Leveraging Leadership

Emily Sander talks about using the Balanced Scorecard to improve business strategy. She explains how it can help align teams, balance financial and non-financial elements, and focus on both short-term and long-term goals. Emily also previews upcoming discussions on financial, customer, internal process, and learning and development perspectives.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

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

Emily shares a simple but powerful communication tip: ask yourself what you want your audience to feel, think, and do. She gives examples for board meetings, all hands meetings, and hiring key people. Keep it simple and specific, like getting feedback, approving budgets, or signing an offer.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily Sander talks with Dr. Wayne Pernell, a bestselling author and President of Dynamic Leader, Inc., about his book "Choosing Your Power" and the themes of empowerment and personal values. Dr. Pernell discusses the shift from career success to achieving personal significance, and shares practical advice for identifying and nurturing what one truly treasures. They also cover the idea of making decisions based on the person you want to become and the importance of self-reflection and relaxation for creative thinking.Links Mentioned:Dr. Wayne Pernell's WebsiteDr. Wayne Pernell's BooksEmily's Interview with Dr. PFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily explains how to turn vague ideas into clear proposals with tangible outcomes, using examples like investing $40,000 in executive coaching for key team members and a $20,000 offsite to boost sales team morale. She offers advice on reducing scope if needed and aligning requests with overall company goals or risk mitigation. Chiefs of Staff are encouraged to be prepared with specifics to streamline approval.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily chats with Tara Halliday about achieving effortless confidence by eliminating conditional worth and threat perception. Tara explains how her Inner Success Program helps people, including Chief of Staff Emily, overcome imposter syndrome, providing real-life examples and a three-step approach. They discuss Tara's book, "Outsmart Imposter Syndrome," and how accepting oneself reduces the weight of others' opinions.Links Mentioned:Tara Halliday's WebsiteTara Halliday's Book: "Outsmart Imposter Syndrome"Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily shares a story about her coaching client who struggled with his fast-paced, detail-averse boss. She explains how they adapted by using short, bullet-point emails, formulating yes/no questions, and using Google Notes for quick information recall. These adjustments helped improve the boss-client communication despite different styles.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily Sander talks with Urs Koenig about his book, "Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human." They discuss his experiences, including how tough feedback can piss people off but still foster growth. Urs shares leadership tips like "eyes on, hands off," referencing US Women's Soccer Team Captain Carla Overbeck's style, and a new twist on feedback called "feedforward." He mentions that one of the most powerful things a leader can say is, "I screwed that up." They also touch on training for hostage situations, and the value of meaningful connections for Chiefs of Staff.Links Mentioned:Urs Koenig's WebsiteUrs Koenig's Book: Radical HumilityClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily Sander discusses the importance of understanding if your team members are in thinking or feeling mode. She provides practical examples, like asking, “How do you feel about launching this product?” to balance overly analytical thinking or “What else comes up when you think about protecting your team?” to address emotional defensiveness. Emily also shares tips on using deep breaths to help calm high emotions.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Libby Cole shares insights about the Enneagram, focusing on motivation and vulnerability. For example, Eights are determined and goal-oriented but often misunderstood due to their direct nature. She describes characteristics of other types like Nines, who avoid conflict, and how the Enneagram helps in personal growth. Libby offers workshops and coaching on communication and conflict management through her company, Expand Coaching and Consulting.Links Mentioned: Libby Cole's WebsiteClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily introduces a feedback framework that starts and ends with recognizing an individual's virtues, illustrated by examples like Matt, an employee who needs to address his outbursts in meetings. She offers techniques for highlighting strengths, even by discussing virtues with others, and explains how the framework applies to managing up, such as a Chief of Staff prompting a principal to provide team feedback. Practical insights include providing specific examples and knowing when to pause for the other person to fill the space.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Eric Williams talks about balancing life while being a dad to a four-month-old and working multiple roles, including Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. He shares tips on creating systems to run a business smoothly, avoiding burnout, and maintaining sustainable growth. Eric also highlights the importance of flexibility and systematizing business processes for effective delegation.Links Mentioned:Eric Williams' WebsiteClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Emily discusses the various titles that can encompass the role of Chief of Staff, such as VP of Strategic Initiatives or Head of Business Operations. She shares examples, including a VP of Special Projects effectively serving as a Chief of Staff. Emily also offers insights on how to handle political sensitivities and the benefits of role flexibility in job titles.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

