Leveraging Leadership

The episode breaks down how skill-based assessments can help make better hiring decisions, whether you’re hiring for an entry-level analyst, a digital marketing specialist, or a software engineer. Emily Sander shares real-life examples like using SEO quizzes, press release writing tasks, and real client scenarios to test candidates’ technical abilities. The advice is to create assessments that match the actual job and adjust them for the level of the role, especially if you’re a Chief of Staff leading the process.Get in touch with Emily:Want help designing skill-based hiring assessments? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Why Skill Assessments Matter01:04 Hiring as Chief of Staff01:31 Two Assessment Principles02:45 Digital Marketing Hiring Story04:12 Quizzes Plus Real Scenarios07:02 Comms Tests and AI Concerns08:41 Engineering Whiteboard Pressure10:40 Assessing Senior Leaders14:00 Be Selective and Trust Process

Emily Sander talks with Keosha Lucas about whether the Chief of Staff role is a career destination or a stepping stone. Keosha shares her path from Lyft, where she did Chief of Staff work under different titles, to startups and eventually becoming a Senior Vice President and co-founding a fintech company. She gives practical advice on gaining experience, handling imposter syndrome, and how Chief of Staff skills prepared her to run a business.Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Meet Keosha Lucas02:05 Doing CoS Work Without Title06:05 Growing Pains and Processes08:57 Discovering the CoS Title16:04 Confidence and Imposter Syndrome19:12 Career Arc to SVP and Founder25:46 CoS as Destination and Advice

The episode looks at jargon and acronyms in the workplace, using examples like ARR (annual rate of return) and CPA (cost per acquisition or certified public accountant), and talks about ways to learn or clarify business lingo. It emphasizes that asking questions doesn’t make you look stupid and highlights the Chief of Staff’s role in creating a shared language across teams, especially during mergers or integrations. Tips include using tools like Google or ChatGPT, paying attention to context, and not overcomplicating things with unnecessary jargon.Get in touch with Emily:Confused by business jargon? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 The Acronym Anxiety01:34 Step Back and Normalize Jargon04:05 Learn by Context and Quick Lookups06:45 Ask Anyway You're Not Dumb09:45 Why Clarifying Helps Everyone12:12 Chief of Staff Shared Language17:38 Communicate Clearly Avoid Buzzwords21:47 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up

Emily Sander talks with Maren Perry, founder and CEO of Arden Coaching, about what HR really does beyond paperwork, why leadership development should start early, and the habits of high-performing teams. They cover tips for giving and receiving feedback, how emotional intelligence works in day-to-day situations, and how small changes - like starting meetings on time - can improve team culture. Maren Perry also explains Arden Coaching’s assessment tools and approaches for building better leaders at all stages of their careers.Links Mentioned:Arden Coaching websiteFree assessment (organizational quiz)Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:59 Why Arden Coaching04:20 Develop Leaders Earlier08:24 Feedback and EQ Skills17:41 Align With The Leader20:52 Small Shifts Big Impact22:04 Common Team Breakdowns32:59 Assessment Services And Wrap

The conversation focuses on practical ways a Chief of Staff can work with peers across departments, like finding small ways to make someone’s workflow easier or kicking off cross-team projects such as company-wide KPI dashboards and revamped performance reviews. Real examples include removing unnecessary steps from daily processes, automating Salesforce reports, and even simple gestures like ordering a camera cover for a colleague’s laptop. The episode also covers building trust through these actions and handling resistance from team members.​​Get in touch with Emily:Need help improving cross-team collaboration? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Setup01:31 Small Wins Build Trust02:00 Workflow Fixes and Shortcuts03:44 A Tiny Gesture Example05:54 KPI Dashboards and Automation08:58 Handling Peer Resistance10:27 Time and Political Capital16:58 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Emily talks with performance coach Benjamin Smith about using sports psychology and mindfulness for better leadership. They cover tools like visualization, breathwork, and grounding exercises for handling pressure, and discuss the importance of play, self-compassion, and knowing your core values. Benjamin also shares why striving for endless self-improvement isn’t always the answer and how feeling “whole” is key to real performance.Links Mentioned:Benjamin Smith's WebsiteBenjamin Smith’s SubstackGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:04 Sports Psychology Basics02:27 Quarterback Pressure Tools09:35 Flow State And Mindfulness17:01 Conflict And Body Awareness23:06 Body Based Calming Tools25:09 Reframing Threat as Safety26:20 Compassion in High Performance27:48 Beyond Self Improvement Mindfulness40:01 Play Joy and Closing

