Leveraging Leadership

Chief of Staff is the consummate behind the scenes role. It’s not about you. Sometimes you have to let others have the last word, sometimes you have not care who gets credit, and sometimes you have to apologize (even if you didn’t do anything wrong!) Chiefs of Staff are assertive, direct, and stand their ground when needed. They also must know when to check their ego at the door for the good of the group and to move things forward. – – – – – Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist  Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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.   

Shantel Wilkins stops by the show and talks about overcoming challenges in her childhood, finding a basketball coach who made a huge impact on her and changed the trajectory of her life, and why and how she had to recover from the corporate world grind. She is now the Chief of Staff at Donor’s of Color Network  and working on something she is passionate about. She encourages others to find their “mission fit” and pay attention to the stories we tell ourselves and define our own narratives. One of my favorite quotes from Shantel is: If people don’t give you a seat at the table, sometimes you have to bring a folding chair. Shantel Wilkins on LinkedIn – – – – – 01:21 Background and Early Life02:36 The Power of Sport and Mentorship05:08 Overcoming Adversity and Challenging Narratives07:41 Transitioning to Corporate America09:24 Finding Purpose and Passion in Work13:51 The Role of a Chief of Staff17:34 The Importance of Member Focus in Philanthropy25:41 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Navigating Cultural Fit Issues27:48 Transitioning from Corporate to Non-Profit33:22 The Importance of Self-Care and Humanity in Leadership36:32 Closing Thoughts  – – – – – Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist  Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit   Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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.   

Dive into five critical steps of strategic planning. Define your mission and vision (why does your company exist?), getting an HD panoramic view of your customer, assessing your current state, etc. Plus two bonus steps on often overlooked aspects of objectives and KPIs.  Tune in for tips on execution and common pitfalls to avoid, chiefs of staff and leaders at any level will find actionable advice that can steer their teams towards success.   Links Mentioned: Strategic Planning Checklist   Free Resources: Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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: 00:49 Five Steps for Strategic Planning 02:15 Defining Your Customer: HD Definition 04:11 Assessing the Current State: Internal and External Analysis 07:28 Budget and Resource Allocation: The Key to Execution 10:05 Rolling Out Your Strategic Plan: Communication and Governance 16:00 Bonus: Strategic Objectives and KPIs  

Dr. Gary Simonds, former neurosurgeon, is back! In episode 26 he chatted about how to recover from burnout. In this episode, we talk about how to spot it in team members and colleagues and how to have a conversation about it. Check out Dr. Gary’s fiction book: Death’s Pale Flag. Dr. Gary Simonds on LinkedIn Dr. Gary Simonds is a renowned neurosurgeon and author of "Death's Pale Flag," a book examining the subtleties of professional burnout. With years of experience in the high-stress medical field, Dr. Simonds has developed a deep understanding of the balance required to prevent burnout among high achievers. His insights offer a holistic view of professional well-being, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond work. A skilled surgeon and writer, he is dedicated to educating others on maintaining passion in their careers while nurturing mental health and interpersonal relationships.   00:49 Guest Introduction: Dr. Gary Simonds01:43 Exploring the Book 'Death's Pale Flag'02:12 Identifying and Addressing Burnout in Others11:51 The Role of Trust in Addressing Burnout13:25 The Impact of Burnout on Communication17:12 The Toll of Difficult Conversations on Doctors26:19 The Impact of Stress on Interpersonal Interactions33:33 Recognizing Signs of Burnout40:22 The Gender Differential in Burnout Responses41:21 Recap and Final Thoughts on Burnout – – – – –   Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist  Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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.

