, with a passion for teaching clear, empathetic dialogue, she assists executive teams in refining their messaging strategies, from boardroom briefs to company-wide announcements. Her transformative book, "High Value Writing," has become an essential guide for business leaders seeking to communicate with clarity and confidence in a globalized workplace.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:58 Discussing Effective Business Communication

How I Got Leadership to Actually Read My Reports (Without Begging)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Frustrated because you meticulously and painstakingly pull reports together for leadership and then... no one freaking reads them!?

I got you.

Here’s an unconventional way to tell if people are actually reviewing what you’ve put together: Put weird stuff in the report.

Pick your audience. Pick your timing. But this can be a fun way to go :)

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:04 The Problem of Unread Reports

00:46 Creative Solutions to Grab Attention

02:01 Testing the Effectiveness of Your Report

02:35 The Importance of Knowing Your Audience

02:46 Invitation to Share Your Experience

03:05 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

How a Failed Application Led to a Successful Chief of Staff Career

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Join host, Emily Sander, as she sits down with former Chief of Staff and philanthropist, Kalen Stanton. Emily and Kalen share a unique connection, as he played a pivotal role in supporting her when she initially stepped into the Chief of Staff position.

Get ready for a laugh as Kalen tells the story of how he ended up in the Chief of Staff role (hint: it’s not the one he applied for). Kalen discusses the different “customer” groups a COS has and how walking the halls and casual conversation can foster trust and uncover innovation within the company. He also gives the latest update on the positive impact he’s having in East Africa.

Kalen on LinkedIn

Root Part of Accenture

Lion and Leopard Journal

Kalen Stanton is a former Chief of Staff known for adaptability and strategic innovation in the corporate realm. He mastered leadership by forging his own path and turning casual conversations into trust-building opportunities. His leadership style emphasizes understanding and serving an organization's collective vision, unearthing overlooked ideas, and fostering inclusion. Besides corporate success, Kailin's transformative initiatives in East Africa demonstrate his global leadership philosophy. His experiences make him a valuable resource for those navigating corporate strategy and leadership dynamics.

– – – – –

Timestamps

00:53 Guest Introduction: Kalen Stanton

02:23 Kalen's Journey to Chief of Staff

07:18 The Role of Chief of Staff in Building Relationships

17:33 The Importance of Culture in Leadership

19:45 The Chief of Staff as a Specialist vs. Generalist

27:30 Kalen's Experience in East Africa

32:33 Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

The 12 Week Year: Get more done in 12 weeks than others do in 12 months! (Book Club)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Welcome to our book club episode, featuring “12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington! You know that feeling you get on New Year's Eve? That fresh start, clean slate vibe? What if you could harness that energy year-round?

Emily covers:

Today we’re digging into creating a clear vision and overcoming mindset hurdles (shifting from “impossible” to “it’s a given”) and how to use strategy blocks, buffer blocks, and breakout blocks each week. We also chat about tracking and keeping score and integrating Weekly Accountability Meetings - or WAMs (not to be confused with WHAM!). And let’s not forget about the important difference between being interested and being committed.

Stick around to the end to hear about Emily’s three big goals for this 12- Week Year!

– – – –

Timestamps

00:31 Understanding the Concept of Two Lives

01:26 The Power of a 12 Week Year

01:54 The Importance of Emotional Connection to Goals

02:17 Shifting Mindset: From Impossible to Given

05:18 Developing a 12 Week Plan

08:00 The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals

11:17 The Difference Between Interest and Commitment

13:14 Implementing the 12 Week Year: Personal Takeaways

20:18 Conclusion and Invitation for Feedback

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

99% of Job Seekers Don't Know These LinkedIn Basics

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this podcast episode, Emily interviews Debra Boggs, Founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Debra offers insights on structuring your job search and positioning yourself as a Chief of Staff candidate. Discover effective ways to showcase your work experience, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and master networking. By the episode's end, you'll be equipped to navigate the job market with confidence on your path to becoming a Chief of Staff.

Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

Visit D&S Executive Career Management Website

Guest Bio

Debra Boggs, co-founder of D&S Executive Career Management, offers bespoke services for executives navigating job market complexities. With expertise in resume crafting, interview preparation, and personal branding, she helps clients present their best selves for high-level positions. Her strategic, person-centered approach focuses on articulating unique value propositions. A member of the Forbes Business Council, she aids clients in landing stretch roles and negotiating salaries. Her work involves optimizing LinkedIn profiles and resumes to resonate with the executive market's specific demands.

– – – – –

Timestamps

01:26 Chief of Staff in Job Search Strategy

04:02 Breaking into the Chief of Staff Role

13:25 The Importance of Networking in Job Search

16:13 Optimizing LinkedIn Presence for Job Search

19:31 Preparing for Job Interviews

30:08 The Role of Cover Letters in Job Applications

33:26 Takeaways

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Is your CEO avoiding making an important decision? It could be because they're scared.

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Got a CEO who's uncharacteristically delaying an important decision that people are waiting on? One possible reason is fear. Emily discusses the critical role of the COS in pushing through this roadblock, including bringing it to their attention (hint: they might not even know it’s a thing), along with practical questions and talk tracks to move them into forward action and next steps.

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Timestamps

01:46 Bringing the Decision to the CEO's Attention

02:18 Strategies to Initiate the Conversation

04:22 Interpreting the CEO's Response

05:45 Further Probing and Providing Your Opinion

08:14 Understanding the Human Side of Leadership

09:06 Your Role as Chief of Staff

10:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

A Meditation Practice to Replace Burnout and Stress in 2025

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Join us on Leveraging Leadership with former monk Madhu Dasa as he shares his journey from spiritual seeker to business coaching success. Discover how bhakti yoga's disciplines translate into leadership excellence. In this episode, Madhu discusses the power of understanding personal gifts, creating a balanced lifestyle, and finding joy in meditation. Explore themes of mindfulness, self-discovery, and resilience as we discuss blending ancient wisdom with modern productivity hacks. We also delve into understanding your 'big why' and the importance of committing to a schedule. Madhu shares his wisdom on building micro-habits and the benefits of meditation for busy professionals.

Connect with Madhu on LinkedIn

Visit Madhu.life Website

Guest Bio

Former monk Madhu Dasa, now a successful online business coach, blends ancient spiritual wisdom with modern entrepreneurial strategies. His journey from a disciplined monk's life in India to a dynamic business coach has established him as an authority in mindful leadership. Rooted in bhakti yoga practices, Madhu helps professionals tap into their inner wisdom to succeed in the corporate world. His teachings promote a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and self-care. He shares his knowledge to inspire others to unlock their potential and introduce a serene touchstone in daily life.

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Timestamps

00:51 Guest Introduction: Madhu's Journey from Monk to Entrepreneur

01:09 Exploring Madhu's Monk Training and Philosophy

04:57 Applying Monk Principles to Business Leadership

05:31 Identifying and Leveraging Your Unique Gifts

13:53 The Importance of Mindfulness in Business

15:18 Practical Steps to Implement Mindfulness and Clarity

18:07 The Monk Mindset Method for Success

19:12 Committing to Regular Behaviors for Success

19:30 Creating an Ideal Schedule

19:55 Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Consistent

20:02 Embracing Change for Different Outcomes

20:23 Exploring Meditation and Its Varieties

20:37 Personal Meditation Experiences and Techniques

21:51 Approaching Meditation as a Busy Professional

22:01 The Power of One-on-One Coaching

22:16 Understanding Different Types of Meditation

23:52 The Importance of Starting Small in Meditation

30:10 Benefits of Meditation and Achieving Alignment

34:06 Implementing Meditation in Daily Life

35:56 Accessing Free Meditation Resources

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What to Do if Your CEO Says ‘I Don’t Know’ About Structuring Your COS Role in the Interview Process

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

What to do when interviewing for a Chief of Staff role and the CEO responds with "I don't know" to key questions about the role's responsibilities and structure. Emily outlines two potential scenarios and outlines how to navigate each situation. Emily also shares ongoing takeaways that every COS should remember.