Emily answers a listener named Dallas, a longtime tree company owner, who’s struggling to get traction applying for Chief of Staff roles after his business closed. She talks about being seen as overqualified, how to preempt concerns on a resume and in interviews, and ways to use founder experience as an advantage. Emily gives examples like using a simple explanation on LinkedIn and resumes, referencing candidates moving from CEO roles, and how to address the “overqualified” issue directly with hiring managers.Get in touch with Emily:Want help repositioning your founder experience for a Chief of Staff role? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Setup01:22 Why You Seem Overqualified02:57 Resume and LinkedIn Reframe04:25 CFO Story Example05:57 Practice a Calm Talk Track06:53 Founder Experience as an Asset08:22 Family Business Dynamics09:44 Get Feedback and Target Fit11:52 Disarm Concerns and Wrap Up

Veer Sawhney talks about his transition from working as a personal aide at the White House to becoming Chief of Staff at an investment firm. He shares how skills like anticipating needs, managing high-pressure situations, and helping his principals stay focused have been key in both government and business roles. Veer also explains how he expanded his role to support the venture team and what he looks for in founders and investments.Link Mentioned:Connect with Veer via email.Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:53 Inside the White House Role02:05 Running Comms and Events03:50 Working with Chiefs of Staff05:17 From Politics to Investing08:11 Landing the Chief of Staff Job09:41 Transferable Chief of Staff Skills20:09 Protecting Focus and Managing Interruptions25:58 Building Trust and Expanding Scope31:08 VC Work, Advice, and Wrap Up

Tips for keeping conversations going as Chief of Staff, like following up after a listening tour and spotting ways to help teammates. Examples include offering to QA an automated process or noticing patterns such as a lack of people management experience, then coordinating training. Early on, it's important to follow up on small things, even if they're only a big deal to one person.Get in touch with Emily:Want to turn conversations into action as a Chief of Staff? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Why Listening Tours Matter00:58 Setting Up Intro Meetings01:59 Avoid One and Done Chats03:21 Research Then Reconnect04:50 Turn Insights Into Initiatives07:19 Right Size Your Follow Ups09:40 When to Relaunch the Role

Audley Stephenson shares his journey from basketball fan to podcast host and sports league commissioner, highlighting how audacity shaped his life and career. He explains the BOLD Framework for living audaciously, discusses meeting Kobe Bryant, and debunks myths about audacity by showing it's not reserved for elite achievers or reckless acts. Audley also talks about building self-awareness, celebrating small wins, and the importance of taking action.Links Mentioned:Audley Stephenson’s PodcastAudley Stephenson’s WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:02:07 Origin of Audacity04:09 Basketball Podcast Breakthrough06:26 Pandemic Pivot to Purpose10:29 Bold Framework and Myths23:20 Affirmations Need Action24:47 Courage Before Confidence25:20 Reframing Failure as Data27:51 Bold Leadership Decisions35:11 Audacity Myths and Legacy