Are you in a Chief of Staff role and feel stuck at a certain level - you want to break through to a “higher level version” of the role, becoming involved in more of the big picture, strategic stuff, but don’t know how? Good news. You have a plethora of opportunities to make that change. This episode is about finding catalyst moments or events to shift your role. You can use external events like a re-org, hiring a new executive team member, scaling a team, and strategic planning.  – – – – – Timestamps 00:58 Using External Catalysts to Redefine Your Role 01:50 Examples of External Catalysts 05:32 Proactive and intentional conversations with your boss are catalysts to redefine your role 05:43 Being Proactive in Role Redefinition 07:22 Conclusion – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, I sat down with Clara Ma, the founder of Ask a Chief of Staff. We chatted about landing that game-changing Chief of Staff role, goldmine of tips on networking, crafting a standout resume, and making a successful pitch to executives. Clara outlines the various tiers of Chief of Staff membership and what you get in each and shares the details of the upcoming Ask a Chief of Staff Summit later this year. Links Mentioned: Ask A Chief of Staff Website: https://askachiefofstaff.com/ Time Stamps: 00:17 Meeting Clara Ma: Former Chief of Staff to Founder01:16 The Genesis of Ask a Chief of Staff02:56 Building a Community for Chiefs of Staff07:00 Navigating the Job Market as a Chief of Staff09:57 The Role of Networking in Your Career13:06 Leveraging the Ask a Chief of Staff Community for Job Searches17:13 Differentiating Between Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant Roles19:26 Unlocking the Chief of Staff Role: Insights and Resources20:25 Workshop Webinars: Free Resources for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff22:11 Crafting the Perfect Chief of Staff Resume26:05 Pitching the Chief of Staff Role Internally32:46 Announcing the first Chief of Staff Summit36:50 The Future of Ask a Chief of Staff   Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist  Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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.  

Ever wonder why you “click” with some people and “clank” with others? DISC is a behavioral assessment tool, kind of like Myers-Briggs Clifton Strengths, but I like it because it only has four Styles. In this deep dive episode, I’ll take you through the DISC methodology, how to identify your DISC Profile Style and what to look for in others to identify their Style. You’ll get some tactical and practical takeaways for how to communicate more effectively for each Style. We’ll also go through how to tell your “natural style” and “adapted style” and what to do if they are too far apart. I facilitated running DISC reports for my CEO and leadership team as Chief of Staff. It was a great way to get to know each other better, communicate and collaborate more effectively, streamlined and accelerated us “gelling,” and was also fun guessing everyone’s Style. Resources: Taking Flight Assessments 24x7  – – – – – Timestamps 00:34 The Power of DISC Report in Leadership 01:58 Understanding DISC Assessment and Its Importance 02:41 The Platinum Rule in DISC 03:18 The Three-Part Framework of DISC 13:08 The Four DISC Styles: Dominant, Influential, Steady, Conscientious 16:09 Strengths and Challenges of Each DISC Style 16:43 The Dominant 18:42 The Influencer 20:37 The Steadies 23:22 The Conscientious Style 26:08 Importance of Diverse Styles in High Performing Teams 27:22 Identifying the Best Style for Different Scenarios 30:00 Understanding Natural and Adapted Styles 32:52 Adapting Communication Styles for Effective Interactions 39:32 Understanding Commonalities and Differences in DISC Styles 41:07 Practical Takeaways and Recommendations – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

You’ve heard the analogy used to describe a COS, but is it true? Jim Terheyden was a real-life air traffic controller in the Marines. Hear his take! Jim and I also talked about the theme of humility in the role, managing team dynamics, spearheading an overseas initiative, and knowing which balls to drop when you get overwhelmed. Jim on LinkedIn Smartcar Jim Terheyden is a seasoned leadership expert with a rich background as a former Marine air traffic controller, bringing military precision to strategic business guidance. His adeptness at navigating complex team dynamics and steering projects through uncertainty has made him a venerated Chief of Staff in the business world. Jim champions the cultivation of resilience, adaptability, and emotional detachment in decision-making, ensuring organizations thrive even amidst unpredictability. His experience highlights the importance of humility and collaboration, making him a guiding force for companies looking to foster a culture of dynamic leadership and team synergy. – – – – – Timestamps 00:55 The Analogy of Air Traffic Controller and Chief of Staff 01:41 The Invisible Impact of a Chief of Staff 02:13 The Challenges of Interdepartmental Clashes 03:48 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup 06:01 The Importance of Humility and Flexibility in Leadership 10:48 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Facilitating Team Dynamics 13:38 The Challenge of Managing a Remote Team 14:12 The Importance of Trust in a Team 21:19 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Project Management 31:16 The Importance of Investing in Your Team 36:50 Key Takeaways – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Learn how the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee overcame panic attacks and severe physical pain. Emily has a special connection to this Congressman as she served as their intern right after university! Hear about the special connection the Congressman had with his Chief of Staff throughout the process.   Read Lost and Broken Resources listed in the back of the book: American Psychological Association Anxiety & Depression Association of America Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Find Treatment National Institute of Mental Health Muscle Activation Techniques – – – – – Timestamps 00:09 Book Club: 'Lost and Broken' by Congressman Adam Smith 00:21 Emily's Special Connection to the Congressman 01:16 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Congressman's Journey 02:03 The Journey of Congressman Adam Smith 05:47 The Struggles of Imposter Syndrome 07:26 The Physical and Mental Challenges Faced 09:40 The Importance of Seeking Help 11:17 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Crisis Management 16:39 The Human Side of Leadership 20:07 Quote from the book – – – – – Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist  Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Toolkit Get in touch with Emily: Connect on LinkedIn Follow on YouTube Learn more about coaching  Sign up for the newsletter Clarity Call with Emily   WHO AM I? If we haven’t yet 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.  