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Timestamps

00:50 Two Scenarios of CEO's Response

04:15 How to Interpret 'I Don't Know' from a CEO

05:34 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

08:08 Continuing the Conversation about Your Role

09:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Natalie Crohn: Chief of Staff at Johns Hopkins on Coaching Fridays, OneNote, Relationship Building

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach, sits down with Natalie Crohn, who has served as Chief of Staff at two different organizations. The pair share their experiences in the role, with topics from authenticity and networking to the handling of day-to-day challenges and strategic planning, there's plenty of insight to take away. Also, don't miss Natalie's unique Chief of Staff-themed cocktail recommendation. Hit subscribe to continue your leadership journey with us.

Natalie Crohn on LinkedIn

Natalie Crohn has expertly navigated a diverse professional journey, from social work to IT consulting, and ultimately, into a strategic Chief of Staff role. She initially started in healthcare, transitioned into IT consulting, and circled back to healthcare, gaining diverse expertise. Natalie discovered her passion for strategic management at Catalent, a biopharmaceutical company, and later expanded her skills as the Chief of Staff at Magellan Health and currently, Johns Hopkins Health. Alongside her career, Natalie actively champions organizational culture, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Deemed an authentic leader, Natalie is always eager to learn, develop, and serve others.

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Timestamps

00:57 Guest Introduction: Natalie Cron

01:27 Natalie's Journey to Chief of Staff

05:28 Transitioning Between Chief of Staff Roles

09:46 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

11:59 The Role of Coaching Fridays in Leadership Development

17:26 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace

24:12 Advice for New Chiefs of Staff

28:08 Tools for Staying Organized as a Chief of Staff

32:09 The Chief of Staff Cocktail: A Fun Analogy

33:21 Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

What are Chief of Staff Duties in Business? Learn 5 examples of what a COS actually does day-to-day

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Curious about the responsibilities of a Chief of Staff? Emily shares five specific duties in business she handled in her role. From spearheading the recruitment of key executives to revamping marketing strategies and ensuring the CEO's well-being, these examples offer a glimpse into the daily life of a Chief of Staff. Use them to assess whether this role aligns with your own responsibilities, share them with those wondering about the Chief of Staff's duties, or gain valuable insights into the diverse activities this position involves.

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Timestamps

01:03 Exploring the Daily Tasks of a Chief of Staff

02:00 Recruiting and Training Key Hires

04:51 The Importance of Flash Reports

08:09 Gap Filling: A Key Responsibility of a Chief of Staff

10:06 Revamping Corporate Marketing

12:58 Maintaining CEO Sanity: A Crucial Role of a Chief of Staff

17:41 Takeaways

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Ed Sullivan: US Marine Corps Chief of Staff, Proxy Decision-Making, Strategic Ops, Command Dynamics

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander interviews Ed Sullivan, Marine Chief of Staff. Ed shares 30 years in the Marines, covering his journey from ROTC cadet to Colonel. The conversation explores proxy roles, leadership challenges, the significance of trust and communication, and high-stakes decisions. They discuss evolving military strategies, personal leadership styles influenced by observation and philosophy, and the discipline required for effective military leadership. Ed's insights provide a behind-the-scenes look at military command roles and highlight the importance of camaraderie in leadership.

Plus, both Ed and Emily have Meditations by Marcus Aurelias on their bookshelves as a must-read!

Ed Sullivan on LinkedIn

Book Reference: Meditations by Marcus Aurelias

Ed’s Bio

Ed Sullivan is a retired Marine Chief of Staff with over 30 years of distinguished service. His career began as an ROTC cadet and evolved into various leadership roles, including a foreign area officer and an attache to the Sultan of Oman. Ed's tenure included critical positions in intelligence and information systems for the U.S. Special Operations Command and oversight of Marine Corps recruiting and training operations. His expertise encompasses international diplomacy, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to the values and camaraderie of the Marine Corps. Ed's leadership journey reflects a profound dedication to service and excellence.

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Timestamps

00:51 Guest Introduction: Ed, the Military Chief of Staff

01:27 Ed's Journey in the Marines

07:07 Ed's Experience as a Marine Corps Foreign Area Officer

08:42 Ed's Transition to Chief of Staff

11:37 Ed's Role as Chief of Staff at Marine Corps Recruit Depot

20:28 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff in a Military Context

26:44 Building Trust and Communication within the Team

29:36 Decision-Making in Military Leadership

32:33 Managing Staff and Operations

39:33 The Challenges and Solutions in Organizing Family Day

43:05 The Evolution of Military Leadership

49:54 The Power of Stoic Philosophy in Leadership

51:38 Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on

Book Club: Essentialism by Greg McKeown - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Are you ready to be a great leader and get more done?

Join Emily as she breaks down the key points of the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown. One of her top books for leaders. In the episode, learn the “way of the essentialist”, focusing on what really matters, how to decide on what opportunities to pursue (and which to pass on), what it means to “protect the asset,” and the story of Herbie The Hiker.

This episode is perfect for people who want to learn how to make smart choices and be more productive.

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Timestamps

01:29 Essentialism: Living by Design, Not Default

02:03 The Concept of Non-Essentialist vs Essentialist

04:04 Protecting the Asset: You

06:09 Evaluating Opportunities: The Minimum and Extreme Criteria

08:54 The Art of Decision Making: Cutting or Killing

09:53 The Story of Herbie the Hiker: Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles

11:48 The Power of Concentrated Energy: The Lamp vs The Laser Beam

13:37 Takeaways

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Maggie Olson: T-Mobile Chief of Staff to Founder of Nova Chief of Staff, Certification Courses

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Emily and Maggie, both Seattle natives and UW alumni, go into Maggie's role as a Chief of Staff at T-Mobile for Business. Maggie shares insights into her responsibilities, from filling gaps in back-office functions to building a Chief of Staff team. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking for help and leveraging resources. Maggie discusses her transition from Chief of Staff to founding Nova Chief of Staff, offering a certification course for aspiring and current Chiefs of Staff.

Plus hear their sidebar tangent on Nordstrom personal shoppers!

Chief of Staff Salary Trends with Rahul Desai of the COS Network

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

How much does a Chief of Staff make?

On average $144,121.

But the salary range varies.

Deep dive into the factors that go into a Chief of Staff’s overall compensation. Rahul Desai, the General Manager of COS Network, joins the show and walks through the latest annual COS Network’s Compensation Report.

The report breaks down:

- Average Salary by Chief of Staff Level (1-5)

- Average Salary by Company Size

- Average Salary by Education

- Average Salary by Gender

- Average Salary by Geographic Region

- Percentage of Compensation by Base Salary vs. Bonus

- What Roles former Chiefs of Staff are currently in

- and more…

If you are considering a Chief of Staff role, interviewing for one, or looking for a raise, don’t miss out on this episode!

The information presented in the Compensation Report equips you with empirical data to build a well-informed case for your career progression.

Rahul Desai on LinkedIn

Chief of Staff Network Website

Chief of Staff Network Salary Report

Chief of Staff Network Pathways Report

Chief of Staff Network Job Board

Rahul Desai is a former Chief of Staff turned entrepreneur and General Manager of the Chief of Staff Network. With a wealth of experience in the corporate sector, he has co-founded several companies, applying his strategic expertise to drive business success. At the Chief of Staff Network, Rahul spearheads initiatives that provide vital support to corporate Chiefs of Staff worldwide through resources such as peer networking, coaching, and professional development. His insights into the evolution of the role make him a leading authority on the dynamics of corporate leadership and the empowerment of Chiefs of Staff.