Learn practical ways to build a culture of feedback at work, whether your team is new to honest conversations or already open to input. Emily Sander shares examples like using simple "what did we learn?" discussions after meetings, asking for feedback on your own actions, and starting anonymous pulse surveys. Tips include using "we" language in reviews, modeling how to accept feedback, and structuring shout-outs and team evaluations to encourage constructive dialogue.Link Mentioned:Radical Candor by Kim ScottGet in touch with Emily:Want help building a feedback culture? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:00:41 Radical Candor Recap01:43 Why Feedback Cultures Fail02:59 Start Small and Be Patient03:36 Ask What Did We Learn05:46 Model Feedback on Yourself07:37 Debrief Story Example11:14 Pulse Surveys and Follow Through13:00 Structured Group Feedback Loops22:29 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Maria Paiva shares her path from chemical engineering to a blended Chief of Staff and HR role at a small Portuguese company, explaining how her job covers everything from people management to company strategy. She discusses working for two principals, how her company’s idea of Chief of Staff came from The West Wing, and why she often introduces herself as an HR manager due to the role’s novelty in Portugal. Maria also talks about earning team trust, organizing manager training, and balancing planned HR tasks with unpredictable Chief of Staff responsibilities.​​Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:56 Maria Career Path02:55 Two CEOs And Role Origin08:50 Balancing HR And CoS12:07 Managing Dual Principals16:48 Handling Principal Pushback17:35 Scaling Leadership Structure20:42 Outside Chief of Staff Learning Curve27:18 Building Trust Through Listening34:15 Advice and Closing Thoughts

Emily Sander talks about appreciating the people you work with during each season of your career - like learning from Jamie, being challenged to grow by a boss like Rohit, or having fun working with someone like Matt. She also encourages listeners to recognize and value work friendships, even if they change over time, and reminds us not to take good team dynamics for granted.Get in touch with Emily:Want to build stronger work relationships? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:46 Flip the Script to Appreciation01:07 Learning from a Teammate01:40 Grateful for a Challenging Boss02:43 The Coworker Who Makes It Fun03:24 When Mentoring Seasons End05:16 How to Express Appreciation08:11 Work Friends and Lifelong Bonds11:53 Step Back and Reflect

Chief of Staff and crisis communication expert Jeff Evans shares lessons from working in the California legislature, discussing the importance of building relationships across the aisle and handling unexpected crises. He explains the difference between narrative framing and spin, and gives practical tips for leaders communicating in the first 24 hours of a crisis using a four-step framework: what we know, what we don’t know, what we’re going to do, and when we’ll update. They also cover real examples like the Boeing 737 MAX crisis, Southwest Airlines' business model changes, and handling tough school policy situations.Link Mentioned:Jeff Evan’s WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Bipartisan Relationships04:17 Narrative Framing vs Spin06:55 Crisis Statement Framework08:42 Precision Builds Credibility13:47 Small Credibility Killers15:43 Clarity Precision Narrative Model19:13 Loglines and Lincoln Script22:29 Leadership Logline Basics25:18 Clarity In Crisis Comms27:41 Tone Deaf Rulebook Lesson35:16 Change Narratives And Alignment

This episode explains why Chiefs of Staff should avoid asking "How can I help you?" and instead focus on what will move the needle for their principal and team. Emily Sander shares real pitfalls, like getting stuck with small admin tasks, and suggests specific strategies such as spotting communication breakdowns or coaching leaders through challenges. The advice includes leading with strategic proposals rather than just picking up tasks others want to hand off.Get in touch with Emily:Want help shifting from task-taker to strategic partner? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 The Help Question Trap02:08 Ask Needle Moving Questions02:45 High Impact Examples03:59 Know Your Best Service04:32 Avoid Getting Pigeonholed05:26 Lead With a Proposal07:04 Takeaways and Closing