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

This episode explains why the definition of Chief of Staff is all over the place due to the role's relative newness in business. Examples from around the world illustrate how the role varies: in Singapore, it's little known; in Mexico, it's often confused with HR; and in Germany, it has military connotations. Emily suggests the role will become more structured and better understood in the next 10-15 years.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Greg Williams, Chief of Staff at Western Computer, talks about helping companies, like those supplying Walmart, navigate supply chain challenges during COVID-19. He sheds light on the importance of ERP systems for growing businesses and offers advice on vendor selection and tech modernization. Greg also discusses trends in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and how private equity firms work with his company to upgrade systems post-acquisition.Links Mentioned:Western Computer's WebsiteConnect with Greg Williams on LinkedInClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily explains three key ways to use a Chief of Staff effectively. First, principals need to identify their needs, like lifting out of daily tasks for fundraising or strategic focus. Second, teams may need help in areas like marketing expertise or mediating executive conflicts. Third, companies should consider both immediate needs and long-term goals, identifying gaps or game-changing talents the Chief of Staff can address.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

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

If you're considering bringing on a Chief of Staff or just need someone to explain the basics, this episode lays the groundwork and levels-set the foundation for future discussions on the role.A Chief of Staff works closely with the CEO, helping with company strategy, gap-filling key roles, and ensuring executive team cohesion. They can set up effective meeting structures, help onboard new executives, and even turn around toxic cultures. Key examples include managing strategic planning, coordinating board governance, and running critical projects during crises like COVID. Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

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

Emily explains three types of executive transitions: planned, sudden, and founder transitions. She discusses challenges like resistance to change, knowledge gaps, and cultural fit, and offers tools such as transition teams and clear job descriptions. Two examples provided include a nonprofit's executive director change and a tech startup's rapid CEO replacement.Links Mentioned:Choosing the Right Coach for Your Career Transition BlogLeveraging Leadership Episode 67Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

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

Emily offers three practical tips for ensuring your work meets your boss's needs: ask for clarification at the start, paraphrase the request back, or complete a small part of the task and check in. She discusses the benefits of asking for context, outlining steps, and presenting initial thoughts. Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

Emily speaks with cybersecurity expert Terry Zimniak about balancing security spending with business development and the importance of penetration testing and backup plans. Terry shares insights from his shift from technical roles to overseeing security, including how strategic partnerships like Ascension Health's acquisition come with risks. They also discuss the role of frameworks like NIST CSF and the growing threat of AI in phishing and deepfake scams.Links Mentioned:Terry Zimniak's WebsiteCybersecurity Frameworks and Guides:          ◦ NIST Cybersecurity Framework          ◦ FTC Cybersecurity Guidance for Small BusinessesClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Emily talks about the concept of "currency" in different work roles, sharing an example of a new Chief of Staff who had to shift her focus from production numbers to building relationships and culture. She explains that understanding and using the right currency, like relationships for a Chief of Staff or time and focus for an executive team, adds value to the role. Emily encourages listeners to identify and possibly change their own "currency" to better serve their team and company.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Brandy Willis talks about her journey from Executive Assistant (EA) to Chief of Staff, managing various responsibilities across nine companies. She explains the importance of building strong relationships and handling different personalities, especially with her principal and his wife. Specific examples include overseeing government contracts, managing financials, and balancing personal tasks.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Emily sits down w/ her co-authors, Ed Barton and Rory Liebhart to talk about their new book, “On-Ramp to Exit: Your Guide to the Complete Private Equity Experience.”They explain what private equity is (and what it is not - hint: venture capital), how private equity influences business operations, with examples like increased reporting for CEOs and CFOs. Rory and Ed also talk about private equity's networking benefits, how partnerships help companies grow, and potential access to future investments.00:23 Meet the Guests: Ed Barton and Rory Liebhart00:51 The Story Behind the Book04:28 Understanding Private Equity07:05 Navigating the Private Equity World17:58 The Role of CEO and CFO in PE Partnerships22:47 The PE Experience: Challenges and Opportunities29:10 Success Stories and Lessons Learned34:02 The Future of Private Equity36:39 Conclusion and Book Release InformationWHO AM I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