It’s not every day you get to talk to someone who has lifted a car, helps people tap into their inner and outer strength, and is an NLP and CBT practitioner! But that’s what happened in this episode of Leveraging Leadership. Zoe Thompon stopped by and we had a great conversation around building resilience personally and professionally, balancing health and productivity, making choices and saying “yes”, reframing thoughts and acting “as if.” Zoe Thompson on LinkedIn Phoenix Coaching Website Zoe Thompson is a former international strongwoman competitor and a 20-year UK Police Service veteran. Now a transformative strength coach, she leverages her expertise in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower individuals in their personal and professional lives. With a deep understanding of resilience and self-discovery, Zoe guides her clients to unlock their full potential, fostering growth through reframing thoughts and actions. Her coaching methods are enriched by her own experiences, where she mastered the art of balancing rigorous competition with single parenthood and a demanding career. – – – – – Timestamps 01:32 Zoe Thompson's Background and Journey to Strong Woman Competition 05:53 The Impact of Physical Challenges on Personal Growth 10:07 Exploring Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) 13:40 The Power of Perspective and Choice in Personal Development 20:42 Understanding Emotions and Their Importance 22:56 The Power of Body Language 24:22 How Our Physical State Impacts Our Mental State 25:09 Asserting Presence in Meetings 31:06 The Importance of Rest and Downtime 34:42 The Art of Balancing Productivity and Rest 36:58 Cultural Differences in Expressing Appreciation 39:03 Connecting with Zoe and Learning More – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

This episode is about being a good situational leader when a team member is driving you nuts First, make sure you’re using the right word to describe them. Are they truly incompetent (i.e. unable to perform a task, are incapable of it) or is this a training or communication issue - is it a “YOU thing”? Are you “bracketing” them correctly? Teams will be made up of three groups, over performers, average (this is not a bad thing, you need these folks), and underperformers.  – – – – – Timestamps 00:09 Understanding Incompetence in a Team 00:59 Differentiating Between Incompetence and Different Work Styles 01:44 Recognizing the Reality of Team Performance 03:38 The Importance of Diverse Work Styles and Ambitions 04:28 Addressing True Incompetence 05:08 Evaluating and Assessing Team Members 05:59 Conclusion  – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Nathan Lian went from working at JP Morgan, to startups, and is our first guest who works as a part-time Chief of Staff. Learn the differences and similarities between a full-time Chief of Staff role.  We chat about: -       How he selects which companies to work with -       How many companies he works with at one time -       What kind of projects he works on within companies -       Which team members he interacts with -       How he keeps himself organized being COS for multiple companies. Nathan on LinkedIn Nathan is a strategic leadership expert who has seamlessly transitioned from the high-pressure environment of investment banking at JPMorgan to mastering the Chief of Staff role in the fintech startup sphere. As a fractional Chief of Staff, he specializes in navigating companies through critical phases of growth and transformation, leveraging his experience in scaling marketing efforts, strategic finance, and executive team dynamics. Nathan is known for his ability to influence without direct authority and for his dedication to aligning his professional endeavors with his personal values and passion for innovative fintech solutions. – – – – – Timestamps 00:43 Nathan's Journey to Chief of Staff 02:53 The First 90 Days as a Chief of Staff 06:06 The Challenges of Being a Chief of Staff 17:38 The Role of a Fractional Chief of Staff 21:03 Balancing Multiple Projects as a Fractional Chief of Staff 27:26 Choosing the Right Projects as a Fractional Chief of Staff 40:23 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff 43:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube  