Nick McDonough talks about his path from manufacturing and M&A to becoming Chief of Staff and later Chief Administrative Officer at the healthcare startup QuikMedic. He shares how his role expanded as the company tripled in size, taking on HR, data, and operations responsibilities. Nick also gives practical insights into prioritizing work, building trust with the CEO, and why he prefers working at a small, fast-moving company over a large organization.Links Mentioned:QuikMedic’s WebsiteConnect with Nick McDonough on LinkedInGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:01:02 Nick’s career path: manufacturing → healthcare → corp dev & partnerships03:11 What QuikMedic Clinic does: mobile urgent care to keep patients out of the ER04:36 Defining the initial role: Chief of Staff to CEO + Head of Growth & Strategy05:40 How the role expanded into CAO: scaling pains, HR/data/vendor rigor09:17 Day-to-day execution: small team, key projects, prioritization cadence & partner work20:08 Big Company vs. Small Company: What Changes Day-to-Day22:56 Why Going Smaller Was Intentional (and the Vet Practice Influence)25:09 Chief of Staff Lessons: Trust, Candor, and Challenging the CEO31:43 Favorite Parts of the Role: Full Visibility & Seeing Decisions Up Close34:43 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff + Relationship ‘Thread the Needle’

The episode tackles what to do when you feel a case of the "blahs" at work, making sure to distinguish it from burnout. Chief of Staff tips include taking a walk, stretching (like the doorway stretch), listening to motivational music or interviews (such as Kobe Bryant), and giving 100% of whatever energy you have that day. Emily Sander encourages self-awareness and having go-to strategies ready for those off days.Get in touch with Emily:Feeling the “blahs” at work? Get clear on your next move. Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:01 Blahs vs. Burnout: Make the Right Diagnosis First02:01 Quick Reset Tactics: Walks, Stretching, and Movement03:51 Give 100% of Your 70%: Showing Up Without the Guilt04:32 Name It to Tame It: Remember the Blahs Are Temporary05:12 Use External Energy: Music, Motivation, and a “Pump-Up” Playlist06:31 Build Your Personal Playbook: Patterns, Experiments, and Leadership Self-Awareness07:49 Wrap-Up + Sponsor Message

Rachael Goldfarb shares real-life stories from her time supporting the Chief of Staff to President Clinton and leading at the Gates Foundation. She breaks down what a Chief of Staff is and isn’t, highlights why the role is senior and not administrative, and talks about challenges women face in these positions. The episode includes examples of advocating for staff, building relationships, and navigating tough boundaries with principals.Links Mentioned:Connect with Rachael Goldfarb on LinkedInEmail Rachael GoldfarbGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:25 Experiences in the White House05:55 Defining the Chief of Staff Role12:15 The Importance of Relationship Building20:58 Women in Leadership and Chief of Staff Roles25:43 The Thrill of Helping Others27:53 Challenges and Misunderstandings32:09 Elevating the Chief of Staff Role42:33 Demonstrating Value as a Chief of Staff46:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

Emily Sander shares stories about a former coaching client worried his current job stress might cause health issues like it did ten years ago, and a military veteran adjusting to planning her first personal vacation after years of work travel. The episode focuses on recognizing your own growth, not judging yourself by your past reactions, and giving yourself credit for changes you’ve made over the years.Get in touch with Emily:Need support reframing stress and honoring your growth? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:41 Story #1: Corporate Stress, Anxiety, and Fear of Repeating the Past03:06 You’re Not the Same Person: Tools, Support Systems, and New Ways to Handle Pressure04:00 Zoom Out: Stop Assuming Old Triggers Mean the Same Outcome Today06:16 Story #2: Learning to Vacation After a Career of Work Travel07:44 Reframing the Pressure: New Season, New Skills (and Some Transferable Ones)08:44 Key Takeaway + Closing Thoughts: Grace for Growth and Life Phases

