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Are you ready to up your leadership game? Tune in to Leveraging Leadership, where Chiefs of Staff, executives, and business professionals find the tools, strategies, and insights they need to excel. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers practical and tactical takeaways every week.
Whether you're tackling tough conversations, fine-tuning your KPIs, or mastering delegation, this show offers new perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident and thrive in your role.
Each Monday, enjoy interviews with leaders from diverse fields—primarily business, but also from military, politics, and higher education. Every Wednesday, catch a solo episode where Emily shares concise, actionable insights on a specific topic you can apply immediately.
If you appreciate relatable, informal conversations that pack a punch with no fluff, you’re in the right place. While especially valuable for Chiefs of Staff and their Principals, the insights are useful for any leader aiming to grow.
Don’t miss your chance to advance as a leader.
252 Episodes
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This episode lays out the difference between judgment and assessment at work, especially for leaders like the Chief of Staff. Emily shares real examples, from firing and hiring decisions to handling challenging team meeting behavior, showing how you can assess actions without judging someone's character. She explains how focusing on observable facts and assessments helps avoid negative assumptions, makes decisions easier, and benefits the whole team. Get in touch with Emily: Need help turnin...
Andrew Davies shares how his theater and improv background helps teams run better meetings and build trust. He explains practical improv games like “Breaking News” and “Speech” that boost listening and support. Andrew also talks about tailoring these activities for different teams and making meetings more engaging, interactive, and productive. Links Mentioned: Andrew Davies’ Organization Reach out to Andrew via email Get in touch with Emily: Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity ca...
Emily Sander explains how to set up systems that make it easier to stick to New Year's goals, like laying out workout clothes by the door or using food tracking apps with preloaded meals. She shares personal examples, including her efforts to improve sleep by using an OURA ring and building an evening routine, and gives tips on matching goal-setting approaches to your personality and the type of goal. The focus is on making the process work for you, so healthy habits and results come naturall...
Jared Stein shares his unconventional path from running CrossFit and Orange Theory gyms to becoming a Chief of Staff at a virtual investment firm. He talks about managing operations, streamlining team roles, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Jared also discusses how his firm helps clients with a deep financial “X-ray” to spot hidden overlaps in their investment portfolios. Links Mentioned: Company Website Email Jared Stein Get in touch with Emily: Want to chat...
Emily Sander explains the "wheel of life" exercise, a tool to review different areas like career, relationships, community, hobbies, and physical or spiritual life. She gives examples of focusing on being a better parent, manager, or entrepreneur, and suggests honestly assessing where you're doing well and where you could improve. The episode encourages setting practical New Year's goals based on current priorities and where your energy is best spent. Get in touch with Emily: Want help asses...
Nicholas Richard-Thompson shares his journey from creative intern to Deputy Chief of Staff for Aurora, Illinois, discussing the importance of building relationships, working with nonprofits, and navigating local government. He gives examples like coordinating lead line water replacement and partnering with organizations during COVID. The episode covers team structure, community advocacy, and practical tips for getting involved in local government. Links Mentioned: Here are several nonprofit ...
This episode talks about how to set New Year's goals by comparing specific targets like losing 15 pounds by June 1st with broader intentions such as choosing a word for the year like "hello" or "lightness." Emily Sander shares how different people stick with goals and emphasizes picking what actually works for you, whether that's a SMART goal or a flexible intention. She also mentions using reminders, like putting a sales commission number on your mirror, and encourages everyone to be open to...
Emily Sander talks with John Knowlton about what real success means, why it's an ongoing process, and how to use your natural talents at work. They share practical ideas for Chiefs of Staff, like focusing on tasks that give you energy, trimming your to-do list, and using clear company values to make decisions. John Knowlton also shares advice on morning routines and his book "Thinking for Success." Links Mentioned: John Knowlton’s Book: Thinking for Success John Knowlton’s Website Get in to...
This episode breaks down practical ways to diagnose burnout beyond just heavy workloads, like checking if team members actually have the right training or system access, clarifying real versus perceived expectations, and considering outside-of-work stressors. Emily shares examples, such as a team member struggling because they didn’t have a login to a key system, and gives advice on addressing mental clutter and having open conversations. Chief of Staff listeners get tips on spotting the true...
