Podcast
Leveraging Leadership
Leadership is messy. Most advice isn't built for the reality of competing priorities, difficult stakeholders, limited time, and imperfect information.
Leveraging Leadership is a practical leadership podcast for Chiefs of Staff, executives, founders, and senior operators who want to lead more effectively and navigate complexity with confidence.
Hosted by Emily Sander, former Chief of Staff and executive advisor, each episode delivers real-world lessons, practical frameworks, and candid conversations with leaders across business and beyond.
Topics include executive communication, leadership presence, decision-making, delegation, organizational influence, operating rhythms, team effectiveness, and the often-unspoken challenges leaders face behind the scenes.
If you're looking for thoughtful conversations, practical takeaways, and leadership advice you can actually use on Monday morning, you're in the right place.
- Episodes
- 314
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 38 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 2 weeks ago
Episodes
314 episodes, newest first
-
49 min
You Don’t Need to Master AI. You Need Decision-Grade Fluency
Season 1, Episode 404
Show notes
Diane Sadowski-Joseph, co-founder of Clarinet, joins me to talk about what it actually means for a company - and its leaders - to become AI-enabled.
We start with the increasingly common mandate to “do the AI thing.” Diane explains why that instruction is almost meaningless until leaders connect AI back to the business outcomes they already care about: growth, profitability, market share, efficiency, and better decision-making. AI isn’t the strategy. It’s another lever available to help execute the strategy.
We also get into the very human side of AI adoption: fear, identity, judgment, resilience, and why leaders don’t need to become AI experts. They need what Diane calls decision-grade fluency - enough hands-on understanding to know when AI is useful, when it isn’t, and how to make better strategic decisions around it. We unpack A, B, and C loops for redesigning workflows, how to move from fear to curiosity, what causes “AI slop,” and why managers need to get much clearer about what good work actually looks like.
Links Mentioned
Clarinet
Diane Sadowski-Joseph on LinkedInGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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 – Why “Do the AI Thing” Is a Blurry Mandate
03:30 – The Fear and Identity Crisis Behind AI Adoption
05:40 – Why Judgment and Discernment Matter More Now
08:20 – AI Is Redesigning Work, Not Just Adding Another Tool
12:20 – Strong Convictions, Loosely Held
15:50 – The “Aggressive Resilience” AI Requires
18:20 – Why You Don’t Need to Become an AI Expert
22:10 – Decision-Grade AI Fluency
26:10 – The Superuser Flywheel: Start With Friction
28:30 – How Do You Prove AI Is Creating Business Value?
29:20 – A Loops, B Loops, and C Loops
33:00 – Connect AI Efficiency to Outcomes That Matter
36:50 – What Good Leadership Looks Like in the AI Era
38:10 – Why Teams Produce “AI Slop”
40:40 – Be Clear About Where the Saved Time Goes
42:50 – How Clarinet Helps Companies Become AI-Enabled -
38 min
Why Big Ideas Die Inside Good Organizations
Season 1, Episode 403
Show notes
Terry Young, author of Possibility Sciences: A Discipline for Turning Bold Ideas Into Reality, joins me to talk about why bold ideas so often die before they ever make it into the real world.
We get into what Terry calls the “Possibility Gap” - the distance between what humans can imagine and what our existing systems can actually bring to life - and why closing that gap requires more than better brainstorming or better technology. It requires changing the incentives, structures, and habits that quietly push organizations back toward incrementalism.
Terry also explains concepts like Return on Future, patient capital, moonshots, zero-waste innovation, and why innovation may be shaped less by individual bravery than by the systems surrounding people. We also talk about human-AI collaboration, where AI can help us navigate the known at scale while humans bring judgment, curiosity, and the ability to explore the unknown.
Links Mentioned:
Possibility Sciences
Possibility Sciences: A Discipline for Turning Bold Ideas Into Reality
Become a PossibilianGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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 – The Possibility Gap: Why Great Ideas Never Become Reality
03:20 – What Is a Possibilian?