Brian Miller, president of Coach Approach Ministries, explains the difference between coaching, consulting, and therapy, and why a "coach approach" helps people solve problems by seeing new perspectives. The discussion includes practical examples for Chief of Staff roles, like asking thought-provoking questions, giving feedback based on observations, and understanding team strengths using tools like Working Genius. The episode shares tips on creating a safe space for honest thinking, growing through coaching, and building complementary teams.Links Mentioned:Coach Approach Ministries WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:40 Defining Coaching and Its Importance05:50 Coaching vs. Consulting16:54 The Evolution of Coaching in Industry23:34 Thought Provoking Coaching25:33 Effective Coaching Techniques28:27 Feedback and Radical Candor31:28 Levels of Learning in Coaching34:02 Identity and Leadership39:28 The Value of Assessments in Coaching

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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: When Work Gets Derailed by Changing Priorities01:17 Step 1: Ask ‘Why Are We Changing Direction?’ (and When to Push Back)03:07 Explaining the ‘Why’ to the Team Without Needing to Agree04:08 Reframing ‘Wasted Work’: What Still Carries Forward05:13 When ‘Unused’ Work Becomes Valuable Later06:57 Managing the Emotional Whiplash + Refocus on What the Team Needs Next08:59 Wrap-Up + Next Week + Sponsor Message

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 ConsultancyConnect with Philip Atkinson on LinkedInFollow Be Wise Book on FacebookFollow Be Wise Book on InstagramPhilip Atkinson’s BookAll proceeds from the book go directly to this charity supporting beekeeping in developing countries: Bees for DevelopmentLearn 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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:03:07 Lessons from the Hive: Productivity and Leadership04:53 The Role of the Queen and Servant Leadership09:57 Decision Making in the Hive16:06 The Lifecycle and Roles of Bees21:32 Beehive Cleanliness and Bird Predators22:35 Seasons of Life and Career24:45 Comparing Beehives to Organizational Roles25:44 Fascinating Bee Facts27:10 Sensing the System: Lessons from Beekeeping31:06 Challenges of Beekeeping35:41 Supporting Bees and Beekeepers Worldwide

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:26 A Conversation on Team Performance01:19 Identifying and Setting Clear Expectations02:24 Steps to Evaluate Team Success04:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

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 WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:01:15 Matt's Experience with Chiefs of Staff02:01 Understanding the Square Management System03:09 The Importance of Culture Alignment14:22 The Four I's of the Square Management System21:07 Understanding Subcategories and Levels22:12 Identifying and Sticking to Priorities24:32 Addressing Bad Actors in Company Culture25:53 Using Diagnostic Tools for Alignment37:18 Importance of Intentional Design

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:59 Starting an Internal Campaign01:22 Using Slogans and Phrases02:57 Visuals and Analogies03:44 Utilizing Different Mediums04:18 Repetition and Reinforcement07:20 Case Study: Nonprofit Campaign10:15 Phases and Key Stakeholders11:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 WebsiteConnect with Bill Shander on LinkedInBill Shander’s Book: Stakeholder WhisperingGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:33 The Evolution of Data Storytelling03:15 The Inspiration Behind 'Stakeholder Whispering'05:12 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics16:58 The Power of Divergent and Convergent Questions18:49 Common Mistakes in Stakeholder Whispering21:27 Tactical Approaches to Clarifying and Pushing Back28:00 The Dynamics of Hierarchy and Influence

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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 The Half-Baked Idea: Why It's Beneficial02:30 The Importance of Calibration Sessions06:36 Understanding Your Boss's Fixations10:43 Iterative Processes for Long-Term Success11:12 Encouragement and Conclusion12:29 Sponsor Message: Next Level Coaching

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 companyChris Blauvelt’s Twitter/X handleConnect with Chris Blauvelt on LinkedInGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:20 Chris Vet's Journey and Achievements03:26 The Role and Impact of a Chief of Staff06:40 Hiring and Integrating a Chief of Staff16:48 Taking Ownership and Delegation18:23 Onboarding and Establishing Cadence20:41 Hiring a New Chief of Staff29:43 Mission and Vision of Launchgood