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

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander sits down with Jessica Gonzalez, President of Happen Ventures, and her Chief of Staff, Ivan Rangel. Jessica and Ivan share the inspiring journey of Happen Ventures, a reuse-first company born out of the challenges presented by COVID-19. They discuss their rapid scaling during the pandemic, their operational strategies, and the innovative programs they're implementing to divert waste from landfills to communities in need. Additionally, they highlight their approach to team building, internal promotion, and how they maintain a culture of trust and accountability. Jessica dives into the invaluable benefits of having a Chief of Staff, emphasizing the unique relationship dynamics, the importance of mutual trust, and how this role has allowed her to balance work and personal life better. She also provides insights into what qualities to look for in a Chief of Staff and the significance of treating them as a key partner in the business. Tune in to learn how they are driving impactful change in sustainability and business leadership.Links Mentioned:Happen Ventures' WebsiteConnect with Jessica Gonzalez on LinkedInConnect with Ivan Rangel on LinkedInClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily dives into how to set SMART communication goals that are specific and measurable to foster better communication and engagement among team members. She provides clear goals and communication objectives with real examples, such as enhancing public speaking skills through Toastmasters and improving internal communications strategies to boost employee engagement. Chiefs of Staff and other leaders will learn how to effectively roll out company-wide updates, ensuring that the target audience receives the message clearly. By focusing on specific goals and measurable outcomes, Emily explains how to achieve better communication and effective public relations within the team.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Chief of Staff Selina shares her transition from People Operations Manager to Chief of Staff at Baobab Consulting, emphasizing work-life balance and mental well-being in the workplace. She discusses the company's mission to change narratives about Africa and the importance of communication, whether that's adapting to cultural differences or managing a global remote team. Selina also touches on using feedback for career development and how organizations like GiveWell help guide responsible charitable actions.Links Mentioned:Baobab Consulting's WebsiteGiveWell's WebsiteGiving What We Can's WebsiteClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily offers strategies for addressing abrasive communication in the workplace. She suggests techniques like acknowledging one's communication issues and letting teammates know they are actively working on improving - and potentially using code words to signal to people when their communication is becoming aggressive. Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Deputy Chief of Staff Paul Robinson from the British Army talks about his role, training responsibilities, and experiences. He explains his work with NATO, the importance of building relationships, and how he manages logistics and people management. Paul also shares his experience with autism and its impact on his job, as well as small wins like improving policies for personnel moves.Links Mentioned:British Army RecruitingClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Host Emily Sander breaks down the book "The Expansion Sale" by Eric Peterson and Tim Riesterer. She explains the four must-win sales conversations—renewals, price increases, upsells, and apologies—and provides practical examples like how to highlight the cost of change, offer repair, and communicate evolving pressures. Emily also shares insights on timing and situational fluency in sales conversations.Links Mentioned:Book: The Expansion Sale Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily Sander chats with Dr. Helen Ofosu about creating a resilient work environment and overcoming imposter syndrome. Dr. Helen, author of "How to Be Resilient in Your Career," shares practical tips like being intentional in hiring practices and preparing for big moments to combat feelings of inadequacy. They also tackle the real effects of a toxic workplace, highlighting Helen's point that recovery from bad behavior takes longer than from other workplace issues.Links Mentioned:Dr. Helen Ofosu's Book "How to Be Resilient in Your Career, Facing Up to Barriers at Work"Dr. Helen Ofosu's WebsiteClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander shares how using analogies can improve communication in leadership. She discusses examples like a soccer midfielder needing to "pass the ball" for effective delegation and a swimmer needing to "stay in their lane." Emily also emphasizes the importance of listening to the analogies others use and offering your own to help them explain their thoughts.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Phil Burns talks about the crucial role of the Chief of Staff and the risks of not defining it properly. He and Emily discuss the differences between an Executive Assistant and a Chief of Staff, emphasizing strategic thinking and rebranding for those transitioning roles. Phil also shares about the Chief of Staff Roundtable, a community providing resources, peer learning, and discussions on key topics like executing business rhythms and solving big problems.Links Mentioned:Chief of Staff Roundtable WebsiteConnect with Phil Burns on LinkedInClarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily discusses the concept of creating 'good' problems—like being swamped with sales or having too many top job candidates—as signs of a healthy business - comparing it to the Seattle Seahawks' strategy of drafting the best talent regardless of position. Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Dorothy Mashburn, a leading expert in salary negotiations, shares straightforward strategies on compensation discussions for Chiefs of Staff. Learn how to effectively prepare for pay raise conversations, use data to back up your requests, and handle rejection to keep the discussion going. If you're looking to get a better handle on negotiating your worth in the workplace, this is the episode for you.Links Mentioned:COS Network Annual Compensation Report deep dive w/ Rahul DesaiDorothy Mashburn's WebsiteConnect with Dorothy Mashburn on LinkedIn"Salary Negotiations Made Simple" PodcastFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses how showing empathy and really looking at the world from their perspective, can go A LONG way. Like when a chief of staff helps a CTO who's stuck with a messy, old tech system.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