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01:43 Exploring the Chief of Staff Network

07:14 The Role of Chief of Staff in Different Regions

10:17 Chief of Staff Salary Report

12:01 Understanding the Factors Affecting Chief of Staff Salary

20:48 The Impact of Company Size

The Power of “I Don't Know”: Handling Questions with Confidence

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Ever found yourself in a situation where you're asked a question, everyone is looking at you, and you don’t know the answer? Newsflash: this scenario is bound to happen as a Chief of Staff. It doesn't mean you're bad at your job if you don't know; it’s important to be ready and prepared. These moments are a great opportunity of learning for you and the team. Master the art of responding in these types of situations for yourself and your team.

Discover some practical and tactical tips for what to actually say in these moments.

– – – – –

01:01 The Power of 'I Don't Know'

02:02 Handling 'I Don't Know' Moments

02:59 The Role of Chief of Staff in 'I Don't Know' Moments

05:38 Resourcefulness in Finding Answers

07:42 Real-Life Example of Resourcefulness

10:34 Understanding What You Need to Know

13:07 Takeaway

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Leslie Lulham: Chief of Staff at MarketerHire, Building for Rapid Growth, Impact of Titles

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Leveraging Leadership welcomes guest Leslie Lulham, Chief of Staff at MarketerHire (the leading network of pre-vetted, freelance marketers). She talks about starting at smaller companies, the impact of titles on perception, and effectively juggling diverse roles to excel as a Chief of Staff. Leslie shares the impact of career coaching and mentorship to overcome imposter syndrome, improve executive communication, and effectively manage various roles within the company. Bonus: Find out which NFL player is like a Chief of Staff!

Reach out to Leslie Lulham:

Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn

Check out MarketerHire

Leslie is a seasoned professional in the tech industry with a dynamic career spanning from live television to mobile gaming and broadcast operations. Currently working at Marketer Hire, she leverages her vast experience to guide start-ups through growth and shares her strategies for tech navigation, project management, and executive communication.

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00:51 Guest Introduction: Leslie's Journey into Tech

01:03 Leslie's Career Path and Transition into Tech

03:06 Leslie's Experience in Project Management

05:55 Leslie's Career Shift and Life Mottos

06:53 Introduction to Marketer Hire

09:14 Leslie's Role as Chief of Staff at Marketer Hire

14:50 The Evolution of Leslie's Role at Marketer Hire

20:26 Working Styles and Relationship with the Principal

23:15 Effective Communication with Principals

23:47 Adapting to Asynchronous Work

24:52 The Power of Bullet Points

25:18 Building Leadership Presence

25:44 Overcoming Intimidation and Imposter Syndrome

28:53 The Importance of Preparation and Authenticity

33:11 The Impact of Titles and Perceptions

38:28 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Sports

40:24 Wrapping Up the Conversation

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Alex Papadopulos, Chief Operating Officer: COO-COS dynamics, team communication, COVID-19 crisis.

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Emily is joined by her former colleague and COO, Alex Papadopulos. They explore the dynamics of the two roles, the similarities and differences, and frequent communication and maintaining a unified executive team. They share stories from their time working together, reminiscing about good times, fun moments, and challenging times like COVID-19.

Alex on LinkedIn

Alex Papadopulos, originally from South Africa, relocated to the U.S for work in 2007 and has built a thriving career in the tech industry. Starting as a developer, he ascended the ranks, becoming Technical Project Manager and Engineering Lead before transitioning into operations. Alex joined fusionZONE in 2018, initially as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His role expanded to Chief Operating Officer (COO) 18 months later, overseeing the technical and operational aspects of the company. He played a significant role in re-structuring teams and fostering an environment that promotes growth and productivity. His leadership style blends his technical expertise and operational acumen, making significant contributions to the organization.

– – – – –

00:55 Guest Introduction: Alex Papadopoulos

01:28 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer

01:48 Alex's Journey to Fusion Zone

04:30 The Evolution of Roles within the Company

14:15 The Importance of Strategic Prioritization

15:10 The Impact of PBS Sessions

17:55 Understanding the Role of a Chief of Staff

19:39 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

20:12 Comparing Traditional and Non-Traditional Organizational Structures

22:16 The Dynamic Relationship Between Executives and Chiefs of Staff

30:33 Navigating Through Crisis: The COVID-19 Experience

33:48 The Interplay Between the Chief of Staff and the CEO

36:24 Reflecting on the Relationship Between the COO and the Chief of Staff

39:03 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Making Your CEO's Life Easier: 2 Quick Tips

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Host and Leadership Coach, Emily Sander, covers two ways to make your boss's life: be proactive (not passive) and present solutions (not just questions). Tune in for some tips on how to communicate effectively!

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01:09 Making Your CEO's Life Easier

02:11 Being Proactive as a Chief of Staff

03:05 Avoiding Overwhelming Your CEO with Questions

06:23 Applying Judgment in Different Situations

07:37 Choosing the Right Time and Place for Discussions

08:27 Adapting to Different Phases of a Project

10:18 When to Ask Your CEO

12:02 Managing Expectations with Your Team

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Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Anna Riabokon: Tokensoft Chief of Staff, Language Skills, Legal Background, Navigating Cryptocurrency Compliance.

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

Anna Riabokon shares her journey from law school in Ukraine to Chief of Staff at Tokensoft. She gives advice on managing internal communications with legal teams, understanding compliance in the fintech market, and tips for those aspiring to take on a Chief of Staff role.

Anna Riabokon on LinkedIn

Tokensoft Website

Anna Riabokon is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background in law and business. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, she studied law, and later pursued her dream of studying business in California. As Chief of Staff at Tokensoft, a fintech company focused on compliance in the cryptocurrency space, Anna brings her legal expertise to ensure regulatory adherence. Her proactive approach, natural leadership skills, and ability to navigate complex legal matters make her a valuable asset to the company. In her spare time, Anna enjoys exploring languages and cultures and making a positive impact through her work.

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00:52 Guest Introduction: Anna

01:06 Anna's Multilingual Skills

02:52 Anna's Journey to Law

04:47 Transition from Law to Tech

07:29 Anna's Role as Chief of Staff

07:47 Legal Aspects of Chief of Staff Role

16:49 Working with Finance

18:37 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

26:09 Conclusion and Wrap-up

– – – – –

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Marc Bodner: VC to Chief of Staff, Navigating Startups, Mentoring Entrepreneurs

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode of 'Leveraging Leadership', host Emily Sander talks with Marc Bodner about the key aspects of the Chief of Staff role in an organization. Marc shares his personal experiences and views on how the role can be instrumental in a leadership team, how it represents a leadership philosophy, and how to effectively serve those around you. They also include insights on working with other members of the executive team, advice for someone looking to hire a Chief of Staff, and the importance of adaptability in this role.

Reach out to Marc Bodner:

Connect with Marc Bodner on LinkedIn

Marc Bodner, a seasoned executive, and versatile expert, has exhibited strong proficiency across various sectors in the business industry. Marc's strong strategic capabilities, goal-setting, and operational improvements have shaped his career. His resilient knack for managing people as per their work styles and fostering a harmonious work atmosphere contributes to his successful leadership. Marc’s portfolio boasts key roles across venture capital funds, startups, and business development. Not to mention, his practical experience in the legal, telecom, and tax consulting domains complements his dynamic leadership style in today's ever-changing business landscape.