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Judgment vs. Assessment: Key Distinctions03:14 Real-Life Examples of Judgment and Assessment05:47 Observation vs. Assumption in Team Dynamics09:24 Making Effective Leadership Decisions13:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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’ OrganizationReach out to Andrew via emailGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:02:30 Defining Improv and Its Impact05:09 Improv in the Business World07:56 Games to Enhance Team Collaboration12:59 Building a Supportive Team Culture18:25 The Essence of Improv: Collaboration Over Comedy19:43 Improv for Introverts and Tech Teams22:10 Improv and Perfectionism24:58 The Benefits of Practicing Improv27:30 The ABCs of Effective Meetings29:07 The Importance of Movement and Engagement31:18 Iterative Changes and Practical Applications

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. Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:00:29 Building a System for Success01:06 Knowing Yourself and Your Goals03:00 Tactical Tips for Weight Loss04:37 Tracking Progress and Adjusting Systems07:19 Personal Example: Improving Sleep13:58 Conclusion: Designing Systems for Inevitable Success

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 WebsiteEmail Jared Stein​​Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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 Staff02:38 Challenges and Transitions During COVID04:02 The Chief of Staff Opportunity07:13 Interview Process and Personal Milestones08:29 Joining Poterack Capital15:46 Virtual Operations and Team Dynamics18:12 Client Onboarding and Financial X-Ray20:22 Understanding the Client Process24:41 Implementing Organizational Discipline26:45 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff32:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Understanding the Wheel of Life01:26 Identifying Your Stakeholders02:08 Self-Assessment and Goal Setting03:09 Practical Steps to Improve04:47 Balancing Different Life Areas06:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 ValleyAurora Food PantryYoung InvinciblesINDIVISIBLE AURORA (Aurora Mutual Aid)Get in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsite Newsletter 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 Path04:27 Transition to Municipal Government06:10 Community Engagement and Nonprofit Work13:30 Role and Structure of the Mayor's Office22:52 The Role of Lobbyists in Municipal Government25:13 Local Advocacy and Community Impact30:34 Nonprofit Collaboration with Municipal Government36:30 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff and Engaged Citizens44:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:01:19 Specific Goals vs. General Intentions02:23 SMART Goals Explained04:52 Finding What Works for You05:43 Flexibility in Goal Setting

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 SuccessJohn Knowlton’s WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:01:39 Defining Success: Personal Insights04:38 Purpose and Talents: A Deeper Dive06:28 Refining Talents into Skills15:26 Values and Decision Making18:40 Team Collaboration and Problem Solving19:33 Aligning Personal and Company Values20:26 Interviewing Tips for Career Transitions23:50 Operationalizing Values in Organizations26:21 Morning Routines for Success31:17 The Power of Being Outdoors34:02 Introducing John's New Book

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.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:00:00 Introduction to Diagnosing Burnout00:49 Assessing Workload Fairness02:32 Clarifying Role Expectations04:16 Understanding Team Contribution06:33 Considering Personal Life Factors10:06 Eliminating Mental Clutter14:06 Summary and Final Thoughts

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 WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:02:39 Building Trust with Players and Families04:52 The Importance of Relationships in Broadcasting09:15 Life During Baseball Season11:58 Transitioning to Business and Speaking15:29 Handling Pressure in Baseball and Business22:13 Journey Through Career Milestones26:29 The Importance of Routine27:05 Social Media and Its Impact31:11 Building Trust and Relationships38:13 Final Words of Wisdom

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. Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Work01:19 Communicating with Your Boss02:30 The Art of Delegation03:42 Learning from Your Role Model04:29 Preparing for Promotion05:19 The Importance of Taking a Break07:38 Tips for a Successful Vacation11:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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 AgencyGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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:01:19 Nashe's Early Career and Personal Assistant Journey03:16 Transition to Personal Shopping and Styling04:12 Working with Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose05:47 Joining Impossible Ventures06:49 Developing Four Seasons Private Residences08:36 The Importance of Customer Experience10:22 Daily Operations and Responsibilities13:51 Overview of Impossible Ventures22:07 Agency Maison and Domestic Placement Services28:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