Need to get something done and don’t have time to do the “fully baked” version? Here’s a real-life example of how to break something down into the Minimally Viable Product version.  Listen to this example and see how you might apply the equivalent solution in projects you’re working on now.  Timestamps 00:22 Example New Hire Training Program 01:34 Recording Existing Calls for Video Bank 02:57 Enhancing Training with Transcripts 04:28 Incorporating Practical Learning Experiences 06:19 Establishing Feedback Loops 08:31 Applying the MVP Approach to Other Tasks

In this episode, Emily sits down with her former CFO (and one of her all time favorite people), Rory Liebhart! They explore the multifaceted role of the Chief Financial Officer (CF) in today’s business landscape. ●     Rory’s journey from selling t-shirts on a doc to a multi-time CFO, President and Director of PE-backed companies ●     Collaborating with other executives to drive organizational success (while not avoiding productive tension) ●     Navigating financial challenges including budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow ●     Strategic decision making - balancing financial considerations with broader business objectives ●     Adapting to change - how the CFO role has evolved over time ●     Providing context and teaching - the importance of providing rationale for decisions ●     Internal and external focus - a strong CFO operates both internally and externally (including engagement with investors board members) Rory Liebhart on LinkedIn Rory Liebhart is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and private investor known for his exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of executive finance. With a diverse background that includes transforming from a streetwear entrepreneur to a financial maestro, Rory brings a wealth of experience in leading companies through strategic financial planning and analysis. His career, mentored by industry leaders like Ed Barton, has spanned private equity settings and public companies, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and trust in financial leadership. Rory's insights offer invaluable guidance for aspiring business leaders seeking to enhance their acumen. – – – – – Timestamps 01:05 Rory's Journey to Leadership 02:31 The Transition from Selling T-Shirts to CFO 04:55 The Role of a CFO 05:14 The Path to Becoming a CFO 08:45 The Importance of Teamwork in Leadership Roles 13:03 The Role of a CFO in a Business 16:19 The Importance of Complementarity in Leadership Roles 19:33 Interviewing for a CFO Role 23:08 The Importance of Trust and Open Conversations in a Team 25:01 Balancing the CFO Role: Being the 'Dr. No' and the Team Player 27:35 The Importance of Providing Context and Understanding Perspectives 30:48 Key Qualities of a Good CFO: Context, Understanding, Teaching, and Hiring 31:40 The Role of a CFO in Internal and External Communication 41:50 The CFO's Role in a Private Equity Backed Company 45:59 The Importance of Complementary Skill Sets in an Executive Team 48:27 Final Thoughts – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Here’s a common scenario when I’m coaching Chiefs of Staff: They describe a situation that’s happening at work and with a shake of the head and furrowed brow they ask, “Is this…normal?” Great question, camper! Yes, it’s “normal” in the sense that it’s probably happening to more Chiefs of Staff than you. No, it’s not “normal” in the sense that it might not be the best way to optimize the COS role. I run through some quick examples in this episode. – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Erin Lebacqz is an accomplished educator and author of, “High Value Writing.”  Upgrade your business communication with the insights of Erin:  -       Crafting messages with audience needs in mind -       How to communicate with CLARITY -       Active voice vs. passive voice, deciding when to use each -       What level of directness to use in different scenarios -       Nuances of global communication and cultural sensitivities -       Rephrasing from a directive to a question -       Unspoken rules on emojis -       How to build and maintain trust through all channels of communication!  Examples: -       “Do you still need information?” (Is that sentence snarky or helpful?) -       “The committee requires/requests your input” (verbs carry tone) -       “You need more evidence in the report” / “Page 3 needs more evidence” (who or what is the focus of your sentence?) Erin Lebacqz on LinkedIn High Value Writing Website Erin’s book High Value Writing  Guest Bio Erin empowers professionals to craft impactful messages, with a passion for teaching clear, empathetic dialogue, she assists executive teams in refining their messaging strategies, from boardroom briefs to company-wide announcements. Her transformative book, "High Value Writing," has become an essential guide for business leaders seeking to communicate with clarity and confidence in a globalized workplace.  – – – – – Timestamps 00:58 Discussing Effective Business Communication 03:12 Strategies for Effective Group Presentations 05:26 Considerations for Different Communication Channels 07:47 The Role of Emojis in Professional Communication 20:00 Navigating International and Multicultural Communication 23:18 Building Trust Through Effective Communication 27:47 Promoting Open Conversations About Communication 32:14 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.  Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Frustrated because you meticulously and painstakingly pull reports together for leadership and then... no one freaking reads them!?  I got you. Here’s an unconventional way to tell if people are actually reviewing what you’ve put together: Put weird stuff in the report. Pick your audience. Pick your timing. But this can be a fun way to go :)  – – – – – Timestamps 00:04 The Problem of Unread Reports 00:46 Creative Solutions to Grab Attention 02:01 Testing the Effectiveness of Your Report 02:35 The Importance of Knowing Your Audience 02:46 Invitation to Share Your Experience 03:05 Closing Remarks and Call to Action – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.  To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Join host, Emily Sander, as she sits down with former Chief of Staff and philanthropist, Kalen Stanton. Emily and Kalen share a unique connection, as he played a pivotal role in supporting her when she initially stepped into the Chief of Staff position. Get ready for a laugh as Kalen tells the story of how he ended up in the Chief of Staff role (hint: it’s not the one he applied for). Kalen discusses the different “customer” groups a COS has and how walking the halls and casual conversation can foster trust and uncover innovation within the company. He also gives the latest update on the positive impact he’s having in East Africa. Kalen on LinkedIn Root Part of Accenture  Lion and Leopard Journal Kalen Stanton is a former Chief of Staff known for adaptability and strategic innovation in the corporate realm. He mastered leadership by forging his own path and turning casual conversations into trust-building opportunities. His leadership style emphasizes understanding and serving an organization's collective vision, unearthing overlooked ideas, and fostering inclusion. Besides corporate success, Kailin's transformative initiatives in East Africa demonstrate his global leadership philosophy. His experiences make him a valuable resource for those navigating corporate strategy and leadership dynamics. – – – – – Timestamps 00:53 Guest Introduction: Kalen Stanton 02:23 Kalen's Journey to Chief of Staff 07:18 The Role of Chief of Staff in Building Relationships 17:33 The Importance of Culture in Leadership 19:45 The Chief of Staff as a Specialist vs. Generalist 27:30 Kalen's Experience in East Africa 32:33 Final Thoughts – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Welcome to our book club episode, featuring  “12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington! You know that feeling you get on New Year's Eve? That fresh start, clean slate vibe? What if you could harness that energy year-round? Emily covers: Today we’re digging into creating a clear vision and overcoming mindset hurdles (shifting from “impossible” to “it’s a given”) and how to use strategy blocks, buffer blocks, and breakout blocks each week. We also chat about tracking and keeping score and integrating Weekly Accountability Meetings - or WAMs (not to be confused with WHAM!). And let’s not forget about the important difference between being interested and being committed.  Stick around to the end to hear about Emily’s three big goals for this 12- Week Year!  – – – – Timestamps 00:31 Understanding the Concept of Two Lives 01:26 The Power of a 12 Week Year 01:54 The Importance of Emotional Connection to Goals 02:17 Shifting Mindset: From Impossible to Given 05:18 Developing a 12 Week Plan 08:00 The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals 11:17 The Difference Between Interest and Commitment 13:14 Implementing the 12 Week Year: Personal Takeaways 20:18 Conclusion and Invitation for Feedback  – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here.  To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