– – – – –

00:06 Introduction to Leveraging Leadership

00:15 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff

00:53 Guest Introduction and Background

01:12 Insights into Business Development and Deal Making

03:46 Transition from Law to Venture Capital

08:15 Challenges and Rewards of the Chief of Staff Role

10:42 Building a Strong and Diverse Team

16:07 The Importance of Employee Satisfaction and Retention

24:58 Adapting Management Styles for Effective Leadership

29:08 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup

32:23 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

35:12 The Value of Mentorship and Giving Back

37:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here.

Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Chief of Staff Org Chart Options

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we dive into the practical considerations of where the Chief of Staff fits into an organization. Host, Emily Sander, walks through four common examples, providing insights into different placement scenarios. The first example explores the Chief of Staff as part of the C-suite executive team, a structure often seen in various organizations. The second example addresses large companies with multiple Chiefs of Staff supporting different executives and functions. The third scenario discusses instances where a Chief of Staff is brought in at a VP level, with potential reasons and benefits. The final example explores the possibility of a Chief of Staff holding a dual role, combining responsibilities like business development or product management. The episode wraps up with practical takeaways for evaluating the current and future placement of a Chief of Staff within an organization.

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

Career Evolution: Sarah's Path to Chief of Staff and Future Aspirations

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

Sarah shares her journey from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff. She made her own pitch deck for the Chief of Staff role! She emphasizes the importance of aligning skills with organizational needs. The conversation covers the challenges of transitioning from a task-oriented EA role to a strategic Chief of Staff position. It also delves into managing perceptions and Sarah's future career aspirations, aiming for a role as Chief People Officer.

– – – – –

(0:00:06) - Transitioning from Executive Assistant (EA) to Chief of Staff and the overlapping roles of an EA and a Chief of Staff.

(0:06:24) - The challenges and learning experiences during her transition to Chief of Staff from EA.

(0:11:50) – How to approach the Chief of Staff role, focusing on communication techniques and leveraging her skillset.

(0:21:26) - Personal growth, career advancement, and the different tools she has used to stay organized and manage her time effectively.

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

Eric Nguyen: Zego's Chief of Staff on Executive Alignment, Data Leadership, and Radical Candor

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode of the Leveraging Leadership series, your host Emily Sander discusses the role of Chief of Staff with Eric Nguyen, who currently serves in this capacity for Zego, a property technology company. The conversation covers various aspects and challenges of the role, with Eric sharing his career journey, how his background in economics and understanding of data shapes his work, and the value of open feedback, drawing wisdom from Kim Scott’s 'Radical Candor'. Eric also offers advice for both people stepping into the role of Chief of Staff and CEOs who are getting a new Chief of Staff.

Reach out to Eric Nguyen:

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Visit Zego’s website

Eric serves as the Chief of Staff for Zego, a property technology company. With a strong background in economics and an MBA, Eric brings a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge to his role. Starting as a competitive intelligence analyst and later heading up the revenue operations team, Eric gained a deep understanding of Zego's business operations. This cross-functional expertise enables him to effectively facilitate alignment across the executive team. Known as a 'Swiss Army Knife,' Eric excels at distilling complex information and providing actionable insights.

– – – – –

00:06 Introduction to Leveraging Leadership

00:15 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff

00:51 Guest Introduction: Eric's Journey to Chief of Staff

01:04 Eric's Background and Experience

02:46 Eric's Role Progression at Zego

04:45 The Transition to Chief of Staff

07:23 Building Relationships as Chief of Staff

08:30 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Company

13:55 Eric's Approach to Organization and Time Management

17:27 Influences and Role Models in Eric's Career

19:21 Advice for Incoming Chiefs of Staff and Executives

24:06 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

What Sets the Chief of Staff Apart: Traits That Make the Role Unique

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:17:59 -0800

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, talks about what makes the Chief of Staff role unique. No one else at the company is doing what the Chief of Staff does. She emphasizes there is no one-size-fit-all approach to becoming a Chief of Staff - highlighting a diverse set of experiences can be an advantage. The role stands out by not being tied to a specific business function, but by providing a broader, strategic function. She describes the Chief of Staff positions as an intangible, behind-the-scenes “X-factors” that requires qualities like proactivity, empathy, and problem-solving.

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

Virginie Grange: Microsoft Chief of Staff on leadership roles in tech and success metrics

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Virginie Grange, the Chief of Staff at Microsoft, shares an insider's view of her journey and role within one of the world's leading tech companies.

The conversation delves into her responsibilities as Chief of Staff, the key partnerships she cultivates, and her strategies for mastering the role. A crucial aspect of her success lies in aligning with her principal's vision and setting clear success metrics. She also details how she navigated her principal's transition into a new role, operational constraints, and how she leveraged her institutional knowledge.

An important highlight is Virginie’s approach to managing her team's productivity and morale while effectively utilizing her boss's time. This conversation provides valuable guidance and insights for anyone interested in leadership roles in the tech industry.

Reach out to Virginie Grange:

Connect with Virginie on LinkedIn

Virginie is an experienced business professional who has spent over a decade at Microsoft, holding various roles including Chief of Staff. She has valuable institutional knowledge and a proven track record in strategy, business development, and partnership management. Virginie is currently enjoying a sabbatical, exploring her creative side and preparing for her next career chapter. Connect with her today!

– – – – –

(0:00:06) - The journey from Boston to Microsoft and her Chief of Staff role.

(0:08:13) - Strategies for navigating the Chief of Staff role and understanding the principal's vision.

(0:13:11) - Managing a team's productivity, and morale, and discovering hidden talents.

(0:19:05) - The transition from Disney to Vending Games and starting a mobile gaming business.

(0:21:37) – A career break focusing on painting, sculpture, and agility in career decisions.

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Eric Nehrlich: Google's Chief of Staff on alignment leadership, how to use financial data, and his top book recommendations.

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0800

Imagine growing up in a small town, venturing out, and eventually becoming a Chief of Staff for the Search Ads Team at Google. That's the journey of our guest, Eric Nehrlich.

Listen to Eric as he shares how he developed his leadership skills through a wide variety of roles. Hear how he used his financial background to bring credibility to his Chief of Staff role.

Discover the importance of leadership alignment vs. hierarchical power, and how sci-fi books like "Ender's Game" can teach valuable leadership lessons.

(00:06) Leveraging Leadership

From physics major to Google Chief of Staff, discussing his upbringing in Wheaton, IL and his principal's need for help.

(10:39) Leadership and Financial Insights in Business Hierarchical power, aligned leadership, distilling complex data, and gaining credibility with engineers.

(16:24) Influence and Collective Intelligence Importance Leadership, social trust, hierarchy, and information flow, drawing on his experience with a CFO.

(24:11) Leveraging Chief of Staff's Role Emphasizes building relationships, being prepared, repeating information, and framing it to resonate.

(30:52) The Chief of Staff role, emphasizing communication, reading the Principal's mind, and avoiding minutia.

(35:40) Book Advice and stories to help leaders find solutions, recognize limiting beliefs, and take action for different results.

(39:02) Themes in Ender's Game and Shadow Bean's magical genius, Battle School perspectives, and problem-solving mindset are discussed to recognize different perspectives in any situation.

(42:15) Eric's Insights and Surprise Bonus Ender's Game explores leadership, line management, Dunbar number, independent point of view, and Chief of Staff roles.

Eric Nehrlich, a seasoned executive coach with two decades of tech industry experience, empowers leaders to maximize their impact. He specializes in breaking down limiting mindsets and habits. Eric's upcoming book, "You Have A Choice," distils his career and coaching insights for a broader audience. Prior to coaching, he excelled as an engineer, product manager, and Chief of Staff at Google.

Connect with him today!