Joel Goldberg shares stories from over 30 years in broadcasting with the Kansas City Royals, focusing on how small actions and building trust lead to big results. He explains the importance of routines and relationships, gives insight into working with players and staff, and offers advice for Chiefs of Staff about investing in people. Joel also discusses handling social media, pressure, and how lessons from baseball apply to the business world. Links Mentioned: Joel Goldberg’s Website Get ...
A Chief of Staff named Samir asks for advice about being overloaded at a startup, struggling to delegate, and never taking real breaks. Emily Sander suggests Samir update his boss on his workload, start delegating in small steps, and actually schedule and enjoy a vacation - sharing her own tips for disconnecting, including going snuba diving and ignoring email except for real emergencies. The episode highlights the importance of building a team that can function without you. Get in touch wit...
Nashid Braswell shares how he became a Chief of Staff, starting with personal shopping for friends in Italy and moving on to high-stakes roles supporting executives and managing billion-dollar projects. He explains building trust with his principal, creating personalized experiences for guests (like arranging Austin barbecue tastings), and offers tips on self-care and valuing your own contribution. The episode also touches on his work with Agency Maison, helping others get into Chief of Staff...
This episode breaks down the "What's your role, what's your goal" framework, with Emily Sander sharing practical examples like a Chief of Staff running a post-mortem, facilitating meetings, or just observing and debriefing with their principal. The approach also applies outside work, like being a supportive parent or a good flight passenger. Emily Sander shows how this simple framework helps people prep for any situation. Link mentioned: For more information about executive leadership coach...
Emily Sander and Sophia Mikelionis talk about practical self-leadership for Chiefs of Staff, covering how to build microhabits like walking during phone meetings, using a regular coffee mug instead of an insulated cup to encourage breaks, and putting your phone to bed at night to unwind. They discuss the importance of protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and remembering basic human needs like sleep, food, and water. Sophia Mikelionis also shares tips for identifying moments that make y...
This episode talks about moving teams from feeling stuck to making progress by first getting accurate data. Emily Sander shares an example of advising a Chief of Staff to use surveys to clarify vague complaints about “culture problems” and explains how gathering real feedback, instead of just venting, can lead to informed action on issues like PTO policies. The message is to focus on what you can control and collect solid info before trying to fix anything. Want help getting data points? Bo...
James Misner talks about why only a small percentage of nonprofits break $1 million in revenue and explains that many struggle because they don’t know how to fundraise effectively or are fearful of dealing with money. He shares practical advice for Chiefs of Staff, stressing the importance of having clear fundraising processes, following up with donors, and building a strong team with paid major gift officers. James also discusses the impact of personal connections, handwritten thank-you note...
Lisa D. asks how to guide leaders to their next step without telling them how to do their job. Emily suggests agreeing on the project’s end goal, asking questions like “what’s a fair and reasonable way to start?” and having departments explain their preferred starting points. She shares tips for using data and prompts like discussing pros and cons, so all voices are heard. Links Mentioned: Clarity Call with Emily Free Resources: Strategic Planning Checklist Chief of Staff Skills ...
Emily Sander talks with Tinna Jackson about navigating power dynamics as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, handling office politics, and the importance of emotional intelligence and trust in leadership. Tinna shares tips on building relationships with board members, managing micromanagers, and methods for better communication in remote or hybrid teams. She also discusses her book, The Power Play Journal, and her group coaching program for aspiring leaders. Links Mentioned: Tinna Jackson’...
Emily Sander talks about what to do when a Business Development Rep starts doing graphic design, website tweaks, and HubSpot updates instead of making calls. She shares ways to set clear expectations, give frequent feedback, and explains when it's time to let someone go if things don't change. Examples include weekly check-ins, specific quotas, and distinguishing useful creativity from distracting tasks. Links Mentioned: Clarity Call with Emily Free Resources: Strategic Planning Check...
Conghao Tian shares how he landed a Chief of Staff internship at Zenblen while studying for his MBA at Chicago Booth, starting with a background in music and art history. He talks about building KPI systems for the startup’s robotic smoothie kiosks, managing UChicago interns, and balancing intense work hours alongside full-time school. The episode gives real insight into what a Chief of Staff intern does in a startup and how Conghao is using both his coursework and hands-on experience. Free...
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