How do you lead and serve at the same time?Author Jon Kidwell discusses his definition of a true servant leader, focusing on three key attributes: character, relationships, and skills. Jon debunks nine myths about leadership, contrasting ideas such as mission over people-pleasing, embracing tension, and choosing 'and' over 'or'. Emily and Jon also emphasize defining missions in personal and professional life and the importance of embracing both positive and negative experiences. Listen in to hear Jon's take on the necessary shift from being a people pleaser to mission-driven, from niceness to kindness with truth, and from avoiding to sharing power. They end with how to amplify your impact, asking the question, "What would it look like if you went ALL IN?"Links Mentioned:Jon Kidwell's Book: Redefine Your Servant LeadershipJon Kidwell's WebsiteFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode, Emily explains the key concepts from Annie Duke's book "Thinking in Bets", which emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between decisions and outcomes for Chiefs of Staff and other leaders. She shares examples like Pete Carroll's controversial Super Bowl play call and a golfer's swing to illustrate the roles of skill and luck in decision-making. Emily also discusses how our self-narratives and biases can hinder clear thinking, and provides a list of questions to ask ourselves to make better decisions.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyThinking in Bets BookFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

Bora Lee is the Chief of Staff at the Fifth Avenue Committee, a nonprofit focused on community development in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Bora shares her personal connection to the organization, having grown up in the area and seen her parents move from poverty to the middle class through their grocery business.Bora and Emily discuss the differences and similarities between nonprofit and for-profit leadership roles, emphasizing the unique challenges and rewards of working in the nonprofit sector.Bora highlights the importance of community accountability, the organization's focus on advancing economic, social, and racial justice through various programs, and the strategic implementation of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) goals within the organization. Bora also shares insights on relationship building, leveraging personal experiences, and the significance of being mission-driven in one's career.Links Mentioned:Connect with Bora Lee on LinkedInFifth Avenue CommitteeFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode, Emily talks about how important it is for a Chief of Staff to manage interruptions while staying approachable. She shares personal stories, like how she handled unexpected conversations while deep in work and how these interruptions led to valuable insights about her team. Emily emphasizes the balance between focused work and being available for team members to foster open communication.Links Mentioned:Clarity Call with EmilyFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode, Revant Gupta, Chief of Staff at Margin, shares his journey of pursuing the Chief of Staff role to gain crucial operational experience. He talks about managing internal operations, designing user experiences, and automating customer onboarding. Revant also provides insights from his time at Home Depot, emphasizing the importance of inventory turnover in the CPG industry. Additionally, he discusses how Margin uses AI to assist small businesses with financial planning and achieving industry benchmarks.Links Mentioned:Margin's WebsiteConnect with Revant Gupta on LinkedInFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet in touch with Emily:Connect on LinkedInFollow on YouTubeLearn more about coaching Sign up for the newsletterClarity Call with EmilyWho Am I?If we haven't yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Emily talks to a Chief of Staff feeling stuck, highlighting the progress made, and encourages listeners to recognize their own progress, no matter how small. Small wins add up faster than you think.Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily chats with Nishi, who juggles roles as Chief of Staff and Head of People and Culture. Nishi shares how she tackled company-wide challenges, like diversity initiatives and the shift to remote work due to COVID-19. She gives practical tips, such as using a daily debrief system for aligning with her principal, and stresses the importance of adaptability and communication in leadership roles.Link Mentioned:Blue Beyond Consulting WebsiteFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily discusses how Chiefs of Staff can tell if their executive team is unified by looking for signs of support and resource sharing among team members. Or like sharing your team or speaking up to give overworked colleagues a breather. Plus, she's all about giving props to folks who step up and cover for others or help the team stay strong.Free Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," host Emily brings on Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp to share his journey from facing racial discrimination to becoming a Navy leader. Raymond talks about steering significant policy changes in the Navy, like integrating women into combat roles and repealing "don't ask, don't tell." He breaks down his "abcs of leadership" philosophy and how it's played a part in fostering resilience and trust among his teams.Links Mentioned:Raymond Kemp LinkedInRaymond Kemp Website (Kemp Solutions)Raymond's Book: Building Resilience for Hybrid Success: Anchored in AdaptabilityFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode, host Emily Sander, Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, discusses the book *Hannibal and Me* by Andreas Kluth. She explains how the book uses historical figures like Hannibal and Harry Truman to explore different paths to success and failure. Emily also shares her personal experiences with these concepts and suggests questions to help listeners think about their own goals.Link Mentioned:Book: Hannibal and MeFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi

In this episode, Chief of Staff Meredith Pong discusses how Hally Hair collaborates with female athletes like Baylor University's women's basketball team and Olympic gymnast Leanne Wong to market their products. Meredith explains their "Streak for a Cause" initiative benefiting suicide prevention, and their partnerships with major retailers like Ulta and Target. She also talks about her role in product development and maintaining team camaraderie through events like annual model shoots.Links Mentioned:Hally Hair WebsiteConnect with Meredith Pong on LinkedInArticle on Partnership w/ Olympian Leanne WongFree Resources:Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills Assessment ChecklistA Day in the Life of a Chief of StaffChief of Staff ToolkitGet 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 yet before - Hi