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Connect with Eric on Twitter

Visit his Website

Pick up his book: You Have A Choice: Beyond Hard Work To Meaningful Impact

************************************

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next

Two-time COS Aarti Bhatnagar: Transitioning Roles, Delegation, and Sustaining Business Rhythm

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Aarti Bhatnagar, a former Chief of Staff turned leadership coach, takes listeners on a deep dive into her career journey, highlighting the dexterity and dynamism required in the Chief of Staff role. Aarti’s experience spans from management consulting to spearheading high-impact social initiatives, equipping her with invaluable insights into business leadership.

We also explore her transition into coaching, the lessons she learned, and the wisdom she gleaned from seasoned leaders. Aarti emphasizes the importance of low ego in leadership roles, advising listeners on how to stay grounded and ignite their inner leader. She also unpacks the power of delegation, underlining its vital role in her successful career transition.

Whether you're a current Chief of Staff, an aspirant, or simply interested in the intricacies of business leadership, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Aarti’s compelling journey and her insights into leadership.

Reach out to Aarti Bhatnagar:

Connect with Aarti on LinkedIn

Follow Aarti on Twitter

Visit her Website

Aarti is open to conversations about leadership, coaching, and the Chief of Staff role. Whether you're currently a Chief of Staff, aspiring to be one, or simply intrigued by the intricacies of business leadership, Aarti welcomes your insights and inquiries. Connect with her today!

– – – – –

0:00:06 - Aarti's journey to becoming a leadership coach and her role as Chief of Staff.

0:03:20 - The multifaceted Chief of Staff role.

0:08:42 - Setting weekly priorities and adapting to change.

0:11:15 – "Walking deck" and improving communication as Chief of Staff.

0:16:32 - A strategic initiative to enhance communication within her company.

0:23:49 – The transition from Chief of Staff to leadership coach and lessons learned.

0:26:17 – Understanding a principal's strengths and adapting for effective leadership.

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

CEO Ed Barton on the Chief of Staff role, balancing the boardroom, and lifelong learning

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:15:00 -0700

In this episode, we chat with Ed Barton, an influential leader whose journey spans from the military to the boardroom. He highlights the impact of military discipline and 'Commander's Intent' on his leadership style. We explore the crucial role of a Chief of Staff in facilitating effective communication and collaboration. Ed also discusses mentorship and the concept of 'influence without authority' in the school of leadership. This episode offers valuable insights for both established leaders and those interested in business leadership.

(0:00:06) - A leadership journey shaped by military discipline, continuous learning, and the 'Commander's Intent' principle.

(0:08:48) - Mentorship experiences, and the implementation of the Chief of Staff role in his career.

(0:17:49) - The responsibilities and importance of a Chief of Staff.

(0:21:18) - Effective communication, collaboration, and conflict management between the CEO and the Chief of Staff.

(0:25:56) - Exploration of 'influence without authority', a crucial skill for Chiefs of Staff to ensure team alignment and collaboration.

(0:37:19) - Examination of the critical role of the Chief of Staff in strategic planning and as a confidential advisor.

(0:46:30) - Discussion on essential tips for success in the Chief of Staff role.

Ed's Book/Author Recommendations:

John Maxwell, https://amzn.to/3tCl0UW

Patrick Lencioni, https://amzn.to/3QapsSE

Eliyau Goldratt, https://amzn.to/472qSWe

Visit Ed's Website: https://edbarton.com/

Ed's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardjbarton/

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn

Chief of Staff Series Kickoff!

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Ever wondered about the elusive role of a Chief of Staff? This podcast series will help unravel the mystery as we dive into what it means to be the right-hand partner of a CEO or an executive. We've got a variety of interesting guests lined up from industry behemoths like Google and Microsoft, as well as from the bustling startup environment, who will share their unique paths to this pivotal role. Hear firsthand accounts about the daily ins and outs of Chiefs of Staff, their interactions with different departments, and how this role has been a springboard to other leadership positions. Hear from Chiefs of Staff and executives who have worked closely with a Chief of Staff.

Dealing with Burnout: How to Spot It and Strategies to Fix It with Dr. Gary Simonds

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Have you ever felt like you were totally burnt out? Maybe you’ve noticed that feeling seeping into your team members? It’s a very natural thing to have happen, yet can be so damaging to personal and team effectiveness when it rears its head.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Dr. Gary Simonds to discuss the concept of burnout, how we can identify it, and some strategies to fix it.

Dr. Simonds boasts a decades-long career as a neurosurgeon in level 1 trauma centers where every action in a given day may be a life or death situation. That kind of stress level for him and those around him gave him a front row seat to witnessing burnout in mass, and he has since studied and written many books on the topic, making him an excellent guest to speak with about this concept.

To learn more about Gary, find all of his books, and see other content he produces, check out his website.

Follow Gary: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

– – – – –

Life of a Brain Surgeon (00:15)

The Mental Strain of Life or Death Consequences (03:05)

Dealing with Burnout (06:05)

Strategies for Fixing a Burnt Out Team (11:15)

Communication with So Many Constituents(26:30)

Building the Confidence and Personality Needed (34:15)

Science vs Spirituality (41:50)

Places to Find Gary (53:10)

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Unveiling the 7 Forms of Respect: A Conversation with Dr. Julie Pham

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Communication and relationships at work often act as the lifeblood of organizational success. So how can we improve both? This week, Emily has a conversation with Dr. Julie Pham, the multi-talented founder and CEO of CuriosityBased, an organizational development firm with an intriguing approach to bettering workplaces.

From arriving in the U.S. as a boat person to becoming a Gates Cambridge Scholar and renowned author, Dr. Pham's journey is as unique as it is inspirational. Her book "7 Forms of Respect" offers a transformative guide to understanding the nuances of communication, and her firm CuriosityBased champions the same cause at an organizational level. Dr. Pham also shares her deep-rooted passion for community service, a trait evident through her numerous awards and recognitions.

Learn more about Julie by visiting her website.

Follow Julie: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Maintaining Great Employee Engagement to Create a Happier and More Productive Workplace with Lori-Ann Duguay

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

I think we can all agree that the best team members are engaged team members. Where things can become a debate is when we discuss HOW to keep them engaged, happy, and committed to the team.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander is joined by culture catalyst and human resources strategist, Lori-Ann Duguay, to discuss how we can all go about building and maintaining engagement and happiness among our workforce.

During their discussion Emily and Lori-Ann talk about how to facilitate connection while working remotely, why information flow must be a two-way street, the importance of giving opportunity for growth and progress, and much more.

Want to learn more about creating a happier, more productive workplace? Visit here to learn everything Lori-Ann has to offer, and to book a free consultation call with her.

Follow Lori-Ann: LinkedIn

– – – – –

Introduction (00:00)

Lori’s Background and Learning to Create Happier Workplaces for Others (01:45)

Facilitating Connection When Working Remote (05:15)

Information and Communication Must Flow Two Ways (08:15)

Giving Opportunity to Grow and Progress (19:40)

Lori’s Book: The Happiness Factor (25:45)

Phase that is Most Neglected in Employee Life Cycle (28:35)

Where to Find and Connect with Lori (31:50)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

How to Personalize Your Messaging to Create Value for Every Customer with Braith Bramkin

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Do your customers feel like you actually care about knowing who they are and what they need? In today’s age of mass messaging and fast-paced everything, it’s such a value add when you actually take time to know, understand, and speak directly to an individual consumer of your products or services.

That personalization and why it’s so important is the driving force behind today’s conversation on Leveraging Leadership, as host Emily Sander welcomes the Executive Director of BNI Melbourne, Braith Bramkin, to the podcast.

During their conversation, Emily and Braith touch on finding your ideal customer, keeping things personal in the age of AI, why every customer should have their own value proposition, making touch points meaningful, and much more.

Learn more about Braith, his courses, books, and all additional resources by visiting his website.

Follow Braith: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

– – – – –

Introduction (00:00)

Laughter Yoga (01:20)

Who and What BNI Is and Does (05:00)

How to Begin to Find Your Ideal Customer (06:20)

Making Your Message Personalized (10:40)

AI Tools and How to Keep Things Personal (14:40)

Value Proposition of a Particular Customer (17:25)

Making Every Touch Point Meaningful (23:00)

Purpose, Intention, and Connection (25:10)

Sharpen the Ax Before You Swing It (30:15)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

How to Break Out of an Unhealthy Lifestyle by Building a Positive Relationship with Change with Dai Manuel

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Humans are creatures of habit, which means any bad habits we create are incredibly difficult to break free of. That feeling of being stuck in an unhealthy, or unmotivated place can lead to change being the scariest thing imaginable.

One person who has faced that fear and found a way to overcome it is Dai Manuel. Having had multiple moments in his life where he had to look in the mirror and ask the powerful questions that allow one to get unstuck, he turned things around and is now a thriving example of living a life with purpose and passion, and coaches others to do the same.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Dai to discuss all things getting unstuck and creating positive change in your life. Throughout their conversation they discuss how Dai broke out of his unhealthy lifestyle, why being vulnerable matters so much, how to ask yourself the powerful questions, creating a positive relationship with change, and much more.

Learn more about Dai, his coaching programs, and his available books and content by visiting his website.

Follow Dai: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

– – – – –

Two-a-Day Smoothies (00:00)

How Dai Broke Out of an Unhealthy Lifestyle (04:10)

Iron Sharpens Iron (09:55)

Removing Your Mask and Being Vulnerable (14:15)

Asking Yourself, and Others, the Powerful Questions (20:30)

Taking the First Steps; Instant Gratification in a Positive Way (26:20)

Our Relationships with Change (31:25)

Where to Connect with Dai (35:55)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Technology Not Just For Technology Sake: How to Effectively Communicate with Your IT Leaders and Solve Actual Business Problems with Jeffrey Ton

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

As today’s guest, Jeffrey Ton, says, “in today’s world, every company is a tech company to some degree.” With that being true, it’s more important than ever that we are properly integrating and communicating with our IT teams within our organizations.

In today’s episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Jeffrey Ton to discuss how that communication can be done better and the benefits brought by proper synthesis between all departments of an organization, including IT.

During their conversation they discuss the difference between a CIO and CTO, what upward mobility for a tech professional looks like, why you need to understand the entire business to be a department leader, communicating effectively, and much more.

To learn more about Jeffrey, his books, and his speaking, visit his website.

To check out the The Status Go podcast, visit here.

Follow Jeffrey: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

– – – – –

00:00 Introducing Jeffrey and His Background in IT and Technology

05:00 Difference Between CIO and CTO

06:10 Upward Mobility for a Technology Professional

09:50 Understanding The Entire Business as Well as Your Department

17:30 Learning to Communicate With and Get the Most Out of All Team Members

24:00 Tools and Frameworks that Work Well for Leaders in Technology

28:30 Navigating the Fork in the Road: Management vs Deeper Subject Matter Expert

35:55 Different People See Different Opportunities

40:20 Learning How to Better Converse with Your Tech Professionals

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Why Reading Matters for Leaders and the Four I’s of an Engaging Presentation with Dr. Danny Brassell

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Giving a great presentation, i.e. one that is both engaging and informative, delivering the necessary information in an understandable and entertaining way, is one of the most powerful tools in a leaders tool belt. However, so many people in leadership positions take this skill for granted. Maybe it's due to terrible stage fright, maybe it’s a lack of knowledge about how to craft a great presentation, maybe it’s something else, but when you fall short with a presentation it almost certainly means your team is going to fall short of the goal/objective/project that that presentation pertained to.

One person who has mastered the skill of presentations is today’s guest, Danny Brassell. Danny is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, coach, and results coach, who loves a great presentation and really loves a great book.

Danny joins Emily this week to discuss all things presentations as well as the idea that reading can really benefit a leader. During their conversation, the two discuss the role reading plays within leadership, Danny’s “four I’s” of an engaging presentation, why you should have a signature talk and how to create it, and much more.

Learn more about Danny, his teachings, and all his services by visiting his website.

Follow Danny: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Learn more about The Reading Habit by visiting here.

Learn more about Cyber Smarties by visiting here.

– – – – –

Guest Introduction (00:00)

Danny’s Mission to Bring Joy Back Into Education (00:45)

Last Thing Danny Read (02:45)

What Role Reading Plays in Leadership (05:00)

The Four I’s of an Engaging Presentation (10:00)

Creating Your Signature Talk (18:30)

Getting Over Stage Fright (21:15)

Who Danny Helps, How You Can Find Him (27:10)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

5 Leadership Traits That Made Lincoln UNSTOPPABLE

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Everyone remembers Abraham Lincoln as one of our great Presidents, a man who led us through one of the most trying times in our country’s history. But knowing that, have you ever stopped to ask yourself what exactly about Lincoln made him capable of such success?

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander gives us all a little history lesson on Lincoln and the five key traits or skills he possessed that made him such an exceptional leader. From the self-assured nature that allowed him to invite political rivals into his cabinet, to the vision he had for the country and how he was able to always move things towards it, there is a lot to be learned about leadership from Honest Abe that is still just as profound and applicable today.

The book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin can be found here.

– – – – –

Introduction (00:00)

Being Humble and Self-Assured (01:14)

Self-Deprecating Humor (05:04)

Master of Words (09:13)

Empathy for All (13:43)

Having a True Vision (17:02)

Recap (19:22)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Scaling Your Small Business Through Addition By Subtraction with Dr. Kelly Henry

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

You’ve started a business, grown a team, and revenue is steady. Now what? That first plateau you hit as a business owner can be extremely difficult as you don’t want to do something that destroys what you’ve built but you know change is needed to take those next steps. Those moments are exactly where this week’s guest, Dr. Kelly Henry, steps in.

Dr. Kelly specializes in customer retention and marketing for small business owners. His experience has helped him develop the skills to quickly and effectively teach business owners how to successfully apply the right strategies in the right order that allows them to grow their business to its maximum capacity.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Dr. Kelly to discuss scaling a small or medium sized business to its maximum capacity, why he harps on the Pareto Principle with all of his clients, how taking away is the best path to adding more, and much more.

To learn more about Dr. Kelly, download his free ebook, or book a free consultation call with him, visit his website.

To purchase Dr. Kelly’s book, Define and Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Profits, visit here.

Follow Dr. Kelly: Facebook | Instagram

– – – – –

Guest Introduction (00:00)

Scaling Small to Medium Businesses (03:55)

The 80/20 Rule aka The Pareto Principle (06:25)

Taking Away Not Adding More (09:15)

Defining Top Priorities for All Team Members (14:18)

What Gets Monitored and By Whom (18:30)

Typical Places Companies Plateau (21:50)

One Thing Business Owners Underestimate (27:10)

Kelly’s Books and Where to Find Him (29:12)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Using Mental Prompts to Stay Focused and Deliver Your Best When the Pressure is Highest

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Delivering results under pressure feels like one of those prerequisites to building a successful career; it’s just something you’ll have to be able to do. But high-pressure situations can break down even the best of us if we don’t plan and prepare for how to handle and overcome them.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander breaks down the idea of Mental Prompts and how they can help you keep your focus and bring the best version of yourself to the highest pressure situations.

Coined by famed sports psychologist Trevor Moawad, the idea of Mental Prompts have helped elite athletes perform at the peak of their industries for years. Over the course of the episode, Emily gives the background on what Mental Prompts are, how they can be used within the business world, gives real world examples from her career, and more.

– – – – –

Introducing the Idea of Mental Prompts (00:00)

How Mental Prompts Work in the Business World (02:20)

Example of How Emily Used Mental Prompts in Her Career (03:35)

Habit Stacking Your Mental Prompts (10:00)

Recap and Takeaways (11:10)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Why Developing a Giving Mindset is Good for Business and Great for Leadership with Bob DePasquale

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Are you a generous leader? Of the many ways we assess our leadership style and abilities, the lens of generosity is rarely one of them, but as Bob DePasquale points out, maybe it should be.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with The Generosity Guy himself, Bob DePasquale, to talk all things giving and the positive effects it has on the giver, not just the receiver.

Their conversation covers what radical generosity is, why giving is good for business, how to develop a giving mindset, why good leaders are giving leaders, and much more!

To learn more about Bob visit his website.

To listen to Bob’s podcast, Speaking of Impact, visit here.

Follow Bob: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

– – – – –

Guest Introduction (00:00)

What is Radical Generosity (01:25)

Giving is Good Business (02:40)

Developing a Giving Mindset (06:30)

Good Leaders are Giving (13:30)

Presence Not Presents (23:35)

Deciding How and Where to Give (26:35)

Where to Find Bob and Connect (34:10)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Why You Should Ask For Feedback and How Best to Receive It (Feedback Series Part 3 of 3)

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Have you asked for feedback lately? As renowned management guru Ken Blanchard says, feedback is the breakfast of champions, which means you should be asking for it from all areas of your organization and team!

In this third and final episode in our series on feedback, host Emily Sander discusses why asking for feedback is so valuable, before breaking down three tips for receiving feedback in the best possible way.

Near episode’s end Emily references the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott, which can be purchased here.

– – – – –

Ask for Feedback from Everyone Around You (00:40)

Say Thank You (03:00)

Listen and Ask for Clarification (4:25)

Feedback is Subjective and an Offering (05:25)

Three Key Takeaways on Feedback (06:55)

Book Recommendations (08:40)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Eight Guidelines for Giving Effective Feedback (Feedback Series Part 2 of 3)

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Now that we know the importance and power that feedback can have we must learn to deliver it in the most effective manner possible.

In this second episode of our three part series on feedback, host Emily Sander breaks down eight specific guidelines to follow when giving feedback for it to be received and used most effectively.

– – – – –

Address Issues in Private, Praise in Public (00:25)

Give Feedback in Real Time (01:00)

Speak For Yourself (01:55)

Emphasize How Actions Affect the Team (02:15)

Be Sincere (03:10)

Be Specific (04:00)

Repeating Positive Feedback (07:55)

Saying Something is Better Than Nothing (09:15)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

The Importance of Feedback and How to Best Communicate It (Part 1)

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

When you hear the word feedback, what’s your reaction? Do you get excited? Do you get nervous, or scared even? Does that feeling change depending on if you are giving or receiving the feedback?

Feedback is essential, and as host Emily Sander will tell you in this episode it is also an awesome part of any job, it helps people, and whether you believe it or not, people like receiving it!

In this the first episode in a three part series on feedback, Emily breaks down why it is so important, explains how studies prove people are secretly craving it, and walks you through two frameworks for how to deliver feedback for the best possible results.

If you like what you hear be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss parts 2 and 3 of the series!

– – – – –

Episode Intro (00:00)

Importance of Feedback (01:25)

People are Secretly Craving Feedback (03:30)

How to Deliver Feedback - The Compliment Sandwich Framework (05:05)

How to Deliver Feedback - SBIN Framework (11:35)

Episode Recap (14:45)

– – – – –

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Discover Your Wiring and Become a Catalytic Leader with Dr. William Attaway

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

On today’s episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander welcomes Dr. William Attaway to the podcast to discuss the idea of a Catalytic Leader. As Dr. William would say, a catalyst is defined as “an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.” A catalytic leader, then, is an agent of change.

As leaders we are always striving to get the best out of our teams by giving them our best, and Dr. William is a wealth of knowledge on how to do just that. During their conversation he and Emily discuss where he came up with the idea of Catalytic Leadership, how to find your own leadership style, why you must lead with intention, and much more!

To learn more about William and Catalytic Leadership, visit his website .

To get your free copy of William’s book, Catalytic Leadership, visit here.

Follow William: LinkedIn | Twitter

– – – – –

Introducing Dr. William Attaway (00:00)

What is Catalytic Leadership (01:45)

Finding Your Own Leadership Style (06:40)

Leading Intentionally (10:35)

Creating More Joy in your Career (12:25)

Work Life Balance and the Issues with Compartmentalization (20:15)

Constantly Learning and Evolving (24:15)

– – – – –

Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Using the Power of Mentorship to Grow Your Leadership Tree

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander introduces the concept of a leadership tree as a way to visualize the impact of mentorship in the corporate world. She reflects on her own journey and the impact her mentor had on her career, sharing the story of how a single comment from him opened her eyes to new possibilities and encouraged her to pursue leadership roles.

Throughout the episode, Emily emphasizes the power our words have, the importance of recognizing and cultivating untapped potential in others, and why you should express gratitude to your mentors while reflecting on your own leadership tree.

– – – – –

One Comment Changed Emily’s Career (00:00)

Opening Doors for Others (03:39)

Leadership Trees (05:57)

Don’t Fear a Mentee Finding Success (07:50)

Four Key Takeaways (08:49)

Recap and Wrap-up (13:00)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

The Difference Between Venting and Gossiping: How One Brings Benefits While the Other Ruins Teams

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Do you ever talk about your team members and how they are doing? If so, do you think you do it in an appropriate way that actually brings benefit to you or your team?

Talking about people and situations is normal and as leaders who are privy to all the information and happenings within your team you’ve got all the possible thoughts swimming around in your head. It’s normal to want to vent, to get some of those thoughts out, to discuss things and wrestle with issues. However, while beneficial, you’ve got to be careful that venting doesn’t turn into gossiping.

On this week’s episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander breaks down the subtle but important difference between venting and gossiping and why the former can help while the latter can ruin.

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Venting is Normal and OK (When Done Correctly) (00:00)

Telling the Difference Between Venting and Gossiping (01:40)

Four Things to Help Stop Yourself From Gossiping (06:00)

Recap and Takeaways (13:15)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership . Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

How To Face Difficult Conversations and Become a Conflict Resolutionary with Kristine Scott

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Business (and life) are full of difficult conversations and conflicts that must be resolved to move forward. The ability to not only face those moments but produce good results and positive momentum from them is a crucial tool to have for any leader of any business.

On this episode of Leveraging Leadership host Emily Sander is joined by Kristine Scott, aka the Conflict Resolutionary, to break down the ins and outs of conflict resolution and how we can all get a better handle on how we approach it.

Kristine is a nationally recognized trainer and internationally lauded speaker on conflict management. She is on a mission as Owner and Chief Trainer at Seattle Conflict Resolution to help others skip the mistakes that she made early in her life and be able to bring their best selves into hard situations.

During their discussion, Emily and Kristine go over advice for those who typically run from conflict, how to de-escalate our emotions, changing a win-lose situation into a win-win, and much more!

Learn more about Seattle Conflict Resolution by visiting their website .

Follow Kristine: LinkedIn | Facebook

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Episode and Guest Intro (00:00)

Advice for Those Who Run From Conflict (02:25)

Preparing for a Contentious Situation (04:57)

De-escalating Emotions and Understanding our Biology (11:25)

Changing from Win-Lose Dynamic to Win-Win (20:55)

Differences Between Men and Women in Conflict Resolution (29:40)

Approach to Conflict from the Leader Position (34:45)

Where to Reach Kristine and Her Training Materials (37:45)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here .