04:50 – Return on Future vs. Short-Term ROI
06:10 – Stick, Stack, Fund: Why Bold Ideas Need Patient Capital
08:00 – Commercial Realism, Ethics, and the Possibilian Ethos
10:20 – Why Big Missions and Moonshots Matter
13:10 – Tackling Human Trafficking as a Systems Problem
16:00 – Rebuilding the Innovation Operating System
18:20 – Why Incentives Shape Innovation More Than Bravery
22:20 – Building a New Discipline and Seeding It Into Old Systems
25:50 – Zero-Waste Innovation and Why Every Idea Matters
27:50 – Stop Hoarding Ideas and Start Building on Them
31:30 – AI + Humans: Hybrid Intelligence
34:30 – Making Money and Doing Good at the Same Time
35:50 – The Book, Possibility Sciences, and Becoming a Possibilian -
41 min
How PE-Backed Companies Turn Strategy Into Results
Season 1, Episode 402
Show notes
Private equity firms invest with a value creation plan. But the strategy on the slide deck only matters if the company can actually execute it.
Brea Page, founder of Keep75 and a former Google Chief of Staff and strategy leader, joins me to talk about what happens after the investment: turning strategy into operating rhythms, getting founders and PE firms aligned on expectations, building reporting that creates an early-warning system, and helping leadership teams shift from doing everything themselves to actually scaling through the organization.
We also dig into Brea’s “champion and challenge” model for the Chief of Staff, why PE-backed companies often need someone dedicated to keeping execution from slipping, and how a strong Chief of Staff can turn a strategy from an idea on paper into measurable business results.
Along the way, we talk about founder transitions, PE/portfolio-company communication, internal Chief of Staff promotions, the danger of giving someone the Chief of Staff role without taking away their old job, and why the operating partner + embedded Chief of Staff model may be one of the strongest ways to support portfolio companies as they scale.
Links Mentioned:
Keep75
Brea PageGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
04:10 – From Google to Private Equity
06:00 – How Operations Create Value
10:50 – The Founder Shift: Accountable vs. Responsible
13:50 – Translating Between PE and Portfolio Companies
18:40 – What “Founder-Led” Means After PE Investment
20:20 – Why PE-Backed Companies Need Chiefs of Staff
24:30 – What a Chief of Staff Actually Does
26:20 – Operating Partners + Embedded Chiefs of Staff
30:20 – Hiring and Matching the Right Chief of Staff
36:30 – The Ideal PE Operating Model + Keep75#chiefofstaffpodcast #ChiefOfStaff #COSpod
-
43 min
Executive Presence Is Range, Not a Persona
Season 1, Episode 401
Show notes
Executive presence isn't a checklist of confident behaviors, and it isn't a persona you put on when you reach the C-suite.
Jacque McCormack, co-founder of JetStream Advisors and an executive coach with more than 15 years of experience working with leaders and executive teams, joins me to unpack what executive presence actually looks like in practice: how people experience you, how you flex between authority and approachability, and how you stay grounded enough to respond intentionally when the pressure rises.
We talk about the difference between performative confidence and quiet confidence, the leadership models we unconsciously copy, and why a new executive role can be a chance to deliberately evolve your leadership brand. Jacque also shares specific considerations for women navigating the authority-approachability double bind, along with practical communication tools like bottom-line-up-front messaging and emotional granularity.
A big theme throughout the conversation: executive presence is less about looking the part and more about knowing the wake you create - especially when things get difficult.