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.Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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:00:38 Understanding Your Role and Goal01:40 Facilitating Meetings Effectively02:20 Observing and Debriefing04:30 Applying the Framework Beyond Work05:41 Parenting and Personal Scenarios07:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 ChannelEmail Sophia MikelionisGet in touch with Emily:Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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-Leadership02:20 Practical Tips for Self-Care03:25 The Importance of Small Habits05:52 Mindset Shifts for Self-Leadership10:47 Creating Boundaries and Protecting Energy16:14 Micro Habits and Practical Exercises21:05 The Game Changer: Turning Off Email Notifications21:46 Creating a Morning Routine25:02 Breaking the Cycle of Bad Habits31:08 The Importance of Hobbies35:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

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.Free Leadership ResourcesLinkedInWebsiteNewsletter 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 Progress01:11 Case Study: Addressing Culture Problems02:58 Mindset Matters: Accurate Data in Thoughts04:19 Taking Ownership and Making Progress07:17 Empowering Teams: Changing the Narrative12:13 Concluding Thoughts: Empowerment Through Data

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:The Kipos Group WebsiteConnect with James Misner on LinkedInWant to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.Free Leadership Resources LinkedInWebsiteNewsletterWho 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 Fundraising03:12 Overcoming Fear of Money in Fundraising05:53 Creating Effective Fundraising Processes08:30 Building Donor Relationships12:42 The Importance of Follow-Up17:05 The Importance of Donor Retention18:44 Supporting Your CEO in Fundraising21:45 Effective Fundraising Metrics27:19 Building a Monthly Giving Program29:16 Seasonality and Major Donors31:13 Advice for Chiefs of Staff32:46 Encouraging Personal Donations

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 Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:00:54 Setting the Project Goal01:24 Fair and Reasonable Approaches02:40 Measuring Progress03:23 Addressing Department Preferences04:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 LeadershipConnect with Tinna Jackson on LinkedInFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:00:48 Tinna's Background in Politics05:09 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics06:18 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence08:34 Communication in Remote Work11:05 Building Team Relationships14:59 Effective Leadership Strategies16:54 Navigating Power Dynamics18:46 Finding Influential Allies20:04 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Dynamics22:49 Building Strong Board Relationships26:40 The Power Play Journal30:56 Group Coaching and Mentorship

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 Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:00:57 Coaching and Feedback Essentials01:38 Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities02:46 Distinguishing Productive vs. Distracting Activities04:58 Implementing Accountability Measures08:35 Addressing Cold Calling Challenges09:58 Making the Tough Decision to Move On13:12 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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.Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:01:00 From Arts to Business: Conghao Tian's Background02:24 The MBA Experience at Chicago Booth03:29 Landing the Chief of Staff Internship04:50 Balancing MBA and Internship09:47 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff Intern15:34 Introduction to the Michelin Star Chef16:53 Balancing School and Work18:05 Applying Classroom Knowledge in Real Life20:31 Part-Time Challenges and Solutions27:46 Internship Management and Advice

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.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with Emily Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:00:51 Understanding What Results Mean02:04 Addressing Constraints and Offering Solutions03:30 Effective Communication Strategies05:27 Interpreting and Summarizing Reports08:36 Aligning on Expectations and Language10:15 Database vs. Results: Bridging the Gap11:51 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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.Links Mentioned:Connect with Katie Rohn on LinkedInFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff Toolkit Get in Touch With Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call 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:01:20 Journey to Chief of Staff at Google03:26 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff09:38 Transition to Coaching and Career Reflections22:42 Exploring Career Paths for Chiefs of Staff25:13 Balancing Personal Values and Career Growth29:33 Navigating Relationships in the Chief of Staff Role36:52 Adapting to Changes and Finding the Right Fit