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

How to Challenge Your Team to Reach the Best Results

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Throughout history humans have often performed their best when challenged and that still rings true today, especially in a work environment. The ability of a leader to challenge their team while still providing that safe and supportive work space is crucial to driving outsized success.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander discusses why it is that humans enjoy a challenge so much and then walks you through four different examples of how a challenge can be appropriately given and the incredible results it can lead to.

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Humans Enjoy a Challenge (00:00)

Example 1: Philip II of Macedon (02:03)

Example 2: Bees in Space (03:38)

Example 3: Captain Kirk in Star Trek (04:55)

Example 4: The Rainbow Unicorn (07:06)

Recap and Key Takeaways (10:23)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of An Insider's Perspective on the Chief of Staff. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

The Benefits of Being Creatively Resourceful aka The Art of the Swizzle

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Are you tapping in to all of the resources you have around you? Likely not given that there are way more than you are thinking of, which is why it’s time to swizzle!

If you’ve never heard the term swizzle don’t fret, most haven’t. It’s a term and idea that was created impromptu by host Emily Sander during a team meeting years back. The general idea is to help you and your team be more creatively resourceful.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily breaks down what swizzle means and how the idea was born before going through three different examples of swizzling that display its different components and many benefits.

Referenced in the episode:

The book Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal can be found here .

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The Art and Definition of Swizzling (00:00)

Adaptability to the Present Situation (02:28)

Learning Positive Traits from Your Leaders (04:13)

Maximum Recoverable Volume (08:45)

Swizzle Recap and Key Takeaways (11:55)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

How to Leverage Habits, Goals, and Systems to Achieve Astounding Results with Brady Ross

Mon, 29 May 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Do you feel in control of your own destiny? For Brady Ross that answer used to be no, but in recent years it has turned into a resounding yes. How did he do it? The change, as he says, was simple. His life transformed when he recognized the power of daily habits, goals and systems, and leveraged them to achieve astounding results in his physical health, mental health, career, and family life.

On today’s episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily chats with Brady Ross, fellow ICF Certified Coach and Entrepreneur, about his transformation and the power that motivation and habits have to propel us to massive success. They cover Brady’s book on habits and goals, discuss having a fixed vs growth mindset, explore how to spur motivation in those who lack it, go over their favorite coaching questions, and much more!

Learn more about Brady by visiting his website .

Find Brady’s book, Seven Steps to Dominate Your Day and Crush Your Goals, here .

Listen to Brady’s podcast, Motivation for Regular People, by visiting here .

Follow Brady: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Episode and Guest Intro (00:00)

Brady’s Background and Why He Loves Habits and Motivation (02:50)

Fixed vs Growth Mindset (06:30)

Overview of Seven Steps to Dominate Your Day (11:20)

Planning Your Day (15:04)

Getting Active on a Daily Basis (19:22)

Learning Something (23:18)

Spurring Motivation In Someone Who Lacks It (26:31)

Feelings vs Intentions (31:22)

Favorite Coaching Questions (40:48)

Where to Find Brady and His Books (43:27)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of An Insider's Perspective on the Chief of Staff. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach .

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

5 - The Importance of Delegation and Six Steps to Help You Delegate Better

Mon, 22 May 2023 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Leveraging Leadership podcast, Host Emily Sander explores the crucial leadership skill of delegation. Sharing a personal anecdote about her struggle with juggling multiple responsibilities, Emily highlights the need for delegation in a leader's day-to-day life. She then delves into the five common barriers to delegation and presents six actionable steps to improve your own delegation skills.

Tune in to this episode to learn how mastering delegation can transform your leadership style and elevate your team's performance.

Emily mentions an article on delegation by Brian Nordli, How to Get Comfortable with Delegation, which can be found here.

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Importance, Definition, and Benefits of Delegation (00:00)

Five Common Barriers to Delegation (04:20)

Six Steps to Delegate Well (08:40)

Recap and Takeaways (15:20)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership . Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

4 - How To Make Better Decisions Using the Three Circle Framework

Mon, 15 May 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Business leaders make decision after decision all day long, it’s the nature of the position. In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily breaks down a simple yet powerful framework for decision making that can help you consistently produce your desired outcomes and results.

Emily explains the Three Circle Framework before walking you through two examples, the four key elements to remember, and key takeaways such as leading with empathy vs throwing the kitchen sink.

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Introducing the Three Circles Decision Making Framework (00:00)

Reactive Example of Using the Three Circle Framework (01:20)

Four Key Elements (03:00)

Proactive Example of Using the Three Circle Framework (05:45)

Recap and Takeaways (08:00)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership . Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

3 - Maximizing Employee Retention Through Culture Design feat. Mitch Gray

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:16:00 -0700

Emily is joined for the first ever Leveraging Leadership interview by Mitch Gray, a business owner, leadership consultant, author, inspirational speaker, and all around wealth of knowledge when it comes to the world of leadership and culture building.

During their conversation Mitch and Emily explore how to culture design within business, how to find alignment between personal and career, the idea of using fear as a teacher, and much more.

To learn more about Mitch and Mitch Gray Media, visit here.

To purchase Mitch’s book, How to Hire and Keep Great People, click here.

Follow Mitch: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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Episode Introduction (00:00)

Mitch’s background and journey (03:10)

Feet planted, eyes forward (05:45)

Culture design in business (10:40)

Bringing your whole self (15:30)

Finding alignment between personal and career (20:45)

When to make a career transition (27:50)

Using fear as a teacher (31:30)

Always be a recruiter (36:21)

Where to connect with Mitch (42:40)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

2 - Adding Value in New Ways as You Move Up the Org Chart

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:15:00 -0700

What got you to where you are most likely will not get you to where you are going next. At least that is the case for leaders looking to move up in role and responsibility within their company.

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership Emily discusses the concept of adding value in new ways as your role changes. She breaks down different types of upward moves and how your value changes at each of those inflection points, then recaps and gives examples of the skills that you’ll need to use the further up the org chart you move.

Referenced in the episode is Scott Eblin’s book, Next Level, which can be purchased here .

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Episode Introduction (00:00)

Individual Contributor to First Time Manager (00:55)

Managing a Manager for the First Time (04:15)

Leading a Department Your Not Familiar With (05:40)

Adding Value in the C-Suite (13:15)

Recap and Skills that Matter More as You Move Up (16:53)

Two Key Takeaways and Questions (18:55)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership . Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

1 - Three Leadership Lessons from Legendary Coach Phil Jackson That Every Business Leader Should Know

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:52:16 -0700

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses the leadership style of legendary NBA coach, Phil Jackson. She talks about three key lessons he used to routinely lead his team to championships and how they can be applied to the business world. Viewed first through the lens of basketball, then through the lens of business, Emily breaks down tying day-to-day activities to the overall mission, why you need to get to know your players, and why you need to bench the ego.

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Introducing the Episode (00:00)

Tie Your Day to Day Activity to the Overall Goal (02:10)

Importance of Knowing Your People (04:20)

Benching Your Ego (06:34)

Applying These Principles to the Business World (09:23)

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy startups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership . Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Leveraging Leadership Trailer!

Thu, 04 May 2023 12:32:40 -0700

Are you looking to become a better leader? Do you want to learn the ins and outs of business leadership?

If so, you're in the right place! Introducing the Leveraging Leadership Podcast, a show that unpacks the art of business leadership. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast gives you access to the best tools and strategies to enhance your leadership skills and become the leader you've always wanted to be.

Don’t miss your opportunity to grow as a leader! Tune in to the show every week on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.