Links Mentioned:
JetStream Advisors
Previous Leveraging Leadership conversation with Noel SobelmanGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
00:50 - What executive presence actually feels like
03:20 - Performative confidence vs. quiet confidence
05:30 - The authority-approachability spectrum
08:40 - Audit the leadership model you're mimicking
12:40 - Starting fresh in your first C-suite role
15:10 - Define your leadership brand and the wake you create
20:40 - Executive presence and the double bind for women
24:40 - Bottom-line-up-front communication and emotional granularity
27:20 - Leadership halos, shadows, and stress responses
29:20 - The pause: responding instead of reacting
34:20 - Emotional sovereignty is a muscle, not fake it till you make it
36:10 - Matching leadership horsepower to the organization
38:20 - Why leadership development became a calling#chiefofstaffpodcast #ChiefOfStaff #COSpod
-
40 min
From Safe Bets to Breakthroughs: Building a Balanced Innovation Portfolio
Season 1, Episode 400
Show notes
Noel Sobelman explains innovation portfolio management and how companies can bridge the gap between strategy and execution. He shares a medical device company example where shifting from safe, incremental projects to a more balanced mix led to higher growth. The conversation also covers using tools like metered funding, managing risk, and how roles like Chief of Staff help leaders focus on what's best for the whole company instead of just one business unit.
Links Mentioned:
Noel Sobelman’s Book: Innovation Portfolio Management: Linking Strategy to ExecutionConnect with Noel Sobelman on LinkedIn
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
01:14 What Portfolio Management Means03:55 Medical Device Turnaround Story
07:33 De Risking with Metered Funding
12:41 Saying No and Staying Agile
14:05 Governance and People Dynamics
19:16 Assessing Your Current Portfolio
23:51 Finding the Right Mix
26:33 Decision Focused Portfolio Reviews
28:32 AI and Maturity Benchmarking
33:36 Success Metrics and Gold Standard Example
-
40 min
Freedom from Mental Captivity: Insights on Mediation and Workplace Communication
Season 1, Episode 309
Show notes
Stan Lewis, a former OSHA investigator and mediator, explains how most workplace whistleblower cases come down to communication issues and how managers can prevent problems by listening early. He shares practical mediation tips, like letting people vent, asking what success looks like, and using company policy consistently. Stan also talks about the importance of addressing conflict when it’s still small and relates his “Freedom from Mental Captivity” framework from his new book.
Links Mentioned:
Pre-order Evict The Doubts Squatting Rent-Free In Your Mind BookGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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 What OSHA Really Does02:50 Preventing Issues Through Communication
05:20 Early Resolution and ADR
07:00 Mediator Questions That Work
12:41 Setting Expectations and Offers
15:59 Prework and Breaking Stalemates
22:23 Handling Workplace Tension Early
30:08 Speaking Their Language DiSC
35:01 Evicting Doubts and Wrap Up
-
43 min
Persuasion Versus Manipulation: Ethical Leadership and Building Trust Across Teams
Season 1, Episode 308
Show notes
JonRobert Tartaglione shares how to lead through influence without direct authority, drawing on his background in psychology and examples like political polarization and message framing. He explains why Chiefs of Staff need to use persuasive, not just expressive, communication and offers practical tips, such as using diagnostic questions, hedging language, and leveraging social norms in organizations. The conversation covers what actually works to change minds, why logic alone is rarely enough, and how to avoid manipulation or coercion.
Links Mentioned:
Influence51 WebsiteConnect with JohnRobert on LInkedIn
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
01:14 Academic Journey and Psychology03:26 Political Psychology and Polarization
06:55 Strategic Communication Modes
14:50 Persuasion vs Manipulation
20:55 Illusion of Explanatory Depth
23:52 The Art of Listening
27:59 Expressive vs Persuasive Communication
32:20 Loss Aversion in Business
38:31 Social Norms and Behavior
-
31 min
Speak Like a Pro: Boost Your Confidence with Tactical Leadership Drills
Season 1, Episode 307
Show notes
Emily Sander shares three simple exercises to help anyone sound more confident in meetings, interviews, and presentations. She walks through the "expert game," explaining how to act like the world’s leading authority on random topics like Flashdance or koala bear feeding habits. The episode includes practical tips like recording yourself, using variety in your voice, and practicing for just 30 seconds a day.
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to sound more confident? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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:
01:18 Exercise One Expert Game03:07 Expert Game Examples
09:02 Exercise Two Three Things
13:37 Range and Emotion Variations
17:03 Exercise Three Five Things
20:02 Daily Practice Habit
22:57 Record and Refine Voice
26:44 Pick the Right Moment
27:46 Results and Final Wrap
-
38 min
Standards Over Stress: How Self-Leadership Heals Burnout and Brings Fulfillment
Season 1, Episode 306
Show notes
Bobby Shelton shares his journey from chasing external accomplishments to finding real satisfaction through self-leadership, including losing 180 pounds and shifting his focus after reaching personal low points. The conversation covers the difference between "easy-hard" (doing things for others' approval) and "hard-hard" (pursuing what matters to you), and offers advice on setting simple, personal standards, like refusing to eat M&M's, to build discipline. The discussion also touches on faith, burnout, and how to align your inner life with your work as a founder, CEO, or Chief of Staff.
Links Mentioned:
Bobby Shelton’s WebsiteThe Self-Leadership Lab Podcast
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
01:06 Easy Hard vs Hard Hard02:34 Losing Yourself to Find Yourself
05:08 Burnout and External Validation
07:58 Finding Alignment and Purpose
11:59 Mirror Moment and Commitment
14:30 Purpose and Daily Standards
17:18 Build Standards One Step
20:31 Faith Philosophy and Selfless Leadership
34:56 Redefining Success and Closing
-
24 min
Q&A: How to Lead a New Team Without Letting Your Old One Down
Show notes
Emily Sander answers a listener question from Megan, who just got promoted and is transitioning between teams. She gives advice on setting up the old team for success, like handing off tasks to a "go-to" person and clearly communicating that change to everyone. Emily also suggests doing a listening tour with the new team to learn from their experience and explains the importance of being confident, having a plan, and not expecting everything to go perfectly.
Get in touch with Emily:
Ready to make your next leadership move with confidence? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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:
01:47 Reset After Limbo03:09 Hand Off to Jim
04:52 Set Clear Boundaries
07:09 Align with Both Bosses
09:58 Lead the New Team
12:55 30 Day Listening Tour
16:25 Set Expectations and Culture
19:04 Reinvent Your Leadership
21:35 Bumps Are Normal
22:46 Congrats and Wrap Up
-
51 min
Growing Vocal Authority: Insights for Executives from an Accent Coach
Show notes
Emily Sander talks with Jay Poulton, founder of The Accent Coach, about how senior leaders can use their voice more effectively. They discuss practical tips like breath control, vocal variety, and recording yourself to close the “authority gap,” and share examples of issues such as vocal fry, upturning at the end of sentences, and monotone delivery that impact credibility. Jay Poulton explains specific exercises and the importance of practicing your delivery out loud to sound more confident and authentic.
Links Mentioned:
Jay Poulton’s WebsiteConnect with Jay Poulton on LinkedIn
Follow Jay the Accent Coach on Instagram
Follow the Accent Coach on Facebook
Follow the Accent Coach on Tiktok
Subscribe to the Accent Coach on YouTube
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
01:08 Origin Story in Accents02:30 Voice as an Instrument
04:00 Closing the Authority Gap
10:46 Variety Resonance and Framing
25:13 Practice Out Loud
27:13 Authenticity Over Performance
29:40 Presence And Emotion
32:40 Find Your Resonant Range
38:12 Pause Articulate Improve
-
13 min
Three Powerful Checkpoint Questions to Level Up Your Leadership
Season 1, Episode 303
Show notes
Emily Sander talks about setting up personal checkpoints to track growth and avoid getting stuck. She shares three practical questions she asks herself every other week: Where am I getting in my own way? What's a middle way? Who can help with that? She suggests different ways to do these check-ins, like journaling or using sticky notes.
Get in touch with Emily:
Want help creating meaningful checkpoints for your growth? Book a quick clarity call w/ Emily here.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 Setting Up Important Checkpoints01:18 Three Questions for Self-Reflection
02:31 Question One: Getting in Your Own Way
03:28 Question Two: Finding a Middle Way
05:22 Question Three: Who Can Help
08:19 Recap of the Three Questions
08:44 Finding Your Checkpoint Method
12:39 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up
-
39 min
Wearable Mindfulness: The Ring Revolutionizing Leader Wellbeing
Season 1, Episode 302
Show notes
Johan Matton, creator of the Pulse Mindfulness Ring, talks about his journey from filmmaking to building a wearable that helps people take mindful pauses throughout the day using quiet haptic vibrations instead of apps or data tracking. Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff and early investor, shares how the ring helped her be more present, cut down autopilot habits, and manage stress. They discuss the science behind micro-pauses, the choice not to include biometrics, and upcoming features like synchronized vibrations for groups.
Link Mentioned:
Pulse Mindfulness WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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 Disclosure Pulse Investment01:13 Meet Johan and Pulse
02:02 Johann Before Pulse
02:52 Origin Story of the Ring
06:10 Building the Team and Tech
08:32 Why No Biometrics
11:29 Science Behind Micro Pauses
15:18 How the Ring Modes Work
35:38 Roadmap and Closing
-
14 min
Perfection Is an Illusion: Tips for Giving Better Answers in Meetings
Season 1, Episode 301
Show notes
Emily Sander talks about the pressure to give perfect or "right" answers in interviews and meetings, shares examples like people panicking or rambling, and explains why aiming for a "good" answer is more realistic and helpful. She encourages listeners to drop the idea of perfection and focus on contributing value, even if their delivery isn’t flawless.
Get in touch with Emily:
You don't need the perfect answer. You need a clear one. Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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 Perfect Answer Trap01:11 Define What Perfect Means
02:20 Perfection vs Excellence
03:46 There Is No Right Answer
05:20 Aim for a Good Answer
07:05 Turn Rambling Into Clarity
09:54 Speak Up With Confidence
12:50 Final Takeaways and Sponsor
-
39 min
Trust and Impact: Ethical Influence and Authentic Leadership in Business
Season 1, Episode 300
Show notes
Judith Germain explains her Maverick Leadership philosophy, focusing on trust, influence, and leading through uncertainty during reorganizations. She shares practical tips for Chiefs of Staff, like building trust before a crisis, giving people real agency in decisions, and using "intelligent disobedience" to challenge bad calls. The episode covers the difference between being trusted and being trustworthy, and how to spot genuine leadership versus performative behavior.
Links Mentioned:
Maverick Leadership Influence DiagnosticConnect with Judith Germain on LinkedIn
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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 Judith Germain01:01 What Is Maverick Leadership
04:08 Predictability Builds Trust
07:13 Trusted vs Trustworthy
08:58 How to Demonstrate Trust
13:12 Spotting Performative Leaders
19:11 Influence and Agency
34:31 Intelligent Disobedience and Wrap Up
-
14 min
Rethinking How Can I Make Your Life Easier in the Chief of Staff Role
Show notes
Emily Sander shares feedback from a listener who disagreed with her advice to ask, "How can I make your life easier?" as a new Chief of Staff. The listener argued this question could reduce the role to admin work and distract from driving the team's main objectives. Emily Sander explains her view that the approach can help in some situations, especially early on, but agrees it's important for a Chief of Staff to adapt and stay focused on results.
Get in touch with Emily:
Want more practical Chief of Staff advice? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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 Pushback Setup01:40 Fear of Admin Pigeonhole
03:31 When Empathy Makes Sense
04:53 Mixing Approaches as Chief of Staff
06:36 Drive Objectives Hard
09:23 Adapting by Team and Context
11:29 Feedback Invitation and Wrap
-
44 min
Beyond IQ and EQ: Exploring PQ for Competitive Advantage in Business Leadership
Season 1, Episode 298
Show notes
Rohit Bassi shares how his transition from consulting at McKinsey led him into a Chief of Staff role at a major PE-backed company, exposing him to real-world operations, M&A, and industry-changing deals. He explains his concept of "people quotient" (PQ) as a framework for evaluating leadership, organizational structure, and talent operations, and discusses how Chiefs of Staff can use PQ tools to make quick, impactful decisions about teams and company growth. The episode includes practical tips for applying PQ in both private equity due diligence and daily business operations.
Interested in private equity? Be sure to check out Emily's other podcast, Private Equity Experience.
Link Mentioned:
Rohit Bassi’s WebsiteGet in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.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:
00:52 Rohit Chief of Staff Journey02:38 Inside the CEO Seat
05:08 From Operator to Investor
08:07 PE Basics and Due Diligence
09:28 What Is People Quotient
11:41 PQ Pillars and No Scores
16:28 Why PE Misses People
25:17 Using PQ as Chief of Staff
28:23 Tools, Next Steps, Wrap Up
-
14 min
Consultants as Chiefs of Staff: Using Big Picture Thinking for Real Results
Season 1, Episode 297
Show notes
Emily Sander talks about how consultants who become Chief of Staff often excel at big-picture thinking and mapping companywide projects, but tend to get stuck over-analyzing instead of taking action. She shares real stories of consultants perfecting charts and data while delaying implementation, and suggests asking yourself if you need to "think more or do more" to avoid getting in your own way. The episode highlights both the strengths and blind spots consultants bring to the Chief of Staff role.
Get in touch with Emily:
Ready to move from overthinking to execution? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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 Background Shapes Your Lens01:14 Consultant Superpowers
02:14 Analysis Paralysis Trap
02:58 Start Imperfectly
04:37 Think More Or Do More
05:48 Stop Getting In Your Way
07:09 Pretty Charts Vs Progress
09:13 Stakeholders And Big Picture
11:46 Wrap Up And Sponsor
-
40 min
Building Organizational Culture Amidst Transitions and Layoffs
Season 1, Episode 296
Show notes
Emily Sander talks with Yorm Ackuaku about building visibility as a Chief of Staff, especially in marketing-led organizations like Vista and Weight Watchers. Yorm shares practical tactics, such as highlighting team achievements on Slack, running engaging all-hands meetings, and managing culture during layoffs. She also gives advice for Chiefs of Staff working with new principals and for those navigating global teams.
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here:https://www.nextlevel.coach/clarity-callFree Leadership Resources:https://nextlevel.coach/resources
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysander/
Website:https://nextlevel.coach
Newsletter:https://emilysander.podia.com/newsletter-signup
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 Making the CoS Role Visible02:34 First 30 Days Relationship Map
06:30 Culture Rituals and Recognition
10:09 Leading Through Layoffs
13:34 Partnering With Your Principal
16:17 Adapting to a New CMO Style
21:09 Global Career and Culture Lessons
35:36 Final Advice and Wrap Up
-
8 min
Practical Communication: Delivering Your Message With the Bottom-Line Approach
Season 1, Episode 295
Show notes
Emily Sander shares a practical tip for communicating with busy executives: start with the bottom line first, then give a little necessary context, and invite questions if needed. Using the iceberg metaphor, Emily Sander explains that a Chief of Staff usually knows much more than they should share up front, and most conversations only need the essentials to help leaders make quick decisions.
Get in touch with Emily:
Want to sharpen how you communicate with executives? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.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 Bottom Line Tip01:32 Bring the Decision Forward
02:35 Iceberg Communication Model
04:12 Resist Showing Your Work
05:03 Reverse Engineer the Details
06:29 When Longer Talks Matter
Careers lists
More Careers shows picked out from the charts
More in Careers
Placed highest on Apple Podcasts' Careers chart right now