In this podcast episode, Emily interviews Debra Boggs, Founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Debra offers insights on structuring your job search and positioning yourself as a Chief of Staff candidate. Discover effective ways to showcase your work experience, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and master networking. By the episode's end, you'll be equipped to navigate the job market with confidence on your path to becoming a Chief of Staff. Connect with Debra on LinkedIn Visit D&S Executive Career Management Website Guest Bio Debra Boggs, co-founder of D&S Executive Career Management, offers bespoke services for executives navigating job market complexities. With expertise in resume crafting, interview preparation, and personal branding, she helps clients present their best selves for high-level positions. Her strategic, person-centered approach focuses on articulating unique value propositions. A member of the Forbes Business Council, she aids clients in landing stretch roles and negotiating salaries. Her work involves optimizing LinkedIn profiles and resumes to resonate with the executive market's specific demands. – – – – – Timestamps 01:26 Chief of Staff in Job Search Strategy 04:02 Breaking into the Chief of Staff Role 13:25 The Importance of Networking in Job Search 16:13 Optimizing LinkedIn Presence for Job Search 19:31 Preparing for Job Interviews 30:08 The Role of Cover Letters in Job Applications 33:26 Takeaways – – – – – Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. Get your free Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist here. Download your free Chief of Staff Toolkit here. To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here. Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube